Online gambling has spread like wildfire among Australia’s adrenaline seekers, thanks to simple access via cell phones. However, the growth has attracted criticism over regulation concerns, citing unscrupulous marketing and the broader issue of problem gambling.

Recent research has shown a concerning rising issue in which online casinos use regulatory loopholes to target vulnerable Australians. In response, lobbyists are urging casino regulators to prohibit all gambling advertisements and ensure that Australian casinos comply.

The Escalated Tactics

The admirable endeavor to protect Australians from gambling addiction frequently causes disagreements between regulators and casino owners. Despite the recent successes, authorities still struggle to cover all aspects. Most recently, casinos have hampered regulation by devising devious internet strategies.

Since the COVID outbreak, online casinos have increased their marketing operations. In 2022, Australian casinos spent a record AU $9.56 billion in marketing. Casino watchdogs have been incredibly successful in regulating traditional marketing channels such as television, radio, and print media.

Unfortunately, tracking and archiving online ad activities has proven far more difficult despite being the largest in the current epoch. Gambling companies frequently exploit the numerous internet platforms to circumvent government regulations, as they are granted autonomy.

Case of Malicious Foreigners

Some Australian casinos are responsible for targeting vulnerable Australians, but foreign enterprises have shown to be the most serious menace. A current study indicates that overseas corporations targeting Australians engage in unlawful gambling advertising. In essence, most of the perpetrators are not licensed to operate in Australia. Thus, they should not be selling to Australians in the first place.

In one example, BitStarz, an online gaming company based on the island of Curaçao, illegally placed adverts on Facebook. The Dutch Caribbean company targeted Australians on social media. Australian authorities sent formal warnings to the company, but Facebook approved the advertising, claiming BitStarz was operating legitimately under its policies.

Stakeholders deduced from the scenario that Australia’s casino regulations are difficult to enforce but easy to circumvent if desired. International social media platforms have also come under fire since they appear to exploit the same money-making loopholes despite their obligation to the public.

The Influence on Australian Society

Online gaming is frequently associated with various undesirable consequences. Its impact on mental health and financial stability is highly concerning. It is even more concerning given the existing flawed conditions. The internet is being used to target Australians, even those actively practicing self-exclusion, hence making new and old players victims of gambling and its accompanying risks.

Facebook and other social media sites have been shown to be exploitable by unruly operators, owing to their popularity. Some of the adverts on the sites bear the Australian flag, indicating that they are targeted at potential Australian gamblers. The ad dilemma has far-reaching consequences for the Australian community and must be addressed immediately.

It’s especially harmful for sports fans. Most people feel overwhelmed since advertisements appear anytime they want to watch their favorite sports. It diverts their attention and, in the case of youngsters, exposes them to the risks of gambling at a young age, leading to a series of careless and costly decisions.

Corrective Efforts

Various parties are actively working to control and reduce the effects of improper online casino marketing. Beginning in 2023, communications minister Michelle Rowland and her team began deliberating with numerous stakeholders. The sessions aimed to examine a potential nationwide ban on gambling advertisements from online casino operators, foreign or local.

A parliamentary committee suggested the prohibition, which intends to eliminate all online gambling advertisements for the benefit of Australians’ well-being. The committee made 31 recommendations for how the federal government can regulate the gambling business. It also advised ways for assisting anyone battling with gambling addiction and similar difficulties.

One of the most radical proposals is for the government to restrict any advertisements that direct gamblers to websites and mobile applications. It aims to eliminate anything that encourages people to engage in more gambling activities. Other lobbyists have also been pressing government bodies to impose online advertising bans. Responsible Wagering Australia, the country’s main watchdog, is tasked with responding to this proposition by both creating awareness and taking action.

Summary

The popularity of internet-based gambling has spread throughout Australia. Although monetarily beneficial, the gaming business does substantial harm to individuals. The increase in the use of strategies to circumvent government regulations poses a threat to the well-being of the populace and must be addressed accordingly. The proposed prohibition on online advertisements may be a good start. If correctly implemented, it has the potential to help retain Australians’ dignity while also offering a platform for incremental change.