Australian Goverment Bans Use Of Crypto For Online Gambling

As a crypto investor with personal experience in the Australian market, I believe that the government’s decision to ban crypto and credit card use for online gambling is a necessary step to protect vulnerable individuals from potential harm. Gambling addiction is a significant issue in Australia, with problem gambling costing an estimated $25 billion annually in losses on legal forms of gambling.


The Australian authorities have taken stern action against internet gambling by prohibiting the utilization of cryptocurrencies and credit cards for placing online wagers. This move aims to minimize financial losses for investors within the nation.

Australian Gov’t Bans Use Of Crypto In Online Gambling

On Monday, The Canberra Times revealed that as of that day, Australians would no longer be able to utilize cryptocurrencies or credit cards for online gambling activities, following a ban declared in January.

The Australian authorities granted a six-month leeway for gambling businesses to adjust and inform their customers about the impending ban. Failure to adhere to this new regulation may result in penalties as high as AUD$ 234,750 or approximately $150,000.

In addition, the prohibition extends to credit cards associated with digital wallets, Bitcoins, and other virtual currencies, as well as any emerging payment methods. Consequently, this regulation aligns online gambling with traditional gambling regulations.

Despite this, the method of payment for online lotteries remains unchanged and continues to accept credit card transactions. Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, advocated for uniform regulations from the Australian government regarding all types of gambling.

Should consumer safeguards vary among different gambling formats in Australia, individuals at risk may be enticed to engage in less regulated forms, exposing them to a greater likelihood of experiencing harm.

As a crypto investor, I’ve come across a new development in Australia’s regulatory landscape. The government intends to prohibit using cryptocurrencies for online gambling. The rationale behind this decision is to protect citizens from losing money they cannot afford to spare and mitigate potential harm caused by excessive gambling activities.

Problem Gambling In Australia

The Australian communications minister, Michelle Rowland, announced that the government is taking action to help improve the lives of countless vulnerable Australians by tackling issue-ridden online gambling platforms within their jurisdiction.

As a researcher studying the cultural landscape of Australiana pastimes, I’ve discovered that gambling holds a significant place in the country’s social fabric. This connection has deep roots and experienced a remarkable expansion during the mid-1990s. At its peak in 2007, approximately 8 out of every 10 adult Australians participated in some form of gambling, making it the global leader in this activity.

As an analyst, I’d rephrase it as follows: In 2022, online gambling emerged as the most dynamic segment in the global industry for me. However, it’s important to note that problem gambling is a significant concern in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The institute reports an astonishing $25 billion in annual losses on legal forms of gambling within the country, making it the highest per capita losses globally over the past two years.

Australian Goverment Bans Use Of Crypto For Online Gambling

As a crypto industry analyst, I’ve come across instances where individuals have used cryptocurrencies for gambling, and unfortunately, this issue recently resurfaced with one of the developers of the Solana-based Cypher protocol. In May, this developer confessed to stealing approximately $300,000 worth of various cryptocurrencies from Cypher’s wallets to fuel his gambling habit.

As a crypto investor who closely follows developments in the industry, I’ve come across disheartening news regarding the Cypher Redemption Package. According to recent reports, its developer unfortunately gambled away the funds, leading to a significant loss for thousands of users like myself. The unfortunate outcome leaves little hope that we’ll be able to recover our investments.

As an analyst, I’d like to point out that although problem gambling is on the rise, it’s essential to clarify that crypto and gambling addiction are not directly linked. Cryptocurrencies do not instigate or intensify compulsive gambling behaviors.

As an analyst, I’ve come across some research and polls carried out in the United Kingdom that highlight a concern. These individuals identified as being at risk perceived their crypto investments as akin to gambling, and they’re reporting negative consequences reminiscent of those linked to problem gambling.

Australian Goverment Bans Use Of Crypto For Online Gambling

Read More

2024-06-12 06:12