The Aussie Millions poker festival is currently in full swing at the start of 2015, but as Australian grinders look towards 2015 the debate over the country’s igaming future still rages on. Since August 2013, forum readers with an interest in all things poker Down Under have been discussing regulation in Australia. While grinders across the country have been free to enjoy unbridled poker and casino action from the comfort of their own homes for a number of years with the likes of PokerStars, 32Red Casino, RoxyPalace and others, the fate of the industry is once again giving onlookers something to talk about.
What factors may influence the texture of the Australian online gaming community in 2015? In reality, it’s difficult to say. However, there are some key points we can tease out that should provide an insight into the direction Aussie igaming may take in the coming months.
Australian Online Gaming Laws
Although Australia has had an intimate love affair with live gambling over the past 40 years, its feelings towards online casinos haven’t been so warm. Indeed, since the implementation of the Interactive Gaming Act (IGA) in 2001, the virtual industry has been in an uncertain state. Although this hasn’t prevented the majority of Australian citizens from gambling online, the legal restrictions have somewhat hampered the industry’s growth. One thing that is clear, however, is that Australians are now gambling more than ever thanks to the expansion of online gaming. Having always been a culture where risk and reward reigns supreme, the ability to wager money from home has been positive for both players and operators.
Possible Threats to Australian igaming in 2015
However, according to a number of forum posters, the fate of online poker in Australia could once again be a political hot potato in 2015. Back in October 2014, Aussie Federal Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews, and Premier of Victoria, Denis Napthine, announced the formation of the Illegal Offshore Wagering Working Group (IOWWG). The organisation was set up to combat the “increasing impact of illegal offshore wagering on Australian racing and sports,” the organisation is set to make its presence felt at the start of 2015.
The reach and ultimate power of the IOWWG is still unclear and quite how far it can go with regards to influencing Australian igaming remains unclear. However, one of the organisation’s goals is to weed out illegal operators offering, poker and sports betting to gamblers in Oz. Fortunately, for those that might be concerned, the formation of the IOWWG doesn’t mean the collapse of the igaming industry. Indeed, the online casino will still be going strong. Moreover, it doesn’t mean Australian players will face prosecution. However, what it does mean is that the government is planning to focus more of its attention on the online gaming scene in 2015.
A Closer Look at Aussie Online Poker’s Fate
What does this mean for the Australian online poker scene in particular? Essentially, it means more of the same. In 2014 the vibe among players was one of uncertainty and that will likely be the case in 2015, despite a wave of evidence now refuting assumption that online poker leads to gambling addiction.
Indeed, a major study by Gambling Research Australia (March 2014) found that online gambling doesn’t increase problem gambling. Based on data collected over a two-and-half-year period, the paper, entitled Interactive Gambling, concluded that interactive (read: online) gambling is not contributing to higher levels of gambling addiction in Australia, despite more residents now choosing this medium.
Another positive piece of news for Australian poker players looking forward in 2015 is that Prime Minister Tony Abbott is unlikely to win another term. Although opinions are divided and the outcome of any election is unclear, many are predicting that Labour will win the next election and, therefore, remove Abbott from office. Moreover, even if Labour doesn’t win, Abbot could be replaced by a number of Republicans, including Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop.
Since coming to poker, Abbott has be a strong opponent of the online poker industry; much like Sheldon Adelson has been in the US. Fortunately, however, his influence, even as Prime Minister, hasn’t been enough to bring down the industry. Although future politicians may decide to continue the war against Australian igaming, the displacement of Abbott would certainly give grinders more hope for the year ahead.
Uncertain but Unaffected Projections for 2015
Online casino and poker in Australia may still have a somewhat uncertain path in 2015, but more signs are pointing towards a positive outcome for players. As poker players we’ve learned to accept uncertain outcomes and roll with variance and we’ll likely have to do this again over the next few months.
As it stands, Australians can continue to place virtual wagers without fear of reprisal and, regardless of any political wrangling, that will ultimately be the case throughout 2015 and beyond.
