AMCA, The Australian Communications and Media Authority, released this today:
ACMA finds Lottoland in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act
An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation has found that Lottoland Australia Pty Ltd has breached the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (the Act) by providing prohibited interactive gambling services.
The ACMA investigation found that several Lottoland online jackpot betting services were games of chance which are prohibited under the Act.
These included the Mon & Wed Jackpot, Tue Jackpot, Thu Jackpot, US Millions, and US Power jackpot betting services.
Lottoland disputes the ACMA’s findings and has commenced legal proceedings.
Lottoland’s service, Daily Millions, was not found to breach the Act.
The ACMA will not be making further comment while legal proceedings are on foot.
I am grateful to Ash Long from the Melbourne Observer, and friend of newsagents, for sharing this.
If this means Lottoland is forced to stop offering many of the really popular options (i.e. betting on the massive US jackpots) then this has to be good for retailers of legitimate Lotto products in Australia.
I agree Jonathan. The challenge is what AMCA can and does make Lottoland do next. In the meantime, the Supreme Court has been brought into the matter.
It was my belief that Lottoland has been forced to stop offering betting on US jackpots, but rather you are betting on the outcome of financial markets indices which is why it is so deceptive!
The legal challenges to Lottoland smack of hypocrisy to me. The aim appears to be about protecting existing big players under the pretext of customer benefit.
Where are the legal challenges to the lot on their opening outlets within 50 metres of existing business.
Why is the myth of responsible gambling not challenged. If I own a pub I cannot upsell a double to a customer. Yet the lot train their staff in the arts of upselling.
The industry stinks and Lottoland is just one of the bad odours.