Death knell for Lottoland: Government outlaws betting on overseas lotteries

  • The government has outlawed betting on overseas lotteries  
  • It effectively signs the death warrant for Lottoland in Australia
  • Lottoland chief executive Luke Brill previously said he would appeal against bill 

The government has outlawed betting on overseas lotteries, effectively signing the death warrant of gambling company Lottoland in Australia.

The Gibraltar-based company’s product, known as ‘synthetic lotteries’, will be banned after draft laws cleared parliament on Thursday night.

The government and Labor united against synthetic lotteries after concerns they entice people away from traditional lotteries and the revenue they generate for newsagents, pubs and clubs.

The government has outlawed betting on overseas lotteries, effectively signing the death warrant of gambling company Lottoland in Australia

But not all newsagents were against Lottoland, with some groups arguing the company’s demise will stop increased competition in lotteries, hurting small businesses.

Last month, Lottoland chief executive Luke Brill said the company would consider a High Court challenge if the bill passed parliament.

Independent senator David Leyonhjelm voted against the ban, saying it was a shameful protectionist measure to lock out an innovative company.

‘We should not be closing down businesses, we should be encouraging it,’ he said.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said the government was committed to ensuring gambling takes place with strong consumer protections and within the boundaries of community standards.

‘This legislation will also protect the more than 4000 small businesses including newsagents, pharmacies and community clubs and pubs across the country who operate long-standing, recreational betting services,’ he said in a statement.

Lottoland has vowed to honour its three-year sponsorship deal with NRL club Manly even if the legislation passed.

 

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