NCJ Number
176536
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper explores the proliferation of Internet gambling, its potential benefits and its downside risks.
Abstract
The advent of Internet gambling has brought about a proliferation of gambling opportunities. It has also given rise to a number of regulatory issues and policy debates for governments, operators and the community. This paper examines some of those issues and, rather than recommending any definitive solutions, raises questions about the implications of new technology and gambling for Australian society, describes several approaches and urges a consistent national approach to the issue. Initial developments in Australia suggest that the preferred strategy for the control of online gambling is the regulatory model. Basic principles of this model include: (1) licensing of service providers pursuant to background checks and determination of financial capacity to pay out winnings; (2) player authentication to prevent betting by minors; (3) prohibition on credit betting; (4) periodic audits of providers' accounts and gaming software; and (5) a Code of Conduct developed by industry.