Law proposed that would outlaw overseas casinos in Australia
Plans by the Australian government to censor online casinos and gaming websites have been met with strong opposition, with internet bodies, including online casinos and gaming websites themselves, calling the idea "unacceptable."
A bill, introduced by the ruling Australian Labor Party, would see the introduction of an online filter on all ISPs in the country, preventing Australian citizens from accessing various internet sites, including online casinos and gaming websites, based overseas.
Although many groups, including gaming websites and online casinos, are describing it as an unacceptable form of censorship, the bill may have enough support in the Australian parliament to pass once it is introduced.
According to reports, independent Senator Nick Xenaphon is a strong supporter of the bill and a statement released by his spokesperson said that should the plan go ahead, he would look to block Australians from accessing overseas online casinos and gaming websites.
For the past decade, online casinos and gaming websites have been popular with users worldwide and Australian internet users account for a significant percentage of online casino and gaming website users.
Critics of the bill say that if online casinos and gaming websites were banned, it would be a dangerous precedent for the future of the internet in Australian. The banning of online casinos and gaming websites would be an ominous restriction to internet freedoms.
Dale Clapperton, a spokesperson for Electronic Frontiers Australia said:
"Having all Australians' internet access subject to a secret and unaccountable government blacklist is completely unacceptable in a liberal democracy such as Australia," he said."
While home-based online casinos and gaming websites are illegal in Australia, many Australian users game on overseas online casinos and gaming websites in their free time. The law would restrict their access to popular online casino games such as slots, blackjack and roulette.