This new legislation includes a cash cap of AU$1,000 (US$671.70) every 24 hours, which will be implemented by the end of next year to tackle money laundering; anyone who gambles more than that will have to use casino-issued cards.
Commenting on the legislation, Greens leader Samantha Ratnam said Crown accounted for just 10% of Victoria’s poker machines and stated: “If the Victorian Labor Government was serious about minimising gambling harm it would introduce these limits everywhere, not just at Crown. Now is the time for this Government to stand up to their gambling industry mates and say 'enough is enough.'”
Philippines senator files bill to prohibit and penalise online gambling
“If the Victorian Labor Government was serious about minimising gambling harm it would introduce these limits everywhere, not just at Crown. Now is the time for this Government to stand up to their gambling industry mates and say 'enough is enough'” Samantha Ratnam, Member of the Victorian Legislative Council
Per Villanueva’s request, online gaming activities such as e-sabong (online cockfighting) and offshore gambling will be banned and penalised, should people be caught either organising or participating in such activities online.
The bill, titled the Anti-Online Gambling Act or Senate Bill 1281, has been introduced to counter what Villanueva claims are the "severe" consequences of gambling.
Villaneuva cited examples of the so-called dangers of gambling, including the case of a 19-year-old student in Davao de Oro, who was arrested for being unable to pay P500,000 ($8,681) in bet money. The young man lost the money while gambling on e-sabong.
Villanueva said: "The bill seeks to prohibit online gambling and the placing of wagers or bets through the internet or any form of online gambling activities to prevent further deterioration of morals and values, encourage people to work instead of relying on a game of chance, stop addiction and save lives."
Tabcorp agrees to sell eBet1, Tasmania monitoring licence awarded
The sale to Venue Digital Technology, led by Frank Makryllos, is subject to the usual working capital and other minor adjustments. It is expected to result in a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately AU$39m on completion and is targeted for completion by the end of H1 FY23.
A supplier of loyalty and tracking systems to gaming venues in Victoria and New South Wales, eBet generated EBITDA of AU$4.4m and an EBIT loss of AU$2m in FY22.
Tabcorp added that it would be eligible to receive a break fee of AU$3m – up to AU$10m in certain circumstances – where the agreement is terminated due to the buyer failing to obtain the necessary probity approvals or failing to complete the sale.
"The bill seeks to prohibit online gambling and the placing of wagers or bets through the internet or any form of online gambling activities to prevent further deterioration of morals and values, encourage people to work instead of relying on a game of chance, stop addiction and save lives" Joel Villanueva, Philippines Senate Majority Leader
Chau pleads not guilty on first day of trial
Former Suncity CEO Alvin Chau has pleaded not guilty on the first day of his trial.
Alongside 10 fellow defendants, Chau pleaded not guilty to all charges presented against him.
A total of 21 defendants are involved in the case, although only 10 presented themselves at the trial, one being Chau.
The former junket CEO faces charges of betting under the table, illegal online gambling and fraud among other charges.
Facing these accusations, Chau said phone records used as evidence against him reveal nothing about betting under the table, but instead relate to a separate credit card issue.
The case is set to rumble on as evidence for the prosecution continues to be delivered.
