Australian Politics Stalls Online Gambling Legalisation

In Australia the advantages and the disadvantages are many for legalising online gambling. The advantages certainly outweigh disadvantages especially in the Asia Pacific Australian district where things are progressing now. Most individuals who were asked contend that moving towards legal and regulated online gambling in Australia is the best move, and will accomplish much for the safety and integrity of the games. Financial analysts predict it will bring wealth to the nation as well as much need jobs in the media and technology sectors. With legalisation also comes transparency, and if the industry remains illegal damage is done with no recourse or way to counter organised crime within the industry. People are going to gamble online anyway and the more it is above board the more advantages there are for the general population to reap the tax benefits. A recent report on the growth of online gambling globally suggested it will expand by approximately 42% to $32 billion by 2012 from 2008 levels. Australians spent $790 million on online gambling through overseas websites in 2008 reports corporate researcher KPMG. Nick Xenophon a Senator in the Australian parliament who has been actively trying to stop the "inevitable," legalisation of online casinos and poker rooms, says, "If you open the floodgates to online gambling you will see a new tidal wave of problem gamblers, particularly younger people. Governments shouldn't cave into the temptation of regulating this on the basis that they can get taxes". Much evidence has been put forward by various university professors and research institutes that say that the Senators arguments do not hold water. If the government is in control at least then problem gamblers can find help without the risk of prosecution for breaking the law. In the U.K. as well as Australia the subject of online gambling has become an election issue with parties in both countries playing it safe for the time being. None are willing to risk loosing an election over the issue. Taxes are needed by these governments and regulating online gambling is good way to obtain the funds, but it is unlikely current governments will challenge the status quo for now, because for some it is just too big a gamble.