Australia Cracks Down on Online Keno and Offshore Lotteries

The Australian government has announced a formal review into the growing presence of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries, signaling a potential crackdown on these forms of gambling due to concerns over community impact and consumer harm.

According to the government, the review aims to better understand how these products are affecting Australians, particularly vulnerable individuals and small businesses, and to determine whether regulatory reforms—including product bans or enforcement tools like payment blocking—are necessary.

Rise of Online Keno and Offshore Lotteries

Traditionally played in pubs and clubs, keno has seen significant migration to online platforms in recent years. Meanwhile, foreign-matched lotteries—which allow Australians to participate in overseas lottery draws—have become increasingly accessible.

These offerings have raised alarms due to their evolving nature and growing popularity. A similar variant, which allowed users to bet on the outcomes of lottery draws rather than purchase actual tickets, was already banned back in 2019.

Review to Examine Legal Definitions and Enforcement Tools

One key aspect of the review will be assessing whether current legal definitions under the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act remain effective. Specifically, Section 8D defines “excluded lottery services” as services that conduct lotteries or sell tickets—yet may not fully cover newer digital or bet-based models.

As gambling products continue to evolve, the review will determine whether amendments to this section are required to ensure regulatory relevance and consumer protection.

“The Albanese government has a comprehensive agenda to minimise online wagering harms,” said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
“The growth and availability of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries is particularly concerning.”

The review will also evaluate:

• The market size of each product

• The potential for harm or misuse

• Reported adverse player experiences

• Possible enforcement measures, such as payment blocking

Community Consultation and Stakeholder Input

The review will include targeted consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Harm minimisation advocates

• Academic researchers

• Community and charity groups

• State and territory governments

• Licensed newsagents

• Industry representatives

“Our government takes gambling harm seriously and we are committed to protecting consumers,” said Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.
“This includes continuous review and work to address all drivers of gambling harm.”

Part of a Broader Gambling Reform Agenda

This inquiry is part of a wider effort by the federal government to tighten gambling regulations and strengthen consumer protections across the board.

Recent measures include:

• A ban on gambling with credit cards, digital currencies, and other credit products (effective last month)

• The launch of BetStop, a national self-exclusion register, with over 22,000 Australians registered since its debut in August

• The introduction of mandatory pre-verification, requiring operators to verify a customer’s identity before any betting activity can begin

• A shift away from the “Gamble Responsibly” slogan in advertising, replaced with evidence-based taglines

• A commitment to implement nationally consistent staff training for gambling industry employees

As the government deepens its focus on harm minimisation, this latest review may lead to sweeping changes in how Australians interact with keno and foreign lottery products in the online space.