Credit cards to be banned for gambling and betting purchases in Australia | 7NEWS

Gamblers who use their credit cards to fund online betting habits will soon be out of luck as the federal government moves to ban the practice.

The ban will bring online gambling into line with in-person services where credit cards cannot be used.

The legislation will be introduced later in the year after consultation with the industry.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said there was widespread community support for the ban.

„It’s as simple as this: people should not be betting with money they do not have,” she said.

„Legislating a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling will help protect vulnerable Australians and their loved ones.”

The communications watchdog will be granted extra powers to enforce the ban, which will use bank identification numbers to find and block credit card payments.

Lotteries, such as those used by charities, will be exempt due to the low risk of harm.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the government was not against Australians having a punt, but did not want people to use debt to finance their gambling.

Australia’s largest gambling company Tabcorp said it supported banning credit card use for online betting.

„Regulation of the industry is rightly an increasing focus for the government and the community.

Tabcorp embraces this, and we want to be part of creating a better balance,” a spokesman said in a statement.

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