Players would get much better odds at most Internet casinos. The realization that Australia had so many pokies, and so many problem gamblers, has led to increasing social concern. Attempting an Internet ban would be one way of showing that the government is listening to this concern, and an easy way to deflect criticism. Tabcorp Holdings Ltd is Australia's largest leisure and entertainment company with core operations in gaming, wagering, and the Star City Casino in Sydney. Its shares have not been immune to the government's plans and have fallen 19 percent in the past six months.
Critics say that the online gambling ban is just an election-year gimmick.
It would be inconsistent and anti-technology. It is also likely to be ineffective. Trying to regulate some parts of the Internet and ignoring others is a natural loser. The Australian government is likely to spend six months studying filtering technology, and will then need more time to discover what to do about it. Meanwhile, the players can stay out of it easily.