A proposal to create a carve out for online poker in the new Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill was rejected by a majority of 46-6. The Bill now returns to the House of Representatives for rubber stamping before becoming law.
The implication for poker players is that, from the date the bill is enacted, online poker sites will no longer be able to legally provide a service in Australia. In January, 888Poker withdrew their services at short notice, and it is anticipated that PokerStars and Party Poker will now follow suit. (READ SO AUSTRALIAN ONLINE POKER IN RISK)
Although a scenario exists in which online poker could at some time in the future be legalized via a standalone bill, players are now waiting to hear how long they have until they are forced to withdraw their bankrolls and close their online poker accounts.
