Senate takes first step to ban betting on lotteries

In a surprising but welcome move in the Senate last night, the Federal Government supported an amendment moved by NXT Senator Rex Patrick calling for legislation to prohibit betting on the outcome of a lottery.

The motion was moved during the second reading debate of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Online Content Services and Other Measures) Bill 2017. 

The motion passed with the support of the Government, the Greens and One Nation, but wasn't supported by Labor. 

"Lottoland misleads and confuses the public into thinking they are entering a lottery but in actual fact, are betting on a lottery," said Rex. 

Lottoland is registered in Gibraltar and licensed in the Northern Territory but pays minimal income tax here in Australia. 

"Based on the Federal Government's support for my amendment, I look forward to seeing the draft legislation in due course. Failing that, I will be introducing a private senators' bill to ban betting on the outcome of a lottery."