London-based online bookmaker and poker operator Bet365 this week shut down its poker site to Australian players ahead of attempts to procure an online sports book license in the country according to The Australian.
In an email to customers it said, “We’re in the process of applying for a sports betting licence in Australia. As part of our preparations for this, we regret to inform you that our Casino, Poker, Games and Bingo sites will no longer be available from week commencing 22nd August.
“Any funds currently in your Casino, Poker, Games and Bingo balances will be transferred to your Sports balance. Our Sports site will continue to work as normal. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause."
However the newspaper claims the company is still accepting sports bets in contravention of the current Interactive Gambling Act.
Writer Patrick Smith said in the paper, “Under the Interactive Gambling Act provisions, any person found guilty of providing a prohibited service is liable to a fine of $110,000 a day and any company up to $1.1 million a day.
“The lack of action by the AFP [Australian Federal Police] continues despite Australian Crime Commission advice that internationally the integrity of professional sports has been compromised, with organised criminal groups targeting the sector.”
