32Red Exits Australian Market Amidst Tightening Online Gambling Regulations

Given the evolving landscape of gaming laws in Australia, 32Red has opted to withdraw from the country.

Currently, new Australian residents are barred from registering with 32Red. This action mirrors similar moves by prominent entities like William Hill, Vera&John, and 888 Holdings, all of whom have ceased operations for Australian users.

The revised regulations are becoming more stringent, and speculation suggests that PokerStars could be the next to follow suit. They have already begun alerting their members about possible account suspensions and a stop to new registrations.

This situation originates from the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill of 2016, which effectively launched a campaign against unauthorized internet gambling within Australia, encompassing online poker. Notably, sports wagering remains unaffected by these new measures.

The amendment, having passed three times already and awaiting final approval from the House of Representatives, carries significant weight. It proposes substantial penalties, website blocks, and a blacklist targeting any entity attempting to operate illicitly. If enacted, its implementation is expected within a few months.

Regarding 32Red, this Gibraltar-based enterprise, recognized for its poker platforms, internet casinos, and sports betting services, is bidding farewell, for the time being. However, they have guaranteed their affiliates continued compensation from existing Australian players until further communication.

Associates are encouraged to take down promotional content, external links, and other advertising elements from their web pages. Additionally, they are requested to cease all promotion of 32Red offerings effective immediately.

Despite this, the legislation is not anticipated to face a vote before the subsequent Australian government assembly in May 2017. Consequently, Australian poker aficionados and competitors can continue to partake in the forthcoming PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP), projected to be the largest in the event’s chronicle with a guaranteed prize fund of $55 million.