Australia’s top 5 social casinos rep sparks controversy; anti-gambling groups concerned about free games attracting young players. (Photo by lil artsy on Pexels )
You may have already read the recent report covering Australia’s Top 5 Social Casino status. Well, that news story has obviously sparked new controversy coming from the anti-gambling organisations.
With pokies and virtual table games available for free via social casinos, apparently, this is causing what some are saying is a grave issue. One that attracts young players to the bright lights and visuals of casino games. Yes, free social casinos – ones where you cannot win money playing are an issue.
Here’s the thing. I am sure you have opened up your Google Play or Apple Store and searched for free games. When you scroll through, you are bound to come across a free Pokies app or casino games option. These games are everywhere. However, because social casinos recently came into the news with Australian sites now in the top 5 in the world.
However, those working within the gambling industry say that the claim put forth by ABC is simply huff and puff. So much so that they pulled out recent stats just to show ABC how wrong it is.
What this means, and something we already knew, is just the word casino games or pokies is enough to cause a fuss from these gossiping natterers! Yes, control gambling by all means, but if you are going to make baseless claims, eventually no one will take you seriously – think before you act, please!
Proposal to Limit Access to Social Casino & Gambling-Live Video Games
A proposal has been introduced to safeguard Australian children from gambling-like content in video games by limiting their access to games with loot boxes and social casinos.
The proposal recommends assigning a mandatory R18+ rating to games that simulate gambling experiences and an “M” rating to games containing paid loot boxes. Although social casinos do not offer real money payouts, players can purchase virtual currency, raising concerns about their potential to lead to real-money gambling habits. The gambling industry, however, disputes the idea that social casinos contribute to real-life gambling behaviour.
As discussions surrounding gambling regulation in Australia continues, a nationwide reform of the industry is being considered as a potential solution to reduce losses and protect players.
Summary
- Australia targets children’s gambling exposure
- Proposed rating system for video games
- Social casinos face gambling behaviour scrutiny
- Industry disputes social casinos’ influence claims
- Nationwide gambling reform considered for protection
Are Online Casino Games a Problem in Australia?
This is the million-dollar question. In some ways yes because any form of gambling can create problems. However, if anything the Aussie government is causing those issues itself. Right now, there are more than 80 online sports books. Some of the big names include 888 Sport, Pointsbet, PlayUp, TAB, Betfair, BlueBet, Mad Bookie, Betway, and Bet365. Each platform comes with restrictions, strict KYC checks, and responsible gambling tools.
On the other hand, with nothing in place to regulate online casinos, for some reason, those that designed the system must have thought no one will play at casinos online. How wrong they are. And they even know this themselves already.
According to a 2019 report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Aussies spend $400+ million annually on what the government dubs illegal offshore gambling. This is a black market in many ways that thrives on targeting players in Australia.
These casinos offer online pokies no deposit bonuses to attract players to the casino, which of course is a section that is part of our website. Mainly because we believe Aussies should have the right to gamble online, but what would be more satisfying is if there was an authority that regulated these casinos within Australia.
As most Australian financial companies will not allow players to fund overseas casinos using traditional financial methods, one of the most popular ways to get around this anonymously is to use crypto online casinos!
Summary
- Gambling issues arise from online casinos.
- Australian government is partly to blame.
- Over 80 sportsbooks with restrictions.
- Concerns over unregulated online casinos.
- Australians spend over $400m offshore.
- Many do not offer responsible gambling options
DappRadar Says Half of Blockchain Activity Is Based on Gaming
Social online casinos are not the only problem the Australian government is facing, and news sources covering the Social Casino saga do not mention the crypto sphere. This actually opens up a whole new dilemma. In January 2023, gaming made up almost half of all blockchain activity, as reported by DappRadar. With over 773,000 unique active wallets involved in blockchain gaming, popular projects like Axie Infinity.
The Sandbox has been instrumental in driving interest. Web3 games have successfully entered the mainstream market, offering engaging gameplay and appealing features. Free blockchain games and the ability to earn in-game currencies with real-world value have further boosted their popularity.
Furthermore, data comparisons from DappRadar highlighted WAX, Hive, Polygon, and BNB Chain as top gaming protocols. The growth of metaverse projects in January 2023, along with the confidence expressed by major companies like Meta and Tencent, suggest a promising future for the metaverse and Web3 gaming.
Additionally, the gradual easing of regulations surrounding blockchain and cryptocurrency, exemplified by recent proposals in Hong Kong, may pave the way for further market expansion.
Many of these crypto games offered via Web3 are free online pokies and table games. Therefore, social casinos and crypto could come under fire. But stopping the development of Web3 is not something that would benefit the tech sector of Australia.
Summary
- Gaming comprises 48% of blockchain activity
- Over 773,000 active wallets in January
- Web3 games gaining mainstream popularity
- Eased regulations encourage market growth
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