The Albanese Government has enforced a national ban on the use of credit cards for online wagering in Australia, effective from today.

The legislation to amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 was introduced and passed by Parliament last year, aligning online wagering with land-based gambling regulations. Companies failing to enforce the ban on credit cards, credit-related products, and digital currencies may face fines of up to $234,750.

The ban is part of the Government's commitment to creating a safer online gambling environment with robust consumer protections. Other reform measures include the launch of BetStop, the National Self-Exclusion Register, mandatory customer ID pre-verification for new online wagering accounts, mandatory minimum classifications for gambling-like content in computer games, replacing the 'Gamble Responsibly' message with evidence-based taglines, nationally consistent staff training, and requiring online wagering companies to send their customers monthly activity statements.

"Australians should not be gambling with money they do not have. Last year, the Albanese Labor Government committed to banning credit cards for online wagering – and we’ve delivered. This ban builds on the significant progress to minimise gambling harm that the Albanese Government has made over the past two years, which is already benefitting thousands of vulnerable Australians. Our commitment to ensuring that gambling takes place within a robust legislative framework with strong consumer protections remains steadfast, and we will have more to announce in due course," said Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP.

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP, said said the government was serious about its responsibility to prevent and reduce harm from online wagering. "Our ban on credit cards will help with this goal. You can’t use your credit card to place a bet for land-based gambling and now the same rules apply for online gambling. I am proud of the steps we have taken so far to protect vulnerable Australians but recognise there is still much to do – and we will keep working to create a safer environment for Australians at risk of gambling harm."

The Government is currently considering 31 recommendations from the recent House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry.