Offshore i-gaming sites in Australia are to be reviewed as part of a government investigation, reports the West Australian.
Social services minister Scott Morrison announced a review into online wagering operators, to be undertaken by former New South Wales premier Barry O'Farrell.
Morrison said: “For the vast majority of Australians having a punt is part of a recreational pastime for many generations and it's part of who we are.
While there are around 30 operators running legal sites in Australia almost 60 per cent of the AU$1.6bn online gambling industry is going offshore to more than 2,000 sites beyond the control of Australian regulators, said Morrison.
Representatives from a wide range of stakeholders and the public will be consulted in coming weeks, with recommendations being put before government by December 18.
