Well, it’s finally happened. After a few years of talking and law making, Australia has finally passed a law which makes Internet Gambling (pokies etc) illegal for Australian residents.

Well, it’s finally happened. After a few years of talking and law making, Australia has finally passed a law which makes Internet Gambling (pokies etc) illegal for Australian residents.

As a result, many Playtech casinos, and other casino chains like PlayOjo, DrueckGlueck and others have stopped accepting Australian resident registrations. Exising players will be able to withdraw their funds in their accounts, but no new player registrations or player deposits will be accepted.

This can only make me wonder how long it will be until a similar law is passed in New Zealand. We’re often thought down this way as Australia’s little cousin – so quite often a law passed in one country will trickle down to the other. Time will tell.

In the meantime, New Zealand residents can play in online casinos without restriction, and enjoy the higher slot machine payouts that online casinos offer. With payouts typically in the 94%-96% range, this is significantly higher than the 89% payout most pokies pay in New Zealand pubs and clubs.