Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Online’s developer, Rockstar, has blocked access to its in-game gambling in the Diamond Casino feature for Australian players.In late July 2026,...
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, revealed that the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2026 is expected to be presented to the House of Representatives in mid-August.
Previously, Labor’s proposals were criticized by the opposition for not aligning with the parliamentary inquiry and not being up to standard to appropriately address problem gambling and protect vulnerable groups. As a result, PM Albanese shared that he held a meeting with Angus Taylor, leader of the opposition, on August 10, 2026, to negotiate the terms of the legislation.
Albanese commented:
“This will be the strongest anti-gambling legislation that Australia has ever seen. I’m confident that later in the week we will have the legislation in the House of Representatives with some really practical amendments, dealing with the targeting of advertising, dealing with reducing children’s exposure, and dealing with, as well, the full suite of measures in a really practical way.”
Previously, Taylor had stated:
“We will approach these discussions with goodwill. We want to get a good outcome. We want to get the right outcome for younger, vulnerable Australians. We want to get the right outcomes for those who have gambling addictions and are trying to deal with them.”
The concerns have increased, especially after recent allegations against Australian gambling companies, accusing them of sourcing illicit substances, alcohol, and escorts to high-stakes users to push their betting activity, although Sportsbet and Tabcorp denied supplying drugs to VIP players.
Under the new bill, gambling inducement bans and stricter advertising restrictions are expected to be introduced.
