The Productivity Commission, an independent commonwealth agency that serves as the Australian government's principal review and advisory body on microeconomic policy and regulation, has undertaken a national public inquiry into the country's gambling industries. From time to time, IGN will be posting documentation of Internet gaming-related testimonies and reports submitted to the inquiry. This week we look at the report and testimony of Star City Casino, which has gone on record as having an interest in operating an Internet casino.
General views on Internet gaming expressed in Star City's report:
- Internet gaming has enormous potential as well as inherent dangers.
- While all governments appear to have concerns about the social impact of online gaming, they cannot ignore the potential profits.
- If controls can be developed to deal with these issues it is inevitable that Internet gaming will become a reality around the world.
- Australian governments will have little choice but to approve Internet operations - or lose revenue to other states.
- Internet providers pose a threat to traditional casinos because they're able to operate much less expensively.
- The federal government should work with the states to restrict Internet licenses to operators with a proven track record of reliability and integrity.
- Patrons should be protected from unscrupulous activities.
View the Internet gaming portion of the Star City report.
View the entire Star City report (PDF format).
View the Internet gaming portion of the Star City's testimony (11/16/98).
View all testimonies in Sydney from November 16 (PDF format).