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Search Engines Break AU Online Gambling Ban?

Posted by Zonk on from the chips-where-there-aren't-supposed-to-be dept.

An anonymous reader writes "According to a ZDNet report, authorities in Australia are investigating Google and a few other search engines for possible breach of the country's online gambling laws. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits advertising of gambling services on Web sites where 'it is likely that the majority of that site's users are physically present in Australia'. Banned services include online casino-style gaming services such as roulette, poker, craps, online poker machines and blackjack. Breaching the Act carries a maximum penalty of AU$220,000 ($168,000) per day for individuals and AU$1.1 million ($843,000) per day for corporations."

8 of 196 comments (clear)

  1. Well by cblanc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Sounds like Australia wants to cash out

  2. I knew it!!! by Eberlin · · Score: 5, Funny

    I just KNEW one of these days, that "I'm Feeling Lucky" button would get them in trouble.

  3. Re:Anyone else sick of this stuff? by Infinityis · · Score: 1, Funny

    Nah, the Aussies wouldn't understand it. It would probably work better if it read "G'day mate. A few varmints crawled up into the pipes and chewed up the web. No email today. But look, we've got pictures of the dingo that did it, an' boy, she's a beauty! Look at that..."

  4. Is it just me? by Fear+the+Clam · · Score: 4, Funny

    Or does damn near everything in Australia having to do with computers, telephones, or ISPs seem to have problems? What's with the Australian government and high tech stuff?

  5. Re:Get them on terminology. by dlt074 · · Score: 2, Funny

    i thought the google logo would be upside down. :(

  6. pretty slow buro anyway by nietsch · · Score: 2, Funny
    from TFA:
    Since the Interactive Gambling Act came into effect, the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts has only received five complaints for potential breaches. The only complaint still under investigation is about an e-mail that contained "promotion and links to an interactive gambling service offering betting exchange products." The complaint was lodged in March 2003 and is still under investigation.


    Methinks they are beating their drum a bit to show they are not the civilservant slackers they appear to be.
    --
    This space is intentionally staring blankly at you
  7. Re:Anyone else sick of this stuff? by AtrN · · Score: 3, Funny
    varmints

    Excuse me, your culture is showing.

    You could possibly replace that sentence containing the offending word with,

    Some bastard has buggered up the bloody 'net.
  8. Re:Does this include online phone books? by northcat · · Score: 2, Funny

    Are you trolling or are you an actual retard?