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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."

4 of 196 comments (clear)

  1. 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.

  2. Anyone else sick of this stuff? by tlambert · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Anyone else sick of this stuff?

    Say Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo got together and cut Australia off for one day with a black screen of "Search Unavailable Today; Contact the Australian the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts for more information".

    -- Terry

  3. Google already fixed it... by meatflower · · Score: 5, Informative

    Do a search on www.google.com.au for "gambling" or "casino", no ads on the side. Do a search for "shrimp"...ad's ahoy. Pretty quick response!

  4. RTFA! by itachi18 · · Score: 5, Informative
    Since I don't see that anybody actually has RTFA:
    "Google Australia displays advertising links to online gambling sites when certain keywords are misspelt."
    (Bold added for emphasis.)