Australia to Ban Online Keno from 2027 Over Rapid-Loss Risks

^{Pictured: Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia}

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has announced a package of online gambling reforms, with a ban on online keno from Jan. 1, 2027, among the key measures, NEXT.io reported.

Keno is a lottery-style game in which players choose numbers and wait for a draw. In land-based venues, it is typically associated with clubs, pubs and gaming halls. Online, however, keno can become a fast-paced product, with frequent draws and little interruption between bets.

Officials say that speed is the main risk.

According to the government, some online versions of keno allow players to spend up to $1,000 every three minutes. Regulators therefore view online keno not as a standard lottery product, but as a fast-paced gambling product with risks closer to those associated with online casinos.

Another concern is a regulatory gap. Online keno was previously outside some of the protective measures that apply to other forms of online gaming and betting, including credit card restrictions and Australia’s national self-exclusion register, BetStop.

The government also said the ban would put online keno in the same category as online casinos, online poker and online slot machines, which are already prohibited in Australia.

The reforms go beyond online keno. The government also plans to address so-called shadow lotteries — schemes structured as clubs, subscriptions or loyalty programmes that effectively give participants a chance to win major prizes in return for regular payments.

For example, a person may pay a monthly fee for club membership or access to a bonus programme and, as part of that arrangement, receive the right to take part in prize draws.

Authorities believe such models may be used to circumvent gambling and lottery rules. Australia therefore plans to review exemptions for these types of club programmes and prepare additional restrictions.