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KenoGo secures court delay of Australia's online keno ban
The ban had been due to take effect on January 1. It will remain on hold until KenoGo's constitutional challenge concludes.
KenoGo has secured a court delay of Australia's online keno ban, allowing operators to continue offering the game after its scheduled January 1 start while the company's constitutional challenge proceeds.
The Supreme Court delayed implementation until the challenge concludes, GamblingNews.com reported. The prohibition would apply to online keno but not to games offered at land-based venues.
KenoGo, a Lottoland subsidiary, challenged the constitutionality of the ban. The company had earlier failed in a bid to obtain certain documents relevant to its case, according to GamblingNews.com.
Australian lawmakers have said the online prohibition is intended to protect vulnerable customers from gambling harm. KenoGo disputes that rationale and argues that the distinction between online and land-based games protects pubs and clubs from international competitors.
Australia has argued that online and land-based keno are different products and rejected the claim that the ban is intended to protect pubs. KenoGo, by contrast, contends that the speed of the game causes harm regardless of where it is played.
The company has proposed measures including time and spending limits and self-exclusion. It also argues that a quick version of keno remains available in person.
If the challenge fails and the ban takes effect, several companies could face financial consequences. GamblingNews.com reported that The Lottery Corporation has recognized a substantial impact; Annexio Australia and Lottoland could also be affected.