According to the Internet Gambling Act of 2001, it is illegal to advertise gambling in Australia (with the exception of sportsbetting). As a result, several companies affiliated with PokerStars marketing department could possible be facing charges, including the Oldford Group.

The crime in question is punishable by up to $1,000,000 AD per day, but this would be the first time anyone has been prosecuted since the law’s inception. Nonetheless, Australian government entities are taking a cue from Black Friday in the United States and considering taking action against online poker providers serving Australians, under the guise of missed tax revenue.

According to major circulation newspaper, The Courier-Mail, the Australian Crime Commission has gone as far as to publicly report to the Australian government that action needs to be taken now.

Going in PokerStars favor is that by the Australian government’s own admission, these type of laws, related to online gaming, are difficult to enforce due to the ambiguous location of cyber space, and the overseas headquarters of poker sites such as PokerStars which is based in the Isle of Man in the UK.

As of now, no word of any type of action being taken by the Australian government, but needless to say, the public at large is watching this case closely. Another important fact of the case going in poker’s favor is the simple truth that poker is a game of skill. This clear distinction between online poker and other casino games, or bingo, will be relevant for poker at its core should this case ever see the light of day.

The significance of the Australian government going after PokerStars marketing partners is that it suggests it may not just be the United States who is effected by the recent online poker crackdown. For further breaking news about online poker in Australia stay with FlopTurnRiver News on Twitter @FTR_Poker_News.