There is some concern in Australia, where Txt2Bet, one of the leading pioneers in text message online betting via mobile phones, is offering online punters the opportunity to place money on a variety of bets, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  The concern is coming from certain delegates in the Australian Government, such as Nick Xenophen, who are suggesting that amendments be made to the Interactive Gambling Act.  According to these individuals, text message betting at online casinos is contributing to problem gamblers.

However, Txt2Bet, who is the leading provider of the service, says their system is actually even more safe than other forms of traditional gambling at online casino sites - even other mobile betting services.  According to Txt2Bet Director, Keith Boerholm, their service is debit based, meaning that gamblers must use cash to fund the system.  Credit cards cannot be used in any way to fund one's gambling account, which can still be done through alternative depositing systems permitted at most online casinos.  Although betting is more readily available through the Text2Bet system, gamblers can not accrue loads of gambling debt.

Whether the Australian Government will act on the warning and begin to administer changes to the Gambling Act or dismiss the urgings, remains to be seen.  As of yet, there is no evidence showing that Txt2Bet users have increased their gambling habit, which will make it more difficult for the government to make changes to any policies regarding online casino gambling.