Online gambling register hits parliament

Australians would be able to ban themselves from online gambling websites under a proposal introduced by the federal government.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher tabled the draft laws to the lower house on Wednesday, explaining they would set up a voluntary online National Self-Exclusion Register to help reduce gambling-related harm.

People would be able to ban themselves from online gambling for a minimum of three months, and such websites would have to promote the register or be penalised.