Tax-haven poker websites hit jackpot

(SMH.com): Prohibition of online poker in Australia has failed to halt the industry’s growth, thanks to the brazen marketing tactics of offshore companies and a reluctance to prosecute illegal operators. Australian visitors to poker websites are increasing by about 20 per cent a year and it is estimated $333 million will flow offshore this year from Australian players alone. Most of the companies offering online poker have bases in tax havens, although some are listed on the London Stock Exchange since Britain legalised interactive gaming.