Legislation to ban betting on lotto and keno games will be introduced in a new gambling crackdown in a bid to protect local newsagents, pubs and clubs.

A year-long campaign by Australian newsagents has prompted the federal government to ban foreign lotteries and Keno.

Currently, online bookmakers like Lottoland are taking bets on the outcome of lottery draws.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield will introduce legislation on Wednesday.

He tells Ross Greenwood the legislation came out of  “particular concern to pubs and clubs”.

“There was a view in the community that this is a form of betting that is a step too far.

“We’ve responded to that,” he says.

The Minister says traditional lottery and keno are appropriate ways of having recreational gambling.

“This is the right balance to strike between the right of Australians to have a punt… but also ensuring that there are appropriate community safeguards in place.

“That’s something that we also did when it comes to further restricting gambling advertising during live sport, which will come into effect on Good Friday.”

Listen to the full interview below