Close in-play loophole says Aussie racing boss
News on 4 Feb 2016
News on 4 Feb 2016
Racing Australia’s chief executive Peter McGauran has reportedly lobbied the Federal government demanding that a loophole in Australia’s interactive gambling law concerning in-play wagering be closed.
McGauran told The Australian newspaper that Racing Australia believes “mindless” in-play betting has opened the door to corruption in sports even further.
Major Australian bookmakers have exploited a loophole that allows for live betting over the telephone by utilising advanced technology and a requirement that customer’s switch on the microphone on their device when utilising in-play betting offers.
McGauran’s submission was made to the government review headed by NSW premier Barry O’Farrell on the interactive gambling act.
“It’s an integrity and an economic issue,” McGauran told The Australian.
“There would be significant migration of revenue from traditional racing wagering to sports betting to in-play, which is mindless repetitions in front of a big screen that for many is reminiscent of poker machines.
“Apart from the clear and immediate threat to integrity from illegal online bookmaking, the revenue loss over time will significantly damage one of Australia’s leading industries and its 200,000 employees.”
Other recommendations submitted by the organisation included ISP blocking of offshore, unlicensed gambling operators and payment service restrictions. Racing Australia also wants a match fixing and corruption in sport task force to be established.
