Major Aussie betting firms reject illegal activity accusations

Media reports in Australia that the federal police are enquiring into the legality of William Hill and Ladbrokes in-play betting offers have been rejected by the Australian divisions of the two companies.

Our readers will recall that local media reported that following a complaint, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) had referred the enquiry to the federal police after it was alleged that the in-play betting products of the two companies circumvented the law.

In Australia in-play betting is permitted only via telephone, a restriction the two companies allegedly circumvent by insisting that punters have their computer microphones switched on whilst making bets online.

In responding to the allegation, a William Hill spokesman stressed that the company takes compliance with local laws very seriously, had consulted on the technology and that its product had been approved by the regulator of Australia’s Northern Territory before being made available to the public.

A Ladbrokes spokesman made a similar comment, and said that the company had not been approached by Australian authorities regarding the legality of its product.

Related and similar