Will Hill launches Aussie in-play TV advert

Despite massive media and political focus on the legality of in-play betting using desktop and mobile devices , the Australian division of William Hill plc has pressed ahead with its promotion of the genre, exhibiting confidence that it is not infringing laws that dictate that such wagering can only be conducted via telephone or in person.

William Hill and other bookies have contended that as long as the microphone on the computer or mobile device is turned on, their in-play betting product is legal.

Whilst Ladbrokes stopped offering its equivalent product when the Australian Federal Police were asked to investigate the legality of the practice, William Hill and Bet365 remain steadfast in their right to offer in-play action, bolstered by legal opinions from top Aussie lawyers.

Local betting group Crownbet (formerly BetEasy) has revealed that it has a competitive product, but is holding fire until the legal issue is clearer.

The betting group launched a new television advert on the product this week, challenging Aussie punters to “own the moment” in a 30 second ad. that takes a mild poke at a rival company [Tabcorp] which reportedly complained about its Click to Call in-play product.

The advert creates more pressure on the AFP to publish its opinion on the legality of in-play, because William Hill has agreed with the broadcasters that it will only go to air once the police have confirmed that it is legal.

Meanwhile Tom Waterhouse, the CEO of William Hill’s Australian operations, has been doing the media rounds defending the company’s offering and explaining:

“We have an In-Play betting solution that is 100 percent legal and fits within the Interactive Gaming Act. It’s simply about giving customers something better and it’s what they have been crying out for.”

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