Sports to rule bets
By ROD NICHOLSON
06nov05
MAJOR Australian sports, besides racing, will be given legislative power to determine who bets on their games.
Racing will be given that power in Victoria on November 27, allowing it to decide who will have the legal right to use its product for gambling.
The legislation will give Racing Victoria the power to allow bookmakers and TabCorp the right to bet on the races here (for substantial fees), but also the right to reject betting exchanges, such as BetFair, which hopes to gain a licence in Tasmania.
Racing and Gaming Minister John Pandazopoulos said similar legislation would be introduced to allow cricket, golf, tennis, soccer, rugby and other sports the right to choose who wagers on their sports and how much they pay.
The AFL last week announced it would allow the TAB and BetFair to bet on its games, for a percentage of the wagering dollar.
Mr Pandazopoulos said other sports would be protected so that if they do not approve of the betting medium, they can legally prevent it betting on their sport.
"The major sports bodies, not just the racing industry, will have the say. It is not right that unlicensed gambling establishments bet on sports without paying a fee, or without the sport's main body having a say in integrity and other issues," he said.
The legislation to grant Racing Victoria the right to choose its partners will be followed up by NSW.
Western Australia announced this week it would follow the Victorian lead, along with South Australia and Queensland.
By ROD NICHOLSON
06nov05
MAJOR Australian sports, besides racing, will be given legislative power to determine who bets on their games.
Racing will be given that power in Victoria on November 27, allowing it to decide who will have the legal right to use its product for gambling.
The legislation will give Racing Victoria the power to allow bookmakers and TabCorp the right to bet on the races here (for substantial fees), but also the right to reject betting exchanges, such as BetFair, which hopes to gain a licence in Tasmania.
Racing and Gaming Minister John Pandazopoulos said similar legislation would be introduced to allow cricket, golf, tennis, soccer, rugby and other sports the right to choose who wagers on their sports and how much they pay.
The AFL last week announced it would allow the TAB and BetFair to bet on its games, for a percentage of the wagering dollar.
Mr Pandazopoulos said other sports would be protected so that if they do not approve of the betting medium, they can legally prevent it betting on their sport.
"The major sports bodies, not just the racing industry, will have the say. It is not right that unlicensed gambling establishments bet on sports without paying a fee, or without the sport's main body having a say in integrity and other issues," he said.
The legislation to grant Racing Victoria the right to choose its partners will be followed up by NSW.
Western Australia announced this week it would follow the Victorian lead, along with South Australia and Queensland.