Australia prepares to prohibit live wagering chances throughout sports betting

27 May 2013

Australia has revealed strategies to ban tv and radio broadcasts of sports betting odds during live sports betting matches in a bid to curb issue gaming.

Gambling ads will no longer appear throughout live events and around sporting locations, the federal government said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Australians had actually ended up being "progressively annoyed" with the promotions.

The broadcasting industry is anticipated to send a modified code to Australia's media guard dog reflecting the modifications.

"From the moment that the players step onto the field, to the moment that they leave the field, there will be no live chances," Ms Gillard told an interview.

"This is great news for families, since households I believe have actually become progressively annoyed about the penetration of live odds into sporting coverage."

Under the brand-new rules, advertisements would only be enabled before or after a game, or during a scheduled break in play, such as quarter-time and half-time.

'Focus of game'
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Promotion of wagering odds by bookies who seem part of broadcast groups will also be prohibited.
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The National Rugby League, which in the past has permitted bookies to provide chances during broadcasts, said it agreed with the federal government's strategy.
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"The frustrating sentiment is that we do not desire to see wagering as the main focus of our game," NRL chief Smith said.
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"Fans, and particularly young fans, should not be subject to excessive promo of wagering throughout matches.

"We desire young kids to be enjoying the abilities of their preferred team, not estimating the chances."
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The broadcasting industry is anticipated to submit a revised code to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, said the federal government.

It estimates that approximately 500,000 Australians are at risk of becoming, or are, problem bettors.

Related internet links

Australia Problem Gambling site