Australian Racing Attempting to Pull Punters Away from Illegal Operators

Australian racing is working with local bookmakers in an attempt to get them to accept wagers from high rolling punters to pull them away from illegal offshore online operators. Andrew Catterall, Racing Victoria's chief commercial and strategy officer, said, "Currently there is no legislation enforced to prevent Australian punters moving their betting activity to unlicensed offshore operators who have a cost advantage relative to approved domestic WSPs, one which can be used to target HVLM clients," he said. "Unlicensed offshore operators make no economic contribution to the sustainability of the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry. These operators also avoid paying Australian state taxes and Goods and Services Tax. "More importantly, such wagering operators do not have information sharing agreements with Racing Victoria and therefore betting activity being conducted with them is unable to be monitored. This is a heightened integrity concern for RV which needs to be addressed." "The expectation from the trial is that it will enable WSPs to grow this segment of the market and prevent customers betting offshore with unlicensed operators. "The level of incentive and expected turnover performance should also produce a positive increase in net revenue to the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry."