Nick Xenophon Wants to ''Squeeze More Money out of Bookies''

Independent Australian senator, Nick Xenophon, known for his firm attitude against online gambling, once again made the headlines. This time he is demanding that the provincial government of Northern Territory ''squeeze more money'' out of the online bookmakers in Darwin.

Xenophone claims that the taxes bookmakers are obliged to pay are not sufficient, considering the amount of money they earn annually. His attitude is fully supported by Adam Giles, the Northern Territory chief minister.

"What we're happy with is the economic multipliers that come through having these businesses in the Territory," Giles said.

"It's not just about the level of tax that a bookmaker pays, it's also about the staff that is employed there, where they live, where they spend their money, their partners and their families."

The Tabcorp, Aussie gambling institution, accused the online bookmaking industry, earlier this year, of operating at the expense of the horse racing business. Tabcorp pays a proportional tax rate with no cap and has the advantage of 99- year agreement with New South Wales and Victoria to operate exclusively in pubs and clubs.

The Australian Wagering Council representing bookmakers, responded to Tabcorp's accusations by claiming that Tabcorp also owns an online betting agency called Luxor, and that therefore they have no right to complain, as they receive the same deal as all others.

The Australian Wagering Council suggested: "If Tabcorp want to level the playing field then what they should do is relinquish their monopoly rights and open up the land-based bricks and mortar retail business to competition," .