Tabcorp Supports Tighter Controls of Sports Betting Advertising in Australia

In light of the recent move by Australian broadcasting networks which have accepted a government ultimatum to restrain the display of betting odds during televised sports events, the major betting group Tabcorp which claims it holds a 44-percent market share in Aussie betting, issued a statement in support of tighter controls, advocating further controls on the promotion of sports betting in order to address growing public concern. Tabcorp managing director and CEO, David Attenborough on the occasion said: “The measures outlined by the federal government today will help address the concern about the extent and nature of sports betting advertising. “However, what is important is that these additional controls are applied consistently and enforced to ensure compliance by all wagering operators. “We remain sensitive to the community's concern about the intensity of sports betting advertising. We will work with the authorities to get the codes right.” He also added that Tabcorp will look into the proposed amendments to clarify details around important matters such as ensuring live racing on free-to-air television is exempt, as well as racing broadcasters such as Sky Racing and TVN. "Once consistently applied rules for advertising are reached, the next step in advancing a well regulated Australian wagering industry is the creation of a national framework to address the anomalies that exist as a result of the current state-based approach. "These anomalies result in substantial state-based differences in areas such as: • Product fees and taxes; • Product availability (some bet types are permitted in some states and not in others, yet customers can bypass these restrictions online); • Responsible gambling; • Consumer protection measures; and • Credit betting policies," Attenborough concluded.