Australian regulator mulls reversing in-play ban
Ladbrokes says it will continue offering Live Play product until the NT Racing Commission provides further clarification
Australia’s Northern Territory Racing Commission is considering a reversal of its decision to implement a ban on ‘click-to-call’ systems following lobbying attempts by online operators.
On Friday the regulator sent a letter, seen by eGaming Review, to bookmakers licensed in the state stating it had received correspondence from a number of licensees and would met soon to “discuss the new steps forward.”
“I would encourage bookmakers to make a considered submission to the NT Racing Commission within the timeframe allowed regarding the concerns you have in relation to the proposed licence variation,” the letter said.
The announcement comes after the Racing Commission last month told licensees to cease offering online live wagering products by 8 July and that it would introduce amendments to licence conditions.
Following the decision, which was influenced by the federal government, Ladbrokes revealed it would pull its Live Play product as a “show of good faith” despite being licensed in Norfolk Island, which has yet to introduce a ban.
However, a spokesperson for the operator today told EGR it would now continue to offer live betting until the situation with the NT Racing Commission is clarified.
Under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, Australian betting operators are prohibited from accepting online bets on live sports events and can only accept in-play wagers placed in person or over the phone.
The law states operators can only accept in-play wagers placed over the phone which led to a number of firms launching ‘click-to-call’ products, enabling customers to place bets online so long as the device’s microphone is switched on.
In April the Australian federal government pledged to maintain the country’s ban on online in-play wagering and introduce legislation to close any loopholes.