Lottoland olive branch rejected by Australian newsagents

Australian lottery retailers have rejected Lottoland’s proposal to give them 10% of online revenue.

Lottoland Australia CEO Luke Brill made the proposals yesterday in a bid to relieve tension between the bet-on-lotteries operator and small business owners.

But a statement released by the Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA) has quashed any hopes Lottoland may have had for its peace offering.

ALNA CEO Adam Joy said Lottoland had already damaged the relationship with newsagents by producing harmful ads.

Joy also criticised Lottoland for using official lottery imagery to confuse customers and for its “belligerent approach without any consideration of community benefits from newsagents”.

A statement from the ALNA added: “Mr Brill said he would happily run a new TV advert where the person went into the newsagent and was elated they could now access Lottoland.

“Adam [Joy] advised that this was patronising and further enhanced the feeling that we were behind the times and late to the party.

“It is apparent the recent announcements we have achieved by working in unison with the WA VIC, NSW and Tasmanian governments have them rattled.”

The ALNA also reportedly asked Lottoland to change its name to Bet on Lotto to appear more transparent, but Brill rejected the suggestion on the basis that Lottoland has already built up a well-recognised brand.