Aussie NSW makes big changes to betting laws

Going off the rails
The Australian New South Wales Government has introduced new laws that will effectively broaden the scope of gambling options for bookmakers and should allow the on course operators to be more accessible to their clients.

On course bookmakers will now be allowed to offer internet wagering options and telephone betting 24 hours a day, which is something the industry in Australia had been fighting for years to get. But the The legislation also prohibits the installation of unauthorised and unregulated internet betting kiosks that would be linked to or promoting interstate corporate bookmakers in premises like hotels and clubs.

The new laws show a commitment by the NSW to establishing a viable environment for the racing industry. The provisions in the legislation include the ban on unauthorised internet betting kiosks in venues like pubs and clubs, allowing NSW wagering operators to conduct betting on events other than horse and greyhound racing and approved sports. Who knows where that will lead to in Australia…But it’s a step forward nonetheless. Additionally, the law allows licensed bookmakers to locate their servers and phone lines on approved off-racecourse premises so they can accept internet and phone bets from their clients; and provide a tax rebate to the NSW TAB on bets placed by overseas and premium clients, which is expected to provide an incentive for these customers to bet with NSW TAB.

NSW Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said, “These laws join the recently adopted legislation paving the way for a merger of the State’s two race metropolitan clubs to show this Government understands just how vital it is to initiate reforms that will secure the future of our racing industry.”