Australia prepares to prohibit live sports betting chances during sports betting

27 May 2013
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Australia has unveiled plans to prohibit tv and radio broadcasts of sports betting odds throughout live sports betting matches in a quote to suppress problem gambling.

Gambling ads will no longer appear during live events and around sporting places, the federal government said.
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Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Australians had actually ended up being "increasingly frustrated" with the promos.

The broadcasting industry is expected to submit a modified code to Australia's media guard dog showing the changes.
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"From the minute that the gamers step onto the field, to the moment that they leave the field, there will be no live odds," Ms Gillard told a press conference.

"This is excellent news for households, since families I think have ended up being increasingly annoyed about the penetration of live chances into sporting coverage."
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Under the new guidelines, ads would only be before or after a game, or during an arranged break in play, such as quarter-time and half-time.

'Focus of video game'

Promotion of sports betting odds by bookies who appear to be part of broadcast teams will likewise be banned.

The National Rugby League, which in the past has permitted bookmakers to provide odds throughout broadcasts, said it agreed with the government's strategy.

"The overwhelming belief is that we do not wish to see wagering as the primary focus of our video game," NRL chief executive Dave Smith stated.

"Fans, and particularly young fans, must not go through excessive promotion of wagering during matches.

"We desire young kids to be enjoying the abilities of their favourite group, not pricing quote the chances."
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The broadcasting industry is anticipated to submit a modified code to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, said the government.

It estimates that as much as 500,000 Australians are at threat of becoming, or are, issue bettors.

Related web links

Australia Problem Gambling website
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