Bullet Business

The Queensland government in Australia has been "accused of pandering to online gambling giants" even as it moves to repeal laws that stop advertising during televised sport.

According to news.com.au, Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said a cloud had been placed over Queensland's laws after Betfair successfully challenged a West Australian Government decision to prevent it from operating.

"The Government will, in coming months, be considering legislative changes including repeal, required because of the decision," Fraser reportedly said. "In the meantime, the Government will not be pursuing prosecutions under this provision until the matter is resolved."
 
Federal Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who has campaigned against gambling, has called on the Rudd Government to intervene.

Senator Xenophon said the court decision meant state governments were being forced to "dismantle" laws designed to protect consumers. "It is terribly disappointing that state governments are going to have to rip up their own laws banning this type of gambling advertising," he said. "The Commonwealth has the power to regulate advertising like this. It could nip this problem in the bud right now and I am urging them to do so.

The association between Betfair and the TV network blurs the lines between a family-friendly activity like sport and gambling, which is very much an adult activity."

But, according to the same report, Betfair chief executive officer Andrew Twaits dismissed Senator Xenophon's concerns and denied the betting giant was breaching Queensland laws.

Australia's Nine Network recently came in for criticism for allowing Betfair's advertisements during the Boxing Day Test between Australia and South Africa. It is being said that campaigners were furious over the fact that the plugs - including one by cricket legend Ritchie Benaud – exposed children and teenagers to gambling. But it was also highlighted that Benaud's reference to the odds was made in the context of how everyone expects Australia to bounce back and win.