New South Wales has outlawed live odds advertising during sporting events from March 1, 2016.
The law applies to sporting events that last less than four hours. That means you won’t see live odds during NRL, AFL, A-League or Twenty20 fixtures.
The State government has been under pressure to curb the encroachment of the gambling industry into televised sports. The rationale for the changes was the protection of children and at-risk gamblers.
The announcement comes off the back of an inquiry into CrownBet, which was scrutinised over the use of inducements in its advertising. CrownBet was an aggressive advertiser during the NRL and AFL grand finals.
I still remember that well suited gent using his betting account to fund a night out dining, drinking and clubbing. I bet you do, too.
Offering inducements is already illegal, and yesterday’s decision broadens the range of inducements that agencies can no longer offer.
The sportsbetting industry has a net worth of about $3 billion, and Australians are among the largest per capita gamblers in the world. The industry is heavily regulated, but today’s announcement will hopefully be the first step in a public health approach to sportsbetting in Australia.
There may come a day when all gambling advertising will be banned during sport telecasts. A moratorium on new sportsbetting licences would be another positive move. Remember that competition is great in the production of goods, in the production of ‘bads’ it’s less desirable.
There’ll be some who’ll bemoan the intrusion of the nanny state into our lives.
In reality, you’ll still be able to get on when you want. And from next year, parents will be spared the discomfort of fielding questions from their kids about handicaps and first try-scorer markets. That’s a win to celebrate.
What’s your best bet? For great odds on all your favourite sports check out PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
It’s a pretty good time to be a Tasmanian sports fan right now. After years in the sporting wilderness with not much to celebrate,…
Olympic swimming legend and Australian Sports Commission boss Kieren Perkins has warned that "someone will die" if a multi-sport event that allows athletes to…
In 2015 when heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko, the fighter regarded by many as the ‘Greatest of all time’ in the sport,…
Join Australia's most vibrant online sports community and you have the chance to win $1000. The Roar is the perfect blend of sports reporting,…
Here is a review of our boxers who made a splash in the world rankings over the past year.
After intense debate at Roar HQ, we’ve selected the 23 most controversial moments for 2023.
