Ladbrokes Makes Call To Withdraw In-play Services From Australia
Published on by Becky M.
It has been on the cards for a while, with it now seems like Ladbrokes have finally made the call to withdraw its online in-play services from the Australian market. Online gambling in general has become a divisive subject on Australian shores, as it seems that the public is split right down the middle as far as for and against is concerned. Sadly, it seems that as the nation still remains undecided on the matter, the federal government is closing the net on foreign-based operations in the country. This is because Ladbroke’s decision has by no means come about by choice, as the federal government has ruled that by offering online in-play services Ladbrokes has broken the law.
Outlawing In-Play Services
Betting via in-play means it’s legal in Australia at retail outlets and over the phone, but the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) actually prevents such from taking place online. Ladbrokes flouting of such rules had largely gone unreprimanded, but while not standing alone, it looks like they will be the first “big” name to face the wrath of the federal government. What this move is being viewed as is the Australian federal government’s first strike in completely outlawing in-play services, targeting mainstream operators in the process.
Tatts And Tabcorp Lobbied Against
Ladbrokes will now be the very first overseas name to withdraw its in-play services from Australia. However, it looks to most that the brand will not be taking the pretty-much enforced decision lying down. They have vented anger wards rival brands and Australia natives Tabcorp and Tatts Group, who openly lobbied for the enforcement of the ban. In an official statement, Dean Shannon (Ladbrokes’ Australian Chief Executive) said, “They really just made their decision on who lobbied the hardest and the loudest that being Tatts and Tabcorp”.