Independent MLC Frank Pangallo introduces legislation to stop betting companies from banning punters who are winning too often

An “unconscionable” practice of betting companies would be outlawed under nation-first legislation introduced to the South Australian parliament.

The “unconscionable” practice of betting companies banning punters who are winning too often would be outlawed under nation-first legislation introduced to state parliament.

A bill introduced by independent MLC Frank Pangallo would also ensure that companies will not be allowed to change the odds on specific players because of their winning record.

Mr Pangallo said betting in Australia has long been a system rigged against the punter.

“The thrill of the bet – punters versus bookies – has been one of Australia’s colourful pastimes, each trying to beat the other at their game,” he said.

“The traditional bookie is all but a relic of bygone days … today the sophistication in their operations is unmatchable.”

Mr Pangallo said the conglomerates that own betting companies have billions of dollars in resources and their algorithms pick up on every detail – from the way users swipe on their app to the IP address used to place bets.

Even so, advances in technology have seen a new group of smart and well-resourced gamblers placing bets.

Independent MLC Frank Pangallo. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Emma Brasier

Consumer and business affairs minister Andrea Michaels

“Some punters are just really good at analysis, while others utilise complex computer algorithms,” he said.

“As a result, these greedy betting companies have wised up and devised their own way to ensure they still hold the upper hand – by simply banning the punter.

“And when they do, they don’t even need to give a reason why.”

Mr Pangallo said, in any other industry, such a practice would be “unconscionable, if not illegal conduct”.

“And if you’re banned – and that happens when you become unprofitable to the company – every IP address you ever used will be similarly black marked just in case you pass on your strategy to another person,” he said.

“They prey on and encourage punters who habitually lose, and ban those who affect their bottom line. An invincible strategy!”

Under the legislation, introduced to the upper house on Wednesday, betting companies would need to provide written reasons for why they have refused or placed restrictions on a specific punter.

Consumer and business affairs minister Andrea Michaels said the government would review the bill and consider its proposals.

She noted there are ongoing discussions between the state and Commonwealth in regards to online wagering and harm minimisation, arising from a federal enquiry into online gambling.

“The Malinauskas government is working hard to reduce gambling harm in South Australia,” she said.

“This week, I announced a new initiative, Take a Break, designed to give people struggling with gambling related harm an easy way to bar themselves from gambling in venues and online by scanning a QR code.”