Victorian Government called for in-play betting crackdown before Australian Open sponsorship concerns

THE State Government called for tougher in-play betting laws ahead of concerns being raised about a bookmaker ­offering the service sponsoring the Australian Open.

The logo of betting company William Hill Bet is seen on court signage during day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016. The Australian Open tennis tournament will go from the 18th of January until the 31st of January 2016 and is Australia's foremost annual tennis event. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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THE State Government called for tougher in-play betting laws ahead of concerns being raised about a bookmaker ­offering the service sponsoring the Australian Open.

Tennis Australia signed a two-year deal with William Hill, which offers in-play betting via its mobile phone app, despite the service being illegal online.

The State Government made submissions to a federal inquiry in November calling for the law to be bolstered.

“The Victorian Government does not support liberalising the regulation of online gambling,” it stated.

“Rather, the Victorian Government is supportive of pursuing measures to tighten the regulatory framework provided for by the IGA (Interactive Gambling Act).

“The Victorian Government notes the development of products such as voice over ­internet protocol (VOIP) by authorised WSPs (wagering service providers) that enables customers to bet live on events in progress using a smartphone.

“Given the convergence of the internet with smartphone technologies, the Victorian Government encourages the review to examine the relevant provisions of the IGA to ­determine what amendments may be required.”

But Sport Minister John Eren told radio station 3AW it was “entirely up to Tennis Australia as to who they see fit to be their sponsor”.

The Herald Sun revealed many in government are unhappy over the Australian Open becoming the first grand slam event to partner with a gambling company.

Federal minister Alan Tudge, whose office commissioned the gambling review, said he was “disappointed” by the deal.

“I think that all sporting bodies have to be very careful with their relationship with gambling companies that they do not change the fundamental family nature of their sports,” he said.

“We want the Australian tennis and, indeed, other sports in Australia to be ­focused on the competition, the calibre of the players and the sportsmanship which goes on, rather than necessarily the betting odds which are coming up and a constant focus on gambling. I’d hate to see the Australian Open ... go down that path.”

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