WESTERN AUSTRALIA TRIES TO STIFLE BETTING EXCHANGE ACTION

2 February 2007

Territory could be setting an example followed by other states

Betfair spokesmen reacted with disappointment to the news this week that the Western Australia state government is to prosecute gamblers in the state's jurisdiction for wagering on betting exchanges.

In terms of new laws that came into force this week, such gamblers could face fines of A$10 000 or up to 2 years in jail

Major betting exchange Betfair, which fought a long, hard battle to establish a foothold in the Australian market, was not impressed by the move. Director of corporate and business affairs for the group Andrew Twaits described the new legislation as unconstitutional, and said that the move left his company with no alternative but to "...challenge the WA government's attempts to restrict free trade between the states.

"The legislation effectively prevents Western Australian residents placing bets with Betfair, and prevents betting exchanges operating in Western Australia," Twaits said.

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