AUSSIE LEGAL CHALLENGE BY ONLINE GAMBLING COMPANIES

11 July 2008

Sportingbet and Betfair contest NSW gambling adverts ban


ABC Online reports that the international Internet betting companies Betfair and Sportingbet have launched a High Court challenge in Australia against legislation that prevents gambling companies outside New South Wales from advertising in the state.

Michael Sullivan, the COO at Sportingbet said his company is restricted from advertising in print, radio and television as well as from sponsoring sporting events in New South Wales, and that a unanimous High Court decision against the Western Australian government (see previous InfoPowa report) was the catalyst for the legal action.

"If you look at what the decision was in Western Australia in relation to Betfair, we think we've got a very good chance," he said.

"We are licenced in the Northern Territory and we're not allowed to advertise in New South Wales; that is a restriction of trade between states and territories, and we believe it to be unconstitutional."

A government spokesman said racing minister Graham West had no comment as the matter is before the court.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa