Australia Set to Impose Moratorium on Live Betting Odds During Games

Plans are afoot in the land down under to combat problem gambling head-on. The government of Australia has recently unveiled a series of plans with the goal of decreasing the number of problem gamblers. The measures are aimed directly at banning TV/radio broadcasts of betting odds during live sports games.

How the Proposed Ban is Set to Take Shape

The government plans to block gambling adverts during live sporting events. This will also be in effect at sports stadiums too. The Australian Prime Minister – Julia Gillard - stated that problem gambling is rampant across the island nation. Estimates place the number of problem gamblers at around 500,000 people.

In practical terms, this means that from the moment sports players take to the field, no betting odds will be available until the matches are over. This move is expected to bode well for families, especially those concerned with the encroachment of live betting into their homes and wallets. Advertisements will still be allowed to a limited degree.

However, there will be no commercials screened during games – only before games and after games and during scheduled breaks in play.

No Betting Odds Will Be Promoted

Bookies who are part of broadcast teams will not be allowed to promote their odds. In addition, the NRL (National Rugby league) of Australia has concurred that government plans bode well for the sport. Sports teams, leagues and franchises are satisfied that the focus will shift from the betting to the sports. Online bookmakers will be tailoring their offerings to the Australian market, perhaps removing the live in-play betting option as these measures begin to take place.

For a list of online sportsbetting casinos for Australia, click here.