Australian bookmaker Tom Waterhouse has spoken out in defence of in-play betting features, despite such services having come under heavy criticism from politicians in the country.
As reported by iGaming Business, Social Services Minister Scott Morrison earlier this month hit out at in-play betting, describing such services as “illegal” in Australia.
William Hill and Bet365 are amongst the brands that have faced criticism over in-play betting, with both companies claiming to offer legal telephone betting through smartphones and laptops.
The Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA) regulator referred the matter to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Interpol, which will investigate whether they breach the current Interactive Gambling Act.
Tom Waterhouse, which was acquired by William Hill in August 2013, has opted to follow the bookmaker in launching its own in-play betting service this week.
An online-only advertisement debuted yesterday (Wednesday), but marketing will be kept away from television due to concerns over legality.
Company founder Tom Waterhouse, who now runs the Australian operations of William Hill after its takeover of his bookmaking business, said that despite the risk of incurring heavy fines, he is sure the service is legal.
Waterhouse also warned that any restriction on in-play betting in Australia could lead to punters using illegal offshore bookmakers.
“We’re 100% confident the product is legal,” Waterhouse said according to the Australian newspaper.
“Obviously there has been a complaint about the product in terms of whether it is legal,” he said.
“In terms of the television stations we came to the agreement we will wait to show in-play betting ads until the AFP has come back on it.”
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
