Newsdesk

Online gambling review, pokies rewards cards, and AFL clubs say no: it’s all in the news

by Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

14 October, 2015

Gambling and the AFL

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert says he's embarrassed by the AFL's heavy reliance on the advertising of sports betting. At the signing of the Responsible Gambling Charter, Mr Pert said he's concerned about the impact of the sports betting advertising on children.

Six AFL clubs say no to sports betting sponsorships

The Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Essendon joined Collingwood, Hawthorn and North Melbourne in signing a responsible gambling pledge that precludes them from having sponsorship deals with sports betting companies.

Interactive Gaming Act to be reviewed

Online gambling operators will be examined as part of a federal government review of the Interactive Gambling Act, headed up by former NSW premier Barry O'Farrell. The review will concentrate on off-shore gambling sites, but the terms of reference are wide enough to also look at local operators.

Australians biggest losers at gambling in the world

Australians lose more per person on gambling than any other country in the world. The average Australian loses A$1279 each year on gambling, ahead of Singaporeans, who lose A$1243, and Americans come in third, losing A$705 on average.

Woolworths-owned clubs to introduce gambling rewards card

Woolworths-owned clubs will roll out a rewards card in December as part of its 'voluntary pre-commitment' scheme, which will enable gamblers to earn points on their cards when playing poker machines up to their pre-commitment limit each day.

Paddy Power and Betfair to merge into world's biggest betting agency

Irish Bookmaker Paddy Power will merge with Betfair, to create the world's largest sports betting company. The deal will create a giant gambling firm, with predictions annual turnover will reach US$1.7 billion. Paddy Power will retain control, owning 52 per cent of shares.

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Edition #2: Gambling today