Aussie online market 'could lose billions'

nchanged Australian online wagering market would see the country lose A$2.2-2.3bn in profits by 2020, a new study has claimed.

The report, commissioned by industry body the Australian Wagering Council (AWC) and carried out by H2 Gambling Capital, also forecast the loss of A$100m a year in tax.

The AWC, whose members include Bet365, Betfair and William Hill Australia, has called for national regulation of the country's betting sector alongside an end to the ban on in-play internet wagering.

It outlined its stance in its submission to the federal government's Review of the Impact of Illegal Offshore Wagering.

The H2 report formed part of the submission.

Ian Fletcher, chief executive of the AWC, said: “For too long, parliaments have passed up the opportunity to respond to shifts in consumer demand for wagering, arising from the mobile internet and the globalisation of sports.

"As a result, Australians have chosen to bet with illegal, offshore wagering operators.

"This review marks the chance for real progress in the regulation of the wagering sector in Australia."