Racing Australia CEO wants in-play loophole changed

r McGauran, CEO of national industry source Racing Australia, has made submissions to the government in regards to end the country's controversial ‘in-play’ betting system.

McGauran blames “mindless” in-play betting for the corruption of horse racing.

In an interview with The Australian, he said: “We feel so strongly about the threat that in-play betting poses to integrity that we believe that the loophole in the Interactive Gambling Act that allows in-play betting on races should be closed.”

The country banned betting on live sport in 2001 unless bets were made via telephone, but the ban does not include horse racing.

Operators such as William Hill, Bet 365 and Ladbrokes have been able to exploit this loophole.

The Australian government is currently reviewing online betting and McGauran believes the legalisation of in-play betting would cause revenue losses and “over time will significantly damage one of Australia's leading industries and its 200,000 employees".

The proposal to the government suggests that they block internet access to foreign gambling services and unlicensed bookmakers. It also outlines plans for a special force be made to regulate corruption in sports.