This week, Ladbrokes announced that it will be re-launching its in-play betting services. It is a controversial move, as in-play betting continues to be prohibited by the Australian government. Earlier this year, Ladbrokes came under fire by the Australian Communication Agency (ACMA), which was suspicious about the company’s in-play betting service.
ACMA claimed that Ladbrokes was in violation of the Gambling Act 2001, as players were allowed to place online wagers on sporting events while the events were in progress. The company seemed to have found a loophole, as in-play betting is permitted over the phone. So, as long as punters had their computer microphones turned on, they were permitted to place the wagers.
While the investigation was under way, the service was blocked – but, now it is back. According to Gambling Insider, Ladbrokes has recently relaunched its in-play betting service. Players can continue to place in-play wagers online while their computer microphones are switched on. Ladbrokes and many other Australian online sportsbooks argue that the ban on in-play betting should be removed.
They stated that it is an outdated practice that not only causes operators to lose out on money but denies players of an exciting gambling experience. The government is currently reviewing this law, and many industry experts have come forward to make their case in favour of in-play betting.
“Live betting offers consumers more choice, greater participation in spectator sport and the opportunity to manage betting risk more responsibility,” says Chris Berg and Simon Breheny, two researchers for the Institute of Public Affairs, who recently made a submission for the review of in-play betting laws.
“Policymakers cannot assume that imposing their scepticism of the benefits of gambling is a reflection of the actual preferences of consumers."
About the Author
