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NSW TAB to be allowed to catch up with the rest of the world... at least in some areas

The 'independent review of wagering policy and regulation' (are these things ever genuinely independent anymore?), the Cameron Report, made many recommendations for changes to the NSW wagering industry and policy. The NSW govt has taken its time, but has finally come back with some changes which might actually be a positive move for the punting public.

Cameron Report - Fixed-odds breakthrough for NSW

Recommendations adopted include:

• pursuing a national co-ordinated approach to the regulation and taxation of wagering;

• allowing the NSW TAB to offer fixed odds betting on all races through its account betting network on the phone and internet;

• after further consultation and support of the industry, NSW bookmakers will be permitted to accept bets at racecourses using the internet or telephone on a 24/7 basis, as in Victoria;

• not permitting betting on reality TV shows, economic events and the like;

• prohibiting off-course retail bookmaking kiosks; and

• giving in-principle support for NSWTAB to pool with other Australian totalizators.


Still a bit misguided. Allowing the TAB to offer fixed-odds markets on all races will move turnover from pool betting (of which the industry gets a guaranteed share) to fixed-odds (which the TAB only pays a percentage to the industry on net profit). Not betting on reality TV and economic markets misses out on a big area of growth - times have changed, it's not just racing and footy anymore.

At least they might finally move forward on co-pooling with Victoria after years of stalemate. If not on the win & place pools where some punters prefer variation rather than pool strength, at least on the exotics, to ensure big pools.

UPDATE - The bookies aren't happy and Peter V'Landys chips in to show, yet again, that he doesn't have a bloody clue...

Bookies still unhappy despite reforms
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