Page 2958 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 14 September 1994
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You have indicated your view that local bookmakers be extended the first option to apply for the four sports betting licences to be offered initially. The sports betting licences will allow bookmakers to field on sporting events and contingencies (as well as racing events) at the betting auditorium.
The ACT Bookmakers Association has already been given a commitment -
that was by me -
that access to the betting auditorium for the bookmakers fielding on racing events only will be restricted to local bookmakers.
I have also advised the Bookmakers Association that I will extend to local bookmakers the first option for the application of sports betting licences. A copy of a draft notice seeking expressions of interest in the licences is attached for your information.
On a further point you raised, it would be possible to restrict betting on local events. When there are races (includes thoroughbred, harness and greyhound) in Queanbeyan or the ACT outside the Canberra Racecourse the auditorium would be closed to the public, and the auditorium telephone betting would be permitted on all events except the local races. (This can still be done by telephone on-course).
I went on to clarify in my letter, Madam Speaker, as indeed I had clarified to the Bookmakers Association, the question of moneys held by the bookmakers and the interest on such moneys. I said:
... the interest earned and the moneys held by bookmakers in respect of long term wagers (those contingencies where the outcome is not known for 28 days or more) will accrue to the bookmaker.
That, I think, answers the questions that were raised by Mr De Domenico in his address on this matter. I believe that they are substantial matters, and I am pleased to have been able to address myself to them this afternoon.
Ms Szuty referred to advice provided to her by the general manager of the Bureau of Sport, Recreation and Racing and to further advice from gambling and financial counselling services about the levels of assistance available. I am pleased to announce that on Tuesday, 27 September, at 11.00 am - for any members of the press who may be listening in - I will have much pleasure in assisting Lifeline in promoting the Lifeline gambling and financial counselling service. It is a holistic service. It is not related just to gambling. That service provides 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week assistance. It provides a financial counselling service to persons who are affected by gambling, their families and their immediate friends. It is a wide-ranging service, and Lifeline will be promoting their service through a television and radio advertisement program which I will be launching on that day. Ms Szuty, I think that adequately answers your question.
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