Betfair blasts 'biased' Oz probe

INTERNET punting platform Betfair has launched a scathing attack on Australian regulators seeking to ban its services. The British company questioned the independence of the taskforce commissioned by Australia's eight state and territory gaming ministers.

'The conclusions of this taskforce report were predetermined,' it said.

Gambling in Australia is a state responsibility. But the taskforce and state ministers want the federal government to extend legislation that prohibits online casino gambling service to all forms of online gambling. At stake is the A$1.5bn (£616m) in listed totalisators' wagering revenue.

Betfair, established in 1999, differs from the usual gambling model by allowing punters to bet against each other, rather than simply accepting a bookmaker's odds.

New South Wales Minister for Gaming and Racing Grant McBride said he supports the ban, saying such betting exchanges put 50,000 jobs at risk. Betfair denied it would damage the industry. It said local operators were unwilling to face competition.

A spokesman for the New South Wales tote TAB said organisations such as his provided 80% of racing resources.

'Online betting exchange services contribute nothing to that,' he said. 'But we are not against competition. If Betfair wants to apply for a bookmaker's licence and can pass the tests of probity, they are welcome.'