Tas: Betfair close to Tasmanian betting licence

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2005
Tas: Betfair close to Tasmanian betting licence

British betting exchange Betfair is close to being granted a licence to operate legally
in Australia after talks with the Tasmanian government.

The Australian newspaper reports that Tasmanian Premier PAUL LENNON is in discussions
with Betfair's Australian partner, Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd.

A Tasmanian licence would allow punters in other states to bet legally with Betfair
via the internet or phone.

It would also allow bets on losers as well as winners, a form of betting critics say
could encourage corruption in the industry.

Mr LENNON says he is keeping an open mind on the idea of a licence for Betfair, which
needs at least one state government to give it a licence to allow it to operate in Australia.

All the other states have refused to consider it.

AAP RTV lb/bwl/wf

KEYWORD: BETFAIR (HOBART)

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.