Embattled Queensland racing and sporting events have been thrown a lifeline and the TAB monopoly is about to end with the State Government lifting a ban on interstate online betting agencies, allowing them to advertise in Queensland.
Corporate bookmaker giants such as Sportingbet have effectively been locked out of Queensland by the ban because of a government deal to protect the TAB until 2012.
But a recent High Court decision ruled a similar ban in Western Australia was unconstitutional as it was a restraint on the trade in gambling between the states.
The NSW and Victoria governments in October announced they would lift the ban and Queensland Treasurer and Racing Minister Andrew Fraser yesterday indicated that he would follow suit.
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Mr Fraser said the constitutionality of the provision in the Interactive Gambling (Player Protection) Act that allowed only authorised persons to advertise was now in question because of the High Court decision.
''The Government will, in coming months, be considering legislative changes including repeal -- required because of the decision," he said.
"In the meantime, the Government will not be pursuing prosecutions under this provision until the matter is resolved."
The Government began preparing for the change late last year, introducing 'race fields' legislation into State Parliament which will enable them to collect a fee from wagering operators betting on Queensland gallops, harness and greyhound races.
The money would be ploughed back into the three codes.
Opposition racing spokesman Mike Horan said it was recently estimated charging the betting agencies a fee instead of excluding them would pour another $17 million into the troubled racing industry.
"Racing needs this extra money," he said.
"I think that the reality of life has set in.
"All states are now working towards charging this fee for the race fields so some income comes back to the code for the product that is provided and advertising is more or less a natural progression."
He said the sponsorship and advertising from the online agencies would benefit Queensland racing, particularly country races which have been under threat.
Sportingbet finance director and legal counsel Anthony Waller welcomed the Queensland decision and promised to put money back into the industry.
"Sportingbet looks forward to being able to sponsor and participate in Queensland racing and sport," he said.
Sportingbet is Australia's biggest bookmaker with a turnover of $1.2 billion. (Credit: Gold Coast Bulletin)
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