Independent Senator for South Australia, Nick Xenophon, has today welcomed the Australian Greens’ commitment to prohibit the promotion of betting odds in sport.
Senator Xenophon, who first introduced legislation to clamp down on the promotion of odds in June 2011, said it was time the issue was given attention by the other political parties.
“This issue has flown under the radar for too long and I welcome the announcement today that the Australian Greens are also backing the call for a ban on the insidious and pervasive promotion of gambling in sport,” Nick said.
“Sports fans are getting increasingly frustrated because you can’t enjoy watching your favourite team without getting offers to punt shoved down your throat.”
“It’s a sad state of affairs when kids are comparing odds instead of comparing their favourite players.”
Both major parties opposed Senator Xenophon’s Bill - the Interactive Gambling and Broadcasting Amendment (Online Transactions and Other Measures) Bill 2011 - in a December 2011 Joint Select Committee Inquiry report.
Senator Xenophon was the only person who recommended the Bill be passed.
Senator Xenophon said he looked forward to working with the Greens Gambling Spokesperson, Senator Richard di Natale, to push for legislative change.
The full Committee report, including Senator Xenophon’s additional comments, can be found here: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=gamblingreform_ctte/completed_inquires/2010-13/interactive_broadcasting_amendment/report/index.htm