UK betting exchange firm Betfair is reportedly just weeks away from
obtaining a licence from the government of Tasmania. Australian press
reports have said Tasmania’s Premier Paul Lennon has confirmed his
government is in advance negotiations with Betfair. And a recent
research report by investment bank Merrill Lynch said there was a high
probability of Betfair becoming licensed in Tasmania. It also predicted
if that happened, the Northern Territory would also start issuing
betting exchange licences. A Tasmanian licence would allow the firm to
advertise freely throughout Australia, and end a long-running battle
with the land-based bookmakers in the region. The sometimes-bitter war
of words between the Australian TABs and Betfair has led to the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launching an
investigation into the actions of the Australian horseracing industry.
The ACCC will consider whether the racing industry has collectively
breached the Trade Practices Act, which seeks to prevent parties from
colluding to prevent competition.Betfair faced similar, if less
hostile, opposition in the UK when it launched, but its current
position is different as it celebrates its fifth birthday this
year.Mark Davies, director of communications at Betfair, said it was
“delighted to be part of the establishment” in the UK.“We now look
forward to taking the company forward, particularly internationally
where we feel there is enormous potential for expansion,” he said.
