Tabcorp asks for non licensed bookies ban

Tabcorp are pushing the government and political opposition parties to help block overseas bookmakers from targeting and taking bet from Australian nationals.

The national bookmaking company wants unregulated online bookmakers from overseas to be blocked in taking bets from Australians and wants the help of the government to do so.

Chairwoman Paula Dwyer says the flow of money to foreign bookies is posing a risk to the integrity of sport and siphoning revenue that would otherwise be returned to the community and racing industry, Ms Dwyer told shareholders at the $3 billion company’s annual meeting.

Ms Dwyer highlighted France as an example, where the government in 2010 banned overseas operators from taking bets from French citizens.

“Tabcorp’s view is that a similarly powerful response is needed in Australia,” Ms Dwyer said. “While it is difficult to measure precisely, there are estimates that as much as 14 per cent of betting by Australian-based customers is conducted with operators who are not licensed in Australia.”