The Australian Racing Board has welcomed today’s announcement by the Federal Government of a new Illegal Offshore Wagering Working Group to tackle illegal offshore wagering on Australian racing and sports.

In making the announcement, the Federal Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews said that it was critical to stamp out illegitimate offshore operators who posed serious integrity and revenue risks to the Australian industry.

He further said that it was vital that an effective regulatory regime be introduced to address illegal offshore wagering and discourage any Australian-based operators tempted to relocate offshore to avoid their obligations under Australian laws.

Minister Andrews noted that there were already Australian headquartered organizations basing their betting operations in unregulated international jurisdictions in the Pacific and Asia regions.

“The ARB thanks and congratulates the Federal Government for its support of racing on this crucial issue. We also pay tribute to the Premier of Victoria and Minister for Racing Dr

Denis Napthine who has long advocated action on this issue and his strong leadership has been crucial to the establishment of the Working Group.” ARB CEO Peter McGauran said.

“The problem of illegal offshore bookmakers has long been recognized, but the Commonwealth has previously refused to become involved on the basis that racing is a state based industry. However, only the Commonwealth has the constitutional powers to address offshore wagering and the states have been floundering for years for a solution.

We are delighted to now have the Commonwealth body through which a legislative solution to the problem can be implemented.” he said.

“The ARB looks forward to assisting the Working Group. The integrity of Australian racing and sport must be protected against illegal bookmakers who operate without any regard to problem gambling policies or under age gambling safeguards.”

“It is in the interests of the wider community that offshore wagering be controlled and regulated to the same standards as apply to Australian based wagering operators.” Mr McGauran said.