February 23, 2008
- It shouldn't be news that Australia has a pretty thriving
casino gambling industry. And although they are known for
some very strict gambling policies (err...monopolistic
gambling policies), Australia is credited with launching the
first government regulated, albeit government owned, online
casino. Australia's megalithic gambling company, Lasseters,
now operates two online casinos and a large sportsbook. But
they're not the only one's. There's another Australian
gambling company that has reached monopolistic status.
TAB, which is also a giant media outlet (they own Sky
Channel & 2KY Radio), specializes in fixed odds wagering.
They operate four land-based casinos, thousands of gaming
machines, and an online sportsbook and racebook
(thoroughbred racing) for both the NSW and VIC gaming
jurisdictions. And very soon, they will be operating a
betting platform that will allow gamblers to place bets from
televisions.
Called "remote control betting", the technology has
already been approved by the Victoria State Government, thus
giving TAB exclusive rights to offer the gambling service.
Similar to online betting, the only difference is that
bettors will be able to make bets while in the midst of
viewing races and games. It's like Pay Per View movies for
the gambler.
True to Australian gambling regulation, bettors must
first fill out a long application (with referrals) before
funding an account to make real money wagers. Furthermore,
each time a bet is made through the remote control betting
interface, a secret pin code must be supplied. Despite these
security protocols, some members of government, like
Senator-Elect Nick Zenophon, are concerned about the
service. Xenophon's sentiments are that all forms of
gambling should be controlled by the Commonwealth, rather
than States. He believes other states will follow the lead
of Victoria.
Originally published:
February,
2008 | Categories:
Gambling
