On the same day (7 February 2013) that Australian professional sport has been associated with drugs, match fixing and organised crime by the Australian Crime Commission (ACC), the Australian Senate has passed a motion for a joint select committee to inquire into gambling reform. The committee's report is due on 16 May 2013.

The inquiry has been announced amid fears of creating future generations of problem gamblers and jeopardising the integrity of Australian sport. When announcing the inquiry, concerned Senators cited the bombardment of betting odds and gambling advertisements on adults and children alike. Combined with the ACC's report on drugs, match fixing and organised crime, focus has turned to what measures the Australian Government will take in response.

Terms of reference
The committee is to report on:

  • In-ground and broadcast advertising
  • The role of sponsorship alongside traditional forms of advertising
  • In-game promotion and the integration of gambling into commentary and coverage
  • Exposure to, and influence on, children
  • Contribution to the prevalence of problem gambling, and mechanisms to reduce that prevalence
  • The effect on the integrity of, and public attitudes to, sport
  • The importance of spot betting and its potential effect on the integrity of sporting codes
  • The effect of inducements to gamble as a form of promotion of gambling services, and their impact on problem gambling.

What could happen

The ACC's report has already had an immediate and sensational impact on the business of sports and gambling in Australia. We consider that regulatory changes are almost certain to follow. While the Minister for Sport, Kate Lundy has flagged that the Government does not support a total ban on sports betting, with the current focus on the links between sports, organised crime, match fixing and gambling, those changes could be significant.

The committee's findings could also have serious ramifications for Australian sporting organisations such as Cricket Australia, the Australian Football League and Australian Rugby Union, who currently benefit from extensive partnerships with official betting agencies. While official betting partners help re-invest in professional sport, there are fears from anti-gambling campaigner Senator Nick Xenophon that Australian sporting organisations are beginning to actively promote betting by placing live odds on their websites during games. This will no doubt be a focus for the committee.

How we can assist
The inquiry will be accepting confidential submissions by interested parties but no closing date has yet been set for these. Please let us know if you would like us to assist.

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