Australia Tells Casinos and Betting Operators No Free Bets
Casinos and gaming operators in the Australian state of Victoria will no longer be allowed to use complimentary bets to lure new customers. A bill working its way through the Victoria Parliament will make it illegal for betting services to offer free plays as advertising and marketing ploys.
New South Wales and South Australia have both already passed similar laws. Last year, laws restricting gambling advertising were loosened, resulting in a tumult of new marketing by bookies and gambling operators.
Victoria chief executive Rob Hines said the incentives invited problem gambling incidents, and praised the new law.
"It's a responsible gambling issue. We have always held the view that people should be very cautious in their betting," he said.
Many companies had offered new patrons a free play for a sum ranging from $50 to $500 as enticement to visit their sites or use their service. But most gaming industry owners are already ending the free bet programs.
Betfair and Luxbet had voluntarily closed their free bet ads before the bill was introduced.
"We don't believe free bets cause problem gambling, but we can see governments banning them nationwide,' said Betfair CEO Andrew Twaits.
