Legislation banning betting exchanges passed through State Parliament today, in a move which Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan says will strengthen the integrity of Western Australia's racing industry.
The full text of an announcement from the Minister's office is pasted below
The integrity of Western Australia's booming racing industry has received a welcome boost as a result of legislation banning betting exchanges passing through State Parliament today.
Racing and Gaming Minister Mark McGowan said the Carpenter Government's Betting and Racing Legislation Amendment Bill had passed through the Legislative Council without any amendments, meaning the new laws could be in place before the end of the year.
Mr McGowan said the legislation banned the operation of betting exchanges in WA and prohibited Western Australians from using them to place a bet.
"Thanks to the State Labor Government's reforms, the WA racing industry is thriving," he said.
"The establishment of betting exchanges in other parts of Australia was seen as a considerable threat to the integrity of our industry, which is why we made this legislation a priority.
"Except for a few formalities, this legislation is now in place and the racing industry can breathe a sigh of relief."
The legislation also prevents the unauthorised use of the Western Australian racing industry's race field information.
Mr McGowan said this will stop corporate bookmakers from accessing Western Australian race field information without securing a proper ministerial authorisation and negotiating a commercial arrangement with Racing and Wagering Western Australia.