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Saturday, December 09, 2006Contact: Andrew Harding , Australian Racing Board
+61 (02) 9551 7700
New legal ban on exchange betting in Australia

The Australian Racing Board Chairman, Bob Pearson, has commended the WA Minister for Racing, the Hon. Mark McGowan, and the Carpenter Government for the Racing Bill passed by the Upper House yesterday afternoon. The Bill delivers race fields protection to Western Australia Racing as well as placing a general ban on betting exchanges.

“The passage of legislation was requested by the racing industry in Australia and I commend the Minister for Racing, the Hon. Mark McGowan and the Carpenter Government, for heeding the industry’s concerns and acting in such a decisive fashion”.

“This is important legislation and I know that these developments in Western Australia have been keenly watched, not just in other States and Territories but around the world. The Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation, Mr Larry Wong, has already sent a message expressing his delight in this outcome.”

Mr Pearson also noted the support given to the Racing Bill by the Greens Party.

“Support from the Greens Party was instrumental in the passage of the Bill and this was equally appreciated. It is also a very strong endorsement of the merits of this legislation, and the legitimacy of the concerns held by the industry, that this cross-party support was forthcoming”.

E-Mail : arb@australian-racing.net.au