Aussie minister hints that gov’t will legalize in-play sports betting

The government department overseeing Australia’s online gambling review has hinted that the process will result in the legalization of online in-play sports betting.

On Thursday, Alan Tudge, Assistant Minister for Social Services, told the Daily Telegraph that he didn’t think legal in-play wagering would exacerbate the match-fixing controversies that have overshadowed this year’s Australian Open tennis tournament.

Australia’s Interactive Gambling Act restricts in-play bets to over the telephone or in person at betting shops. But numerous operators, led by William Hill Australia, have come up with technological workarounds that allow in-play wagers to be placed via mobile apps.

Recognizing that technology was trumping the law, the government tasked former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell with reviewing the IGA. O’Farrell has reportedly delivered his report to the government, but its findings won’t be made public until next month.