CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Prime Minister Julie Gillard announced legislation Sunday that would ban the promotion of live betting odds during sports broadcasts in Australia.
Gillard said Australians were becoming “increasingly frustrated” with the promotion of live odds during sports matches, some by bookmakers who appear to be part of broadcast teams.
Under the proposal, live odds would be banned, as well as televised reports by gambling representatives on or near the field. Gambling advertising would also be relegated to designated TV commercial periods.
The prime minister said “from the moment that the players step onto the field, from the moment that they leave the field, there will be no live odds.”
The National Rugby League, whose televised matches were among the worst offenders, said it agreed with the plan.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
