Australia has always had a fairly tough time in the online gambling stakes, with matters not being made any easier by the news currently emerging from the country. Notable corporate bookmakers lobby group the Australian Wagering Council (AWC) has been left in taters, as two of the biggest bookmakers in Australia made the call to leave the group.According to reports emerging in The Australian, the noted business publication, the AWC is now disbanding in its current form, as the organisation has all but crumbled.
Ladbrokes and William Hill
Both Ladbrokes and William Hill were key members within the AWC, with both opting to depart following the failed bid made to convince the commonwealth to allow for continued approval of online in-play betting activities.Following this, bet365, Unibet, Betfair, and Sportsbet opted to remain, but it now appears that the group has weekend to a point where it is no longer sustainable. Speaking on the decision to call time on the AWC, Ian Fletcher (AWC Chief Executive Officer) said:
“I suggested that we use the William Hill departure to consult on a wider, renewed trade body. Other members agreed with that analysis, and also agreed that we would use the rest of the year to consult on a refreshed organization.”
Legalisation of in-play betting
The AWC had been a key player in the pursuit of legalising in-play betting in Australia, but as time went on the battle became an insurmountable challenge. In spite of the fact that the cause was backed by the biggest foreign-based gambling names operating in Australia, the charge fell short, as the government decided to ban in-play betting in its entirety.This move has left the AWC in pieces, but it does appear that moves are being made to create a successor group, with Fletcher saying, “We remain at the forefront of those calling for a new national regulatory framework, including issues like advertising.”