Greens’ gambling spokesperson, Senator Richard Di Natale, urged the government not to proceed with live online betting during sporting events.

“These changes lower the bar for live online gambling and there’s little doubt that more people will gamble on sport if they can bet during a game with the click of a button,” said Senator Di Natale.

“There’s also a real concern that people will chase their losses as momentum shifts in a game.

“Allowing live online betting means that a game of football now becomes an interactive gambling experience. Going to a game of footy shouldn’t be like going to the TAB.

“There are some positives contained in the interim review of the Interactive Gambling Act, such as the move to ban micro bets, but there are also some very worrying signs.

“The Minister’s comments on the broadcasting of live odds also don’t go far enough.  There should be restrictions on the broadcasting of all betting odds during sports broadcasts, including pre-game broadcasting and commentary. If people are interested in the odds for a game, they can look them up on a betting website.

“It’s time to disentangle sport from gambling. Australians are already the world’s most prolific gamblers and we’re at risk of creating a new generation of problem gamblers.”

Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600