vic govt approves betting at home , page-2

TV betting raises concerns

Posted 5 hours 8 minutes ago

The sports betting agency, Two Way says its planned TV wagering service won't encourage problem gambling in Victoria.

Subscribers will be able to bet on horse races using their televisions and remote controls.

The Victorian Government approved the service yesterday.

Tabcorp account holders and Foxtel subscribers will be able to use the service from early next year.

Two Way's Managing Director, Ben Reichel says being able to bet from home is not new.

"We need to remember that telephone betting is already available in 100% of homes, and internet betting is available in every home that has an internet connection which is well over 60% of homes in Melbourne", he said.

"Our service is really just an alternative channel for Tabcorp account holders'" he said.

But anti-gambling advocates are concerned the service will make it easier for problem gamblers to make bets.

The Reverend Tim Costello from the Interchurch Gambling Taskforce says the service is another encouragement to gamble.

"What we know is that accessibility is the major reason that you create a new crop of gambling addicts. And there is nothing more accessible that a TV remote, and betting on sport", he said.