NZ enters internet betting debate

[Tosser]

From Saturday morning's NZ Herald:

Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Allan Fenwick, in his annual report, said a major concern to racing was unauthorised betting operators which were easily accessible over the internet. "These operators pay nothing to the NZ industry or individual clubs putting on the event", Fenwick said. "Not only does the transfer of betting (away from New Zealand) reduce the pools in NZ, it also reduces the amount available for distribution to meet stake money and the amount of duty received by the NZ Government. If a betting operator wants to offer betting on NZ races then they must be prepared to make some payment for that oppportunity".

Actually, that last sentence gives me some hope that if (a big if) Betfair ever entered our shores, as long as they paid some dosh they might be allowed.

I don't think Fenwick is referring to Betfair - it only offered 3 races on 1 day during the last year. More like centrebet or centreracing, who give fixed odds (?) or tote odds + 5% (?) on NZ racing.

[Handy Harry]

Interesting Tosser. Who runs Centreracing?

[Seabiscuit]

I cannot see Betfair bothering with NZ racing if it gets kicked out of Australian racing as all the same issues will come up again only this time it is a much smaller market.

It is all very well for the NZ racing guy to talk of a fair commercial return to the NZ racing industry. Same talk in Australia. Key problem will be the return to government. If they think they will get less then they might try to outlaw Betfair same as in Australia.

But if Betfair don't try to cover NZ racing there is a chance everything will be OK. I suppose the problem might be that NZers now bet on Australian racing so that if Betfair offers Australian racing there is still a problem.

[Tosser]

apparently centrebet sold their horse racing business to a bookie (who used to work for centrebet) a couple of years ago - centreracing being the result.

You're right biscuit - betfair won't come into NZ 'cause the market is too small. A good thing too - means it wont be banned here and if you aussies are banned give me your money and i'll place your bets for you (for a fee of course) :D

[zeditave]

Terry Lillis set up Centrebet initially, wanted to remain focused on racing, so sold the company to Jupiters on the proviso they were sports only.

TL then went and set up CentreRacing in the old Centrebet offices at Pioneer Park.

[zeditave]

Considering that the NZ and NSW TABs are bed partners these days, it's hardly a surprise that their arguments are similar/identical.

Return to govt shouldn't, and isn't the issue - it's the return to the industry. And the NZ industry from my angle looks to be dying a slow death - perhaps it needs to chase Betfair......