NSW government lifts betting restrictions to aid consumer rights

The New South Wales Government (NSW) and Racing NSW are set to introduce regulatory changes to ensure that racing operators cannot refuse reasonable sized bets placed by punters.

The changes will force operators to pay a minimum AUS $2000 win bet at Sydney Metropolitan race tracks and AUS $1000 win bet at NSW Provincial tracks.

NSW Racing had responded to consumer complaints regarding bet restrictions of racing operators by lifting bet limits on 1 September. However NSW racing consumers had claimed that many operators had not implemented the changes and furthermore betting accounts had been closed.

The operator’s refusal to accept the NSW Racing rules led Deputy Premier and NSW Racing Minister Troy Grant to set the changes as regulatory requirements.

“The NSW government is making a regulation to enforce the new minimum betting rules,’’ Mr Grant told The Daily Telegraph.

“I applaud Racing NSW for their nation-leading push to ensure punters get a fair go. The new Racing NSW condition requires wagering operators to be prepared to take on a bet for a minimum amount on any single fixed-odds wager on NSW thoroughbred races.

“This is the same rule that applies to on course bookies and maintains the integrity of thoroughbred racing.’’

Grant further stated that NSW Racing would monitor racetracks to ensure that the rule changes concerning betting restriction would be implemented by operators. NSW Racing will also set-up a consumer complaints mechanism to deal with any potential unfair wagering treatment.