From iGaming Business The Premier for Western Australia, Colin Barnett, has announced that his government intends to introduce legislation in the near future that will prohibit the display of live betting advertisements inside sporting venues during matches. The Liberal Party politician stated that the ban will include ‘on-ground’ betting advertisements and help Western Australia’s young fans enjoy sport without the ‘intrusion’ of gambling. “The most worrying aspect is that children watching sporting events are being bombarded with gambling advertising,” said Barnett. “We don’t want young West Australian fans conditioned to think that gambling is an essential part of their favourite…

From Sydney Morning Hearld Businessman David Murray is due to hand his final report on competing proposals from casino operators Crown and Echo Entertainment to Premier Barry O’Farrell on Wednesday, only a day before it is considered by cabinet. Each company has produced expert assessments which argue its project is of greater benefit to the state, leaving Mr O’Farrell under pressure to explain his decision, due to be announced on Thursday, on which one to back. On Tuesday a government spokesman said Mr Murray’s report would be released in full, but would not guarantee the same for supporting documents, saying…

From Reuters Australian gaming firm Echo Entertainment (EGP.AX) has submitted plans for a $1 billion expansion of its Star casino in Sydney, including an option that would allow rival Crown Ltd (CWN.AX) to open a VIP-only casino. Echo, which holds the sole licence to operate a casino in Sydney until 2019, has been lobbying to extend this right in an attempt to block Crown’s plans to add to its Melbourne casino. Crown, controlled by billionaire James Packer, has said it wants to open a VIP casino in Sydney as part of a A$1 billion six-star hotel and residential waterfront development,…

In Australia, the Gambling Reform Joint Select Committee has issued a report urging the federal government to review an exemption that permits bookmakers to advertise their live odds during televised sporting events at times when children may be watching. According to a report from The Australian newspaper, the body recommended that the government institute an examination of the industry’s current self-regulation in this area with a view to repairing any loopholes. The Gambling Reform Joint Select Committee additionally called on legislators to review the promotion of live odds inside venues encompassing the display of special offers on team uniforms in…