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 sport. We want them to go to our stadiums to watch their sporting heroes, not the latest odds being offered by the bookmakers to entice people to place a bet.”

The proposed prohibition follows a move by the neighbouring state of South Australia to impose a similar ban on live odds being broadcast via pay and commercial television and radio stations along with in stadiums. This sanction was last week approved by the region’s Independent Gambling Authority and is scheduled to come into force from August 1.