12-10-2007 Western Australia rejects Betfair's application to publish WA race fields information

Racing and Gaming Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the decision to reject Betfair's application to publish WA race fields is in line with the legislation that prohibits the operation of betting exchanges in Western Australia, due to the threat they pose to the integrity of racing.

"The State Governments legislation is not specifically about Betfair, but about betting exchanges generally whereby punters can back a runner to lose. The integrity of the racing industries has to be protected at all costs," said Ravlich.

Andrew Twaits, Betfair's Director of Corporate and Business Affairs, criticized the WA Government’s decision saying the ban will reduce interstate and international interest in WA racing.