30-10-2007 Tasmanian racing industry says Betfair provides very valuable revenue

While Australian media indicate Centrebet and Sportsbet Australia as the other bookmakers who have held secret talks with the NSW Government to obtain licenses in the state, and just as Queensland Racing joined Racing NSW in saying that Betfair would have a detrimental effect on the industry if it was legalized on the mainland, Rod Thirkell-Johnston, Chairman of the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council, announced that Betfair has given a boost to the Tasmanian racing industry, raising stakes by an average of about $3000 a race to a minimum of $12,000.

Thirkell-Johnston also said the Tasmania Tote has not been affected by the introduction of Betfair, since the betting exchange attracted the younger and more computer-savvy people to betting. "So what it has done is bring new business into racing," he said.

In related news, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell reiterated that allowing Betfair to have a presence in New South Wales would be dangerous for the community. O'Farrell also said it was inappropriate for the government to hold secret talks with the online betting exchange.