In the past few weeks, Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon Tasmania has met with representatives of the Australian racing industry and he is now considering an alternative offer to Betfair submitted by Racing Victoria.
Under the Racing Victoria proposal, which would see higher prizemoney levels and more races, some administrative functions would be merged to cut costs and all Tasmanian thoroughbred meetings would eventually be shown on the new TVN racing channel.
The total package is estimated to be worth more than A$6 million a year and Racing Victoria, which has never concealed its opposition to Betfair, is keen to emphasize that the offer exceeds the initial license fee offered by the betting exchange.
While Racing Victoria said its offer is not conditional on Betfair being rejected, there is no doubt that it\’s an incentive to rule out the licensing of the betting exchange.
Mr Lennon said earlier this week that if the Tasmanian Government decide to proceed with the licensing of Betfair, the legislation would be introduced to Parliament before December 1.
“Some damage could possibly be done to the Tasmanian industry if we don\’t move carefully on this,” he said.
“And that is what we are doing, moving carefully to make sure the industry is benefited.”
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