Australia Finally Gets Interactive TV Wagering

23 April 2008

Interactive broadcast company Two Way will launch a television wagering service in Australia next week along with its partners Tabcorp and Foxtel.

Called Sky Racing Active, the new service supplements the Sky Racing Channel's coverage of thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing, enabling the channel's viewers to place wagers and access detailed information through the television using their remote controls. It will be available in New South Wales and Victoria to subscribers of the Foxtel and Optus TV networks.

The Federal Opposition says it will introduce legislation to block the service. Opposition communications spokesman Bruce Billson told the Herald Sun "If the Rudd Government fails to act to stop this new form of in-home gambling, the Opposition will act to amend Commonwealth legislation to outlaw it."

"Mr Rudd talks about problem gambling, but he won't lift a finger to address a new form of gambling that allows people to lose their shirt without having to put one on."