MPs are Second Guessing the Integrity of Betfair
14 November 2005

It appears that the online betting group Betfair, which was Australia’s form of hospitality to Tasmania politicians, didn’t go as well as was hoped. The offer backfired when several of the upper house MPs said that it could damage the consortium that is currently standing ahead of a vital vote.

The Premier, Paul Lennon, confirmed last week that he had a “couple glasses of wine” that were given to him for free at the Melbourne Cup in the Crown casino marquee this past week. Furthermore, Lennon also confirmed that he stayed at the casino that is owned by Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd – Betfair’s joint venture partner – on tax payers’ money.

Just two days after the race, Lennon announced that his Government would bring in new legislation that will clear the path to allow a gaming license issued to Betfair Australia, so an online betting exchange could begin operation.

However, although the consortium also offered select upper house independent MPs accommodation at PBL’s ACP marquee on Cup and Derby days, no member of the Legislative Council took the offer, and several of the MLCs were in fact offended that such an offer was suggested. This was mainly due to the fact that the offer was made almost simultaneously when the license legislation was first being initiated.

The Independent Windermere MLC Ivan Dean expressed his opinions to the Australian company by telling them that such offers could have a negative influence of the perceptions many MPs have of Betfair. According to Dean, he wants to know why Betfair would want the MPs to be their guests when Betfair knew all along that the legislation would be introduced to the upper house.

Andrew Twaits, the spokesperson for Betfair Austrlia, has insisted that Betfair has done nothing improper what-so-ever when it comes to their offers of hospitality. However, only time will tell if the MLCs agree, as from the 10 independent MLCs, Betfair requires a minimum of 3 votes in order for the new legislation to fly.