The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a formal warning to Best Bookies’ Price Pty Ltd for running an unlicensed online betting service.
According to an ACMA announcement Best Bookies’ Price offered a service whereby customers could compare betting odds across licensed wagering operators. The service also allowed them to place bets through Best Bookies’ Price. As the company is not licensed to provide any gambling products and services, the promotion of gambling services in this manner was deemed to be in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
Best Bookies’ Price had obtained permissions from a state-based regulator but had yet to hold the required wagering license for the promotion of gambling services.
The company has accepted the formal warning and has now ceased providing any service that facilitates gambling.
Earlier this year, the ACMA took part in the launch of BetStop, Australia’s first nation-wide self exclusion program for gamblers. The program allows Australians to self exclude from all licensed online and telephone-based gambling services throughout Australia.
According to the latest Global Gambling Statistics, Australians have the highest gambling losses per person in the world. Each year the average gambler loses approximately AU$1870 ($1200/€1118).
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.