Best Bookies’ Price halts operations following ACMA warning
Odds comparison site found to be operating without a licence after allowing customers to place bets via platform
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has hit Best Bookies’ Price with a formal warning for operating without a licence.
The regulator established that the firm, which acts as an odds comparison service through which customers can directly place bets with licensed operators, was in breach of the country’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA).
ACMA began its investigation on 25 January and found that Best Bookies’ Price was offering gambling services, as defined in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
The regulator concluded the firm was enabling betting on horseracing, sporting and greyhound markets despite not being licensed to do so.
Additionally, Best Bookies’ Price was found to have an Australian-customer link in accordance with section eight of the Interactive Gambling Act, meaning its customers were physically based in Australia.
As a result of the investigation, Best Bookies’ Price has ceased operations in Australia.
An ACMA statement read: “The ACMA strongly encourages people who wish to bet online to do so with a licensed wagering operator, so they can benefit from the consumer protection regime.
“The ACMA also encourages licensed wagering operators to carefully scrutinise any arrangements they have or wish to put in place to use third-party provider services to assure themselves that using those services will not compromise their ability to meet their legal obligations, including those set out in the IGA.”