News in brief: Betfair Australia; Chartwell; OpenBet; Stan James...

Betfair Australia‘s legal challenge to Racing NSW‘s decision to introduce a 1.5% tax on wagering turnover is underway in the Federal Court in Sydney. Betfair is arguing that due to its model, the turnover fee represents a equivalent to 60% tax on its revenue, compared to 9% for monopoly incumbent the NSW TAB. Betfair is claiming “discriminatory protectionism” and a breach of Section 92 of the Australian constitution, which upholds free trade between Australian states, while Racing NSW is determined to stop “free riding” by interstate-licensed wagering operators. A judgment in June by the Federal Court’s Justice Nye Perram found that the turnover fee did discriminate against Tasmania-licensed Betfair, but not in a protectionist way as prohibited under Section 92. Sportsbet in June won its case against NSW racing bodies.

Chartwell, the casino games software provider, has announced its ten year anniversary providing Victor Chandler with casino, slots and table games.

OpenBet, the sportsbook and gaming software supplier, has been granted membership to the World Lottery Association, the global authority on lotteries and gaming which aims to ensure standards of best practice.

Stan James has signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with The Jockey Club that will result in one of the showpiece events at Cheltenham Festival becoming the Stan James Champion Hurdle. The agreement also includes sponsorship of race meetings the Fighting Fifth, Newcastle, The International meeting, Cheltenham, and The Champion Trial, Haydock.