Queensland becomes third state to introduce minimum bet limits
Australian state follows Victoria and New South Wales by agreeing $2,000 minimum bet liability framework
Queensland has joined Victoria and New South Wales to become the third Australian state to introduce a minimum bet limit framework for thoroughbred racing.
The new framework will include a minimum bet liability policy of AU$2,000 for metropolitan thoroughbred meetings and $1,000 for non-metropolitan meetings, and will apply from 9am on raceday.
It comes after Racing Queensland, which will be responsible for implementing the framework, voted in favour last month to approve the introduction of minimum bet amounts in the state.
“This followed a period of consultation involving wagering operators, racing authorities in New South Wales and Victoria and other stakeholders,” racing minister, Grace Grace, said.
“It will bring Queensland into line with the major southern racing jurisdictions in a further sign of the stronger commercial focus we’re bringing to the local racing industry,” she added.
The Queensland government will now need to amend its current racing regulations for the framework to come into effect, which Racing Queensland CEO, Dr Eliot Forbes, said will lead to the “betterment” of the racing industry.
The decision comes after Racing Victoria announced plans last year to introduce a minimum bet limit (MBL) policy on all thoroughbred racing in the Australian state from 1 October 2016.
Earlier this year, William Hill Australia’s Centrebet brand also has expanded its AU$1,000 (£601) minimum bet limit guarantee to cover thoroughbred horseracing held in all Australian states.