Heads up for Australian affiliates

[shortow]

affiliate commission paid by Australian online sportsbooks under the microscope....

"Senator Xenophon said the practice was ''unconscionable'' and he will amend his bill on online gambling, being considered by the inquiry, to ban commissions.

http://www.theage.com.au/national/xe...11-1ioul.html?

[rak]

Well heads up to any affiliate, who promotes the Australian sports book.

The Age understands some people earn hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in commissions for referring people to gambling agencies.

Senator Xenophon said the practice was ''unconscionable'' and he will amend his bill on online gambling, being considered by the inquiry, to ban commissions.

''There is something sinister when commissions are paid on the basis of gambling losses,'' Mr Tudge said.

''It is immoral, unconscionable and should not continue. We need to take action to break this business model.''

These types of comments are usually made by people who aren't quite educated and made from second hand and mis-information. Outstanding that it would come from a politicians mouth, but than as most Australians know - Xenophon is a special breed.

[CityGuard]

I'm not very familiar with Australian politics. Is the legislation discussed here something that is on the fringe or is this something that might gain some traction?

Seems crazy.

[jarvi]

Difficult to tell if it will get traction. Rak is correct about the politician involved.

Seems a poorly written article that needed to fill some space. More words dedicated to the guy who lost $80000 and usual morality issues of gambling rather than what the headline was about and whether the payment of commissions should be disclosed to punters. Plus the use of words like 'admitted' rather than 'confirmed' which seeks to sensationalise things a bit more.

Australia does have legislation for some industries with regard to the disclosure of commissions. Financial advisors and real estate agents being a couple of examples. Not sure how many industries have this type of legislation through.

[grem]

they should regulate the internet since they are the experts

[Mysterio]

The article has be rewritten differently on each different site that it's on and it's slightly biased in some cases. They really need to sort all of this out.

[rak]

I am pretty sure, that the Australian goverment at some stage asked the question "can we backup the internet and copy it across to our laptops"

[universal4]

Wow, good point, I think I will send them a quote for some hard drives...

Rick
Universal4

[rak]

In all seriousness, Senator Xenophon is bad news for anything gambling related to Australia. The targets are slot machines (pokies we call them here), casinos, and now online sports betting.

I am all for gambling laws and regulations, but when a government crosses the line and starts dictating how we should behave, spend our money, or go against what is standard practises in advertising - I disagree with that. There is only so much "mothering" or "babying" a government should do - I don't enjoy nanny states.

[Mysterio]

I could not agree more - it's a disgrace.

[david_tamworth]

I have family in Australia and Xenophen has absolutely no voice in government as the Greens have basically ousted him. If his amendment to the act is passed (not guaranteed in any way), then that will only prohibit Australian based betting companies offering commission to affiliates. It can't apply to offshore casinos. Surely that if the government regulated online gambling in Australia, then they could benefit from the millions of tax dollars put back into the economy, and also extra funds could be used to combat problem gambling. Or is this too logical?

[rak]

I have family in Australia and Xenophen has absolutely no voice in government as the Greens have basically ousted him. If his amendment to the act is passed (not guaranteed in any way), then that will only prohibit Australian based betting companies offering commission to affiliates. It can't apply to offshore casinos. Surely that if the government regulated online gambling in Australia, then they could benefit from the millions of tax dollars put back into the economy, and also extra funds could be used to combat problem gambling. Or is this too logical?

Too logical. There is some sort of regulation, more so licensing when it comes to running a gambling operation in Australia for Australians.

[Renee]

There is one conclusion: Australian politicians are dickheads.

You heard it here first guys!

[rak]

There is one conclusion: Australian politicians are dickheads.

You heard it here first guys!

hahaha.. and if you want to say it like a bogan "dig-heads"

[david_tamworth]

hahaha.. and if you want to say it like a bogan "dig-heads"

But why don't politicians realise the huge amounts of money that could be gained by legalising online gambling? They could put that to so much good use, in addition to helping with problem gamblers. A safer, regulated industry is better for all, including the government's pockets.

I hope they're reading this!

Also, I have signed the petition at It's UnAustralian. Google it!

[Renee]

You're asking this question from a government who 1 year ago said there would never be a carbon tax under their government and are now trying to bring one in..

As I said, dickheads.

[david_tamworth]

Hi Renee

You seem to know a lot - do you think it will be regulated over in Australia? I probably think they will follow some of the rest of the world as it is plain logic, but what are your thoughts?

[Renee]

I don't really follow it personally too much - I just know what I get told.

I don't think the aussie government could organise a root in a brothel so I doubt they will be able to follow suit and get something going.

[Stephen F]

I agree with Renee - Xenophon is always talking crap in this area - I woudnt expect it to be taken further. Here's hoping this government collapses, never seen such a disaster!

[rak]

I don't really follow it personally too much - I just know what I get told.

I don't think the aussie government could organise a root in a brothel so I doubt they will be able to follow suit and get something going.

This is the crap we have to put up with.