Free TV proposes changes on live TV sports odds
Industry lobby group Free TV has issued proposals to change the guidelines on the broadcast of sporting odds involving bookmakers like Tom Waterhouse during broadcasts of matches.
Free TV has proposed several amendments to the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, seeking to “reduce and control the promotion of live odds during the broadcast of live sporting events.” The public is invited to view and comment on the proposed changes.
Last week, the ABC’s Media Watch pointed out flaws in the proposed amendment including saying Waterhouse and other bookmakers would still be able to appear on TV but just not on screen at the same time as other presenters.
The clause is in 8.6 of the proposed amendment and says “It does not include discrete and distinguishable contributors, including clearly identified representatives of gambling organisations.”
The guidelines are open for comment until May 20.
Another factor that should be looked at is using venue-local advertising as a way of spruiking odds. For example, using the scoreboard’s auxiliary LED signs or other LED signs around the pitch to show up Tom Waterhouse’s odds and requiring the broadcast caneras to detail on the odds shown on that scoreboard could be a way to skirt requirements concerning the spruiking of live odds.
Similarly, using the stadium as a way to normalise sports betting, such as on-site advertising should be looked as part of the greater issue of controlling the sports betting issue.
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