William Hill demands Herald Sun retract front-page statement over in-play betting service
William Hill is demanding Herald Sun retract its story alleging William Hill has found a loophole in gambling laws to allow punters to place in-play bets online.
News Corp’s Herald Sun alleges the Australian Federal Police is examining a complaint about the bookmaker’s in-play betting service which William Hill offers via a mobile phone app that places bets using voiceover IP calls, similar to FaceTime or Skype.
According to the article, the Victorian government is “fuming” over Tennis Australia’s partnership with William Hill that that offers in-play betting on matches, which is illegal online.
The bookmaker has refuted the Herald Sun’s claim that a complaint is being examined, stating: “William Hill has received confirmation from the Australian Communications and Media Authority that they have not referred to the Australian Federal Police a complaint about William Hill’s in-play service on December 24, as referenced in the article.
“We also note that no formal investigation has been undertaken by the Australian Federal Police, let alone any determination that the service is in breach of the law.”
According to the Herald Sun story, if prosecuted and found guilty William Hill could be fined up to $1.2 million for each day, since April 20, it has offered the service.
News Corp has been approached for comment.
UPDATE January 22 8.25am:
The Herald Sun is standing by its article, asserting the Australian Federal Police confirmed the complaint against William Hill in a statement.
“In our report, the Herald Sun has therefore correctly reported the police are examining the issue,” a News Corp spokesperson said.
“The Herald Sun also spoke to several senior state government officials and MPs who raised serious concerns, both over the sponsorship deal
and the legality of in-play betting online.”
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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Maybe this will get their effing non skippable pre rolls off Youtube.
It’s called frequency capping Mr. Waterhouse. It keeps users from developing a deep throbbing hatred for your inverse sportsbet colour ripping off, Axel Boofhead career saving, loophole finding, blue collar idiot exploiting drain on society that you call a company.
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someone should forward that first comment to tom waterhouse, anyone got his email?
what a mic drop!
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So if William Hill is persecuted??
Is that like prosecuted?
If they are being persecuted, then they’ve already been judged.
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Hat-tip Hank, with a smattering of golf clap.
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…but it HAS found a loophole. I guess it depends on the definition of “loophole”.
as for Comment #1) Agree, but aim your pitchfork at the the behemoth that is William Hill… Waterhouse is/was only a part of it (1 of 3/4 scooped up under the WH brand when they entered the market)
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schadenfreude and sportsbetting go hand in hand. It’s what they get for eroding the next generation.
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Hi Chris,
Whoops! I’ve fixed that now. Thanks for flagging.
Cheers,
Miranda – Mumbrella
Waterhouse is the MD/ CEO of William Hill Australia, not just 1/4 brand taken over.
He is directing the activities of this Business.
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Having personally used the service, it certainly feels like they have discovered a loophole. While you technically place a call, rather than just clicking a button, you never speak with a real person to place the bet, it’s all done electronically.
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The irony of sporting events in Australia is a long history of association with unhealthy sponsors. First cigarette sponsorship, then alcohol sponsorship, and now gambling.
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Tennis Australia wants to endorse inplay wagering (as do several other sports codes) because they are loosing money by having the bets placed offshore. William Hill is simply forcing the in-play issue to be dealt with. I personally don’t think we need it, but also I don’t understand what the difference is between being able to do it on my mobile or having to call in to speak with someone.
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