Following recent disagreements with the Australian and Dutch Government respectively, Betfair have lashed out at claims made by Bob Bentley, who is chairman of the Australian Racing Board (ARB) and the director of Tatts Group, who control Totalizator Agency Boards in Victoria and South Australia. (TAB).
Bentley recently called for protection of TABs and in turn the Racing Board against online bookmakers such as Betfair. Bentley suggested that Betfair, and others within the gambling industry were "free riders" and were effectively leeching off Australian racing revenue, causing the industry to, according to Bentley, lose $126 million.
Betfair have now put forward their own views on the claims, suggesting that it's "not surprising" Bentley has made such a passionate display against bookmakers, as it's within his interests to protect both TABs and the ARB. Betfair have dismissed Bentley's claims that they're "free riders" suggesting that ""Betfair is not racing's enemy. We're proud of our association with racing and we want to see the sport prosper."
While Betfair's increased presence in gambling headlines has raised some eyebrows, it may be part of their plan to establish a worldwide brand and even crack the American market, as suggested by The Guardian recently. While, of course, the UIGEA is still in place, Betfair cannot tread anywhere near American shores, but with the increased pressure on the American Government to legalise gambling, it may be that Betfair are setting themselves up as a clean and trustworthy brand, perfect for law-abiding Americans.
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