Bookies Appeal to Use Betfair

Bookies have recently spoken to the media, expressing their hope for policy makers and authorities to modify the rule on using Betfair on-course so they can legally use it, too.

Bookmakers perceive that only Betfair can save them from completely disappearing in the industry over irrecoverable losses. In going after Betfair, bookmakers say it can potentially be their big chance at making a profit especially now.

Observers say bookies may get what they're wishing for. After all, although racing director Tony Murray has issued an order to all bookmakers in Tasmania banning the use of Betfair, he himself has said that this is one rule that may never be fully implemented.

Betfair can now be accessed on a mobile phone so any on-course punter wanting to access Betfair can just find his own spot and access it. However, since bookmakers are asked to stay in his betting stand, the mobile phone proves useful for them.

Hobart bookie Mark Heffernan was once quoted as saying: "It's a ridiculous situation. Something that is legal, is illegal. I can't go to the races and use a legal product that is endorsed by the State Government."

In a separate interview, Nick Whelan, the only remaining harness racing bookmaker in Launceston, said: "Allowing access to Betfair is the only way to make bookmaking viable again, given the small number of punters coming to the track."

"Now, if the punters clean us up early on a couple of favourites, we have no hope of getting that money back," Whelan stressed.