Mr MITCHELL - 1996-10-10
I am told that the traditional Melbourne Cup office sweepstakes may not be strictly legal in the Territory. Given that Melbourne Cup Day is only a matter of weeks away, what steps are being taken to ensure that these traditional sweepstakes will continue and will be legal?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, one sporting event in the year captures the imagination of almost all Australians. That is, of course, the Melbourne Cup race. There are people who would not listen to another horserace throughout the entire year but who ensure that they are able to take a break from work to enable them to follow the Melbourne Cup on radio or television.
Territorians, along with other Australians, are recognised for their tendency to punt on all sorts of events. That, I guess, is why the Northern Territory has been at the forefront of developments such as sports betting. We have 3 very large and well-established sports betting organisations in the Northern Territory, taking bets not only from Territorians but also from interstate and now from overseas.
Coming back to the specific question on the Melbourne Cup, honourable members and the general public would be familiar with the sweepstakes run in offices and other workplaces. Usually, they range from a stake of $1 a person up to $10 or even $20 at times, and they are participated in by one and all. Clearly, such a sweepstake is something of a lottery, with horses being drawn at random. Regardless of what they know about horseracing or the event itself, those participating have an involvement. Obviously, people are eager to draw the name of the most favoured horses although, as with the race itself, there is never any guarantee of success.
Unfortunately, those traditional office sweepstakes have been technically illegal. It is only registered charities and organisations ...
Mr Bailey: We fixed it last year.
Mr FINCH: Unfortunately, it is being fixed just now by regulation, to ensure that ...
Mr Bailey: You said you would fix it last year.
Mr FINCH: Last year, I was not Minister for Racing and Gaming.
Mrs Padgham-Purich: It was two-up on Anzac Day.
Mr FINCH: You are probably thinking about two-up on Anzac Day.
Members interjecting.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is too much cross-Chamber discussion at the present time.
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Mr FINCH: Obviously, the member for Wanguri reflects on yet another form of Aussie gambling, but I will not digress because we are running out of time. Formalisation of the office or workplace sweepstakes for the Melbourne Cup is being attended to by regulatory measures in time for this year's race. There are 2 criteria. One is the maximum amount that can be held in the pool. That will be $400 or in effect, because there are 24 horses in the race, roughly $20 per participant. The other criterion is that 100% of the pool must be paid out to the participants. I take the opportunity to wish all Territorians luck with this forthcoming Melbourne Cup.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, one sporting event in the year captures the imagination of almost all Australians. That is, of course, the Melbourne Cup race. There are people who would not listen to another horserace throughout the entire year but who ensure that they are able to take a break from work to enable them to follow the Melbourne Cup on radio or television.
Territorians, along with other Australians, are recognised for their tendency to punt on all sorts of events. That, I guess, is why the Northern Territory has been at the forefront of developments such as sports betting. We have 3 very large and well-established sports betting organisations in the Northern Territory, taking bets not only from Territorians but also from interstate and now from overseas.
Coming back to the specific question on the Melbourne Cup, honourable members and the general public would be familiar with the sweepstakes run in offices and other workplaces. Usually, they range from a stake of $1 a person up to $10 or even $20 at times, and they are participated in by one and all. Clearly, such a sweepstake is something of a lottery, with horses being drawn at random. Regardless of what they know about horseracing or the event itself, those participating have an involvement. Obviously, people are eager to draw the name of the most favoured horses although, as with the race itself, there is never any guarantee of success.
Unfortunately, those traditional office sweepstakes have been technically illegal. It is only registered charities and organisations ...
Mr Bailey: We fixed it last year.
Mr FINCH: Unfortunately, it is being fixed just now by regulation, to ensure that ...
Mr Bailey: You said you would fix it last year.
Mr FINCH: Last year, I was not Minister for Racing and Gaming.
Mrs Padgham-Purich: It was two-up on Anzac Day.
Mr FINCH: You are probably thinking about two-up on Anzac Day.
Members interjecting.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is too much cross-Chamber discussion at the present time.
Page 1670
Mr FINCH: Obviously, the member for Wanguri reflects on yet another form of Aussie gambling, but I will not digress because we are running out of time. Formalisation of the office or workplace sweepstakes for the Melbourne Cup is being attended to by regulatory measures in time for this year's race. There are 2 criteria. One is the maximum amount that can be held in the pool. That will be $400 or in effect, because there are 24 horses in the race, roughly $20 per participant. The other criterion is that 100% of the pool must be paid out to the participants. I take the opportunity to wish all Territorians luck with this forthcoming Melbourne Cup.
Page 1671
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016