Sportingbet Bans Brisbane Bets

AUSTRALIA – As reported by the Australian: "Australia's biggest bookmaking firm is refusing to take bets on Brisbane meetings amid fears of race fixing.

"Sportingbet boss Michael Sullivan said his firm had 'huge concerns' about the framing of betting odds as well as riding tactics at some Brisbane races.

"The boycott coincides with a decision by Queensland racing bosses to call on one of Australia's top stewards for help.

"…Queensland Racing chairman Bob Bentley also revealed that bookmaker surveillance was being increased at Eagle Farm and Doomben race courses following fears prices were being manipulated in off-course and interstate betting 'stings'.

"Racing Minister Robert Schwarten confirmed he had received various complaints about betting ring activity at Doomben and Eagle Farm and other Queensland TAB tracks.

"…Darwin-based Sportingbet, with $800 million in annual turnover, has lost more than $2 million on Brisbane races so far this year.

"…Sportingbet boss Michael Sullivan, a former Brisbane bookmaker, blamed inflated bookmakers' prices and dubious riding tactics for the boycott…"