Minimum bet rules likely from January

RACING Queensland has flagged a likely introduction date for new Minimum Bet Limits to be January 1 next year after legislation was signed yesterday.

The Governor in Council signed the legislation, which allows RQ to impose the MBL’s from next year.

RQ announced in March this year it would follow the lead of Victoria and New South Wales and introduce a minimum bet limit bookmakers are required to accept from punters requesting a bet of that size on Queensland racing.

The Queensland framework will be similar to that of its southern counterparts, with bookmakers required to accept bets to lose a minimum of $ 2000 on metropolitan meetings and $ 1000 on all other races.

RQ has indicated the reason the MBL will not be introduced sooner is because wagering providers have existing agreements on which they operate under the Race Information Fee schedule, which are due for renewal in January.

“The legislation does provide the legal platform to implement the MBL in Queensland,” an RQ spokesperson said.

“However, there is no legal obligation for corporate bookmakers to adopt the change in 2017.

“RQ will be empowered to bring effect to the legislation in January 2018, through the renewal of the annual Race Information Fees agreements.”

However, RQ did point out corporate bookmakers could introduce the MBL rules for their customers sooner if they wished to do so.

• The Brisbane Racing Club has appointed former Australian Turf Club executive Matt Rudolph to the new position of general manager – racing.

He will start in September and part of his responsibilities will be the racing program, tracks and training facilities.

He will work alongside Bart Sinclair, who has acted as the BRC’s racing manager in a part- time role for the past four years.