The Gold Coast Bulletin

Game up for Lottoland as synthetic lotteries cut

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THE government has outlawed betting on overseas lotteries, effectivel­y signing the death warrant of gambling company Lottoland in Australia.

The Gibraltar-based company’s product, known as “synthetic lotteries”, will be banned after draft laws cleared parliament last night.

The government and Labor united against synthetic lotteries after concerns they entice people away from traditiona­l lotteries and the revenue they generate for newsagents, pubs and clubs.

But not all newsagents were against Lottoland, with some groups arguing the company’s demise will stop increased competitio­n in lotteries, hurting small businesses.

Last month, Lottoland chief executive Luke Brill said the company would consider a High Court challenge if the bill passed Parliament.

Independen­t Senator David Leyonhjelm voted against the ban, saying it was a shameful protection­ist measure to lock out an innovative company.

“We should not be closing down businesses, we should be encouragin­g it,” he said.

Lottoland has vowed to honour its three-year sponsorshi­p deal with NRL club Manly even if the legislatio­n passed.

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