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Lottoland insists it's 'here to stay'

Federal parliament has passed legislation banning betting on overseas lottery draws but Lottoland has vowed to stay.

Lottoland CEO Luke Brill
Lottoland CEO Luke Brill says the company intends to stay despite Australian laws banning the site. (AAP)

Gambling company Lottoland says it isn't going anywhere, despite laws passed in federal parliament banning betting on overseas lotteries.

The Gibraltar-based company's product, known as "synthetic lotteries", will be banned after draft laws cleared parliament on Thursday 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.

Lottoland chief executive Luke Brill denied the changes signalled the end.

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Mr Brill said they wouldn't come into force until 2019 and the company was "well advanced" in exploring other ways to continue delivering choice to 700,000 registered Australian punters.

"We are here to stay," he said in a statement on Thursday.

"We will continue to innovate and adapt so that we can continue to provide our customers with the type of exciting and innovative products they have come to expect from us over the past two years."

Last month, Mr Brill said the company would consider a High Court challenge if the bill passed parliament.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said the government was committed to ensuring gambling takes place with strong consumer protections and within the boundaries of community standards.

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


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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