Productivity Commission Final Report on Gambling (June 2010)

Introduction

On 23 June 2010, the Productivity Commission ("Commission") released its Final Report on Gambling¹. The Report represents a significant milestone in Australian gambling regulation and follows on from the Draft Report the Commission published in October 2009.²

Key Findings and Recommendations

• If the race fields legislation which has been introduced in most jurisdictions is unsuccessful over the next three years in terms of preventing free-riding by wagering operators or provide a competitively neutral wagering industry, then a national funding model should be established.
• The national funding model should be based on Commonwealth legislation and include an independent price-setting body. A single product fee based on gross revenue should be paid by wagering operators,