Betfair v Western Australia

Significance

• The 2008 High Court decision of Betfair Pty Limited v Western Australia had major implications for how sports betting is conducted in Australia.
  

Facts

• In 2007, amendments were passed to the Betting Control Act 1954 (WA) preventing interstate betting exchange operators from conducting business in Western Australia.
  
• Betfair challenged the amendments arguing the law was unfair because it imposed protectionist burdens on interstate trade and therefore contravened section 92 of the Australian Constitution.
  

Decision

• The High Court of Australia found in favour of Betfair.
  

Relevant Documents

• High Court decision – Betfair Pty Ltd v Western Australia