Lottery protections that stop lotteries being sold in large supermarket chains have been extended to 2021 to protect consumers and small business.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro announced a three-year extension to an agreement with Tabcorp not to open up lottery sales to large supermarket chains.
CEO of the Australian Lottery and Newsagents Association (ALNA) Adam Joy welcomed the announcement.
“This is a win for small business and a victory of common sense,” he said. “Securing the extension of these protections for our members has been an important priority area ALNA has been working diligently on.
“Minister Barilaro has been a long-time supporter of our industry, and ALNA continues to maintain a productive working relationship with the NSW government on lotteries and other important legislation and regulatory matters that support our channel.
“We greatly appreciate his efforts and leadership to deliver what is a really positive extension period, which makes sure newsagents will continue as the primary outlets for the sale of lottery products.
“Lotteries don’t operate in a free market because gambling products aren’t like other products, which is why governments regulate their access to consumers. This is a good thing for consumers and provides safeguards to them and the 1400 lottery agents who sell lottery tickets in NSW.
“By the NSW government signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with Tabcorp, newsagents can be assured that they will not be competing with large supermarket chains to sell lottery products.
“This extension follows on from positive news of last month’s amendment to the Interactive Gambling Bill, which will make lotto betting prohibited in Australia by early 2019. We’re pleased to have helped bring these assurances to our members.”
General Manager of ALNA NSW Ibram Kamil, who is also a newsagent, added: “This outcome for newsagents and lottery agents allows us to continue growing and evolving our businesses with certainty and strong support from the NSW government. I know they are going to really appreciate this.”
The ALNA describes itself as the only national and non-profit, industry body specifically for Australian newsagents and lottery agents.
