Punters with online betting accounts in Australia will be able to top up their account balance at convenience stores and service stations across the country, following a deal between retailers and card company Emerchants.
James Burroughs, a spokesman for bookmaker William Hill, said the service would offer customers the best experience possible.
“William Hill customers can not only get instant access to their winnings but they can deposit directly into their accounts, making their experience even faster and easier,” he said.
Emerchants said the retailers offering top-up services included “independently owned petrol stations, convenience stores and newsagents.”
Operators William Hill and Bet365 have signed up to the service, with other online bookmakers likely to follow.
However, some have cautioned against the move with Financial Counselling Australia expressing concern that the top-up cards could be used to push credit onto problem gamblers.
“The government is introducing legislation to ban sports betting companies providing credit to gamblers,” Lauren Levin, FCA's director of policy and campaigns, said.
“This shows that the industry is already setting up its plan B, for gamblers to access credit to gamble.”
However, Tom Cregan, managing director of Emerchants, said the technology did not encourage gambling any more than a credit card.
“The betting is already going to happen anyway. All it’s really doing is making it more convenient for the customer,” he said.
Cregan added that the technology was designed to keep customers loyal to particular companies.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
