Reported in this mornings THE AUSTRALIAN newspaper by Daniel Hoare.

"The nation's gaming giants are expected to lose their fight to prevent off-shore internet gambling, with the Howard Government tipped to allow international competitors.

The decision could revolutionise the industry by allowing offshore betting exchanges to become licensed in Australia."

"In a clear demonstration it is preparing for increased competition, the NSW TAB has registered its own betting exchange trademarks."

"Graham Cassidy, a spokesman for the TAB, conceded that the company would introduce its own betting exchange."

""........if it becomes an issue of the federal Government not banning them and they become part of the infrastructure of wagering in this country, then we'll be reluctantly joining the queue.""(Cassidy - TAB)

"The British company (BetFair) said it would pay the same percentage of revenues as the TABs which is believed to be between 20 and 40 per cent."