THE federal government will consider banning political insiders from betting on the election amid reports of widespread wagering by parliamentary advisers, staffers and party officials.
Julia Gillard said yesterday there was "some merit" to independent senator and anti-gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon's call to ban politicians, party officials and advisers from election betting, The Australian Financial Review reports.
Tony Abbott said he was a reluctant banner but would "be very happy to say that it should not be happening".
The comments follow weekend reports that betting agencies had been taking large punts from Labor and Coalition figures, some of whom are not backing their own parties.
Concerns about insider wagering have emerged after a flurry of election betting over the past 24 hours shortened the Coalition's odds of victory on August 21 from $3.32 to $2.40. The ALP eased from $1.46 to $1.54.
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