Pre-20th Century: The Origins of Bookmaking in Australia

• Year	Event
  1800s	Colonial Betting Practices 🐎 – The establishment of informal betting among settlers.

• Year	Event
  1865	First Licensed Betting House 🎟️ – The first formal betting operation was licensed in Victoria.

20th Century: The Rise of Australian Bookmakers

• Year	Event
  1951	Regulation of Betting 📜 – The Betting Control Board was established to regulate bookmaking practices.

• Year	Event
  1960s	Television and Betting Expansion 📺 – Televised racing led to a significant increase in betting audiences.

• Year	Event
  1985	Introduction of Wagering Tax 💰 – The introduction of wagering taxes aimed at regulating the industry.

21st Century: The Digital Transformation

• Year	Event
  2000	Online Betting Growth 💻 – The rise of online bookmakers transformed the betting landscape.

• Year	Event
  2015	Introduction of the National Gambling Reform Bill ⚖️ – Aimed to address problem gambling through stricter regulations.

• Year	Event
  2020	COVID-19 Pandemic Impact 🌍 – The pandemic reshaped the betting industry, with a shift towards digital platforms.

Conclusion

Over the years, the landscape of Australian bookmaking has evolved significantly, shaped by regulation, technology, and changing consumer behavior. For more details on the evolution of betting in Australia, you can check out this comprehensive resource.