A scene from last year's Melbourne Cup. Anyone organising the office Melbourne Cup sweepstake is being warned by authorities to stick to the rules - or face hefty consequences. The Department of Internal Affairs has issued a warning in the lead-up to today's big race, telling office sweepstake organisers there should be "no horsing around'' when it comes to gambling rules. Tobacco is also not allowed to be a prize in the sweepstake, with the DIA telling organisers to "rein it in" when it comes to prizes. "Sweepstakes, such as those run during the Melbourne Cup, are allowed under the Gambling Act 2003 but must comply with certain rules."

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2019 18:56 UTC