Tom Waterhouse believes he promotes responsible gambling. Controversial bookmaker Tom Waterhouse, has come out in defence of his high-profile marketing and promotion of sports betting during the broadcasts of Australia's most popular sports. In a statement to the joint select committee on gambling reform, Mr Waterhouse said his organisation has "no intention of targeting children through our advertising" and said its controversial arrangements with broadcasters like Nine is helping keep the industry viable and relevant. The joint select committee on gambling reform launched an inquiry into the advertising and promotion of gambling services in Australian sport in February this year in response to growing concern over the rising television profile of betting operators like Tom Waterhouse. His response to the committee did not include details of the deal with Nine, or the rumoured $50 million deal with rugby league. Mr Waterhouse said: "An arrangement between our company and the NRL has not been concluded at this stage" while his deal with Nine is "commercial-in-confidence." He was more open about his on-TV role at the broadcaster. "In the first two rounds we presented at some times alongside Nine commentators but not as a commentator rather as a broadcast sponsor," said the submission from Mr Waterhouse. He said that, from round three, his role moved to "discrete segments" with clearly defined branding and company graphics. "There is no interaction between the commentators and me," he said. According to Mr Waterhouse, his controversial dealings with Nine are more effective at achieving cut-through with viewers and said it is good for the broadcasters, too. "This type of arrangement by our company, and others, in this and other industries is vital in keeping TV a viable and relevant medium to promote business," he said. For TV to be able to afford broadcast rights, the funding of which is ploughed back into the sport, it needs to stay relevant to advertisers. In the modern age traditional advertising (commercial ad breaks) no longer always works effectively. In 2011, the Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, announced the federal government's intention to work with the sport and betting industries to "reduce and control" the promotion of live odds during sports broadcasts. The voluntary codes being developed are designed to ensure there are no live odds during a game, or by commentators at any time during the broadcast of a match. It will be allowed during breaks in play and must be clearly identified as a gambling promotion. We believe we promote responsible gambling and we have no intention of targeting children through our advertising. At all times we comply with all relevant codes," Mr Waterhouse said.