In the highly regulated gaming industry, angling for political influence is unceasing. Still, the industry’s svengali is usually better at it. Sportsbet’s decision to sponsor a Rockpool fundraiser for then-shadow comms minister Michelle Rowland – followed up three days before the election with another $10,000 in cash – was nothing if not ham-fisted.

Such boardroom dinners usually involve over a dozen different companies keen on the access. By virtue of their wide attendance, they might as well be public.