Yesterday
Entain boss Dean Shannon to depart ahead of AUSTRAC remediation
The chief executive who led the company since 2019 will step down upon the completion of a new anti-money-laundering program.
This Month
Escalante to buy out investors in his $3.2b online gambling giant
Billionaire Laurence Escalante already controls 70 per cent of Virtual Gaming Worlds, and last month told unhappy shareholders they should just sell out of the company.
May
Tabcorp unleashes promotions, but turns off commissions for 1300 pubs
The wagering giant’s chief Gillon McLachlan told publicans the company had “some serious structural challenges … but it’s not just us that needs a change”.
Pollies should kick their poker machine addiction
State and territory goverments are blinded by the lustre of gambling revenue to the social ills pokies cause.
Former NT chief’s pokies regret: ‘I wish we never had them’
Alice Springs has one of the highest concentrations of pokies in the world. Shane Stone, who ran the NT in the ’90s, wishes he did more to rein them in.
Light & Wonder keen on more M&A deals, primary listing in Australia
The gaming group’s CEO, Matt Wilson, discusses its strategy, what businesses it might acquire, and how they are managing the Trump-led trade volatility.
Gil McLachlan needs a strong defensive game on live sport betting
Tabcorp now has a risk-taker in charge, which excites the market, even though caution is required.
The Rich Listers whose financial success (or pain) remains a secret
Billionaire Sam Arnaout’s private company Iris Capital has been able to shield his gambling profits from prying eyes. Corporate governance experts are asking why.
‘Grave social evil’: Howard urges government to crack down on pokies
The former prime minister is calling for regulatory reform following an investigation into the distribution and ownership of poker machines in Alice Springs.
Gambling billionaire Escalante in expletive-ridden rant to investors
Perth gambling billionaire Laurence Escalante has told investors to sell their shares in his gaming business Virtual Gaming Worlds if they don’t trust him.
The stage of life Australians can’t afford to ignore
Kate Carnell says federal funds for end-of-life planning would reduce costly hospitalisations and prevent unnecessary suffering.
Allan Gray, Spheria slam Ainsworth board over takeover bid
The minority shareholders have accused Ainsworth’s board of failing to act in the interest of shareholders by accepting a takeover bid from Novomatic.
April
Portelli hits fast lane on mooted LMCT+ sale, MacCap takes the wheel
Several conversations around how a change of control could play out and the steps needed to make LMCT+ sale-ready had taken place since the end of last year.
February
Fallen Star executive’s lawbreaking no match for his bonus
Good value can be a subjective term. For Greg Hawkins, $180,000 must seem like a steal.
Stake.com to quit Britain after Bonnie Blue video controversy
The Melbourne-run, Caribbean-registered online casino giant is the main sponsor of English Premier League club Everton but will leave the country next month.
Teetering Star Entertainment’s hiring drive beggars belief
For a company on the brink of financial collapse, the casino operator seems keen to increase its wages bill.
Chalmers, Labor leave bookmaking giant in the cold
The lobbyists for Sportsbet keep getting blackballed from Labor minister cash-for-access events.
January
$40m not enough: The AFL’s plan to grab more gambling money
The sport’s administrators make up to $40 million from wagering deals every year. It is hoping to significantly increase that by negotiating a new agreement.
Heavyweight Star investors land in Brisbane as casino teeters on brink
The company said it was “no certainty” it would be able to raise any more money to avert collapse as it discusses its options with major shareholders.
PM speed-dated TV, sports bosses before U-turn on gambling ad ban
In a 95-minute period on August 30, Anthony Albanese spoke with the country’s major sporting and TV bosses about his draft gambling ad policy.