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.
NSW and Qld unmoved by Star’s renewed plea for tax relief
NSW Premier Chris Minns was emphatic the government would not offer respite to the struggling gaming company whose casinos are ailing.
On the trail of Star Entertainment’s mystery Macau shareholder
Who is Xingchun Wang, and what does he want with the ailing operator of casinos in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast that is teetering on the brink of collapse?
Mystery Macau businessman emerges as major Star Entertainment investor
The struggling casino operator could fall into administration within months. New disclosures show Xingchun Wang has been accumulating shares since September.
‘I made millions from sports betting, without ever backing a winner’
By carefully analysing reams of data and taking advantage of changing odds, Peter Webb has made a tidy sum since the easing of online gambling regulations in the UK.
December 2024
Someone just won $2b in a lottery, what should they do now?
Experts say the winner of the Mega Millions prize should build relationships with a wealth adviser, a tax accountant, an estate attorney and a therapist.
Victorian gaming regulator Annette Kimmitt quits
The former MinterEllison chief executive joined the Victorian gaming regulator when it was given more power to penalise misconduct.
November 2024
$100 pokie limits in Victorian crackdown
Player cards will be introduced across all gaming machines in the state, bringing pubs and clubs in line with restrictions at Melbourne’s Crown casino.
‘Vested interests’ frustrate gambling ad reforms
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland is facing growing frustration, including from within her own party, over the shelving of plans to restrict gambling advertising.
Laurence Escalante’s VGW bulks up exec ranks as casinos bristle
Virtual Gaming Worlds was one of the early beneficiaries of a US legislative loophole in states where gambling is otherwise banned. It’s now under attack.
Blackstone builds Crown Resorts debt bomb as casino profits slide
The private equity giant says it’s comfortable with the big loan it took to buy the casino operator, despite the interest bill and an earnings crunch.
V’landys slams gambling probe, claims NRL betting is least damaging
Peter V’landys doubled down on past claims racing and sports betting are less harmful than lotteries and slammed all 31 recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry.
October 2024
Gambling lobbying reveals risk to our democracy
Readers’ letters on gambling advertising reform, Australia’s role in the Pacific, nuclear energy and politicians receiving perks from Qantas.
Celebrated chef Guy Grossi distances himself from Jon Adgemis
His company could join other parties that the Public Hospitality Group boss once worked with that have already walked away.