February
PointsBet spars with spurned suitor BlueBet over funding and synergies
The ASX-listed bookmaker has agreed to sell itself to Japan’s Mixi, angering backers of its Matthew Tripp-run rival who claim it is leaving money on the table.
Major PointsBet investors back BlueBet over Mixi’s $353m takeover bid
The wagering group is the subject of two proposals. Its board has backed the Japanese entertainment giant’s buyout plans over one from its local rival.
Betr mulls revisiting controversial 100-to-1 promotion as it expands
The ASX-listed bookmaker is buying Queensland-based TopSport in its second major deal in a year, putting it “right on the heels” of major rival PointsBet.
Matt Tripp’s Betr raises cash to buy Queensland bookie
The target TopSport reported a turnover of $198.9 million for 11,000-plus gamblers in the December half of the financial year.
January
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.
‘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
AUSTRAC sues Ladbrokes and Neds owner
Entain allegedly did not conduct appropriate checks on 17 high-risk customers and deliberately obscured the identity of some through use of pseudonyms.
Tabcorp slashes 10pc of workforce in cost cut drive
The move is the first major change made by the wagering group’s new chief executive Gillon McLachlan. Cost-cutting had been flagged with investors last month.
November 2024
‘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.
Deposed Tabcorp boss has a warning for CEOs everywhere
In his first interview since being sacked as the chief executive of the wagering giant, Adam Rytenskild says he was put “six feet under” with no warning.
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.
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
Betting firms pull $150m in advertising as crackdown looms
The Albanese government says it will unveil new restrictions on wagering advertising before the end of the year. Gambling firms are already pulling back.
Crypto casino Rich Lister victim of attempted kidnapping
Billionaire Tim Heath was attacked in his home in Estonia in July by a group of foreign nationals who attempted to abduct him.
NRL, AFL personally lobbied Anthony Albanese against gambling ad ban
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NRL chairman Peter V’landys have been singing from the same songbook when it comes to gambling advertising. New details suggest why.
Labor MP blasts tax credit scheme as gambling firms claim millions
Revelations that gambling companies have been spending millions on R&D tax credits have come as a surprise to some senior figures in Labor.
September 2024
Tabcorp chairman Bruce Akhurst quits before he is pushed
Investors have been concerned about the wagering giant’s performance, with its shares down 50 per cent since the start of the year.
‘Show some courage’: Pressure on Albanese over gambling ad ban
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says gambling, not advertising, is the biggest issue to be dealt with, and reiterated his opposition to a total ad ban.
Online casino mogul gets into lotteries as profits surge
Revenues at Virtual Gaming Worlds, which pioneered the use of a loophole to offer casino-like games with cash prizes in the US, has soared above $6 billion, accounts show.
HG Vora chips away at Pointsbet stake; Jefferies on hand
Sources said it was a standard block trade, with three funds on the buy side.