This Month
Has Australia’s largest bookmaker peaked?
Sportsbet has enjoyed a meteoric rise with its customer promotions and aggressive marketing strategy. Taking it to the next level may be difficult.
- Zoe Samios
- Exclusive
- Cryptocurrencies
Stake.com billionaires build secret position in local bookie PointsBet
Ed Craven and his business partner, Bijan Tehrani, have spent weeks buying shares in the ASX-listed group as they establish a foothold in the local market.
- Zoe Samios
- Exclusive
- Gambling
Rich lister’s online casino empire feels heat of US lawsuits
The wildly profitable business operated by the Perth billionaire is facing legal challenges in US two states, and a crackdown on digital gambling in a third.
- Primrose Riordan
November
Labor edges away from gambling ad ban
In a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland noted some sporting codes relied heavily on online gambling revenue.
- Ronald Mizen
- Exclusive
- Political donations
Access to Michelle Rowland for $1500 - or free with a subscription
The event is illustrative of the opaque world of “policy forums” used by political parties to sell corporate Australia privileged access to key politicians.
- Ronald Mizen
- Exclusive
- Political donations
Anthony Albanese wined and dined by betting giant Sportsbet
Sportsbet chief Barni Evans joined the prime minister at the National Press Club amid growing calls for political parties to clamp down on gambling ads.
- Ronald Mizen
- Exclusive
- Political donations
Michelle Rowland’s lavish Society lunch paid for by gambling lobby
The Melbourne lunch was not recorded on the Communication Minister’s parliamentary register of interests.
- Ronald Mizen
October
Tabcorp hit with strike over ‘excessive’ pay
It is the first strike against Tabcorp’s remuneration report since 2018.
- Zoe Samios
Three major proxy firms now dispute Tabcorp CEO, directors pay
Ownership Matters and ISS have joined the Australian Shareholders’ Association in opposition to the proposed pay packets of the wagering giant’s CEO and directors.
- Zoe Samios
Rich Lister accused of encouraging ‘incredibly inappropriate’ behaviour
Online casino entrepreneur Ed Craven has been accused of encouraging inappropriate behaviour towards a female escort on his live-streaming platform.
- Primrose Riordan and Tess Bennett
Tabcorp wagering revenue falls, shares plunge 10pc
The ASX-listed operator took the unusual step of providing the market with first-quarter revenue in an attempt to provide clarity on broad market conditions.
- Zoe Samios
Who’s to blame for News Corp’s $75m gambling problem?
The launch of gambling start-up Betr was supposed to be the next strategic play for News Corp. Just four months after launch and $75 million later, it was out.
- Zoe Samios, Sam Buckingham-Jones and Mark Di Stefano
September
Reclusive Sydney gambling mogul emerges as kingmaker in South Africa
Martin Moshal is the largest individual political donor in South Africa, according to electoral records analysed by a non-profit.
- Primrose Riordan
Country’s online gambling ministers to meet amid credit card crackdown
The government is introducing a law to ban the use of credit cards and digital currencies for online gambling.
- Sam Buckingham-Jones
August
PointsBet: Goodbye US, hello profit?
PointsBet’s price soared in 2020 as it put its stamp on the American market. With its US exit almost complete, analysts are wondering about long-term profitability.
- Zoe Samios
Tabcorp posts $66.5m profit post demerger, digital market share slides
The company, which operates media and gaming services, increased statutory revenue by 2.6 per cent to $2.4 billion and earnings before interest.
- Zoe Samios
Ladbrokes operator Entain axes nearly 10pc of local headcount
The local offshoot of the London-listed wagering firm has also slowed plans to hire staff as part of a cost-cutting mandate from its parent this month.
- Zoe Samios
Star Swans player’s gambling podcast sparks watchdog scrutiny
Tom Papley’s betting podcast comes only months after the club signed onto a major anti-gambling initiative.
- Mark Di Stefano
Fantasy sports start-up seeks fresh funds; big-name investors saddle up
Group1 Sports claims around 1 million Australians bet on horse racing in a typical month.
- Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood and Emma Rapaport
July
PlayUp pauses $10m capital raise after US business hit by regulator
The Sydney-based fantasy sports gambling outfit wants to sell its US operations before recommencing a search for fresh funding.
- Aaron Weinman and Max Mason
