Oceania

Facing a probe by Australia’s Federal Police of its ‘Click to Call’ betting system, William Hill is standing by its controversial mechanism. During its interim results, the bookmaker revealed that its Australian betting division had seen wagers triple following the introduction of ‘Click to Call’, which follows live betting procedures by allowing customers to connect to live betting markets through …

Australia’s Seven broadcast network and Racing Victoria have launched a new free to air channel devoted to Victoria racing events, Racing.com Racing.com will be made available using the full range of Seven Network services and devices, as the channel makes its debut this Saturday. Details on Racing.com were announced today by Tim Worner, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of …

New Zealand’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed the re-appointment of Graeme Reeves as Chief Gambling Commissioner. Reeves, a commercial lawyer with experience in commercial and property law, previously served as a director of the Airways Corporation for New Zealand and spent time as a director of New Zealand Post. The re-appointment of Reeves is announced as New Zealand Racing …

Eastern European gambling and betting operator Synot Group has acquired a minority stake in Australian machine gaming manufacturer Atlas Gaming. The investment in the manufacturer is part of its strategic partnership with South African gambling investment firm Grand Parade Investments (GPI). The Synot Group investment in Atlas Gaming, will see the Czech based gambling operator provide global distribution services as …

Tatts Group CEO Robbie Cooke, has outlined that the unifying UBET brand and operations, will be the key driver of Tatts Group future corporate growth. Presenting 2014/2015 year end results (period ending 30 June), Tatts group posted net profits of AUS $252 million (£117 million) up 25% on the corresponding years performance of AUS $200.4 million. Driven by record sales …

South Australian Senator Nick Xenephon wants Australia’s financial authorities to ban g credit lines facilities being offered to national consumers. A new report released on Monday calls for a blanket ban on online betting companies extending credit to gamblers, including accepting credit cards as a form of payment. The senator supported by the Australian Financial Counselling (FCA) has warned government bodies that …

Ladbrokes Australia has confirmed that it will integrate Racing Victoria broadcast services, as it looks to enhance its Australian racing inventory in the coming months. The bookmaker has agreed a multi-year content agreement to allow Racing Victoria meetings to be live streamed to active account holders on Ladbrokes Australia betting platform and on subsidiary brands BetStar and Bookmaker.com.au. Ladbrokes becomes …

Australian gambling and leisure operator Crown Resorts has announced that it has acquired a 60% stake in Austin (Texas) based social gambling/games developer DGN Games LLC for a sum of US $27.5 million (£17.5 million). Crown Resorts becomes the latest land based operator to invest in the Social gambling sector, following last year’s $885 million (£560 million) acquisition of Big …

Ladbrokes Australia has announced the launch of its ‘Cash-In’ network which will allow customers to instantly deposit money into their player accounts at over 1000 participating kiosks and newsagents. The Ladbrokes ‘Cash-In’ network will utilise the Nparcel payment system, which will allow customers to make direct deposits ‘over the counter’ using online payment codes or via pre-paid gift-cards. The operator …

Following numerous quarters of consecutive performance declines, billionaire James Packer has confirmed that he will step down as Crown Resorts Executive Chairman. As majority shareholder in the business, Packer will be transferred to a senior executive placement within the casino operator’s governance. Packer will further maintain his Co-Chairman position of subsidiary Melco Crown Entertainment Asia. Packer will be replaced as …