Oceania

Governance of Australian gambling operator Tabcorp were delighted to announce that the company had beaten market forecasts for its 2014 performance (year ending 30 June). Tabcorp would post 2014 full year net profits of $171 million up 14% on 2013’s 149 million. Tabcorp would record a performance uplift on all key top-line metrics, as the operator posted a 6% rise …

Australian betting operator Tabcorp has announced that it has ended its broadcast stand-off with race track operator Racing Victoria, following months of deadlock negotiations regarding distribution rights. Both Racing Victoria and Tabcorp governance have agreed terms for Victoria race fixtures to be broadcast on Sky Racing 1 network. The broadcast will bring a much needed boost to Racing Victoria and Tabcorp …

William Hill CEO James Henderson has described the past six months as a period of ‘significant regulatory and taxation change for the industry’ as the bookmaker reported a 30% drop in profits after tax to £69.5m. Despite group net revenue marginally growing, even against 2014 World Cup comparatives, operating profit dropped 12% to £155.7m for the first half. Group net …

William Hill has extended its coveted Sports Book of the Year competition to Australia by providing an AUS $20,000 (£10,000) prize for the winning author. Held since 1989, the William Hill Sports Book of the Year is regarded as the UK’s top award for sports literature. Notable winners include Nick Hornby (Fever Pitch), Paul Kimmage (Rough Ride: An Insight into …

AIM-listed bingo operator Stride Gaming plc has bought InfiApps Limited, a profitable internationally-focused mobile social gaming company, for up to US$39.2m, over half of which will be paid in cash, while the remainder triggered by earn-out targets over the next two years. The acquisition will provide the Stride Gaming group with an entry into the social gaming segment of online …

‘The Australian’ newspaper has claimed that bet35 and Ladbrokes Australia’s ‘click-call’ live betting features will be investigated by international police organisation Interpol. The Australian Federal Police, who were asked to investigate the bookmakers ‘click-call’ betting features by the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA), have referred the investigation to Interpol, as the operators’ Australian websites are hosted remotely. Meanwhile William …

AUSTRAC, the Australia financial intelligence unit is charging Tabcorp with failure to comply with anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws. The penalty placed by the finance body, could see Tabcorp charged with an AUS $17 million fine, for failing to meet Australian anti-money laundering compliance laws and practices. AUSTRAC has stated to Australian media that it has gained a …

Queensland State has awarded its Brisbane casino resort project to leisure and gambling operator Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. Following a tender process, the Queensland government awarded the Echo bid over the casino proposal submitted by James Packer’s Crown Resorts. Echo will build a AUS $2 billion (£1 billion) casino on Brisbane’s river front, the investment will be by a consortium …

Ladbrokes Australia will no longer run its ‘QuickCall’ feature as pressure mounts on UK operators to withdraw in-play betting services following ongoing investigations from the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) and the Federal Police into breaches of gambling laws. Ladbrokes Australia, one of the three UK bookmakers (along with William Hill and bet365) to offer the controversial service has …

Paddy Power marketing has decided to withdraw a planned Ashes billboard advertisement featuring convicted sex offender Rolf Harris. Images of the controversial advert, which carries the image of Australian entertainer and convicted sex offender Rolf Harris and the message “The Only Aussie We Don’t Want to Get Out” were leaked this weekend on Twitter. It is believed that Paddy Power …