SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Intralot has denied that it is looking to acquire an Australian business after media reports in the country suggested it is targeting Tabcorp‘s gaming business.
The Australian reported earlier this week that Greek supplier Intralot had approached Tabcorp to acquire Max Gaming, the Australian market leader’s gaming monitoring business.
Reports suggested that the deal could be worth up to A$610m (€347m), while it would undoubtedly expand the company’s profile in the highly lucrative Australian gaming sector.
Intralot already holds the gaming monitoring licence in the state of Victoria, which is home to some of Australia’s most notable casinos, until 2027. The gaming monitoring licence is an important one, essentially making the holder the main maintenance and B2B supply partner to the local casino industry.
Securing a takeover of Max Gaming, one of Australia’s biggest gaming suppliers, would enable Inralot to take on gaming monitoring duties in other states like New South Wales (NSW), where Max holds the monitoring licence until 2032.
Strengthening its foothold in Australia would further complement the firm’s activities in markets like Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, the US, and Brazil. However, any speculation that it is pursuing such a takeover has been strongly denied by the firm.
Intralot’s brief statement read: “In reply to the query no. 1147/21.05.2025 of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and in relation to press reports concerning the acquisition of a company in Australia, INTRALOT clarifies that no binding agreement of this kind exists.
“Currently INTRALOT is not conducting any negotiations relating to any acquisition in Australia.”
Australia – not for amateurs
Any company looking to expand its profile in Australia, whether via acquisition or otherwise, has a lot of factors to keep in mind in 2025. Competition is first and foremost in this, though this mainly impacts the B2C sector.
Even international heavy hitters like William Hill, prior to its takeover by 888/Evoke, have struggled to set up shop in a market dominated by brands like Tabcorp, Ladbrokes Australia, Ned and Sportsbet.
Some domestic challengers are making inroads, however, like BlueBet, trading as Betr, which has been expanding via acquisition lately. Another factor for firms to consider, though, is regulation.
Victoria in particular has been eyeing up enhanced player protection via regulation over the past few years. At the federal level, the Anthony Albanese government may have shelved gambling reform plans ahead of this year’s election, but now its position in government is secure this could well be back on the table.
