Australia is heading towards getting new laws, legislation... the works, to cover the online gaming - gambling sector, following the global trend.
Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe, as the global war for online gambling domination heats up.
It appears that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for most, certainly in the Asia Pacific - Australian sector at this stage, is the general feeling from the vast majority of people we speak to. Legal eagles, company CEOs, webmasters, media entrepreneurs, financial analysts, even most politicians, say that legalisation is the the way forward.
As Media Man and Gambling911 have previously covered, when things become illegal or go into "grey area", they go often go "underground". Often the industry will thrive, but will be at least somewhat hidden by public view. When this happens some consumer protection can be lost. Gambling and other "vices" still exist, and word is that Sydney's Kings Cross could be on the verge of become a bit of a gambling mecca, albeit attracting a somewhat different patronage to those who frequent our friends at Star City Casino and Crown Casino in Melbourne. Network Nine's TV smash hit show 'Underbelly' has of course brought some underground industries back into the public spotlight, but that's another story.
New laws to officially permit gaming companies to offer online gambling products and services in Australia are "inevitable," as the federal government stands to benefit from the tax brought into government coffers, corporate bean counting outfit KPMG says.
The firm has released a report into the global growth of online gaming suggesting the global market will grow by approximately 42% to $32 billion by 2012 from 2008 levels.
The Australian Productivity Commission states Aussies spent $790 million on online gambling through overseas websites in 2008! Media Man recalls that 2008 was a big growth year for business, building up the website portfolio into double digits to keep up with consumer and b2b demand.
"While illegal and invisible in official records, online gaming appears to have grown very rapidly, and could amount to 4 per cent of gambling expenditure," the commission writes in its recent draft report on Australian gambling.
The commission recommended the Aussie government liberalise online gambling by allowing Aussie companies to provide internet poker and casino games to local customers. Online wagering as well as sports betting is already permitted by law.
Of course, all of the current excitement about Australia's online gaming and gambling industry has attracted the ire of bible bashers and anti gaming campaigners.
Senator Nick Xenophon says the Australian government should resist the lure of extra tax revenue.
"If you open the floodgates to online gambling you will see a new tidal wave of problem gamblers, particularly younger people. Governments shouldn't cave into the temptation of regulating this on the basis that they can get taxes".
Both Australian and (quality) global gaming giants are also expected to benefit, through greater consolidation of the industry. Gibraltar based PartyGaming, the world's leading gaming and igaming company looks to be in a strong position, just coming of a deal with France based PMU, and Richard Branson's Virgin Games also has an outstanding record of ethics, customer service, b2b and giving back to society. At present Branson's Virgin Games does not accept Australian players, while PartyGaming casino, poker, betting, bingo and sports brands can. Playtech, Sega, William Hill and others are expected to make a play, but Media Man's top international picks are Virgin and PartyGaming. Betfair is also poised to soon add casino and poker to their impressive sports betting portfolio. Betfair is half owned by Australia's casino king, James Packer, which won't go astray. Packer also enjoys a long time relationship with many Hollywood A-listers and money men, with Tom Cruise being featured in PartyGaming's Top Gun and Mission: Impossible online games, Stallone in 'Rambo', Travolta in 'Saturday Night Fever' and Arnie in 'The Terminator'. Marvel Entertainment has also strategically embedded themselves in the online gambling sector. Marvel's 'Thor', 'Captain America' and 'Wolverine' - 'X-Men' are rumored for game remakes, and PartyGaming and Playtech have "branded" slot games at high priority. Australia's Hugh Jackman, featuring in a couple of Marvel slot games, has not spoken on the igaming - online gambling industry to date. Jackman also enjoys a friendship with News Corp king of the world, Rupert Murdoch. PKR enjoy a b2b relationship with Nuts and FHM, however it is unclear if Nuts and FHM magazines containing PKR Poker advertising have appeared in Australian news agencies.
Australians currently rate in the world's top ten Forbes, Hitwise and Google lists for online gambling, offline gambling, movie attendance and comic books.
Some inside the Australian gambling industry believe it is unlikely the government will move to liberalise online gambling during an election year, as the government has so many fires to attend to in the meantime like health reform, illegal boat people, not to mention the so called "blacklist" and proposed Australian internet filter, all said to quite likely increase the odds of the Australian Government loosing the next election. One punter bet $10,000 that Labor will loose.
Some Australian anti-gambling entities advise that regulation of the igaming sector could have some benefits. Legalising the service would enable authorities to better control it and protect "problem gamblers", who are already gambling online via offshore websites.
Senator Xenophon interestingly opposes the Australian internet filter, but states policing offshore gaming websites is possible with "political will".
Readers... gamblers, entrepreneurs and media owners... what do you think? Are you with the "coalition of the willing" to use George Bush's expression, or are you for outlaws? Tell us what you think in the forum.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of over a dozen sectors they cover.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin, and has conducted b2b with PartyGaming, Virgin and Betfair.
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4/14/10
Asian Racing Conference Down Under: Alan Jones Speaks Out, by Greg Tingle - 14th April 2010
Australian media king, broadcaster, community entrepreneur and racehorse owner-breeder, Alan Jones AO addressed the 33rd Asian Racing Conference in down under in Sydney, Australia, this past Monday on Racing's Destiny; The Path to Success.
Media Man and Gambling911 saddle up and snap the whip with this galloping report...
Mr Jones emphasised the need for industry unity to meet the challenge of change. He stressed to the conference, booked up with 550 delegates from 36 countries, that the challenges facing Australia, and its individual states, were not particular to Australia.
"Many of these challenges face the industry worldwide," said Jones, a former Australian Rugby Union coach and former Deputy Chairman of the Australian Sports Commission. Readers will recall the Gambling911 and New York Times coverage of the likes of the Aqueduct Racecourse and the slots and development situation.
Aussie Jones says "In politics they say that disunity is death. So it is too in families and so it is in the family of racing. Our real competitors are external ones, other forms of sport and leisure and other gambling activities. In those circumstances, to prevail, unity is important if we are to offer the best programmes, the best racing experience and a consistency in the quality of the product throughout the whole of Australia,".
We think Jones is well aware of the James Packer - Betfair's of the world, and Betfair has made it no secret of their desire to soon offer Australia's a more complete service including online poker and online casino games. Gibraltar based gaming giant PartyGaming of course recently inked a deal with the PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain) in France, and racing bodies and media bodies around the global have rightly taken note.
Jones commented to the conference on the expense of running racing's administration in NSW, in addition to the race field's legislation.
"We also have to be unapologetic in insisting that we get paid for the product that others are using for their financial benefit," he said.
"And I am referring to corporate bookmakers and betting exchanges. "We welcome these mediums which offer punters a broader variety of opportunities for betting, but we are entitled to insist, as and industry, that we get paid," he stressed.
Jones compared the international transfer price for horse racing that is shown in Australia of 3% to the New South Wales "race fee" of 1 ½% with the challenge by corporate bookmakers to that figure and legislation. He commented on gross profit as a method of charging.
"People can run their business badly and not make a profit. In other words they can use our product for no benefit to us. It is ludicrous to link the use of our race fields with the profitability of the user. Surely as with any other product, you pay your fee for using it and you do your best with it, according to your model".
In the coming weeks the Media Man - Gambling911 connection is aiming to speak with Jones and the "stick and pick" club, including John and Jack Singleton and Gerry Harvey. The Singleton's and Radio 2GB have been very supportive to date, even helping Media Man through a rough patch about 5 years ago, and we anticipate a positive reception to our probe on Australian racing as the industry looks to return to top form, despite healthy competition from Betfair and other internet betting entities.
Giddy up punters, another race is about to start. No longer is geographic region such a restrictive element, but we understand the the state and federal government are looking for a fair shake, for its the Australian way, so here's to a Win-Win-Win. We'll keep you posted. Bet with your head, not over it, and keep it fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming being just one of a dozen industry verticals covered
*The writer both owns shares in Crown Limited and participates in the Betfair b2b affiliate program.
Website Network
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Media Man and Gambling911 saddle up and snap the whip with this galloping report...
Mr Jones emphasised the need for industry unity to meet the challenge of change. He stressed to the conference, booked up with 550 delegates from 36 countries, that the challenges facing Australia, and its individual states, were not particular to Australia.
"Many of these challenges face the industry worldwide," said Jones, a former Australian Rugby Union coach and former Deputy Chairman of the Australian Sports Commission. Readers will recall the Gambling911 and New York Times coverage of the likes of the Aqueduct Racecourse and the slots and development situation.
Aussie Jones says "In politics they say that disunity is death. So it is too in families and so it is in the family of racing. Our real competitors are external ones, other forms of sport and leisure and other gambling activities. In those circumstances, to prevail, unity is important if we are to offer the best programmes, the best racing experience and a consistency in the quality of the product throughout the whole of Australia,".
We think Jones is well aware of the James Packer - Betfair's of the world, and Betfair has made it no secret of their desire to soon offer Australia's a more complete service including online poker and online casino games. Gibraltar based gaming giant PartyGaming of course recently inked a deal with the PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain) in France, and racing bodies and media bodies around the global have rightly taken note.
Jones commented to the conference on the expense of running racing's administration in NSW, in addition to the race field's legislation.
"We also have to be unapologetic in insisting that we get paid for the product that others are using for their financial benefit," he said.
"And I am referring to corporate bookmakers and betting exchanges. "We welcome these mediums which offer punters a broader variety of opportunities for betting, but we are entitled to insist, as and industry, that we get paid," he stressed.
Jones compared the international transfer price for horse racing that is shown in Australia of 3% to the New South Wales "race fee" of 1 ½% with the challenge by corporate bookmakers to that figure and legislation. He commented on gross profit as a method of charging.
"People can run their business badly and not make a profit. In other words they can use our product for no benefit to us. It is ludicrous to link the use of our race fields with the profitability of the user. Surely as with any other product, you pay your fee for using it and you do your best with it, according to your model".
In the coming weeks the Media Man - Gambling911 connection is aiming to speak with Jones and the "stick and pick" club, including John and Jack Singleton and Gerry Harvey. The Singleton's and Radio 2GB have been very supportive to date, even helping Media Man through a rough patch about 5 years ago, and we anticipate a positive reception to our probe on Australian racing as the industry looks to return to top form, despite healthy competition from Betfair and other internet betting entities.
Giddy up punters, another race is about to start. No longer is geographic region such a restrictive element, but we understand the the state and federal government are looking for a fair shake, for its the Australian way, so here's to a Win-Win-Win. We'll keep you posted. Bet with your head, not over it, and keep it fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming being just one of a dozen industry verticals covered
*The writer both owns shares in Crown Limited and participates in the Betfair b2b affiliate program.
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Racing News Media
Star City Casino Security And Surveillance Blitz As War With Crown Casino Heats Up, by Greg Tingle - 14th April 2010
Sydney's Star City Casino has launched a security and surveillance blitz to crack down on violence, stealing, cheats, mugs and all round undesirables not wanted at the casino, as they prepare for relaunch in the coming year.
Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as Star City goes to war on the ugly side of the casino business, while competing for VIP high rollers with Crown Casino in Melbourne.
We can state that without a shadow of a doubt, security has been beefed up at Star City. This was noticeable upon our attendance to the iGaming Business Down Under event last month. More than just the normal eyes in the sky, there were musclemen in security uniforms a plenty and one got the feeling their were a few undercover officers also lurking. Maybe our film crew helped bring them out of the woodwork.
Star City and Crown Casino for that matter, are well award of the 'Underbelly' X factor, having been frequented by bikies previously, with the odd police chase ending up in the car park, in addition to the well documented reports from Gambling911 and the like on the increase of casino and poker tournament heists across the global.
With Australia's known as being home to some of the world's most passionate gamblers, both traditionally and online, casino security has good reason to be cautious.
Star City will increase security camera numbers by at least 50% by the conclusion of 2011, mainly targeting cheating and fraud on table games like blackjack. Australian readers, you've been warned! You might want to leave your mobile phone card counting devices at home, and guns, knives and other weapons are not welcome on site either.
We've learned Star City approximately 1200 video cameras covering the main gaming floor, high rollers room, other public areas and the building's perimeter. This is up 20% on camera numbers a decade ago. The last two years saw most of the increase occur.
Star City aims to expand its video camera numbers to 1800 after a ground breaking $640 million overhaul next year as it valiant attempts to revamp its image as a "glorified RSL club" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club".
Figures obtained by Gambling911 and Media Man show the rate of gaming-related theft, involving chips or slot credits, and cheating detected by the casino, has doubled since last year, basically in line with the collapse of the world's financial markets we note.
There have been 446 reported incidents of thefts and cheating since the start of 2009, or about 30 a month! That's one per day folks, good or bad odds, depending upon how you look at it, but it means that if you were a regular at the casino its likely something would happen to you, someone you know, or you would been nearby to an incident sooner or later.
Two years ago in the month of May one of the models on the books of our friends at AutoBabes was shot by her ex boyfriend on Star City Casino premises. The Daily Telegraph headline screamed 'First Pictures Of Shot Casino Model' (Holly Graham).
Previous crime figures released by the NSW Casino Control Authority showed 177 incidents of theft, fraud and cheating during the year to June last year, or about 15 a month.
"We don't believe there's been a rise in crime. There has been an increase in the number of criminals apprehended," a spokesman said.
Impressively, all of the incidents of gaming-related theft and cheating since January last year had been identified by closed circuit cameras in the casino.
Offences included attempted use of stolen or fake casino chips, or marked cards. The number of patrons (mugs) banned for "disorderly conduct" almost doubled to 151 in the 2008-09 year.
In one wild battle royal like brawl last year involving a bikie group, chairs were smashed and glasses hurled before it spread outside onto the street and surrounds. We don't believe they were (officially) auditioning for 'Underbelly' but Network Nine got wind, and bikies continue to play an important role in storylines, both in Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast based episodes.
No 2010 figures for this year at time of publication, but the spokesman advise the casino aims to massively overhaul its reputation for late-night incidents, pointing out it made good business sense. It stands to reason if a patron saw or heard about too many incidents, they would stay away.
"If people feel safe, they're more likely to come to Star City," he said.
Star City Casino chiefs believe a stigma has developed about going to the casino.
Media Man and Gambling911 believe that James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne has a more elite, somewhat less violent patronage, however they have not exactly remained incident free over the years either. Earlier this year Crown gave the word that they will be implementing plastic handcuffs, and a number of high profile football players have been ejected from the casino in the past few months. We're looking forward to the Logies, Australia's entertainment "night of nights", broadcast from Crown in just a few short weeks. Rumors that Kym Illman's 'Money Girl' Jac Bowie's burlesque troupe and Grant Galea, Dean Martin tribute artist, may show. Bert Newton, iconic Australian TV presenter and comedian, will host The Logies.
Not to be left off the hook, Packer's Burswood Entertainment Complex (read Casino), in Western Australia, has earned itself quite a rowdy reputation over the past number of years, however most assuredly security was beefed up, and crime on premises is down.
Crown's Billionaire Inc, management and staff suggested a massive crackdown on crims and other undesirables, and earlier this year the famed 'plastic handcuff' policy was unleashed, to mixed public and media commentary.
It's understood that the Packer casino security beef up and premises revamps, are providing thousands of jobs, some of which are been keenly taken up by suitable qualified and trained up Indigenous Australians, as part of the the well received GenerationOne campaign and initiative.
We think that there's no doubt Australian land based casinos are newsworthy, and we see a welcome trend of late in news reports where the positives are outdrawing the negatives when it comes to Aussie casino headlines. Yep, more Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, Logies, Bert Newton's, Dita Von Teese, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sly Stallone, Barrack Obama, Pam Anderson, Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra, KISS, Chicago, AC/DC, Elton John, UFC, WWE and the like, and less of mugs, knives, shootouts and handcuffs.
Readers, if its all too much for you, you can just stay at home or hit the internet cafe and enjoy 100s of games from our friends at PartyGaming, Virgin, Captain Cooks Casino, PKR and the like. Crown Casino and Star City continue to revamp their websites, (but you won't find online Cleopatra, Hitman, Underbelly, Tomb Raider or Sinatra there), not yet anyway, but a birdie tells us Party and NextGen Gaming have some interest to produce a Kerry Packer, Ned Kelly and Underbelly slot game, but that's a wait and see situation. Betfair, half owned by Packer, is also keen to soon provide online poker and online casino offerings to Aussies, adding to their sports betting portfolio.
Punters, good betting, and promise to behave yourself if you decide to brave a visit to Star City, Crown Casino or Burswood. "Big Brother" is watching!
* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
* Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals covered. Their gaming and casino news arm is Casino News Media
Website Network
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Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as Star City goes to war on the ugly side of the casino business, while competing for VIP high rollers with Crown Casino in Melbourne.
We can state that without a shadow of a doubt, security has been beefed up at Star City. This was noticeable upon our attendance to the iGaming Business Down Under event last month. More than just the normal eyes in the sky, there were musclemen in security uniforms a plenty and one got the feeling their were a few undercover officers also lurking. Maybe our film crew helped bring them out of the woodwork.
Star City and Crown Casino for that matter, are well award of the 'Underbelly' X factor, having been frequented by bikies previously, with the odd police chase ending up in the car park, in addition to the well documented reports from Gambling911 and the like on the increase of casino and poker tournament heists across the global.
With Australia's known as being home to some of the world's most passionate gamblers, both traditionally and online, casino security has good reason to be cautious.
Star City will increase security camera numbers by at least 50% by the conclusion of 2011, mainly targeting cheating and fraud on table games like blackjack. Australian readers, you've been warned! You might want to leave your mobile phone card counting devices at home, and guns, knives and other weapons are not welcome on site either.
We've learned Star City approximately 1200 video cameras covering the main gaming floor, high rollers room, other public areas and the building's perimeter. This is up 20% on camera numbers a decade ago. The last two years saw most of the increase occur.
Star City aims to expand its video camera numbers to 1800 after a ground breaking $640 million overhaul next year as it valiant attempts to revamp its image as a "glorified RSL club" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club".
Figures obtained by Gambling911 and Media Man show the rate of gaming-related theft, involving chips or slot credits, and cheating detected by the casino, has doubled since last year, basically in line with the collapse of the world's financial markets we note.
There have been 446 reported incidents of thefts and cheating since the start of 2009, or about 30 a month! That's one per day folks, good or bad odds, depending upon how you look at it, but it means that if you were a regular at the casino its likely something would happen to you, someone you know, or you would been nearby to an incident sooner or later.
Two years ago in the month of May one of the models on the books of our friends at AutoBabes was shot by her ex boyfriend on Star City Casino premises. The Daily Telegraph headline screamed 'First Pictures Of Shot Casino Model' (Holly Graham).
Previous crime figures released by the NSW Casino Control Authority showed 177 incidents of theft, fraud and cheating during the year to June last year, or about 15 a month.
"We don't believe there's been a rise in crime. There has been an increase in the number of criminals apprehended," a spokesman said.
Impressively, all of the incidents of gaming-related theft and cheating since January last year had been identified by closed circuit cameras in the casino.
Offences included attempted use of stolen or fake casino chips, or marked cards. The number of patrons (mugs) banned for "disorderly conduct" almost doubled to 151 in the 2008-09 year.
In one wild battle royal like brawl last year involving a bikie group, chairs were smashed and glasses hurled before it spread outside onto the street and surrounds. We don't believe they were (officially) auditioning for 'Underbelly' but Network Nine got wind, and bikies continue to play an important role in storylines, both in Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast based episodes.
No 2010 figures for this year at time of publication, but the spokesman advise the casino aims to massively overhaul its reputation for late-night incidents, pointing out it made good business sense. It stands to reason if a patron saw or heard about too many incidents, they would stay away.
"If people feel safe, they're more likely to come to Star City," he said.
Star City Casino chiefs believe a stigma has developed about going to the casino.
Media Man and Gambling911 believe that James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne has a more elite, somewhat less violent patronage, however they have not exactly remained incident free over the years either. Earlier this year Crown gave the word that they will be implementing plastic handcuffs, and a number of high profile football players have been ejected from the casino in the past few months. We're looking forward to the Logies, Australia's entertainment "night of nights", broadcast from Crown in just a few short weeks. Rumors that Kym Illman's 'Money Girl' Jac Bowie's burlesque troupe and Grant Galea, Dean Martin tribute artist, may show. Bert Newton, iconic Australian TV presenter and comedian, will host The Logies.
Not to be left off the hook, Packer's Burswood Entertainment Complex (read Casino), in Western Australia, has earned itself quite a rowdy reputation over the past number of years, however most assuredly security was beefed up, and crime on premises is down.
Crown's Billionaire Inc, management and staff suggested a massive crackdown on crims and other undesirables, and earlier this year the famed 'plastic handcuff' policy was unleashed, to mixed public and media commentary.
It's understood that the Packer casino security beef up and premises revamps, are providing thousands of jobs, some of which are been keenly taken up by suitable qualified and trained up Indigenous Australians, as part of the the well received GenerationOne campaign and initiative.
We think that there's no doubt Australian land based casinos are newsworthy, and we see a welcome trend of late in news reports where the positives are outdrawing the negatives when it comes to Aussie casino headlines. Yep, more Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, Logies, Bert Newton's, Dita Von Teese, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sly Stallone, Barrack Obama, Pam Anderson, Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra, KISS, Chicago, AC/DC, Elton John, UFC, WWE and the like, and less of mugs, knives, shootouts and handcuffs.
Readers, if its all too much for you, you can just stay at home or hit the internet cafe and enjoy 100s of games from our friends at PartyGaming, Virgin, Captain Cooks Casino, PKR and the like. Crown Casino and Star City continue to revamp their websites, (but you won't find online Cleopatra, Hitman, Underbelly, Tomb Raider or Sinatra there), not yet anyway, but a birdie tells us Party and NextGen Gaming have some interest to produce a Kerry Packer, Ned Kelly and Underbelly slot game, but that's a wait and see situation. Betfair, half owned by Packer, is also keen to soon provide online poker and online casino offerings to Aussies, adding to their sports betting portfolio.
Punters, good betting, and promise to behave yourself if you decide to brave a visit to Star City, Crown Casino or Burswood. "Big Brother" is watching!
* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
* Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals covered. Their gaming and casino news arm is Casino News Media
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Casino
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Poker News Media
Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
4/13/10
Asian Racing Conference In Sydney - The Great Debate, by Greg Tingle - 13th April 2010
The Australian - Asia Pacific gaming and racing industry developments maintain fever pitch.
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation down under...
The Australian horse racing industry is traditionally the bread and butter of Aussie betting, going back to the good old days when both illegal bookies like Eric Frazer Tingle (relation) and wheeler dealers like the late George Freeman (Underbelly fame) shared in a slice of the action with the once otherwise monopoly known as the TAB (Totalisator Agency Board). Our old mate "Big" Tim Bristow, who we understand gets referred to in books such as 'Not For Publication' and 'The Gambling Man' also played a role, which could be described as "unofficial" or as an "enforcer". In the old days folks often paid to avoid "bad luck" and of course "insurance" against risk.
Things have progressed since the 1950-80 golden like era, however politics, legals, big bucks and an 'Underbelly' still remain, albeit in different shades.
Today saw the 33rd Asian Racing Conference being held in Sydney.
The stellar event played host to a rivalry far more fierce than that between racing king Bart Cummings and queen Gai Waterhouse.
"The Great Debate", sees Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys go tooth and nail with Betfair co-founder Edward Wray, reports Fairfax Media.
Betfair, an internet-based betting exchange, half-owned by casino king James Packer (like half of Australia it seems at times), has launched a legal challenge against the racing authority's decision to charge it fees based on turnover rather than profit.
The arguments are complex, but there's millions, if not billions at stake.
Racing NSW has put $60 million bucks aside to return to corporate bookies should they lose, with the verdict due later this month.
Betfair is hoping Federal Court judge Nye Perram is more impartial than the gent in charge of today's debate, Australian Racing Board chief executive Andrew Harding, advise Fairfax Media. A bit of history... at a similar racing conference in 2004, Harding gave an impassioned presentation billed "Australia Against Betfair."
Punters, times are a changing, as Tycoon's such as James Packer are almost unstoppable at the moment, and Aussie's are open to betting alternatives.
Something tells us that both state and federal governments are going to be key factors, as will "legal eagles", and not to any surprise, Betfair can and do engage the best that money can buy.
The late news... Betfair is also aiming to provide an online poker and online casino service to Australians. Rivals such as PartyGaming and Centrebet continue to demonstrate that they enjoy a punt online, not just restricted to the four legged variety... the horses and the doggies, oh, or the occasional Pink Pigeon birdies (yet another Aussie fair dinkum betting event that our birdie friend tells us Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy wouldn't mind seeing censored, or shutdown completely).
Rumor of the week... Illegal Australian gambling dens and betting rings to make a comeback "down under", as censorship threatens (and pisses off) punters. All good fodder for 'Underbelly' 5 and 6. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, Aussie Oi Aussie Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They own and operate over 20 website portals including Racing News Media http://www.racingnewsmedia.com
*The writer participates in the Betfair affiliate program via agency DGM and is a shareholder in Crown Casino
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Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation down under...
The Australian horse racing industry is traditionally the bread and butter of Aussie betting, going back to the good old days when both illegal bookies like Eric Frazer Tingle (relation) and wheeler dealers like the late George Freeman (Underbelly fame) shared in a slice of the action with the once otherwise monopoly known as the TAB (Totalisator Agency Board). Our old mate "Big" Tim Bristow, who we understand gets referred to in books such as 'Not For Publication' and 'The Gambling Man' also played a role, which could be described as "unofficial" or as an "enforcer". In the old days folks often paid to avoid "bad luck" and of course "insurance" against risk.
Things have progressed since the 1950-80 golden like era, however politics, legals, big bucks and an 'Underbelly' still remain, albeit in different shades.
Today saw the 33rd Asian Racing Conference being held in Sydney.
The stellar event played host to a rivalry far more fierce than that between racing king Bart Cummings and queen Gai Waterhouse.
"The Great Debate", sees Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys go tooth and nail with Betfair co-founder Edward Wray, reports Fairfax Media.
Betfair, an internet-based betting exchange, half-owned by casino king James Packer (like half of Australia it seems at times), has launched a legal challenge against the racing authority's decision to charge it fees based on turnover rather than profit.
The arguments are complex, but there's millions, if not billions at stake.
Racing NSW has put $60 million bucks aside to return to corporate bookies should they lose, with the verdict due later this month.
Betfair is hoping Federal Court judge Nye Perram is more impartial than the gent in charge of today's debate, Australian Racing Board chief executive Andrew Harding, advise Fairfax Media. A bit of history... at a similar racing conference in 2004, Harding gave an impassioned presentation billed "Australia Against Betfair."
Punters, times are a changing, as Tycoon's such as James Packer are almost unstoppable at the moment, and Aussie's are open to betting alternatives.
Something tells us that both state and federal governments are going to be key factors, as will "legal eagles", and not to any surprise, Betfair can and do engage the best that money can buy.
The late news... Betfair is also aiming to provide an online poker and online casino service to Australians. Rivals such as PartyGaming and Centrebet continue to demonstrate that they enjoy a punt online, not just restricted to the four legged variety... the horses and the doggies, oh, or the occasional Pink Pigeon birdies (yet another Aussie fair dinkum betting event that our birdie friend tells us Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy wouldn't mind seeing censored, or shutdown completely).
Rumor of the week... Illegal Australian gambling dens and betting rings to make a comeback "down under", as censorship threatens (and pisses off) punters. All good fodder for 'Underbelly' 5 and 6. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, Aussie Oi Aussie Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They own and operate over 20 website portals including Racing News Media http://www.racingnewsmedia.com
*The writer participates in the Betfair affiliate program via agency DGM and is a shareholder in Crown Casino
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