Australian sports betting scandals are far bigger than just the recent Melbourne Storm football club revelations. Comments echoed by ex Storm chief Brian Waldron. A number of other NRL clubs also broke the rules and an amnesty may be required to clean up the game. A couple of odd bets on Melbourne Storm getting the "wooden spoon" were the recent trigger, but now it appears its a situation much wider in scope, going back years, even before the Storm arrived on the scene (of the crime).
Media Man and Gambling911 have been digging for dirt (and truth), and can now reveal more details on arguable Australia's biggest and dirtiest sports and sports betting scandal of all time, and that covers a lot of ground...
Waldron has got himself in quite the way of words, hitting back Rupert Murdoch's News Limited and the National Rugby League for their involvement in the club's salary cap rorts. He vehemently denies he is the "sole architect" of the scheme.
Waldron is calling for a public inquiry into salary cap cheating, strongly linked with elements of the sports betting world, which he says has spread through NRL clubs over several years. Make no mistake, there's an Underbelly and underworld element to this.
Waldron notified Fairfax Media (News Limited print and online competitor) he would "tell everything I know" (quite a bit we understand) to any properly constituted, transparent inquiry that required evidence under oath.
He's gone on the front foot and says to News "I am … prepared to give the entire background to Rupert Murdoch so that he has a full understanding of how his company has managed a $66 million investment in the Melbourne Storm since its inception."
The art of war maneuvers are in full swing with the disgraced chief speaking "off the record", having secured advise from legal eagles.
"At times like this you stick to the closest 30 people in your life".
Word has leaked to Media Man that a number of NRL clubs were (or are) breaking the rules. The Storm is most recent to get busted, but the cancer has spread far and wide.
There's considerable chance police will investigate the rorting and other potentially criminal going ons.
It was last Thursday, when the NRL announced it had stripped Storm of its last two premierships, fined it half a million dollars and forced it to return $1.1 million in prizemoney, and banned it from accruing any premiership points this season to boot. Ouch! Talk about a crash tackle, followed up by a clothesline that even Hulk Hogan would rate. Hogan did a deal with Sydney Rooster's a few months ago, Rooster's later sporting Full Tilt Poker branding on the players shorts, but that's another scandal ready for probe. The Rooster's caught Hulk-A-Mania, but that's not all they caught! The Canterbury Bulldogs also got done for rorting the cap system back in 2002 and the doggies also have a sex scandal or two under their leg.. er..wing.
Insiders say Waldron told Fairfax (and maybe others) he is determined not to let powerful interests use him as a scapegoat for a payment system he says was compromised and corrupted well before he joined Melbourne Storm in 2005.
A bridie hinted News Limited executives including NRL chief David Gallop as being aware of widespread salary cap cheating for years.
Waldron has apparently notified many folks he told Gallop three years ago that systemic salary rorting was "a cancer" that affected every NRL club except Canberra, which was too broke to pay players more than it should!
But, Waldron said later, Gallop had ignored the warning and had never raised the matter with him again.
Whispers states Waldron told Gallop about rorts at Newcastle Knights in 2007, after a former Knights bean counter alleged rorts.
Our birdie friend tweated (not Twittered like Warnie has quite the habit)... without some sort of amnesty it would be impossible even for those clubs that wanted to do the right thing to straighten out their books.
Gallop said that such a deal couldn't be an option...if extensive details came out about breaches in the salary cap...it would be too damaging to the sport's reputation...could lead to fans questioning results they'd seen on the pitch...
A new player to the clean up.. politics...Frank Stanton in a troubleshooter role..
Stanton is there to kick heads and clean up the salary cap issue.
Waldron said in a media statement "There is a great deal I would like to say about my five years at the Melbourne Storm, a club that I have the highest regard for and whose players are the finest and most courageous group of sportsmen I have ever seen run onto the field of play. They are a great team that will now be remembered for the wrong reason".
The sport awaits a final answer on the amnesty suggestion, and sports betting - bookie agencies are starting to return to normal, the bookies looses on the rort estimated to be well over $100,000, but the real figure may never be know, nor the entire scope of the NRL cancer, as to who knew what, when, ala former U.S president Nixon.
Media Man and Gambling911 thinks its a time to cut out the cancer, not so much of a time for diplomacy and politics. Let's get it back to football fellas, not so much about the "green" on and off the field. NRL punters are looking for assurance that the matches are "for real" and that dark forces are not spoiling the great game that is Australian Rugby League. "Punters want an Australian sport for sports betting and passion, not an Australian casino for gambling. If we want gambling and the possibility of funny business, we will go to the casino. Time to tame and cage the wild animal that is sports rorting", whispered a Media Man insider.
*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 / sports betting is one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals covered
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Australian Racecourse Super Sharks On And Off The Track, by Greg Tingle - 21st April 2010
It's said that the racecourse is a sunny place for shady characters.
We probe Australian racing down under and learn that shady happenings in racing are certainly not restricted to the race track. Racecorse workers superannuation savings have been left in the lurch. Media Man and Gambling911 crack the whip at Aussie racing which already had plenty of challenges before the latest black mark to hit their green and gold place in the sun...
Australian racing and media identity, Alan Jones, recently spoke of challenges, opportunities and the need for unity at the 33rd Asian Racing Conference in Sydney. Little did he know of a new challenge very much related to the employment and sustainably of Australian racing.
The superannuation earnings of hundreds of racecourse workers have been dragged into in a $123 million fraud that may become the biggest super theft in Australian history... the super fraud equivalent of the Fine Cotton Affair and Great Bookie Robbery. With the world's financial markets in the deep end, some being probed by the Australian and United States government, I guess we shouldn't be surprised. There's no 'Underbelly' hype here friends, just the unfortunate facts surrounding the further downward spiral of the racing and financial services industry.
Tabcorp's New South Wales racecourse casuals wagering workers say they have not been advised how much money they are down after their Astarra Superannuation Fund was frozen by financial regulators in October last year.
A staff member for 33 years, Rosemary Walker, 72, who works at Randwick Racecourse, asks how Tabcorp could have approved Astarra as a suitable company for her superannuation.
"I'm puzzled as to why we started off in a reputable fund when we were with (former employer) AWA and ultimately we finished up in Astarra," she said.
The losses are understood to be in the region of 10,000 superannuation investors after their investments were placed with Albury-based fund manager Trio Capital. Trio
managed more than $400 million in investments including the Astarra Superannuation.
Last Friday New South Wales Supreme Court justice, George Palmer, ruled that a separate offshore hedge fund managed by Trio Capital had all the signs of a "fraudulent scam" as he detailed "inherent vices" in Trio Capital's business model.
The hedge fund entitled Astarra Strategic moved some $123 million in "investments" through the British Virgin Islands using companies based in obscure Caribbean tax havens including Belize, Nevis, St Lucia and Anguilla.
Justice Palmer advised to wind up the scheme and wrote of the matter "If one wants to conduct financial operations dishonestly or illegally - then it is to these jurisdictions that one goes to incorporate puppet companies with puppet directors in order to operate fraudulent schemes and to move money around the world in secrecy.".
As of time of publication regulators have been unable to locate any funds, nor have charges been laid upon perpetrators.
Interestingly, Astarra Super is not the corporate superannuation fund used by official Tabcorp staff.
Tabcorp spokesman, Bruce Tobin, advised the company had written to all staff affected and was working with the union.
Justice Palmer said these sobering words of the matter "that there was a very high prospect that the funds would simply disappear into the ether - as has almost certainly happened in this case".
He said the use of the tax havens had not been disclosed in Trio Capital's statements to investors.
Superannuation losses from Astarra Strategic would represent the largest superannuation fraud or theft since current super laws were put in place 1993.
James Packer 50% owned Betfair will be glad this isn't a mark on their name. The matter may potentially assist seeing additional (quality) companies enter the Aussie racing and financial sector, be it PartyGaming or Virgin. Certainly the current mix is not quite right, based upon the latest scandal. Word of the street is its time for some "new blood" to shake things up and put the old guard and crooks on notice.
It's unfortunate the late 'Big' Tim Bristow and George Freeman of 'Underbelly' fame are not around to sort out these crooks who have attacked everyday Australians. Bristow aka 'Earthquake' would have likely seen them off at what he called 'The See You Later Club', understood to be have somewhere off the heads of Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches...something about concrete blocks at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean!
The crooks are not totally off the hook yet... the matter happening to the lifeblood of Australian horse racing is going to put some noses out of joint. Some of those effected are bound to have some very strong industry connections... both on the light side and the dark side. "Fixers" and "Can Do" types are part of the industry, and there's certainly motivation for the out of pocket racing staff to call upon extra powers of persuasion if needed. Add this to the 'Catch Me If You Can' file, already bursting at the seams with Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff, Canadian Calvin Ayre, and Yankee Howard Lederer jockeying for position. All good fodder for an Australian and international themed version of 'Underbelly'. Ya wouldn't be dead for quids. Good hunting and happy punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
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Global Gaming Directory
Racing News Media
Casino News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
We probe Australian racing down under and learn that shady happenings in racing are certainly not restricted to the race track. Racecorse workers superannuation savings have been left in the lurch. Media Man and Gambling911 crack the whip at Aussie racing which already had plenty of challenges before the latest black mark to hit their green and gold place in the sun...
Australian racing and media identity, Alan Jones, recently spoke of challenges, opportunities and the need for unity at the 33rd Asian Racing Conference in Sydney. Little did he know of a new challenge very much related to the employment and sustainably of Australian racing.
The superannuation earnings of hundreds of racecourse workers have been dragged into in a $123 million fraud that may become the biggest super theft in Australian history... the super fraud equivalent of the Fine Cotton Affair and Great Bookie Robbery. With the world's financial markets in the deep end, some being probed by the Australian and United States government, I guess we shouldn't be surprised. There's no 'Underbelly' hype here friends, just the unfortunate facts surrounding the further downward spiral of the racing and financial services industry.
Tabcorp's New South Wales racecourse casuals wagering workers say they have not been advised how much money they are down after their Astarra Superannuation Fund was frozen by financial regulators in October last year.
A staff member for 33 years, Rosemary Walker, 72, who works at Randwick Racecourse, asks how Tabcorp could have approved Astarra as a suitable company for her superannuation.
"I'm puzzled as to why we started off in a reputable fund when we were with (former employer) AWA and ultimately we finished up in Astarra," she said.
The losses are understood to be in the region of 10,000 superannuation investors after their investments were placed with Albury-based fund manager Trio Capital. Trio
managed more than $400 million in investments including the Astarra Superannuation.
Last Friday New South Wales Supreme Court justice, George Palmer, ruled that a separate offshore hedge fund managed by Trio Capital had all the signs of a "fraudulent scam" as he detailed "inherent vices" in Trio Capital's business model.
The hedge fund entitled Astarra Strategic moved some $123 million in "investments" through the British Virgin Islands using companies based in obscure Caribbean tax havens including Belize, Nevis, St Lucia and Anguilla.
Justice Palmer advised to wind up the scheme and wrote of the matter "If one wants to conduct financial operations dishonestly or illegally - then it is to these jurisdictions that one goes to incorporate puppet companies with puppet directors in order to operate fraudulent schemes and to move money around the world in secrecy.".
As of time of publication regulators have been unable to locate any funds, nor have charges been laid upon perpetrators.
Interestingly, Astarra Super is not the corporate superannuation fund used by official Tabcorp staff.
Tabcorp spokesman, Bruce Tobin, advised the company had written to all staff affected and was working with the union.
Justice Palmer said these sobering words of the matter "that there was a very high prospect that the funds would simply disappear into the ether - as has almost certainly happened in this case".
He said the use of the tax havens had not been disclosed in Trio Capital's statements to investors.
Superannuation losses from Astarra Strategic would represent the largest superannuation fraud or theft since current super laws were put in place 1993.
James Packer 50% owned Betfair will be glad this isn't a mark on their name. The matter may potentially assist seeing additional (quality) companies enter the Aussie racing and financial sector, be it PartyGaming or Virgin. Certainly the current mix is not quite right, based upon the latest scandal. Word of the street is its time for some "new blood" to shake things up and put the old guard and crooks on notice.
It's unfortunate the late 'Big' Tim Bristow and George Freeman of 'Underbelly' fame are not around to sort out these crooks who have attacked everyday Australians. Bristow aka 'Earthquake' would have likely seen them off at what he called 'The See You Later Club', understood to be have somewhere off the heads of Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches...something about concrete blocks at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean!
The crooks are not totally off the hook yet... the matter happening to the lifeblood of Australian horse racing is going to put some noses out of joint. Some of those effected are bound to have some very strong industry connections... both on the light side and the dark side. "Fixers" and "Can Do" types are part of the industry, and there's certainly motivation for the out of pocket racing staff to call upon extra powers of persuasion if needed. Add this to the 'Catch Me If You Can' file, already bursting at the seams with Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff, Canadian Calvin Ayre, and Yankee Howard Lederer jockeying for position. All good fodder for an Australian and international themed version of 'Underbelly'. Ya wouldn't be dead for quids. Good hunting and happy punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Racing News Media
Casino News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Aussie Footballer Brendan Fevola Called Real Life Underbelly Types For Gambling Help, by Greg Tingle - 18th April 2010
Self confessed gambling addict Brendan Fevola was so desperate for cash he approached gangland king of the kids Mick Gatto for financial assistance, says Australia's underworld grapevine.
Media Man and Gambling911 further explore the real life 'Underbelly' of Australia down under that is. No hype, just the facts Jack...
Informers allege Fev telephone to Mr Gatto last year asking for tens of thousands of dollars in short-term cash loans in attempt stave off loan sharkies. Gatto runs a construction and "consulting" business.
The octopus tentacles spread far and wide in our info net advise Gatto told Fev to concentrate on football rather than on the punt and declined to give the moolah. To date, Gatto's declined to comment on the allegation.
A Gold Coast underworld heavy made death threats Fev. Incidentally Australia's Surfers Paradise will be featured in an upcoming Underbelly series - slot 5 or 6 as Gambling911 understands.
Mr X claims the illegal moneylender threatened Fevola over an outstanding $70,000 grand.
"When they found out the loan shark had form, they paid up that day," Mr X said.
We understand that loan sharks from Victoria and the Gold Coast are on the hunt for Fev over a seven-figure debt, however proof of this is not in the public domain, unlike Fev's gambling addiction.
The self-confessed addict is understood to be paying a daily interest payment of $1,250 a day, or $8,750 a week!
"Even if Fev pays one debt, he owes money all over the place - it's a house of cards," a source said.
The rumour mill also says a Sydney based debt collector contacted the Carlton Football Club last September on behalf of an online betting agency to which Fevola owed a modest $5000. The call and flow on effects saw the situation resolved within hours after it looked like media leaks were about to factor in.
Melbourne based horse racing folks say Fev "desperately needs help".
Alex Fevola says reports that the family car had been repossessed were false with "I will be speaking to my solicitor."
Fev has pleaded with bookmakers not to accept his bets. He also advised reporters that he's relieved addiction was now public.
"He has a real feeling of relief now that it is out there in the public," manager Alastair Lynch said.
Media Man and Gambling911 remind punters to bet with your head, not over it, know the odds, and have fun. If your punting starts becoming a problem please seek professional assistance.
Australian readers, Underbelly screens tonight on Network Nine. Fev or Mick Gatto are not featured, but some gambling references are on the cards.
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of verticals covered.
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Media Man and Gambling911 further explore the real life 'Underbelly' of Australia down under that is. No hype, just the facts Jack...
Informers allege Fev telephone to Mr Gatto last year asking for tens of thousands of dollars in short-term cash loans in attempt stave off loan sharkies. Gatto runs a construction and "consulting" business.
The octopus tentacles spread far and wide in our info net advise Gatto told Fev to concentrate on football rather than on the punt and declined to give the moolah. To date, Gatto's declined to comment on the allegation.
A Gold Coast underworld heavy made death threats Fev. Incidentally Australia's Surfers Paradise will be featured in an upcoming Underbelly series - slot 5 or 6 as Gambling911 understands.
Mr X claims the illegal moneylender threatened Fevola over an outstanding $70,000 grand.
"When they found out the loan shark had form, they paid up that day," Mr X said.
We understand that loan sharks from Victoria and the Gold Coast are on the hunt for Fev over a seven-figure debt, however proof of this is not in the public domain, unlike Fev's gambling addiction.
The self-confessed addict is understood to be paying a daily interest payment of $1,250 a day, or $8,750 a week!
"Even if Fev pays one debt, he owes money all over the place - it's a house of cards," a source said.
The rumour mill also says a Sydney based debt collector contacted the Carlton Football Club last September on behalf of an online betting agency to which Fevola owed a modest $5000. The call and flow on effects saw the situation resolved within hours after it looked like media leaks were about to factor in.
Melbourne based horse racing folks say Fev "desperately needs help".
Alex Fevola says reports that the family car had been repossessed were false with "I will be speaking to my solicitor."
Fev has pleaded with bookmakers not to accept his bets. He also advised reporters that he's relieved addiction was now public.
"He has a real feeling of relief now that it is out there in the public," manager Alastair Lynch said.
Media Man and Gambling911 remind punters to bet with your head, not over it, know the odds, and have fun. If your punting starts becoming a problem please seek professional assistance.
Australian readers, Underbelly screens tonight on Network Nine. Fev or Mick Gatto are not featured, but some gambling references are on the cards.
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of verticals covered.
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Racing News Media
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
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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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