This Month
A journalist reported a missile strike. Then came the death threats
War correspondent Emanuel Fabian found out that his report on a strike in Israel had triggered a dispute over bets on the prediction market Polymarket.
This elusive Aussie built a multimillion-dollar global gambling empire
Bernard Marantelli has for the past few decades outsmarted many in the wagering industry, including US authorities after he won a $95 million lottery jackpot.
February
Rugby union is rising in the US. That’s bad news for the NRL
Hosting season openers in Las Vegas was supposed to help the NRL grab a slice of the world’s biggest sports fan and betting market. It has not been so simple.
Billionaire Laurence Escalante hit with fresh drug charges
The 44-year-old founder of Virtual Gaming Worlds fronted Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday on nine new charges.
Tabcorp’s live betting puck to enter NSW pub scene
Gillon McLachlan’s new live betting product, tap in play, is expected to be rolled out this year.
Vatican makes foray into faith-based investing with new indices
Ecclesiastical trades are ramping up, with the Vatican Bank launching Catholic-based stock indices as the Sydney Archdiocese plans to launch investment funds.
From Bad Bunny bets to the Big Build, we’re being swallowed by grift
Whether it’s crypto, prediction markets or union scandals, corruption is no longer hidden and only a rort if you’re not in on it in this new transactional world.
‘I’m coming now’: Alleged assault could cost Escalante his empire
Court documents reveal details of the allegations against Perth gaming billionaire Laurence Escalante, who’s facing several assault and drug charges
Ladbrokes owner dampens takeover talks, eyes online casino expansion
New chief executive Andrew Vouris said an attempt to compete against Tabcorp inside pubs and clubs had distracted the bookmaker from what it does best.
January
Gambling billionaire steps down after being arrested on family violence, drug offences
Laurence Escalante is accused of assaulting a woman, stealing several items and causing damage to a property.
Donald Trump jnr’s role in Polymarket, Kalshi raises eyebrows
The president’s son is an investor in and adviser to the two biggest online prediction markets, prompting more questions about the family’s business activities.
The professional punter who made more than $1m on the Sydney Roosters
Kingsley Bartholomew is a rock star in the world of gambling, where followers seek his advice for a winning edge. His main tip? Learn to deal with the losses.
Drake allegedly used online casino Stake to inflate his popularity
A lawsuit filed in the US claims the rapper used the Australian-founded gambling business to pay bots in a scheme to increase the number of times his songs were played.
Tom Waterhouse turns venture capitalist (and manages a 3900pc return)
Once loved and loathed as one of the country’s most prominent bookmakers, the scion of the high-profile racing family appears to have found a lucrative niche.
December 2025
Gillon McLachlan urges ‘attacking’ regulation to end productivity trap
In an interview, the Tabcorp chief executive reveals how he brokered a massive AFL broadcasting deal and why he doesn’t think gambling is bad for sport.
November 2025
Tabcorp bonuses for big betting pubs revealed in confidential briefing
The strategy presented to hoteliers and clubs says the bookmaker will set aside $50 million for betting inducements and $80 million to overhaul its terminals.
Legal battle over poker machine trade secrets takes new turn
Two ASX 100 companies have been in a legal battle over trade secrets – and a recent request for new documents suggest it could be about to turn ugly.
Critics blast Labor for social media gambling ad backdown
Lifting the minimum age to use social media won’t be enough to protect older teenagers from trying online gambling, the former Tabcorp chief executive says.
Ladbrokes owner Entain slashes 10pc of staff, ends nine-day fortnight
The British bookmaker said about 120 positions in Australia and New Zealand would go as it tries to reset the business after a change of management.
Labor tipped to drop proposal for online gambling ad ban
Political and industry sources expect Communications Minister Anika Wells to crack-down on illegal offshore gambling websites.
