A parliamentary inquiry into Labor's gambling legislation heard allegations that problem gamblers received cocaine and sex workers, which Sportsbet and Tabcorp denied.
Anti-gambling campaigners Tim Costello and Luke Bateman alleged at a parliamentary inquiry that betting firms Sportsbet and Tabcorp supplied vulnerable customers with cocaine, alcohol and sex workers. The firms deny the claims, saying they have no evidence.
Australia's corporate watchdog ASIC has issued its strongest warning yet against offshore prediction markets, which are illegal in the country and offer no consumer protection, with Alan Kirkland comparing them to gambling.
Former rugby league player Luke Bateman alleged to a parliamentary inquiry that gambling companies supplied him with cocaine and alcohol, leading to a $1 million gambling addiction. He detailed VIP managers offering illicit drugs and personalized betting inducements, urging the Albanese government to implement tougher gambling advertising limits.
Former NRL player Luke Bateman will testify at a Senate inquiry, alleging gambling company account managers offered him illicit drugs to "strengthen" relationships and encourage betting during his addiction, while also providing bonus bets and exclusive event invitations.
Former NRL player Luke Bateman will testify at a Senate inquiry into gambling ad restrictions, alleging account managers offered illicit drugs to strengthen relationships during his addiction. He advocates for ending gambling inducements, while the government proposes ad restrictions and the industry argues against tougher measures.
Australia's government is progressing gambling advertising reforms, increasing scrutiny on fuel prices after excise restoration, and adjusting its News Bargaining Incentive to tax big tech's digital advertising revenue at 2.5%, exempting AI companies.
The U.S.-Iran war has driven massive short-term gains in the energy sector, with ExxonMobil and Chevron reporting significant quarterly profit surges. However, experts warn that holding onto these gains for too long could be a mistake, as oil prices are volatile and driven by geopolitics rather than long-term fundamentals.
Police in Hong Kong dismantled an illegal debt collection syndicate, along with a prostitution venue, a drug den, and three illegal gambling parlours, arresting 57 individuals aged 14 to 70, some with triad backgrounds. The syndicate recruited young people for "quick cash" to harass debtors via messaging apps.
Noel Pearson criticized governments for profiting from gambling and alcohol, advocating for federal oversight of remote Aboriginal communities and dismantling state/territory Aboriginal affairs departments. Concurrently, Djawa Yunupiŋu announced the Dilak Land Council to empower Yolŋu people in economic development, aiming to bypass the Northern Land Council's perceived delays.
New York state has sued prediction market operator Kalshi, alleging it runs an illegal gambling operation without a license, allows underage users, and avoids taxes. Kalshi argues it's a federally licensed exchange overseen by the CFTC, not states, and that the lawsuit is "political theater."
New York has sued prediction market platform Kalshi, alleging it operates an illegal gambling business by offering event contracts. The lawsuit seeks to halt operations, recover illegal gains, and impose penalties, while Kalshi defends its federally licensed status amid an escalating jurisdictional dispute with the CFTC.
Labor members are set to reignite calls for a stronger gambling regulator and push for a gas export tax at the party's 50th national conference in Adelaide. Debates are also expected on artificial intelligence impacts, dental access via Medicare, compulsory superannuation for under-18s, and local government funding.
Hong Kong police arrested 991 individuals aged 16-93 and seized HK$3 million cash and HK$4.4 million in valuables during a June-July crackdown on illegal World Cup gambling. The operation uncovered HK$365 million in betting records across 249 premises, targeting bookmaking, betting, illegal gambling operations, and money laundering.
Hong Kong police arrested 78 people, including a 16-year-old, in an anti-triad operation targeting illegal gambling at Happy Valley Racecourse. The crackdown, conducted from July 7 to Monday, uncovered a syndicate involved in illicit horse racing betting.
The Hellenic Club of Canberra was cleared of failing to record a couple's problem gambling, despite their $345,000 poker machine losses and one spouse's suicide. ACAT found the club breached rules on EFTPOS cash withdrawals, with new fines to be determined.
Prediction market Kalshi recorded $40 billion in World Cup wagers, sparking skepticism from sportsbooks and regulators who argue it operates as an unlicensed gambling app. Kalshi claims it's a federally regulated financial product, not subject to state gaming taxes or age restrictions, leading to over 20 federal lawsuits and a potential Supreme Court case.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin detailed the company's expansion into a global sports platform, projecting $14 billion in revenue this year. Speaking at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit, Rubin discussed Fanatics Fest, future business ventures (excluding ticketing/broadcasting), and how past jersey controversies shaped their new brand purpose: relentlessly enhancing the fan experience.
France's gambling regulator, ANJ, has ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket, an illegal gambling site. This follows a November 2024 geoblock on financial transactions, which users circumvented, leading to continued growth in France.
France's National Gambling Authority (ANJ) has ordered ISPs to block Polymarket, deeming it illegal gambling due to unauthorized operations, lack of protective mechanisms, and potential outcome manipulation. This follows similar actions in other countries and US regulatory scrutiny.
The Korean National Police Agency awarded 97 million won in special achievement awards to police officers for their work on 11 cases, including cracking down on illegal gambling sites, arresting those involved in revenge-for-hire schemes, and debunking fake news about forced dollar sales.
A 20-year-old who started gambling in middle school accumulated 80 million won in debt by high school, leading to secondary crimes like selling counterfeit goods and recruiting other students. Now, facing financial hardship after graduation, he has turned to 'account threats' and other illicit activities, highlighting a growing trend of young people falling into a cycle of debt and crime.
Hong Kong police arrested 65 individuals in a major operation targeting a criminal syndicate operating unlicensed nightclubs and gambling dens. The suspects allegedly provided illicit drugs and hired illegal workers as hostesses in venues across Kowloon West.
Darcy Byrne, Labor mayor of Sydney's Inner West Council, is leading a grassroots movement to curb gambling harm, advocating for fewer poker machines in NSW clubs. He compares the poker machine lobby to the US NRA and discussed his successful motion at the NSW Labor conference.
