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A top bloodstock agent, who has also described himself as a serious punter, has shared that he and a large number of his fellow big bettors have already turned to bookmakers operating on the black market as a result of the intrusive source-of-funds and affordability checks. Bernard Cullinane, the bloodstock agent behind Princess Zoe, revealed that, apart from him, many other serious bettors had no other choice but to take their business to companies that operate without the necessary licence on the unregulated black market. He explained that the draconian…

The Government of New South Wales (NSW) is considering whether to fully suspend political donations from establishments offering so-called pokies in an effort to minimise the gambling industry’s impact on legislative matters across the state. Reports have shown that NSW clubs donated a combined amount of AU$632,000 to the three major political parties in the state in the 10-and-a-half-year period from January 2011 to June 2021. Under the provisions of the existing legislation of New South Wales, gambling operators are not permitted to donate any money to local political parties.…

The body that represents the current holders of a trainer’s licence under the British Horse Racing Rules of Racing has warned that intrusive affordability checks could have a potentially “catastrophic” effect on the UK racing industry. Paul Johnson, the chief executive officer of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), shared that British punters have been brought into a state of confusion as a result of some poorly-targeted measures that have already been taking a huge financial toll on the sector. As Casino Guardian already reported, so-called affordability checks are expected to…

The Australian child protection watchdog has been outraged by the fact that three of the largest gambling operators in Australia are providing wagers on international cricket games involving underage players. An investigation of ABC News has unveiled that TAB, Sportsbet and bet365 have been offering bets on the first edition of the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup that is taking place in South Africa from January 14th to 29th, 2023. Almost 50% of the Australian players who have been taking part in the matches were under the age of 18,…

It is not uncommon for gambling regulatory bodies to be facing criticism from certain players in the industry while doing their job to ensure operators follow the rules. This time, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which has a solid record of going after gambling companies when they fail to meet their licence conditions or violate the country’s gambling laws, is also receiving attacks from some political figures, with one legislator calling the regulator “out of control”. Despite the fact that the major gambling regulator in the UK has collected more…

Matt Kean, the treasurer of New South Wales (NSW), has refused to explain whether he believes that a poker machine spending limit of AU$1,000 a day is too high after he criticised the cashless gaming plan proposed by the opposition, saying that their strategy will enrage the local gambling industry. The Coalition Government is currently facing increasing pressure to release more information about its much-expected cashless gaming card. As Casino Guardian previously reported, Premier Dominic Perrottet has insisted on the implementation of the so-called cashless gaming card in New South…

The beginning of the week saw the Labour Party in New South Wales (NSW) unveil plans for major gambling reforms in the state. NSW Labour shared that it intends to hold a 12-month trial of proposed cashless gaming cards and suspend the controversial practice of gambling operators providing financial support to political parties and individuals should it win the state election in March 2023. Any signage that advertises poker machines outside local venues would also be suspended under a decision of a Labour Government. In addition, the political party plans…

A local mayor in the state of Victoria has called for councils across Australia to suspend all gambling advertisements at local sports matches instead of waiting for the Federal or State Government to take action. The anti-gambling policy adopted by the City of Monash seems to be the first of its kind in the entire country. The new rules, however, are facing strong and coordinated objections from sports clubs based in the area that have explained they could be forced to cease operation, as well as from gambling venues that…

Animal rights activists have reignited their calls for New Zealand’s Government to fully ban greyhound racing after one of the racing greyhounds died after suffering severe injuries on the track. New Zealand’s animal rights organisation Save Animals From Exploitation (SAFE) has urgently addressed the Government to suspend the sport after the recent death of Meg’s Munch. The greyhound suffered four broken bones after it fell during a race that took place at south Auckland’s Manukau Velodrome on December 29th, 2022. According to a vet report, the dog suffered “catastrophic” injuries,…

A large amount of “VIP Lounge” signs situated outside pubs in the central part of Sydney may be violating City Council rules. They could be removed by the competent authorities after an investigation is completed. According to experts, the flashing signs use a euphemism to denote poker machine rooms in local pubs and are also found confusing by many tourists although there are currently found literally everywhere in Sydney. However, they may be breaching the guidelines on allowable signage of the Sydney City Council. The issues linked to the “VIP…