G'day punters, gamers, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, politicians...one and all. Today Intralot is back in the news and it seems apparent that they did indeed get a raw deal by the Australian government (they wouldn't be the only ones). Media Man and Gambling911 with the the legal fun and games and much more on Intralot down under...
Gambling giant Intralot Australia, a spring off from the Greek powerhouse, has noted the findings of the independent Gambling Licence Review Panel which confirms that Intralot was unaware of the existence of the Tattersall’s Dedicated Area when it was awarded its Victoria’s Category 2 Lotteries Licence. The Gambling Licencing Review Panel, chaired by Ron Merkel QC, found that Intralot Australia was "unequally" treated during the process that resulted in the awarding of this Licence. Intralot Australia Acting CEO Leo Watling said that Mr Merkel’s findings confirmed Intralot’s view that it has suffered from prejudicial behavior from the previous Government and its agencies. "Mr Merkel’s findings are an important acknowledgement of the damage that has been caused by the previous Government’s flawed licencing process. "While Tattersall’s was given preferential treatment with their licence Intralot has suffered and continues to suffer great reputational and financial damage because of this error. "Sadly, this finding does not bring an immediate remedy for a flaw that remains entrenched in the Tattersall’s licence nor does it bring incremental sales to the newsagents who have been disadvantaged by the grossly unfair situation. "We have been trading with our hands tied behind our back from day one. No-one likes the Tattersall’s Dedicated Area except for Tattersall’s. It is anti competitive and a serious impediment to sales. "We trust that the Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien, who recognised this issue some time ago, can accelerate a solution as quickly as possible." Mr Watling said. Intralot reserves its rights in terms of a legal remedy to the creation and existence of the Dedicated Area.
Intralot Australia Gets Raw Deal Down Under Says Legal Eagle; My Big Fat Greek Disaster Down Under Without A Wedding...
Big news... not, not a wedding, nor a funeral, but close... sort of. Gaming whale Intralot was treated unfairly during the bidding process for Victoria's public lottery licences, an independent review has found. Intralot had advised that during the process of tender, negotiations et al circa 2008 it was not informed about the all important licence amendments made in competitor Tattersall's favour to provide exclusive sales areas. The "exclusive sales areas" are where much of the trouble lays in the matter. Both public lottery licences had been prohibited by law from entering into exclusive arrangements for the distribution of lottery products but Tattersall's had sought an amendment to the situation. A panel reviewing the state's lottery licences discovered Intralot should have been advised of the former government's willingness to negotiate on conditions relating to dedicated areas, a report put forward on Thursday said. It in fact found the unequal treatment was not intentional.
Victorian Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien advised many lottery agents had expressed concern that retail restrictions required by Tattersall's have hampered their ability to market Intralot products on their own premises. "We believe competition in the lottery market will ultimately benefit lottery players, agents and taxpayers. We want to ensure the community can have confidence in the integrity of lottery games and the gambling industry in Victoria." The government says it will consult with lottery licensees and agents before responding to the report's findings.
A Media Man spokesperson said "This Intralot Australia legal situation is just the most recent of a long list of ongoing legal situations between gambling and gaming companies and governments, be it in Australia and abroad. Many of our associates have known for some time that the Australian government needs to improve its legal I's and T's in relation to gambling and gambling law. They keep getting it wrong and need to catch up to the rest of the world. Be it lottery, land based or igaming, the Australian government desperately needs to adapt to the year 2011. The international gaming and gambling community is watching the outcome of the Australian government response, as well as that of the panel in Victoria on this one. May the best and fairest win".
Intralot: Australian Big Fat Aussie Greek Mistake Update...
Greek lottery systems provider Intralot was treated unfairly during a bid for public lottery licences in Australia, according to an independent review released Thursday. Intralot had complained that during the negotiation process in 2008 for licences offered in the Australian state of Victoria it was not informed about licence amendments made in rival Tattersall's favour to provide exclusive sales areas. A panel reviewing the state's lottery licences found Intralot should have been advised of the former government's willingness to negotiate on conditions relating to dedicated areas, a report tabled by the Gambling Licencing Review Panel said. The Victorian government said that it will consult with lottery licensees and agents before responding to the report's findings. Intralot Australia CEO Leo Watling said the findings confirm the company’s view "that it has suffered from prejudicial behavior from the previous government and its agencies. The findings are an important acknowledgement of the damage that has been caused by the previous government's flawed licencing process," he added in a statement. Athens-based Intralot, which has a foothold in more than 50 countries, said it "reserves its rights in terms of a legal remedy," without offering any more details. Shares in Intralot, which has a market capitalization of 392.6 million euros, were gaining 2.49 percent to 2.47 euros on the Athens bourse in late trade on Friday, versus broader market gains of 0.17%. Experts expect either a sharp rise or fall in share prices, depending upon review findings in the coming days, along with some influence from news media reports.
Stay tuned daily for more on the Australian gambling and casino wars.
Merkel, O’Brien, Gillard, Packer, Murdoch (both of you sirs), Branson, and Turnbull - you're throw of the dice! What would have Spiros Arion 'The Golden Greek' or goddess Isis done in the situation? We may never know, but legal eagles will leak us soon, so stay tuned.
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Will Australian ever get to #1 position for gambling? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*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 is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*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 is just one of a dozen sectors covered
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