Australia News - Page 22

International News Brief: Steve Bracks has bowed to pressure to curb problem gambling by giving Victorian councils powers to reject new poker machines and imposing new caps that will result in 550 machines being moved from poor areas into wealthier ones.

News Brief: Premier Steve Bracks and Gaming Minister John Pandazopoulos have denied interfering in the selection of new licence-holders for Victoria's billion-dollar poker machine and lotteries industries.

International News Brief: Australia’s Crown Casino is dodging smoking bans by using high-roller exemptions for gaming rooms used mainly by locals.

International News Brief: Victorian punters lost more than $4.5 billion on the pokies at the state's pubs and clubs and at Crown Casino's gaming tables over the past year.

International News Brief: A settlement agent who stole almost $1 million from clients and blew it on poker machines at Burswood Casino has been jailed for three years.

A new company, Casino Services International Pty. Ltd., has been established by casino industry veterans Mr Tony Boyd and Mr Ciaran Carruthers, to specialise in maximising profitability of gaming operations in the Asia Pacific region.

International News Brief: Australians are spending more money on gambling each year — $1.7 billion more.

International News Brief: New Zealand's Sky City Entertainment Group remains one of the last great takeover targets as the consolidation across Australia's $16 billion gambling sector winds down.

A selection of news and views from inside the industry this week.

International News Brief: Nearly $31 million was spent in poker machines on Eyre Peninsula last financial year, according to figures released by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

International News Brief: Star City Casino has been slammed for acting irresponsibly by letting a lowly bank worker gamble millions of stolen dollars as a celebrated high-roller.

International News Brief: More than $100,000 raised from poker machines is being distributed to community groups in Griffith and Wagga this week.

News Brief: Hundreds of Star City Casino workers gathered on the steps of Sydney's premier gambling venue today to call for better pay.

International News Brief: Gamblers spent almost $43 million on gaming machines in the City of Greater Bendigo in the past financial year, figures just released reveal.

International News Brief: Aussie cricketer Shane Warne faces criticism over an online casino he promotes.

International News Brief: Dual-listed internet gaming firm Betcorp Ltd will quit the Australian Stock Exchange and make its primary listing in the United Kingdom in a bid to stimulate greater interest from investors.

International News Brief: A man who claims he was unfairly deprived of a $1.2 million Tattslotto win has taken his campaign against Tattersall's to VCAT.

International News Brief: The Victorian Government has admitted to pocketing more gambling taxes than any other state, but plans to cut its poker machine numbers in lower income areas.

International News Brief: Jupiters casino's new $3.5 million renovated casino includes a new entrance, more poker machines and a new décor.

International News Brief: FIFA have cleared Australia players of any wrongdoing after squad members bet among themselves on who would score the country's first World Cup goal.