"Through education, to prevent the harmful consequences of problem gambling in the community."
Some Newspaper Reports of Gambling-Related Matters Published in Victoria, Australia from 1 September 1997 to 31 December 1998
Go back to Know the Odds Inc home page
Important - see Disclaimer at foot of page.
1 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Mixed emotions at Planet's party"
by Greg Thom
A crowd of 10,000 observed a minute's silence in honour of Princess Diana at the opening of the Planet Hollywood and the Official All Star Cafe Restaurant last night. Names of the many celebraties who attended.
2 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Protest group in a spin"
by Greg Thom
The Kennett Government was accused yesterday of gambling away the rights of disabled Victorians. Demonstrators staged a protest outside Crown casino over the government's decision to withdraw funding ($680,000) from 14 disabled advocacy groups around the State.
3 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Stake your lotto claim"
Today is your last chance to stake your claim if your free Herald Sun Tattslotto Quick Pick was a week two winner.
3 September 1997 - Progress Press
"Blow to anti-pokie crusade"
by Kamahl Cogden
The State Opposition has nominated Boroondara for extra gaming machines dealing the council another blow in its fight to stop a pokies boom.
5 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino's win is KP's loss"
London's Crockfords casino would have made no profit in the past six months were it not for Kerry Packer who has lost $21M there in the past six months. Singapore hotelier Kwek Leng Beng has dropped more than $8M there in the same period.
5 September 1997 - Age
"Packer gambles $22M away on UK spree"
by AAP
The high rolling Australian media tycoon Mr Kerry packer was reported today to have lost 10 million pounds at a British casino.
7 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Betting drop hits bookies"
by Rod Nicholson
Bookmakers are facing a crisis after an alarming 13.5% drop in turnover this year. The number of bookmakers has fallen from 500 to 233 in only a decade. Bookies have dropped from conducting 97% of the legal gambling in the 1960s to 3% today. They complain about the 2% turnover tax and the dwindling racing crowds. The Lone Star Syndicate (a horse racing syndicate?) has given more than $350,000 to the Variety Club to spend on disadvantaged children.
9 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gaming deaths probe"
by Claire Heaney
The coroner will conduct a special investigation into gambling-related suicides. Comments by Tim Costello. Figures have gone from 1 to 4 to 13.
9 September 1997 - Melbourne Weekly
Profile of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Her father was a problem gambler and on countless occasions her mother had to use her charms and gentle persuasion to keep creditors at bay, often preventing a crisis by renting out the family home, Pemberly, to cover expenses. His friends appointed him official starter of the Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup and so prevented him making bets.
11 September 1997 - Age
"Chips down but all bow to Mecca"
One executive at Crown, presumably Mike Mecca, received $1,745,000 in salary according to the Crown accounts.
11 September 1997 - Age
"Hudcon signals drive into Asia"
by John Hurley
The property developer Hudson Conway yesterday signalled a big push into Asia in reporting that profit before tax rose 4% to $39.7M in the June year.
11 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gaming claim caution"
Gambling's role in suicide should be treated with caution, the state coroner, Graham Johnstone, warned yesterday. (crime)
11 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"First dividend for Hudcon"
by Ian McIlwraith
Hudcon paid its first dividend. Hudcon did not have a dividend policy according to Lloyd Williams. Williams pointed out the advantages of gambling to Hudcon as many Asian gamblers were also entrepreneurs.
12 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown shelves $55M theatre plan"
by Greg Thom
Plans for a $55M theatre at Crown casino complex, the 1800 seat Lyric Theatre, have been put on ice.
12 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Payout went to public - Kennett"
by Matthew Pinkney
Mr Kennett rejected claims he received a defamation settlement of $400,000 from Channel Nine saying the figure was closer to $40,000 (unclear whether moneys paid to "public coffers").
12 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"30 banned from Sydney casino"
by Louise Martin
The NSW police commissioner has banned 30 people including 6 or 7 high rollers from the Sydney Casino on the basis of police intelligence for offences committed outside the casino. (crime)
13 September 1997 - Age
"Dicing with death"
by Paul Heinrichs
Dianne Standaar, 38, was last seen alive withdrawing money from an automatic teller machine near the Vegas Room in Waverley Gardens shopping Centre. She committed suicide by breathing exhaust fumes. (crime)
13 September 1997 - Age
"The human cost of gambling"
by Paul Heinrichs
The Victorian coroner's office has begun special project to monitor gambling- related suicides. Gambling related suicides have been 1 in '92, 4 in 1993, 4 in 1994, 8 in '95 and 13 in '96. There have been 5 to September 1997. Details of suicides disclosed as a result of FOI case. (crime)
13 September 1997 - Age
"Brothers' suicides linked to gambling"
by Paul Heinrichs
Two brothers who committed suicide four months apart late last year left notes associating their deaths with gambling. (crime)
13 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Luck runs out for Lloyd as shares tumble"
by Peter Coster Insider
Crown shares have continued to slide and are now trading at $1.46 on the basis that Crown is wildly overcapitalised at more than $2B.
15 September 1997 - Age
"Even at 80, there's nothing like this dame"
by Michael Winkler
Profile on Dame Phyllis Frost. "I know some of the poor will always be poor, because they put their money into stupid poker machines and lose the jolly lot, but I would like to see less emphasis on the making of money, and the honesty and decency of people brought to the fore."
16 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Rich but bored"
An English builder who won a $4M lottery jackpot wants to go back to work because he is bored.
16 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"More pokies may be a bad gamble"
by Damon Johnston
Within four months, the State Government will have to decide whether to raise the ceiling on pokies. 72% of people polled in a Quadrant poll said that despite massive revenues they were unhappy with management of the industry. The raw numbers show that there are anywhere between 40,000 and 100,000 problem gamblers in Victoria.
16 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"$1,000 cash bonus everyday now available on Crown tables"
advertisement
Cash bonus of $1,000 each day for a table player at Crown. Bonus is doubled for Crown Club members actively using their card.
16 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"$1.5M in chips missing"
by Greg Thom
More than $1.5M in chips was unaccounted for at any given time. In Sydney, criminals were using Sydney casino chips to buy heroin. Calls for legislation making it illegal to remove chips from the casino were dismissed by Crown and Victoria Police. (crime)
16 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Most worry about pokies"
by Damon Johnston and Matthew Pinkney
Victorians have given an overwhelming thumbs down to the State Government's gambling revolution with more than 70% saying they are unhappy with the direction of the boom industry. Even 59% of the Liberal National Party supporters indicated they wanted a change in the gambling industry's direction.
17 September 1997 - Age
"NSW probe the latest hurdle for Aristocrat"
by Michael Sharp
The NSW Department of Gaming and Racing is investigating Australia's largest gaming machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure to determine if it is suitable to hold gaming related licences in NSW. Aristocrat is facing proceedings in Colorado and Missouri.
17 September 1997 - Age
"Crown watching currency swings"
by Leonie Wood
Crown casino yesterday conceded it was carefully watching the skittish currency swings of some South East Asian countries and trying to assess how they might affect its high-stakes gambling business. Crown was continuing to increase business from Asia.
17 September 1997 - Age
"Institutions shy on Crown shares"
by Chrisopher Webb
Professional investors continued to give the Crown share register a wide berth in the latest year and in the process did themselves a big favour.
18 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Leadership is seen as the key"
by Lainie Barnes and Annie Lawson
Comments by Tim Costello. The winners - $1M pokies jackpot winner. The losers - Bob who obtained credit to feed his pokies addiction by forging his wife's signature.
19 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Church call to probe link"
by Greg Thom
Church groups yesterday called for a full coronial inquiry into the link between gambling and suicide. State coroner Graeme Johnstone said the court would monitor the gambling-suicide link but so far has ruled out a full scale investigation. (crime)
19 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pub plea for more pokies"
by Greg Thom
Tattersalls has now exhausted its allocation of 13,750 machines. Tabcorp is up to 13,176 with an undisclosed number already allocated and yet to be installed. The government finds itself caught between the Australian Hotels Association and the Victorian Licensed Clubs Association. Hallam has said he will not increase pokies until the results of a social and economic impact study. Small clubs and pubs were unable to get the machines.
21 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"God's tough guy"
by Bryan Patterson
Profile of Archbishop George Pell. He took a tough stand on gambling, refusing premier Jeff Kennett's offer to visit the casino before it opened.
21 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Bookie bid for tax cut"
by David Wilson
Victorian bookmakers will ask the Treasurer Alan Stockdale to drop a 2% turnover tax in an effort to save the industry. Reynolds said the bookies would have to ask Stockdale. Stockdale said it was most unlikely the rate would be changed.
24 September 1997 - Age
"Pokies in a dour fight for punters "
by John Hurley
Poker machine gambling has just celebrated its fifth year of operation in Victoria but faces strong challenges on several fronts. A report by JLW Transact says there are three constraints on the continued increase of poker machine revenue: casino gaming, internet gaming and the poor performance of clubs.
25 September 1997 - Age
"Kennett steps in to silence Costello "
by Gay Alcorn
The Rev Tim Costello was dumped from a panel selected to comment on a public lecture by the Premier, Mr Jeff Kennett, after objections from the premier's office.
25 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown chips part of drug-ring haul "
by Greg Thom
Four people who yesterday admitted laundering $10M in drug money were regular gamblers at Crown casino according to Victoria Police. National Crime Authority investigators seized up to $80,000 in Crown casino chips and 6 kilograms of heroin in raids on two houses two years ago. (crime)
26 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Fears casino will axe up to 500 jobs "
by Greg Thom and Dimitri Serghis
Crown casino is believed to be about to shed up to 500 jobs at its $2B complex.
26 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Shopped 'til she dropped "
Susan Bako of Clayton went within one number of winning $350,000 in Tattslotto 12 years ago. Her luck changed last week when she won a $20,000 Myer Melbourne shopping spree in the Sun Herald Tattslotto second chance draw.
26 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Flying casino "
Former Formula One champion and airline chief Niki Lauda has the world's first flying casino, a Boeing 777 flying Vienna - South East Asia - Australia.
26 September 1997 - Age
"Victoria outspends nation, while incomes lag behind "
by Tim Colbatch
Crown casino appears to have been the biggest reason why Victorians out spent the nation. First the construction teams, then the gamblers.
27 September 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino lease plan"
by Greg Thom
Crown Casino is considering leasing its restaurants on the Riverbank Promenade.
1 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Elderly gamble savings "
by Greg Thom
Many elderly Victorians are raiding their savings and cash set aside for food in the search for gambling money according to Roy Morgan research "Older People and Gambling" prepared for Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority.
1 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Haddad wins big at Crown "
by Peter Coster
Haddad as Deputy Chairman of Crown Management is getting $692,355 this year.
1 October 1997 - Age
"Gambling gets the older punter in"
by Rachel Gibson
VCGA analysis of older people's gambling patterns.
2 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Call to slash pokies "
by Greg Thom
Interchurch Gambling Task Force has called for a gradual reduction in the number of poker machines.
2 October 1997 - Age
"Tab package too good, says Premier "
by Gareth Boreham and Soman Mann
The Premier, Mr Jeff Kennett, said it would have been nice to have arranged for a different financial package for the head of Tabcorp.
2 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Tabcorp boss pay regret "
by Lainie Barnes
Premier regretted generosity of Tabcorp head, Ross Wilson, salary package.
2 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Internet gambling to reach $1B "
by Greg Thom
Commercial gaming researcher Mark Solonsch forecast that within five years, Internet betting would dominate the way Australians gambled. Comments of US experts. It is believed Victorian Gaming Minister Roger Hallam will set Victoria's position on internet gambling as early as next week.
3 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Child gambling fear "
by Greg Thom
School children should be educated about the potential negative impact of gambling, a group of psychologists says. These include Professor Alex Blaszcynski and Professor Mark Dickerson. Position paper to be given at the annual conference of the Australian Psychological Society in Cairns. Recommends: gambling advertising to be accurate, moratorium on expansion of gaming outlets nation wide, community education campaigns to promote responsible gambling, better education of judiciary. Gambling begins at between the ages of 8 and 13.
4 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Bid to control net gamble "
by Greg Thom
Victoria is set to become the first state in Australia to introduce laws designed to control Internet gambling.
4 October 1997 - Age
"Call for ban on smoking at casino "
by In Brief
Anti-smoking groups have urged the State Government to follow the NSW WorkCover Authority and ban smoking in the casino and other venues. The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union yesterday said it had received dozens of complaints from Crown workers.
5 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Punting priest's gamble pays off "
by Kristine Robson
Father Joe Giacobbe has for ten years been publishing the Winning Post, a weekly racing form guide with a circulation of 20,000. Profits go to a charity to help disadvantaged youth.
6 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown plans push into Asia "
by Greg Thom
Crown casinos could start appearing in Asian cities within three years according to Lloyd Williams.
7 October 1997 - Age
"Casino deal makes sense "
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Crown decision to purchase casino management contract from Hudson Conway makes sense. One problem with management contract is that it theoretically tempted Crown to maximise revenue because Hudson Conway got 2% gross revenue and 5% of profits. The purchase price for the management contract ($290M) will be funded by the issue of converting preference shares to Hudson Conway. This will simplify Crown's decision- making structure and pave the way for expansion.
7 October 1997 - Age
"Crown in buy-up to placate investors "
by Leonie Wood
Crown has capitulated to strong pressure from institutional investors by agreeing to buy the rights to manage its $2B casino from its biggest shareholder, Hudson Conway.
7 October 1997 - Age
"Sydney casino in contract buyback "
by Matthew Kidman
Sydney Harbour Casino is finalising a plan to buy its own management contract from the US based Showboat Inc in a move expected to be warmly received from the investment community.
7 October 1997 - Age
"Casino plan to shed more jobs "
by Leonie Wood
Crown planned more staff cuts according to Lloyd Williams at the annual meeting, down from 8,000 to about 7,500.
7 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"$290M Crown deal "
Crown will purchase the management contract for $290M and it wants to lease the golf course rather than buy it.
7 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown forced to play hand "
by Sean Smith
Crown will pay nearly $300M for the management rights for the casino complex after being pressured into an early deal by institutional investors. Crown on track to achieve 1997/98 revenues of $1.3B. Second hotel tower will cost $140M. Five month staff review.
7 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Glitzy touch woos chairman's flock "
by Peter Coster
Account of Crown AGM.
7 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"All work, no pay for casino boss "
by Peter Coster
Lloyd Williams will pick up $3.4M in November when Hudson Conway pays dividend.
7 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Lloyd's tax deal to be Crowning glory "
by Peter Coster
Crown will argue for a flat 9% on high rollers. The existing arrangement 9% to $160M rising up to 21.25% at $380M acts as a disincentive for Crown to increase its high roller income according to BZW report.
8 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Lloyd chats, but no Showboat deal "
by Peter Costner
Lloyd Williams talked to Showboat president J Kel Houssels about buying the Sydney Casino management contract as reported by Insider in August. Lloyd Williams was not a buyer now.
8 October 1997 - Age
"Croupier fined for not taking gamblers' chips "
by Rachel Gibson
A dealer was fined $1000 with no conviction on two counts of theft after he called a stand off where Pai Gow gamblers had lost. (crime)
8 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"All bets are off for Crown's Robin Hood "
by Natalie Sikora
Yesterday Magistrate Kevin Mason found a dealer guilty of two charges of theft and fined him $1,000 without conviction. Mr Mason said Mr Fairhall had acted dishonestly and betrayed his employer by calling a losing bet a stand-off (tie) and allowing gamblers to keep their chips. (crime)
8 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokies under attack "
Anglican parishes should campaign against poker machines in their areas, Anglican Archbishop Keith Rayner said today.
8 October 1997 - Age
"Odds against the casino "
letter to the editor by Ken McIntyre
The Roy Morgan Research study into gambling in Victoria gives the lie to those sections of the public and media who blame the success of the casino for the gambling ills of the state. Analysis of gambling revenues.
9 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"King advises Lloyd on Asia "
by Insider Peter Coster
Robert King is Lloyd Williams' adviser on Asian matters.
9 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Minister to ease pokie laws "
by Greg Thom
Proposed changes in the law will split the operator and premises licensing approval system so that an approved gaming operator can obtain a gaming operator's licence before acquiring a venue. At present, licenses are tied to venues and are not transferable.
10 October 1997 - Age
"Court told of bingo charity scam "
by Manika Naidoo
An organisation for disabled athletes set up false clubs in an elaborate deception to obtain bingo permits illegally, the Melbourne Magistrates Court was told yesterday. The fraud was the creation of false minute books and membership lists. Ms Spanos imposed a fine of $2,000 without conviction with a 12 month community based order. (crime)
12 October 1997 - Age
"Life's a gamble, and then you lose "
by Geoff Strong
A Melbourne University mathematician, Associate Professor Barry Hughes, s a specialist in statistical chaos. "From a mathematician's point of view, if you are gambling in a game that is biased against you, your position is more likely to get worse than to improve. Irrespective of whether you are ahead of behind, the best thing you can do is quit."
13 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino soccer brawl "
by Brad Clifton
A soccer match on the other side of the world was the catalyst for a brawl between rival soccer fans from Victoria and England yesterday.
13 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Call on pokies odds "
by Cheryl Critchley
Archbishop Keith Rayner of the Anglican Church after the Melbourne Synod called for all poker machines to display the odds, parishes to resist Crown casino bus trip deals, a strict advertising and consumer protection code and State government recognition of and action against the growing social cost of gambling.
14 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokies party tipped to win "
by Greg Thom
Anti-poker machine forces are set to flex their political muscle by gaining election to parliament for the first time in South Australia if solicitor Nick Xenophon gets into the SA upper house with 2.89 of the primary vote.
15 October 1997 - Age
"More gamblers admit crimes "
by Belinda Parsons
Thirty percent of registered problem gamblers in Victoria say they have committed illegal acts to finance their habit according to a report released yesterday. Men were twice as likely as women gamblers never to have married and twice as likely to be living alone.
16 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Shopping centres pokies row "
by Greg Thom
A protest meeting tonight over a planned pokies pub in a Mt Waverley shopping centre is expected to attract more than 1000 outraged residents and traders.
17 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown blast over Hanson "
by Ian McIlwraith
Crown casino boss Lloyd Williams has attacked Prime Minister John Howard's government for being out of step in its attitude to Asia.
17 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Aristocrat chief in shock exit "
by Kathy Lipari
Gaming machine maker Aristocrat Leisure's woes deepened yesterday with the shock departure of executive chairman John Dougall. Dougall considered that though the allegations against him were false he considered it was in the best interests of the company that he resign.
17 October 1997 - Age
"PM deals a losing Asia hand: Crown
by Leonie Wood
After the annual general meeting of Crown Lloyd Williams attacked Prime Minister John Howard for failing to quell the "Hanson factor".
17 October 1997 - Age
"US push forces gaming chief out "
by Anne Hyland
Aristocrat Leisure's chairman and chief executive John Dougall is quitting the poker machine manufacturer as part of a settlement brokered with the Colorado Gaming Commission. It is understood that the Gaming Commission will drop its charges upon the resignation and payment of a fine of more than $50,000. Dougall strenuously denied the claims.
17 October 1997 - Age
"Hudcon looks to Asian focus "
by Leonie Wood
Hudson Conway is unlikely to pursue big projects in Australia in the medium term, instead preferring what it sees as the growth economies of South East Asia.
19 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Lucky cash up for grabs "
Tabaret Wild Cash Jackpots Game
19 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Models for very little"
People are still talking about the parades of clothes from the La Peria people, the latest international fashion label to open at Crown.
19 October 1997 - Age
"Gambling on the Internet on its way "
by John Silvester
Crown casino will open an international virtual reality casino early next year after the State Government passes new laws making Victoria the first Australian jurisdiction to legalise internet gambling. Australian state and territory gaming ministers have agreed to take a compatible approach to internet gambling. Proposals include betting on television game shows, telephone raffles on 0055 numbers and all casino games and mechanisms to uncover money laundering.
20 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Sending the wrong message "
letter by Christian Bennett of Carrum
Crown chief Lloyd Williams was spot-on on taking the Federal Government to task over Pauline Hanson.
20 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Blame gamblers not casino"
letter from Heather McDonald of Broadmeadows
You cannot legislate against stupidity. Don't blame the casino or any other gaming venue for the weakness inherent in compulsive gamblers. No-one twists their arms and forces them to gamble. It is a self-inflicted wound as is alcoholism and drug abuse.
22 October 1997 - Age
"Latte scratchings: punters bemused, bewitched at TAB "
by Rachel Gibson
Launch day of the first super-TAB in Bourke Street, by 1999 there will be 60 of them across the state. Bright light, extra space, you can place a bet at the counter without being caught in a throng of blokes. "I think they're trying to make it more of an environment for women with the way they've set it out". The Tabcorp corporate affairs manager, Ms Jill Hollingworth, says the trick was to strike a balance; get a new breed of punter through the doors but don't frighten the horses.
21 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Lloyd's swipe at Libs leaves out Ron"
Lloyd William's call to bring back Paul Keating brought a response from Trade Minister Tim Fischer who said that Lloyd was "wrong and wrong". Crown is launching a $2.5M advertising campaign in Asia.
21 October 1997 - Age
"And now for Sydney's jewel in the crown "
by Joe Rollo
Article on the new Sydney casino which opening on 26 November 1997. Star City is into serious theme setting . Inside, you can explore Australia coast to coast across three interconnected gaming rooms with 160 tables and 1500 slot machines.
21 October 1997 - Age
"Aristocrat action partly dropped "
by AAP
The Colorado Gaming and Control Commission, which had threatened to terminate an Aristocrat Ltd licence, had dropped its allegations against the gaming machine manufacturers, the company's legal representative said last night. Nevertheless the Colorado commission would conduct an open hearing later this month.
22 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"TAB store move no firm favourite "
More intrigue than in the run-up to the Melbourne Cup surrounds the decision by "Ross the Boss" Wilson to open a chain of TAB superstores.
22 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gambling helps increase abuse "
by Cheryl Critchley
Gambling addiction could soon be as much to blame for child abuse as alcohol and drug addiction, Governor-General Sir William Deane said yesterday.
23 October 1997 - Age
"Asian rollers still key to Crown jewels "
by Fulcrum
Crown shareholders will be better off if they give the green light to their leaders to buy the rights to manage their casino complex. Casino turnover nationally is expected to rise at 11% per year nationally from 1996 - 2001.
23 October 1997 - Age
"Thumbs up on Crown deal with Hudcon "
by Leonie Wood
Coopers and Lybrand have said Crown casinos $290M purchase of its management contract would benefit Crown shareholders. Crown directors content the deal will increase cash flow and give Crown direct control over the senior management team at the complex.
23 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Deal erodes Crown profit "
by Richard Webb
Crown casino is paying Lloyd Williams' Hudson Conway top dollar for its management rights but the deal is deemed to be fair and reasonable according to Coopers & Lybrand.
25 October 1997 - Age
"Casino's Williams bets crisis a 'blip' "
by David Elias
Williams believes that the Asian crisis is a blip and he believed that the sheer momentum of the Asian economies over the last decade will continue into the 21st century.
25 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"It's no joke - you've won"
Deer Park mother of three, Jane Wright won $5,000 in the Herald Sun Wildcash Jackpot Second Chance Draw.
26 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gambling "
by Russell Robinson
Asia's currency chaos will have a significant impact on Crown Casino a gambling industry expert, Mark Solonsch, warned this week.
27 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Lotto win not so grand "
by Andrew Probyn
Sixty people won first division in Tattslotto at the weekend by they are still poor, poor by first division standards anyway. Each gets $41,573.46 of the $2,494,407.60 pool.
27 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Take a walk on the wild cash side "
Win cash with the Herald Sun when you play the exciting $150,000 Herald Sun Tabaret Wild Cash Jackpots Game.
28 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Tots evade Crown security measures "
by Greg Thom
Children as young as two and babies have been found in gambling areas at the Crown Casino. In the first three months of casino operation 73 minors were detected. Tim Costello said this was just the tip of the iceberg.
28 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino warning urged "
Casino and gambling advertising should carry a warning about the chance of winning a federal Labor MP, Peter Morris, said yesterday.
28 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Packer gambles on Hudcon"
by Peter Coster
Packer has been buying Hudson Conway shares in the last week, nearly one million.
28 October 1997 - Melbourne Weekly "Bettor days ahead "
editorial
Pending Melbourne Cup reminder of concern over amount of gambling and problem gambling in Australia.
28 October 1997 - Age
"Stakes high as Crown drops 15% "
by Michael Lynch and David Saunders
Crown casino shares slumped as low as 80 cents yesterday. An analyst said it was not impossible that Crown could become a takeover target.
29 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"No favours to Lloyd as PBL buys cheaply "
by Peter Coster
PBL has bought about 1 million Hudson Conway shares in the last week lifting its holding from 17.37% to 19.47%.
29 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Golf's king of clubs "
by Jim Tennison
Article on Capital Golf Course at Heatherton with aerial photograph.
29 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"High rollers drop off "
by Greg Thom
The number of cashed up Asian high rollers gambling at Crown casino has dropped by more than half in the past three weeks it was claimed yesterday.
30 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown shares query "
by Lainie Barnes and Greg Thom
Major concerns have been raised in State Parliament over public institutions and their massive shareholdings in Crown casino - Workcover, TAC and VicSuper held about 23 million shares in Crown. It was also revealed that Crown could lose its licence to operate if it failed to build a planned second hotel tower due for completion in November 1999.
31 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Worry over ATM betting "
by Greg Thom
Tabcorp chief Ross Wilson came under fire yesterday for endorsing the introduction of ATM style betting machines. Critics said it would give easy access to children.
31 October 1997 - Herald Sun
Letter
Lloyd Williams and Ron Walker would be terror-stricken if they believed Rod Pike's suggestion that Peter Costello was Jeff Kennett's only friend.
31 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Go for the big jackpot "
Herald Sun Tabaret Wild Cash Jackpots Game.
31 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Tabcorp is set to swoop on targets "
by Ian McIlwraith
Tabcorp Holdings boss Ross Wilson is reviewing potential listed acquisitions after the recent turbulence in the share market. Suggested targets include Sydney Harbour Casino.
31 October 1997 - Herald Sun
"Bookie four no longer on card "
by Shane Templeton
Four of Melbourne's best known bookies have withdrawn from Monday's "Million Dollar" Call of the Card on the Melbourne Cup. Other bookies will still participate at a Call of the Card at the Casino.
31 October 1997 - Age
"Tabcorp betting on new system "
by Leonie Wood
Betting on Victoria's spring racing carnival is already 8.8% above last year's levels. Tabcorp has developed a new computer system for on and off course betting; it is called Bravo and will be commissioned after the Spring racing carnival.
31 October 1997 - Age
"Tabcorp hangs back "
by Leonie Wood
Tabcorp is believed to be reviewing its entry price into Sydney Harbour Casino following this week's extraordinarily volatile trading on the broad share market.
31 October 1997 - Age
"Odds against the bookie "
by Libby Lester
Article on the downturn for bookmakers. Comment: "The tracks have become as sterile as the TABs, which feed of them and the casinos with which they compete. ... They say they have to compete with the Casino for example, so they have to have something running around and around day and night. But all they're doing is catering for the gamble-holics, the blokes who can't help themselves. I mean, to bet on a meeting at the back of Queensland is lunacy. "
1 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"$86M tip for Cup splurge "
by Greg Thom
Punters are tipped by Tabcorp to bet $86M on the Melbourne Cup, up about a million on last year.
1 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gambling mum loses child "
by Michael Gleeson
A Flemington woman who had already been banned from the Casino for leaving her toddler in a pusher in the food court area at the temporary casino, left the child with a sitter for two days while she gambled. The child was handed over to Health and Community services and the mother lost custody. (crime)
1 November 1997 - Age
"Crown of thorns "
by Malcolm Maiden and Leonie Wood
Williams is worried about the downturn in Asia and its effect on Crown. Williams holds 38% of Hudson Conway shares.
1 November 1997 - Age
"Casino calls for tax break to lure high rollers "
by Shane Green
The State Government is considering giving Crown Casino a more generous tax break to attract high-roller gamblers. The sliding scale from 9% to 21.25% acted as a disincentive to Crown to build its high-roller business.
2 November 1997 - Age
"Crown not charged for wheel of misfortune "
by John Silvester
The Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority has yet to press charges against Crown Casino six months after a police investigation found it had run a lottery without a permit after a contestant complained about a damaged, sub- standard wheel used in a 3AW / Crown promotion.
4 November 1997 - Age
"Double standards at the casino "
letter by Tim Costello
The casino will almost certainly get another tax break from its servile patron, the Kennett Government. There have always been double standards when dealing with this monopoly.
4 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Bookies dare not blink "
by Terry Brown
Account of Williams' betting at Call of the Card. Williams staked $20,000 on Arabian Story as a courtesy to its jockey Frankie Dettori who was sitting with him.
4 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"$550,000 splurge opens bets "
by Greg Thom and Clare Heaney
Account of Williams' betting and general excitement and expectations leading up to the Cup.
4 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"A bettor class of student "
by Lynne Holroyd
The Australian appetite for gambling is legendary ... but as losses escalate and gambling venues proliferate, the issue is rarely addressed in schools. Duncan Stalker head of the Victorian Secondary Schools Principals Association says a dearth of educational materials hampers efforts to provide education about responsible gambling. There's virtually nothing available he says. And schools lack welfare staff to deal with the new financial and inadequate care and supervision of children that parental gambling creates. Comments by Tim Hawkes and Rob Wootten. Account of 1995 racing industry kit. Health and Community Services Minister Dennis Napthine says "there are no plans at this stage to offer across-the-board gambling education into schools. Heather Hebron advocates responsible gambling education. Health educator Heather Hebron gave figures for north and western suburbs sample of Year 10 students - 21% played the pokies and 6.5% gambled at the casino. VUT survey of secondary and university students showed 5% gambled over $99 per week and 3% admitted they may have a problem "to some extent".
4 November 1997 - Age
"Bookies $5M in red to Packer's might and power "
by Tony Bourke and Michael Lynch
Kerry Packer won about $5M when Might and Power won the Melbourne Cup.
5 November 1997 - Age
Cartoon showing call of the Cup referring to casino, silencing of critics, downsizing etc.
5 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Somebody up there doesn't like Lloyd"
by Peter Coster
Account of Williams' losses at the Cup.
6 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gamble plea on gold "
by Sean Smith
A Victorian gold captain wants red tape on capital raisings slashed to enable cash-strapped explorers to better compete for the gambling dollar. Ken Fletcher argued that gold mining was a gamble and it was useless having a lot of experts sign a prospectus when they did not have the faintest idea whether there was an ore body waiting to be discovered.
6 November 1997 - Herald Sun
Cartoon showing Kerry Packer on the phone to a bookmaker.
6 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Power of $6M Packer punch "
by Ray Thomas
Bookies count the cost after tycoon's plunge. Account of Packer's betting.
6 November 1997 - Age
"Gaming authority must be remote "
by Venerable Andrew Oddy, Archdeacon of Geelong
Need for creation of an independent gaming authority. Describes the Authority as a sub-department of government.
7 November 1997 - Age
"Hambros is bullish on Crown "
by Leonie Wood
Hambros Hopkins is bullish on Crown after reading the Coopers and Lybrand report.
9 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokies loophole attack "
by Felicity Dargan
Liberal MP Geoff Coleman wants Mr Kennett to close a planning loophole that allows developers to set up pokies without permits as long as they do not occupy more than a certain percentage of floor space. He also wants to overturn government policy that allows gaming machines in strip shopping centres but not shopping complexes.
9 November 1997 - Herald Sun
Cartoon showing Might and Power and John Howard asking "C'mon - tell me how do you do it? "
10 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"They're off soon to woo night dollar "
by Greg Thom
On 26 January 1998, Victorian racing history will be made with the State's first night gallops meeting at Moonee Valley. The concept is not new overseas but the first in Australia. The club has invested two years and $5M to make night racing a reality. There are 47 light towers.
10 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"A squid each way "
Photograph of squid racing in Hong Kong. Prize is tickets to a hot spa.
11 November 1997 - Herald Sun
'New gaming laws blasted "
by Greg Thom
Opposition gaming spokesman Rob Hulls yesterday said a draft of amendments to be debated in State Parliament today threatened to weaken the probity of the entire industry. Proposals at issue were: removal of power to investigate the financial soundness and stability of a gambling venue applicant; no longer tracking movement of pokies employees from one venue to another; abolishing VCGA power to scrutinise contracts between Tatts/Tabcorp and gaming venues. Victorian Licensed Clubs Association was concerned.
11 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino's revenue leap "
by Kathy Lipari
Sydney Harbour Casino has reported record gaming revenue in the September quarter as an extra 850,000 punters tried their luck on its tables. $12M loss for quarter because of abnormals.
11 November 1997 - Age
"Sydney casino posts $12M loss "
by Anne Hyland, Sydney
Neil Gamble says good result.
12 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino paid fines after opening "
by Greg Thom
Crown casino continued to pay the State Government fines of $5,500 per day after the gala 8 May opening of the complex.
12 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino must wear losses "
letter from B Brian of Broadmeadows
12 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Conway, Crown find little to cheer about "
by Christopher Webb
Article on low price of Crown shares.
13 November 1997 - Age
"Crown dumps deal on contract "
by Leonie Wood
Crown has suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of testy institutional investors who yesterday forced it to dump plans to buy the casino's management contract from Hudson Conway.
13 November 1997 - Age
"Big boy's move is a big blow to Crown "
by Fulcrum
Article discussing implications of dumped management contract purchase plans.
13 November 1997 - Age
"Judge hits at casino culture "
by Victoria Gurvich
Judge James Duggan sentenced a problem gambler, to 2.5 years with 15 months suspended on charges of obtaining property by deception and attempting to obtain property by deception. (crime)
13 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown contract backdown "
by Richard Webb
Article discussing implications of dumped management contract purchase plans.
13 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Youths gamble on luck "
by Greg Thom
Victoria University study (Professor Susan Moore and Dr Keis Ohtsuka) of 1000 western suburbs gamblers between 14 and 25 show that many youths had an illusion of control.
13 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown hooks Dion "
Celine Dion will play two shows at the Crown Casino in January.
14 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Let the TAB chip in for jockeys' fees "
by Daren Beadman
The TAB, not the owners, should pay for an increase in jockeys' fees.
15 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Skull hits jackpot "
by Greg Thom
Crown casino chief Lloyd Williams is believed to have hired a former Victorian detective, Brian "Skull" Murphy to act as his "eyes and ears" around town.
15 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"the laundry men "
by Geoff Wilkinson
NCA team investigating money laundering find currency, jewellery and $79,500 of Crown Casino chips in house. (crime)
15 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"No show on $15M win "
Winner in NSW of $15.34M powerpick ticket did not show up at agency to claim prize.
15 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Investors dump falling Crown "
by Richard Webb
Crown shares drop further 7 cents on analysts forecasts.
15 November 1997 - Age
"Men discuss the yo-yo of life "
by Sally Heath
Main issues that concern Melbourne men and women - gambling ranked third with men and seventh with women.
19 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Network stalls on anti-gambling ad "
by Cheryl Critchley
Church groups say Channel Nine has refused to play a new Christian commercial showing a casino gambler losing money.
19 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Deane defends church opinions "
by Cheryl Crichley
Sir William Deane, Governor General said also that the rise in gambling could contribute to the rise in homelessness.
19 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Nine in a spin over wheel "
by Scott Thompson
Channel Nine is facing illegal lottery charges after its popular In Melbourne Tonight show ran a prize wheel competition without a permit.
19 November 1997 - Age
"Las Vegas aims to add class to crass "
by Andrew Pollack
Las Vegas is trying to diversify in the face of lower gambling rates by trying to turn a profit on food and hotel rooms.
19 November 1997 - Age
"State fails to rule out lift in gaming machines "
by Sushila Das
The State Government refused to rule out an increase in the number of gaming machines in Victoria notwithstanding the pending Mitcham by- election.
19 November 1997 - Age
"Police alarm over woman missing from casino hotel "
by Jason Koutsoukis
Police hold grave fears for woman who left her hotel room at the Crown casino.
19 November 1997 - Age
"Channel 9 bars anti-gambling ad "
Channel 9 has refused to screen a new Christian Television Association advertisement that presents a negative view of gambling.
21 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino wheel charges "
by Greg Thom
Crown casino has been charged with running an illegal lottery after seizure of a lucky prize wheel at the casino. Crown marketing manager Jamie Bartels has also been charged. (crime)
21 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokies also suck the sockets dry "
by Greg Thom
Victoria's 27,000 poker machines consume more than $8M in electricity per year.
21 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Mum defies poker ban "
by Sarah Dolan
A single mother who was banned from Crown casino for leaving her child alone while she gambled was yesterday convicted and fined for ignoring the order. (crime)
22 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Starry-eyed battle "
by Greg Thom
Sydney's new casino is confident of being better than Crown. Comparison between Crown and Star City.
22 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Mitcham gamble "
The head of the Victorian Council on Problem Gambling, Rob Wootton , will run as an independent candidate in the Mitcham by-election.
23 November 1997 - Age
"New bill to allow airport gambling "
by Karen Lyon
Gambling could be allowed at Victorian airports under changes to the Gaming Act now before Victorian Parliament.
24 November 1997 - Age
"Woman missing from Crown found dead at Sydney factory "
by Caroline Overington
The body of a woman who went missing from Melbourne's Crown casino last Sunday has been found at the rear of a factory in Wentworthville, Sydney. Police wish to speak to husband.
25 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Liberal pledge to cap pokies "
by Lainie Barnes and Michelle Edmunds
Liberal candidate Andere Munroe has vowed to campaign for a cap on gaming machines across Victoria if he wins the Mitcham by-election on 13 December.
26 November 1997 - Age
"Gaming group up despite year of troubles "
by Anne Hyland
Poker machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure has improved net profits in the four months to 31 October and hinted its new chief executive would probably be American.
25 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Men punt for macho win, women to escape "
by Greg Thom
Study of 200 problem gamblers shows differences between the gambling habits of the sexes.
25 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Star ad costliest "
A sixty-second TV advertisement for Star City casino had a production budget in excess of $1M.
27 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Bob can 'crown' Star City - and Jeff and Lloyd
by Terry McCrann
Discussion on probability of NSW reducing tax of high rollers for Star City casino.
27 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokie cap likely to stay "
by Greg Thom
Tourism minister Louise Asher yesterday gave the strongest indication yet the State Government would maintain the 27,500 cap on poker machines.
27 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Stars sparkle for casino opening "
Account of Sydney casino opening.
27 November 1997 - Age
"Asia crisis giving casinos the jitters "
by Anne Hyland
Investor fears mounted as the problems in Asia slowly emerged in the last few months and casino stocks were dumped because of concerns that high-stake gamblers from there will stay away.
27 November 1997 - Age
"Star City: It's kitsch, it's glam, yes, it's gotta be another casino "
by Caroline Overington, Sydney
Account of the opening of the Sydney casino.
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Windfalls for Lloyd, Kerry and Ron "
by Peter Coster
Hudcon dividend cheques to go out today with the bulk of the cash going to Lloyd Williams, Kerry Packer and Ron Walker.
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
Cartoon depicting Kennett and Carr as casino hosts on each side of a wild west street trying to tempt tourists into their respective Crown and Star casinos.
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Save power, unplug pokies "
letter to the editor from G Main of Cranbourne
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Net bets to get go ahead "
by Greg Thom
Victoria would regulate internet gambling even if the other states baulked Gaming Minister Roger Hallam said yesterday.
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Teens prefer punting "
University of Western Sydney study on teenage gambling habits.
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Notes boost pokie betting "
by Greg Thom
Column on poker machine bettors behaviour for machines with note acceptors and multiple line and bet combinations.
28 November 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino wars "
by Terry Brown
States trade insults on casinos.
29 November 1997 - Age
"Gambling on the allure of gaming "
by Paul Heinrichs
Article on Rob Wootton standing for Mitcham by-election and interview with housewife poker machine player.
2 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Jobless lotto win "
by Greg Thom
A struggling father about to lose his job has won $415,000 in Tattslotto.
2 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Jury acquits hotel owner "
by Jason Silverii
A hotel owner walked free from court yesterday after a jury found him not guilty of arranging for a nearby home to be burnt down.
2 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Emu lotto man in flap over ASX "
by Peter Coster
Article on Emu Hills Gold Mines lottery shareholders incentive scheme.
3 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Outcry keeps cap on pokies "
by Greg Thom
Gaming Minister Roger hallam said state would keep cap on pokies until year 2000.
3 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Odds stacked against battling bookmakers "
by Tim Habel
Article on tough times for bookmakers.
3 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Poker machines ring loudly for Tatts Heirs"
by Richard Webb
Article setting out profits of Tatts poker machine operation. Net profit would have been $170M up from $103.4M but for retrospective licence fee deduction of $50.9M.
3 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown bounces as Asian fears ease "
by Richard Webb
Crown shares bounced back 6 cents to close at 91 cents yesterday.
3 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino royale "
by Damien Woolnough
The big casino guns have come out firing to attract the entertainment dollar.
3 December 1997 - Age
"Gaming machines capped at 27,500 "
by Shane Green
The State Government has announced in the run-up to the Mitcham by- election that it will cap gaming machines at 27,500 until 2000.
3 December 1997 - Age
"Holy row as Mecca turns heat on Lloyd "
by Christopher Webb
Michael Victor Mecca hired in 1994 by Lloyd Williams is suing Crown Management Ltd over a dispute arising out of his employment contract.
3 December 1997 - Age
"Nice work if you could get it "
by Sharon Grey
Account of a two-up establishment in the old days.
4 December 1997 - Age
"A welcome cap on gaming "
editorial
Editorial on gaming machine cap and speculation on further high-roller tax cut.
4 December 1997 - Herald Sun "Peter Ruehl - could win the lottery without becoming distraught "
by Peter Ruehl
Story of Eleanor who won $11.8M in a lottery and gave it to the Catholic Church and several other service groups.
5 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Tax ruling could ruin pokie clubs "
by Greg Thom
The tax office has ruled that clubs are collecting revenue on behalf of the owners of the pokies, Tatts and Tabcorp, and that money injected by club members is therefore not tax exempt.
5 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Lotto scam goes global"
Danish police have seized thousands of letters containing British bank cheques made out to two Australian firms promising sweepstake fortunes.
6 December 1997 - Good Weekend
"Just leave it to me mate "
by David Leser
Profile on Michael Kroger.
6 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Don't harbour casino grudge "
letter to the editor
Letter criticising denigration of NSW casino by Victorian Premier.
8 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pinch on the pokies "
by Greg Thom
Article analysing distribution of poker machines throughout Victoria and concentration in low socio-economic areas.
9 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokies cap a positive sign "
letter from Rev Ray Cleary, Chair Interchurch Gambling Task Force
Decision to cap pokies numbers is welcomed.
9 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gambling raised as key to poll "
by Michelle Edmunds
Crackdowns on gaming advertising and Community Support Fund spending are key planks in independent candidate Rob Wootton's Mitcham campaign.
13 December 1997 - Age
"Libs face gaming jibe on eve of vote "
State Government accused of sitting on gambling reports.
13 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"NSW punts on $1.2M TAB float"
The NSW yesterday launched the long awaited $1.2B privatisation of its TAB.
13 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Hell of a party ends the year "
by Rick Wallace
On New Years Eve, most of Melbourne's party set will be going to Crown casino for an invitation-only function where Rod Stewart and Kate Ceberano will perform.
13 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Howard bookies' favourite "
by Tom Salom
John Howard may be trailing in the polls but bookmakers have him odds-on favourite to win the next election.
14 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Slap in the face for Kennett "
by various journalists
Labor easily wins Mitcham by-election. Wootton polls 1.8%.
16 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"$250M golden marble "
by Mark Russell
Gold prospector Leith Beal became an instant multi-millionaire yesterday when his number came up a lucky dip for a gold mine worth up to $250M.
17 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Showboat may sail out of Star City with $248M "
by Terry McCrann
There are strong suggestions that Sydney Harbour Casino has done a deal to buy the American Showboat company out of its management contract for $248M.
17 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Pokie bushwack "
by Greg Thom
Article speculating on redistribution of poker machines given cap and expiry of five year gaming contracts on many venues.
17 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Kitty goes on pokies "
by Greg Thom
More than 15% of pokies players in the inner city spend cash reserved for necessities on gambling, research has found. Socio-economic data on pokies players.
17 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Welfare loses to gambling "
by Greg Thom
Some social security beneficiaries are spending their money on the pokies.
17 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Towns have big pull "
VCGA study giving perceptions of effects of pokies on rural areas.
17 December 1997 - Age
"Uneasy lies the Crown as the axeman cometh "
by Christopher Webb
Analysis of Crown share price movements.
17 December 1997 - Age
"Victorian slam pokies culture "
by Fergus Shiel
Account of three separate reports into the impact of electronic gaming in inner-city municipalities, regional centres and small rural communities.
18 December 1997 - Age
"Tabcorp in deal to buy share of Sky "
by Leonie Wood
Tabcorp, NSWTab and the Vic and NSW racing industries are trying to buy Murdoch's half-share in specialist pay-TV Sky Channel.
18 December 1997 - Age
"Dice rolling Reef's way "
AAP Improved results announced for Reef Casino Hotel in Cairns.
18 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"TAB war as punters prepare to defect to NSW "
by Peter Coster
Article speculating that Victorian punters will take their business to NSW when Victoria's Tabcorp takes an additional 1% from the trifecta pool ie total of 19% as from 6 January.
18 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Many wary of charities"
Australians are generous supporters of charities but would give more if they were certain the needy would get their donations.
19 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Judge hits casino on safeguards "
by Russell Coulson
Judge Barnett said it was now common for thieves to squander the proceeds of their crimes at the gaming tables. Sentenced Mark Ronald Cheeseman to four years and two months. A week ago he had jailed an accounts clerk.
(crime) 19 December 1997 - Age
"Slow sailing on any US buy of Showboat "
Hilton Hotels and Hurrah's Entertainment are dead keen on Showboat. Complicating factors are the falling Australian dollar, institutional reluctance to take casino shares and the Asian crisis.
19 December 1997 - Age
"Crown of thorns or Crown jewel? It's a toss up. "
by Christopher Webb
The investment community appears split into two camps over Crown. Some see it at exceptionally cheap and some see it as high risk.
20 December 1997 - Age
"High-rollers savage Crown "
by Malcolm Maiden and Leonie Wood
Big wins by high-stakes foreign gamblers have savaged the Crown Casino's financial position and forced a $200M support package
.
20 December 1997 - Age
"Crown thorns of own making "
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Crown's woes were largely of its own making and partly due to a run of extremely bad luck.
20 December 1997 - Age
"Williams to remain as Crown prince "
by Malcolm Maiden and Leonie Wood
Williams will continue managing the casino group.
20 December 1997 - Age
"Packer scores again with casino "
by David Saunders
Discussion of Packer's investment history in casino.
20 December 1997 - Age
"History of a gamble "
Chronology of Crown casino.
20 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Packer gambles on Crown coup "
by Terry McCrann
Kerry Packer has effectively seized control of Melbournes $2B Crown Casino in a spectacular coup.
20 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Concern over Tabcorp criticism "
by Gary Pemberton
Letter to the editor by Tabcorp chairman expressing concern over 18 December 1997 article.
20 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"A scratch start for flawed jewel "
by Greg Thom
Two page article setting out recent history of Crown complex.
20 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown in shock funds bid "
by Richard Webb
Crown casino yesterday shocked the market with a $146M rights issue to address its deteriorating financial position.
20 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Ex Aristocrat boss launches legal bid "
by Kathy Lipari
Len Ainsworth, founder of Aristocrat Leisure has launched a $200M legal suit against the company over its discontinuance of a legal bid.
20 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Packer's $90M casino lifeline "
by Richard Webb
Packer supported the $146M rights issue.
21 December 1997 - Age
"Crime rise due to gambling: judge "
by Steve Butcher
A County Court judge has blamed the Crown casino, poker machines and the excessive urgings of the public to gamble for the rise in white-collar crime in Victoria. (crime)
21 December 1997 - Age
"New probe into Crown "
by Helen Shields, Rod Myer
Australia's corporate watchdog is investigating whether Crown Ltd broke the law by not telling shareholders of its financial woes until Friday.
22 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"US giant deals its way into Star City "
by Drew Gibson and Stephen Mayne
Hurrahs may soon win control of Star City.
22 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown share probe "
by Ian McIlwraith
ASC investigators will today start examining the public statements of casino group Crown following last week's announcement it had lost $40M in the past five months.
22 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Tabcorp trifecta sums don't add up"
by Brian Meldrum
Account of reaction of Tabcorp to criticism over proposed increase in trifecta rate to 19%.
22 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Letter to 50/50 "
letter by Mr A Hocksenar, Wheelers Hill
Short comment criticising Lloyd Williams.
22 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Cartoon showing Crown casino as riverboat approaching falls "
by Knight
22 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"ASC Crown probe "
Note of Australian Securities Commission investigation.
22 December 1997 - Age
"Gaming revenue secure - but Minister concerned "
by Graham Borcham, Rachel Gibson and Malcolm Maiden
Spokesperson for Premier says gambling taxes secure because based on turnover rather than profits.
22 December 1997 - Age
"Tarnished Crown "
editorial
Editorial commenting on Crown's financial position.
22 December 1997 - Age
"Early payoff from Crown needed to avert radical surgery "
by Malcolm Maiden
Next month critical for Crown.
22 December 1997 - Age
"Long probity check for Star City's new owner "
by Anne Hyland, Sydney
Hurrah's must pass a gruelling four month probity check before it can take control of Star Casino.
23 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Top bookie cops ban, $20,000 fine "
by Tim Habel
Leading Melbourne rails bookmaker Bill Graham was yesterday stunned after being suspended until March 31 and fined $20,000 by the Victoria Racing Club.
23 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"ASX continues casino probe"
Crown is still under investigation by the Australian Stock Exchange despite its full response yesterday to a wide-ranging probe from the share market regulator.
23 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"High-rollers from Asia hold key to Crown's jewels "
by Terry McCrann
Analysis of Crown high-roller business.
23 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown's $275M high-roller gamble "
by Richard Webb
History of recent Crown financial situation.
23 December 1997 - Age
"Crown paid high-rollers $46M in commissions "
by Leonie Wood
Account of recent Crown financial situation.
23 December 1997 - Age
"Crown crunch time? Not yet "
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Article considering future of Crown and saying that market needs to wait.
23 December 1997 - Age
"Crown ex-boss spells out beef"'
by Christopher Webb
Note on action by Mecca against Crown.
23 December 1997 - Age
"Cartoon regarding opening of Crown on Christmas Day "
by Tandberg
23 December 1997 - Age
"Crown chief blames losses on bad luck"
by Leonie Wood and Clare Kermond
Crown's chief yesterday defended the group's delay in releasing details about its financial opposition as regulatory authorities stepped up their inquiries into the casino.
23 December 1997 - Age
"Crown is not the first casino to feel the heat "
by Leonie Wood
Crown situation compared with woes of other casinos.
23 December 1997 - Age
"When all's quiet on the floor, hear the pennies drop "
by Jim Schembri
Account by reporter of afternoon in Crown casino.
24 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Bookies robbed in brazen raid "
by Charles Miranda and Murray Bell
Account of armed robbery at Randwick racecourse in Sydney. (crime)
24 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"White collars prop up casino "
by Glen Mitchell
Forget the myth of Asians as the typical gambler at the casino it is more likely to be a sales manager or mild-mannered accountant.
24 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gaming gains in survey"
Note of Arthur Anderson survey commissioned by VCGA pointing out economic benefits from gambling.
24 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Gambling profile applies to many "
Short profile of "typical gambler".
24 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Crown's non-disclosure should reap penalty jackpot "
by Terry McCrann
McCrann argues it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that Lloyd Williams did not disclose the problems of Crown casino for the simple reason he did not want to disclose them.
24 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Disclosure delay was reasonable - Williams "
by Richard Webb
Crown executive chairman said yesterday a reasonable person would not have expected the casino to disclose its financial predicament any sooner.
24 December 1997 - Age
"New island casino to woo Crown's Asian high-flyers "
by Lindsay Murdoch
One of Asia's richest families is poised to seize control of Australia's Christmas Island casino and woo high-stake gamblers away from Crown.
24 December 1997 - Age
"Struggling Crown delays tower "
by Leonie Wood
Crown's second hotel tower is to be delayed.
24 December 1997 - Age
"Some win, some lose in a big way "
by Fergus Shiel
Account of winners and losers in Victoria's gambling.
24 December 1997 - Age
"Study maps profile of the punter "
by Fergus Shiel
Account of results of VCGA study.
24 December 1997 - Age
"Cartoon showing jobs produced by gambling: croupier, real estate salesman and social worker "
by Tandberg
24 December 1997 - Age
"Crown's tarnished hand could prove to hold the trump "
by Rob Wootten
A costly bail-out, a drop in foreign punters, flak from community groups - the casino must take stock if it is to survive.
25 December 1997 - Age
"ASC an option in the Crown affair "
by Malcolm Maiden
The ASX is saying it is still considering whether or not to refer Crown's activities to the Australian Securities Commission.
25 December 1997 - Age
"Cartoon - I wish I had someone to support my gambling habit "
by Tandberg
25 December 1997 - Age
"Access - Age"
Four short comments regarding Crown and the government.
25 December 1997 - Age
"Casino tax break hint "
by Gareth Boreham and Malcolm Maiden
Premier yesterday strongly hinted the Government would grant tax relief to Crown.
25 December 1997 - Herald Sun
Cartoon depicting Premier as Santa about to put tax relief in Lloyd Williams' stocking "
by Knight
25 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"A $1.5M present "
An unemployed Melbourne man had all of his Christmases come at once after winning $1.5M in Tuesday's OzLotto draw.
26 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"West Bank casino "
Jerusalem - Palestinians are planning to open a casino in the autonomous West Bank area of Jericho to attract gamblers from Israel where casinos are banned.
26 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Keep the lid on pokies "
by Ray Cleary
Article on adverse social effects of gambling by chairperson of the Inter- Church gambling task force.
26 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino takes break "
Crown casino closed for eight hours at 4 am on Christmas morning.
27 December 1997 - Age
"Week's End "
by Simon Hughes
Humourous account of Christmas at casino.
27 December 1997 - Age
"Cartoon showing Premier demanding child play with casino Christmas present "
by Petty
27 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Your baby Lloyd, not ours"
letter to editor by Lucky Kerry
Short letter arguing no intervention by government.
27 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Calling the Crowned Crusader"
letter to the editor by L Harris of Bendigo
Letter mainly on liability of publicans but includes URI GELER Ultimate Revival In Gaming and Entertainment Led Economic Recovery.
27 December 1997 - Age
"Kennett's biggest gamble "
by David Elias
Article looking at problems with government's reliance on casino.
27 December 1997 - Age
"There's no sure thing in US gambling "
by Alan Attwood
Some big cities in the US are shying away from casinos.
27 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Life's just one big party "
by Fiona Byrne
Crown casino opening was year's biggest event.
27 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Push to hold Crown help "
by Kylie Hansen
State Government under pressure from Labor not to alter Crown legislation.
28 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Cartoon showing husband returning home in casino towel "
by Jeff
28 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Snapshots of a lively year "
Include photos at Crown opening.
28 December 1997 - Age
"Pawnshop fee cap scrapped "
by Jenny Sinclair
Scrapping of pawnshop maximum interest rate of 48% will leave vulnerable gamblers at the mercy of pawnbrokers welfare groups claim.
28 December 1997 - Age
"State loses $45M on Crown "
by Mark Forbes, Rod Myer and Darren Goodsir
Victorian Government agencies have lost $45M in the collapse of Crown Casino's share price over the last 12 months.
28 December 1997 - Age
"Lloyd's dream: an icon or a house of cards "
by Mark Forbes and Rod Myer
Account of Crown fortunes.
29 December 1997 - Age
"State casino share losses spark new row "
by Gabrielle Costa
Account of the losses by government authorities holding Crown shares.
29 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Heavies scoop casino jackpots "
by Greg Thom
Gangs of professional gamblers are muscling in on poker machines at Crown casino to scoop up cash jackpots and free cars.
29 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Wary week with focus on Crown" Market warily awaiting ASC and ASX reports.
30 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Casino must stand alone"
letter by James R Vaselow, Blackburn
Arguing no government intervention over casino.
30 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Blast on share investment plan "
by Michelle Edmunds
Government blasts Opposition's blue chip investment policy for government - agencies in wake of Crown share price fall.
30 December 1997 "Greed, sex and madness "
by Russel Coulson, Jason Silverii and Norrie Ross
Desperate punters stole hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund 007-style gambling habits.
30 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Not a legend - yet "
by Tim Stoney
Rod Stewart has performed two performances at Crown.
30 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Students 'paid to play the pokies' "
by Glen Mitchell
Police said yesterday they were aware of claims that university students were paid to play poker machines at Crown casino.
30 December 1997 - Herald Sun
"Player tells of pressure "
by Glen Michell
A Melbourne solicitor has told how he was stood over at a Crown casino pokie as its jackpot rose to $150,000.
30 December 1997 - Age
Letters to the editor arguing against bail out for Crown.
31 December 1997 - Age
"Throw of the dice turns on Williams "
by Leonie Wood
Account of past year for Crown casino.
1 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"The sums aren't simple "
by Kevin Donnelly
Hard lessons need to be learnt before Australia's numeracy standards catch up with Asian nations.
1 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Winner's $7.1M charity"
Woman gives winnings away to charity.
3 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Gambling not Jeff's fault"
letter by Vietnam Veteran
Argues Joan Kirner responsible for gambling.
4 January 1998 - Herald Sun
Full page colour advertisement for Star City.
4 January 1998 - Age
"Lloyd and the granny of all ingratitude "
by Lawrence Money
Humorous article on allegations made in papers about Crown casino.
5 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Gamblers fund lifesavers"
Lifesavers get $2M from gambling taxes and $750,000 from Tabcorp.
5 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Veteran Bookie fed up with Victoria "
by Shane Templeton
Experienced popular bookmaker Kel Strang is moving to Darwin.
6 January 1998 - Age
"Fine dining at casino"
Elizabeth May, Drysdale letter to editor
Complaint about coffee shop at casino.
6 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Unkind cut for stars "
by Trevor Grant
Top golfers lose lucrative deals as casino tightens belt.
6 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Bunkers loom for exclusive playground "
by Trevor Grant
Description of Capitol golf course and speculation as to future with Crown budget cuts.
6 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Kerry paves way for Lloyd "
by Peter Coster
Speculation on Crown property trust.
6 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Hefty fine could dim Crown dazzle"
by Peter Coster
Article discussing $50,000 per day second hotel fine and high-roller tax breaks.
6 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Gamblers flock to help line"
by Keith Moor
Calls to Victoria's problem gambling crisis service G-line soared dramatically after the opening of Crown casino.
6 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown dumps golfer support "
by Trevor Grant and Terry Brown
Effects of Crown budget squeeze.
7 January 1998 - Age
"Crown drops ball as sports sponsor "
by Gay Alcorn, Leonie Wood and Clare Kermond
Crown has cut back on sporting sponsorships.
7 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Letter to the editor suggesting casino buildings could be used for inner city hospital.
7 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown shares forced lower "
by Richard Webb
Stockbroker JB Were was a huge seller of shares in Crown casino yesterday.
8 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Whale circles sinking Lloyd "
by Peter Coster
Kerry Packer is likely to swallow a larger mouthful of Crown after the casino group's shares reached another low point yesterday.
8 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Letter to editor complaining about Crown poker machine jackpots "
8 January 1998 - Age
Letter to editor praising Crown service.
8 January 1998 - Age
"Kennett hits back at casino gouls "
by Tony Parkinson
Premier says government could not be held responsible for commercial decisions of Crown.
8 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"What's on around Crown"
Crown two-page colour brochure
10 January 1998 - Age
"Gaming body clears Crown"
VCGA will not discipline Crown.
10 January 1998 - Age
"Crown is given a clean bill on licence "
by Kirsty Simpson
VCGA says Crown diligently pursuing a course of action to remedy the breach of its debt to equity ratio.
10 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown escapes VCGA censure"
by Richard Webb
VCGA says Crown on track to reduce gearing ration below 60%.
11 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Circus fun at casino"
Galactic Circus, Crown entertainment complex's latest installation, provides fun for all the family in a carnival environment.
11 January 1998 - Age
"Exclusive shops to quit Crown "
by Michael Bacheland
Two of Crown casino's most exclusive shops will close at the end of the month, after failing to meet turnover requirements imposed by Crown.
12 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Retailers still reject longer hours: survey "
by Tanya Taylor
Half the respondents to a small business survey said the Crown casino complex had hurt their businesses and 84% believed that gambling in general had affected their turnover.
14 January 1998 - Age
"Silks not so smooth the day the waiter kneed the chef "
by Victoria Button
Melbourne Magistrates Court was told that on 10 May 1998 the head waiter at Silks Restaurant at the Crown casino kneed at assistant chef in the groin.
14 January 1998 - Age
"Hawke told to return $300,000 payout "
by Ben Mitchell, Canberra
The former Prime Minister, Mr Bob Hawke has been asked to return a $300,000 payout he received after the Australian Captial Territory Government withdrew from a betting agency in which he was a shareholder.
14 January 1998 - Age
"Tabcorp on a roll, still on the prowl "
by Leonie Wood
Tabcorp lifted sales revenue more than 16% in December quarter. Tabcorp is looking for acquisitions.
15 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown jewel snatch "
by Paul Anderson
Thief stole from Michael Kroger's Faberge boutique at Crown casino. (crime)
15 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Turner heads donations list "
by AAP
Cable TV pioneer Ted Turner gave $1.6B to the United Nations.
15 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Silence on Crown affair "
by Peter Coster
No news yet on ASC investigation.
16 January 1998 - Age
"Unlucky number comes up for state's pubs and clubs "
by Rachel Gibson
Only 930 gaming machines to be released before cap is reached.
19 January 1998 - Age
"TAB not winning over NSW clubs "
by Anne Hyland, Sydney
NSW licensed club industry is refusing to embrace the proposed introduction of the TAB jackpot links and monitoring system.
20 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Mobile Tattslotto at MCG"
advertisement
People attending the one day cricket match will be able to buy 18-game Tattslotto Quick Pics and Tattslotto scratchies.
21 January 1998 - Age
"In search of a woman of substance "
by Sharon Grey
Where are the women role models? One suggestion Dame Phyllis Frost.
21 January 1998 - Age
"Casinos not good bet even for the owners "
by Adrian Rollins
Australian casinos have become a bad business bet, with profit margins collapsing to little more than 1% in the past financial year.
22 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Casino taxes secure "
by Greg Thom
Plunging casino profits are unlikely to have an impact on State Government gambling revenue.
25 January 1998 - Age
"Chinese holiday tests Crown's fortunes "
by Murray Mottram, Lyall Johnson and Luke Hunt
Account of Asian high-rollers arriving at Crown for the Chinese new year.
26 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Film's soggy ending "
by Greg Thom
Sprinklers malfunctioned during a showing of the Titanic at the Crown cinema.
26 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Champ calm over stalker "
by Amanda Ruben
Photograph of Pat Rafter in front of Crown logos.
26 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"130 punters opt to ban themselves "
by Greg Thom
More than 130 punters have banned themselves from the State's pubs and clubs.
27 January 1998 - Age
"Gaming's new player" The stranglehold of Aristocrat Leisure Industries and IGT Australia on the local poker machine industry is under threat from Konami, a Japanese gaming machine manufacturer.
27 January 1998 - Age
"Japanese poker challenge "
by Anne Hyland, Sydney
Konami, a Japanese gaming machine manufacturer will commence manufacturing gaming machines next month in Sydney.
28 January 1998 - Age
"Crown's one offering: the fountain of youth "
by Jim Schembri
Fountain outside Crown casino complex provides entertainment for persons of all ages.
28 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Gambler body to even odds "
by Greg Thom
A new community based group, Know the Odds was launched last night. It aims to tackle problem gambling before it begins through the use of education.
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown bans pokie gang "
by Greg Thom
Crown casino has banned a group of professional punters involved in a pokies jackpot scam.
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Probity ruling "
by Greg Thom
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has ordered the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority to hand over material relating to probity checks on pokies king, Bruce Mathieson.
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Friend robber has jail slashed "
by Jason Silverii
A man who stole more than $17,000 from a 94-year-old woman had his jail term reduced. [The money was spent on poker machine play - see Herald Sun 21 August 1997.] (crime)
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Life's tough on $15.34M "
Lifestyle of winners of Powerball jackpot.
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Japan's Konami on attack in pokie war "
by Peter Coster
Konami hopes to take 50% of the replacement poker machine market in Victoria.
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
Cartoon showing two poker machines.
30 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown probe limps on "
by Peter Coster
ASC and ASX probes into Crown are still proceeding.
31 January 1998 - Age
"Man sentenced for casino bomb threat "
by Victoria Gurvich
Man given 12 months sentence suspended for two years. (crime)
31 January 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown jumps 8% "
by Miranda McLauchlan
Crown shares rally.
1 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Casino death "
by AAP
A man suffered a heart attack and died soon after being thrown out of Sydney's Star City casino yesterday.
1 February 1998 - Age
"Man dies in Sydney casino brawl "
by Simon Crittie
A 25-year-old man's dead following a savage brawl with bouncers at Sydney's Star City casino yesterday.
2 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Casino fight man charged "
by Phillipa Walsh
James Dalamangas woke from a coma to discover his brother had died. (crime)
3 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Lottery counts axed"
Illegal lottery charges against Channel Nine arising out of the use of a prize wheel were dropped and the VCGA ordered to pay costs.
4 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"What's on around Crown"
two page colour advertising lift out
4 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown leaves shareholders punting in the dark "
by Terry McCrann
McCrann critical of Crown failure to provide shareholders with more contemporary information.
5 February 1998 - Age
"In the booze stakes, Australia is getting on the light wagon "
by Tim Winkler and Rachel Gibson
Account of falling alcohol consumption in Australia.
5 February 1998 - Age
"Luck may run out as millions of numbers come up "
by Virginia Ellis, Sacramento
Unclaimed lottery prizes in California.
5 February 1998 - Age
"Brash's music won't soothe a savage Lloyd "
by Christopher Webb
Crown sues Brash's Pty Ltd music store over lease dispute.
5 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown issue closes "
by Tracey Johnson and Ian McIlwraith
Crown's $146M rights issue closed yesterday.
7 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown's cards dealt "
by Tracey Johnson
Crown's $146M rights issue has been well supported, falling just 3% short of full acceptance.
7 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"High-rollers cut Jupiter's profit "
by Rosemary Odgers
Queensland casino operator Jupiters has posted a worse than expected interim net profit of $12.08M after failing to recoup substantial losses to high- rollers in August.
7 February 1998 - Age
"Give and take in philanthropy "
by Claire Miller
Article discussing capacity of charity funds to replace government budget welfare cuts.
9 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Addict fears over toy pokies "
by Greg Thom
Toy poker machines aimed at children as young as eight are being sold at the Crown casino complex.
12 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Tattslotto games hit $31M "
Total first division prize pool it all Tattersall's lotto games in the next week is likely to top $31M.
13 February 1998 - Herald Sun
$150M jackpot in unclaimed Lotto loot "
by Greg Thom
More than $150M in unclaimed prizes is sitting in State coffers.
14 February 1998 - Age
"Tactic of a hardened punter: snip, and get high on the hog "
by Fast Eddy
Humourous article on the difficulty of punters keeping up with a heavy racing calendar and how to borrow (how much and from whom) to keep going.
15 February 1998 - Age
"Guilt drives robber to confess "
by Steve Butcher
Would-be robber in 1991 suffered remorse and drank and gambled until he gave himself up six years later. (crime)
15 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Kicking habit up to addict "
by Toby Green
Advice to writer who has friend who takes drugs and gambles.
20 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Williams deserves casino - Kennett "
by Greg Thom and Damon Johnson
Premier gives reasons why he considers Crown should continue with casino.
20 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Watchdogs' Crown hunt gains pace "
by Peter Coster
ASC has received an informal referral from the ASX.
20 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Hudcon directors still believe in casino's big bucks "
by Terry McCrann
Hudcon keeps Crown shares at $1.14 in interim profit report.
20 February 1998 - Age
"Kennett tips helping hand ahead of 'great tragedy' at uneasy Crown" by Sandra McKay
Speculation following 3AW talk by Premier that Government will make concessions to Crown.
20 February 1998 - Age
"Hudcon slump adds to Williams woes "
by Malcolm Maiden
Hudson Conway has announced a sharp fall in earning and write-downs on its exposure to Asia.
21 February 1998 - Age
"The big gamble - why Kennett must weigh the odds for Crown rescue "
by Leonie Wood, Malcolm Maiden and Sandra McKay
Article spelling out the dilemma faced by the Premier as to whether or not to grant concessions to Crown.
21 February 1998 - Age
"Politics a thorn in side of ailing Crown "
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Politics complicate the consideration of Crown's latest plea for help.
21 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"NSW TAB strikes club deal "
by Ben English
New South Wales' TAB and the state's Registered Clubs Association have formed a joint venture to lease poker machines to clubs.
23 February 1998 - Age
"The heavy cost of gambling "
by Liz Curran and Rev Tim Costello of the Interchurch Gambling Task Force
Government should consider other calls on its revenues before helping Crown.
23 February 1998 - Age
"The cost and folly of replacing the state jewels with a Crown "
by Kenneth Davidson
Concern over bridge connecting Crown casino complex with exhibition centre.
23 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown must accept risks"
letter to editor by J Murphy, Macleod
Government must treat Crown same as everyone else.
23 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Pub gamblers biggest losers "
by Greg Thom
Gamblers are losing nearly $25,000 per year more on pub poker machines than in licensed clubs.
23 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Heart drugs help addicts "
by Graeme O'Neill
A pilot study at a Melbourne drug treatment centre has shown two common heart drugs dramatically alleviate craving and withdrawal symptoms in drug addicts and alcoholics. May also assist gambling addicts.
24 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"ASA calls on Crown to reveal Hudcon deals"
by Ian McIlwraith
According to the Australian Shareholders Association, Crown should fully explain all transactions with its larges shareholder, Hudson Conway.
24 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Two boys left in shop at casino"
by Fay Burstin
Two boys were left in a shop at Crown casino while their parents gambled.
24 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Judge knocks ATMs at gambling venues"
by Jason Silverii and Greg Thom
A County Court judge yesterday raised concerns over automatic teller machines in gambling venues. Comments while sentencing a pathological gambler to four years jail on deception charges.
(crime)
24 February 1998 - Age
"Crown and the elusive walkway"
letter from Gary O'Neill, general manager, government and media, Crown Ltd, Melbourne
Response to Kenneth Davidson's column of 23 February.
25 February 1998 - Age
"Premier says no to Crown"
by Sandra McKay and Leonie Wood
The State Government yesterday refused Crown's request for high roller tax cuts. The issue of the fine for non completion of the hotel tower is still open.
25 February 1998 Age
"Market relaxed on Crown"
by Leonie Wood
Market analysts yesterday played down the effect of the Government refusal to lower high roller tax.
25 February 1998 Age
"Aristocrat rings up $16M"
by Anne Hyland, Sydney
Aristoc Leisure Industries, the poker machine manufacturer, scored a record net profit of $16.3M in the December half.
25 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Lotto error pays $3M"
In London, a couple made a mistake in filling out their lottery ticket and won $3M.
25 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Aristocrat shares boom on profit"
by Drew Gibson
Aristocrat Leisure surged to a record yesterday after the interim profit of $16.3M.
25 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Jeff does Crown's Lloyd a big favour at the odds"
by Terry McCrann
Crown better off if Government maintains high roller tax levels and waives penalty on non-building of hotel tower.
25 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Cartoon showing Lloyd Williams in a telephone booth getting on a gambling problem help line to the Premier"
by Knight
25 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown charges:
by Fay Burstin
Crown casino marketing manager Jamie Bartels will contest charges relating to an alleged illegal lottery involving a lucky wheel promotion.
(crime)
25 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Gambler tax plea rejected"
by Damon Johnston and Greg Thom
The State Government has rejected Crown's plea for a tax cut.
26 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Strike rate better than high rollers"
by Peter Coster
Insider column was first to identify issues of high roller tax reduction request, request for waiver of hotel tower fine and property trust proposal.
26 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown in tower talks"
by Greg Thom
Crown gave a statement to the stock exchange stating it was holding talks with an overseas investor who might be interested in building the second hotel tower.
26 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Scratchie alert"
by Greg Thom and Mark Butler
Police are investigating a suburban Tattslotto agent over a novel scratch ticket scam.
(crime)
26 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown hits back on tax"
by Sandra McKay and Leonie Wood
Crown hits back on high roller tax relief refusal and advises foreign investor may build second hotel tower.
26 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Cartoon showing Crown tower and words 'After all we've done for the Liberal Party'"
by Tandberg
26 February 1998 - Age
"Crown: to tax or not to tax"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Speculation over Crown's statement concerning super tax.
26 February 1998 - Age
"Foreign interest in new Crown tower"
by Leonie Wood
Article on Crown tower proposal including foreign investor study.
26 February 1998 - Age
"A win for taxpayers"
editorial
Government has made the right decision in rejecting Crown high-roller tax reduction.
27 February 1998 - Age
"Kennett pressed to quit Crown committee"
by Sandra McKay and Malcolm Maiden
The Premier, Mr Kennett has resigned from toe powerful casino Cabinet sub- committee after claims that he was too close to the Crown casino group's big shareholders.
27 February 1998 - Age
"Pokies ring up earnings for Tabcorp"
Tabcorp enjoyed big rises in poker machine revenue and an encouraging increase in returns from its wagering business. Account of Tabcorp half-year report.
28 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown push for secrecy"
by Russell Coulson
Crown has applied to a Supreme Court master for an order that documents in the proceedings brought against it by its former chief operating officer (Mecca) kept secret.
28 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"Pokies pair left children to run amok"
by Tim Stoney
A couple playing pokies were fined for leaving their three children to run amok at a McDonalds restaurant in Geelong.
(crime)
28 February 1998 - Herald Sun
"ASX, ASC discuss wider Crown probe"
by Ian McIlwraith
Inquiries into Crown casino group's market disclosures are understood to be widening following discussions between Australian Stock Exchange officials and the Australian Securities Commission yesterday.
28 February 1998 - Age
"Nothing simple in Crown issues"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Account of recent developments concerning Crown casino. Discussion of awkwardness of Crown position fulfilling its obligations to both government and the ASC/ASX.
3 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown to sue on claim of breach"
by Greg Tom
Crown will sue the ASX and ASC after allegations the casino kept shareholders in the dark.
3 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Tatts Classic Sports Cars At Grand Prix"
Classic sports cars with Tatts logos will be driven by famous drivers.
3 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown's ludicrous claims could win in court"
by Terry McCrann
Discussion of problems with disclosure rules and Crown's defence.
3 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Casino hits back with writ spree"
by Ian McIlwraith
Account of issuing of writs by Crown against ASX, ASC and Australian Financial Review.
3 March 1998 - Age
"Crown to sue in row over tower"
by Leonie Wood and Sandra McKay
Crown launches scathing attack against ASX and ASC.
3 March 1998 - Age
"God enters debate"
by Malcolm Maiden
Account of letter saying Williams was only giving an opinion of tower situation and background of Crown solicitors.
3 March 1998 - Age
Cartoon
by Tandberg
Showing Jeff Kennett running in opposite direction from Crown.
3 March 1998 - Age
"ASC called for refund: Crown"
by Leonie Wood
According to Crown, the ASC requested Crown to offer to repay the moneys raised in the $146M share issue.
3 March 1998 - Age
"What's behind Crown dispute"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Discussion of the substance of the Crown allegations.
4 March 1998 - Age
"Crown board must set rules"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Discussion of situation of non-executive board members of Crown in relation to dispute. In- depth examination of Crown managerial style.
4 March 1998 - Age
"Crown battle highlights pressures of disclosure rules"
by Anne Hyland
Views on continuous disclosure rules.
4 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown chopped as board backs writs"
by Miranda McLachlan
Crown shares fell 4 cents to 65 cents yesterday on the news that the Crown board had confirmed the actions against the ASX and ASC.
4 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Time to over-inform"
by Terry McCrann
Crown should look at the effect of its dispute is having on the share price.
4 March 1998 - Age
"Labor in pledge over politicians and the casino"
by Sushila Das, Caroline Milburn and Malcolm Maiden
The State Labor Party would legislate to prohibit political party members from sitting on the boards of casinos.
5 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Poker face"
Confusion at Georges where a lady asked where the pokies were.
5 March 1998 - Age
Cartoon
by Leunig
Shows series of casino owner descending staircase to collapse.
5 March 1998 - Age
"Crown in new move for management deal"
by Anne Hyland
Crown is still seeking a way to purchase the management contract from Hudson Conway.
6 March 1998 - Age
"Warning on banned gamblers"
by AAP
Kennett said he did not know of any persons banned from the Sydney Casino who were playing at the Melbourne casino.
6 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"In or out, tactics to decide sprint"
by Shane Templeton
Templeton describes all the factors which can influence the outcome of a race in the straight.
6 March 1998 - Age
"Crown still set to regain Hudcon management contract"
by Anne Hyland
Crown is still seeking a way to purchase the management contract from Hudson Conway.
7 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Net punt setback"
by Greg Thom
Western Australia has gone it alone, complicating a push for national internet gambling laws.
7 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"When all roads lead to Casino Curve"
Article suggesting names for Grand Prix circuit.
7 March 1998 - Age
"How Kennett sidestepped casino fight"
by Graham Boreham
Comprehensive history of casino development and speculation as to why Kennett stepped down from casino sub-committee.
8 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Problem gambling on rise"
by Sue Hewitt
Pathological gambling is on the rise - accounts from Dr Peter Cook and Rob Wootten.
8 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Backtrack - 1905"
by Glenn Miller
Charles Fay invented the poker machine (??)
9 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Odds watered down"
Odds of man on Mars by 2020 are now down from 200:1 to 50:1. Bookies remember 1000:1 odds for man on the Moon.
9 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Punters' fury on race deal"
by Greg Thom
Hundreds of punters who backed David Colthard to win yesterday's Grand Prix were outraged when he handed the race to Mika Hakkinen.
9 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Ladbroke take punt on Corals"
The British Horseracing Board has sanctioned the Ladbroke takeover of rival bookmaking firm Coral.
9 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Sad day for sport"
Discussion on Coultard concession to Hanniken at Grand Prix.
9 March 1998 - Age
"Punters move to snap up Caltex share offer"
by Rebecca Lang
Investors taking up float described as "punters".
10 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"GP probe call on fixed finish"
by Mike Edmonds and Bruce Brammall
Australian Grand Prix organisers have lodged an official complaint about Coultard conceding to Hanniken at the Grand Prix.
10 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"World Class Rowing At Tatts Championships"
Hundreds of Australia's top rowers, including at least 20 Olympic medallists will compete in the Tattersalls Kings Cup and National Rowing Championships. Photograph of Deputy Premier with Ms Eliza Blair, rower and Peter Gillooly, Tattersalls Chief General Manager.
10 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Cutting ad gets chop"
by Greg Tom
A Geelong newspaper has bowed to pressure from local gaming venues and dumped an anti- pokies advertisement placed by a local businessman.
10 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"A chequered result"
editorial
Criticism of Grand Prix pre race deal between Coulthard and Hanniken.
10 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"GP greed may run it off track"
by Peter Coster
Warning to Grand Prix over races with arranged finishes.
10 March 1998 - Age
Cartoon
by Tandberg
Caption showing high rise housing commission tower and casino tower with person saying the high rise has to go.
10 March 1998 - Age
"Reborn dad surfing again"
by Joanne Painter
Ross Wilson wanting to wind back and give more attention to his family life.
10 March 1998 - Age
"Net gaming companies nabbed"
by Sharon Walsh
Internet sports betting companies are being prosecuted in the US Federal Court.
10 March 1998 - Age
"I want answers says GP Chief"
by Colin Young
Ron Walker has lodged a formal complaint in London over GP finish.
11 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Moves to ban rigged races"
by Bruce Brammall
GP result will not be overturned.
11 March 1998 - Age
"FIA to look at ban on arranged finishes"
FIA foreshadowed possible changes in team finishes.
12 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"$660M punted on net"
by Greg Tom
The global internet gambling industry is tipped to generate more than $660M this year.
14 March 1998 - Age
"Former footballer jailed for $950,000 bank cheque fraud"
Dean Francis Hipworth was jailed for offences arising out of his obtaining a $950,000 cheque in return for a dud ANZ cheque and exchanging the $950,000 cheque for chips, vouchers and cash at the Sydney casino.
(crime)
14 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Gaming has too much influence"
letter from Ian McDonald
Industry wields too much influence, reference to withdrawal of ad from Geelong News.
14 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"One armed gambit pays off"
photograph of grandmother admiring young hunk's biceps during Senior Citizens' week at Crown
by David Caird
13 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Fine art lures Vegas king from tables"
Account of Steve Wynne (Mirage Resorts) friendship with Lloyd Williams and investments in fine art.
13 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Loss fails to dim Star City's hopes"
by Lachlan Johnston
Account of Star City trading figures.
13 March 1998 - Age
"Star City casino writes off $150M"
by Anne Hyland
Account of Star City trading figures.
15 March 1998 - Age
"Lloyd's luck goes up in flames"
by Lawrence Money
Feng Shui expert is concerned about Crown casino.
17 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Daring Crown theft"
by Greg Thom
A daring thief stole from cash draws at Crown.
(crime)
17 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Casino should save itself"
letter from R Henderson, Narre Warren
Major shareholders should bail out Crown.
17 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Banned bookie's trot offer"
Robbie Waterhouse may operate as bookmaker at Perth harness track.
17 March 1`998 - Age
"Among the punters, matters of principle and profit determine whether to buy a stake in Telstra"
by Gabrielle Costa
Public polled on attitude to second Telstra float.
19 March 1998 - Age
"Of sultans and swinging"
by David Graves, London
Prince Jefri, brother of Sultan of Brunei, alleged to have hosted secret gambling sessions in breach of Muslim tradition.
19 March 1998 - Age
"Wagering on close cooperation"
by Leonie Wood
Ross Wilson wants closer cooperation between state-based racing authorities.
19 March 1998 - Age
"$40M grandstand for Flemington"
by Tony Bourke
Increased prize money and a $40M grandstand for Flemington.
19 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Authority's desperate fight to keep 'nothing' secret"
by Terry McCrann
Query on VCGA action to prevent disclosure of three blank pieces of paper.
19 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Pokies cash stolen"
by Kamahl Cogdon"
Pokies manager robbed at knife point at pokies venue.
(crime)
19 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown letters shown"
by Greg Tom
Letter re tower tabled in State Parliament.
19 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"A cash windfall for farm battlers"
by Greg Tom
A family of struggling Kyabram dairy farmers won $3.5M in Tattslotto.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Morris defends spending"
by Kristin Owen and Mike Edmonds
Museum director's guests included Haddon Storey, Minister for Gaming and David Jones of Tattersalls.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown chief's $3M claim"
by John Ferguson
Account of Mike Mecca action.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"A major wedding"
Son of Ron Walker will wed tomorrow at St Johns, Church, Toorak.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown material sought"
by Miranda McLachlan
Minister for Gaming has been asked by ASC for all material relating to Crown second tower and Lyric Theatre.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Shipboard romantics"
by Brad Leonard
New P&O liner Arcadia has a casino and card playing area.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Kerry's surprise TV offer was a safe bet"
by Shane Templeton
Several years ago, Kerry Packer offered the Victoria Racing Club half of Sky Channel for nothing. They did not take it.
G\EDUCATE\WORKSHOP\MULTIMED\LINKS.HTM 20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"GP farce forces fixing crackdown"
by Paul Glover
FIA has outlawed anti-competition arrangements.
20 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Spuds turn into chips in lengthy 'career'"
by Steve Butcher
Elderly man with former long criminal record fined for breaching exclusion order.
(crime)
20 March 1998 - Age
"Crown in new attack on ASC"
by Malcolm Maiden
Crown has alleged ASC officer has acted in excess of his powers in talking to press.
20 March 1998 - Age
"Court given details on Mecca's departure"
by Christopher Webb
Details of termination of Mecca contract.
20 March 1998 - Age
"Walker happy at race deal ban"
Ron Walker welcomed the crackdown on formula one arranged finishes by FIA.
21 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Casino boss hired"
by Greg Tom
Crown has hired the former manager of Jupiters casino in Queensland.
21 March 1998 - Herald Sun
"Crown in court bid"
The Victorian executive direct of the ASC has been added to the Crown proceedings for allegedly feeding the media.
21 March 1998 - Age
"Crown case moves on to fast track"
by Peter Gregory
Crown case has been fast tracked by being listed in commercial causes.
22 March 1998
Age
"Counselled out"
by Logan Elliot
Drug and alcohol counselling services are not working.
22 March 1998
Age
"Tabcorp out of the race"
by Richard Salmons
Tabcorp has not made any move to take a stake in Sky Channel.
23 March
Age
"Crown's tangle with regulators gets curiouser and curiouser"
by Malcolm Maiden
Suggests that settlement between Crown and ASC will be likely eventually.
23 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Tatts gambles on overseas market"
by Greg Thom
Tattersalls hopes to sell its gambling technology to the world.
23 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Tattersall's pokies hope"
by Joseph Dowling
Tattersalls hopes to do well out of providing monitoring/information services for Queensland pokies venues.
24 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Carer stole to gamble"
by Jason Silverii
A care worker stole more than $57,000 from a 90 year old woman to pay for her gambling habit a court was told yesterday.
(crime)
24 March 1998
Age
"Pokies-addicted nurse's aide stole from patient"
by Steve Butcher
Nurse stole $57,000 from a 91 year old woman.
(crime)
25 March 1998
Age
"Hallam admits to Crown slip"
by Sushila Das
Hallam, Minister for Gaming, may have unwittingly misled Parliament over when he heard of Crown's property trust proposal.
25 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Crown's 'disclosures' keep dribbling out. Late."
by Terry McCrann
McCrann examines the timing of the property trust proposal.
25 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Crown has King for a stay"
by Peter Coster
During the Grand Prix, King Constantine stayed at Crown Towers instead of the Sheraton.
25 May 1998
Herald Sun
"Odds on, they'll lose"
by Greg Tom
Mathematics professor Herb Freeman's comments on Crown.
26 March 1998
Age
"Crown may face action after new revelations"
by Claire Miller
Auditor General tabled report in Parliament giving VCGA a general clean bill of health but raising issue of Crown's failure to notify certain lease arrangements.
26 March 1998
Age
"Crown issue cleared before market told"
by Malcolm Maiden
Comment on Auditor General report on VCGA including calling off of probity check on sale to ANI of company by CPH.
26 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Call to give pokie odds"
by Greg Tom
Auditor General suggested odds on poker machines should be given - plus other recommendations in report to Parliament.
26 March 1998
Herald Sun
"GP chief lauds fix ban"
by Allen Rados
Judith Griggs described the decision to ban Formula One race fixing as a good result.
26 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Callous carer gets 2 years"
by Jason Silverii
Carer who stole $57,155 gets two years.
(crime)
26 March 1998
Herald Sun
"Crown affair raises long-term disclosure issues"
by Terry McCrann
Consideration of Crown's two requirements to discuss with VCGA and to disclose to the public.
27 March 98
Herald Sun
"Hudcon director quits"
by Rhyll Cronin
Hudson Conway director Peter Barraclough has left the group to pursue other interests.
27 March 98
Age
"Casino authority checks Crown on gaming breaches"
by Leonie Wood
Auditor General's report lists breaches by Crown investigated by VCGA. Crown fined $90,000 for allowing minors into the gaming areas.
(crime)
27 March 98
Herald Sun
"Hudcon probe extends to Europe, Asia"
by John Ferguson
The Fraud Squad investigation into the Hudson Conway "Gleem" affair is in its final stages.
27 March 98
Age
"$25m hospital crutch"
by Mary-Anne Toy
Victoria will use $25 million of its gambling revenue to prop up the ailing public hospital system and schools.
28 March 3/98
Age
"Council demands pokies limit"
by Karen Lyon
The anti-gambling campaigner the Rev Tim Costello yesterday launched Moreland Council's "Responsible Gambling Strategy".
28 March 98
Herald Sun
"Crown legal case gets fast-track"
by Tanya Taylor
The Crown case against the ASX has been moved into the commercial list so as to fast- track it.
28 March 98
Herald Sun
"Crown chief riddle"
by Sean Smith
Report that Lloyd Williams would stand down as Crown chief was denied by Kevin Gosper.
28 March 98
Age
"Crown denies move on Williams"
The Crown Casino Group rejected rumours that Williams would stand down.
by Caroline Wilson
Society gossip from Crown's Oak Room.
29 March 98
Age
"Crown of thorns"
Richard Salmons
Note of Crown news for week including Williams step down rumour and Auditor General's report.
29 March 98
Herald Sun
"Gambling bans to be national"
by David Wilson
Victorian gamblers banned from Crown may be banned in other casinos around Australia.
29 March 98
Herald Sun
"Crown players untied"
Account of opening of Oaks Room at Crown.
30 March 98
Age
"Full marks for fun at Crown"
Photographs and text of fun at opening of Oak Room at Crown.
30 March 98
Age
"Williams stays, but the odds shorten on changes at Crown"
by Malcolm Maiden
Analysis of Crown dispute with regulators and pressures for restructure.
30 March 98
Herald Sun
"Casino reports infuriate boss"
by John Ferguson and Kristin Owen
Lloyd Williams has complained to James Packer over the stand-down story and plans to sue.
30 March 98
Herald Sun
"System crash at TAB"
by Loretta Hall
A software fault caused a crash in the TAB betting system.
31 March 98
Age
"Blow for Crown as director walks out"
by Malcolm Maiden and Leonie Wood
Mr Geoffrey Cousins has resigned from the board of Hudcon citing significant differences with the company on corporate governance and related matters
31 March 98
Age
"Crown assesses hand as Hudcon director visits ASC"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Analysis of Geoffrey Cousins' resignation from Hudcon board.
31 March 98
Age
"Analysts warn against betting on gaming stock
by Catharine Munro
Two gaming analysts have painted a gloomy short term picture for the gambling sector saying the only stock to be positive about is Tabcorp Holdings.
31 March 98
Age
"Cousins to get queries from ASX"
by Malcolm Maiden
ASX expected to query Cousins.
31 March 98
Herald Sun
"Twist at Hudcon"
Speculation that Cousins resignation signals falling out between Packer and Williams. (But see McCrann article on 1 April 1998).
31 March 98
Herald Sun
"Crown rates 'sell' in gaming study"
by Lachlan Johnston
Industry analysts report card on Crown.
1 April 1998
Age
"Hudcon probe thwarted"
by Malcolm Maiden and Anne Hyland
Former Hudcon director Geoffrey Cousins declined to elaborate to the ASX on his reasons for quitting the board.
1 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Crown faces probe
by Ian McIlwraith and John Ferguson
Cousins resignation a negative development for Crown.
1 April 1998
Herald Sun
"A year on, Crown isn't celebrating"
by Greg Thom
Crown first anniversary celebrations are likely to be far more subdued than opening.
1 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Crown must tell shareholders all"
editorial
Call for more disclosure from Crown.
1 April 1998
Herald Sun
Cartoon
by Knight
Depicting the casino complex as a house of cards.
1 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Casino adds up to Kerry and Lloyd"
by Terry McCrann
Suggested restructuring of Hudcon/Crown boards/administration/arrangements.
2 April 1998
Age
"Shake up plan for casino empire
by Malcolm Maiden
Speculation on Crown management changes.
2 April 1998
Age
"We need the truth about the casino"
editorial
Call for disclosure on Crown/Hudson Conway.
2 April 1998
Age
"Star City calls for tax break"
by Anne Hyland
Revenue from local Asian players had fallen 10% since first January.
2 April 1998
Age
"Gaming favourite Tabcorp slows down"
by Catharine Munro
Share prices falling from record high but revenues still growing.
2 April 1998
Age
"Crown's opaque statement hopes to clear the air"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Discussion of previous night's statement from Crown non-executive directors.
2 April 1998
Age
"Rights deal could split casino duo"
by Malcolm Maiden and David Saunders
Advantages of sale of management agreement from Hudcon to Crown.
2 April 1998
Age
"Cousins hits out at claims by ASX"
by Jane Schulze
Cousins concerned about allegations of non cooperation with ASX advises he is willing to participate fully in a formal legal enquiry.
2 April 1998
Herald Sun
"The Gos(per) has it: Lloyd will hand over chair"
by Terry McCrann
Speculation on Williams' ceding Crown chairmanship to Kevin Gosper.
2 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Tabcorp shares pull up short"
by AAP
Stock had risen too far too fast. Company posted 18% lift in profit in six month Sun to December.
2 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Williams set to leave Crown chair"
by Ian McIlwraith
Speculation that Williams' days as executive chairman of Crown are numbered.
3 April 1998
Age
"ASX may suspend Crown, Hudcon"
by David Saunders and Malcolm Maiden
Speculation that ASX may suspend Crown and Hudcon if ASX questions are not answered.
3 April 1998
Age
"Casino, it's D-day for Crown chief"
by Malcolm Maiden
Pressure on Crown increased following formal list of questions from ASX.
3 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Letting chips just fall"
by John Ferguson
Casino a liability in electoral terms for State Government.
3 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Publicity pales for Crown's invisible man"
Press stake out Williams' house.
3 April 1998
Herald Sun
"$3.3M punt on crime"
by Greg Thom
Account of crime by problem gamblers.
(crime)
3 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Coming out of the shadows"
by Greg Thom
Profile of Gabriela Byrne who shook off a poker machine addiction and now helps others.
3 April 1998
Herald Sun
"The toll of gambling addicts"
Notes of problem gambling crime cases.
(crime)
3 April 1998
Age
"ASX on spot over Crown"
by Stephen Bartholomeusz
ASX now in a difficult position regarding what documents it should disclose.
4 April 1998
Age
"Boardroom brouhaha"
Malcolm Maiden
Profile of Crown board and history of recent events.
4 April 1998
Age
"Gambling accountant loses widows' fortunes"
by Steve Butcher
A Carlton accountant stole more than $700,000 from two elderly widows and spent the money on gambling, personal expenses and his own failing business.
(crime)
4 April 1998
Age
"Bingo reform is on the table"
by Andrew Masterton
Legislative changes for bingo operators including probity checks on staff.
4 April 1998
Age
"Court ruling on key casino papers"
by Sandra McKay and Peter Gregory
Court of Appeal has upheld a decision that will force the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority to give reasons for refusing Rob Hulls access to casino tender documents.
4 April 1998
Age
"Directors reaffirm faith in Crown chief, reject claims"
by Malcolm Maiden
Williams wins support from independents of Hudson Conway and Crown boards.
4 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Time for answers"
editorial
Call for disclosure.
4 April 1998
Herald Sun
"Casino probe in limbo"
by Ian McIlwraith
Hudcon and Crown have delivered their responses to the ASX and must now wait.
6 April 1998
Age
"ASX set to titillate market with peek at letters on Crown"
by Malcolm Maiden
ASX expected to release correspondence today. ANZ Securities tips rebound of Crown shares.
6 April 1998
Age
"ASX cools on Crown"
by Malcom Maiden
ASX appears to have softened its attitude toward Crown.
6 April 1998
Herald Sun
"More queries on Crown"
by Ian McIlwraith
Crown is believed to have been