Love-Security -- Tennis Australia (TA), which oversees the sport in Australia, has hired a corporate security firm to keep January's Australian Open free from illegal betting or match fixing amid growing concerns over the integrity of the sport. The security company, Calibre International, is headed by Sal Perna, a former homicide squad detective. TA Chairman Steve Wood has announced that any players, coaches or officials found breaching the organization's anti-gambling code would face a lifetime ban from the tournament.
Testing Commences -- Cantor Gaming may finally begin testing wireless gambling devices in Nevada in November, nearly two years after regulators approved rules governing wagering on wireless hand-held gambling devices in Nevada casinos. The company, a division of New York-based financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, hopes to begin testing the devices soon at the Venetian Casino and Resort.
Young Discussion -- The possible introduction of online betting exchange Betfair into New South Wales (NSW) is cause for concern to an Australian Christian community service organization, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The group, Mission Australia, will be discussing possible gambling problems associated with Betfair's presence at an upcoming forum of gambling counselors in the western NSW town of Young. Mission Australia's John Lynch is concerned that not enough consideration has been given to funding programs to assist with the social problems that would come with increased access to online gambling in the region.
Pitching In -- Morgan Stanley is reportedly placing 9 million shares in Ladbrokes, market sources told Reuters today. Ladbrokes closed down 2.75p to 411.75.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, 888 was up 3p to 123.25, Sportingbet was up 3p to 59.75 and Rank was up 1.75p to 102.50.