Tab War -- The Melbourne Herald Sun reports that chairman Graeme Samuel of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has begun receiving letters from angry punters urging him to block the proposed Tabcorp-TAB Ltd. merger. The Herald Sun believes it will take at least two months for the ACCC to wade through submissions from Tabcorp, UNiTAB, and TAB before finally rendering its decision upon whether or not it would permit such a merger.
New Chandler Poker -- Bookmaker Victor Chandler has re-launched its Victor Chandler Poker site at www.vcpoker.com. The site now includes a poker school that offers advice to beginners, a reorganized support section, a community section, and much marketing information. The company says it employs a highly branded, mass market approach to broaden its appeal within the wider online marketplace.
Ad Ban -- The Victorian government revealed part of its second gambling reform package today, placing a ban on electronic gaming machine advertisements outside of venues and also through unsolicited mail. Requested advertisements and loyalty program information will still be permitted. Local governments have received greater powers and are now required to issue planning permits with all applications for new gaming machine venues. Also, the Advocate for Responsible Gambling has been granted access to gaming machine venues' information so that it may examine spending trends and patterns.
Public Feedback -- Christchurch City Council will seek community feedback on its proposed policies for class 4 gaming and TAB venues at its November 20 meeting. Public consultation will then take place from November 24 to February 5. The proposed policies will determine if and where class 4 gaming and TAB venues may be established in Christchurch, as well as the maximum number of gaming machines that may be operated at each location. The Gambling Act that took effect in September requires the Council consult with the public before introducing its policy on class 4 and TAB gaming.