https://www.watoday.com.au/business/companies/news-corp-s-hunt-fo...

https://www.watoday.com.au/business/companies/news-corp-s-hunt-for-wagering-partner-enters-final-phase-20211212-p59gwr.html

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp Australia is in the final stages of securing a wagering partner for the launch of its bookmaking business, with two local outfits and an international company competing to take part in the joint venture.

Multiple wagering sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because talks are confidential, said News Corp was close to a deal on working with a bookmaker that would provide the technology infrastructure needed to launch its operation locally in exchange for a stake in the business. The newly formed company is not expected to take a bet for the first half of 2022. News Corp declined to comment.

News Corp Australia has planned to form a wagering company for more than one year. The media company, which publishes The Australian and The Herald Sun, asked for expressions of interest among Australia’s established bookmakers last year. It was then in advanced talks earlier this year with a consortium backed by high-profile bookmaker Matthew Tripp to launch the new wagering outfit. Wagering sources have said there are currently three contenders in the final stage including Betmakers (which is closely linked to Mr Tripp) and an international outfit.

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The contract - estimated worth about $600 million over five years - is expected to be signed before the end of this week.