Tripp’s soaring wageringheightsBy JaredLoughnanFormerlocal Matt...

Tripp’s soaring wageringheights

By JaredLoughnan

Formerlocal Matt Tripp continues to be a trailblazer in the online wagering market inAustralia.

Former Yarrawonga local Matt Tripp continues hisextraordinary career in the online wagering market.

Tripp, who regularly returns to Yarrawonga to hisholiday home, learnt his craft from his father Alan and since has been atrailblazer in the online wagering market in Australia over the past twodecades.

He is one of the biggest names in Australia’swagering sector, having helped turn Sportsbet into the country’s second largestbookmaker behind Tabcorp and then partnering with Crown Resorts on his nextventure, BetEasy.

Sportsbet and BetEasy were both snappedup by large offshore gaming and wagering companies and are now owned byStart Group. He is also part owner and chairman of the Melbourne Storm.

Tripp’slatest venture is with ASX listed company BetMakers where in January he wascontracted as a strategic advisor to the company where he will pursue lucrativedeals for the company.

Onesuch deal came to light in late May where Tripp is spearheading a $4 billionbid for BetMakers to join its wagering division with Tabcorp.

BetMakersis a $600 million listed Australian company that provides data analytics andcontent for bookmakers globally and distributes racing content. The company’sshare price has almost doubled in the past year, thanks to strategicacquisitions and its growing footprint, particularly in servicing the UnitedStates.

Tripp’sbid is as an attractive offer for Tabcorp shareholders. But other offers havealso come from Ladbrokes owner Entain and private equity firm Apollo GlobalManagement who are also making the most of an emerging sports betting market inthe United States.

“Iam excited by the potential opportunity to reinvigorate the Tabcorp Wageringand Media business,” Tripp said last week.

“Thereis significant potential for the business to grow in partnership with BetMakersand I hope to get the opportunity to support the Australian racing industrywhich relies on the success and growth of TAB.

“Ihave been very impressed with the world-class team BetMakers has put togetherand the enormous growth opportunities they have created globally, including inthe rapidly emerging US wagering landscape, and the timing could not be betterfor this unique opportunity.

“Asidefrom the value that this offer is anticipated to unlock for shareholders inboth companies, this is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the TabcorpWagering and Media business to maximise its commercial potential on a globalscale.”

Whatis certain is Tripp’s partnership with BetMakers will no doubt assist thecompany accelerate growth of its B2B wagering strategy opportunities both inAustralia and internationally.