Victoria’s Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien this morning announced the decision to award Tabcorp Investments No.5 Pty Ltd with a keno licence. With this decision, Tabcorp Holdings Limited has become the recipient of the Victorian government`s first ever single operator keno licence, which will enable the company to conduct and distribute Keno games in hotels, clubs and wagering outlets throughout the jurisdiction.
The new licence will come into effect as of April 2012 and also incorporates the right to offer approved simulated racing games.
Michael O’Brien said in a press release, “The government will work closely with Tabcorp Investments No.5 Pty Ltd and the industry to ensure a smooth transition in 2012.”
In Victoria, an authorisation to operate Club Keno is allocated to the gaming operators, Tatts Group and Tabcorp Holdings Limited. Club Keno is currently offered in approximately 300 hotels and clubs in Victoria that are approved gaming venues.
O’Brien said that Tabcorp had passed all the necessary checks and balances, “I have received the report of the Independent Review Panel which stated there are no impediments to making this decision,” he said in the release.
Tabcorp CEO Elmer Funke Kupper was obviously delighted with the decision stating, “Tabcorp looks forward to offering an exciting and fresh Keno game across the state from 2012. Tabcorp has an excellent understanding of the Keno numbers game and is a trusted and responsible operator in the market.”
This is yet another move that will help Tabcorp’s position, which continues to improve following a move by the company to offer event betting.
