Latest news with #Central Coast
ABC News
6 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Pokies giant Mounties accused of letting gamblers wager $140m in dirty money
The first licensed club group targeted by the nation's financial crimes intelligence agency is accused of turning over almost $140 million from 10 gamblers considered high risk of money laundering and counterterrorism financing. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has published court documents related to its Federal Court case against Mounties, the operator of 10 venues across Sydney's south-west, North Shore, and the Central Coast. The documents reveal Mounties' network of about 1,400 poker machines had $4.17 billion fed through them over the four financial years from 2019 to 2023. AUSTRAC is alleging in the civil suit that Mounties systematically failed to meet its anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financial (CTF) obligations, citing a sample of 10 gamblers considered high risk. "Mounties served innumerable customers without adequate controls," the financial crimes intelligence agency alleged in the court documents. "The Sample Suspicious Customers alone had turnovers in excess of $139,855,108 and payouts in excess of $10,464,856. "As a consequence of Mounties' [alleged] contraventions of the Act, the Australian community and Australia's financial systems have been exposed to systemic [money laundering and counterterrorism financial] risk over many years." Mounties Group, registered as Mount Pritchard and District Community Club, declined to comment. However, it issued a statement last week. "We are reviewing AUSTRAC's Originating Application and Concise Statement, relating to alleged contraventions of our obligations to maintain a compliant program and conduct appropriate ongoing due diligence of customers under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act," it said. "We have been dedicating significant investment and resources to transform our AML/CTF capabilities since being notified by AUSTRAC of its concerns. Among the group's 10 venues is Mounties in Mount Pritchard, which consistently ranks as the licensed club with the most lucrative poker machines in NSW. AUSTRAC's chief executive, Brendan Thomas, said taking one of the most successful licensed clubs to court would send a message to other licensed clubs and hotels operating in the state. "This is the first time AUSTRAC has brought proceedings against a registered club. It is a chance for other pubs and clubs to check that they've got proper controls, that they understand what's happening in their own operations, and that they're doing everything they can to comply with the law," he said. More than half of the country's gaming machines are found in NSW. In the financial year ending in 2024, nearly 88,000 poker machines generated $8.4 billion in profit, according to a recent report from the state's auditor-general. The machines generated a further $2.3 billion in tax revenue. AUSTRAC provided a sample of 10 gamblers it considered high risk of money laundering or counter-terrorism financing in its court filing. It claimed they demonstrated at least one of the following markers of suspicious activity: Of the sample of 10 suspicious gamblers, AUSTRAC alleged Mounties identified eight of them and reported seven of them to the agency's chief executive. But it describes its compliance system as "not designed to enable Mounties to understand, recognise, identify, mitigate or manage the money laundering/terrorism financing risks posed". Mounties Group outsources its money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance program to Betsafe, a third-party used by other licensed clubs. Betsafe also declined to comment. AUSTRAC alleges Mounties' compliance program is not adequate to stop criminals from gambling with dirty money in its poker machines over four years. It also alleges Mounties customers could have engaged in a practice known as "bill stuffing," where cash is put into a poker machine only to be withdrawn as a cheque, with little or no game play taking place. Furthermore, it is alleged that customers could have paid other gamblers in cash for their winning vouchers, tickets, or credits; use multiple cashiers or terminals to avoid being observed by staff; and gain the trust of staff to get around being detected, or have to show their identification to collect their winnings. The civil case is before the Federal Court.
The Australian
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Australian
Ex-Godolphin assistant can emulate former boss James Cummings
Ex-Godolphin assistant Nacim Dilmi will be eager to emulate a feat of his long-time boss James Cummings when he begins his first foray into training at Canterbury Park on Wednesday. 'James' first runner when he and Bart (Cummings) went into partnership was a winner, then when Bart passed away his first runner was a winner then his first runner at Godolphin was a winner,' Dilmi said. 'I spoke to James on Monday and told him I will try to do the same.' Dilmi is the latest Godolphin product to begin the next phase of his racing journey as new head trainer for Domeland on the Central Coast. The French-born horseman was announced as the replacement for Sara Ryan late last month and has moved to Wyong after several years heading up Godolphin's Melbourne operation. Domeland has 35 boxes at Wyong racecourse and a 260-acre Kulnura property that features a 3000m grass track. READ: Japan stint has jet-setting Dee primed to sprinkle some spring 'magic' 'Sara has been here for a few years now and Tuesday was actually my second day,' Dilmi said. 'If the horses go well on Wednesday, I can't really take much credit because Sara has done most of the work with the horses. 'From what I've seen the horses are in good form and everyone in the stable has been helpful.' Dilmi's first runner as a trainer will be last start Tamworth winner Rebel Rhapsody ($21) in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Benchmark 64 (1550m). How Much Better ($10) is in the Casino Prince @ Vinery Stud Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m) while Aix En Provence ($11) contests the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1900m). He won't have to wait long for a maiden Sydney Saturday runner with Irish import Salt Lake City poised to line up in Saturday's Premier's Cup Prelude (1800m) at Royal Randwick. 'It's a great opportunity and for me to be able to start with horses that are ready to go is handy, walking into a business that is already up and going,' Dilmi said. 'It makes it easier but at the same time I have to make it my own and the changes may take a few weeks. 'If we can adapt and make it a great start to the season, it will be make it better.' Dilmi's former employer Godolphin got their next chapter off to a winning start last weekend when classy mare Amusing scored for new trainer Chris Waller in what was their first runner for a public stable. Horse Racing Trainer Matt Laurie is excited to unleash Caulfield Cup-nominated Group 1 star Treasurethe Moment against Australia's best equine talent in the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Horse Racing Group 1 jockey Michael Dee has a renewed focus this spring following a successful two month stint in Japan.
News.com.au
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
New trainer Nacim Dilmi eyes debut winner as new Domeland chapter begins at Canterbury Park
Ex-Godolphin assistant Nacim Dilmi will be eager to emulate a feat of his long-time boss James Cummings when he begins his first foray into training at Canterbury Park on Wednesday. 'James' first runner when he and Bart (Cummings) went into partnership was a winner, then when Bart passed away his first runner was a winner then his first runner at Godolphin was a winner,' Dilmi said. 'I spoke to James on Monday and told him I will try to do the same.' Dilmi is the latest Godolphin product to begin the next phase of his racing journey as new head trainer for Domeland on the Central Coast. The French-born horseman was announced as the replacement for Sara Ryan late last month and has moved to Wyong after several years heading up Godolphin's Melbourne operation. Domeland has 35 boxes at Wyong racecourse and a 260-acre Kulnura property that features a 3000m grass track. 'Sara has been here for a few years now and Tuesday was actually my second day,' Dilmi said. 'If the horses go well on Wednesday, I can't really take much credit because Sara has done most of the work with the horses. 'From what I've seen the horses are in good form and everyone in the stable has been helpful.' Dilmi's first runner as a trainer will be last start Tamworth winner Rebel Rhapsody ($21) in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Benchmark 64 (1550m). How Much Better ($10) is in the Casino Prince @ Vinery Stud Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m) while Aix En Provence ($11) contests the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1900m). He won't have to wait long for a maiden Sydney Saturday runner with Irish import Salt Lake City poised to line up in Saturday's Premier's Cup Prelude (1800m) at Royal Randwick. 'It's a great opportunity and for me to be able to start with horses that are ready to go is handy, walking into a business that is already up and going,' Dilmi said. 'It makes it easier but at the same time I have to make it my own and the changes may take a few weeks. 'If we can adapt and make it a great start to the season, it will be make it better.' Dilmi's former employer Godolphin got their next chapter off to a winning start last weekend when classy mare Amusing scored for new trainer Chris Waller in what was their first runner for a public stable.
ABC News
05-08-2025
- Business
- ABC News
World's biggest energy storage battery switched on in Australia
The largest energy storage battery in the world has been switched on along the New South Wales Central Coast, north of Sydney. The Waratah Super Battery, can deliver 850 megawatts of power, to support the state's network during times of major demand. Akaysha Energy built the battery and its CEO Nick Carter has told ABC NewsRadio's Sarah Morice it would act as a shock absorber for the power network
The Australian
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Gosford preview: Sneaky Choice aims for repeat victory
Trainer Brad Widdup is hoping history repeats for pint-sized filly Sneaky Choice. Widdup sent Sneaky Choice to Gosford for a 1000m race on debut and the daughter of Extreme Choice tracked the leader before running down Miss Judas to score by three-quarters of a length. Spelled after a sixth at Goulburn, Sneaky Choice returns to the Central Coast for the TEG Tradies Day 29 August 2025 Class 1 Handicap over the 1000m. Jockey Grant Buckley, who was aboard for her debut win, will again partner the three-year-old. 'She is only very little but she did a really good job to win on debut,' said Widdup. 'Where going back to where she won and hopefully she can do it again. Trainer Brad Widdup is chasing a two-year-old win with You're The Choice. Picture: Grant Guy The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here! 'She's only had the one trial this time in so she is obviously open to improvement but I thought this was a good starting point for her.' Widdup is hoping well-bred filly You're The Choice can claim a late season two-year-old win and a BOBS bonus when she resumes in the Central Coast Locksmiths Provincial Maiden Plate (1000m) where she has drawn barrier 6 with apprentice Mitch Stapleford aboard. The two-year-old made her debut at Newcastle over 900m back on February 15 where she finished a head second behind Frostfire. She then took a big jump in grade when Widdup sent her out in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes at Randwick. After racing keenly she finished down the order behind Within The Law. 'She was quite good on debut so we gave her a run in the Sweet Embrace,' Widdup said. 'She is a nice filly and has come back in good order this preparation. 'I expect her to run well first-up from a good draw.' A two-year-old win will increase her future broodmare value. The filly is a daughter of Golden Slipper Farnan from a half-sister to Group 1 Blue Diamond winner and top sire, Extreme Choice. Widdup also has Gladstone Grande in the same race but will likely save him for Maiden Plate at Hawkesbury the following day. The gelding has only had one run, in the Kirkham Plate at Randwick on October 26 where he was last of the six runners behind Comedy. 'I will likely split them up,' he said 'Even though he has drawn worse at Hawkesbury he will probably go there. 'I had a throw at the stumps in the Kirkham. I may not have been the right thing but it gave him some experience. 'He is still mentally immature but I have been happy enough with him in his trial. 'If the brings that to the races, he should be competitive.' Widdup also has two options with the promising Tequisoda this weekend – Gosford and Hawkesbury. The two-year-old is entered for the Consolidated Panels & Veneers 2&3YO Maiden Plate (1600m) at Gosford and a Maiden Plate at Hawkesbury over 1500m. 'He will likely go around at Hawkesbury on Sunday but I will wait until I see if there are any scratchings at Gosford,' Widdup said. 'If it ends up a small field, he may head that way.' The son of Pierro was gallant in defeat on debut over 1300m at Wyong where he finished a length-and-the-quarter second behind Sapling who is one of the favourites in the opening race at Rosehill. 'He ran enormous on debut,' he said. 'He was a smidgen slow out but then he got a buffeted and settled a fair way off the leader. 'That's not ideal for a horse having its first start so he did a very good job to finish as close as he did.'
