I can recall recently reading the headline somewhere that 'Tabcorp declares war on it's customers'. Which, I guess is the case for many who can no longer access vision of the Vic and NSW races.

Of course, this is a utterly ridiculous state of affairs. But treating their customers with contempt was an inevitable consequence of the monopoly Tabcorp has enjoyed to date. Like the monopoly that the heirs of George Adam's have continued to enjoy for something like the last 100 years. Like the monopoly each Australian Casino was granted for however many years. It beggars belief that any such monopoly could possibly ever act in the interest of the general public, or their customers. Look at how the minumum bet has risen at every Casino in Australia that was granted such a monopoly. Look at how the minimum bet has risen with Tabcorp.

Greedy and greedier.

But, wouldn't we all do the same thing?? Let's face it, every business provided with such an opportunity is always going to make the most of it.

I can't for the life of me understand how any government could conclude that allowing a monopoly to operate can ever be in the best interests of it's constituents. Perhaps a clue as to why such situations to arise can be found in the beneficiaries of the George Adam's will. Apparently many beneficiaries are attempting to sell their holdings prior to their names been disclosed. Interesting that? They say several politicians and their families of that time (and maybe this time) are even today still reaping the rewards seeded from a deal made 100 or so years ago!

There's something very strange going on here. Run any other business in this country, and your gonna be subjected to every onslaught imaginable. Your gonna be expected to compete against all comers whether they pay their workers $1 a day, or whatever the case might be. Our politicians will all tell you that 'protectionism' is a thing of the past.........except when it comes to
our gaming industry. Not only will these guys get protection from local competition by virtue of their monopolies, they've even been protected from o'sea's competition from the like's of Betfair (In NSW and WA).

Can anyone explain to me why the textile, footwear, car parts, or any other local manufacturing business was never afforded such protection?

Then again, we're all paying less for a pair of shoes, or an item of clothing, or whatever as a result. And, no-one can deny that has been the end result of the lowering of protectionism.

But, as any punter would know, the reverse has happened on the gaming front. Five years ago a DVD player cost $500 and now it's closer to $50. Five years ago you could find a $5 table at a Casino but now it's closer to $15. How can that be????

Just watch these minimums come down dramatically once these guys monopolies expire and they are eventually faced with real competiton. But, when, if ever, will their monopolies expire?

These guys survive on the 'public interest' argument. In other words, they present their argument on the basis that it lies in the 'public interest' that their monopoly should be continued! And, I reckon everyone on this forum would agree this is a load of rubbish. But, they continue to get away with it!

In those immortal words "why is it so". Why do we keep allowing this to happen?

Bazza









Sure they will - pull the other leg!!!

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Bazza's Best