Queensland Criminal Justice Commission Report on Gaming Machine Concerns and Regulations
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION
QUEENSLAND
REPORT ON
GAMING MACHINE CONCERNS
AND REGULATIONSMay 1990
-
Page 2 of 114
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Page 3 of 114
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FOREWORD
This report is dated 30 May 1990 and represents the state
of knowledge on this topic of this Commission as of that
date. This topic is receiving continuing attention from
the Commission.
This report has been prepared in part from Intelligence
material and as such contains confidential information on
persons and organisations. While every care has been
taken to ensure the reliability of information this
Commission can take no responsibility for information
from other sources.
This report does not represent what will be the normal
format of Reports by the Commission.
The Commission has not sought to carry out the
consultation process which will be a part of the
preparation of its normal reports. Having regard to the
announced decision of the government to introduce poker
machines in Queensland the Commission has limited its
study to the description of perceived problem areas and
steps which might usefully be taken to minimise those
problems.SIR MAX BINGHAM Q.C.
(Chairman)
JAMES BARBELER
DR JANET IRWIN
JOHN KELLY
PROFESSOR JOHN WESTERN -
Page 4 of 114
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Page 5 of 114
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INDEX
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 1
SUMMARY OF MATTERS OF CONCERN 5
THIS REPORT 8
THE INTRODUCTION OF POKER MACHINES INTO QLD 8
Organised crime concerns 9
General crime concerns 9
PREVIOUS INQUIRIES 10
South Australia Select Committee 10
Connor Report 10
Wilcox Report 11
NSW Gaming Inquiry 11
REGULATION 11
Existing regulatory systems 12
Nevada Gaming Commission 14
GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN INDUSTRY 16
Government acting as purchasing agent 18
GAMING MACHINE INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA – HISTORY 20
CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE CONCERNS – MANUFACTURERS 24
AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES 25
INTERNATIONAL GAMING TECHNOLOGIES 32
UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA 35
OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS 36
OTHER MANUFACTURERS 40
Bally Corporation 40
Intermark Imagineering 41
Rufflers/Vanguard 41
Leisure and Allied Industries 42
Queensland Gaming Machine
Sales and Service 43 -
Page 6 of 114
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ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO MANUFACTURERS 43
Manufacture 43Corruption of regulatory authorities 44
Inadequate machine security 46
Industrial espionage 48
Undisclosed interests 49Criminal associations 50
Money laundering/tax evasion 51
Supply 52Supply to the illegal industry 52
Secret commissions and related matters 52
Maintenance 54ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES – CLUBS AND HOTELS 56
Registered Clubs 56Poker machine theft in NSW 56
Control of Clubs 59Seagulls Club 59
Licensing 61
Detection of offences 61
Other matters 62Publicans 62
OTHER ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES 63
Illegal gaming machines 63Jones/Melides 66
McPherson/Freeman 66
Olympic Amusements 67
Duros 67
Pakis family 67 -
Page 7 of 114
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INDUSTRY GROUPS, LOBBYISTS AND CONSULTANTS 67
Registered and Licensed Clubs Association 68
Poker Machine Council 68
Licensed Clubs Association 69
Club Managers Association 69
Unions 69
Consultants 70
APPENDIX ONE – EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 71
APPENDIX TWO – THE CASPALP DONATIONS 81
REFERENCES 97BIBLIOGRAPHY 104
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1
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Licensing
That a single regulatory authority with its own
enforcement capability and responsibilities be
established for the casino and gaming machine industries.That such an authority be accountable to Parliament.
That the Nevada Gaming Commission/ Nevada Gaming Control
Board be examined as a suitable model for such an
authority.That the authority and other costs of regulation be
funded by levies on the gaming machine industry.That the relevant authorities in other states and in
particular New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian
Capital Territory be informed of what is proposed in this
state and that Queensland support moves to closer
national liaison between gaming authorities.That all participants in the gaming machine industry be
required to be licensed by the authority under an
established principle that participation in the industry
is a. revokable privilege and not a right.That licensing be recognised as fundamental to limiting
criminal involvement in the gaming machine industry. As
such, the risks to reputation and business be assumed by
applicants for licensing and the regulatory authority be
enabled to act on reasonable suspicion. The authority be
able to refuse or revoke licences or impose conditions on
their issue or renewal.That those specifically required to be licensed are;
Manufacturers/ distributors of gaming machines.
Owners/directors of establishments operating gaming
machinesManagers of establishments operating gaming machines
Gaming machine supervisory staff
Gaming machine technicians and servicing agents
Consultants to the gaming machine and associated
industries
Junket operators – organisers of gambling tours (if
applicable).
That approvals be required for each type of gaming
machine. -
Page 9 of 114
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2
That approval be required for each premises where gaming
machines are to be installed and that consideration be
given to allowing public objection or comment prior to
approval.That no manufacturer of gaming machines be licensed to
sell gaming machines into Queensland until the regulatory
authority is confident that the nature of all interests
in the company is understood and that there is no
involvement by known criminal or suspect identities or
interests; and that the company has no record of criminal
or suspect involvements or criminal or suspect activity.That the fact of a premises being a licensed hotel or
club must not constitute an automatic right to take up an
entitlement to install gaming machines.That premises with a record of criminal or suspect
associations or activity or considerable evidence of
criminal or suspect associations and activity not be
approved for the installation of gaming machines.
That no licensed establishment be approved for the
installation of gaming machines until the regulatory
authority is satisfied with the internal procedures of
the establishment and that the authority be able to
require improvements in internal procedures to detect
fraud and theft.That no gaming machines be installed in any licensed
hotel until the regulatory authority is confident that
the true nature of ownership of the hotel is known and
that it does not include criminal or suspect
involvements.That no gaming machines be installed in any licensed
clubs until the directors, secretary manager or executive
officer have been found clear of any criminal
involvements and licensed.That gaming machines be subject to a full technical
analysis of all security aspects prior to approval.
That the potential security and revenue benefits of
machine linking technology be examined before any
specifications are drawn up for gaming machines permitted
in Queensland.Government acting as purchasing agent
Manufacturers, suppliers and individual machines required
to be licensed in normal way.
Manufacturers to explicitly state machine prices,
including any financing packages, discount scales,
maintenance scales etc. Manufacturers to prepare
brochures including all required information in a
standard format. -
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3
Manufacturers to be restricted to dealing only with the
government purchasing agency. Manufacturers not to be
permitted to conduct any promotional activity in
Queensland licensed establishments or offer any
inducement or make payment for any purpose to any person
connected with any Queensland licensed establishment.Licensed establishments to be restricted only to dealing
with government purchasing agent. Approved
establishments make orders from range of approved
machines, those orders transmitted to manufacturer by
government agency.The installation of gaming machines and removal of any
trade-in machines to be supervised and certified by the
purchasing agency.
Licensed establishments to make payments to government
agency for transmission to manufacturer or supplier.Licensed establishments be responsible for arranging
finance and notifying all details of same to purchasing
authority. Licensed establishments be not permitted to
accept any finance packages arranged by, on behalf of or
in association with any gaming machine manufacturer or
supplier.The government purchasing agency to be independent of but
fully accountable to the gaming regulatory authority.Enforcement
That, in accordance with recommendations in the report of
the (Fitzgerald) Commission of Inquiry, the gaming
industry regulatory authority be responsible for
investigation and enforcement of the licensing system and
offences.
That the authority be given some legal protection against
actions arising from the performance of its functions,
that it be enabled to act on reasonable suspicion, that
detection of serious criminal offences and involvements
result in automatic procedures in relation to licenses
and that decisions of the authority stand during any
period of appeal, if appeal is permitted.That all staff of the authority be vetted prior to
appointment and subject to probity checks during and
subsequent to employment with the authority.That while investigative and enforcement staff not be
required to be police officers some effort be made to
acquiring from interstate the services of some police
with expertise in the gaming machine industry.
That initially at least the Criminal Justice Commission
provide and supervise the intelligence requirements in -
Page 11 of 114
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relation to gaming machine regulation.
That cash analyses of gaming machines to no less a
standard than that adopted for poker machines in NSW be
required in Queensland and that the regulatory authority
be adequately resourced to analyse and investigate
anomalies.
That a list of persons proscribed from employment in the
gaming machine industry be drawn up and that it be a
regulatory offence for any licensed establishment to
employ any person from this list. That this list include
known offenders, persons found unsuitable during
licensing procedures, persons reported as having been
dismissed for serious dishonesty by licensed
establishments and other persons notified by the
intelligence division responsible for gaming.
That an ancillary list contain the names of persons able
to be employed within the industry but not in any
capacity related to the operations of gaming machines.
That all licensed establishments be required to report
for inclusion on at least this list all persons detected
in or dismissed or reported for dishonesty of any form.
That it be recognised and clearly stated that licensed
establishments will retain a primary responsibility for
the initial detection of offences and anomalies on their
premises and that there be obligations for all such
matters to be reported to the authority.
That the authority have an educational responsibility to
licensed establishments and be adeqdately resourced to
fulfil this function.
That discussions be initiated with the Poker Machine
Council of NSW on the topic of relations between licensed
establishments, their organisations and regulatory
authorities. That consideration be given to encouraging
the council to extend its activities or establish a
related organisation in Queensland.That consideration be given to discussing with relevant
unions the procedures that will follow from detection of
criminal offences or involvement on the part of any of
their members and the operation of the proscribed persons
list.
That all approved licensed establishments be required to
prominently display a notice stating the approval and the
number of machines approved and that each approved
machine prominently display notice of such approval.
That the regulatory authority make unannounced spot
checks of licensed establishments and that police be
enabled to act as agents of the regulatory authority in
this regard. -
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5
SUMMARY OF MATTERS FOR CONCERN IN THE GAMING MACHINE
INDUSTRYAssociation/activity Regulation/enforcement
Corruption of regulators by Licensing manufacturers
manufacturers/dealers to exclude those with
record of criminal activity
or involvement.
Probity checks on
regulatory authority
members and staff.Undisclosed criminal Licensing made dependent on
interests full disclosure of all
pecuniary interests,
particularly in the case of
manufacturers/ hotels.
Criminal associations Licensing precondition to
participation in industry;
record of criminal or
suspicious association/
congregation with or in
company/individual/premises
to be grounds for non-
issue/revocation of
license; listing of
proscribed persons by
regulatory authority;
intelligence liaison with
relevant authorities.
Money laundering/
tax evasion Licensing; investigation by
regulatory authority;
liaison with related
authorities.
Payment of secret
commissions Government acting as sole
purchasing authority;
approved licensed
establishments to buy only
from government;
purchase/price information
publically available;
prohibition on junket-type
promotions/ revocation of
licences/ prosecution.
Illegal industry Intelligence liaison with
other relevant authorities;
Proscribed persons list to
exclude undesirables; -
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require approved
establishments to display
approval and no of machines
approved; require approved
machines to carry approval;
spot checks and machine
counts by regulatory staff;
automatic confiscation non-
approved machines;
examination illegally
manufactured machines to
determine source of
components; procedure for
verifying trade-in machines
returned to manufacturer;
review of penalties for
supply/operate non approved
gaming device.
1 Theft/fraud by technicians Licensing to exclude
undesirables; proscribed
persons list to exclude
undesirables;
employers/licensed
establishments to report
suspected misconduct;
procedures for supervision
of technicians to be
established; record of
services/jobs to be kept by
licensedestablishments/employers.
Inadequate machine security Tests on machine security
prior to approval; listing
of fraud/theft and
breakdowns correlated with
machine type. Regulatory
authority to have power to
require rectification or
recall by manufacturer;
machine cash analysis;
machine not able to be
operated with analysis
counters disconnected.
Machine manipulation See inadequate machine
security above; adequate
supervision in licensed
establishments; industry
training programmes;
machine cash analysis;
proscribed persons list;
licensed establishments to
be notified of known poker
machine cheats and required
to report incidents. -
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7
Fraud/theft/tax evasion machine cash analysis
machines returns at no less than
current NSW standard;
adequate analysis
resourcing of regulatory
authority; adequate
investigative resourcing of
regulatory authority;
consideration to be given
of computer surveillance
implications of machine
linking technology.
Fraud/theft licensed
premises See theft from machines
above; licensing to exclude
undesirables; proscribed
persons list to exclude
undesirables;
establishments to show
adequate internal
procedures to
prevent/detect fraud/theft;
establishments to notify
all dismissals relevant to
proscribed persons list;
establishments not to
employ persons on
proscribed persons list;
establishments invited to
consider pecuniary
interests registers for
directors/management; NSW
Poker Machine Council to be
approached re distribution
of manuals/operations in
Queensland; industry
training programs. -
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THIS REPORT
This report of the Criminal Justice Commission is written
on the basis that the Commission accepts that it is the
policy of the State government to introduce gaming
machines into licensed establishments in Queensland.
Accordingly it does not canvass the issue of whether
gaming machines should be introduced into Queensland.
The report is also limited to discussion of the
relationships between gaming machines and criminal
activities and concerns and how best these concerns may
be met in Queensland. Other issues, such as the
economic, revenue and social consequences if any of the
introduction of gaming machines have not been addressed
in this report.THE INTRODUCTION OF POKER MACHINES INTO QUEENSLAND –
CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE CONCERNSThe current proposal is to introduce gaming machines into
Queensland casinos, hotels and registered clubs by about
September 1990. It is also proposed that gaming machines
be purchased by the State government and leased to
licensed establishments by a formula relating to liquor
sales.The introduction of gaming machines concerns this
Commission in two respects. Firstly there are long
established and well documented links between the legal
and illegal gaming machine industry and organised
criminal interests. Secondly the establishment of a
gaming machine industry dealing in high cash turnovers in
numerous locations can be expected to contribute to an
increase in general criminal activity.The best possible regulatory system can be expected to
moderate rather than eliminate increased criminal
activity. To quote Mr Murray Wilcox QC following an
exhaustive 1983 inquiry which recommended against
permitting poker machines in Victoria:
“beneficial factors are outweighed by three
major objections (including) the certainty of
increased criminal activities in Victoria as a
direct result of the introduction of poker
machines. The extent of the likely increase
depends directly upon two factors: the number
of premises in which machines are permitted and
the stringency of the controls imposed.
Depending on those factors crime will increase
to a degree ranging from significant to
serious. There is not merely a risk of
increased crime. Under any scenario crime will
increase.” (Emphasis in original)(1) -
Page 16 of 114
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Organised crime concerns
Historically, both in Australia and overseas, some
manufacturers of gaming machines have often been
shown to be linked with syndicated or organised
criminal interests. The nature of these links has
included patterns of criminal or suspect activity by
companies or their principals, disguised ownership
by criminal interests, patterns of association with
criminal identities and employment of criminal or
suspect persons. In addition there is the
possibility of organised criminal activity on the
periphery of the industry including involvement in
entertainment, security, prostitution and money
laundering.The industry’s record also raises legitimate
concerns over the possibility of the compromisation
and/or corruption of public officials and others,
particularly the elected officers and management of
registered clubs.
An illegal gaming machine industry can be expected
to establish itself alongside the legal industry.
In Australia the illegal industry is closely
connected with organised crime and some links can be
demonstrated to licensed manufacturers.Queensland has had recent experience of an illegal
gaming machine industry with the diversion of legal
in-line amusement machines to illegal purposes.
This illegal activity involved a large number of
persons, including machine suppliers, technicians
and registered club personnel. Some of those
persons, particularly those in the licensed clubs,
will now become involved in the poker machine
industry.The illegal in-line industry in Queensland is known
to have involved corruption, payment of secret
commissions, standovers, tax evasion and
falsification of records. A number of principals in
the industry were prominent in or well connected
with organised crime. (2) The Queensland industry
was basically dominated from Sydney and there are
strong indications that payments in relation to the
operation of the industry in this state were made to
some of the most notorious of Sydney criminal
identities. (3)General crime concerns
The use of gaming machines will produce a several
hundred fold increase in the flow of cash through
both small and large scale organisations, many of
which currently have inadequate provisions to -
Page 17 of 114
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– 10 –
protect against fraud or theft by directors,
management, staff, members or customers. The greater
wealth of such establishments combined with relative
naivety on the part of many of their managements
will inevitably lead to an increase in fraud and
theft.Historically, whatever the level of control, the
clearing and maintenance of gaming machines poses
perennial problems.Additionally, some clubs and hotels in Queensland
have previously come to notice as localities where
criminals or suspect persons congregate and/or
illegal activities take place.PREVIOUS INQUIRIES
Casino and gaming machine gambling have been the subject
of a number of previous inquiries in Australia. The
basic findings of more recent inquiries are summarised
below.South Australian Select Committee
In April 1982 the South Australian House of Assembly
appointed a select committee to examine various
issues related to casinos. The committee
recommended that if the House chose to introduce a
Casino Bill that an inspectorate be set up within
the government. The casino operators, suppliers of
goods and services and all persons involved in
gaming operations would be required to be licensed.
(4)Connor Report on Casinos 1983
Mr Justice Xavier Connor was appointed to head a
board of inquiry into the question of whether
Victoria should have a casino in May 1982. All
matters to do with slot or poker machines were later
deleted from his terms of reference and made the
subject of a separate inquiry under Mr Murray Wilcox
QC. Mr Justice Connor reported in April 1983
recommending against the introduction of any type of
casino. If however the government chose to
introduce casinos he recommended a licensing
authority whose decisions were not subject to
appeal. The authority would grant, suspend or
cancel licences in respect of casinos, their
employees, service industries and unions. An
integral or independent “investigation, surveillance
and auditing branch” would investigate applicants
and be responsible for security and prosecutions.
The Victorian Government decided against the
introduction of casinos. (5) -
Page 18 of 114
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Wilcox Re•ort on Poker Machines 1983
A Board of Inquiry into Poker Machines under Mr
Murray Wilcox QC was established in march 1983 and
reported in November 1983. Mr Wilcox QC recommended
against the introduction of poker machines into
licensed clubs. If the government chose to
introduce poker machines he recommended an
independent statutory control authority acting also
as a licensing board and equipped with its own
investigative and enforcement staff. His preferred
option was for competitive tenders to be called for
the supply of gaming machines built to control
authority specifications. Licensing should be
required for all persons directly involved in gaming
activities and others, such as club directors, could
be required to show they were fit and proper persons
by being required to apply for a license. The
Victorian Government decided against the
introduction of poker machines.(6)NSW Gaming Inquiry 1985
In 1984 the NSW Cabinet appointed Mr J. Lloyd Jones
to head a Committee of Inquiry into Gaming in that
State. The committee reported in August 1985 and
recommended the establishment of three types of
gaming houses ranging from an international standard
casino to “ethnic coffee shop and cafe type
establishments”. The committee recommended that
these be controlled by a Gaming Commission and a
system of strict licensing to ensure the fitness of
all persons, places and games involved. (7)
From the viewpoint of this Commission the most striking
feature of previous inquiries is the common conclusion
that, if gaming is to be introduced at all, it be under
the control of a regulatory authority and that those
involved in gaming be subject to some procedure of
licensing.
This Commission also notes that the policy of the State
Branch of the Australian Labor Party as set out in 1985
and 1988 was for a Licensing and Gaming Authority to be
established. (8)REGULATION
There is a consensus that the optimum gaming regulatory
system is based on a philosophy that participation in the
industry is a privilege and not a right. Its core is an
independent, accountable regulatory authority equipped
with intelligence and enforcement capabilities and in
close contact with similar reputable bodies nationally
and internationally. This body is responsible for
vetting and licensing all participants in the industry. -
Page 19 of 114
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12 –
The authority can act on reasonable suspicion and its
procedures are to a great degree automatic. Its
decisions stand during any period of appeal if appeal is
permitted. Such an authority needs a degree of legal
protection.
There is a concern interstate that any regulatory system
adopted in Queensland be compatible with systems proposed
or established in other states. Organised criminal
interests will undoubtedly exploit any weaker regulatory
system to the detriment of all.
Queensland’s existing Casino Control Division could be a
suitable starting point for establishment of a general
gaming control authority. However this Commission is of
the view that the gaming regulatory authority should be
separate from the revenue authority. Experience in New
South Wales where until recently the revenue authority
was the sole regulator does not inspire confidence that
sufficient or necessary attention was paid to excluding
crime or criminality. The regulatory deficiencies of the
NSW Department of Finance and the desirability of
separating the regulatory function and the revenue
function were also dealt with in the Victorian Inquiry.
(9) There are also obvious dangers in having a Minister
ultimately responsible for decisions on who should and
who should not operate in the industry. As Mr Wilcox QC
noted:
“The decision of a control authority to cancel, even
to suspend, the licence of, say, a licensed club
having twenty, thirty or forty thousand members (as
do many New South Wales clubs) is likely to be an
unpopular decision; however well deserved the
penalty. It will be a brave minister who is
prepared to take such a decision, especially if the
club is situated in a politically sensitive
electorate. The better solution, it is suggested,
is for disciplinary decisions to be made by an
independent statutory body, perhaps subject to
review by a court.” (10)
This Commission is of the view that any gaming regulatory
authority should be accountable to Parliament rather than
to a Minister or department. After establishment, the
authority could, and should, be funded by levies or fees
upon the gaming machine industry.Existing regulatory systems
Gaming machines are generally legal in New South
Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. In
addition gaming machines are legal in casinos in
Queensland and the Northern Territory. Tasmanian
and South Australian authorities, initially at
least, excluded gaming machines from their legal
casinos. In Victoria gaming machines are currently -
Page 20 of 114
-
– 13 –
being introduced into a facility known as TABERET,
scheduled to open in July.New South Wales has the longest established system
of regulation which has been progressively tightened
over a number of years. A need is perceived for
further tightening of the system and there are
proposals now being prepared to replace or
amalgamate a number of authorities with a single
gaming authority.
Currently there is a requirement for amusement
device dealers, sellers and technicians to be
licensed to operate in the industry. This function
is performed by the Superintendent of Licences and
the Licensing Court.Applicants for licences are investigated by the
Licensing Investigative Group within the NSW police.Approval is also required for new gaming machines
after they have been subject to technical analysis
by the Licensing Investigative Group from the Liquor
Administration Board.Cash flow analysis of poker machines and a lower
form of analysis of approved amusement devices are
required to be submitted to the Liquor
Administration Board.
Taxation returns are required to be made to the
State Treasury which can and has investigated cases
of persistent and serious shortfall.Suspected misdemeanours in the industry are
investigated by licensing police in various regions,
by the Licensed Gaming Squad (formerly Task Force
Two) or by treasury officers as mentioned above.
Quite apart from considerations that local licensing
police may have been compromised to a greater or
lesser extent in their dealings with local clubs and
hotels (the subject of a current ICAC inquiry), this
multiplicity of enforcement agencies is considered
less than ideal by both some of the regulators and
some of those regulated.The Australian Capital Territory has a central
liquor and gaming authority which also acts as a
purchasing agent for gaming machines through a
tender system. The ACT system is currently more
demanding than NSW in terms of acceptable gaming
machine specifications and recording but also
accepts the licensing judgements of companies and
individuals made in NSW. The ACT system, which is
the only one to combine liquor licensing and gaming
machine licensing, has an enviable record in many
respects. However what is feasible in respect to a
relatively small number of licensed establishments
under fairly close supervision in a single city may -
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not be suitable for a large number of often very
poorly supervised establishments geographically
dispersed in a large State such as Queensland.
Both poker machines and casinos were rejected in
Victoria following two comprehensive inquiries in
the early 1980s. However the Victorian Government
has accepted a proposal from the State TAB to
develop gaming machine facilities in premises in the
Menzies on Rialto Hotel. This facility, to be known
as TABERET, will incorporate 220 video gaming
machines and is scheduled to open at the end of
July. The machines themselves do not accept cash
but will be operated through cards encoded with a
cash balance, a concept that this Commission
suggests is worthy of further examination. None of
Australia’s traditional gaming machine manufacturers
are involved in this project. There are proposals
to establish TABERETs in a number of regional
centres. TABERETs are in effect small casinos
without any live gaming component.
The Criminal Justice Commission has been in
communication with responsible officers engaged in
similar studies in both Victoria and New South Wales
and all parties are anxious to liaise on mutual
matters of concern in respect to criminal
intelligence on the gaming machine industry.NevadaGaming_cgmaission
Nevada, USA has represented the model case for the
evolution of modern gaming regulatory systems. The
NSW system, the most developed in Australia, is most
likely to further evolve from the current
multiplicity of authorities towards institutions of
the Nevada type.
The Nevada Gaming Commission consists of five part-
time salaried commissioners appointed by the
Governor for four year terms. The function of the
commission is to render final decisions on actions
and recommendations of the Nevada Gaming Control
Board, which is in effect its enforcement and
investigative arm.The philosophy adopted by the legislature in setting
up the Gaming Commission was that:
“The continued growth and success of gaming is
dependent upon public confidence and trust that
licensed gaming is conducted honestly and
competitively and that gaming is free from
criminal and corruptive elements. Public
confidence and trust can only be maintained by
strict regulation of all persons, locations,
practices, associations and activities related
to the operation of licensed gambling
establishments and the manufacture or -
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distribution of gambling devices and equipment
must therefore be licensed, controlled and
assisted to protect the public health, safety,
morals, good order, and general welfare of the
inhabitants of the state, to foster the
stability and success of gaming and to preserve
the competitive economy and policies of free
competition of the State of Nevada.” (11)Licensing is deemed to be “a revokable
privilege 4.. no person is deemed to have
acquired any vested rights therein”
“An application for a state gaming licence is
seeking the granting of a privilege, and the
burden of proving his qualification to receive
any licence is at all times on the applicant.
An applicant must accept any risk of adverse
public notice, embarrassment, criticism, or
other action of financial loss … with respect
to an application and expressly waive any claim
for damages as a result thereof. An
application for a license … shall constitute
a request to the Board and Commission for a
decision on the applicants suitability,
character, integrity, and ability to
participate or engage in, or be associated
with, the gaming industry in the manner or
position sought …” (12)Detailed information on the system of gaming
regulation in Nevada is being gathered by this
Commission.Another example of gaming regulation often quoted is
that of New Jersey, USA. It is not separately dealt
with here because it is essentially derived from and
similar in operation to that of Nevada.
However, while the regulation of legal gaming in
Nevada and New Jersey is considered relatively
“state of the art” there are other problems. The
chairman of the New Jersey Commission has stated
that there is evidence of organised crime attempting
to come in through the back door through legal and
illegal service and supply industries and labour
unions. (13) Midway through the 1980s the Las
Vegas Police Department expressed its concerns in
this manner:“The open-city status of Las Vegas has
attracted at least eighteen Mafia families to
Southern Nevada. Today organised crime has
reached into almost every segment of our
community. The traditional Mafia plays a
dominant role in Las Vegas and often aligns
itself with other non-traditional syndicates
that are also rising in prominence. -
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These criminal activities include arson,
illegal bookmaking, escort services,
pornography, loan sharking, narcotics
trafficking, gaming, unions, street crime and
legitimate businesses.”(14)GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN INDUSTRY
The rationale for government ownership of gaming machines
appears to be that the current presumed widespread
corruption of club officials through secret commission
and other deals by manufacturers and their agents can be
avoided. Extreme care would have to be taken that public
officials are not compromised or corrupted instead.
From a criminal intelligence point of view it is
extremely desirable to insulate machine manufacturers and
suppliers from the personnel of licensed establishments.
The proposal that machines be purchased by the State
Government and leased back to clubs has met opposition
from the industry on (presumably) commercial grounds.
This is beyond the concern of this Commission but some
security difficulties can be anticipated in the areas of
market attractiveness, rapid changes in technology and
maintenance requirements.
The industry is essentially gimmickry – every licensed
establishment is going to want the biggest, brightest,
best and gaudiest machines. The Commission’s only
concern with this tendency is that if the government
cannot or will not have these machines for lease, the
illegal industry well might fill the gap in either
authorised or alternative venues.
While purely commercial considerations are beyond the
concern of this Commission it is pertinent to point out
that the technology of gaming machines is currently in a
phase of rapid development. The best gaming devices now
from the point of view of machine security may not be as
secure in a relatively short period of time.
One form of new technology now coming on stream is
machine linking computer technology designed basically to
accumulate large jackpots from a number of machines in a
number of premises. It is worth noting that the Nevada
Gaming Control Board has found that this technology also
has promise in the computer surveillance of linked gaming
machines and the detection of irregularities and possible
offences. This technology system and its potential law
enforcement and treasury applications warrants further
examination in Queensland.
The state of the art system in this regard is known as
MEGABUCKS, developed by the IGT company. It is currently
being introduced in NSW, purely as a new game and without
deliberate exploitation of its self-monitoring potential.
In the course of this inquiry the commission has
deliberately not made any direct inquiries of any gaming -
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machine manufacturer, but it anticipates that IGT would
willingly supply information of the possible security
implications of its system on request.
There would also appear to be no reason why other
computer technology companies, even those outside the
gaming machine industry as it is presently constituted,
could not develop surveillance machine linking systems.
Another form of new technology is various forms of
coinless gaming machines. Victoria’s TABERET scheme
utilises such a system with gaming machines operated by
cards encoded with cash credits. Any system which limits
the number of localities where there are direct dealings
in cash is likely to have some limiting effect on
criminal activities.
This Commission recommends further examination of the
existing and emergent technologies of gaming machine
linking and surveillance and the coinless operation of
gaming machines. It is concerned that proposed methods
for the supply of gaming machines could restrict future
options for the utilisation of technologies which could
limit criminal activities.There is a view expressed in NSW that poker machines are
losing popularity to other systems such as keno and this
is another technology related issue that might bear
consideration. This Commission has no information and no
views as to whether this is in fact the case but it notes
that suspect persons and companies have been involved in
the development of keno gaming systems and machines.
Further study will be devoted to this topic if necessary.The ideal of insulating clubs and hotels from
manufacturers and their representatives may be difficult
to reconcile with the ongoing need for maintenance of
machines. A large proportion of machine technicians are
direct employees or are sub-contracted to manufacturers.
This system has arisen and is likely to persist because
of the perceived need to protect commercial
confidentiality on the part of manufacturers.In this regard it should be noted that the AINSWORTH
organisation inserted an advertisement in the Courier-
Mail on 251189 announcing its intention to expand into
Queensland. the advertisement invited applications for
“200 new jobs” in the sales and service areas. A fair
interpretation from the advertisement is that the
AINSWORTH organisation sees service and sales as
interlinked enterprises.
“Sales/service technicians who feel they have the
commercial and interpersonal skills and drive to
succeed in a Sales environment in the hotel and club
industries are invited to apply.” (15)The government may be able to preserve the advantages of
-
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preventing the worst excesses of manufacturers and
preserving its central supervisory role on machine
purchase and installation without incurring the above and
other risks associated with actually owning machines by
acting in the role of a machine purchasing agent rather
than a machine owner.The ACT system adopts the practice of inviting
manufacturers who meet NSW licensing requirements to
tender to supply machines meeting or exceeding set
specifications for a particular period at a particular
price. Clubs then order and pay for machines on offer
from the various manufacturers through the Gaming and
Liquor Authority (GALA). The weakness in this system is
the absence of any restrictions on manufacturers or their
representatives lobbying the clubs to place orders for
their machines. It may also not prevent kickbacks or
secret commissions to club officials – although the
machine prices are governed by initial tender trade-in
prices may be subject to under the table agreements.
This Commission is aware of allegations that this has
occurred and that this is only one of a number of dubious
or potentially dubious arrangements. (16) Mr Wilcox QC
noted in his 1983 Victorian inquiry that “If I am correct
in my conclusions stated above that a manufacturer
normally makes more profit from a sale to the territory
than he does in New South Wales, it follows that there is
a greater surplus available to be used in an illegal way
in the Australian Capital Territory than there is in New
South Wales.” (17)
The only way to overcome such potential problems is a
general ban on any company promotional activity in this
state save general media advertising and the provision of
promotional brochures and material to the government
purchasing agency for supply on request to licensed
establishments. The dangers inherent in not prohibiting
such activity are quite serious – this Commission has
extracted from a recent industry publication photographs
of an organised crime identity and other suspected
foreign persons in attendance at a recent AINSWORTH trade
event attended by persons from NSW clubs and NSW
regulatory authorities. (18)Suggestions as to how the government may act as a
purchasing agency are set out below.Government acting as purchasing acrent
Manufacturers, suppliers and individual machines
required to be licensed in normal way.
Manufacturers to explicitly state machine prices,
including any financing packages, discount scales,
maintenance scales etc. Manufacturers to prepare
brochures including all required information in a
standard format. -
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Manufacturers restricted to dealing only with the
government purchasing agency. Manufacturers not
permitted to conduct any promotional activity in
Queensland licensed establishments or offer any
inducement
or make payment for any purpose to any person
connected with any Queensland licensed
establishment.Licensed establishments restricted only to dealing
with government purchasing agent. Approved
establishments make orders from range of approved
machines, those orders transmitted to manufacturer
by government agency.The installation of gaming machines and removal of
any trade-in machines to be supervised/certified by
the purchasing agency.
Licensed establishments to make payments to
government agency for transmission to
manufacturer/supplier.Licensed establishments be responsible for arranging
finance and notifying all details of same to
purchasing authority. Licensed establishments be
not permitted to accept any finance packages
arranged by, on behalf of or in association with any
gaming machine manufacturer or supplier.The government purchasing agency to be independent
of but fully accountable to the gaming regulatory
authority.The need for gaming machine manufacturers and suppliers
to be thoroughly examined for connections to organised
criminal interests or any pattern of illegal activities
remains, regardless of which entity actually owns the
machines.This Commission recommends that any government purchasing
authority undertake independent research on the
manufacturing costs and current pricing of gaming
machines in New South Wales and the Australian Capital
Territory. Restrictions on manufacturers promotional
activity in Queensland should permit gaming machines to
be supplied into this market at a significantly reduced
cost and this Commission believes it desirable in
relation to criminal as well as economic grounds that
such savings be reflected in gaming machine prices in
this State.
In this connection it is important to note that the
Victorian Board of Inquiry on Poker Machines found that
the machines were over-priced, with the most graphic
example being the supply by the AINSWORTH group of
machines to IGT at a price of less than $2500 landed in
Nevada at a time when the Australian price of equivalent
machines was in the order of $6500 or more. Mr Wilcox QC -
Page 27 of 114
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commented:
“I believe, however, that as a general statement I
am able to say that poker machines are more
expensive in the Australian market than they ought
to be. I am prepared to assume that the material and
labour costs as asserted by the manufacturers are
reasonable for the work involved, but I consider
that the “on costs”, particularly those costs
variously referred to as administration expenses,
marketing expenses and agents’ commissions,
represent an unreasonable impost upon clubs who
purchase these machines. It must be remembered that
the rationale of club movement … is that no
individual ought to be making a profit out of club
activities. The payment of excessive commissions to
poker machine agents represents, in my view, a
departure from this principle. … Further, the
apparent widespread practice of “entertaining” club
managers and directors, even if not falling within
conduct which one would regard as improper is an
expense which clubs purchasing poker machines should
not have to bear.(19)THE GAMING MACHINE INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA
A brief historical overview (20)
Poker, fruit and slot machines for gaming were first
imported into Australia prior to the World War 1 and the
first domestic manufacturer of note, NUTT & MUDDLE, set
up business in 1948. Until 1956 the use of machines for
gaming in any public place was illegal. During their
illegal phase the machines were installed in a very large
number of public places, principally clubs, hotels and
cafes. Proceeds were shared between the owner of the
machine and the owner of the premises, an arrangement
persisting still in the illegal industry which has
continued to thrive despite legalisation. Proceeds were
also shared, it is now known, with a number of
politicians, treasury officials and police and, on one
celebrated occasion, members of a hospital board who
consented to give the machines an air of charitable
respectability.
One person prominent in the supply of poker machines and
other illegal entertainments to American servicemen
during the Second World War was Sydney businessman Jack
ROOKLYN; later ROOKLYN pioneered the expansion of the
Australian gaming machine industry into east Asia, began
a formal association with the American company BALLY inBALLY mounted a major push into NSW clubs in the late
1960s at about the same time that certain Sydney criminal -
Page 28 of 114
-
1968 and became the principal of BALLY AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd
in 1971. -
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– 21 –
identities were moving into the industry. Walter DEAN,
formerly noted as suburban barber to Leonard Arthur
MCPHERSON, became the president of South Sydney Juniors,
then the largest club in Australia. DEAN formed a string
of companies to supply services to the club at exorbitant
rates in partnership with a disgraced ex-police officer
Murray Stewart RILEY and political string-puller William
Charles Garfield SINCLAIR, provided unknown “consultancy”
services to the CLUB 33 illegal casino, and stood over
union officials who resisted being bought. (21)The activities of BALLY and associated developments in
the club industry became apparent to the then
Commonwealth Police in the early 1970s but were
apparently not perceived by NSW authorities until some
time after they had also become apparent to the media,Aninvestigation was ordered and a NSW police team
produced three consecutive reports, the first concluding
that there were some problems and the last concluding
that any problems were greatly exaggerated. The scandal
over these reports led the Askin government to form a
Royal Commission under Mr Justice Athol Moffitt.Justice Moffitt concluded that BALLY was connected to US
Mafia figures; that the operations of BALLY in Australia
posed a considerable risk of organised crime
infiltration; that he had been lied to in relation to an
unorthodox business relationship entered into between a
BALLY executive and one of the police investigating
BALLY; that McPHERSON may have been associated with at
least some of the activities of his former barber; that
McPHERSON and his associates had recently begun to
entertain some criminally connected American visitors;
and that special measures were needed to police gaming
machines and clubs. Almost no specific action was taken
in response to Moffitt’s report and a significant number
of those mentioned went on to assume further notoriety in
a succession of royal commissions into the expanding
trade in illicit drugs.In the year that the Moffitt report was issued the
Queensland government approved the introduction of “in-
line” amusement devices into Queensland clubs following a
short lobbying campaign by one Arthur Anthony ROBINSON,
then and now known as an illegal baccarat school, sly
grogging and nightclub entrepreneur. The Queensland
Justice Department was apparently aware that ROBINSON was
associated with BALLY’s Australian affiliates and were
also aware of the Moffitt report and its recommendations.
(22) BALLY machines supplied by affiliated companies or
ROBINSON went on to dominate the Queensland in-line
machine market. Instances are known where potentially
competing machines failed to win approval or were
approved and then had approval withdrawn. One such case
involved the emergent Australian poker machine
manufacturer, AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES. (23)
Continuing criminality in the gaming machine and club -
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industry in New South Wales induced some action on one of
Moffitt’s proposals in 1978 – a special policing unit on
clubs was set up as Task Force Two. The unit had two
matters on its initial agenda: poker machine cheating on
a huge scale by well organised gangs of “patrons” armed
with wire, coin blanks and other sophisticated tools; and
apparent illegalities in the sale of poker machines by
the AINSWORTH group of companies.AINSWORTH then held about 75 percent of the NSW or only
legal market in Australia and saw its future expansion
prospects in Nevada, New Jersey, Queensland, South
Australia and Victoria. A consultant to the industry,
Edward Phillip VIBERT, was instrumental in the
establishment of the AUSTRALIAN CLUB DEVELOPMENT
ASSOCIATION, purportedly an independent lobby derived
from state associations of registered clubs to lobby the
Queensland, Victorian and South Australian governments
for the introduction of poker machines.Leonard Hastings AINSWORTH and some of his senior
executives can be shown to have paid VIBERT, paid for the
ACDA, at least some of its staff and its newspaper, paid
a political donation in Queensland and most probably one
in Victoria, and paid a consultancy fee to former Liberal
MLA and Queensland Registered and Licensed Clubs
Association president Colin LAMONT. While some of this
activity may fall within the parameters of lobbying some
matters do not: VIBERT was in effect an employee of
AINSWORTH but pretended otherwise and arrangements were
made for the Queensland political donation to be invoiced
as non-existent “advertising” while the Victorian
donation appeared to have been dressed up as payments for
“research”. Queensland Police investigated the donation
in this state and referred the matter to the Solicitor-
General who found no offence in law in the absence of any
compliint. (See Appendix Two)Task Force Two formed the view that the ACDA was a
“deception” and after a long and troubled investigation
charged AINSWORTH and VIBERT accordingly. VIBERT was
also charged in relation to alleged secret commissions
paid in connection with the supply of poker machines to
the ETTALONG BEACH WAR MEMORIAL CLUB. VIBERT was found
guilty of this charge and acquitted on appeal. AINSWORTH
and VIBERT were committed for trial on reworded
conspiracy charges which were later no-billed. This
sequence of events was later examined by the NSW
ombudsman Mr Mastermann QC; his report detailed apparent
attempts to bribe and other impediments put in the way of
the investigation by a succession of suspect persons, .
criminal identities and others.
In 1982 a select committee of the South Australian
government examined the gaming machine industry in
connection with a proposed casino bill. This committee
was the first in Australia to recommend licensing as a
prerequisite for participation in the gaming industry
under the principle that a license was a privilege and -
Page 31 of 114
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not a right. It also recommended that the onus of proof
of suitability for a licence should lie with the
applicant and that the licensing authority should be
enabled to act on the basis of reasonable suspicion. The
committee also broke new ground with the following
recommendation, probably inspired by developments in New
South Wales:
“(There is a need) to ensure that there is no chance
that organised crime can influence the police or
political system which is always susceptible to
corruptive influence. Corruption usually occurs in
this context by a failure to prosecute. It is
essential that if a breach of the rules or
regulations is detected then disciplinary action is
automatic and not held up by police inactivity or
government delay.” (24)
BALLY and AINSWORTH interests were singled out for
particular criticism by the committee.
In 1983 Mr Wilcox QC chaired a Victorian Board of Inquiry
which recommended that poker machines not be introduced
into that State. Mr Wilcox drew extensively on the
Moffitt report and queried the executives of BALLY
AUSTRALIA at length on the topic of whether Jack ROOKLYN
had, as claimed, severed his links with the company. Mr
Wilcox was also scathing in his report on the proprieties
of the AINSWORTH organisation and its efforts to have
poker machines introduced into. Victoria and Queensland.Mr Wilcox was also critical of the state of gaming
machine regulation in New South Wales, stating that
millions in revenue were being lost through inadequate
controls, machine manipulation, machine malfunction,
fraud and theft.
The criticism came at an opportune time; the New South
Wales government introduced a requirement for licensing
in 1984 setting up the Superintendent of Licenses Office
with its own investigation section and transforming Task
Force Two into a Licensed Gaming Squad. Those operating
in the industry were permitted to keep operating under
provisional licences. This was recognised as an
accommodation to reality rather than an ideal system.
Although the licensing system in New South Wales has won
some acclaim and has been adopted as the basis for entry
into the gaming machine industry of the Australian
Capital Territory some drawbacks are conceded and the
system is currently undergoing review which will probably
lead to a further tightening of restrictions. One
drawback is a multitude of regulatory and enforcement
authorities and there are some proposals to amalgamate
these into a single gaming authority. This is however
likely to be a lengthy process.
The (Fitzgerald) Commission of Inquiry in Queensland
examined the in-line machine industry and a number of
persons are now before the courts on corruption related -
Page 32 of 114
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charges as a result. In his report Mr Fitzgerald stated
that:
“All gambling establishments, legal and illegal,
need to be stringently controlled. This might be
easier if they are legal and regulated rather than
covert and illegal … Gambling can certainly harm
individuals and the community, but that is of no
relevance to the decriminalisation debate since
there are many legal ways for inveterate gamblers to
indulge their whims.
Law reform in respect of illegal gambling needs to
be approached in a comprehensive, considered way.
It is inherently difficult. Until a comprehensive
review is undertaken, narrowly focused piecemeal
action including expanding the legal means of
gambling is inadvisable.”
(25)CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE CONCERNS – MANUFACTURERS
The major manufacturer/suppliers of poker machines in New
South Wales are the companies AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED
INDUSTRIES, INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGIES, UNIVERSAL
AUSTRALIA, and OLYMPIC VIDEO GAMING. The world’s largest
poker machine manufacturing company, BALLY, has not
applied for licensing in New South Wales and another
American company INTERMARK IMAGINEERING INC has not been
successful in its attempt to gain a licence. There are
other smaller “boutique manufacturers” with a minuscule
proportion of the market.
AINSWORTH, IGT and UNIVERSAL divide about 90 percent of
the market fairly equally between them. The Victorian
based company OLYMPIC is enjoying substantial growth and
currently has about 10 percent of the market.All companies supplying machines on to the NSW market are
required to meet fairly stringent licensing conditions –
however the system, which has had some notable successes,
is not proof against naivety, corruption or political
interference.In all known jurisdictions where gaming machines are
permitted to the extent contemplated in Queensland it is
considered fundamental that the manufacturers and their
agents be examined for any connection to organised crime
or criminal identities or any pattern of organised
criminal activity.Mr Wilcox QC went further in his Victorian inquiry and
proposed a higher standard of licensing which warrants
consideration in this State:
“My view is that it should not be sufficient for a -
Page 33 of 114
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licensee merely to show an absence of criminal
convictions in its senior management or for the
licensing authority to be unaware of any dishonesty,
or association with criminals, by top management.
Given the propensity of the poker machine to attract
criminals and the critical role of manufacturers in
the industry, it is my view that Victoria, and a
Victorian licensing authority, should settle for no
less a standard than that manufacturers would only
be entitled to a licence if they were able to
demonstrate, by their record and their attitude,
that they were likely to be active and willing
partners of the poker machine regulatory authority
in the setting and maintenance of rigorous
controls.” (26)
Mr Wilcox considered the three major manufacturers of
that time, Nutt and Muddle, Ainsworth and Bally and found
that all would have had difficulties meeting such
criteria. Indeed, all would have had difficulty meeting
the lower standard requiring only that there be no
criminal activities or associations.
Inquiry after inquiry overseas as well as in Australia
has found questionable associations or activities within
the gaming machine manufacturing industry. It goes
without saying that throughout and long after these
inquiries the companies and individuals involved have
persistently maintained that they were without taint and
that any findings to the contrary have derived from
error, malice or worse. The possibility of the
introduction of poker machines in Queensland has again
brought this variety of propaganda to the fore and in
some circles, notably the club-industry and some sections
of the media, it has been taken seriously. (27) This
Commission is of the view that the findings in relation
to the gaming machine industry and its personalities of
Mr Justice Moffitt and Messrs Wilcox, Mastermann and
Fitzgerald were not in error or derived in any other
manner than from examination of the evidence.
A number of new manufacturers have entered the industry
in recent years and information in regard to those
companies is scanty compared to those which have been the
subject of previous inquiries. Accordingly, the
discussion below makes no pretence of being a complete or
representative picture of the poker machine manufacturing
industry in Australia today. It is as comprehensive as
the information available to the Commission allows and
will be updated as further information comes to hand.AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES
AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES is the central
company of a group linked with the AINSWORTH family,
once notable manufacturers of dental equipment.
Manufacture of poker machines began in 1953, three
years before the machines were legalised in NSW -
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clubs. The AINSWORTH group has for many years been
controlled by Leonard Hastings AINSWORTH, son of the
company’s founder. The company was the chief
beneficiary of the decline of NUTT & MUDDLE and the
difficulties of BALLY AUSTRALIA following the
Moffitt Royal Commission and by the late 1970s it is
estimated that the AINSWORTH group had about 75
percent of the market in new poker machines in New
South Wales.The group looked to other markets, both in Australia
and overseas, just as its activities were starting
to fall under some degree of scrutiny from the newly
formed Task Force Two, itself a consequence of the
Moffitt Royal Commission finding of widespread
illegality in the industry. The group’s activities
were also canvassed in Queensland and Victorian
police inquiries, the Victorian poker machine
inquiry and, following an AINSWORTH complaint, by
the NSW Ombudsman.The police inquiries followed a contorted and
confusing path, due to an underlying political
motivation in Queensland and a prolonged attempt to
subvert the NSW investigation from both inside and
outside the NSW police force. Central to some of
these investigations was a seemingly independent
lobbying organisation known as the AUSTRALIAN CLUB
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ACDA). Its executive
director and the chief spokesman for what was often
described as “the poker machine lobby” was a
consultant, Edward Phillip VIBERT. After hearing
extensive evidence from VIBERT and making some
inquiries, Mr Wilcox QC described him as “a
plausible rogue intent on earning a multi-million
dollar commission and ready to use anybody and any
material, however false or misleading, to achieve
his goal”. (28) The organisation and VIBERT
maintained, for as long as they could, a public
stance of independence of any of the poker machine
manufacturers.The findings of these various investigations,
necessarily complex and interrelated, are set out
below.
On testimony to the Victorian Inquiry an
AINSWORTH executive conceded that in 1967
spending money” had been paid to some club
”officials but these small payments had been
stopped when this was found to be illegal. Mr
Wilcox QC noted that “I am somewhat surprised
at there being any doubt in anyone’s mind that
the payment of any “spending money” to any club
official in consideration of the purchase of a
poker machine would be illegal”. (29) In
respect of more recent payment or possible
payment of secret commissions by the AINSWORTH
organisation the topics of George CRAGEN, the -
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Penrith Leagues Club and consultant Wilton WEIR
are dealt with separately in this report.In the late 1970s AINSWORTH bought into the
MURRAY RIVER POKER MACHINE COMPANY PTY LTD, an
agency for all brands of poker machines.
According to corporate documents the owners
were Murray McCOOKE and his wife. There was an
agreement that the share capital would be
divided McCOOKE 25 percent, VIBERT 25 percent
and AINSWORTH 50 percent although the books
would show McCOOKE 50 percent and VIBERT 50
percent. McCOOKE was unaware of a further
agreement that VIBERT would hold his interest
in trust for AINSWORTH, giving AINSWORTH an
effective 75 percent of a company selling his
competitors products. The Victorian Inquiry
was told that similar arrangements had been
entered into with other poker machine agencies.
The Victorian report stated “Mr AINSWORTH has
demonstrated, by his conduct in respect of the
Murray River company, a willingness to disguise
his involvement in an enterprise if he regards
such disguise as being beneficial”. (30)AINSWORTH sought to purchase one of his
principal competitors, the ailing NUTT & MUDDLE
company, but this was blocked by the Federal
Court on application from the Trade Practices
Commission that this would lead to a near
AINSWORTH monopoly on the industry.
Subsequently there were attempts by less than
reputable persons and organisations to purchase
the company. There were connections between
these persons and the AINSWORTH group.
Englishman Mr W.R. RUFFLER, whose Australian
company would appear to have shared an address
with the Kings Cross TEXAS TAVERN and its owner
Harry CALLEIA, stayed with AINSWORTH while
negotiating over the company and used the
deregistered accountant O’BRIEN (see below) and
a Melbourne solicitor used by AINSWORTH. (31)
CALLEIA, who has criminal connections and is
involved with the VANGUARD amusement machine
company (see below) has been listed as an
associate of AINSWORTH. Melbourne criminal
identity Mark Alfred CLARKSON was also involved
in efforts to purchase NUTT & MUDDLE at the
same time as he was involved in actions which
would appear to have been designed to frustrate
the Task Force Two investigations into
AINSWORTH and VIBERT. (32) NUTT & MUDDLE was
subsequently taken over by the STANLEE group
which had no obvious connection to AINSWORTH.
A senior AINSWORTH officer, George CRAGEN (also
investigated by Task Force Two) joined the
STANLEE group as the new general manager of
NUTT & MUDDLE. The company continued to
decline and later, almost defunct, was absorbed -
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into the AINSWORTH group.
AINSWORTH used the services of a deregistered
Victorian accountant Kevin James O’BRIEN,
convicted in 1975 and again in 1976 of numerous
counts of fraud including conversion, forgery
and uttering. It is not clear that AINSWORTH
knew of these convictions at the time he
employed O’Brien’s services but it is known
that O’BRIEN’s services continued to be used
after they did became known. AINSWORTH accounts
involving millions of dollars administered by
O’BRIEN were not among those revealed by
AINSWORTH executive Peter CLAREBROUGH in
response to questions from the Victorian
inquiry and when the inquiry discovered the
Victorian accounts and queried them
CLAREBROUGH was prevented by AINSWORTH from
completing evidence he was then giving the
inquiry. Mr Wilcox QC doubted the reasons given
for this and in his report said: “On the face
of the matter, it appears to me strange that a
large Sydney-based organisation, having no
significant commercial association with
Victoria, should retain the services of an
accountant operating out of premises in an
outer Melbourne suburb.” (33)AINSWORTH funded and can be shown to have
approved, budgets and programmes of the
Australian Club Development Association. The
ACDA, through VIBERT, declared itself to be an
independent association deriving from the club
industry.AINSWORTH, at the behest of VIBERT, made three
donations totalling $30,000 during the election
year of 1980 to a Queensland account under the
title CASPALP, described as an ALP promotional
fund connected with the then opposition leader .Mr Ed CASEY. Some $20,000 of this amount was
paid into accounts of the Queensland Branch of
the Australian Labor Party. The disbursement of
the remaining $10,000 is not known but no
officer of the ALP has entered any complaint in
relation to this money. (This issue is dealt
with separately in the Appendix 2 to this
report.)(34)In correspondence with CASEY, VIBERT proposed
that the donations be covered by invoices
purporting to cover advertising in ALP
publications and this suggestion was followed.
(35)
This was investigated for the Queensland Police
on the instructions of then Commissioner LEWIS
by Detective Inspectors INGHAM and BRADBURY who
lunched with Queensland criminal identity Paul -
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MEADE at the TEXAS TAVERN restaurant Kings
Cross (belonging then to Harry CALLEIA) before
they were due to attend a raid on AINSWORTH
premises with NSW police of Task Force Two.
(36)
AINSWORTH and some of his senior staff were
forewarned of the raid and the presence of ‘
Queensland detectives. Investigations of the
origin of the leak were inconclusive but among
the possibilities considered were that CALLEIA
advised AINSWORTH of information received from
INGHAM and BRADBURY or that senior officers of
the NSW police had advised an AINSWORTH
executive. (37)Between January and March 1982 the AINSWORTH
group paid four amounts totalling $40,000 to
the polling organisation ANOP, purportedly for
market research. While a minimal amount of
market research (less than a dozen pages
according to VIBERT) was done for the
supposedly independent ACDA there is no doubt
that these invoices were false. Task Force Two
alleged that this was a disguised donation to
the Victorian ALP and there appears to be no
compelling reason to doubt this. Mr Murray
Wilcox QC placed “little weight” on VIBERT’s
denials.(38)While president of the Registered Clubs
Association of Queensland Colin LAMONT received
payments totalling $30,000 from AINSWORTH under
arrangements drawn up by VIBERT. LAMONT states
that he declared these consultancy fees both to
the taxation commissioner and to the Registered
Clubs Association, which saw no conflict of
interest. (39)AINSWORTH and VIBERT were charged in NSW with
various counts of conspiracy in 1982 in
relation to an alleged “deception” that the
ACDA was an independent organisation. They
were committed for trial.
VIBERT was also charged and committed for trial
on charges relating to secret commissions
allegedly paid in relation to his role as a
consultant and the installation of AINSWORTH
poker machines at the Ettalong Beach War
Memorial Club. He was found guilty but
acquitted on appeal.
This Commission is aware of information which
may be relevant to VIBERT’s acquittal which
falls under the provisions of Section 2.19 (2)
(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1989.Between VIBERT’s sentence and appeal, all other
-
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charges against VIBERT and AINSWORTH were no-
billed. This was a matter of some controversy;
the committal had taken several months, the
magistrate had added additional conspiracy
charges and the majority of NSW law officers
involved told the ombudsman they believed the
case a strong one which should have gone to
trial. The no-billing of these charges was
aired in the NSW parliament and press.(40)AINSWORTH and VIBERT entered a succession of
complaints with the NSW Ombudsman against two
NSW officers, Dets HANRAHAN and CLARK.
The Ombudsman, Mr Masterman QC, found that
HANRAHAN and CLARK had spoken to members of the
NSW opposition in contravention of police rules
but recommended no penalty because their
actions were a response to a justifiable belief
that their investigations into AINSWORTH and
VIBERT had been tampered with.(41)
Mr Masterman QC also found that:HANRAHAN was justified in a belief that
AINSWORTH employees and others were
trying to bribe him.That Victorian criminal identities and
suspect current and former NSW police were
involved in these attempts.That AINSWORTH and others had
foreknowledge of some police raids and
actions.
That AINSWORTH’s evidence on the existence
of a diary note referring to a luncheon
engagement with senior NSW police was
deceptive and that his evidence in other
respects was unsatisfactory.(42)AINSWORTH appealed the Ombudsman’s decision but
this appeal was rejected. AINSWORTH has taken
civil action against one of the detectives.
LAMONT and others have suggested on the public
record that detectives of Task Force Two were
corrupted by the BALLY organisation. (43) This
appears to derive from an inference that police
action in relation to AINSWORTH served the
interests of BALLY and or Jack ROOKLYN (who are
treated as identical for the purposes of this
argument). There is no evidence of corruption
on the part of NSW detectives in Task Force Two
and a considerable body of evidence to the
contrary. Any examination of the evidence
leads to questions about relationships between
AINSWORTH, his executives and associates and -
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suspect former NSW police, criminal identities
and former senior NSW police. It would appear
from the evidence that investigations into the
AINSWORTH organisation were fully warranted.
This commission is aware of other matters of
complaint in relation to AINSWORTH where the
course of investigation has been unusual.AINSWORTH, LAMONT and other spokesmen blame the NSW
. police and the Wilcox inquiry for problems in
relation to his export operations, which at one
stage included exports to Nevada through one William
Silas REDD, an alleged associate of syndicated crime
through the BALLY company. AINSWORTH’s ties with
REDD were severed when REDD’s company, INTERNATIONAL
GAMING TECHNOLOGIES, expanded from the manufacture
of video gaming machines into the manufacture of
poker machines (see below).AINSWORTH also exported slot machines to four Macau
casinos controlled by Stanley HO. HO and his family
were extensively mentioned during the inquiry into
relationships between dismissed former NSW Deputy
Police Commissioner Bill ALLEN, Jack ROOKLYN and
Abraham SAFFRON. (44)Information that AINSWORTH companies were illegally
exporting a gaming machine component into
Czechoslovakia and China was received from Hong Kong
in 1985. The AINSWORTH executive named was
Graham/Graeme D FULLERTON.(45)
FULLERTON has since left the AINSWORTH organisation,
apparently on amicable terms. When he joined
AINSWORTH, FULLERTON for some time maintained his
links with LEISURE & ALLIED INDUSTRIES, a Perth
based amusement machine company. In this period
both FULLERTON and LEISURE & ALLIED were linked in
some manner, most probably in regard to the supply
of machines, with Abraham Gilbert SAFFRON. (46)An alleged conspiracy whereby a bank officer
pressured clubs in financial difficulty to engage
the services of a consultant who recommended
purchases of AINSWORTH machines was referred to the
AFP. Some references have been made in Federal
Parliament to the banking aspect of this
investigation.
The consultant, now deceased, was a director in some
of the ESSINGTON group of companies. (47)AINSWORTH Consolidated Industries’ share of the NSW
poker machine market has contracted to about 30
percent.
Licensing of AINSWORTH
AINSWORTH was granted approval for a casino
licence in New Jersey on the condition that he -
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divest himself of all interests in all the
AINSWORTH group of companies.
AINSWORTH is currently not licensed to operate
in Nevada.
AINSWORTH NOMINEES were granted an Amusement
Device Dealers Licence by the NSW Licensing
Court in 1985. The granting of the licence was
unsuccessfully challenged by the NSW
Superintendent of Licences.
The Victorian inquiry report said the following
in relation to AINSWORTH being licensed to
operate in that state:
“It is conceivable that the company may
persuade a licensing authority that,
whatever its past misdeeds, it should now
be regarded as suitable to be licensed.
It is not for me to make those decisions.
Consistently with my role as I see it, I
record simply that I am not confident, on
what I have seen, that more intense
scrutiny of Ainsworth’s affairs would lead
a licensing authority to be satisfied, to
the necessary standard, of the probity of
either the company itself or of its
principal” (48)
CommentThis Commission recommends that the AINSWORTH group
of companies not be permitted to participate in the
gaming machine industry in Queensland.INTERNATIONAL GAMING TECHNOLOGIES P/L
This company was established in Nevada by one
William Silas REDD, born 16 November 1911. REDD,
the claimed inventor of the draw poker machine, was
the former owner of BALLY DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION
in Nevada. He was a confirmed associate of a number
of syndicated crime figures.
IGT was formed in the late 1970s and it and another
REDD company, SIRCOMA P/L, have been investigated by
the FBI in relation to the distribution of illegal
gaming devices. IGT was the American distributor of
ARISTOCRAT poker machines, manufactured by AINSWORTH
in Australia while AINSWORTH distributed IGT video
gaming machines in Australia. This arrangement
collapsed; possible causes appear to be AINSWORTH’s
own development of video gaming technology and
concerns by IGT over the possible theft of
componentry. IGT moved into the production and, in
the US, operation of poker machines. -
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In October 1980, a New Jersey hearing examiner found
that the relationships among REDD, IGT and BALLY
DISTRIBUTING were such that all should be considered
a single entity for a regulatory purpose. This was
overturned on appeal.
The company became a public company in 1981 and REDD
ceased to be sole owner.
IGT was intensively investigated by Licensing police
in New South Wales and a number of conditions were
put on the company obtaining a licence. These
included REDD severing all proprietary connection
with the company. That the company was willing to
fulfil these draconian conditions is an interesting
comment on how significantly the Australian market
is perceived. (49)
The company now appears to be well regarded by
regulatory authorities. It is, as previously noted,
a pioneer in machine linking technology and has
shown a willingness to explore and contribute to the
regulatory and enforcement implications of this
technology. This system is currently being marketed
as IGT MEGABUCKS.
This commission has some concern with two former
AINSWORTH personnel now with the company.
The former managing director and current vice-
chairman of IGT (Australia) is a Mr Peter
CLAREBOROUGH aka CLAREBROUGH, a former senior
AINSWORTH executive who left the employ of that
company in December 1985.
CLAREBOROUGH appeared before the Victorian
Board of Inquiry in 1983 and was the witness
withdrawn by AINSWORTH when the inquiry queried
undisclosed bank accounts operated by Kevin
James O’BRIEN.
Ombudsman Mr Masterman QC formed the view that
part of Mr CLAREBOROUGH’s evidence before him
on his foreknowledge of NSW police raids was
not true. Officer HANRAHAN also gave evidence
of a telephone call from a person claiming to
be CLAREBOROUGH who said he was ringing on
behalf of Len AINSWORTH to make HANRAHAN an
offer “which would make him very happy”- a
payment of $500,000 to any nominated bank
account in return for certain specified
evidence at the trial of AINSWORTH, the offer
to be verified by a call to one of two senior
police officers. Mr Masterman QC was satisfied
there had indeed been such a call but it was
not possible to verify whether the caller was
indeed CLAREBOROUGH or whether the two senior
police were involved. (50) -
Page 42 of 114
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CLAREBOROUGH retired from active management of
IGT Australia in about mid-1989 in favour of Mr
Dean McCLAIN, formerly Director of Sales (Las
Vegas). CLAREBOROUGH however remains vice-
chairman of the board and a Scott CLAREBROUGH,
described as his son is Gaming Development
manager of IGT Australia.
One of IGT’s principal salesmen for the
MEGABUCKS system in Australia is a George
CRAGEN who is probably identical with a former
AINSWORTH employee of that name.
CRAGEN also faced the Victorian inquiry
although at that stage he had moved from being
a divisional manager with the AINSWORTH
organisation to a position as general manager
of the newly taken over NUTT & MUDDLE. He told
the inquiry that in 12 years with AINSWORTH he
was aware of only two incidents where AINSWORTH
mechanics had been dismissed for dishonesty
(CLAREBOROUGH was aware of 13 dismissals in the
period 1980-83). He was cross examined on a
memo he had written to AINSWORTH advising that
a mechanic who may have had something to fear
from Treasury inquiries into machine shortfalls
had announced a retirement due to ill health
but was expected to “effect a miraculous
recovery in the next few weeks (sometime after
the heat goes out of the Treasury inquiry)”.
(51)CRAGEN was believed by NSW police in 1981 to
have issued a cheque for $10,000 to the
secretary-manager of the 729 club by way of a
secret commission, allegedly on behalf of
AINSWORTH. Police investigations into this
resulted in a meeting between the investigating
officer, a former police officer and another
police officer where, according to the
investigating officer, it was stated that
CRAGEN was quite prepared to “help” him
financially if the investigation did not
proceed. Ombudsman Mr Masterman QC questioned
all parties to the incident and “accepted in
broad terms” the account of the investigating
officer. (52)IGT has, since its establishment, acquired about 30
percent of the Australian poker machine market.
This share will probably grow due to the company’s
current pre-eminence in machine and site linking
technology.
Comment
This Commission would need to conduct further
research on IGT to be satisfied that operations by -
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the company would be an acceptable risk in
Queensland. It has reservations in relation to the
vice-chairman Peter CLAREBOROUGH and the sales
executive George CRAGEN.UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA
This company had its origins in a juke box and game
machine rental company UNIVERSAL LEASE CO Ltd,
founded by Kazno OKADO in Japan in 1967. The
company diversified into restaurants, night clubs,
hotels and slot machines, and started distribution
of machines in Nevada in 1983.In 1986 the company formed a joint venture with the
small Australian manufacturer PACIFIC POKER MACHINES
to form UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA INC.
This Commission has no adverse knowledge of PACIFIC
POKER MACHINES and its directors, some of whom were
formerly distributors for the BALLY organisation in
Australia. No final conclusions can be drawn
without specific inquiries in New South Wales.
UNIVERSAL was apparently approved by NSW authorities
without any of the drama attaching to the AINSWORTH
or IGT applications. Nothing adverse is known by
this Commission about UNIVERSAL although it would
seem prudent to undertake inquiries with Japanese
authorities before permitting the company to begin
any operations in Queensland.UNIVERSAL has expanded the share of the market held
by the older PACIFIC company to about 30 percent.Licensing
UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA was licensed by NSW
authorities after inquiries were made in Japan
and of the Nevada and New Jersey Gaming
Authorities. The company itself was said to be
co-operative in supplying information however
some difficulty was found in checking
information with authorities in Japan. No
serious adverse finding has been made in
relation to the company to the best knowledge
of this Commission.Comment
The information to hand on UNIVERSAL AUSTRALIA is
too limited to permit any judgement on whether the
company should be permitted to operate in
Queensland. -
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OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS
OLYMPIC has its origins in a Victorian amusement
machine manufacturer linked with two Greek
businessmen Nicholas BALAGIANNIS, born 230247, and
Nick MITRIS, born 020544.According to an interview between BALAGIANNIS and
NSW police, BALAGIANNIS came to Australia from
Greece in 1965. In the early 1970s he became the
proprietor of the MONTE CARLO amusement billiard
room in Frankston and sold a half share in this
business to MITRIS in 1973. In 1979 this business
was sold to an Arthur MITRIS. In the early 1980s
MITRIS and BALAGIANNIS imported amusement machines
from Japan before beginning assembly and manufacture
under the OLYMPIC name. (53)Victorian and NSW police have long believed or
received information that OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS has two
faces, supplying both legal and illegal machines and
markets. Reputedly it was BALAGIANNIS who handled
the illegal side. BALAGIANNIS was convicted of
lending a contrivance for gaming in the Dandenong
Magistrates Court on 010982.In interviews with NSW police both BALAGIANNIS and
MITRIS said that they had both draw poker and other
amusement machines in about 30 premises in Victoria.
Video draw poker machines are illegal in Victoria.
(54)Angelo DUROS, a well known manufacturer and operator
of illegal amusement devices in New South Wales is
believed to have provided some input into OLYmPIC’s
early manufacturing operations. Nick MITRIS told NSW
police in 1984 of recent dealings between
BALAGIANNIS and DUROS. (55)BALAGIANNIS and MITRIS also told police they had
interests in the BUCK ROGERS amusement centre in
Melbourne. (56) Their interests are not disclosed
in any corporate documents relating to the BUCK
ROGER premises.
The general manager of the poker machine
manufacturing arm of the company in NSW is former
Victorian police officer David John WADE, born
160653, who is married to a niece of BALAGIANNIS.
WADE left the Victorian police on 210584, on medical
grounds. He stated to NSW police that he was
suffering from cancer. He told NSW police that
departmental charges against him and others in 1972
for allegedly destroying police documents had been
dismissed and that he had been exonerated in a
number of internal investigations prior to his
retirement. (57) -
Page 45 of 114
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Investigations by this Commission indicate that
WADE’s account of the 1972 charges is essentially
correct but it would be more correct to say that the
later internal investigations were principally not
brought to any conclusion. The Commission’s
knowledge of these internal investigations is set
out below.
WADE and a subordinate officer Lucio PEPE, born
100856, were investigated in relation to a
complaint from a prostitute that she had been
“loaded up” with a small quantity of heroin on
or about 100482. This investigation was
discontinued.WADE and two subordinate officers Lucio PEPE
and Ian FLEMING were investigated in relation
to allegations that they had been bribed to
supply certain information in relation to an
investigation. The internal investigation was
discontinued after the death (from natural
causes) of one of the complainants.WADE and two subordinate officers Lucio PEPE
and Ian FLEmING were investigated in relation
to an allegation that they had travelled
overseas in June 1982 with one Athos
MANDYLARIS, born 140748, a Greek nightclub
owner. This investigation was discontinued.WADE and a subordinate officer Lucio PEPE were
investigated in relation to an allegation that
they had attempted to induce the victim of a
crime to offer a reward. WADE was officially
on leave at the time. One of those allegedly
involved in this incident was reputedly active
in the illegal gaming industry. This
investigation was discontinued.WADE was investigated in relation to an
allegation that he had solicited a bribe from a
business proprietor in the tow truck industry.
The complainant withdrew the complaint on the
grounds it would not be the best course for his
business for it to continue.WADE was investigated in relation to
allegations that he had “loaded up” some tow
truck drivers charged with possession of small
quantities of heroin. These charges were
withdrawn. No result is known for this
internal investigation.
WADE, a subordinate Lucio PEPE and others were
investigated in relation to an allegation that
a gold bracelet and $1000 had gone missing
during a raid on gaming premises. No result is
known for this internal investigation. -
Page 46 of 114
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Comment
It must be emphasised that this Commission
has no knowledge as to whether there were
grounds for investigation of WADE in
relation to any of the above allegations.
The Commission does however have grave
concerns over the number and nature of the
allegations and with WADE’s associations
with PEPE, MANDYLARIS and FLEMING (see
below). The possibility exists that
WADE’s retirement from the Victorian
police was not unassociated with the
indeterminate result of a number of these
investigations.WADE can be shown to have associations with Athos
MANDYLARIS, Lucio PEPE, Victor UMEK and Ian FLEMING.
This Commission has concerns in relation to these
associations which are spelt out below:Athos MANDYLARIS, born 140748 in Greece, is a
nightclub owner with a conviction for carrying
a loaded firearm in a populous place. He was a
known associate of and has associates in common
with former insurance broker and suspected drug
trafficker James PINAKOS. PINAKOS, who is now
known to have handled cash in quantities
considerably in excess of what was generated by
his business, disappeared following a suspect
transaction. His mutilated body was found at
Rye on 180789.
WADE, PEPE and FLEMING, all then officers of
the Victoria police, travelled overseas with
MANDYLARIS in 1982.
Lucio PEPE, born 100856, was a former Victorian
police officer subordinate to WADE and was
involved in a number of the alleged incidents
for which WADE was investigated. In 1984 PEPE
was also identified as one of the principals of
CAA AMUSEMENTS, a Victorian company, with his
brother Vincent PEPE, his brother in law
Laimond SPROGIS and a Con ALEXOPOULIS. (Con
ALEXOPOULIS D’ANDREA). This company has been
the subject of allegations of the making of
threats to secure the placement of amusement
machines. PEPE and others were convicted of
offering a bribe to a police officer who had
seized some illegal gaming machines but this
conviction was set aside for reasons unrelated
to the facts of the case on appeal. In related
police departmental proceedings WADE appeared
as a witness for PEPE. On 301189 PEPE and
another Victorian police officer Victor UMEK
were arrested on a cannabis plantation of 2000
plants at Sale in Victoria. A search of PEPE’s
home showed that he was in possession of WADE’s
business and silent telephone numbers in Sydney -
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and the telephone number for WADE’s father.
David WADE, company manager, was one of those
listed as prepared to support PEPE’s bail
application. PEPE and UMEK pleaded guilty to
charges in relation to this crop on 070590.
Counsel for PEPE told the court that he
intended to call WADE as a character witness
but that WADE had not arrived and his
whereabouts were unknown. PEPE and UMEK were
sentenced to terms of imprisonment.Victor UMEK, a former Victorian police officer
subordinate to WADE, was involved with Lucio
PEPE with the cannabis crop mentioned above.Ian Grant FLEMING, a former Victorian police
officer subordinate to WADE, allegedly
travelled overseas with WADE, PEPE and
MANDYLARIS in 1982. On 070382 FLEMING was
charged with improper conduct after being found
during the investigation of the murder of
prostitute Dale Andrea LOCKWOOD to have been
working as a driver for an escort agency.
FLEMING was found guilty of a disciplinary
charge and sought workers compensation and a
medical discharge from the Victoria Police.
WADE provided some support for these
applications. FLEMING also later volunteered
the names of WADE and PEPE as two officers
supportive of him.(58)OLYMPIC were investigated by the CUSTOMS department
in relation to a number of incidents in the early
1980$ and Nicholas BALAGIANNIS charged by the
Customs department with six counts of smuggling, six
counts of evading payment of duty, five counts of
making a false entry, seven counts of producing an
untrue document, and one count of making a false
statement. On 260686 BALAGIANNIS was convicted of
six counts of smuggling, six counts of producing an
untrue document and one count of making a false
statement. (59)
WADE’s name made its way on to a list of
“”Principals in the Prohibited Amusement Device
Industry of NSW – 1989” but it is not known on what
basis his name was included other than “Parts
supplier”. BALAGIANNIS features on a similar
Victorian list of identities dated 1980.(60)
WADE told journalists in 1988 that he had evidence
of a plot to keep any new gaming machines from
replacing in-line machines in Queensland clubs.
This conspiracy allegedly involved BALLY, corrupt
dealings between NSW and Queensland police, and “a
bagman who had been planted in his organisation as a
spy”. (61) This Commission has not seen the detail
of these allegations and can make no comment on
their content except to point out that they are -
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nearly identical to allegations made by AINSWORTH
and LAMONT, a lobbyist connected with AINSWORTH.The business name OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS was registered
in Queensland on 250184 by one Jack MAOUDIS of 82
Davrod St, Robertson. MAOUDIS was thought by
Queensland police to be identical with a Jack
KYRIAKOU, born 200231, who has a minor conviction
for false pretences at Tully in 1958. It is not
known at this stage whether MAOUDIS has any
connection with the Melbourne-based company OLYMPIC
AMUSEMENTS. The MAOUDIS-registered business name was
deregistered on 250187.OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS, which is the smallest of the
major manufacturers, currently has about 10 percent
of the NSW poker machine market. OLYMPIC is an
aggressive advertiser and promoter of its wares and
has engaged the services of Queensland footballer
Wally LEWIS to promote its machines, with an obvious
eye on the new market in this State.
This Commission is aware of further information in
regard to OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS and its principals
which falls under the provisions of Section 2.19 (2)
(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1989.Comment
This Commission recommends that OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS
not be approved for participation in the gaming
machine industry in Queensland.OTHER MANUFACTURERS
There are other manufacturers which include some
operating in a smaller way in Australia and some
operating in a large way internationally but not yet or
not now in Australia.Some of these latter companies may be interested in a new
market opening up in Queensland.
Below are brief notes on companies which may become of
relevance.BALLY CORPORATION
BALLY is the world’s largest manufacturer of gaming
machines and once had a considerable presence in the
Australian market. This evaporated following
revelations and adverse comment before the Moffitt
(NSW) and Wilcox (Vic) inquiries and the company now
has no organisational presence in this country. The
public face of BALLY in Australia has been Jack
ROOKLYN; following the withdrawal of BALLY from the
poker machine market ROOKLYN concentrated on the -
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illegal in-line machines in Queensland, a market
which he was able to dominate through the company
QUEENSLAND AUTOMATICS. BALLY, ROOKLYN and their
associated companies have a very poor record in this
country and ROOKLYN is currently before the courts
on corruption charges.
BALLY internationally now claims to have purged
itself of its US syndicated crime links after many
years of pressure from Nevada and New Jersey gaming
authorities. Whether this is so or not is a
judgement that need not be made until or unless
BALLY indicates an interest in re-entering the
Australian or Queensland markets.There is no indication that the BALLY organisation
has any desire to raise the ghosts of its past in
this country.INTERMARK IMAGINEERING INC
One Nevada company, INTERMARK IMAGINEERING INC,
which was refused a license in NSW, did in the
recent past have a minimal presence in Queensland.
In New South Wales the company’s registered office
was established in premises owned by former NSW
police officer and suspected crime figure Keith John
KELLY. (62) The company is a shareholder in the NSW
registered company SILVERBAY P/L along with the
KELLY company Australian Computer Equipment Supplies
P/L. The directors of SILVERBAY are KELLY, Michael
James COURTNEY, Patrick Percy RENSON-SMITH and Paul
Bruce HARDIN. COURTNEY is involved in organised
criminal activities and was prominently mentioned in
the NSW BCI report (known as the Shelley Report)
into the activities of the TERRY’S IMPORTS group of
companies. (63) HARDIN’s father Bruce HARDIN was
involved in Sydney illegal casinos and in SP
bookmaking with George FREEMAN. (64)In Queensland, KELLY is an associate of former
police assistant commissioner Tony MURPHY and had
business interests in common with businessman Ronald
Anthony McCONNELL. These business interests
formerly included the supply of gambling equipment
to illegal casinos operated by Gerald() BELLINO.
KELLY and McCONNELL have come to notice in this
,state for efforts to have their then company awarded
casino equipment supply contracts to Jupiters
Casino. (65)MUFFLERS/VANGUARD GROUP of COMPANIES
The RUFFLER group consists of English-based
companies with interests in gambling and gambling
equipment. They first came to notice in Australia
in relation to a bid to take over the NUTT & MUDDLE -
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poker machine company in Australia. Victorian
criminal identity Mark Alfred CLARKSON, now in jail
for fraud offences, was associated with another bid
to take over the company. During this period there
is evidence of links between both RUFFLER and
CLARKSON and persons involved in activities relating
to Leonard AINSWORTH and his companies. The
AINSWORTH group had earlier been blocked from taking
over NUTT & MUDDLE by Federal Court action initiated
by the Trade Practices Commission. (66)An Australian company W.B. RUFFLER Pty Ltd was
registered to the TEXAS TAVERN premises at 44
Macleay Street, Kings Cross. TEXAS TAVERN owner,
Harry Joseph CALLEIA, has illegal gaming convictions
and is an associate of organised crime identities.
CALLEIA, aka CALLEIH or CALLEIGH and often confused
with Harry GALEA, is the principal of the VANGUARD
group of companies, which include VANGUARD
AMUSEMENTS and CALYPSO AMUSEMENTS. VANGUARD was
mentioned before the (Fitzgerald) Commission of
Inquiry as one of the suppliers of illegal in-line
gambling machines in Queensland. VANGUARD or some
person associated with it was allegedly responsible
for making payments to Leo McQUILLAN (deceased) of
the LICENSING COMMISSION and by way of secret
commission, to personnel of at least one club. (67)Those mentioned before the Fitzgerald Inquiry as
having some connection with VANGUARD machines were a
Harry GALEA (possibly confused with Harry CALLEIA),
Paul MEADE (deceased) and Kevin KENT (Qld
bookmaker). MEADE and one GALEA (again possibly
confused with CALLEIA) were shown to be in contact
with Sydney organised crime identities during NSW
Operation DAZZLER. Frederick “Paddles” ANDERSON
(deceased) alleged that MEADE was behind in payments
to himself and McPHERSON to operate gaming machines
in Queensland. (68)This Commission is aware of further information in
connection with MEADE and associates which is the
subject of current proceedings.LEISURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES
A long-established amusement device manufacturer and
operator which withdrew its application for a
licence in New South Wales following enquiries in
Western Australia in relation to directors of the
STEINBERG family.
Director Malcolm David STEINBERG, born 211239, is
known as an associate of Abraham SAFFRON. The
company employed Graeme FULLERTON in various senior
capacities, for some time simultaneously with his
employment with AINSWORTH. In this period FULLERTON
is also known to have visited premises used by -
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SAFFRON.(69)
STEINBERG and/or LEISURE & ALLIED is believed to
have interests in amusement machines and/or parlours
in Brisbane.
This Commission is aware of further information in
relation to another director of LEISURE & ALLIED
which falls under the provisions of Section 2.19 (2)
(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1989.QUEENSLAND GAMING MACHINE SALES AND SERVICE PA
A company of this name was registered on 141287,
giving as its address the third floor of 210 Queen
St, Brisbane. The directors of the company are
currently listed as Chevel David COONAN, born 120247
of Sydney and Maurice James HOWE, born 050547, of 3
Banks Street, Ashfield, Sydney. The secretary is an
Ian Richard PHILLIPS, also apparently born on
120247, giving his address as 21 Vale Street, Kelvin
Grove. COONAN is a director of INSTANT COMPANIES
P/L, which has come to notice on a number of
occasions in connection with shelf companies used by
criminal identities. There are indications that
COONAN’s involvements may go beyond the mere
provision of corporate services. With regard to
this company it is unusual that a shelf company
director remains listed more than two years after
the company’s creation. A Maurice James HOWE, birth
date not known, is adversely known by this office
for organised criminal associations, but there is no
certainty that this is the Maurice James HOWE
associated with this company.ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES: MANUFACTURE SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE
OF GAMING MACHINES1. Manufacture
The issues of concern here are that some gaming machine
manufacturers in Australia have had a propensity for
cultivating and on occasion corrupting persons
responsible for their regulation; that inadequately
secure machines have been produced; that a degree of
industrial espionage which sometimes transgresses into
criminality takes place between manufacturers; that
there may be undeclared interests in such companies; that
criminal elements are employed or associate closely with
such companies; or that they form vehicles for money
laundering or tax evasion.
Most of the examples of these practices spelt out below
relate to either the BALLY or AINSWORTH groups of
companies. Apart from illustrating what can go on in -
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this industry examples of BALLY transgressions are most
likely to be only of historical interest. The AINSWORTH
group might suffer some disproportionate attention
because it is long established and well studied. However
there is also real cause for concern in view of the
AINSWORTH group’s long and often questionable lobbying
for the introduction of poker machines into this state.Corruption and cultivation of regulatory
authorities.The Moffitt Royal Commission of 1974 dealt
extensively with the great reluctance of the NSW
police to pursue allegations of misconduct by the
BALLY group within NSW clubs. By contrast the then
Commonwealth police were vastly more efficient
investigators. Mr Justice MOFFITT provided what may
have been some explanation for these differences in
investigative aptitude in finding that the then head
of BALLY AUSTRALIA had entered an unorthodox
business arrangement with one of the police
investigating BALLY and that he had lied about this
arrangement before the Royal Commission. (70)Something of the same pattern has been discernible
in investigations into the AINSWORTH group of
companies by Task Force Two of the NSW police. The
NSW Ombudsman Mr Masterman QC found that junior
police who persisted with this investigation were
justified in believing that there were attempts to
bribe them and otherwise impede their investigation.
Senior police, some of whom have since come under
grave suspicion or worse of misconduct, were or
appeared to be in close or convivial contact with
AINSWORTH or his senior executives. Former and
serving police and criminal identities were among
those engaged in various actions which could be
construed as attempts to buy off or otherwise impede
the investigation. (71) Finally, both this and other
investigations into AINSWORTH, his associates and
companies have not proceeded in any usual manner and
in some cases have not proceeded at all. There may
be quite proper explanations for each apparent
diversion from the expected course of justice but a
number of such incidents, taken together, give rise
to questions. (72)
The AINSWORTH companies also conducted their
campaigns to have poker machines introduced into
Queensland and Victoria in an indirect and deceptive
way. Ostensibly independent lobby organisations were
set up, spokesmen for which received AINSWORTH money
and instructions at the same time as they publicly
decried any connection with AINSWORTH. A proposal
for political donations amounting to $30,000 was
accompanied with instructions as to how AINSWORTH
CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES was to be invoiced for
$30,000 in advertising in “party newspapers,
pamphlets and brochures”. Another payment of -
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$40,000, this time ostensibly related to market
research, may well have been a party political
donation in Victoria. As in any lobbying enterprise
the aim of the campaign was to cultivate those who
were in power or who might ascend to it. The
lobbying activities of the AINSWORTH organisation
are such as to give rise to concern over what other
commercial or political activities would be
considered acceptable by the company.(73)
The campaign to have poker machines introduced into
Queensland in the early 1980s failed, possibly not
least because the illegal in-line machine industry
proposed and cultivated the opposite viewpoint and,
according to evidence before the Commission of
Inquiry, backed up its case with some corruption of
public officials. (74)
In the illegal side of the industry major suppliers
and operators Leslie William JONES and members of
the PAKIS family have been known to boast of police
protection. These claims may or may not be truthful
but there has been at least one period where it
seemed to the competitors of JONES, notably one
Angelo DUROS, that the weight of enforcement was
falling heavily and seemingly almost exclusively on
them. JONES and his partner Gregory John MELIDES
are reliably believed to have paid politicians and
others outside of Australia to protect illegal
gaming machine operations.(75)
Historically, overseas as well as in Australia,
elements of the industry have shown a predisposition
to compromise or corrupt regulatory authorities.
There is a great deal of money involved, a lot to
gain and, realistically, often little chance of
getting caught. Any regulatory mechanism in
Queensland must take this historical tendency into
account.
New South Wales has suffered to some extent from a
multiplicity of regulatory authorities. It has also
suffered from the tendency by some in the industry,
particularly in recent years the AINSWORTH group of
companies, to use every legal and possibly other
avenues to frustrate investigation and regulation or
their consequences.Participation in the gaming industry should be
considered as a privilege and not a right.
A single gaming authority with its own thoroughly
and continually vetted intelligence and
investigative staff should be established. The
authority should be accountable to the parliament,
not the executive.
Disqualification of operating rights should follow
automatically from detection of prescribed offences
rather than as the result of a court process. -
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Operating rights may be able to be restored
following an appeal process through the courts with
the gaming authority indemnified against any action
for costs or damages.
The South Australia Select Committee into the Casino
Bill 1982 was the first in Australia to recommend
measures based on the principle that participation
in a gaming industry be a privilege, not a right.
The committee proposed reversing the onus of proof
by requiring any applicant to demonstrate his
company’s suitability and lack of connection with
organised crime and giving the licensing authority
the ability to act on reasonable suspicion.
The committee stated: “There is a need to ensure
that there is no chance that organised crime can
influence the police or political system which is
always susceptible to corruptive influence.
Corruption usually occurs in this context by a
failure to prosecute. It is essential that if a
breach of the rules or regulations is detected then
disciplinary action is automatic and not held up by
police inactivity or government delay.”(76)Inadequate machine security
The older, mechanical poker machines were
notoriously vulnerable to poker machine cheats armed
with sophisticated equipment like wire and
automotive washers. Folklore attests that some such
gangs of cheats operated continuously and
exclusively in such a manner for more than 20 years
and claimed their equipment holding “vests” as a tax
deduction. None of this is verifiable but it can be
said that the newer generation of video and
microprocessor technology poker machines are less
vulnerable to outside interference.
However the claims of poker machine lobbyists extend
to claims that the new generation of machines are
manipulation proof. Part of the argument advanced
has been that poker machine cash analysis of the
type possible on new machines and mandatory in NSW
and the ACT has greatly reduced the problem of
player cheating. The response of Mr Wilcox of the
Victorian inquiry to this claim was that “as the
(NSW) Department of Finance made clear to me, all
that percentage analysis did was to highlight that
there were very large discrepancies between actual
poker machine revenues and the revenue which ought,
theoretically, to have been produced”. (77) The
Victorian inquiry heard from NSW detectives that
cheating on microprocessor machines was sometimes
easier than on older models: a practice known as
“yo-yoing” involves no more than jiggling a coin
attached to a thread through the coin acceptor.
Manufacturers constantly devise new anti-yoyo -
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devices; cheats just as regularly devise new methods
of overcoming these safeguards. An Ainsworth
machine, of which /2,000 examples were produced
between 1979 and 1983, was found to have a design
fault which allowed unearned credits to be
accumulated through certain simultaneous actions
with a coin and the collect button. More recently a
new machine simply accepted the wrong denomination
of coin.
While the ACT required that machines be inoperative
when coin counters were disconnected, at least some
manufacturers were defying normal rules of economy
of production by separately turning out similar
machines to the less demanding NSW standards. It
has also been found that some counters themselves
could be manipulated through simple electrical
pulses. An alligator clip and a piece of wire are
hardly very sophisticated but there have also been
instances where machine software or componentry has
been manipulated or even exchanged with units more
generously inclined to jackpots and payouts. This is
by no means an exhaustive list of methods of
cheating the modern poker machine.
There has been evidence of organised cheating, which
has involved the production of specialised tools
(more in the era of mechanical or electro-mechanical
machines); the involvement and co-operation of
groups of people; and the allotment of cheating
areas or “runs”. Some arrested cheats have been in
possession of names or other evidence suggesting a
much wider criminal conspiracy perhaps taking a cut
from the cheats – this is organised crime by any
definition. It would be folly to anticipate, as
some in the industry would have us believe, that
poker machines installed in Queensland would be
immune to either manipulation or the attentions of
professional cheats.Effective supervision and safeguards imposed by
licensed establishments themselves will always be
one of the main obstacles to amateur or professional
poker machine cheating. Industry attitudes that
cheating is either insignificant or always the
problem of other manufacturers, pubs or clubs are
unlikely to lead to the development of effective
safeguards.The newer generation machines do seem to have
shifted the balance to a large extent away from
external cheating to internal theft – the machine
that is proof against dishonest club staff and
technicians has not yet been invented, although
industry propaganda has once again been known to
claim otherwise.
At the most mundane level some new generation
machines have still accepted the wrong denomination
of coin or other objects. Other problems that have -
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arisen in New South Wales in the recent past include
machine counters that could be manipulated through
simple electric pulses.
Some degree of machine irregularity to account for
slow counters and the like is allowed in New South
Wales. However criminals working from the inside
have been known to exploit their knowledge of this
margin (currently about two percent) for skimming
operations of various types.
Microprocessor based technology is also vulnerable
to component switching by technicians working in
tandem with accomplices who “play” rigged machines.
As a general rule the more machines have to be
attended by technical staff the greater the risks.
Once again supervision and safeguards in licensed
establishments themselves are one of the,,first and
most significant lines of defence against such
depredations and naivety and blind optimism that
machines will not be interfered with is an
impediment to the development of effective
safeguards. There are, fortunately, encouraging
developments within the industry. In New South
Wales some club industry personnel have formed a
Poker Machine Council which has gone some way to
redressing the balance between manufacturers and
purchasers of poker machines. The council has been
able to have addressed the problems of poorly built
and/or designed machines. The council has also
developed educational materials for use within
clubs, lobbied government in relation to
shortcomings in the regulatory structure and formed
an effective and complementary relationship with NSW
police squads investigating poker machine related
crime. (78)
On balance, if responsible sections of the industry
show themselves capable of addressing these
potential problems they should be allowed and
encouraged to do so.
A listing of instances of fraud/theft and breakdowns
correlated with type of machine should be kept by
any central gaming authority. The list should also
include all non-authorised/illegally placed
machines. Manufacturers should be queried/advised
of any apparent problems. Any responsible
association within the industry should also be
advised. The gaming authority should have the power
to require rectification of any problem or have
machines recalled at manufacturer’s expense.Industrial espionage
In a highly competitive and gimmickry industry the
theft or poaching of secrets and plans from -
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companies is an ever present concern. It is
probably more a concern of the companies themselves
than law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
However one instance is known where it appears that
a senior executive of a company was involved in the
organised criminal theft of material from another
company. It is not known whether other company
executives or principals were involved but that
possibility exists.AINSWORTH executive Graeme FULLERTON resigned from
the company after investigations commenced into the
apparently organised theft of components from IGT
machines in Nevada. It appeared to be an amicable
if unexpected resignation.(79)The 1984-85 Annual Report of the NSW Licensing
Investigative Section includes industrial espionage
in its list of “criminal aspects” of the industry in
these terms: “Planted or subverted employees with
access to commercial and financial knowledge and
technological know-how.” (80)Undisclosed interests
Regulatory authorities and other agencies on at
least three continents spent more than a decade in
the effort to discern who owned what in the BALLY
CORPORATION. The fact of a hidden Italian American
syndicated crime link is now generally conceded.
Gaming authorities have forced substantial changes
to BALLY’s corporate line-up but there is still far
from universal confidence that every vestige of
Mafia ownership and involvement in the company has
been removed.In October 1980 a New Jersey hearing found that
relationships between BALLY, IGT and IGT founder
William Silas REDD were such that these should be
considered a single entity for the purpose of
regulation. This decision was later reversed on
appeal. REDD was required to relinquish all
proprietary connection with IGT before the company
could be licensed to operate in New South Wales.Similar concerns are aroused by the Victorian
inquiry’s consideration of the Murray Valley Poker
Machine Company where it was shown that Leonard
AINSWORTH had acquired a majority, but completely
hidden, interest in the company. In a similar way
AINSWORTH funded, controlled and directed the
activities of the supposedly independent lobby
organisation AUSTRALIAN CLUB DEVELOPMENT
ASSOCIATION.
This serves to illustrate the great care that must
be taken in evaluating the real ownership of
companies involved in the gaming machine industry. -
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It is worth noting the patterns that emerge in the
illegal gaming machine industry in New South Wales
where a notable criminal identity Leonard Arthur
McPHERSON is known as “Mr 10 percent”.(81)
NSW Authorities have stated their concerns with “The
utilization of local trust and offshore banking and
trust facilities to hide the origin of monies
received or obtained”. This has been found to
include trust accounts with Swiss and Liechtenstein
banks and the comment is made “These trusts are open
ended trusts with unknown beneficiaries.” (82)No company in the gaming machine industry should be
licensed until regulatory authorities are totally
confident that the true nature of interests in the
company is known.Consideration should be given to not issuing any
provisional licences to cover the period of
investigation as experience has shown that pressure
has been brought to confirm provisional licences
despite adverse reports.Criminal associations
The former international and casino operations
manager for the AINSWORTH group was one Graeme
FULLERTON, born 200642. At the time of his
employment FULLERTON had ’19 convictions including
felonious possession of pistol, possess implements
for housebreaking, false pretences, larceny, shop
breaking and stealing. Prior to and for some time
after joining the AINSWORTH organisation, FULLERTON
was a senior executive and company secretary with
LEISURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES and as such was noted
to have had business dealings with Abraham Gilbert
SAFFRON. FULLERTON is said to have left the
AINSWORTH organisation on amicable terms following
the commencement of a Nevada investigation into the
theft of components from IGT gaming machines. (83)The Victorian Wilcox inquiry into poker machines
highlighted the presence in the AINSWORTH
organisation of Kevin James O’BRIEN, born 100432.
O’BRIEN, convicted in Victoria of a number of fraud
related offences, was employed by AINSWORTH in the
late 1970s to restructure his company group for tax
advantages. According to Wilcox AINSWORTH retained
the services of O’BRIEN despite becoming aware of
his criminal record. AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED
INDUSTRIES was later assessed with tax and penalty
liabilities of more than $20 million.(84)
The NSW Ombudsman records that a number of criminal
identities were associated with attempts to bribe
investigators of Task Force Two or frustrate their
investigations into AINSWORTH and poker machine -
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consultant Edward Phillip VIBERT. These included
Mark Alfred CLARKSON, born 231150, a non-practising
Victorian barrister who had been acquitted of
conspiracy to murder (with Christopher Dale
FLANNERY) under controversial circumstances and was
later convicted of a number of company frauds.
CLARKSON and Victorian pornographer and SAFFRON
associate Gerald GOLD made offers of bribes to
members of Task Force Two, ostensibly on behalf of
AINSWORTH and VIBERT. Another intermediary in this
process was former NSW police officer Keith John
KELLY, named in the public reports of the Joint Task
Force as an associate of drug trafficker Murray
Stewart RILEY and the NUGAM family. (85)A record of association with or employment of
criminal or suspect identities should be sufficient
grounds for refusal of a licence to manufacture,
supply or operate or service gaming machines in
Queensland.Money laundering, tax_evasion.
LEISURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES and the AINSWORTH
group have both incurred tax and penalty liabilities
in the $10 – $20 million range. To what extent this
is indicative of systemic behaviour on the part of
these companies is not known.There is no information to hand suggesting that
money is laundered through gaming machine
manufacturers. It is set down as a possibility to
beware of. It is known that the books of AINSWORTH,
BALLY and QUEENSLAND AUTOMATICS have at least
periodically not reflected the true nature of the
transactions they purport to describe. In one case
relating to AINSWORTH neither that company nor a
large finance company possessed documentation to
cover a sizeable transaction.(see Penrith Leagues
Club under Secret Commissions – below)The 1984/5 Annual Report of the NSW Licensing
Investigative Section, NSW Supt of Licences. Office
states that it has identified the following
“criminal aspects” in this area:3. Utilisation of local trust, and offshore
banking and trust facilities to hide the
origin of monies received or obtained.
4. Links with major drug distributors.
5. Planted or subverted employees with access
to commercial and financial knowledge and
technological know how.
7. Large scale income, customs and sales tax
evasion/avoidance. -
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9. Falsification of financial documents.
The precise basis for this listing is not yet known
by this Commission but it does illustrate matters of
considerable concern.(86)2. Supply
The activities of manufacturers and their agents are yet
more dubious when the distribution and supply of machines
is considered. Among the criminal and undesirable
activities known or very reliably believed to have
occurred are the diversion of machines to illegal uses
and markets; and a variety of forms of conduct which
verge on or amount to being secret commissions and
corrupt inducements to club officials.Supply to ).ttLLLULqA.AlAn,112trx
Clubs and hotels have in effect been supplied with
more than their legal requirement of gaming
machines. This has varied from instances of
deliberate oversupply to instances where unwanted
“trade-in” machines are simply not retrieved by the
manufacturer and these machines have continued to be
used by the club.Manufacturers have also been known to supply
machines for an illegal market. This Commission is
aware of one such alleged case involving the
AINSWORTH group and of alleged cases concerning
OLYMPIC VIDEO GAMING which fall under the provisions
of Section 2.19 (2) (b) of the Criminal Justice Act
1989. OLYMPIC is additionally known to be involved
in the illegal industry in Victoria.There are also allegations that the legal
manufacturers have supplied parts to the illegal
industry.
A running list of unauthorised and illegally placed
machines should be kept and the gaming authority
authorised to interrogate manufacturers and take
appropriate action. Sample illegally manufactured
machines to be dismantled for analysis of their
origins. (See above – inadequate machine security.)Secret commissions and related matters
Various manufacturers are alleged or known to have
engaged in the offer of inducements of one sort or
another to buy gaming machines. These inducements
have included or are alleged to include payments in
cash or in kind such as holidays, supply of
unauthorised machines and various kickbacks. Some -
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transactions proceed in a highly unusual manner
which raises questions.
As an illustration the following transaction
involving the AINSWORTH companies and the PENRITH
LEAGUES CLUB in New South Wales is set out in some
detail.
In September 1985 the Licensed Gaming
Investigation Squad learned that the Penrith
Leagues Club was in the process of purchasing
100 Micro Star poker machines from AINSWORTH
INDUSTRIES. This was an unusually large order
which had not been referred to the squad
although documentation had been lodged with the
Liquor Administration Board. It was found that
the club was to pay $720,000 for the machines
less a “discount” of $99,000 and a trade-in on
old machines of $90,000. The club, then in
debt to the tune of $11,391,647, was to finance
the machines through ESANDA FINANCE at 14
percent interest with 24 monthly payments of
$25,475. It appeared that the club was to pay
$6800 per machine for machines that were then
generally selling in a price range of $4800 –
$5200.Inquiries conducted at ESANDA showed that the
total repayment expected of the club was
$701,400. The actual interest rate was 19
percent, but five percent of the interest, or
$23,000, was being paid by AINSWORTH under an
arrangement used by the company for some time.
In some instances AINSWORTH had-made such
payments by cheque, however in this case the
amount had been deducted from ESANDA’s payout
figure which was $507,000, not $530,000.
Senior management at ESANDA were totally
unaware of this arrangement and no
documentation was found at either ESANDA or
AINSWORTH INDUSTRIES to cover this transaction.A perusal of the contract between AINSWORTH,
ESANDA and the club showed only 90 poker
machines listed on the schedule, in contrast
with the 100 indicated in Statutory
Declarations lodged by the club with the Liquor
Administration Board (LAB). The club was
queried and confirmed that the purchase was for
100 machines. However a manager of AINSWORTH
INDUSTRIES, Mr D.P. CLEARY attended at the LAB
with a letter indicating that the sale was for
90 poker machines. When questioned CLEARY
apologised and amended the letter to read 100
machines.
Subsequent investigations showed that the South
Sydney Juniors Club was also involved in a
similar transaction with AINSWORTH -
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INDUSTRIES.(87)
This sort of Byzantine transaction poses obvious
problems for regulatory and law enforcement
authorities. Even the description adopted by
investigators is complex – ” The purchase of large
amounts of poker machines for prices way above
ordinary with no effective discount “. There is
room in such contorted transactions for any number
of corrupt arrangements.
In the language of the industry, it is the person in
a club ultimately responsible for ordering machines
who is most likely to be offered “a big drink”.
Although most machines have some equivalent of a
list price in reality it is only the smaller clubs
who buy at this price. In the industry talk of
various forms of secret commissions _ from cash to
paid holidays to private trade-in agreements to
extra machines installed for private benefit is
legion but details are few.
The new and relatively inexperienced club industry
in Queensland probably needs to be made aware of the
risk of being taken for a ride by manufacturers and
machine suppliers. The risks include the dumping of
obsolete machines. In one instance quoted within
the NSW industry, representatives of a Queensland
club were quoted a price of $16,000 a machine for
poker machines normally sold at about $9000.
As in NSW all details relating to the purchase of
any gaming machines should be provided to the
regulatory authority by both company and purchaser.
In addition it would be useful to remove much of the
cloak of secrecy in the industry in relation to
prices quoted and prices paid. At the time of
seeking approval to licence any new machine the
manufacturer/supplier should be required to set out
the price structure for the machine and any
discounting schedules. The prices of repair
contracts for all machines should also be quoted.
Prospective machine purchasers should be entitled to
make inquiries of this information. Departures from
the price schedule should be justified by the
manufacturer.Most of the above suggestions remain relevant if the
government purchases machines or acts as a
purchasing agency.Maintenance
All indications suggest that poker machine technicians
are major participants in skimming from poker machines.
The time that machines are down for service or listed as
malfunctioning is when they are at their most vulnerable.
Any discrepancy in figures at such a time is prone to be -
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put down to symptoms of machine malfunctioning. This is
well known to technicians and others and there have been
a number of convictions of technicians for theft. Most
of these cases involve outright theft, where technicians
have been caught scooping out coin hoppers or in
possession of coins in bags. There is a knowledge that
there are forms of theft that are much more technically
sophisticated and more rarely detected. The swapping of
electrical components is one such, where the machine is
fitted up by a technician with componentry basically
designed to milk it, then played by an associate for all
it is worth and then “repaired” with the correct
componentry.The manipulation of machine counters as an aid to
undetected theft is known to occur to an unknown but
probably significant extent. With some machines this was
apparently a simple enough procedure to be followed by
even those without much in the way of technical
expertise.Possibly of more concern are skimming operations
conducted by a group of persons of whom a technician is a
key member. Most usually the other parties to these
criminal conspiracies are club personnel, often with
quite responsible positions.
Although many technicians are in fact employees of poker
machine manufacturers there is no great body of evidence
to suggest that the companies themselves participate in
any thefts by their technical employees. The degree of
competitiveness between manufacturers tends to militate
against any such tendency as rival representatives make
great capital of the dishonesty of opposition technical
employees. Even companies which have themselves not
e n j o y e d a n e a s y r e l a t i o n s h i p with NSW gaming detectives
are reported to have been uncharacteristically co-
operative in investigations into technicians. One
related matter where company transactions may need to be
looked at is in the matter of maintenance contracts
although this is often more a commercial than a criminal
consideration.
All technicians should be licensed and such licensing
should include checks of criminal records and probity.
Substantive complaints should result in automatic
disqualification and the entering of the offender’s name
and details onto a register of persons not eligible for
employment in any enterprise operating gaming machines.
The employers of technicians and club managements be
required to report any cases of suspected misconduct to
the regulatory authority with some penalty being attached
to any failure to report a misdemeanour. The employers
of technicians and clubs be required to keep a record of
jobs performed by each technician, such record to be
available if required to the regulatory authority. -
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ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES – CLUBS AND HOTELS
Registered Clubs
Poker machines will give many if not most clubs in
Queensland a several hundred fold increase in cash
turnover. This will be combined with inexperience,
ambitious expansion programs, a grave shortage of
qualified staff and an influx of itinerant labour. Club
directors often elected as a matter of formality and
managers of whom some are little more than bartenders
will be elevated to being the directors and executives of
mini-casinos. In all but a very few of the larger and
more professional clubs in Queensland accountability is
more a matter of trust than design.
Examining a similar scenario in Victoria in 1983 Mr
Murray Wilcox drew the blunt conclusion that “crime will
increase
to a degree ranging from significant to serious”. (88)
Organised crime, however defined, will find great
attraction in Queensland clubs and will be seeking a cut
of the action. More significant in monetary terms
however will be an increase in general crime most
particularly fraud and theft within the club industry.
The problem is one of great temptation combined with
little experience and inadequate or non-existent
controls.Queensland does not currently possess and will have to
develop an adequate enforcement capability to deal with
criminal activity in clubs. As “knowing the rorts” is
going to be an essential component of successful law
enforcement in this area consideration should be given to
attracting some police expertise from specialised units
in New South Wales. A well regarded and effective squad
provides a point of contact for clubs that perceive that
they have problems. Such a unit should also have
educational responsibilities to the club industry and a
built in capability for this task.This commission is of the view that the blind optimism
expressed recently by Mr Lamont of the Registered and
Licensed Clubs Association is totally unjustified. (89)
This degree of naivety is alarming, especially when it is
considered that many of the moves to reduce criminal
activity in clubs will of necessity have to be initiated
within the industry and that clubs themselves will need
to detect a significant proportion of the criminal
activity that effects them.Poker machine theft in NSW
The most exhaustive study of fraud and theft in
registered clubs was undertaken by the Victorian
Board of Inquiry into Poker Machines in 1983. Some -
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changes in the forms of criminal activity have
undoubtedly taken place since then, if only because
of the virtual disappearance of mechanical and
electro-mechanical poker machines. However the
Victorian Inquiry was in a position to take an early
look at the developing modes of theft from micro-
processor machines as well.The inquiry drew heavily on the work of the NSW
Poker Machine Task Force. Mr Wilcox QC invited Task
Force witnesses to estimate the proportion of clubs
in which there was recurring dishonesty involving
money and club personnel. Their estimate was that
there was dishonesty in about 50 percent of clubs,
which, misreported as a statement that 50 percent of
club personnel were dishonest, drew much criticism
during the inquiry. Mr Wilcox QC commented that:“I found their estimate of 50 percent to be
highly disturbing. I bear in mind that this is
impressionistic, not empirical, material. The
officers were not subject to cross-examination
on their estimate. It is no doubt correct to
say that they see the clubs where there are
problems and not those free of criminal
activities. Notwithstanding all that, this was
a carefully considered estimate by three men
whom I thought to be reliable and who are as
well placed as anyone to make an assessment.
It is not lightly to be discounted. But even if
the level of criminal activity is only one half
of that, 25 percent of all clubs, it is at a
level unmatched, so far as I am aware, by any
other lawful industry in Australia. Leaving
aside percentages, the evidence which I have
been able to gather does support the view that
criminality in the poker machine industry in
NSW exists in a variety and extent different
from that in other industries and to a degree
which most people, knowing and considering the
facts, would be likely to find unacceptable.”
(90)
The Victorian inquiry also approached the NSW
Department of Finance which had then had a poker
machine percentage analysis system in operation for
four years. After a study concentrating on larger
clubs the Department had drawn up a list of 200
clubs where actual income was so grossly below
estimates of what it should have been that
inspection was warranted. A manual published by the
Department for the club industry stated:
‘From information extracted from the poker
machine revenue analysis returns submitted by
clubs it is apparent that revenue from clubs
poker machine operations is many millions of
dollars below the level that ought to be
obtained.”(91) -
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The department has never estimated how many millions
were lost to clubs and revenue. Another estimate,
from survey data collected by an AINSWORTH
subsidiary company in relation to about 50 percent
of the poker machines in NSW, produced a figure of
between $14.6million to $14.8 million for the
difference between actual and expected revenue. The
precision of this figure is probably misleading –
not all potential losses due to dishonesty were
recorded and some of the quoted losses were due to
other reasons like machine malfunction with the
potential to either increase or decrease the
discrepancy.Consultant E.P. VIBERT, then also attached to the
AINSWORTH organisation told the inquiry that his
estimate of the maximum stolen from poker machines
was $80 million a year. Commented Mr Wilcox QC:“It is a surprising situation that nobody can say,
even to within several millions of dollars per year,
how much money is dishonestly stolen from clubs. …
It is not difficult to imagine the public reaction
if the Commonwealth Treasury or a mutual life
assurance society were to announce that it had
compiled its accounts for the year and that it had
discovered a deficiency, which might be $80 million
or “only” $14.8million but which could not be
quantified, some substantial but unknown part of
which was certainly due to criminal activities.”
(92)The extent of theft from and within NSW clubs can
still not be precisely quantified but several
factors would most likely have interacted to reduce
its incidence at least marginally since the
Victorian study. These factors are the retirement
of most old mechanical and electro-mechanical poker
machines in favour of micro-processor units, more
professionalism and concern over security in clubs,
and more stringent regulation. However discussions
by this commission with NSW authorities indicate
that theft involves a very large amount of money and
loss to revenue. Whereas once the major concern was
with player cheating it is now focused on club
management and staff.
This Commission sought to obtain from New South
Wales the current situation in relation to crime in
clubs. Unfortunately crime statistics are no longer
separately collated for gaming machine related
offences. However the extent of criminal activity
in relation to poker machines is described as
considerable and as support for this, it was pointed
out that the NSW Police Department has maintained
the specialist squads dealing with licensing
investigations and registered clubs investigations
during a period when many other specialist squads -
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have been disbanded in accordance with the
regionalisation policy.Control of clubs
Clubs, in Queensland as in NSW, are basically permitted
to manage their own affairs. Only in the case of very
obvious problems and not always then do authorities step
in. Seagulls Rugby League Football Club, at Tweed Heads,
one of the largest clubs in Australia, is a case in
point.Seagulls Club
Seagulls R.L.F.Club had as its initial president one
Vincent RAGE, a liquor merchant who supplied the
club. The initial secretary was a part-time
bookmaker and SP bookmaker Colin HAYES. In the
early 1970s the licensing court found the club to
have been run in an extremely lax manner and
suspended the licence for a month. The club
appealed and the appeal judge imposed a three month
suspension, commenting that “On the kindest possible
view, the board seemed to have devised a system of
such looseness and laxity, so unsupervised, so
contrary to all accountancy procedures that it
positively begged to be taken advantage of. And
when the club’s witnesses went into the witness box
the position became even worse.” The club’s
members, possibly through disinterest, permitted
HAGE to continue in office. HAYES continued as
secretary and, by some accounts, as the club’s
resident SP bookmaker.
In the early 1980s HAGE fell victim to a palace coup
and was replaced by an organised crime identity,
nightclub owner, bookmaker and SP bookmaker Jack
MEEKIN who had as his deputy a Queensland police
inspector. HAYES continued as secretary until he
too fell out with the new board. Soon afterwards,
for the first time in his career, he was apprehended
by Queensland police and charged, later giving
contradictory evidence to the Fitzgerald Commission
of Inquiry on whether he knew of a protection system
in operation for SP bookmakers. This did not
prevent him being returned to the position of club
secretary when another palace coup restored HAGE to
the presidency.
The police inspector, suddenly affronted by the SP
activities of the former secretary HAYES, laid a
complaint with NSW authorities. This inspector, it
was suggested by a Queensland court, was at the very
least insufficiently diligent in investigating an
attempted murder connected with persons associated
with the club. He is now before the courts on
charges of official corruption which include the
protection of SP bookmakers. -
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The state of play at this stage is that the club,
for the second time in its history, has appealed a
NSW Licensing Court decision to suspend its licence.
For the second time, HAYES has been removed as
secretary and NSW Licensing authorities have begun
proceedings aimed at establishing whether HALE and
one other club official are fit and proper persons
to be associated with the club. Seagulls, it should
be noted, won several best club awards during this
period.(93)Gilbertian comic opera scripts such as the above are
scarcely appropriate for the boards and management of
institutions with the temptations and cash turnover of
small casinos. Many clubs of course have ethical and
professional management very careful with their internal
procedures and accounting and very quick to inform the
relevant authorities of any potential problems. But many
do not and they can and have included some of the largest
and best known of NSW clubs. In 1974 Mr Justice Moffitt
found that organised criminal interests had virtually
taken control of the then largest club in New South
Wales, South Sydney Juniors.“What has happened in clubs such as the Motor Club,
the Mariners Club and South Sydney Juniors gives a
clear indication of what can happen. Directors come
and go to fill casual vacancies. Persons outside
the club decide who shall be directors and what
shall be done. They arrange employments of some
persons. Vital persons, such as security employees,
have been so selected. It would seem it is open for
such persons, in effect, to be “owners” of the club,
just as there were concealed gangster owners of many
of the licensed casinos of Las Vegas and just as
American gangsters owned or at least had an interest
in some English clubs, where membership was
itinerant and, for a nominal sum, procurable at the
front door. … There is little to prevent a board
of directors being elected in a NSW registered club
and acting upon the direction of the “owner”.(94)The Victorian Board of Inquiry examined Moffitt’s
findings and found them no less relevant a decade later.“Mr Justice moffitt’s findings and in particular his
assessment of the particular vulnerability of large
. clubs render it likely, in my view, that there is
considerably more criminal activity than the club
industry would care to admit.” (95)
Queensland clubs are not, despite the sanguine assurances
of their lobbyists, totally free of the problems of
member apathy, reckless or indifferent management or
criminal associations. However, in any foreseeable
circumstance, clubs will continue to control their
internal affairs including gaming operations. Measures
designed to improve the education of club personnel about -
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criminal behaviour, improve professionalism and
accountability and exclude undesirable persons will be
vital to any effort to moderate criminal activity. Clubs
will need incentives to bring forward any problems to the
notice of regulatory authorities. In New South Wales, as
the Victorian inquiry noted, this does not always happen:
“(Task Force Two) asserted that it was traditional
in the club area that if a manager had been
dishonest he would be permitted to resign, to avoid
any reflection on the club, and to obtain a job
elsewhere, usually with a reference provided by the
defrauded club” (96).
Some measures which may assist in the regulation of clubs
are listed below.
LicensingRegistered clubs, their chief executives and gaming
machine supervisory staff must be licensed before
any entitlement to gaming machines is taken up.Licenses must be regarded as a privilege, not a
right. Regulation will inevitably break down if
there is an understanding that clubs and hotels are
automatically entitled to gaming machines just by
virtue of being licensed premises.The detection of unnotified illegal activity in
which any club executives are involved should result
in suspension by some automatic procedure. Such
suspension should stand during any period of appeal
and the regulatory authority indemnified from any
actions resulting from the exercise of its
responsibilities in this regard.It should be a requirement that a club must
demonstrate that its internal procedures are
adequate before it is granted a license.The regulatory authority may set conditions on the
granting of a license which can include non-approval
of individual board or management members and
requirements to upgrade internal mechanisms to a
suitable standard.Detection of offences
Cash analysis returns from gaming machines should be
no less rigorous than those currently required from
poker machines in New South Wales. The returns
should be provided to a unit within the regulatory
authority which is adequately resourced to analyse
returns. Anomalies must be recorded and cross
referenced in relation to the club and any
responsible individual. In the normal event
anomalies should be notified back to the club but -
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the regulatory authority would have the
discretionary ability to notify only its
investigative unit. While it probably should not be
a statutory requirement clubs should be required to
notify any suspected frauds to the regulatory
authority. Clubs should be presented both with
incentives for notification of suspected problems
and penalties for non-notification of detected
offences.
The regulatory authority should have responsibility
for compiling a list of prescribed persons which
would cover persons refused licenses, persons
convicted of offences, persons known to be involved
in offences. Clubs should be required to notify the
names of all staff sacked for any form of
dishonesty: in severe cases these persons to be
entered onto the proscribed persons list and in
other cases this information to be recorded. Clubs
to seek identification when hiring staff and vet
staff via the prescribed persons and ancillary list.A specialist enforcement unit to be established to
monitor, enforce and advise on criminal activity in
regard to gaming machines and licensed
establishments. This to have an educational
responsibilities and capabilities within the
industry.Other matters
There will be a need for tertiary courses
specialising in training for club management.PUBLICANS
Current proposals for the introduction of gaming machines
into Queensland include provisions for the installation
of gaming machines into hotels.
Hotels in New South Wales have been permitted to install
a restricted number of draw poker machines or “Approved
Amusement Devices (AAD). These machines are less
complicated than poker machines and the returns that
publicans provide to the Liquor Administration Board do
not include the same detail or analysis as the returns
from poker machines. The best known abuse is a practice
known as “writing up bodgy jackpots” or, in effect,
publicans or hotel staff paying themselves jackpots under
false names. As an indication of the potential scale of
this activity it was suggested that a dishonest publican
in a busy hotel could “write up” $300 per machine per
week without incurring undue risk of detection. With 10
machines and under ideal conditions this could amount to
a “skim” of $3000 per week. -
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New South Wales is moving to tighten reporting
requirements for draw poker machines.
As a general principle reporting provisions for gaming
machines installed in hotels should be identical with
those for gaming machines in registered clubs.
The hotel gaming machine industry in general is less
regulated in New South Wales than are poker machines and
registered clubs. There is little doubt of considerable
organised crime involvement in the industry. A number of
hotels have been found to have more than the prescribed
number of draw poker machines installed and it is often
an open question as to whom these machines benefit. The
illegal gaming machine industry will be covered in more
detail below.
The president of the Registered and Licensed Clubs
Association of Queensland, Mr Colin Lamont, has been in
contact with the commission and for that matter, with the
press, alleging that an undesirable person has been or
will be buying up hotels with the intention of installing
front men to hold the licences and conduct hotel trade as
a cover for this person’s interests in gaming machines.
Mr Lamont was not able to provide any specific details
apart from a name. While this commission is very
cautious of any information from Mr Lamont similar
practices to the one described by him must be considered
at least a possibility.
Publicans and hotel managers must be licensed for the
purpose of installing poker machines in hotels. Such
licensing requirements should be no less stringent than
those required of the secretary/managers or executive
officers of registered clubs and additionally should
include keeping up to date a register of pecuniary
interests in such hotels.OTHER ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
1. Illegal gaming machines
In general an illegal gaming machine industry has existed
or co-existed with a legal industry since the invention
of the slot machine in the late 19th century. The
industry adopts two forms, involving either the use of
gaming machines which are themselves illegal or through
the illegal adaptation of some “legal” amusement machine
for gambling. Historically, organised crime can be shown
to be heavily involved in the manufacture, distribution,
financing and placement of gaming machines. The
persistent difficulty facing gaming regulatory and other
law enforcement authorities is in drawing the line
between the legal and illegal industries.
One of the most studied illegal gaming machine industries
of recent times was that of Pennsylvania, USA. In its
1989 Annual Report, the Pennsylvania Crime Commission -
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devoted a chapter to “The Video Poker Industry: A Benign
Investment with Malignant Implications”:“The illegal video poker industry in Pennsylvania
permeates the organised crime subculture. Across
the Commonweatlh, video poker machines are located
in taverns and private social clubs. State Police
have seized literally thousands of these machines as
illegal gambling devices. Nonetheless, this illicit
industry is flourishing.”(97)In the course of this prosecution, the
government proved “beyond a reasonable doubt” that
an enterprise-known as La Cosa Nostra exists, and
that this organisation engaged in violence,
gambling, narcotics and loansharking. Nowhere was
this relationship found to be more illustrative than
in the Crime Commission’s probe of racketeering in
Chester. … The video poker industry in Chester is
controlled by the Scarfo LCN Family … This
combine operated a video poker vending company known
as Star Amusements, which provided tavern owners
with loans in order to place their machines in those
establishments. They also employed violence against
competitors who stole locations or “stops” from this
firm. In one particular instance, the Gotti/Gambino
LCN Family of New York City intervened in a video
poker dispute.“The money generated from this racket was laundered
through Atlantic City casinos, and used in
loansharking and narcotics operations in both New
Jersey and Pennsylvania. Clearly, the relationship
between La Cosa Nostra and the video poker industry
was demonstrated in this investigation.”(98)“While there is little argument that narcotics
trafficking and predatory crimes represent higher
priorities on a local level, the fact remains:
illegal gambling is a significant revenue producer
to criminal syndicates and entrepreneurs, and it is
often used to corrupt public officials. Gambling
revenues are invested in other illicit enterprises,
such as narcotics and loansharking, as well as
legitimate businesses. … the role of La Cosa
Nostra in the illicit video poker industry is
significant, given the revenues that these machines
generate coupled with a very low risk factor.
Historically, LCN has invested its resources in this
lucrative industry, notwithstanding the
proliferation of legal forms of gambling.”(99)
“As a result of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission’s
inquiry into this industry, it has been determined
that legitimate amusement machine vendors cannot
extend to prospective customers the amount of loans
that illegal video poker machine vendors are able to
extend. This has created for the illegal vendors an
“edge”, against which the legal vendor cannot -
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compete. Ultimately, the illegal video poker vendor
will control the industry through economic
dominance.” (100)Queensland’s most recent experience of illegal gaming
machines was with the “in-line” machines dealt with
extensively during the Commission of Inquiry. In this
case although the machines were by and large legal they
were almost exclusively applied to an illegal use. Of
the several companies supplying this market in
Queensland, QUEENSLAND AUTOMATICS and VANGUARD appear to
have been controlled by or linked with organised crime
figures as does the group of companies controlled by one
time BALLY distributor Anthony ROBINSON Snr. These
companies are now variously known to have been involved
in the corruption of public officials, standover tactics,
taxation fraud and the payment of secret
commissions.(101)
In importing a legal gaming machine industry Queensland
is likely to also import an illegal gaming machine
industry; in character, this is likely to be very
similar to the in-line industry. An unlicensed gaming
machine can look very similar to a licensed gaming
machine and can closely resemble an innocuous amusement
machine. Often the only defence in authorised premises
is to physically count machines and compare the count to
the number authorised.
Licensed establishments should be required to prominently
display their authorisation for gaming machines, such
notice to prominently indicate the number of gaming
machines authorised. Approved gaming machines should be
required to prominently carry a distinctive symbol of
that approval in a form that cannot be easily duplicated.
The illegal gaming machine industry is linked to
organised crime in Sydney and Melbourne and there are
some indications of links to syndicated or organised
criminal activity in the United States, the United
Kingdom and Japan. In turn, Australian criminal
entrepreneurs themselves have for many years operated
illegal and semi-legal gaming machines in Indonesia, the
Philippines and the Pacific Islands. (102) It would be
very surprising indeed if this industry paid no attention
to a developing market in Queensland.The industry supplies illegal gaming machines to clubs
and more significantly hotels in excess of their legal
entitlements and also supplies machines to premises (ie
cafes, illegal casinos) where gaming machines are not
permitted. In New South Wales the most predominant
feature of the industry is the supply of illegal draw
poker machines to hotels and unauthorised premises.
Any analysis of the illegal gaming machine industry
raises the question as to what involvement legal
manufacturers have. The machines have to come from -
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somewhere and many of the illegal poker machines found
are trade-ins which should have been returned to
manufacturers by clubs. As noted previously, the OLYMPIC
group are suspected of supplying machines and parts to
the illegal market. This Commission is aware of
information in this regard in relation to the AINSWORTH
group which falls under the provisions of Section 2.19
(2)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1989.
Below is a brief description of some of the elements of
the illegal industry in New South Wales and Victoria. It
should be noted that one principal in this industry is
already resident in Queensland.
JoneLMelides
The largest known grouping in the illegal industry
is apparently headed by Leslie William JONES, born
261239, and Gregory John MELIDES, born 050235. Both
are closely associated with Leonard Arthur
McPHERSON, born 190521, and George David FREEMAN,
born 220135 (deceased), who allegedly collect
payments from the industry and may have other
involvements.
JONES aka Les YATES aka BEST IN THE WEST was last
noted as resident at 33 The Corso, Isle of Capri.
He has claimed to have police protection in NSW and
is considered the largest operator of illegal
machines in NSW. This Commission has no knowledge
as to whether his claims of police protection are
correct. A JONES associate Redento GRISSILLO, born
080431, is involved with illegal amusement devices
in Melbourne and also with elements of organised
criminal activity in the Calabrian community.JONES is involved in the Cabramatta area of Sydney
with persons involved in the ’14K Triad and
Vietnamese gang leaders. Some of the considerable
violence between Vietnamese has been linked to the
placement of illegal gaming machines. Bi DINH aka
JOHNSON, born 250657, is thought to be JONES’
principal collector. Some of those involved at this
level with the placement of gaming machines are also
suspected of involvement in narcotics. This
Commission is aware of additional information on
this topic which falls within the provisions of
Section 2.19 (2) (b) of the Criminal Justice Act
1989.MELIDES is a machine manufacturer and part of his
output is devoted to operations in the Pacific
basin.
McPHERSON/FREEMANLeonard Arthur McPHERSON is known within the
industry as Mr Ten Percent. He is believed to
collect monies on a regular basis from a number of -
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operators, thought to include Leslie JONES, Greg
MELIDES, Angelo DUROS, and Redento GRISSILLO.
George David FREEMAN, now deceased, was allegedly
involved with McPHERSON in the industry.
This commission is aware of further information
falling within the provisions of Section 2.19 (2)
(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1989.
OLYMPIC AMUSEMENTS
Victorian legal manufacturer involved and suspected
of involvement in supplying parts and/or machines to
illegal industry – see above.
DUROS
Angelo DUROS, born 150124, has long been a major
NSW/Victorian manufacturer of illegal gaming
machines and may have been associated with the
formation of OLYMPIC A M U S E M E N T S . There is no
evidence that he is active in Queensland as yet.
PAKIS family
George PAKIS, born 131028, and his son Jack PAKIS,
born 160373, are significant rivals to the
JONES/MELIDES group. There are risks that the
antagonisp between JONES and PAKIS could result in
violence. One threatened instance of violence to
JONES on the Gold Coast is known. There is as yet
no evidence that the PAKIS family are moving any of
their other operations to Queensland.INDUSTRY GROUPS, LOBBYISTS AND CONSULTANTS
Industry_groups
Regardless of what measures are taken by government and
regulatory authorities, a basic responsibility for the
prevention of criminal activity on their premises lies
with the licensed establishments themselves.
NSW experience has been that while there are sections of
the club industry who enthusiastically engage in criminal
activity there are also others engaged in efforts to
improve the industry. This latter tendency, if and when
it arises in Queensland, should be encouraged.
In NSW, while some of the industry associations have on
occasion obstructed reform of the industry, one
organisation, the POKER MACHINE COUNCIL of NSW has
contributed a great deal. Interestingly membership of
the council is by invitation only and it makes no claim
to be representative of the industry. Various of the -
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industry associations are discussed below.
Registered and Licensed Clubs Asso iationsThe principal industry association. Its form and
the degree to which it represents clubs varies
greatly from State to State.
In NSW the RCA can claim to represent about 95-98
percent of the club industry and basically acts as
an employer group in industrial matters and as
industry representative in discussions with
government.A prominent member of the NSW RCA, Roger Maxwell
COWAN, born 091135, long term secretary manager of
the Penrith Leagues Club has come to the notice of
NSW police on a number of occasions and has been
unsuccessfully prosecuted once. COWAN has business
interests in Queensland.In Queensland the corresponding association is known
as the REGISTERED & LICENSED CLUBS ASSOCIATION. It
has been dominated since the early 1980s by Colin
LAMONT, a former Hong Kong police officer and
Queensland Liberal MLA. The association’s office is
currently in LAMONT’s residence.LAMONT, while president of the RLCA was paid an
amount of $30,000 by the AINSWORTH organisation.
LAMONT states that this money was in respect of a
consultancy, that it was declared to the taxation
commissioner and the RCA, and that the RLCA saw no
conflict of interest.An analysis of the newspaper CLUB NEWS and public
statements made by or attributed to LAMONT raises
the question of whether it is the poker machine
lobby and in particular AINSWORTH that is being
represented rather than licensed clubs.LAMONT and, presumably, the RCLA have pushed a
public line that since the demise of the BALLY
organisation in Australia there has been no
organised crime influence on the industry. This is
at best naive wishful thinking not shared by NSW
regulatory authorities or significant proportions of
the NSW industry. It is alarming as the official
view of an organisation which should be a part of
efforts to keep crime out of the industry.Poker machine council
A NSW body formed in 1982, in part because of
dissatisfaction with the Registered Clubs
Association. It was established by Mr Jim HENRY –
(executive officer North Sydney Leagues Club) for
invited club representatives only. It contains -
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representatives of a large proportion of larger
clubs in NSW but does not claim to be representative
of the industry as a whole. The council has
supported licensing of those in the gaming machine
industry, has acted as a liaison between clubs and
responsible police units and government bodies, has
raised issues relating to gaming machine security
with manufacturers and has produced a manual for the
guidance of club directors and managers. An
interesting feature of this manual is that the
council was able to have some of the costs met by
AINSWORTH and the manual distributed by the
REGISTERED CLUBS ASSOCIATION, both of which
organisations have been critical of the
council.(103)This commission has had discussions with Mr Henry
and it is apparent that such persons within the
industry do have a contribution to make in
minimising criminal activities and concerns in the
industry. Any extension of the Poker Machine
Council’s educational activities and operations to
Queensland would be welcomed by this Commission.Licensed Clubs Association
A small organisation of clubs, strongest in the ACT.
This is not to be confused with the REGISTERED CLUBS
ASSOCIATION,
It is not significant in Queensland although
Registered and Licensed Clubs Association President
LAMONT has used the name.An association of this name in South Australia was
one of the front organisations used in the VIBERT
fronted and AINSWORTH backed lobbying campaigns for
poker machines.Club Managers Association
An organisation acting for club managers. It has an
associated educational function in the CLUB
INSTITUTE and an industrial function in relation to
disputes between clubs and management. Its aims are
to increase the professional status of management
and pursue matters detrimental to management. Jim
HENRY, mentioned above, is prominent in this
association and is the publisher of its magazine.Unions
Various unions, including the FEDERATED LIQUOR TRADE
EMPLOYEES UNION currently the subject of
investigations, operate in the industry and will
have expanded memberships as a result. Experience
in NSW is that unions have acted to prevent clubs
sacking dishonest or suspect employees. -
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Experience in the United States is that the unions
themselves have been heavily infiltrated by
organised crime. These potential problems need to
be guarded against.
This commission suggests that discussions be held
with the relevant unions to explain potential
problems and, if possible, work out in advance
procedures to be followed. See the discussion of
the proscribed persons listing proposal above.Consultants
The introduction of poker machines into Queensland
is likely to produce a rash of persons identifying
themselves as “consultants” to the industry. Some
will no doubt be genuine, others little more than
con-men or disguised salespersons.
Others are no doubt likely to arouse the interest of
this Commission in that they are or are associated
with criminal identities, are engaged in criminal
activity, or promote services offered by
organisations with criminal connections.
Various actions of AINSWORTH consultants Edward
Phillip VIBERT and Colin LAMONT have been dealt with
above. VIBERT is currently employed out of the
industry and is currently not considered a potential
problem. The other “consultant” of note in recent
history was one Wilton WEIR (now deceased), who
worked in the Club Advisory and Management Section
of HUNGERFORD, HANCOCK and OFFNER (H,H&O) and was
also a director of various companies in the
ESSINGTON group.(104)
This Commission is aware of information relating to
WEIR and the AINSWORTH group of companies which
falls under the provisions of Section 2.19 (2) (b)
of the Criminal Justice Act 1989.
Consultants to the gaming machine industry and those
consultants offering services with respect to gaming
operations in licensed establishments should be
licensed. These consultants should be required to
notify all their companies, agreements and payments
from the industry or at least be required to keep
such records available for inspection by regulatory
authorities. -
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APPENDIX ONE
In April 1990 the State Department of Administrative
Service called for expressions of interest from companies
interested in the supply, delivery, installation and/or
repair or maintenance of gaming machines in licensed
clubs and hotels throughout Queensland.
Expressions of interest closed on 100590.On the past record of the industry there can be no
grounds for assuming that those nominated, either in the
expressions of interest or in corporate documents,
represent the real interests behind any company or
individual. A fuller process of investigation must
include inquiries into shareholdings, sources of capital,
corporate associations and the existence and content of
any trust deeds as a bare minimum.
This commission has not had the time or resources to make
any more than a brief initial check of the suitability of
these companies and individuals. The companies and the
results of these initial checks are set out below in the
order in which their expressions of interest were
received.MACHINE SUPPLIERS
I.G.T. Australia Pt Ltd.
286-288 Coward St, Mascot NSW.
IGT has been discussed in the main body of this
report. This Commission has reservations in respect
of two IGT executives.
Ainsworth Nominees Pty Ltd
389-395 Newman Road, Geebung.Ainsworth has been discussed in the main body of
this report. This Commission recommends against
Ainsworth being permitted to supply gaming machines
into Queensland.
glympigyidgg_gamipq
Unit 5, 5-15 Epsom Rd, Rosebery NSW.
Olympic has been discussed in the main body of this
report. This Commission recommends against Olympic
being permitted to supply gaming machines into
Queensland. -
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Toll Systems Technology Pty Ltd
6 Commercial Centre, Rocklea Market.
This company was registered on 060287. Its current
directors are listed as Terry BROWN, born 061041, of
5 Joslin St, Birkdale; Albert PAULY, born 240440, of
Aberdeen Rd, Mcleans; Daniel Michael RYAN, born
060449, of 1 Ribblesdale Court, Joyner; Allan John
OVERDEN of 20 Vanessa St, Sunnybank; David PRINCE,
born 240854, of 9 Oriana Cres, Yeronga and Edward
Lindell TEICHELMAN, born 300434, of 35 Claremont St,
Birkdale.
The original response to the call for expressions of
interest came from a company Action Leisure
Technology, of 21 Smith St, Capalaba. This company,
formerly known as ACTION MANUFACTURING, was
registered under its current name on 271186. The
listed directors are Alan John OVENDEN of 20 Venessa
St, Sunnybank and Edward Lindell TEICHELMAN of 111
Thomas St, Birkdale (formerly Kings Cross, NSW) and
the current secretary is Dianne Lynne TAYLOR of 48
Avalon Rd, Sheldon. This commission has no adverse
knowledge of Action Leisure Technology or any of its
current directors. It does however have some
concerns arising from one Peter James O’ SULLIVAN of
6 Wangarah St, Bracken Ridge, being listed as a
director from 210786 to 121186. The concern arises
from O’SULLIVAN’s listing as secretary of INTERMARK
GAMING (A’asia) Pty Ltd. INTERMARK and its
Australian connections are dealt with in the main
body of the report.This Commission recommends further investigation of
Action Leisure Technology Pty Ltd. If investigation
discloses links with the INTERMARK group this
Commission would be of the view that the company not
be permitted to supply poker machines into
Queensland.Palazzo Ptv Ltd
Office 1, Pokon Dve, Tanah MerahThis company was registered on 260687 and has
registered offices in Sydney and in The Mansions, 40
George St, Brisbane. Its directors since
registration have been Johannes, Jacobus BAND of 5
Archery St, Forestdale, Perth, WA and Markku Wilhelm
SUOMINEN of 1 Ronald St, Shailer Park. SUOMINEN is
known to this Commission but not adversely.
This Commission recommends further investigation of
Pajazzo P/L prior to the company being permitted to
operate in the gaming machine industry in
Queensland. -
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Milwell Pty Ltd
PO Box A560, Sydney South, NSWThis is a Sydney company in relation to which this
Commission has not yet conducted any inquiries.
This Commission recommends full investigation prior
to this company being permitted to operate in the
gaming machine industry in Queensland.Sunstate Gaming Inc
20 Duntroon St, Brendale
This business was registered on 050190 in the name
of Dennis Keith LEVER. It shares premises with a
company Bingo Sales Pty Ltd, registered on 140379.
The current directors are listed as Denis Keith
LEVER and Pamela Frances Mary LEVER of 261 Wyampa
Rd, Bald Hills, Allen Keith LEVER of 16 Sefton Av,
Clayfield, Neil William MADDERS of 24 Nanellan St,
Arana Hills and Peter Thomas KENEALY of 28 Goodchap
St, Aspley. This Commission has no adverse
knowledge of any of these persons.This Commission recommends further investigations of
Bingo Sales Pty Ltd prior to the company being
permitted to operated in the gaming machine industry
in Queensland.Queensland Gaming_Corporation Pty Ltd
35 Sandgate Rd, Albion
A Michael SOLOMON identified himself as the manager
of this company to the Sunday Mail in February. The
company has advertised itself as “your Queensland
based and owned gaming machine manufacturer and
distributor”. No company of this name had been
registered prior to 060490.
On 240583 a Michael J. SOLOMON, Manager, LEISURE &
ALLIED INDUSTRIES of 35 Sandgate Road, Albion was
mentioned in an adverse manner in the diaries of
former Queensland Police Commissioner Sir Terence
LEWIS. While the Commission has no knowledge of
whether there is any foundation in the allegation
made in the diaries, there is an obvious need for
further inquires to be made.
The Commission would also like to further explore
the links if any with LEISURE & ALLIED INDUSTRIES, a
company discussed in the main body of the report.
On current information this Commission recommends
that LEISURE & ALLIED INDUSTRIES or any affiliated
company not be permitted to operate in the gaming
machine industry in Queensland.In the light of the above concerns, this Commission
-
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recommends further and careful investigation of
Queensland Gaming Corporation prior to the company
being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.
Matricsea Pty Ltd
12 Gyranda St, Carina Heights.Matricsea is a family trust company registered on
220989. the directors are John McPHIE, born 020731,
and Linda Hilda McPHIE, born 240941, both of 14
Gyranda St, Carina Heights. This Commission has no
adverse knowledge of this company or its directors.This Commission recommends further investigation of
the company prior to it being permitted to operate
in the gaming machine industry in Queensland.
Power & Power
Solicitors for Paolo Annechini Amusement Machines Pt Ltd
This Commission currently has no information in
relation to this company.Universal Australia Pty Ltd
23-27 Bourke St, Alexandria NSW.Universal has been discussed in the main body of
this report. The Commission has no adverse
knowledge of universal but feels that further
inquiries should be conducted of Japanese
authorities and gaming regulatory bodies
internationally prior to the company being permitted
to operate in the gaming machine industry in
Queensland.
Alpetros (No 140)_ Pty Ltd
c/o Grasso, Series and Romano,
217 George St, Brisbane.This company was registered on 301089 and the
directors are two solicitors Rosario Giraldo GRASSO,
born 261146, of 16 Florentine St, West Chermside and
Alfio Michele ROMANO, born 190256, of 15 Seafern
Ave, Sunnybank Hills.As the possibility exists that the current directors
of the company may not be the intending operators
this Commission recommends further inquiries in the
relation to the nature of the ownership of this
company.G a m i n
2 Musgrave St, West End.
Company registered on 200688 listing “manufacturing,
importing/exporting all types of gambling machines”
as its principal activity. Its registered office
since 271189 has been c/o Messrs ROUYANIAN & CO, -
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Level 1, 123 Logan Road, Buranda. The directors of
the company are David John DEHGHANI, Sidney Slavish
DEHGHANI and Robert Saivish DEHGHANI, all of 28
Chateau St, Calamvale. This commission has no
adverse knowledge of any member of the DEHGHANI
family. Advertisements by the company indicate it
will be importing Sigma brand gaming machines from
Japan. This Commission has conducted no inquiries
into the manufacturers of Sigma gaming machines.This Commission recommends that further inquiries be
conducted prior to this company being permitted to
supply gaming machines into Queensland.REPAIRERS
Happy Time Amusement Machines
Repairer
39 Hansford Rd, Coonbabah
This company was registered on 301184 and its
directors since that time are listed as Robert and
Miriam DECOLLE of 39 Hansford Rd, Coombabah. The
Commission has no adverse knowledge of the company
or its directors.This Commission recommends further investigation of
Happy Time Amusement Machines prior to the company
being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.
SED Amusements
58 May St, BundabergA Bundaberg business of this name was registered on
150781 and deregistered on 211185. Those then
carrying on the business were Rodney Durnford and
Robyn Gail CROSTHWAITE of 16 Tarakan St, Bundaberg.
It will be necessary to establish the current status
for this business before undertaking any further
• investigations in relation to it having any role in
the gaming machine industry in Queensland.Havway Pty Ltd
171 Lindsay Rd, BuderimHavway Pty Ltd was registered on 031088 and its
directors since soon after that date have been Brian
Natal and Mary Elizabeth VIDULICH of 171 Lindsay
Rd, Buderim. The Commission has no adverse
knowledge of the company or its directors.
This Commission recommends further inquiries prior -
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to this company being permitted to operate in the
gaming machine industry in Queensland.
R.J. StreetThis Commission currently has no information in
relation to this person.
Nc Industrial Electrics
NQ Industrial Electrics is a business of Morco
Holdings Pty Ltd, which was incorporated on 311282.
The current directors are Grant Kingsley O’BRIEN,
born 150660, and Shona Anne O’BRIEN, born 030261,
both of 11 Pine St, Andergrove 4750. This
Commission has no adverse knowledge of this
business, company or its directors.This Commission recommends further inquiries prior
to this company being permitted to operate in the
gaming machine industry in Queensland.Kennel Vending
This Commission currently has no information
regarding this company.AG Beswick
This commission currently has no information
regarding this person.Douglass Electronics Pty Ltd
6/144 Montague Rd, South BrisbaneThis company came into existence on 080188 and
operates in Queensland and South Australia. The
current directors are John Gerard DOUGLASS, born
040840, of 13 Strathford Av, Albany Creek and Donald
Henry David FORD, born 211131, of 57 Faringdon St,
Robertson. FORD replaces Michael Vincent BAKER,
born 300646, who resigned from the board in
February. This Commission has no adverse knowledge
of this company or its directors.This commission recommends further inquiries prior
to this company being permitted to operate in the
gaming machine indusatry in Queensland.
Downs AmusementsThis business was registered on 300983 to David Paul
MORAN, born 160357, of 14 Talinga St, Toowoomba.
This Commission does have adverse knowledge of
MORAN, dating back to 1972. MORAN should be
interviewed in relation to this matter and his
company investigated in the normal manner prior to
any decision on whether he is a fit and proper
person to be permitted to operate in the gaming -
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machine industry in Queensland.
Kent Entertainment P/L
8 Phillip St, Spring Hill
The company Kent Business Machines Pty Ltd has been
in existence since 1966. The current directors are
listed as Kenneth John TOWNSEND, born 260834, and
Delia Agnes TOWNSEND, born 230239, both of 59 Pullen
Road, Everton Park. Documentation referring to Kent
Amusements Pty Ltd was found on the premises of
Queensland Automatics but this Commission has no
reason to draw any adverse conclusions on the
company with respect to this. This Commission has
no adverse knowledge of the company or its
directors.
This Commission recommends that further
investigations be carried out prior to this company
being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.Ian Lavers Poker Machines
27 Walter Road, Gunnedah NSW
This Commission currently has no knowledge of this
company. The company originally applied for
doucments under the name of IAN LAVERS GAMING which
is not known to the NSW Department of Business and
Consumer Affairs.
Odin Technics
PO Box 123, Aitkenvale
Odin Technics is a business of Brimstone Pty Ltd of
57 Leyland St, Garbutt, Townsville of which the
current directors are Garth Leslie and Susan Joy
SCHMIDT of 576 Ross River Road, Townsville.
This Commission recommends that further
investigations be carried out prior to this company
being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.
Kwickasair Computer DeliveryThis Commission has not conducted any invesigations
in respect of this company.Burdekin Amusements
9 Palmetto Court, Broadbeach
This business was registered on 291183. Those
carrying on the business are listed as Alan Edward
and Margaret Grace DAVIDSON of 9 Palmetto Court, Rio
Vista, Surfers Paradise and Patrick Joseph and Jill -
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FARRELL of 10 Gordon St, Ayr. The Commission has no
adverse knowledge of this business or those
involved.
This Commission recommends that further
investigations be conducted prior to this company
being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.
Brisbane Automatic Machine Company
22 Lucy St, Albion
This business, registered on 210289, is in the name
of Wayne Lawrence McINERNEY of 22 Lucy St, Albion.
The business address is stated as 861 Ann St,
Fortitude Valley, which are premises formerly
belonging to the company Queensland Automatics owned
ultimately by Jack ROOKLYN.
This Commission recommends that a careful
investigation of this company be conducted prior to
it being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.
Computer Maintenance of Australia
226 Moggil Rd, Taringa
This company was established on 060582 and operates
in all states. The directors since the last board
change in May 1988 have been John Achillies BAIKIE,
born 020542, of 47 Lockville St, Wahroongha NSW;
Walter James LAMBERTH, born 240436, of 7 Bangalla
Place, Forestville NSW; Stuart MULVENNA, born
020953, of 266 Moggill Rd, Taringa; Gregory Thomas
LOUDOUN of 23 Limosa St, Bellbowrie; and Barry
Gordon TRAISE of 20 Aurora Cres, Kenmore, This
Commission has no adverse knowledge of this company
or any of its current directors.
This Commission recommends that further
investigations be conducted prior to this company
being permitted to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.ON-LINE MACHINE MONITORING
Computer Game Pty Ltd
This Commission has not yet received any information
regarding this company which is registered in New
South Wales. -
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OTHER COMPANIES
The following companies are among those that requested
documents but made no submission in the allotted time.
Those examined by the Commission are listed below.Murray_ River Poker Machine Company Pty_Ltd
84 Batten St, North Albury
This Commission as yet has no information on the
current directorships and shareholdings in this
company. It notes however that Leonard Hastings
AINSWORTH is known to have held an undisclosed
interest in this company as discussed in the main
body of this report.
This Commission recommends that a very thorough
investigation of this company be undertaken prior to
permitting it to operate in the gaming machine
industry in Queensland.Morrison and Bailey Pty Ltd
34 Chester St, Fortitude Valley
MB (Queensland) Pty Ltd was registered on 170578
and describes its principal activity as “fund
raising printing retailers”. Its current directors
are listed as Brian John CLARK, David Malcolm
McQUESTIN, Bryan John McKENDRICK and Edmund
Alexander ROUSE, all of Launceston, Tasmania. The
current secretaries of the company are Ronald Andrew
FARRELL of Launceston and John Edwin KELLY of 345
Springwood Rd, Springwood.ROUSE recently pleaded guilty to a charge of
bribery in Tasmania.Robert 011ington
333 Howe Parade, Garden City, Victoria.
This Commission has adverse knowledge of a Robert
Frank OLLINGTON, born 210357, of Victoria and also
of other persons in the OLLINGTON family. Part of
this information concerns charges in relation to
illegal gaming and involvement in illegal gaming.If this person is identical to the Robert OLLINGTON
above, this Commission would recommends against
OLLINGTON being permitted to operate in the gaming
machine industry in Queensland.
Navtronics
8/245 Bayview St, Runaway Bay.
This business name was registerd on 071287. The
business is operated by George Colin GIBSON of 58 -
Page 88 of 114
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Lae Drive, Runaway Bay and Ronald David MAHER of Ben
Hogan Crescent, Parkwood. A Christian Everest
THOMSEN of 12-14 Albert Aft, Broadbeach is listed as
a “resident agent” for the company.
This Commission is aware of information in respect
of THOMSEN which would require careful further
investigation. -
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APPENDIX TWO: THE CASPALP DONATIONS
In 1980 AINSWORTH DISTRIBUTORS (NSW) Pty Ltd made
payments totalling $30,000 into an account under the name
of CASPALP PROMOTION FUND which was connected with the
then Leader of the Opposition, Mr Edmund CASEY.
Following the receipt of a complaint on 23 April 1990
this complaint is being processed by the Commission in
the normal way. Because of its relation to the gaming
machine industry the matter of the CASPALP donations had
already received some attention from the Commission
before the complaint was received. The known
circumstances of the donations are set out below:THE DONATIONS AND THE POLICY CHANGE
Caspalp Promotion Fund
An account named Caspalp Promotion Fund was established
on 060379 with the Minerals House (George Street) Branch
of the Commonwealth Bank. The signatories to the account
were Edmund Den(nis) CASEY, chairman, Leslie John YEWDALE
(vice-chairman) and Malcolm James McMILLAN (secretary).
Communications with respect to the account were to be
made to 1 Henderson Street, Mackay. On 120880 McMillan
was deleted as one Of the signatories to the account.To the best of this commission’s knowledge the
establishment of this account predates any AINSWORTH-
backed lobbying efforts to have poker machines introduced
into Queensland. There is no document which, on the face
of it, contradicts Mr CASEY’s subsequent claims that the
establishment of this additional account was related to
the split in the State ALP and the desire of one faction
to have a means to deal with monies out of view of the
other faction.The formation of the ACDA
On 25 June 1979, representatives of the clubs
associations of Queensland, Victoria and South Australia
met at the Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads, with
self-described club industry analyst Edward Philip VIBERT
and AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES executive Graeme
FULLERTON. The meeting endorsed VIBERT’s proposal to
form the AUSTRALIAN CLUB DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION and
appointed VIBERT as executive director of the association
which was to lobby for the introduction of poker machines
in the member states. The minutes of this meeting, which
make no reference to the funding of the ACDA, were an
exhibit before the Victorian Board of Inquiry into Poker
Machines. (105)
On current knowledge it appears that this meeting -
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originated from developments within the Licenced Clubs
Association of Victoria or the offices of the AINSWORTH
organisation rather than in Queensland. Victorian clubs
apparently approached all poker machine manufacturers for
information and assistance for their long-standing but
“intermittent and half-hearted” campaign to have poker
machines introduced into that state. (106) In the LCAV
letter to AINSWORTH, VIBERT’s name was mentioned. At
some stage between the receipt of the LCAV letter and the
initial ACDA meeting AINSWORTH and VIBERT reached an
agreement that AINSWORTH would underwrite a campaign
headed by VIBERT to the tune of at least $150,000 a year
for five years. (107) This was exclusive of the salary or
consultancy of about $100,000 AINSWORTH was already
paying VIBERT. There was an additional agreement that
VIBERT would receive a commission on every AINSWORTH
machine sold into Queensland, Victoria or South Australia
during his lifetime. (108).
ACDA lobbying and the ALP policy on poker machinesOn current information available to this commission
VIBERT’s first lobbying efforts in Queensland appear to
have been in September 1979. The first document
indicating activity in Queensland is a letter to a
Liberal Party State vice-president dated 190979. An
attachment to this letter sets out as one of the
suggested guidelines for the introduction of poker
machines that “The machines must be manufactured in
Australia and 80 percent of the content must be
Australian made. Poker machine companies must set up
assembly, warehousing, service and sales divisions within
the state.” Of the three major manufacturers then
supplying the NSW market the AINSWORTH group was the
manufacturer most clearly favoured by this suggested
guideline.At some presently unknown time in 1979 ALP deputy
parliamentary leader Jack Houston and tourism spokesman
Ray Jones commenced what was later (and not necessarily
correctly) described as “a six month investigation of
poker machine operations and administration in NSW and
Canberra”. The process was later said by CASEY to have
taken six months which would mean it began in about June.
(109) When later interviewed by police CASEY said it
began after an ALP conference in Rockhampton in February.
(110) It is not known who was contacted during the
course of this investigation. There is no record of the
HOUSTON/JONES study team coming into contact with VIBERT
but this must be considered at least a possibility. There
is no suggestion that there would have been impropriety
in such contact – indeed it is likely that VIBERT’s name
would have been raised during any such investigation as a
person to make contact with.
The “investigation” produced a policy which was approved
by the ALP administrative committee and then the State
Council on Sunday, 091279. There is an undated press
statement announcing the policy. It has no letterhead -
Page 91 of 114
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and a copy was attached to an AINSWORTH Ltd internal
memorandum of 111279 from VIBERT to L.H. AINSWORTH and
two of his senior executives. This statement includes
that “machines would be Queensland assembled and
distributed, providing at least 200 jobs, with at least
85 percent of parts Australian made”.
VIBERT says in the memorandum that
“What is especially important is the manner in which
the leader of the Labour Party announced the policy.
A copy of his statement is attached. I hope you
will read into this all of the good things we would
have wanted him to say. … CASEY appeared on radio
and television and said many of the things that are
in the press release.”
VIBERT told the Sydney Morning Herald (070582) that he
played no part in the ALP decision to change its policy
to favour poker machines. In the NSW interview, CASEY
said his first contact with VIBERT was “either very late
in 1979 or early in 1980”. (111). On the material
available to the Commission it is not possible to say
whether CASEY had any contact with VIBERT prior to the
announcement of the ALP policy. Casey has said however
that no influence “whatsoever” on the ALP policy on poker
machines.(112)
Comment
The possibility that VIBERT had some input into the
policy or the ALP decision to amend its policy
cannot be excluded on the information currently
available to the Commission. At the time the policy
was changed there appears to have been no discussion
of the poker machine lobby providing any financial
assistance to the ALP.Arranging the donations
On an unknown date in early March 1980 it appears that
CASEY met with VIBERT to discuss the club/poker machine
issue in relation to the forthcoming state election.
VIBERT “confirmed the areas of discussion and agreements”
in a letter to CASEY dated 130380. If there is any
reference in this letter to campaign donations it is
extremely oblique and is contained in the following
passage:
“As you explained, it is inevitable that your stand
on poker machines will alienate hotels and they will
certainly finance Liberal and Country Party
candidates. I am discussing this with the club
movement and the ACDA and will report back shortly.
As you can imagine, I am not being helped by the
seeming desire of the party to “self-destruct”, but
I am certain that this will be overcome soon but it
will make my proposals fall on deaf ears for the -
Page 92 of 114
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– 84 –
next couple of weeks.”
Nevertheless, just over a week later on 250380 VIBERT
wrote to AINSWORTH expressing optimism at a Labor victory
in the State election due by late 1980. VIBERT enclosed
a copy of his “Private and Confidential” letter to CASEY
(presumably that of 130390) and proposed the following:
“I would like a decision on support for their
campaign. At this stage, I would propose a $10,000
contribution with another promised for
July, if all is going well ($10,000) and a
further $5000 in September.
“I am certain that the stronger it looks that Labor
may win seats from Liberals and NCP, the better our
chances of persuading the Liberals and NCP to
support poker machines.”
It is not currently known what meetings, discussions or
correspondence occurred between VIBERT and CASEY during
April 1980. CASEY had the following discussion with
officers of the NSW Police:
“L.H. Was a donation discussed between you
and Vibert prior to it being made?
CASEY Yes.
L.H. Discussed personally or by mail?
CASEY Personally.” (113)
This discussion would seem also to have been referred to
by VIBERT in the following Letter to CASEY on 020580.
“Further to our discussions, find enclosed drafts of
how the invoices to Messrs AINSWORTH should read.
As explained, the commitment is broken into three
payuments of $10,000 – one now, one in June and one
in August. These payments are to be split into two
invoices covering the year’s advertising and
promotional costs.
“Please send them to me -c/o Box 142, Beaconsfield,
marked ‘For the personal attention of Mr T. Vibert’.
Also, indicate exactly how the cheques should be
made out – we don’t want them going to the wrong
party!”
Two “Draft only” invoices for $5000 were attached, made
out to AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES and dated
January 1980 (March 1980) “To advertising in Labour Party
newspapers, pamphletts and brochures for the months of
January and February (March and April).
A confidential internal memorandum from VIBERT to
AINSWORTH dated 080580 on money owed to VIBERT sets out
that VIBERT was to contribute $15,000 to the ALP -
Page 93 of 114
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– 85 –
donation, with this been drawn from his “commission” of
$93,250 from sales made to the Ettalong War Memorial
Club. (VIBERT had ostensibly acted as an “independent”
consultant to this club).On 230580 VIBERT directed an internal memorandum to
AINSWORTH in the following terms: “As you know my
philosophy has been to win Labour, get on side with the
Liberals and, if necessary, kick Joh’s head in.”On 020680 AINSWORTH wrote to CASEY expressing his delight
at a statement issued in Mt Isa, a copy of which appears
to have been forwarded by CASEY. This would most likely
refer to an undated press release, which is on letterhead
and issued from Mt Isa, setting out the ALP club policy
and re-iterating elements of its policy on poker
machines.Comment
On the currently available material it is not
possible to state definitively whether the
initiative for the donations came from CASEY or
VIBERT. VIBERT certainly proposed the donations
within the AINSWORTH organisation and appears to
have been responsible for the suggestion that they
be covered by false invoices. This is consistent
with the AINSWORTH organisation’s pattern of conduct
in relation to a suspected political donation in
Victoria which appears to have been covered by
documentation for payments that were purportedly for
market research by an organisation doing such work
for the ALP (but not, or very insignificantly, for
AINSWORTH or the ACDA).The payments and their disbursement
On 010780 a cheque for $10,000 drawn on the AINSWORTH
DISTRIBUTORS (NSW) account was made out to CASPALP
PROMOTIONS.
This cheque was deposited on 030780 and represented the
great bulk of the money in the account at that time. On
250780 another cheque for $2000 was paid into the account
from an unknown source. A CASPALP cheque for $2000 cash
was drawn and used to purchase a $2000.00 bank cheque
payable to the ALP.On 241080 a check for $10,000 drawn on the AINSWORTH
DISTRIBUTORS (NSW) account was made out to CASPALP
Promotions. It was deposited on 281080 and the full
amount used to purchase a bank cheque payable to the ALP.
On 211180 a cheque for $10,000 drawn on the AINSWORTH
DISTRIBUTORS (NSW) account was made out to CASPALP
Promotions.
It was deposited on 251180 and the full amount used to
purchase a bank cheque payable to the ALP. -
Page 94 of 114
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– 86 –
The CASPALP Invoices
On a date unknown, CASPALP PROMOTIONS created an invoice
dated dated January 1980 for $5000 “To advertising in
Labor Party newspapers, pamphlets and brochures for the
months of January and February”. Also created were an
invoice dated March 1980 for $5000 covering March and
April, and an invoice dated September 1980 for $10,000
covering July and August. No other invoices have been
recovered but a confidential memorandum dated 191180 from
VIBERT to the AINSWORTH accountant states: “Please find
attached the July/August invoice, which we paid. A
September/October one will be due next week, which will
complete the deal.”
CASEY was asked about these invoices by NSW police and
said the following
L.H. Do you know who prepared these documents
with Cas Promotions?
CASEY Possibly by me.
L.H. By you personally or by office staff?CASEY Within my office. But I said they were
drafts but the dates relate to any
transaction. (114)
CASEY also said that there was advertsing for AINSWORTH
in one ALP publication but that was “not directly” paid
for with any of the cheques. No ALP newspaper was
published in that period.
CommentThis Commission does not accept that the invoices
sent to AINSWORTH were “drafts” of any document.
These invoices are false and may have given
AINSWORTH CONSOLIDATED INDUSTRIES the means to claim
a fraudulent taxation benefit. From previous
correspondence and in terms of AINSWORTH practice in
Victoria, the instigation for these false invoices
is most likely to have come from VIBERT. Two of
the invoices were backdated and there was, in the
period in question, no Labor Party newspaper. None
of the material viewed by the Commission apart from
CASEY’S comment above suggests that the ALP or any
of its organs performed any advertising services for
the AINSWORTH organisation.
Disbursement of the CASPALP Monies
When the first AINSWORTH cheque was paid to CASPALP the
account balance was $1089.84. In the period from July to
the end of November 1980 cheques totalling $47,000,
including the AINSWORTH $30,000, were paid into the
account. The balance at the end of the period was -
Page 95 of 114
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$1140.10, or virtually the same as the opening balance.
There appear to have been deliberate efforts made to
prevent any outgoing payments being traced back to the
CASPALP account. All outgoing payments were made by cash
cheque of which the proceeds were at least on occasion
used to purchase bank cheques. In most cases the
recipient of the cash or bank cheque cannot be
determined. The payees listed in the paragraph following
have been determined from notations on the rear of
CASPALP cheques.Of the $46,949.74 paid out from the account in the period
in question, it appears that $25,001.20 was used to
purchase bank cheques to the benefit of the Australian
Labor Party. $175.55 was used to purchase bank cheques
for the benefit of the Milano Restaurant and $50 was used
to purchase a bank cheque to the benefit of a St John’s
Cathedral dinner. The total monies expended from the
account during this period which are currently
unaccounted for total some $21,722.99.The largest outstanding withdrawal, some $12,500, was a
cash cheque used to purchase a bank cheque immediately
following a $15,000 cheque payment into the account (on
260980). The pattern suggests the possibility that this
amount may have been paid to the ALP.The remaining money was paid to the benefit of persons or
organisations unknown. The largest amount was $1019 and
there were recurring payments of $470.38.
The application of the AINSWORTH monies is as follows:030780 $10,000 Retained in account until
withdrawn in series of cash
cheques to the benefit of
persons or organisations
unknown.281080 $10,000 Used to purchase bank cheque for
benefit of ALP on 281080.
251180 $10,000 Used to purchase bank cheque for
benefit of ALP on 251180.
CommentThis Commission is of the view that the
investigations conducted by the police and the
material referred to the Solicitor-General did not
adequately determine the application of funds in the
CASPALP Promotion Fund Account. In particular, the
application of some $10,000 of the AINSWORTH
donations totalling $30,000 is unknown.
. -
Page 96 of 114
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– 88 –
Statement by Mr Casey
A document purporting to be the transcript of a radio
station 41P interview with Mr CASEY on 250680 is
contained in the police file. The relevant portion
reads:
“Tony Bartlett 4IP: Has there ever been an approach
made either to yourself or your senior Party members
offering financial assistance to the Party should
you back the introduction of machines and be
successful?
Mr Ed Casey: No, that’s not a consideration at all.
The Labour Party doesn’t work that way in any
respect.”
CommentAt the time of this interview VIBERT had told CASEY
that AINSWORTH would be donating $30,000 but the
first payment of $10,000 had not then been made.
An AINSWORTH monopoly?On an unknown date prior to Christmas 1980 and probably
prior to the 1980 state election, an ACDA document was
prepared under the title “Marketing of AINSWORTH poker
machines in Queensland Clubs”. The author appears to
have been a Ted GREVSMUHL and the paper was directed to
VIBERT. Broadly it proposed that Trade Practices and
other laws be circumvented by the sale of poker machines
through a body “QUEENSLAND CLUB MANAGEMENT ADVISORY
SERVICES PTY LTD” which purported to be a consultancy
service. Passages within the document suggest that
legislation was also considered a potential way of
achieving an AINSWORTH monopoly and the passage of most
concern is set out below.
“Simply put, I propose the pre-contracting of clubs
for their entire poker machine installation
requirements, following the successful completion of
feasibility studies in such clubs, these to commence
in July, 1981. These contracts would be designed by
the ACDA’s lawyers to be unassailable in terms of
the Trade Practices Act and local Contract Law
requirements, and be of five years’ duration, so as
to be current at the time of legalisation. The
contracts … would be concluded with a Queensland-
based holding company acting as the “go-between ”
for AINSWORTHS and other (non poker machine)
suppliers, and the 694 Queensland clubs at large.
This would eliminate the need for a large, costly
AINSWORTH sales team in Queensland, enable the clubs
to continue their current dealings with ACDA
Queensland personnel already well known to them, and
almost conpletely exclude Bally and Nuts from the
marketplace, if this had not already been achieved
in the enabling legislation. (Our emphasis). By this -
Page 97 of 114
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– 89 –
means Ainsworth’s commercial advanta•e would stand
to be almost absolute. (emphasis in original),
”The only element of the announced Labor policy known to
have any bearing on this statement was the requirement
that “machines would be Queensland assembled and
distributed, providing at least 200 jobs, with at least
85 percent of parts Australian made”. This would have
the effect of excluding BALLY and probably PACIFIC POKER
MACHINES, then a small company importing Japanese gaming
machines. NUTT & MUDDLE would have been excluded if they
were not prepared to invest in Queensland assembly
facilities. (Poker machine assembly is not a particularly
complex industrial operation.)
Mr Casey’s trip to AmericaOn 190381 VIBERT wrote to CASEY in relation to “Your trip
to America” He stated the location of the AINSWORTH
office in Reno and said the manager had been advised of
his flight arrival on 220381.Mr CASEY replied on 310381, basically thanking VIBERT for
his efforts in arranging the contact in Reno and
explained that, while he had telephoned, his party had
gone no closer to Reno than Las Vegas. In his reply,
CASEY stated “It was however interesting to note in our
visit to the various casinos the Aristocrat machines
featuring very prominently”.Comment
On 200290 the Leader of the Opposition, Mr R.
COOPER, asked Mr CASEY whether he had ever visited
the United States and on any occasion made a point
of inspecting or noting a particular brand of poker
machine in operation. Mr CASEY answered the second
part of the question in the negative. This matter
is included here as being among the matters
complained of to the Commission.THE INVESTIGATION
On 060382 members of the NSW Police Task Force 2 took out
a warrant on the home and business office of VIBERT and
took possession of a number of documents including a file
containing correspondence relating to donations to the
Australian Labor Party in Queensland.The choice of investigators
On 050482 Queensland Police Commissioner Terry LEWIS was
contacted by NSW Assistant Commissioner Bob DAY and then
by Task Force Two commander Supt Cliff MCHARDY. His diary -
Page 98 of 114
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– 90
note reads as follows:
“A/Comm R. DAY, then Det/Insp Cliff McHARDY, NSW,
phoned re Task Force 2 investigation when lwhere?)
Messr’s VIBERT and AINSWORTH have paid secret
commissions to politicians in Qld and Vic, referred
to A/C MURPHY, then D/Insps BRADBURY and B. INGHAM
to go to NSW re same.”
CommentIn the view of this Commission this choice of
investigators may have compromised the
investigation. On the day of the above notation in
LEWIS’s diary is another, relating to another
sensitive investigation being conducted by INGHAM
and BRADBURY. A study of the records held by this
Commission indicates that INGHAM and BRADBURY
jointly performed a number of sensitive
investigations on behalf of the then police
administration. BRADBURY served in the Licensing
Branch with Jack Reginald HERBERT and Anthony MURPHY
in the period 1968-70. INGHAM and BRADBURY are
included in a list of police officers and others
which was included in the report of the Commission
of Inquiry as Appendices 22 and 23. (115)BRADBURY and INGHAM attended Penrith Police Station the
next day, 060482 and inspected copies of the documents.
They requested the opportunity of being present should a
further search be made of AINSWORTH’s premises. (116)
Also on 060482, Commissioner LEWIS made the following
note in his diary: “Off 6.3Opm. Had J. HERBERT call on
request re knowledge of Vibert and Ainsworth re New South
Wales police inquiry.”On 150482 BRADBURY took out a warrant to search the
premises of the Registered and Licensed Clubs Association
of Queensland and the ACDA at 247 Adelaide Street,
Brisbane..AINSWORTH’s foreknowled e of olive raid
On 210482 INGHAM and BRADBURY went to NSW to attend a
raid on AINSWORTH’s business premises with members of
Task Force 2. Just prior to the raid they went to lunch
at the Texas Tavern, Kings Cross, with Mr Paul MEADE, a
Queensland businessman with Sydney organised crime
connections. These connections included the owner of the
Texas Tavern, Harry CALLEIA aka CALLEIH, sometimes
mistaken for Harry GALEA. MEADE and CALLEIA had joint
interests in “in-line” gaming machines in Queensland.
When the raid took place it was apparent that AINSWORTH
executives had forewarning of the raid and that they were
aware there would be Queensland detectives present. A
later investigation by the NSW ombudsman was unable to
determine the source of the leak beyond one of two -
Page 99 of 114
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– 91 –
possibilities: that CALLEIA had telephoned AINSWORTH or
that a senior NSW police officer who had spoken with both
the Queensland officers had informed an AINSWORTH
executive at another luncheon. The ombudsman inclined to
the view that the leak emanated from the Texas Tavern
luncheon, despite the insistence of INGHAM and BRADBURY
that they had not discusssed the raid over lunch. (117)
On 040582 BRADBURY executed a warrant on the Geroge
Street Commonwealth Bank Branch where the CASPALP account
was located. No documents were seized.
The Channel 10 interview
On 060582 and again on the following night Channel 10
Melbourne and Channel 0 Brisbane broadcast a two part
special on the poker machine lobby. The journalist had
obviously obtained possession of some documents relevant
to the AINSWORTH donations to the ALP. Mr CASEY was
interviewed on the subject and when the interview began
he appeared to be unaware that the journalist possessed
the documents. The relevant portion of the interview is
as follows:
“Ian GILLESPIE: In Victoria it has been suggested
and rumoured that the Poker Machine Lobby put as
much as $500,000 into the Labor Party Campaign funds
in that state. I understand that in Queensland
you’re on record as saying that no money has come
from the Poker Machine Lobby into Queensland’s Labor
Party funds.
CASEY: Well, that sounds an awful big figure to me. I
was in Victoria at one stage during the campaign, and
certainly feel that’s an exaggerated figure. In
Queensland certainly it’s not the case.
GILLESPIE: There has been no money from the Lobby
put into Labor Party Campaign Funds.CASEY: No.”
The political context
On 070582 LEWIS attended a briefing of most of the State
Cabinet noting it in the following terms in his diary:
“With A/C DUFFY and D/Insp. BRADBURY and INGHAM to
Executive Building, briefed 14 ministers on “Poker
Machines Inquiry”.
Ainsworth tin clear’
On 170582 INGHAM and BRADBURY again attended Sydney and
were booked into the St Mary’s Hotel. A Det Sgt LOWE of
the NSW Fraud Squad was allocated to assist them. After
inspecting documents at a Sydney bank Det Sgt LOWE
introduced them to Gordon ALDRIDGE, a Sydney businessman -
Page 100 of 114
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– 92 –
and the owner of the St Mary’s Hotel,
ALDRIDGE was one of those involved in and provided the
venue for a November 1981 meeting at which one of the
detectives investigating AINSWORTH was allegedly told
that it could be to his financial advantage not to
persist with a secret commission investigation into an
AINSWORTH executive George CRAGEN: the ombudsman
preferred the word of the detective to that of any of the
others present at that meeting. (118)LOWE was implicated in an October 1981 NSW police
internal investigation which resulted in a finding of
misconduct against a Det Sgt Ron SHAW, the brother-in-law
of AINSWORTH executive George CRAGEN. The investigation
arose out of an approach made to a Federal police officer
on behalf of solicitor Morgan RYAN via Gordon ALDRIDGE
and Det Sgt LOWE. (119)After INGHAM and BRADBURY met ALDRIDGE, he apparently
kept them well entertained; the Ombudsman made mention of
complimentary liquor, dinner at the Centrepoint Tavern, a
visit to Rosehill races and a day on the Harbour with,
among others, Assistant Commissioner DAY and his wife.
(120) INGHAM and BRADBURY also visited ALDRIDGE’s office
on three occasions. BRADBURY told the Ombudsman that on
the first of these visits ALDRIDGE became aware they were
investigating AISNWORTH and put them in touch with
AINSWORTH’s solicitor David LANDA. Written questions
were delivered to LANDA on 180582, according to the
detectives.(121).Also according to the two detectives, Task Force Two
interviewed AINSWORTH on 190582 and they participated in
this interview. Their report states that AINSWORTH
“refutes any suggestion that he had solicited the
assistance of Mr CASEY in relation to the introduction of
Poker Machines into Queensland and claimed that the whole
of those arrangements were made by Mr VIBERT”. In
response to further questions the report quotes the
following small speech by AINSWORTH:
“Gentlemen the donation was made to the Labour Party
because we knew that they were in favour of the
introduction of poker machines and they had made
that a part of their policy in previous years. If
they were not in favour of poker machines the
donation would not have been made at all, the
reason we did not give money for the funding of the
National and Liberal Parties was for the same
reason. They were not in favour of the Poker
Machines. It is as simple as that. I would be
gravely concerned if I thought that the money had
found its way into someone’s hip pocket and not used
by the Labour Party because I am not known for my
generosity.” (122)
VIBERT declined to be interviewed at all. -
Page 101 of 114
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– 93 –
AINSWORTH’s diary for 190582 records “10 am D BRADBURY
want to tape interview – now to see D LANDA Thursday.”
And at the bottom of the page”Gordon ALDRIDGE Bob DAY
says Qld people fair dinkum. 5 pm Friday Monday.”
A letter dated 240582 was subsequently delivered to
BRADBURY from the office of LANDA containing a refusal on
behalf of both AINSWORTH and VIBERT to answer any
questions.
INGHAM and BRADBURY’s last day in Sydney was 250582.
AINSWORTH’s diary for this day was later found to include
the notation: “Gordon rang and said in clear.”
ALDRIDGE, however, maintained that at no stage did he
become aware what the Queensland police were interested
in and could offer no explanation for the entry in
AINSWORTH’s diary. (123) The ombudsman notes that
AINSWORTH referred to a subsequent conversation with
BRADBURY where BRADBURY allegedly said “… Len, how are
you, I hope you got all that mess straightened out …”.
BRADBURY denies this conversation occurred. (124).
Comment
Given the non-cooperation of VIBERT and AINSWORTH
this element of BRADBURY and INGHAM’s investigation
can hardly be considered conclusive and certainly
cannot justify the “clearing” of AINSWORTH as noted
in his diary. However the Ombudsman’s investigation
appears to have been as thorough as was possible
under the circumstances and any re-investigation is
probably unlikely to further clarify this issue.
On 090682 BRADBURY was in Sydney and executed a search
warrant on the Commonwealth Bank, recovering 11 cheques
drawn on the account of CASPALP.
Queensland interviewsOn 140782 CASEY was interviewed by officers of Task Force
2, An arranged interview with Queensland Police for that
date did not go ahead due to CASEY’s solicitor having to
attend another engagement.
BRADBURY and INGHAM reported on 020882, stating that
CASEY had not been interviewed and that his solicitor was
intending to write to the Police Department to the effect
that CASEY and YEWDALE would not be made available for
interview and that the ALP had no complaint to make
against any of its senior members in relation to their
dealings with party funds.(125) Such a letter is not as
yet known to this Commission.
From the NSW Police this Commission has obtained
transcribed notes of an interview between Det Sgt
HANRAHAN and Det Snr Const CLARK of the NSW police with
CASEY and although undated, this is presumably the
interview of 140782 referred to above. Although some of
the issues relevant to the Queensland inquiry were -
Page 102 of 114
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– 94 –
canvassed, as mentioned above, the purpose of the NSW
police interview was related to misconduct by citizens of
that State and largely in that State.
CommentThere is no indication on any of the material yet
seen by the commission that CASEY was ever
comprehensively interviewed in the course of the
Queensland investigation in relation to the
donations, the change of policy, his dealings with
VIBERT and AINSWORTH or the disbursement of monies
in the CASPALP account. Similarly there is no
indication that YEWDALE, the other signatory to the
account, was ever interviewed. There is no
indication that ALP accounts were checked or ALP
officials interviewed.
Solicitor General’s comments
On 030882 the Commissioner of Police referred the file to
the Solicitor-General.
On 120882 the Solicitor General wrote to the Police
Commissioner. The relevant portion of the Solicitor-
General’s letter is as follows:
“In view of the very inconclusive nature of the
present available material, let alone what could be
regarded as evidence it is pointless to indulge in
any speculation on what criminal charges might be
open. Clearly there is no evidence at all in
relation to any claim of bribery – Section 60 of the
Criminal Act. There certainly is a complete dearth
of evidence to indicate any misappropriation by Mr
Casey of any of the funds which came from the
Caspalp bank account. . .There is nothing to
indicate any criminal dealings in respect of any of
the moneys in the Caspalp bank account, irrespective
of the source of those monies. Whether any further
investigation would lead to a different conclusion
is, once a gain, a matter of speculation.”ALP policy
The Parliamentary Library was asked to check its holdings
for any mentions of poker machines in ALP policy
documents from 1977 to the present. The results are set
out below:
In the ALP policy speech for the 1980 election CASEY
announced legalisation of poker machines in licensed
clubs. (126)
In 1985 the ALP again amended its policy to allow
for the introduction of poker machines under the
auspices of a Licensing and Gaming Authority. (127) -
Page 103 of 114
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– 95 –
The 1988 policy allowed for a Licensing and Gaming
Authority. Poker machines were not mentioned. (128)There have been recent media references to ALP policy
prior to the 1989 state election being for an inquiry
into poker machines. No documentary basis for these
references has been seen by this Commission.
The AINSWORTH advertisementOn 251189 or just prior to the 1989 State election the
AINSWORTH organisation advertised “200 new jobs” in
Queensland, mainly for service and sales personnel. The
advertisement stated that “ARISTOCRAT are expanding into
Queensland”. ARISTOCRAT is the AINSWORTH brand name for
its poker and video gaming machines.Comment
This advertisement has been referred to in State
Parliament as evidence of AINSWORTH expecting a
f a v o r e d p o s i t i o n in the distribution of poker
machines in Queensland. While the reasons for the
advertisement and its timing are not known the
possibility exists that the company was in some way
responding to announced policy of the then
government for the installation of Adult
Entertainment Machines (Gaming Machines) in clubs as
a successor to banned “in-line” amusement machines.The Cabinet decision
State Cabinet endorsed the introduction of poker machines
into Queensland on 190390. Mr CASEY, now the Minister
for Primary Industries, participated in this decision and
in respect of that participation the Premier made the
following statement to the media: “Mr Casey has no
interest in the matter, financial or otherwise, and it is
quite proper for him to be involved.”(139) -
Page 104 of 114
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– 96 –
CONCLUSION
The complaint in relation to the Caspalp donations and
Mr. Casey’s involvement in the March 1990 cabinet
decision on poker machines was furnished to the
Complaints Section of the Official Misconduct Division
pursuant to Section 2.27 of the Criminal Justice Act.
The Complaints Section has assessed the substance of the
complaint in the light of the available material pursuant
to Section 2.29
The Commission is of the view that the complaint does not
involve official misconduct within the meaning of
Section 2.33 on the part of Mr. Casey either in respect
of his alleged activities in 1980 or his involvement in
the deliberations of Cabinet in March 1990.In view of the matters discussed in this report, the
Commission does have serious reservations about the
desirability of further dealings with Mr Ainsworth or his
companies.Another question which arises is as to the desirability
of members of parliament receiving donations from members
of the public. The Commission understands that this
matter is on the agenda for consideration by the
Electoral and Administrative Review Commission and does
not wish to intrude improperly upon that consideration.
It notes, however, that practice in some other places is
for parliamentarians to be “insulated” from knowledge of
such donations by their being channelled to the
organisational side of the party. Such a practice
obviously has considerable advantages in preserving the
ability of parliamentary members to exercise independent
judgments on matters arising for decision. As Fitzgerald
observed:
“The possibility of improper favour being shown or
being seen to have been shown by the Government to
political donors must also be eliminated”. (130) -
Page 105 of 114
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– 97 –
REFERENCES
Note: C denotes confidential, restricted or
secret material listed in the
Bibliography. “00” denotes confidential,
restricted or secret material not listed
in the Bibliography.(1) Report of Board of Inquiry into Poker Machines,
Victoria 1983, (Wilcox Report), Summary of the
Report – Major findings and recommendations.
(2) Evidence relating to in-line amusement devices,
(Fitzgerald) Commission of Inquiry, Queensland.(3) Transcripts of telephone conversations,
Operation A DAZZLER, NSW TRU. (One of AGE
TAPES) Tape 13, Conversation Ronald Lopez DIAS
and Frederick “Paddles” ANDERSON on 270679 re
MEADE being behind in payments to
ANDERSON/McPHERSON for gaming machines in
Queensland and offers of payment from ROOKLYN
to remove MEADE.
(4) Report of South Australia Select Committee on
the Casino Bill, 1982.
(5) E2ort. of Board of Inquiry into Casinos (Mr
Justice Xavier Connor), Victoria, April 1882.
(6) Wilcox op cit(7) 11.2pr_of the Committee 1::-igujntci/j n –
in NSW, (Lloyd-Jones) September 1985.
(8) Old Branch State Policy, 1985.
Policy Document and Branch Members handbook,
ALP Qld Branch, October 1988.(9) Wilcox 18.01-09
(10) W i l c o x 1 8 . 0 9
(11) Nevada Statute, quoted Michele Demery, Susan
Pins Gaming Control Board, Nevada Style,
Thesis in Administrative Law, pi,(12) Nevada Regulation, quoted Demery, Pins p2-3.
(13) C. Quoted in Diversification of criminal
interests within the NSW Gaming Industry,
interim report 1984, Investigative Staff
attached to Superintendent of Licenses
Office, p24. -
Page 106 of 114
-
– 98 –
(14) C. Quoted Annual Report of the Licensin•
Investigative Section, 1984-5,
Superintendent of Licenses Office, NSW
(15) Ainsworth Distributors Ltd advertisement,
Courier-Mail, 25 November 1989.(16) 00
(17) Wilcox 3.45 – 3.50
(18) This matter falls under the provisions of
Section 2.19 (2) (b) of the Criminal Justice
Act 1989.
(20) Unless otherwise noted the historical account
is derived from the following:Report of the Honourable Mr Justice Moffitt,
Royal Commissioner, appointed to in wire in
respect of certain matters x.-
gi_tingtppaltipripf organised crime in
clubs, NSW 1974.
Wilcox, Chapter 4.
McCoy, Alfred W. Drug Traffic – Narcotics
and organised crime in Australia, Harper
and Row 1980 pp 213-337.Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking
(NSW),
(Woodward Royal Commission) 1979-80
C. The evidence concerning _Harry
Wainwri ht Nu an Hand Limited and its
associated companies and the affairs
of Murra Stewart Rile Commonwealth-
NSW Joint Task Force on Drug
Trafficking (JTF 1).Nugan Hand (Part 1), Volume 2 of
Commonwealth-NSW Joint Task Force on Drug
Trafficking. (JTF 2)1 1 0 a u r r a R i l e ,V o l u m e 3
of Commonwealth-NSW Joint Task Force on
Drug Trafficking (JTF 3).C. Alle ations b Messrs L.H.Ainsworth &
E P. Vibert re conduct of •olive
Ombudsman’s Report No 2, NSW, 14
October 1986. (Ombudsman)
Report of a Commission of Inquiry pursuant to
Orders in Council, (Mr G.E. Fitzgerald, QC), 3
July 1989. -
Page 107 of 114
-
– 99 –
Dicke, Phil, The Road to Fitzgerald, UQP
1988 pp 249-256, 281-282.
(22) Evidence to the (Fitzgerald) Commission of
Inquiry, Colin PEARSON, former under-secretary,
Department of Justice.(23) ( 0 0 )
(24) South Australia House of Assembl Select
Committee on the Casino Bill 1982, SA 1982,
p52.
(25) Commission of Inquiry Report p 195.(26) W i l c o x 4 . 0 4
(27) For example, Wilcox was wrong, Club News
(official publication of Queensland Registered
and Licensed Clubs Association) and Blanch, K,
Bandits lobb still battling scaremongers,
Sunday Mail 18 March 1990.
(28) Wilcox 12.04(29) W i l c o x 6 . 4 4
(30) W i l c o x 4 . 1 5
(31) W i l c o x 4 . 3 2
(32) W i l c o x 4 . 3 2
C. Ombudsman pp66-82
(00)
(33) Wilcox 4.10-4.16
C. Diversification of criminal interests p25.(34) ( 0 0 )
(35) Wilcox 4.19
(00)(36) C. Ombudsman pp30-44
(00)
(37) C. Ombudsman pp 30-44(38) Wilcox 4.21-4.23
(39) ( 0 0 )
(40) C. Ombudsman p101-108
(41) C. Ombudsman p167
(42) C. Ombudsman p122 -
Page 108 of 114
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– 100 –
(43) Blanch, Ken, Bandits lobby still battling
scaremongrs, Sunday Mail, 18 March 1990.
(44) Re•ort of the Tribunal to the Minister of
Police pursuant to an Inquiry held under
Section 45 of the Police Requalation
…Alle ations of Misconduct Act 1978, (Allen
inquiry) Police Tribunal of NSW, April 1982.
(45) C. Diversification of criminal interests .(00)
(46) C. Diversification of criminal interests
(00)
(47) C. Diversification of criminal interests
(00)
(48) W i l c o x 4 . 3(49) C. Diversification of criminal interests
(00)
(50) C. Ombudsmanpp98-100(51) Wilcox 4.34-37
(52) C. Ombudsmanpp12-29
(53) Record of Interview between Det Sgt R.C.Clark
and Nicholas Balagiannis 121084.
(54) R O I ‘ s 1 2 1 0 8 4(55) Record of Interview between Det Vincent and
Nick Mitris, 121084
(56) R O I s 1 2 1 0 8 4(57) Record of Interview between Det Vincent and
David John Wade, 301084
(58) 0 0
(59) Proceedings, Melbourne Magistrates Court
260686.
(60)
. 00(61) Blanch, Ken Inquiry may probe 1pokie
conspiracy’, Sunday Mail 250988.
(62) The associates of Murray Riley., Volume 3 of
Commonwealth-NSW Joint Task Force on Drug
Trafficking (JTF 3).
Dickie, Phil, blur h ].inked with sus ected
crime figure, Courier Mail, 22 February 1988. -
Page 109 of 114
-
– 101 –
(63) C.-__Lof.,____leActivitjAReor
Associated BCI
Sydney 7 June 1981.
(64) C. Confidential Report – George David
F reem a n , Crime Intelligence Unit, 7 March
1977.
(65) Evidence before Commission of Inquiry
(66) W i l c o x 4 . 3 1
C. Ombudsman, pp60-82
(67) Evidence before Commission of Inquiry
(68) C. Transcripts, Operation Dazzler.
(69) ( 0 0 )
(70) M o f f i t t R e p o r t
(71) O m b u d s m a n s R e p o r t
(72) ( 0 0 )
(73) S e e A p p e n d i x T w o
(74) Evidence Commission of InquiryReport of Commission of Inquiry pp61-62
Dickie, R oad to Fitzgerald pp 249-256, 281-282
(75) ( 0 0 )
(76) S A C a s i n o R e p o r t p 5 2
(77) W i l c o x 6 . 1 2
(78) Poker Machine Nana•er’s Manual, Poker Machine
Council of NSW, PO.Box 96, Kogarah, NSW 2217.
(LOoseleaf manual first published 1985)
(79) ( 0 0 )
(80) C. NSW Licensing Investigative
Section,
Annual Report 1984-85
(81) ( 0 0 )
(82) C. Annual Report pp 14-15(83) C. Diversification of Criminal Interests
(00) -
Page 110 of 114
-
– 102 –
(84) Wilcox 4.10-4.16
C. Diversification of Criminal Interests p25
(85) C . O m b u d s m a n
(86) C. NSWAnnualReport.(87) ( 0 0 )
(88) Wilcox – Summary of Conclusions.
(89) Blanch, Ken Bandits lobby still battling
scaremongers
(90) W i l c o x 6 . 4 7(91) W i l c o x 6 . 0 6
(92) W i l c o x 6 , 1 0
(93) Dickie, Phil, Pokies of the North, Courier-
Mail 010688CIB head warned Seagulls
official on SP bookmaking,
Courier-Mail 120188.Haves finding a ‘repeat’,
Courier-Mail 010689.
(94) Moffitt Report 310(95) W i l c o x 6 . 4 1
(96) W i l c o x 6 . 2 6
(97) Annual Report, Pennsylvania Crime Commission
1989. p5.(98) Annual Report p6.
(99) Annual Report p7.
(100) Annual Report p8.
(101) Dickie, Phil, Pokies of the North
(102) ( 0 0 )(103) Poker machine mama•ers manual
(104) C Diversification of Criminal Interests.(00)
-
Page 111 of 114
-
– 103 –
Appendix two
(105) Wilcox 12.05-06.
(106) W i l c o x 1 2 . 0 3
(107) W i l c o x 1 2 . 0 4(108) W i l c o x 1 2 . 0 4
(109) Undated press release, December 1979?
(110) Notes of interview, Casey and Detectives
Hanrahan and Clark., undated, p3.
(111 ) Notes of interview, p4.(112) Notes of interview, p8.
(113) Notes of interview,
(114) Notes of interview p18.(115) These police listed Appendices 22 and 23 of the
Report of the Commission of Inquiry.
(116) Ombudsman p35(117) Ombudsman pp30-44.
(118) Ombudsman pp12-29
(119) Ombudsman pp21-22
(120) Ombudsman pp154
(121) Report, Bradbury/Ingham 020282.(122) R e p o r t , p 5 .
(123) Ombudsman pp155-6
(124) Ombudsman p 157.
(125) R e p o r t , p 8 .
(126) ALP Policy Speech 111180.
(127) Qld Branch State Policy 1985
(128) Policy document and Branch members handbook,
ALP Qld Branch, October 1988.(129) News, Channel 10, 190390.
(130) Report of the (Fitzgerald) Commission of
Inquiry p137. -
Page 112 of 114
-
– 104 –
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Public documentsReport of the Honourable Mr Justice Moffitt,Royal
Commissioner,_appointed to inquire in res ect of certain
matters_rtia±iLIELEL11sations of organised crime in
clubs, NSW 1974.Report of Board of Inquiry into Poker Machines, Victoria,
November 1983 (Mr M. Wilcox QC)Report of the Board of Inquiry into Casinos, Victoria,
April 1982 (Mr Justice Xavier Connor)Select Committee on the Casino Bill 1982 Resort, South
Australia House of Assembly, 12 August 1982.
Report of the Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking,
(Mr Justice Philip Woodward) NSW 1979
Further Report of the Royal Commission into Drug
Trafficking
(Mr Justice Philip Woodward) NSW 1980
Report of a Commission of Inquiry pursuant to Orders in
Council, Queensland, July 1988. (Mr G.E. Fitzgerald QC)Transcript, Commission of Inquiry.
Report of the Tribunal to the Minister of Police pursuant
to an Inquir held under Section 45 of the Police
Re•ulation Alle ations of Misconduct Act 1978, Police
Tribunal of NSW, April 1982.Annual Report, Pennsylvania Crime Commission 1989.
Nugan Hand (Part 1), Volume 2 of Commonwealth-NSW Joint
Task Force on Drug Trafficking. (JTF 2)
The associates of Murray Riley. Volume 3 of Commonwealth-
NSW Joint Task Force on Drug Trafficking. (JTF 3)
McCoy, Alfred W. Dru•Traffic – Narcotics and Or•anised
Crime in Australia, Harper and Row, 1980.
Dickie, Phil The Road to Fitzgerald, University of
Queensland Press, 1988.
Poker Machine Manager’s Manual, Poker Machine Council of
NSW, (Looseleaf manual first published 1985).Confidential documents
-
Page 113 of 114
-
– 105 –
The evidence concerning Uqrry Wainwright, NuQan Hand
Limited and its associated com•anies and the affairs
of Murray Stewart Riley, Commonwealth-NSW Joint Task
Force on Drug Trafficking (JTF 1).
Allegations by Messrs L.H.Ainsworth & E.P. Vibert re
conduct of police, Ombudsman’s Report No 2, NSW, 14
October 1986.Diversification of criminal interests within the NSW
Gaming Industry, Interim Report 1984, Investigative
Staff attached to Superintendent of Licenses Office.Annual Reports of the Licensing Investigative
Section, Superintendent of Licenses Office, NSWR. C. Clark, The organisation and overlapping of
and economic analysis, Four Volumes, Australian
Police Forces Special Study Grants Scheme..
R.C. Clark, M.C. Rayment, An overview of taming in
Nevada United States of America NSW Police.
t o a r g ngQResearchPaersrelaoliinueend
and a back round to •amin .rocedures in Nevada USA
Licensing Investigative Unit, NSW.
Michele Demery, Susan Pins Gaming Control Board,
Nevada Style, Thesis in Administrative Law included
in Research Papers.Associated Companies, BCI Sydney 7 June 1981.
Confidential Resort – Geor•e David Freeman, Crime
Intelligence Unit, 7 March 1977.
Transcripts of telephone conversations, Operation A
DAZZLER, NSW TRU. Tape 13, Conversation Ronald
Lopez DIAS and Frederick “Paddles” ANDERSON on
270679.
(better known as one of Age Tapes). -
Page 114 of 114