University of Sydney has invested in world’s biggest poker machine maker and global betting giant
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Experts say ‘disappointing’ relationships with gambling industry, including funding for research, should be scrutinised. The University of Sydney has financial stakes in the world’s biggest poker machine manufacturer and a global sports betting giant, both of which have funded its academics and bankrolled specialist gambling research centres.
Documents obtained under freedom of information laws show the university held shares in Aristocrat, and in Entain, which runs the Ladbrokes and Neds brands, between 2021 and early 2024. Shares may have been held before and after this period, beyond the scope of the FoI.
Entain, which was taken to the federal court this month by Australia’s financial intelligence agency for alleged breaches of anti-money laundering laws, was a foundational sponsor of the university’s centre of excellence in gambling research. Aristocrat, which has exported poker machines to the world, has also funded gambling research at the university. Its 2023 sustainability report disclosed its support for the university’s gambling treatment and research clinic.
The financial value of these investments is unknown but Aristocrat featured in a “table of largest active Australian equity positions averaged over 12 months” included in the FoI documents. Australian gambling giant Tabcorp topped the list. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email.
