Tripp, who regularly returns to Yarrawonga to his holiday home, learnt his craft from his father Alan and since has been a trailblazer in the online wagering market in Australia over the past two decades.
He is one of the biggest names in Australia’s wagering sector, having helped turn Sportsbet into the country’s second largest bookmaker behind Tabcorp and then partnering with Crown Resorts on his next venture, BetEasy.
Sportsbet and BetEasy were both snapped up by large offshore gaming and wagering companies and are now owned by Start Group. He is also part owner and chairman of the Melbourne Storm.
Tripp’s latest venture is with ASX listed company BetMakers where in January he was contracted as a strategic advisor to the company where he will pursue lucrative deals for the company.
One such deal came to light in late May where Tripp is spearheading a $4 billion bid for BetMakers to join its wagering division with Tabcorp.
BetMakers is a $600 million listed Australian company that provides data analytics and content for bookmakers globally and distributes racing content. The company’s share price has almost doubled in the past year, thanks to strategic acquisitions and its growing footprint, particularly in servicing the United States.
Tripp’s bid is as an attractive offer for Tabcorp shareholders. But other offers have also come from Ladbrokes owner Entain and private equity firm Apollo Global Management who are also making the most of an emerging sports betting market in the United States.
“I am excited by the potential opportunity to reinvigorate the Tabcorp Wagering and Media business,” Tripp said last week.
“There is significant potential for the business to grow in partnership with BetMakers and I hope to get the opportunity to support the Australian racing industry which relies on the success and growth of TAB.
“I have been very impressed with the world-class team BetMakers has put together and the enormous growth opportunities they have created globally, including in the rapidly emerging US wagering landscape, and the timing could not be better for this unique opportunity.
“Aside from the value that this offer is anticipated to unlock for shareholders in both companies, this is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the Tabcorp Wagering and Media business to maximise its commercial potential on a global scale.”
What is certain is Tripp’s partnership with BetMakers will no doubt assist the company accelerate growth of its B2B wagering strategy opportunities both in Australia and internationally.
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