The Australian gambling landscape is a labyrinth of high-stakes deals, where the unseen hands that steer major casino chains often go unnoticed. These figures—known in the industry as “kingmakers”—are the architects behind mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory strategies that reshape the fortunes of operators like Crown Resorts, Star Entertainment, and the regional players. Their influence isn’t just financial; it’s strategic, political, and sometimes downright illegal. In a sector where fortunes can be made—or lost—in hours, these insiders wield power that extends beyond boardrooms into the corridors of government and even criminal networks. Understanding who these players are, how they operate, and the consequences of their decisions is essential for anyone tracking the evolution of Australia’s gambling industry.

Kingmakers operate in a shadowy realm where the line between legitimate business strategy and backroom deals blurs. They’re typically high-net-worth individuals, former executives, or industry veterans who broker deals between casino operators, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies. Their most notorious role involves facilitating high-profile acquisitions—such as Crown Resorts’ $1.7 billion takeover of Star Entertainment in 2021—where insider knowledge and political connections can tip the scales in favour of one bidder over another. But their influence isn’t confined to corporate deals. In some cases, they’ve been linked to laundering schemes, tax evasion, and even organised crime syndicates that exploit loopholes in gambling laws. The result? A system where the richest players often get the best terms, while smaller operators struggle to compete.

One of the most infamous examples of a kingmaker’s power in Australia comes from the late 1990s and early 2000s, when a network of figures—including some with ties to the Chinese gambling underworld—helped secure lucrative licensing deals for high-stakes casinos in Sydney and Melbourne. These deals, often secured through political connections, allowed operators to expand rapidly, sometimes at the expense of local communities and public health concerns. The case of the kingmaker about casino network that facilitated the rise of the Star Entertainment Group under the leadership of former Crown executive David Wicks is a case in point. Wicks, who later became a controversial figure in the industry, reportedly used his insider status to manipulate markets, secure favourable loans, and even influence regulatory decisions. His actions highlight how kingmakers can turn personal ambition into industry dominance.

The financial impact of kingmakers’ influence is staggering. Between 2018 and 2023, Australia’s casino industry saw a net revenue growth of over $12 billion, with the top five operators—including Crown Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts—accounting for more than 60 per cent of that total. Yet, while these numbers reflect economic success, they mask the uneven distribution of wealth. Smaller operators, often regional players, frequently find themselves at a disadvantage, unable to compete with the deep pockets and political connections of the kingmakers who control the industry’s major players. The result is a market where a handful of entities dictate terms, leaving little room for innovation or fair competition.

Beyond the financial stakes, kingmakers play a crucial role in shaping public perception of gambling. Their deals often come with controversies—from allegations of underage gambling to reports of corrupt practices. For instance, the 2019 royal commission into gambling revealed that some high-profile operators had been accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals through aggressive marketing and debt traps. Kingmakers, who often have close ties to these operators, have been accused of turning a blind eye to these issues, prioritising profits over public safety. The industry’s reputation has been further tarnished by scandals involving offshore tax havens, where some operators have allegedly stashed millions in jurisdictions like Singapore and the Cayman Islands.

The regulatory environment in Australia has been a battleground for kingmakers, as they’ve repeatedly pushed back against stricter gambling laws. From the introduction of mandatory responsible gambling measures to proposals for a national gambling index, these figures have lobbied against reforms that could limit their influence. Their success in stalling regulations has been documented in multiple cases, including the delay of the National Gambling Treatment Service’s expansion and the resistance to stricter advertising rules. The outcome? A system where the most powerful players dictate the rules, ensuring that their interests remain untouched by external scrutiny.

For those seeking to understand the true dynamics of Australia’s casino industry, the story of kingmakers is one of power, corruption, and financial exploitation. While the industry continues to grow, the underlying question remains: how much of this success is built on the backs of smaller players, vulnerable communities, and the public’s trust? The answer lies in the hands of those who operate in the shadows—figures who, in the words of one former industry insider, “don’t play by the rules, they rewrite them.”

  • The top five casino operators in Australia—Crown Resorts, Star Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment—accounted for over 60 per cent of the industry’s net revenue between 2018 and 2023, with combined profits exceeding $12 billion.
  • In the late 1990s, a network of kingmakers facilitated high-stakes licensing deals for Sydney and Melbourne casinos, often through political connections, leading to allegations of organised crime involvement.
  • Former Crown Resorts executive David Wicks, linked to the Star Entertainment Group’s rise, reportedly used insider knowledge to manipulate markets, secure favourable loans, and influence regulatory decisions.
  • The 2019 royal commission into gambling uncovered reports of aggressive marketing practices, debt traps, and offshore tax evasion by major operators, with kingmakers accused of turning a blind eye to these issues.
  • Kingmakers have consistently lobbied against stricter gambling regulations, including proposals for a national gambling index and mandatory responsible gambling measures, delaying reforms for years.
  • Between 2018 and 2023, Australia’s casino industry saw a net revenue growth of over $12 billion, yet smaller operators often struggle to compete due to the dominance of a few powerful players.

The story of casino kingmakers is one that demands closer scrutiny. While the industry continues to expand, the real question is whether the growth is sustainable—or if it’s built on a foundation of exploitation, corruption, and unchecked power. For those who care about fairness, transparency, and public welfare, the answer is clear: the time has come to hold these figures accountable.