TabCorp is pleading for immediate government intervention through tax cuts and increased protection for licensed tote operators in order to halt the slide of business towards its Northern Territory-based online rivals. According to a piece in The Age newspaper, Tab took USD 36.5 million in bets on the main Melbourne Cup thoroughbred horse race last week, which was 10.3 % more than on last year’s event.

The Government minister in charge of Blackpool's regeneration has spoken of her 'responsibility' to the resort after its supercasino dream was shattered. Communities Secretary Hazel Blears says she is looking at ways to make Blackpool's seafront People's Playground project a reality as well as boosting education, housing and shopping in the resort. But she warned Blackpool it cannot focus on tourism alone to secure its future.