Gaming and wagering giant Tabcorp Holdings Ltd has sought to hose down speculation it may be a takeover target. The company released a statement to the market on Thursday following media speculation and a rise in its share price on Tuesday. Tabcorp said it "has not been approached or been involved in any discussions concerning a possible takeover of the company."

James Packer's Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd., Australia's biggest casino owner, agreed to buy gambling venues in Canada for CAD 1.37 billion (USD 1.2 billion) in its first foray into North America. Packer, Australia's richest man, joined with Macquarie Bank Ltd. to buy Gateway Casinos Income Fund, a casino operator in Western Canada, for CAD 886 million, according to a statement today.