BETTING'S "everywhere man" Tom Waterhouse is believed to have been offered at least $500 million to sell his thriving bookmaking business.
IN an EXCLUSIVE story in the SYDNEY TELEGRAPH, RAY THOMAS reports that a leading UK-based betting operator is rumored to have made the substantial offer to buy out the nation's biggest individual bookmaker.
But Waterhouse, 30, is remaining tight-lipped about the industry speculation and his spokesman gave only a firm "no comment" when asked by News Limited about the takeover bid.
"We get at least one call a week about this (takeover bids)," the spokesman added.
From a bookmaking dynasty, Tom Waterhouse said he had no intention of selling his bookmaking operation in an interview last year. Picture: Stuart Walmsley
Waterhouse's online business TomWaterhouse.com is estimated to have betting turnover of more than $500 million a year, giving him a decent chunk of Australia's $20 billion a year betting industry.
In an interview late last year, Waterhouse said he has no intention of selling his bookmaking operation.
"I still want to be doing this business in 50 years," Waterhouse said.
"What do I need to sell it for? I wouldn't want to change my lifestyle. If I had the choice of lying on the beach or being a bookie, I'd be a bookie."
Waterhouse has a dual bookmaker's licence in Victoria and Northern Territory but spends the majority of his time running his business out of Melbourne.
Born to be a bookie, Waterhouse is continuing the family tradition of his grandfather Bill and father Robbie.
Bill was once the world's biggest bookmaker and although retired, he retains an active role in family's betting operations. Robbie remains one of Sydney's leading rails bookies and a form expert.
Unlike his grandfather and father, Tom is rarely seen calling the odds on racetracks.
He spends most of his time at his Moonee Valley office where he takes bets either online or over the phone.
His television advertising campaigns have become omnipresent on the nation's television screens this year, particularly with his association with Channel 9's NRL coverage this season.
Waterhouse has forged a deal worth more than $10 million a season over the next fives years to be the NRL's official wagering partner.
It is also understood he is paying $15 million across five years to Channel 9 for exclusivity over the NRL and AFL Footy Show, as well as rugby league match broadcasts.
The bookie is also a betting partner with the AFL, Tennis Australia, the ARU and Cricket Australia.
STORY SOURCE: SYDNEY TELEGRAPH - NEWS LIMITED.