The high-stakes story of Australia's largest private bookmaker
Alan
Tripp, a man some call a genius and others call a criminal, became the world's
most successful private bookmaker. He was Australia's most convicted SP bookmaker
and was the prime target of gaming and vice squads around the country in the 1980s.
Yet he would eventually sell his businesses for hundreds of millions of dollars.
This is his story.
Starting-price bookies, although illegal, were long a
feature of Australian life, giving punters the opportunity to have a bet away
from the track. But with the rise of the TAB, police were ordered to stamp out
all other off-course bookmaking in order to protect the state governments' monopoly.
Alan
Tripp, the biggest SP bookie in Australia, was their number-one target. His punting
clientele ranged from the high society of Sydney to the underbelly of Melbourne,
and included Prime Minister Bob Hawke, media baron Kerry Packer, gangsters Lewis
Moran and Alphonse Gangitano, and underworld figure Mick Gatto - as well as many
leading trainers and jockeys of the day. Tripp's life quickly became a rollercoaster
of high-stakes gambling, with the dual threats of bankruptcy and prison never
far behind.
In a fearless and thrilling narrative, Nichola Garvey recounts
the drama and intrigue of the life of Alan Tripp, the billion-dollar bookie who
beat the odds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nichola Garvey is one of Australia's
most exciting up-and-coming non-fiction authors. She draws inspiration from exceptional
yet untold Australian stories, illuminating the tough and gritty character of
the nation. This is her first book and comes after a career in research and a
Masters degree in professional writing at UTS. With an uncanny ear for a good
story and an ability to get the bit between her teeth, she delivers unique narratives
with spirit and insight. Nichola is also a keen philanthropist, dedicating time
and resources to worthy causes, particularly young homelessness. Originally from
Melbourne, she now lives in Sydney.
'Beating The Odds' is
available now.
