And Packer had just one bet: $100,000 to $10,000 each way on Koala King. One source that claims to know the 'real truth' puts it US26 million and that it was won playing blackjack six hands at a time for 200,000 a hand - and it resulted in the house-sized tip to the dealer.

Above all else, it paints a disturbing portrait of power in Australia and how it can be used. This compelling biography reveals the man behind the dynasty. He is also a very private person, Australias least understood tycoon. One night in 1980, at the Harold Park trots, Robbie Waterhouse told Packer he was welcome to bet with him. Kerry Packer is Australias richest and most powerful man, with a media empire worth 3000 million. (David says Packer offered to pay $200,000 and later settled up with Bill's then partners, his brother Jack and nephew John.) He asked Packer to pay up, but Bill says he never did. Nevertheless, Bill writes he was ''furious'' with Packer for taking advantage of the two ''inexperienced people'' he had left in charge. ''He said, 'You c-! You f-in' idiot! You f-in' fool!' He went in this tirade.'' Curious and deferential WSC officers, like an occupying army visiting the deserted bunker of a routed enemy, studied the memorabilia lining their executive room two floors up in the SCG members’ stand. Packer had lost $1,007,250 in one day - all in illegal bets pledged over the phone.ĭavid says he expected a ''hero's reception'' from his father for his big win, but Bill was livid. ' He said: 'Yes, I understand that.' So I said, 'If one horse wins, it's null-and-void the second bet. ''I said to Mr Packer, 'I want it on the condition that if one of these horses wins, the second bet's not on. pic.twitter.''The way he said 150, it was like a $1.50,'' David recalls. This was a man who became a legend and his casino exploits are still recalled even after his untimely passing. He deliberately bowled 4 wides because he didn’t want Tony Greig’s side having the privilege of hitting the winning runs. If you have ever searched for the names of big blackjack winners, there’s a very good chance that you’ll have come across the name Kerry Packer. Watch Ian Chappell’s humongous wide here:ĭuring WSC, Ian Chappell brought himself onto bowl with the World X1 requiring 2 runs to win the final. Ian would not be happy two seasons later, when brother Greg would ask Trevor, the third brother, to bowl underarm in an ODI against New Zealand. Behind the stumps, Rod Marsh made no attempt to collect the ball as it raced away for four byes.Ĭhappell could not prevent Tony Greig from lifting the trophy, but could at least prevent his side the pleasure of a winning hit. No one cared, for it went towards fine-leg. He put in a slip, marked his run-up, and ambled towards the bowling crease in a yellow shirt and white sweater, presumably to bowl his leg-breaks. When they needed two runs to win, Ian Chappell brought himself on. Once Asif fell, Procter stayed put, and with Imran and Alan Knott to follow, WSC World XI had little to worry. At this point, Barry Richards (101 not out) and Asif Iqbal (44) added 91 in quick time. Zaheer Abbas made 37, but at 84-4, it was anyone’s game. Gilmour then took out Eddie Barlow for a duck. It seemed their match to lose when they then posted 219, largely due to a 134-run fourth-wicket stand between Bruce Laird (58) and David Hookes (96), but le Roux (4-44) and Imran Khan (3-60) triggered a collapse, and WSC World XI were left to chase 224. Garth le Roux (5-57) and Mike Procter (3-33) had their way, but so did Lillee (5-51) and Gary Gilmour (4-53), and WSC Australia managed a four-run lead. The final at the SCG, however, was a different proposition. There was a semi-final too, and here Dennis Lillee (2-33 and 7-23) and Ray Bright (6-52 and 1-12) blew WSC West Indies away, and Australia romped home by 10 wickets. WSC World XI reached the final in 1978/79 as well. By the time the SuperTests had progressed to the second season, few were still hooked to Test cricket, now reduced to a mismatch between a full-strength England and a severely depleted Australia. ONE race day in the early 1980s, Kerry Packer strode through the Rosehill interstate betting ring keen to have an investment on the opening race in Melbourne. The myriad injuries perhaps hastened the popularity of the helmet in the sport. The fans were initially more focused on the touring Indians (who lost 3-2 against a third-string Australian side), but when Packer switched the floodlights on, so did the interest.Īustralians fans could now see the most devastating fast bowlers in the world bowl under lights at the greatest batters.

Kerry packer 52 million win