in 2010, the pokies billionaire Bruce Mathieson was accussed of undermining the Western Bulldogs and Richmond by shifting lucrative pokies joint ventures across to Carlton.
POKIES king Bruce Mathieson says he gifted hundreds of money-spinning poker machines to Carlton in the name of love. The former Blues director and life-long supporter has handed over control of about 300 pokies to the club - a move that will secure Carlton's financial future for decades. Late president Richard Pratt was seen by many as Carlton's saviour, but it's Mathieson who has truly delivered. Gambling losses at the four hotels which have the machines totalled $22.6 million last year alone - and pokie takings at a fifth venue will soon add to the club's windfall. The Blues will pocket a hefty slice of the riches every year. "I love the club. It's something we (his family gaming empire) wanted to do and so that's what we did," Mathieson told the Herald Sun yesterday. - Herald-Sun
Mathieson got start in hotel management 1974. Teamed with Woolworths in 2000. Now he and Woolworths together through their ALH Group joint venture manage 270 hotels. Also makes money in gaming, in 2010, he was listed as the 28th richest person in Australia with an assets around 680 million.
He is married with 3 children.