Tabcorp numbers don't stack up

For a bloke who runs a diversified casinos, pokies and punting organisation, Elmer Funke Kupper doesn't seem to have a lot of luck going his way. In the 21/2 years since he took over as chief executive of Tabcorp Holdings from Matthew Slatter, he's had to deal with an apparently never-ending series of adversities.

Apart from all the business issues that range from things like equine influenza to smoking bans to threats from new competitors, he's also had to cope with the ever-present need to keep on side with the various governments whose licences his businesses depend on.