Through a deal with bookmaker Matthew Tripp, James Packer's Crown Resorts has taken control of Tripp’s online betting start-up BetEasy, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

BetEasy

The agreement gives Crown access to the rapid growth in fixed-odds betting that is reshaping the AUS$13bn online wagering market, while BetEasy will target growth by marketing directly to some of Crown's biggest customers.

In a statement, Packer said the deal will provide "significant benefits and opportunities for our existing and future customers.

“Matt Tripp and his team have proven they have the experience and ability to build and operate a world-class business,” he said.

"This exciting new venture will help build an Australian-owned business that can compete strongly with the largely foreign-owned competitors in our wagering industry."

A new operating company, two-thirds owned by Crown and the rest by BetEasy, will be created. Both parties will put in working capital, but sources for the SMH said no money has changed hands in the deal.