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Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Losing hand for Poker maker - 29th October 2008
Abstracted from The Australian Financial Review
Aristocrat Leisure now expects its profit for the 2008 calendar year to be in the range of $A120m to $A150m, before one-offs. Previously, the poker machine maker predicted a full-year post-tax operating profit of between $A190m and $A200m. The reduced guidance, issued after the close of trade on 28 October 2008, was attributed to a decline in global operating conditions and slow uptake of "Generation 7" games. Aristocrat is currently searching for a new CEO
(Credit: Business Spectator)
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Abstracted from The Australian Financial Review
Aristocrat Leisure now expects its profit for the 2008 calendar year to be in the range of $A120m to $A150m, before one-offs. Previously, the poker machine maker predicted a full-year post-tax operating profit of between $A190m and $A200m. The reduced guidance, issued after the close of trade on 28 October 2008, was attributed to a decline in global operating conditions and slow uptake of "Generation 7" games. Aristocrat is currently searching for a new CEO
(Credit: Business Spectator)
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Experience Excitement of Vegas with New Virgin Casino Game, Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™
London, 28 October 2008
Virgin Games Casino today announces the launch of its most generous Blackjack game yet, Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™. Players can enjoy all American Blackjack rules and the chance to win up to 30:1 on a Blackjack!
Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™ is the ultimate casino game for both beginners and gaming experts. Players can take full advantage of the money-spinning American Blackjack rules, which include the dealer checking for Blackjack at the start of every game meaning players avoid the risk of betting money to spilt or double down.
And if that's not enough, players can double down on any two cards, double down after splits, and the dealer stands on soft-17.
Additionally, players can reap the benefits by cashing in on the 20+ Bonus™ award which pays on the biggest initial two-card hands and can pay up to 30 x if that hand loses or ties with the dealer.
As with all Virgin Casino games, players can also earn V*Points - Virgin Games' loyalty points - every time they play. Offering players the chance to redeem their points for further Virgin rewards, including Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles or
cold, hard cash, V*Points can be transferred across Virgin Games portfolio of products, including Virgin Poker and Virgin Bingo.
Premium releases including ELVIS - A Little More Action®, Cleopatra II™ and Da Vinci Diamonds® have already been added to Virgin Casino's portfolio of games in 2008. Further big IGT names will be added to Virgin Games in the coming months, ensuring a constant stream of new and exciting games to keep players' adrenalin going.
Virgin Casino launched under the Virgin Games brand in June 2004. The site was refreshed in June 2006, providing players with a greater choice of games and additional means of earning bonus points and rewards.
Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™ is available to play now on www.virgingames.com/casino
* Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™ is a trademark of IGT in the U.S. and/or other countries, and is used with permission. U.S. and international patents pending.
About Virgin Games
Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:
* Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!
* Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too
* Virgin Bingo, part of the St Minver network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme
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London, 28 October 2008
Virgin Games Casino today announces the launch of its most generous Blackjack game yet, Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™. Players can enjoy all American Blackjack rules and the chance to win up to 30:1 on a Blackjack!
Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™ is the ultimate casino game for both beginners and gaming experts. Players can take full advantage of the money-spinning American Blackjack rules, which include the dealer checking for Blackjack at the start of every game meaning players avoid the risk of betting money to spilt or double down.
And if that's not enough, players can double down on any two cards, double down after splits, and the dealer stands on soft-17.
Additionally, players can reap the benefits by cashing in on the 20+ Bonus™ award which pays on the biggest initial two-card hands and can pay up to 30 x if that hand loses or ties with the dealer.
As with all Virgin Casino games, players can also earn V*Points - Virgin Games' loyalty points - every time they play. Offering players the chance to redeem their points for further Virgin rewards, including Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Miles or
cold, hard cash, V*Points can be transferred across Virgin Games portfolio of products, including Virgin Poker and Virgin Bingo.
Premium releases including ELVIS - A Little More Action®, Cleopatra II™ and Da Vinci Diamonds® have already been added to Virgin Casino's portfolio of games in 2008. Further big IGT names will be added to Virgin Games in the coming months, ensuring a constant stream of new and exciting games to keep players' adrenalin going.
Virgin Casino launched under the Virgin Games brand in June 2004. The site was refreshed in June 2006, providing players with a greater choice of games and additional means of earning bonus points and rewards.
Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™ is available to play now on www.virgingames.com/casino
* Vegas Blackjack with 20+ Bonus™ is a trademark of IGT in the U.S. and/or other countries, and is used with permission. U.S. and international patents pending.
About Virgin Games
Virgin Games, a subsidiary of Virgin.com Ltd, launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct entertainment offerings, giving consumers the chance to play their favourite online games the Virgin way:
* Virgin Casino, part of the Wagerworks network, provides a taste of Vegas online, with classic casino offerings like blackjack and roulette, as well as popular feature slots like Elvis, Cleopatra and Vegas, Baby!
* Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry. The successful Virgin Poker Festivals, which take place in casinos around the UK throughout the year, now allow gamers to experience the fun of Virgin Poker offline too
* Virgin Bingo, part of the St Minver network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as regular promotions and an unrivalled loyalty scheme
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Poker News Media Profiles Updated
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
JackpotCity.com Blackjack Tournaments Offer Card Counters the Chance to Win Big!
Press Release
GIBRALTAR, England, October 23, 2008
JackpotCity.com Online Casino http://www.jackpotcity.com now Offers all Online Casino Players the Chance to Enjoy Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments 24/7
The world of online Blackjack is about to get even more exciting with the launch of JackpotCity.com's eagerly awaited Online Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments!
These new in software games are specifically geared towards card counting and offer players the chance to compete against one another and not just the house. The Blackjack games consist of tables playing 2, 4 or 6 decks and provide the best Blackjack for beginner, intermediate and experienced players.
All JackpotCity.com Online Casino Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments are part of a global online network where Daily Freerolls, Scheduled Tournaments and Sit n' Go Tournaments can be enjoyed. Each game is played with up to 7 players and the dealer for a total of 8 competitors with prize money for every tournament guaranteed! Non-Freeroll Tournaments have a buy-ins from $1.
JackpotCity.com Online Casino not only offers some of the internet's best Blackjack and Slots Multiplayer Tournaments, but also provides players with over 300 top rated casino games and highly anticipated monthly promotions.
To take part in the Blackjack Multiplayer Tournaments please go to JackpotCity.com, download the free casino software, open a new casino account and go to the Tournaments section in the software.
About the Carmen Media Group
The Carmen Media Group is a global gaming and entertainment group which was incorporated in Gibraltar and formed in 2002 out of the Demmy Group of companies. Its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd is licensed from Gibraltar to operate casinos and multiplayer poker in the online domain.
Carmen Media owns many of the world's oldest and most respected online gaming sites including The Gaming Club Online Casino http://www.GamingClub.com (founded 1995), Jackpot City Online Casino http://www.JackpotCity.com, River Belle Online Casino http://www.Riverbelle.com (founded 1997) and Lucky Nugget Online Casino http://www.LuckyNugget.com, as well as Cool Hand Poker http://www.CoolHandPoker.com and Jackpot City Online Bingo http://www.JackpotCityBingo.com.
Carmen Media products and online gaming brands are promoted through the industry leading gaming affiliate program ReferBack http://www.Referback.com, thereby affording our partners opportunities to market English, French, Italian, German and Spanish products.
The Carmen Media Group is incorporated and based in Gibraltar. Its products are operated by its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd under a license issued by the Government of Gibraltar, and all of its flagship casino brands have been awarded the eCOGRA seal of approval.
For more information on Carmen Media, please visit http://www.carmenmedia.com.
For more information please visit:
http://www.GamingClub.com
http://www.JackpotCity.com
http://www.Riverbelle.com
http://www.LuckyNugget.com
http://www.CoolHandPoker.com
http://www.JackpotCityBingo.com.
Contact:
Bronson Harrington,
Email: bronsonh@forwardslash.com ,
Tel: +27-21-528-9071;
Justin Kinley Atkins,
Email: justina@forwardslash.com ,
Tel: +27-21-528-9338.
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JackpotCity.com Blackjack
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Press Release
GIBRALTAR, England, October 23, 2008
JackpotCity.com Online Casino http://www.jackpotcity.com now Offers all Online Casino Players the Chance to Enjoy Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments 24/7
The world of online Blackjack is about to get even more exciting with the launch of JackpotCity.com's eagerly awaited Online Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments!
These new in software games are specifically geared towards card counting and offer players the chance to compete against one another and not just the house. The Blackjack games consist of tables playing 2, 4 or 6 decks and provide the best Blackjack for beginner, intermediate and experienced players.
All JackpotCity.com Online Casino Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments are part of a global online network where Daily Freerolls, Scheduled Tournaments and Sit n' Go Tournaments can be enjoyed. Each game is played with up to 7 players and the dealer for a total of 8 competitors with prize money for every tournament guaranteed! Non-Freeroll Tournaments have a buy-ins from $1.
JackpotCity.com Online Casino not only offers some of the internet's best Blackjack and Slots Multiplayer Tournaments, but also provides players with over 300 top rated casino games and highly anticipated monthly promotions.
To take part in the Blackjack Multiplayer Tournaments please go to JackpotCity.com, download the free casino software, open a new casino account and go to the Tournaments section in the software.
About the Carmen Media Group
The Carmen Media Group is a global gaming and entertainment group which was incorporated in Gibraltar and formed in 2002 out of the Demmy Group of companies. Its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd is licensed from Gibraltar to operate casinos and multiplayer poker in the online domain.
Carmen Media owns many of the world's oldest and most respected online gaming sites including The Gaming Club Online Casino http://www.GamingClub.com (founded 1995), Jackpot City Online Casino http://www.JackpotCity.com, River Belle Online Casino http://www.Riverbelle.com (founded 1997) and Lucky Nugget Online Casino http://www.LuckyNugget.com, as well as Cool Hand Poker http://www.CoolHandPoker.com and Jackpot City Online Bingo http://www.JackpotCityBingo.com.
Carmen Media products and online gaming brands are promoted through the industry leading gaming affiliate program ReferBack http://www.Referback.com, thereby affording our partners opportunities to market English, French, Italian, German and Spanish products.
The Carmen Media Group is incorporated and based in Gibraltar. Its products are operated by its wholly owned subsidiary Tower Rock Ltd under a license issued by the Government of Gibraltar, and all of its flagship casino brands have been awarded the eCOGRA seal of approval.
For more information on Carmen Media, please visit http://www.carmenmedia.com.
For more information please visit:
http://www.GamingClub.com
http://www.JackpotCity.com
http://www.Riverbelle.com
http://www.LuckyNugget.com
http://www.CoolHandPoker.com
http://www.JackpotCityBingo.com.
Contact:
Bronson Harrington,
Email: bronsonh@forwardslash.com ,
Tel: +27-21-528-9071;
Justin Kinley Atkins,
Email: justina@forwardslash.com ,
Tel: +27-21-528-9338.
Media Man Australia Profiles
JackpotCity.com
JackpotCity.com Blackjack
Cool Hand Poker
Poker News
Online Casino News
Casino News Media
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Domain Fight: iMEGA Petitions to Block Kentucky Court
Oct. 22, 2008 - iMEGA petitioned the Kentucky Court of Appeals for a writ of mandamus, to block a lower court’s decision allowing Kentucky to seize 141 domain names. Kentucky’s lawyers have sought these domain names, all related to Internet gaming and advertising, in an effort to protect Kentucky’s own in-state gambling operations from competition, and to extract tens of millions of dollars in penalties from the domain registrants.
Copy: iMEGA Petition to Kentucky Court of Appeals (.pdf format)
“Since the lower court elected to ignore Kentucky law, and instead reached back to a law the current one supplanted to find a rationale justifying these seizures, we have no choice but to go to the Court of Appeals, ” said Joe Brennan Jr., iMEGA chairman and CEO. “This errant ruling affects far more than Kentucky and the domain names currently at risk. If this is allowed to stand, you’ll see other actions like this, targeting other segments of Internet media, at the state and local level, both here and abroad.”
iMEGA has asked the Court of Appeals to intercede due to the lower court’s lack of jurisdiction over the domain names, as none of the names are owned by Kentucky residents, or managed by in-state domain registrars. iMEGA also asked the court to consider the serious constitutional violations by the lower court.
iMEGA’s lawyers included specific grounds for the higher court to intercede, including the misapplication of Kentucky’s own “gambling devices” statute to include domain names; that there is no basis for civil forfeiture in the Kentucky statute, which is a criminal statute; and that Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown lacked the authority to bring this action, instead of the commonwealth’s attorney-general.
iMEGA’s lawyers also outlined the lower court’s constitutional violations, including threatening free speech, by allowing Kentucky to, in essence, seize words, and prevent the domain registrants or private citizens from using them; violating the commerce clause by acting to protect Kentucky’s in-state industries and block competing out-of-state industries; and violating due process in allowing Kentucky to initiate the seizure action against the domain registrants in a secret court preceeding, the records of which were sealed from the public, and not providing any notice of the action to the registrants, even after the judge had ruled their domain names forfeit to the state.
(Credit: iMEGA)
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Oct. 22, 2008 - iMEGA petitioned the Kentucky Court of Appeals for a writ of mandamus, to block a lower court’s decision allowing Kentucky to seize 141 domain names. Kentucky’s lawyers have sought these domain names, all related to Internet gaming and advertising, in an effort to protect Kentucky’s own in-state gambling operations from competition, and to extract tens of millions of dollars in penalties from the domain registrants.
Copy: iMEGA Petition to Kentucky Court of Appeals (.pdf format)
“Since the lower court elected to ignore Kentucky law, and instead reached back to a law the current one supplanted to find a rationale justifying these seizures, we have no choice but to go to the Court of Appeals, ” said Joe Brennan Jr., iMEGA chairman and CEO. “This errant ruling affects far more than Kentucky and the domain names currently at risk. If this is allowed to stand, you’ll see other actions like this, targeting other segments of Internet media, at the state and local level, both here and abroad.”
iMEGA has asked the Court of Appeals to intercede due to the lower court’s lack of jurisdiction over the domain names, as none of the names are owned by Kentucky residents, or managed by in-state domain registrars. iMEGA also asked the court to consider the serious constitutional violations by the lower court.
iMEGA’s lawyers included specific grounds for the higher court to intercede, including the misapplication of Kentucky’s own “gambling devices” statute to include domain names; that there is no basis for civil forfeiture in the Kentucky statute, which is a criminal statute; and that Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown lacked the authority to bring this action, instead of the commonwealth’s attorney-general.
iMEGA’s lawyers also outlined the lower court’s constitutional violations, including threatening free speech, by allowing Kentucky to, in essence, seize words, and prevent the domain registrants or private citizens from using them; violating the commerce clause by acting to protect Kentucky’s in-state industries and block competing out-of-state industries; and violating due process in allowing Kentucky to initiate the seizure action against the domain registrants in a secret court preceeding, the records of which were sealed from the public, and not providing any notice of the action to the registrants, even after the judge had ruled their domain names forfeit to the state.
(Credit: iMEGA)
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Police say money in poker houses 'astronomical' - CTV - 17th October 2008
A Toronto police detective estimates that one of two gaming houses raided earlier this week earned at least $1.5 million per year for the operator.
"It's astronomical how much money they make," Det. Emilio DiPoce told ctvtoronto.ca on Friday. "Anybody who deals in drugs has got to have their head read, when the gambling is so easy for them."
The money is tax free, so that's equivalent to earning $3 million legitimately, DiPoce said.
"The last one we done where we actually got books from, the guy netted $900,000."
DiPoce said such gaming clubs are "popping up all over the place," adding, "it's only going to get worse."
The growth of Texas Hold 'em poker on television has fuelled interest in such clubs, he said. These clubs advertise on the Internet. They provide free food and credit is easy to get, he said.
On one online poker forum, the following message was posted in February 2006: "The game is still going strong since last night everyone. Come get your crazy 1/2 NL action! This game is probably gonna wrap around for a second night as more players continue to fuel the fire. Let's see if we can hit the 48 hour mark. Gimme a call for details if you want in on this."
That message was posted on behalf of the Nuttz poker club, located at 319 Spadina Ave. The name given for the poster was "Kevin." Ctvtoronto.ca phoned the cellphone number listed in the posting, but Kevin said he didn't want to comment. "I'm not going to validate that," he said when told his name was associated with Nuttz.
Police executed search warrants on Nuttz and the Pertutti Bar at 1248 St. Clair Ave. W. They say they seized gaming tables, chips, cards, other equipment and cash.
They have charged seven people with keeping a common gaming house. Fifty-six others have been charged with being found in a common gaming house.
The investigation, led by the organized crime section's illegal gambling unit, is a partnership of various police services across southern Ontario from Ottawa to Windsor.
"The unit is responsible for province-wide illegal gambling investigations pertaining to Part VII of the Criminal Code within the province of Ontario, with an emphasis on organized crime," said the news release.
DiPoce said the establishments raided on Wednesday don't appear to be part of a wider operation.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker News
A Toronto police detective estimates that one of two gaming houses raided earlier this week earned at least $1.5 million per year for the operator.
"It's astronomical how much money they make," Det. Emilio DiPoce told ctvtoronto.ca on Friday. "Anybody who deals in drugs has got to have their head read, when the gambling is so easy for them."
The money is tax free, so that's equivalent to earning $3 million legitimately, DiPoce said.
"The last one we done where we actually got books from, the guy netted $900,000."
DiPoce said such gaming clubs are "popping up all over the place," adding, "it's only going to get worse."
The growth of Texas Hold 'em poker on television has fuelled interest in such clubs, he said. These clubs advertise on the Internet. They provide free food and credit is easy to get, he said.
On one online poker forum, the following message was posted in February 2006: "The game is still going strong since last night everyone. Come get your crazy 1/2 NL action! This game is probably gonna wrap around for a second night as more players continue to fuel the fire. Let's see if we can hit the 48 hour mark. Gimme a call for details if you want in on this."
That message was posted on behalf of the Nuttz poker club, located at 319 Spadina Ave. The name given for the poster was "Kevin." Ctvtoronto.ca phoned the cellphone number listed in the posting, but Kevin said he didn't want to comment. "I'm not going to validate that," he said when told his name was associated with Nuttz.
Police executed search warrants on Nuttz and the Pertutti Bar at 1248 St. Clair Ave. W. They say they seized gaming tables, chips, cards, other equipment and cash.
They have charged seven people with keeping a common gaming house. Fifty-six others have been charged with being found in a common gaming house.
The investigation, led by the organized crime section's illegal gambling unit, is a partnership of various police services across southern Ontario from Ottawa to Windsor.
"The unit is responsible for province-wide illegal gambling investigations pertaining to Part VII of the Criminal Code within the province of Ontario, with an emphasis on organized crime," said the news release.
DiPoce said the establishments raided on Wednesday don't appear to be part of a wider operation.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker News
Bodog’s Fall From Grace Continues, by Anonymous - 24th October 2008
A judgment was handed down requiring Bodog.com to pay $50 million in a lawsuit settlement to 1st Technology LLC. This relates back to Bodog.com violating software contact agreements with 1st Technology LLC. The online gaming giant was given the opportunity to have their day in court. However, there were no representatives for Bodog.com in the courtroom. Therefore the judge was left with no choice but to automatically find in favor of 1st Technology LLC.
In addition to the large scale judgment amount, the two main operating domain names of Bodog.com and Bodog.net were ordered to cease operations as well. Bodog operations responded by creating a new domain name from which to continue daily operations. The new domain name of bodoglife.com was launched and an appeal of the judgment was filed.
Bodog continues to struggle in finding its identity these days following drastic management changes and massive layoffs. The company's founder, Calvin Ayre, is nowhere to be found following his abrupt (and some say "forced") retirement last spring.
Bodog Poker is having trouble paying players. They've bounced a number of checks and it is obvious they are losing market share in recent months. The site had previously peaked at number 10 among "real cash players" and gradually they have dropped down the ranks to number 15.
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A judgment was handed down requiring Bodog.com to pay $50 million in a lawsuit settlement to 1st Technology LLC. This relates back to Bodog.com violating software contact agreements with 1st Technology LLC. The online gaming giant was given the opportunity to have their day in court. However, there were no representatives for Bodog.com in the courtroom. Therefore the judge was left with no choice but to automatically find in favor of 1st Technology LLC.
In addition to the large scale judgment amount, the two main operating domain names of Bodog.com and Bodog.net were ordered to cease operations as well. Bodog operations responded by creating a new domain name from which to continue daily operations. The new domain name of bodoglife.com was launched and an appeal of the judgment was filed.
Bodog continues to struggle in finding its identity these days following drastic management changes and massive layoffs. The company's founder, Calvin Ayre, is nowhere to be found following his abrupt (and some say "forced") retirement last spring.
Bodog Poker is having trouble paying players. They've bounced a number of checks and it is obvious they are losing market share in recent months. The site had previously peaked at number 10 among "real cash players" and gradually they have dropped down the ranks to number 15.
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FHM poker school will rid gambling of 'the smell of old men', by Ciar Byrne - The Independent - 7th February 2005
The men's monthly wants to grab some Vegas glam rather than high street bookie gloom
Girls in bikinis and pub humour are no longer enough to cut it in the world of men's magazines, prompting the leading men's monthly, FHM, to stake its future on the world of poker. Over the next six months, the title will attempt to turn its three million, predominantly 16- to 34-year-old readers into poker aces as well as hosting a "wooden" online poker competition (meaning no money will change hands).
Girls in bikinis and pub humour are no longer enough to cut it in the world of men's magazines, prompting the leading men's monthly, FHM, to stake its future on the world of poker. Over the next six months, the title will attempt to turn its three million, predominantly 16- to 34-year-old readers into poker aces as well as hosting a "wooden" online poker competition (meaning no money will change hands).
The top 10 players will then be invited to London to battle it out for a £10,000 cash prize, before gaining entry to a professional poker tournament where their progress will be filmed for a television show on Bravo.
The campaign is the brainchild of David Pullan, the new managing director of FHM Worldwide, who is responsible for the 28 editions of the men's title around the world.
FHM has teamed up with the US-based online World Poker Exchange as well as Flextech-owned Bravo and the London dance music radio station Kiss FM (like FHM, part of the Emap group) to promote the game.
Pullan deliberately chose a partner in America, where poker has achieved the status of a fashionable rite of passage. "One of the problems with a lot of traditional forms of gambling is the smell of old men associated with them," he says.
"American brands, particularly in poker, have a more aspirational sheen. It's that whole Vegas thing, Ocean's Eleven. The bookie on Streatham High Street doesn't quite impart the same feeling of glamour."
In the magazine, FHM readers will find "non-didactic" poker tips on the etiquette of the game and how to bluff, while online they can view tutorial videos "delivered by a model wearing an evening gown rather than a bloke in a tux".
Pullan says the TV programme following the FHM winners will be a bit like the Channel 4 hit show Faking It. "It's got all that dramatic tension around how our plucky amateurs will get on. But the difference here is you're not trying to win a horse trial or a cooking competition. There's a million-dollar pot."
Formerly head of marketing at Five, he admits that FHM as a brand has "probably not been fully exploited to the maximum effect". As part of his remit to create an FHM brand that stretches beyond the magazine, he is keen to expand further into television, as well as embracing the internet and mobile phones.
In another joint venture with Bravo, FHM has made a half-hour documentary about its popular "High Street Honeys" competition, charting the progress of the winner from girl next door to cover star.
Talks are also under way to create a fully fledged FHM spin-off show based around the magazine's catch phrase "funny, sexy, useful".
"The biggest problem is that replicating magazine content on television is hugely expensive. One feature in FHM is a half-hour documentary on Channel 4. You have to think laterally," says Pullan.
Promoting the magazine across a number of platforms has become more urgent in the face of fresh competition from the new men's weeklies Nuts and Zoo. Pullan insists that FHM has hardly been affected by the success of these titles, thanks to its decision not to take them on in the areas where they excel because of their quick turnaround - sport, topical news stories and entertainment.
"The strategy was to make FHM feel like an indulgence, something you buy because it sits on your table for a full four weeks, with different girls, time-relevant rather than topical information and we really focus on making it funny."
(Credit: The Independent)
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The men's monthly wants to grab some Vegas glam rather than high street bookie gloom
Girls in bikinis and pub humour are no longer enough to cut it in the world of men's magazines, prompting the leading men's monthly, FHM, to stake its future on the world of poker. Over the next six months, the title will attempt to turn its three million, predominantly 16- to 34-year-old readers into poker aces as well as hosting a "wooden" online poker competition (meaning no money will change hands).
Girls in bikinis and pub humour are no longer enough to cut it in the world of men's magazines, prompting the leading men's monthly, FHM, to stake its future on the world of poker. Over the next six months, the title will attempt to turn its three million, predominantly 16- to 34-year-old readers into poker aces as well as hosting a "wooden" online poker competition (meaning no money will change hands).
The top 10 players will then be invited to London to battle it out for a £10,000 cash prize, before gaining entry to a professional poker tournament where their progress will be filmed for a television show on Bravo.
The campaign is the brainchild of David Pullan, the new managing director of FHM Worldwide, who is responsible for the 28 editions of the men's title around the world.
FHM has teamed up with the US-based online World Poker Exchange as well as Flextech-owned Bravo and the London dance music radio station Kiss FM (like FHM, part of the Emap group) to promote the game.
Pullan deliberately chose a partner in America, where poker has achieved the status of a fashionable rite of passage. "One of the problems with a lot of traditional forms of gambling is the smell of old men associated with them," he says.
"American brands, particularly in poker, have a more aspirational sheen. It's that whole Vegas thing, Ocean's Eleven. The bookie on Streatham High Street doesn't quite impart the same feeling of glamour."
In the magazine, FHM readers will find "non-didactic" poker tips on the etiquette of the game and how to bluff, while online they can view tutorial videos "delivered by a model wearing an evening gown rather than a bloke in a tux".
Pullan says the TV programme following the FHM winners will be a bit like the Channel 4 hit show Faking It. "It's got all that dramatic tension around how our plucky amateurs will get on. But the difference here is you're not trying to win a horse trial or a cooking competition. There's a million-dollar pot."
Formerly head of marketing at Five, he admits that FHM as a brand has "probably not been fully exploited to the maximum effect". As part of his remit to create an FHM brand that stretches beyond the magazine, he is keen to expand further into television, as well as embracing the internet and mobile phones.
In another joint venture with Bravo, FHM has made a half-hour documentary about its popular "High Street Honeys" competition, charting the progress of the winner from girl next door to cover star.
Talks are also under way to create a fully fledged FHM spin-off show based around the magazine's catch phrase "funny, sexy, useful".
"The biggest problem is that replicating magazine content on television is hugely expensive. One feature in FHM is a half-hour documentary on Channel 4. You have to think laterally," says Pullan.
Promoting the magazine across a number of platforms has become more urgent in the face of fresh competition from the new men's weeklies Nuts and Zoo. Pullan insists that FHM has hardly been affected by the success of these titles, thanks to its decision not to take them on in the areas where they excel because of their quick turnaround - sport, topical news stories and entertainment.
"The strategy was to make FHM feel like an indulgence, something you buy because it sits on your table for a full four weeks, with different girls, time-relevant rather than topical information and we really focus on making it funny."
(Credit: The Independent)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker Babes
FHM
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Disgraced Former Cricket Player Now Poker Pro?, by Anonymous - 25th October 2008
Only in the world of poker can someone viewed as a person of low moral character be seen as a hero.
The latest example?
A disgraced former professional cricket player from Australia is holding a charity poker tournament-at a major Australian casino!
According to media reports, retired Australian pro cricket player Shane Warne, along with Australian poker pro and 2005 World Series of Poker champ Joe Hachem, will host a charity poker tournament on Monday, October 27, 2008, at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
The tourney is to benefit the Shane Warne Foundation, a charity that benefits sick and underprivileged children in Australia, the media reports said.
But wait a minute!
Isn't Warne a highly-disgraced ex-sports pro, at least in Australia and any place else where people know who he is?
You bet he is!
According to past accounts from newspapers in Australia and England and elsewhere, Warne, who was a top cricket player, was disciplined on numerous occasions by his sport for less than exemplary behavior.
The most serious incident was in 2004, when he was suspended from cricket for a year for using illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
In 1995, he was fined thousands of dollars after getting caught passing inside information about upcoming cricket matches to a bookmaker.
In 1999, he got into hot water after making negative comments about a Sri Lankan cricket player. The brouhaha earned Warne a fine and a two-match suspension.
In addition, his sexual escapades and extra-marital affairs have been fodder for the cricket media, and he has been investigated by a British government agency for shilling a shady company that makes a hair-restoration drug.
What a guy!
Let's get him to run a charity tournament for poor and sick kids!
Only in the highly-dysfunctional world of poker.
It's akin to a charity poker tourney being held in the USA by steroid abuser Barry Bonds, wife beater Jose Canseco, gambler Pete Rose or all-around miscreant O.J. Simpson.
Then again, charity poker tournaments in the USA in recent years have featured child molesters Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston Jr. and "Sean" Sheikhan and drug dealer Mike "The Mouth" Matusow.
And just a few weeks ago, Phil "Poker Brat" Hellmuth Jr. was asked to host a charity poker tournament with disgraced former NFL star Paul Hornung.
Hornung was once banned from the NFL for a year for betting on NFL games.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker News
Casino News
Only in the world of poker can someone viewed as a person of low moral character be seen as a hero.
The latest example?
A disgraced former professional cricket player from Australia is holding a charity poker tournament-at a major Australian casino!
According to media reports, retired Australian pro cricket player Shane Warne, along with Australian poker pro and 2005 World Series of Poker champ Joe Hachem, will host a charity poker tournament on Monday, October 27, 2008, at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
The tourney is to benefit the Shane Warne Foundation, a charity that benefits sick and underprivileged children in Australia, the media reports said.
But wait a minute!
Isn't Warne a highly-disgraced ex-sports pro, at least in Australia and any place else where people know who he is?
You bet he is!
According to past accounts from newspapers in Australia and England and elsewhere, Warne, who was a top cricket player, was disciplined on numerous occasions by his sport for less than exemplary behavior.
The most serious incident was in 2004, when he was suspended from cricket for a year for using illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
In 1995, he was fined thousands of dollars after getting caught passing inside information about upcoming cricket matches to a bookmaker.
In 1999, he got into hot water after making negative comments about a Sri Lankan cricket player. The brouhaha earned Warne a fine and a two-match suspension.
In addition, his sexual escapades and extra-marital affairs have been fodder for the cricket media, and he has been investigated by a British government agency for shilling a shady company that makes a hair-restoration drug.
What a guy!
Let's get him to run a charity tournament for poor and sick kids!
Only in the highly-dysfunctional world of poker.
It's akin to a charity poker tourney being held in the USA by steroid abuser Barry Bonds, wife beater Jose Canseco, gambler Pete Rose or all-around miscreant O.J. Simpson.
Then again, charity poker tournaments in the USA in recent years have featured child molesters Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston Jr. and "Sean" Sheikhan and drug dealer Mike "The Mouth" Matusow.
And just a few weeks ago, Phil "Poker Brat" Hellmuth Jr. was asked to host a charity poker tournament with disgraced former NFL star Paul Hornung.
Hornung was once banned from the NFL for a year for betting on NFL games.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Poker News
Casino News
Crown Casino To Host Charity Poker Tournament - 24th October 2008
On October 27th, Australian poker players (and anyone else who wants to make the trip) will have a chance to play poker with PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem as he hosts the "2008 Joe Hachem & Shane Warne Charity Poker Tournament" along with internationally renowned Cricketer Shane Warne.
This $1,000 buy-in tournament (with $500 rebuys) will be fully catered and will have a celebrity (mostly Aussie) at each and every table. Some of the celebrities expected to attend include Jeff Fenech, Brian McFadden, FiFi Box, Kevin Muscat and Billy Brownless. The winner of the event is guaranteed a $25,000 cash first prize.
All proceeds of the event will go to the Shane Warne Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds to help underprivileged and seriously ill children in Australia. The Shane Warne Foundation works as a conduit to many smaller organizations, distributing the raised money to help them buy equipment and run programs that benefit Australian kids.
For more information visit www.tswf.com.au.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Crown Casino
Shane Warne
Joe Hachem
Jeff Fenech
Poker News
Casino News
On October 27th, Australian poker players (and anyone else who wants to make the trip) will have a chance to play poker with PokerStars Pro Joe Hachem as he hosts the "2008 Joe Hachem & Shane Warne Charity Poker Tournament" along with internationally renowned Cricketer Shane Warne.
This $1,000 buy-in tournament (with $500 rebuys) will be fully catered and will have a celebrity (mostly Aussie) at each and every table. Some of the celebrities expected to attend include Jeff Fenech, Brian McFadden, FiFi Box, Kevin Muscat and Billy Brownless. The winner of the event is guaranteed a $25,000 cash first prize.
All proceeds of the event will go to the Shane Warne Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds to help underprivileged and seriously ill children in Australia. The Shane Warne Foundation works as a conduit to many smaller organizations, distributing the raised money to help them buy equipment and run programs that benefit Australian kids.
For more information visit www.tswf.com.au.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Crown Casino
Shane Warne
Joe Hachem
Jeff Fenech
Poker News
Casino News
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