Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Australian Gambling And Casino News, by Greg Tingle - 14th September 2010

The Australian gambling and gaming sector has never been hotter. Today we're got casino tycoon James Packer and friends news, political fodder pertaining to the Aussie gambling sector, a death following a visit to a casino party in the Asia Pacific, industry trends in land based venues and the online gaming sector and more. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to deliver the hard hitting news in an uncensored, unfiltered, caffeine free way... just the way you like it...

Gambling King James Packer And Media King Lachlan Murdoch Celebrate Together...

James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch, both ultra successful - business, gorgeous wives, fantastic lifestyles, you name it, shared a birthday celebration together on the 8th of September Media Man has learned. The tycoons Packer, 43, Murdoch, 39, joined with their better halves Erica and Sarah in 'Sin City' Sydney - the Surry Hills Restaurant and Bar The Winery, to be exact. The couples grabbed a quick bit, then birthday cake of course, and water, maybe on a heath kick...and swapped pressies. Packer gave Murdoch a little something from Cartier... we know, as a little red bag was seen entering and exiting the premises. The new week sees both gents contemplating what action to take regarding that messy One.Tel JV situation from the past. There's Jodee Rich, facing a Wednesday deadline to decide whether to serve a damages claim he has filed against Murdoch, Packer, News Ltd and Consolidated Media Holdings. Should the claim be served, it will most likely join the $244 million damages claim lodged in August by One.Tel's special purpose liquidator Paul Weston. More on this developing situation in the coming days, but it will take a lot to spoil Packer's fun and success at the moment, with his Australian and international ventures going from strength to strength. Can't wait to Aussie Millions at Crown Casino this January.

PartyGaming VS Virgin Games VS MicroGaming Powered Online Casino Wars Continue...

PartyGaming's brands including their mega popular PartyCasino and PartyPoker continue to maintain most popular online gaming website status in Australia for casino and poker. Richard Branson's Virgin Games is looking to move forward in the Australia Pacific, and is understood to also be in touch with Australian authorities. Microgaming powered Captain Cooks has lost a bit of steam, with newer challenger Roxy Casino now offering Aussies The Lord Of The Rings - Fellowship of the Ring slot. Party's Sinatra, Cleopatra, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune, Rambo, The Terminator, King Kong and Heist are some of the most popular online slots of all for the Aussies, with their sign up bonus of $500 all told being very attractive to most punters. Many of Party's online slot games are in fact very good versions of the land based casino equivalents. In fact, IGT has its own online arm, WagerWorks, which often supplies games to both PartyCasino and Virgin Casino. Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider: Secret of the Sword is still widely regarded as the most popular Microgaming powered game, but again, PartyGaming rules for branded slots in Australia. The play for free or play for money option has also proved to be a winning formula, as are the multi currency options, and the set betting limits option. All these brands have impressive security in place, and have been established for almost 30 years between them. Aussie's have been begging for a 'Kerry Packer', 'Underbelly' and 'Andre The Giant' slot game, but it still hasn't happened, but Christmas is coming. PKR is the most popular place still for 3D poker games and now also offer sport betting, taking a little chuck out of the likes of Betfair and Centrebet. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is considered the world's most successful online gambling company, and that was even before the bwin deal being announced. Movie and TV show themes remain very appealing to players, with the games being an extension of the greater entertainment industry. PartyCasino won last months Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award, with Virgin in 2nd and Captain Cooks grabbing 3rd. Congrats PartyGaming, and all others for their spirited competition.

Aussie Casino King James Packer And Friends Party In Melbourne...

'The King' was making the most of his return to down under, Melbourne last week, having cruised in from his high seas voyage of discovery. He joined mates, grabbing a feed at Crown Casino with Network Nine connection buddies David Gyngell, Eddie McGuire, Jeffrey Browne, Shane Warne. Media Man has named the foursome as some of the key players in what has been come to be known around town as the 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia'. JP was also spotted at Hemmesphere with sister Gretel, who we understand was celebrating a birthday. Yep, another party, so let's celebrate. More good fodder for the press.

Australian Clubs Might Follow Norwegian Pokie System Despite Problems; Punters Tipped To Bet More Via Online Pokies In Show Of Defiance...

A few years ago, way up north, Norwegian authorities reckon thet saw a rise in "problem gambling" (whatever exactly that is) in the pokie player mix, so they ripped out all the 15,000 one armed bandits from every pokie palace in the nation. Some punters went underground playing at illegal dens, others hit the internet pokies, some both. This scenario might just be on the cards for Australia. You know, see no evil, hear no evil! Out of sight, and out of mind. We all know banning things doesn't work. What happens when a book or music video, movie... whatever gets banned? They become more popular of course. Anyway, on with the tale and fast forward a year later, in 2008, and Norway reintroduced electronic gambling but with a piss weak system that some Australian thought police...the ones know know what is best for you, and are trying to protect you from yourself! Under a written agreement between PM Julia Gillard and the new Tasmanian independent MP Andrew 'Witty and Wild' (MM tag) Wilkie), the federal government has pledged to introduce a national "pre-commitment system" for Australia's 198,000 poker machines by 2012. The pitch is that this will "force" players to set spending limits in advance, and looks likely to shut them out for a period, once they reach their maximum. Of course in reality it will force gambling underground, be it to Kings Cross, Surry Hills, Bondi Beach, the internet or wherever. Banning trying to stop people doing X has never worked. Just look at the recent sackings of MP's from the Australian government - and they were looking at porn and gambling websites. Then there was a ABC TV presenter who collected kiddie porn - he still did it. Gambling regulation is the responsibility of the state governments, which new in billions of dollars, or about 10% of their annual revenue from gambling tax... pokies being the best, the federal government is now seeking legal advice on how it can enforce a pre-commitment system if the states refuse, which is quite likely. The Wilkie "deal" was struck on September 2 and clubs and others in the industry have been determined to point out its injustice and futility. Note, the Aussie Labor government has also been to known to break "deals" - go back on their word, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. The Aussie Productivity Commission recommended the pre-commitment system after stating that about 41% (in dispute by all clubs) of the $11.9 billion Aussies spend on pokies each year came from "problem gamblers". It also questioned the community benefits that clubs claim to offer. The commission also dismissed concerns about job losses. Many clubs now believe the commission report was rigged and bias, and had an agenda in place from day dot, and was a way to push the bias of a couple of Australian anti gambling campaigners, despite data being corrupted. Andrew Wilkie is the MP now making the most noise, and he's quickly making a number of enemies in the pub and hospitality industry, and even a few underworld figures have their eyes and minds on Wilkie it is understood. A price is not know, but club whispers indicate its substantial. Wilkie is understood to have had to boost his security at work and home in fear of "what if" type scenarios. Wilkie and friend, the South Australian anti-pokies independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (MM tag) Xenophon, say the intention and sentiment of the "deal" is for a mandatory system. Gaming firms, pubs and hotel associations give a lot of money to Labor, and lobbying against a mandatory system is tipped to be massive. When the deal was announced, shares in pokie manufacturer Aristocrat dropped. Tabcorp and Tatts Group were only slightly affected, since the share market knows that neither of the firms own pokies after 2012, under licensing changes down south in Victoria. It is understood Tabcorp plans to manage some gaming rooms for a fee for some venues, but its real future is in casinos and wagering. Tatts could stand to win from a pre-commitment system. Through its Maxgaming arm, it runs monitoring for pokies in Queensland, NSW and the Northern Territory and is considered a most likely contender to win the same licence in Victoria. Maxgaming, which delivered a cool $42.6 million in earnings last year, already offers a pre-commitment system. One of the country's biggest poker machine operators, Woolworths, runs just over 12,000 machines through its 75% stake in ALH Group. It is running a trial of a voluntary pre-commitment system in a Queensland venues. ALH spokesman David Curry declined to say what effect this system has had on revenue or how many players have taken it up. "It's relatively early days. We do support voluntary pre-commitment and by voluntary, I mean opt-in." He argues mandatory pre-commitment would deter the group of friends having a few drinks on a Friday night who decide to play a few dollars on the pokies, and says they make up a significant portion of punters. "The productivity commission said that between 0.5 and 1 per cent of Australians are problem gamblers. So that leaves an awful number of recreational gamblers," Curry says. That figure is quoted often by those opposed to a mandatory system, who say it will punish the vast majority of recreational players, thus unfairly punishing venues. The commish found that there were between 80,000 and 160,000 Aussie adults suffering significant problems from gambling, or 0.5 to 1% of all adults. 230,000 to 350,000 adults experience "moderate risks" that may make them vulnerable to "problem gambling". Problem gamblers contribute up to 60% of total gaming machine spending, says the commission, but clubs and many industry expects say the report went out to inflate the numbers in order to try to push their own personal beliefs. Some of the crusaders said a punter could loose about $50,000 - $70,000 per hour playing a pokie, which is scientifically - mathematically impossible. A study by Scandinavian research group SINTEF found no change in the proportion of people with gambling problems in Norway in 2008, compared with 2007, even though all slot machines were removed from the market. The problem apparently shifted - online! A large proportion of problem gamblers "reported that internet gambling was their most important form of gambling," the researchers found. Aussies are spending about $850 million a year on overseas gambling websites according to insiders and leakers. Only time will tell for sure as to what will work, and what won't, but clubs are hear to stay, as is the internet, including games of skill, games of chance, and everything else, and we all know that having a punt is one of strongest attributes of Australian culture. Australians are also some of the world's highest users of the internet for work or play, so expect a lot more to be written about this political hot fodder. Gambling911 and Media Man will be proving frequent news updates, and also the odd game review on their world famous website portals, which happen to cover about a dozen different news and entertainment sectors, gaming and gambling just being one main group, albeit just about the most popular. Funny that! Work hard and play harder - its the Australian way maties.

Australians Gambling With Dangerous Websites?...

Australians tend to believe that all websites and website portals carry an equal security risk, be it gambling, sex - adult, news, mobile games and ringtones, entertainment or other content. It's a subject some news media and new media companies try to sidestep at times... just how safe or dangerous is the internet, and how do gambling and adult websites fit into the landscape. The majority of the loyal readership would be aware that both Media Man and Gambling911 are well established media website portals that cover news, sports, gaming, gambling, entertainment and more. We've learned that approximately 13% see gambling websites as most dangerous. A recent survey of computer users has found that 1 in 3 believe that all websites pose a security threat! Quizzed 'Where do you suspect is the greatest danger of malware infection on the internet', 34% said that when it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous. Websites that offer illegal software were deemed to be dangerous to 27%, 22% believed that visitors to adult sites are exposed to dangers, while 13% saw online gambling sites as the most treacherous. Only 4% per cent believed that big website portals (like Media Man, Google, Yahoo, NineMSN, Wikipedia) are particularly vulnerable due to their massive popularity. Sorin Mustaca, data security expert at Avira, who kindly conducted the said survey, said "On one hand, it's encouraging to see that over 33% of our user base has learned that security threats can come from any website, but it's also a statement on our society at large when 1 out of every 3 people can't trust any of the websites they visit." Carl Leonard, senior threat research manager at Websense, believes that the results underline the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the risks when browsing the internet. He said "While 34% is a positive increase in awareness, it clearly shows that two-thirds of users still lack awareness of online security threats. Businesses are also suffering from the same problem and many do not adequately protect themselves online. "Threats can come from anywhere: cyber criminals are known to target Web 2.0 websites, the most popular 100 websites, legitimate business websites and brand new sites; and they specifically look for places to host zero-day attacks. Today's sophisticated threats are increasingly blended attacks which hit all these channels and if a business has not got the right protection it can be hugely damaging." Christopher Boyd, senior threat researcher at GFI Labs, said "Personally I'd be more worried by browser games and social networking applications than pornographic websites - adult entertainment websites realised a long time ago that they won't maximise their profits while peddling infections and malicious code hijacks. In contrast, so many applications are untested and unverified by the platforms they operate on that spam, malicious links and compromised profiles are increasingly the order of the day. Warez sites can be lethal, as the code you're downloading could contain absolutely anything." Matthew Bruun, security expert at VeriSign, said "It's great to see that consumers are thinking about their online security, but as long as users are prudent and cautious when they are operating online there is no need to distrust every website. In order to get the best from the web, consumers need to know what to look for so that they can make the best judgement on whether or not to give a site their custom. Always look for visible security cues such as trust marks, or the green address bar, to guarantee that the website is authentic and online transactions are being secured. "It's these security factors, and not the type of website, that indicate to consumers which sites are safe to deal with. Conversely, if a site looks poorly built, has a strange URL address and contains lots of spelling or typographical errors, the user is right to be nervous."

A Media Man spokesperson said "For reasons stated in this report we are very mindful of who and what we associated ourselves with. As a world leading internet portal we need to be. We have every confidence in our friends at internet giants, Google, Gambling911, PartyGaming, Wikipedia, Virgin Games, Virgin, Playtech and Microgaming. Based on our decade in media publishing we have found Google to be a much safer company and website portal than Yahoo! and the Microsoft suite, but that's based off our own experience and the feedback we have been sent in. For gaming and gambling PartyGaming and Virgin are our current Top picks, and we offer detailed reviews on them to help boost consumer confidence. We also like poker brands World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker and Aussie Millions. WPT and WSOP sometimes get shown on Foxtel and other sports and entertainment TV shows. Tech news sites such as CNet and ZDNet are also excellent sources to get tech and web reviews. Ourselves and Gambling911 have developed quite in a niche in gaming, gambling and sports betting, and only deal with the best and most trusted company brands. We recommend that website visitors minimize risks when possible and dealing with big firms with positive reviews is a great way to do this".

Australian Man Dead After Asia Pacific Casino Party...

The surviving family of an Australian citizen found hanged in his Solomon Islands villa are now demanding that Aussie authorities fully investigate the death, which local police say was a suicide. Joanne Meiners believes the death last month of her former loving husband Wolfgang, who came to Sydney in 1961 after fleeing the then Iron Curtain nation of East Germany, was actually made to look like he took his own life. As time goes by, other people are starting to side with her belief. Mr Meiners, 69, who operated a successful fishing charter business in Honiara after relocating to the Solomon Islands 20 years ago, was found dead in his apartment on 26th August by a person identified as a former lover, who telephoned police. Speaking from her Gold Coast home, Mrs Meiners said a copy of the autopsy sent to her by friends living in Honiara revealed Mr Meiners had suffered a blow to the right eye, what appear to be defensive type wounds to his wrists, some bruising to his legs and injuries to his genitalia. "We have been told that the night prior, Wolfgang attended a party at the Pacific Casino Hotel held to celebrate the election of a new prime minister in the Solomon Islands," Mrs Meiners said. "Two of his friends walked him back to his hotel later that night and stated that he was paralytic but was OK when they left him there. Other people who were at the party said he appeared happy at the function and he had no injuries on his arms." She said her former husband was a "larger-than-life character" who made headlines five years ago when he and his fishing boat crew survived 18 days at sea after their vessel broke down. Mrs Meiners said her husband had had many affairs with other women, and was too vain to take his own life. "It is incredibly suspicious. There was no toxicology done in the post mortem. The autopsy report on the cause of death said 'probably hanging'. It doesn't explain how he came to suffer the injuries to his crotch and the massive blood loss." She rightly wants a complete review of the autopsy and said Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers based in the Solomon Islands should investigate the case as a matter of urgency.

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Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, what's your view on casino parties? Have you ever had a dangerous experience or very "close call" at a land based or online casino? What's your favorite slot game? Tell us in the forum.

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Australian Casinos

Casino Reviews

Wrap Up...

Readers... have you visited any dangerous websites or websites lately? What's more dangerous... gambling websites, porn websites or Australian government 'Big Brother' websites, or are they equal? Tell us in the forum.

When visiting a website or website portal be on the look out for any suspicious pop ups, adverts or any other elements that look like trouble. If betting, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

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Thursday, September 09, 2010

Australian Casino Wars: Casino Strike Action!, by Greg Tingle - 9th September 2010

Australian and international pundits... you want casino and gambling action and news? Here it is maties. The world famous Australian Casino Wars continue to generate heat and excitement around the world. It's not only the main two players in Australia - James Packer owned Crown Casino and Tabcorp owned Star City Casino, but now almost certain strike action from the staff is on the cards. Rampant rumours suggest that another "strike" or two is also possible, but that may be jumping the gun! Media Man and Gambling911 don the bullet proof vests and grab the baton and plastic handcuffs. It's lights, cameras, action, strike!...

Crown Casino Workers To Strike; Rumours - Star City Casino And Others May Follow Trend...

Australian land based casinos can still operate in times of strike action, which is a very good thing for the powers that be at Crown Casino (and potentially a number of others).

Crown Limited is one of the biggest employers of Melbourne - ites - (for the moment). Let us also not forget that Crown are also a major supporter of our friend (and maybe yours) Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest.

Multiple thousands of workers at Crown Casino will likely be on strike during this year's Spring Racing Carnival as part of a significant industrial campaign for better pay, and perhaps conditions.

Crown staff will vote on the possible strike action in the coming weeks after Fair Work Australia approved the ballot. Insiders are hoping they don't get the equivalent of a hung Parliament, which was the state of Australia's senate for roughly 2 weeks, before Julia Gillard was reappointed the Prime Ministership.

Staffers are seeking out a 13.5% pay rise over three years and have flat out rejected Crown's 11% offer.

The LHMU (Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union) state secretary Jess 'Witty' (Media Man tag) Walsh said Crown Limited had posted a sizable $300 million profit and could afford the increase.

She advised any strike action would involve dealers, food and beverage staff and gaming staff.

"Members should be voting over the next few weeks, so the industrial action would occur in early October - it probably lines up with the spring racing carnival. Experienced, properly-trained staff are vital to ensuring gaming and alcohol are served responsibly at Crown. But Crown has sent a clear message it does not value the loyalty, dedication and experience of its staff. It only cares about one thing: making more money, whatever the cost to the community or its own staff. It has told staff it cannot afford a fair wage increase and needs to make changes that could cost experienced dealers almost $5000 a year, despite its $300 million profit."

Crown chief executive David 'Cashed Up' (Media Man tag) Courtney said talk of strike action was not unusual towards the end of long negotiations (the previous enterprise agreement ceased on 30th June).

He tipped Crown's 11% offer was equal to that accepted by staff at Burswood Casino in Perth, Western Australia, and more than the 9% accepted by staff at Sydney's Star City Casino.

He said Crown was hopeful of avoiding strike action.

If there was strike action the casino would continue to operate, Courtney said.

Tabcorp is tight lipped on the speculation and tip offs that another strike may hit their Star City Casino in 'Sin City' Sydney. Reef Casino and Lasseters in Australia's top end region would not disclose or confirm if they were about to suffer "strike action" (one kind or another), and no, we are not talking about aggressive boat people or the Australian or foreign Navy vessels, aircraft carriers or the like.

Insider rumors tip that they may be another kind of "strike", but that may be just heat coming from the readership of the likes of the very loud Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Regarding the talk of another kind of strike in the Australian casino sector, don't look too deep into it. Our journalist and correspondent friends are known for talking things up, mind you, stranger things have happened in the past like the casino shaft man, Ferrari thief man, and even a couple of bomb threats a few years back, so I guess anything is possible. We think the hard working staff might just get the pay increase, and hopefully it won't negatively effect the share price. Mr Packer's operation is still pretty much head and shoulders about the competition so it should still be fair winds, and let us not forget the Packer and Warnie X factor, so Crown will keep powering for the foreseeable future in any event."

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Australian Casinos

Crown Casino

Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the casino wars and potential strike action? Is other "strike action" on the cards? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

Crown Limited Share Price: $8.320

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Saturday, September 04, 2010

WPT set for a wider audience

In the US, World Poker Tour Enterprises Incorporated has announced a multi-season broadcast and promotional agreement with Fox Sports Net for the distribution of its World Poker Tour (WPT) television series.

The Los Angeles-based operator of the WPT stated that the new deal will see Seasons Nine, Ten and Eleven of the series broadcast nationally by Fox Sports Net at primetime airtimes of eight and eleven o’clock in the evening on Sunday nights along with multiple repeat airings throughout the week.

In addition, the two have agreed to ‘extensive promotional advertising’ in order to keep viewers up-to-date on any new airings over the length of the deal.

“This season promises to be unlike any previous incarnations of the WPT,” said Steve Heller, Chief Executive Officer for World Poker Tour Enterprises.

“The shows will be faster-paced and edgier featuring the biggest names in poker mixing it up with more up-and-coming stars, pre-final table action and, as always, poker’s greatest and most recognisable play-by-play commentary team of Mike Sexton and Vince Van Patten.”

Season Nine of the WPT will debut on Fox Sports Net with its 179th episode in January and viewers are set to discover a host of new enhancements to the series including the introduction of Kimberly Lansing as anchor. There will also be a new analyst set to host a recurring segment dubbed The Raw Deal alongside the launch of Royal Flush Girls serving as on-set ambassadors.

“As a leader in sports programming, Fox Sports Net has been a great champion of the WPT and we are thrilled to make this long-term commitment as we celebrate a new day for the WPT,” said Adam Pliska, President for World Poker Tour Enterprises.

“The better airtimes, improved promotion and the increased number of repeat episodes promise to be a boon for fans and the perfect showcase for the exciting changes coming to the WPT starting in Season Nine.”

Websites

WPT Poker

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Club World Poker Tour

PartyCasino.com

PartyPoker.com

Friday, September 03, 2010

Australian Casino Entrepreneurs James Packer And Shane Warne In Biz!, by Greg Tingle - 3rd September 2010

Australia is tipped to see a new casino entrepreneur... with a dash of music, entertainment and technology on the side...no stranger to Aussies, Yanks, Pommies or Pakistanis... enter Shane Warne. Warnie has dabbled in gaming over the years, most notably as a face for poker room 888, (getting a one up on PartyGaming), however his upcoming collaborations with Crown casino king James Packer, has sent the gaming, gambling and celeb world into a frenzy. Media Man and Gambling911 think its music to the ears of Crown Limited investors and WA businessman, Kym Illman aka 'Mr Ambush Marketing'...we turn up the music and let the party begin...

Australian Casino, Gaming And Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Unite: James Packer and Shane "No Spin" Warne; Kym Illman Marketing Aussie Gumleaf Mafia Connection...

Warnie and Packer, long time mates and associates, have been working on something big for quite a while now, and the past Warnie - Kym Illman - Messages On Hold campaigns have been impossible to miss, thanks in part to Max Markson and even everyones favorite... wait for it... Media Man.

Cricket legend, poker player and Aussie larrican, Shane "No Spin" Warnie is officially going into business with Aussie casino and lifestyle king, James Packer. Warnie sure know how to pick mentors, also getting guidance and business opportunities from fellow mate Kym Illman, over the years. Yep, the Aussie Gumleaf Mafia is leaping ahead in leaps and bounds. It's enough to make Gambling911 resident and friend to all, Kasino Koala blush and fall out of his tree.

Back to business at hand, this year the Packer - Warnie collaborations with bit hitting the casinos, and they also have a few tricks up their sleeve for cafes, restaurants, gyms and other venues down under in Australia, and they don't have to be existing 'Gumleaf Mafia' or Warne - Packer inner circle to get in on the action, depending on what b2b deals are of interest. However, the casino joint venture is a Crown Limited thing, and the spinner might just get his own branded poker room at Crown if he plays his cards right.

Warne has been on fire, and not just fired up and pissed about what happened with the Paki fixing scandal. The legend is also tipped to get an 'Ashes' talkback show on Network Nine. No coincidence that Bondi Beach local David Gyngelll, just happens to be the CEO of Nine, and holds a seat on the Crown Limited board. Again, relationships matter, as does loyalty. A couple of Aussie media entrepreneurs have purchased Crown shares over the years in a big picture - holistic type strategy, and the same happened with Virgin, owner Richard Branson also being on good terms with Packer.

The spinner remains tight lipped on some matters, but did tell press a bit about his passion for good music. Ah, his colourful exploits with a few blond goddesses over the years hinted at that. Music does get one in the mood, so does coffee and a few other unspeakables.

Warne, a mark for '80s music, have taken like a duck to water for the music industry. Specifically lyric-free ambient music, set to calm the soul, energise the body and warm the heart. Yep, we're been reading up on the sales blurb too.

Warne yesterday spruiked his latest biz alliance Groove Gallery, a company that sells ambient music to gyms, cafes and restaurants that wish to "sub-consciously" put their customers in the mood to spend a dollar or ideally, much more.

Shane Warne Inc, a spin off from Billionaire Inc, now sports roughly 16 business investments at last count. There's "Advanced Hair, yeah yeah" poker website 888, a Messages on Hold deal, luxury designer Dunhill and a bush tucker bag of paid gigs and appearances et al with Channel Nine, Sky Sports and Cricket Australia, and god knows what else on the boil. Media Man TV?

His family and life after cricket and some key motivators.

Speaking with News Limited Warnie shared "We've got two or three that we are looking at at the moment, there's a business that I have with James Packer that we'll be launching next year. I'm not sure James would want me talking about that yet".

He's seriously cashed up, but he's not really a showoff. More a lifestyle guy who loves his family and big boys toys.

We obtained quite a property asset list of Warnie... $9 million Middle Brighton home, a $3.35 million investment property in Sandringham, and a $2.2 million holiday home in Arthur's Seat and a home in London. Who knows what else he has. How about a Bondi Beach pad too mate, if you haven't already. We might see you up at Icebergs Bergs Gaming

As you might have cottoned on, things are good for the spin man..."Life is going great, never been better," he said.

For Warnie its been about ups, downs, roller coasters, working hard and playing 'n party int harder. Clearly things are on the up and up for Warnie, be it business, pleasure and passion, or more likely, both. Knock em for 6 sport.

Paki Cricket Scandal...Warnie Speaks...

Just on the red hot subject matter of cricket for moment. Warne said "I thought that the game was clean now with the anti-corruption people there". We're not certain if that's music to the ears of inner circle Packer and Illman or not, but this Aussie 'Gumleaf Mafia' types have a habit of turning controversy and negatives into bags full of cash' whispered a Media Man insider, (at a well known Bondi Beach cafe...hit Sparrow... interested to give the music a test run). Ah, relationships matter. Media Man believes that relationship marketing, buzz marketing, and the simple concept of headline grabbing Shane Warne will pretty much guarantee the success of all or most of Shane Warne linked campaigns in the foreseeable future.

Media Man Profiles

Australia

James Packer

Shane Warne

Kym Illman

We think the Packer - Warne - Illman collaboration is a can't miss, and poised to knock 'em for 6 success, but what do you think? Tell us in the forum.

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

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Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Australian Casino Brawls: Crown Casino Battle Royal, by Greg Tingle - 1st September 2010

Australian casinos of the land based variety continue to maintain their status as a place to find Aussie biffo - fights and the like. James Packer owned Crown Casino in Melbourne was recently the venue for a bit of unscheduled no holds barred WrestleMania meets UFC. The strong arm of the law has come down hard on the thugs sending the message that mugs and trouble makers will no longer be tolerated and the world famous casino. The only fighting in future will take place in a ring and punters will have to purchase tickets Media Man and Gambling911 take you front row ringside and court side... ding ding ding...let's get ready to rumble...

It's the best of 2/3 falls pin or submission, in this fight to a finish. No holds barred, barbed wire and razor blades (just kidding) match up as the Australians take on the Iraqis. Your special referee is Sergeant Slaughter.

A threesome of brothers who brawled with Crown casino security staff aka 'bouncers' were yesterday convicted and fined in excess of $10,000 grand.

Ex Iraqi refugees, the 3 main tag team of Hemdad, Bestoon and Ghamber Muhammad pleaded guilty to a charge of "affray" (legal jargon for fighting and running a muck)... no fights were scheduled as part of the festivities, not officially anyway.

Swinging now to court side...Melbourne Magistrates Court heard they were rejected from Fusion nightclub at roughly 1.40am on 23rd January last year before they joined a bakers dozen of other combatants in fighting with about 5 casino staff.

The Muhammad brothers threw numerous bare knuckle punches in a brawl that lasted only about two minutes before reinforcements settled down the offenders. It was quite the street fight, with no sign of bodyslams, suplexes, triangle chokes or Indian death locks. It's understood a variation of a collar and elbow hooks up, Irish whip and good old fashioned side headlock was used, but wrestling and MMA purists would not have been impressed. Maybe Mike Tyson and Stone Cold Steve Austin might have gave marks for aggressive force used in the encounter.

Quizzed his reason for the blue, Hemdad, 29, told cops "Because of my brothers. I was too drunk. I got my lesson".

Defence lawyer Emma 'No Bull (MM tag) Turnbull told the court her fighters er...clients, who did not normally drink or fight, had been celebrating Bestoon's birthday.

Turnbull said none of them had any memory of the incident which was spontaneous, did not involve weapons, and did not cause serious injuries.

'No Bull' told the court the trio, who worked as painters and had no prior convictions, fled Iraq circa 1988 and spent a decade in refugee camps before finally arriving in Australia.

Magistrate Tim 'The Master' (MM tag) McDonald advised such behaviour happened too often in the community and told the trio, from Deer Park, they would have received a jail term if they had not pleaded guilty. Their strategy of pleading guilty goes against the oath of legendary Australian 'Underbelly' figure Mark 'Chopper' Read' who says "Never Plead Guilty".

Hemdad and Bestoon were fined $4000 each while Ghamber was convicted and fined $2500.

None of the brothers have immediate plan to enter the MMA, boxing or professional wrestling world, but word has spread to the organisations who are always on the look out for new, exciting talent who stands out from the pack.

The trio would not comment on whether they preferred the Cleopatra, Street Fighter, Sumo or Hitman slot games.

Media Man and Gambling911 wish the threesome good fortunes with their endeavors, be it painting, martial arts, one armed bandits pokies or other.

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Readers, play nice, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good punting, and don't drink too much.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

*This article is done with satire and humour, and is based on real life events. No disrespect is intended towards any of the competitors.

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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Of The Month Award, by Greg Tingle - 31st August 2010

PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award

PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".

PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.

The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com

The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".

The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.

PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.

The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.

The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.

PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.

PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.

PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.

Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

PartyGaming News: PartyPoker - Heal The World! Make It A Better Place! Tony G Offers Diplomatic Solution To Negreanu / Duke Spat

PartyGaming News: PartyPoker - Heal The World! Make It A Better Place! Tony G Offers Diplomatic Solution To Negreanu / Duke Spat

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Gibraltar – 25th August 2010 – With the controversy and war of words escalating between poker superstars Daniel Negreanu and Annie Duke, Team PartyPoker.com pro Tony G has offered to step in and mediate. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Elton John, Sabrina Johnston, Kid Creole and the Coconuts and armed with soothing lavender, aloe vera and a United Nations mandate Tony calls for peace.

The countdown is on to the biggest month of poker in UK history and it all gets underway next Monday 30th August when shuffle up and deal is called for Day 1A at the inaugural World Poker Tour® London Poker Classic Main Event, presented by PartyPoker.com, which takes place at The Palm Beach Casino, Mayfair.

The £5,000 + £300 televised Main Event starts with the first of two day ones and runs until the 4th September. The £15,000 televised high rollers tournament runs from 3rd – 5th September.


PartyGaming News: Live Satellites Underway For WPT London Poker Classic Presented By PartyPoker

WPT LONDON POKER CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY PARTYPOKER.COM - LIVE SATELLITE SCHEDULE

£300 + £30 - 16th – 26th August – WPT Shootout Satellites (Nightly at 7pm), The Palm Beach Casino, 30 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EH

£250 + £25 (rebuy) - 27th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£500 + £50 - 28th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£1,000 + £80 – 29th August – Super Satellite, 3pm, The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT

Websites

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17th August 2010

The World Poker Tour is pleased to announce that live satellites for the inaugural televised World Poker Tour® London Poker Classic Main Event, presented by PartyPoker.com, which takes place at The Palm Beach Casino, Mayfair between the 30th August – 4th September 2010, are now up and running.

Every night at 7pm The Palm Beach Casino, Berkeley Street, London, hosts £300 +£30 WPT Shootout Satellites for Main Event seats. The tables are six handed with a cap of 36 players. The prize pool pays out five places with first place winning a seat into the WPT London Poker Classic Main Event.

Genting Casinos London Poker Manager Simon Tomsett said: “Our first WPT Shootout at The Palm Beach Casino was an instant sell out and rewarded one seat into the Main Event. There are plenty of good value chances to qualify for the Main Event between now and the 30th August. From the 27th August there is also additional satellites taking place at the Kingsway Hall and May Fair Hotels.”

The latest top pros to confirm their participation include Erik Seidel, Joe Beevers and Nicholas Levi. They join the likes of Phil Ivey, Tony G, Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, Alexander Kravchenko, Annette Obrestad, Sorel Mizzi, Dragan Galic, Tyron Krost, Barry Shulman and James Akenhead. Jack McClelland is Tournament Director, while Doug Dalton is on hand to run the lively cash games expected at Crockfords.

LIVE SATELLITE SCHEDULE

£300 + £30 - 16th – 26th August – WPT Shootout Satellites (Nightly at 7pm), The Palm Beach Casino, 30 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EH

£250 + £25 (rebuy) - 27th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£500 + £50 - 28th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£1,000 + £80 – 29th August – Super Satellite, 3pm, The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT

The £5,000 + £300 Main Event starts on 30th August with the first of two day 1A’s. The eight handed televised final table takes place on the 4th September. The £15,000 televised high rollers tournament runs from 3rd – 5th September. Coverage of the event will be presented by Kara Scott, with the influential commentary team of Mike Sexton and Jesse May combined for the very first time.

For more information, please visit

PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino.com
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WPT Casino

PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.

Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Australian Casino, Gaming And Politics News, by Greg Tingle - 25th August 2010

Australian casino, gaming and political news remains crazy. Australia is counting the final ballots as Australia awaits the announcement of who the Prime Minister actually is! Crown casino has signed up more world class entertainment acts and online gaming and gambling moves forward down under, as the industry awaits internet laws to catch up to reality, in line with much of the rest of the world. James Packers' Crown Casino marketing, internet and legal is going to be very busy, as they updated system and websites to the evolution of the online gaming world, with a bit of Aussie Casino Wars on the side. Media Man and Gambling911 once again dominate the world of online gaming reporting, with just enough politics to keep them honest. Enjoy the ongoing journey of discovery...

Crown Casino Getting More Top Line Entertainment Acts...

The Australian Bee Gees Show returns to The Palms with a brand new show celebrating 50 years of wonderful music by the Brothers Gibb. This multimedia concert event is the only Melbourne show in the Australian leg of their 2010 world tour. Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show has played to capacity houses around the world, cementing their reputation as an exceptional live concert act and the world's leading Bee Gees show. For one night only be a part of the magic that is, The Australian Bee Gees Show. Date Saturday 28 August 2010
Time: Doors Open: 7:30pm

Australian Hip Hop Championships 2010 - 18th September
Tommy Fleming - 1 - 2 October
Village People - 8 - 9 October
Cirque Mother Africa - 12 - 24 October
Bjorn Again - 18 - 21 October
Leo Sayer - 27 November

World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...

BJORN AGAIN plus Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010

Tabcorp May Take On US Private Debt!...

Australian gaming gaint Tabcorp Holdings is looking at refinancing options as debt repayments near, and declared a preference for placing bonds in the US private debt market, its finance top brass says.. The firm would consider Australia dollars and other currencies, but the US traditional private placement market would be a natural place to revisit since the company has issued $US1 billion ($A1.11 billion) of bonds there, chief financial officer Matt Bekier told the press. "Ideally, I'd like to get 12 to 15-year money," Bekier said.
Traditional private placements in the United States have been a popular source of funds for Australian companies looking for long-dated debt. 7 Australian borrowers raised a total of $US2.2 billion so far this year. Bekier also said he was committed to keeping the firm's investment grade ratings, as Tabcorp embarks on an $860 million expansion strategy. Tabcorp is trying to fill a looming hole in its earnings from 2012 when it and Tatts Group are due to lose their duopoly on gaming machines in the Australian state of Victoria. This month, ratings agency Standard & Poor's warned it may cut Tabcorp's BBB-plus ratings due to higher debt levels after spending money on a revamp of Sydney's Star City Casino. "We want to remain investment grade, whether they are BBB flat or BBB-plus," Mr Bekier said. The lowest ratings for investment grade is BBB-minus. Bekier said his main focus was ensuring gross debt did not exceed a ratio of 2-2.5 times the firm's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. He did not say where the ratio stood currently, though it was within that range. "That is, to me, the bigger metric," Bekier said. As to whether Tabcorp would consider raising equity to protect its ratings downgrade, as suggested by a Merrill Lynch research report, Bekier is unequivocal. "The idea we would raise equity just to maintain a specific rating is a bit outlandish," Bekier said. Tabcorp has $450 million of debt maturing in just over one year and is looking at refinancing into long-term debt. Typical buyers of US traditional private placements are "buy and hold" US insurance companies keen on long-dated paper to match their liabilities. Bekier said the Australian dollar bond market would always be part of Tabcorp's funding strategy but would not be its core, mostly because of the firm's focus on long-term debt. The gaming outfit could also sell Australian dollar retail bonds, as it did last year when all other long-term funding avenues were shut in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, Bekier highlighted the high costs associated with selling retail bonds. "It was relatively expensive," Bekier said, adding that the all-in cost of issuing retail bonds was around 100 basis points above what Tabcorp could get elsewhere. Unlike Japan and New Zealand, retail bond offers are rare in Australia, where bonds are typically reserved for professional investors. The Aussie authorities introduced this year measures to to ease documentation and speed up the lengthy process to give that market a boost. Yet Tabcorp's Bekier said the regulators would have to go much further still to attract borrowers. Looks like the Aussie Casino Wars are taking on more of an international flavor. Debt anyone?

Greens Exclude Themselves From Cabinet: Betfair Fun And Games...

The two Greens members of the Tasmanian Cabinet have excluded themselves from Cabinet deliberations over Betfair. Greens leader Nick McKim and the Greens Cabinet secretary Cassy O'Connor 48 hours ago exercised their right to abstain from Cabinet deliberations on an area of policy difference. Labor members of Cabinet approved legislation to enact a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government and the online betting agency Betfair before the March state election. It includes a reduction in the company's state tax contribution, a move opposed by the Greens. McKim says it is simply a policy clash that will happen from time to time in the power-sharing Cabinet. Bartlett says it's the first time the Greens Cabinet members have abstained from deliberations under the power-sharing model. He says the difference was handled with maturity. "The spirit of cabinet is a very positive one," he said. Bartlett says the rest of Cabinet supported legislation to reduce the company's state tax contribution to secure its future in Tasmania for another 10 years. "This is a clear indication that this relationship is maturing and that the protocols that we have put in place to provide for certainty and stability are working." Liberal leader Will Hodgman says it is a split that highlights the uncertainty and instability of the Labor-Green Government. His statement did not indicate whether the Liberals would support the Betfair bill. Political analyst Richard Herr says if the Greens oppose the Betfair bill, the Government will need the support of the Liberals to pass the legislation. "Well the Government will realise that if it proceeds to present this to the House and the Greens do not support it and the Liberals don't support it then it will fall over, it'll fail," he said. "Either they're betting the Opposition will or they are manoeuvring to oppose the legislation in hopes that it will embarrass the opposition." Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for more political and gaming fun and games, and Packer's Betfair (now understood to be off the ACMA blacklist) is tipped to remain in the thick of the action.


Punters Remain Excited On Aussie Election Result...

Australian punters wagered as much as $10 million on the election poll, with 1000s taking their changes on the craze that is election betting. There's is no sign of when the bookies will pay out or even when betting markets will actually close. Many are still taking bets on the final results two major betting agencies reported a flood of money rushing back to Julia Gillard on Monday afternoon. Prime Minister Gillard is neck and neck with Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten for the top job, says many punters. Betfair insiders Daniel Hoare went on record with "By Friday afternoon we had somewhere around $2.5 million on the federal election market overall. But at that point in time about mid-afternoon Friday there was about $3,000 a minute being traded on the election. That market now is bordering on $3.5 million. In the past few hours there's been a significant move towards Labor. This morning the Coalition were red-hot favourites to find a way to form government, but for some reason in the past few hours those odds have tightened right in for Labor and it's almost pretty much a toss-of-the-coin market at the moment and it's heavily fluctuating as we speak." Analyst Neil Evans from online betting agency Centrebet also noticed an increase in the total amount gambled and advised about $5.5 million has been wagered through Centrebet. "Certainly in the main book, the prime ministerial book, the market's still powering away," he said. "Hung Parliament punters of course have been paid and those who took the Coalition with the start, they're all in the winners' queue and of course most of the seats, but the battle goes on. It's been a very big day for the Australian Labor Party, who went from being favourite for so long out to a clear outsider overnight, with negotiations continuing. "But they've been backed from as high as $2.75 right down to $1.85 equal now with the Coalition. So the momentum back with Labor, the Coalition coming a long way out from $1.40 out to $1.85.". Some academic research suggests betting trends are a more reliable indicator of a likely election result than opinion polls. Newspoll, which is published in The Australian newspaper, was the closest to predicting the result with its final poll on Saturday. "We came out with a 50.2 two-party to a 49.8 in favour of Labor, which shows that we're very likely to have a hung Parliament. It was so close to 50-50 it wasn't funny," said Newspoll chief executive Martin O'Shannessy. Most of the other national polls showed a narrow Labor win, with the party ahead of the Coalition 52 to 48 on a two-party preferred basis. Newspoll had also been predicting a 52 to 48 result for most of the campaign and Mr O'Shannessy admits to being slightly nervous about Saturday's poll. "Obviously when you see a change like that, and especially the big negative swing in Queensland, you worry. "Then you look at it and you think well, a big move like that is much more than what you'd expect from sampling error, so the odds are then hundreds to one against it actually being sampling error. "And so while your hands shake, you have to remind yourself of the rules of sampling and you know and go with it."

Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...(But Keeps Changing)!!!

Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election.

Aristocrat Not Concerned About Poker Machine Rules And Regulations...

Tougher rules and regulations on Aussie pokies are not likely to be a big ticket item of the new federal government, the gambling machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure has gone on record with. The company's half-year results went public less than 48 hours ago, and showed a 23% drop in revenue and a net profit of $49.5 million, Aristocrat's chief executive, Jamie Odell, advised he did not expect a new government would act soon on recommendations of the Productivity Commission's recent report on gambling, and did not factor it into his outlook. The report, published way back in June, proposes $1 bet limits with a maximum of $20 to be fed into a machine at any one time and recommends a pre-commitment system by 2016, for players to set a limit on the amount they are prepared to lose. The former prime minister Kevin Rudd referred the report to a council of state governments to consider. First things first...Once the election results are known, the new parliament may include the independent anti-pokie campaigner Andrew Wilkie. The Greens, who support greater restrictions on poker machines, will hold the balance of power in the Senate. 'O' told analysts earlier in the week that it was too early to know what all this might mean, and any changes would need to be managed "in an orderly manner through new product coming through. In the short term I'm not factoring anything in around the government because, like you, I don't know which government we will take or what influence that will have, but I would think with all the other issues around it wouldn't be the first cab off the block." Aristocrat's profit includes a $12.7 million sale of an asset, but also represents a turnaround from the $33 million loss the company reported this time last year, and its $157 million full-year loss. It reported encouraging results in its biggest market, North America, where profit rose 5.5% in local currency, but it made a 199 million-yen loss in Japan. Aussie revenue fell 22% and profit fell 46% to $11.8 million. Odell described the local result as unacceptable and attributed it to difficult market conditions "legacy issues" within the company. Aristocrat reported some good news with strong sales in Macau and in Singapore's 2 new casinos but Odell said he expected trading conditions to remain difficult in most markets. "We do not expect any improvement over the balance of 2010." Aristocrat declared an unfranked 3.5% dividend to be paid on September 30. Profit results were roughly in line with expectations, and shares rose 2.62% to close off at $3.52.

James Packer: Casino And Media King News Report...

James Packer's pay television investment group Consolidated Media Holdings last week said it would not seek a new standstill agreement with Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings when the current agreement expires on September 10. The 2 groups reached the agreement last year following Seven raids on Consolidated Media, which raised Seven's stake in the group to 19.9%, compared to James Packer's 40.8% holding.


Mildura Jewel Casino Prop: Up To Public...

If Mildura wants a casino now is the time for the city’s “movers and shakers” to back the proposed $400 million development. That is the view of the man behind the Mildura Jewel entertainment and convention centre plan, casino and property developer John Haddad. In an exclusive interview with the Sunraysia Daily this week, Mr Had dad said the time for him to “push” the project had lapsed – it was now up to Mildura to show it wanted the development. It was a development he labelled “a once in a lifetime opportunity” for Mildura, one he hoped people would see as critical to underpinning the city’s future. “It’s a Mildura thing now, not a John Haddad thing anymore,” he said. “I’m not pushing it now – I’m standing back. “I’ve put the project and the idea together for everybody to look at. “I’ll await the outcome. “All I will say is that it’s an extraordinary opportunity that has been handed to Mildura by the government, to be able to decide whether it wants the Jewel or not.” Casino proponents have been buoyed in recent weeks by the level of backing from various interest groups around the city. Last week, a group calling itself the Mildura Progress Action Group met for the first time, its immediate aim to gain information on the development and the processes needed to move it forward. It followed earlier backing from the newly formed Advance Northwest Association, a resident-based, pro-development lobby group.

South Australian Govt Missing Millions Thanks To Online Gambling; Could Be National Trend...

Online gambling is clearly understood to be diverting tax money from state coffers as punters go colder on poker machines and give online pokies from the likes of PartyGaming, Centrebet, PKR, Virgin, Roxy Palace, Captain Cooks Casino and Media Man white label type deals a go. The most recent figures show a significant dip in the amount gamblers pour into the state's pokies and a $10 million annual fall in tax revenue. State Government analysis shows punters put $729 million into pokies in the past financial year, compared with $750 million in the 12 months to June 30, 2009. The result is the lowest annual outlay on poker machines for 6 years and has resulted in a Government gaming tax revenue drop from $292 million to $282 million in the past year. Experts say mass-media advertising campaigns have driven a dramatic rise in the popularity of internet gambling, which sidesteps traditional tax regulations. South Australian pubs and clubs have also suffered an $11 million revenue hit, which comes as smoking bans look to further harm the sector. Australian Hotels Association general manager Ian Horne said competition from both sports betting and online gambling outlets was placing major pressure on the industry. "The sports betting market is expanding enormously," he said. "Just look at the betting options for the federal election. The promotion of betting odds was unprecedented. It's becoming the normal way of life to bet on anything and everything." Horne said poker machines had been unfairly "demonised" while other gambling options were considered socially acceptable. A spokeswoman for Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the decline could be attributed to reduced household expenditure for recreational activities. "This expenditure is also affected by the Reserve Bank's increasing of interest rates over the past 12 months," she said. The spokeswoman also said the Government was working to reduce the number of pokies, despite figures showing 7 more in use now than last year. "There is always some variation in the number of live machines, as gaming venues may not use all of their entitlements, for example during renovations," she said.
"The Rann Government is committed to reducing pokie machine entitlements by 3000. "So far the Government has removed more than 2200 gaming machine entitlements from SA venues." Treasurer Kevin Foley has warned the state to brace for a tough September 14 Budget, saying the lingering impact of the global financial crisis has diminished revenue. Media Man and Gambling911 have strong reason to believe that online gaming and gambling will continue to grow in the Australian - Asia Pacific region, and many land based venues will continue to be hit hard.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Online gambling and gaming is here to stay in Australia. The internet is of course a global medium. Website portals, affiliate programmes, and media agency deals help determine where the traffic, players, entertainment dollar and media coverage goes to. Even Fairfax Media, News Limited and Google are big industry players now. YouTube may ramp up also. Website portal developers such as us have also done well. This is all fueled by media and gaming press speculation, and remains hot fodder for news articles. PartyGaming, Virgin, World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker remain some of the biggest brands that often get major articles in mainstream press, so of which we help facilitate, be it officially or unofficially. Smart Australian casino operators such as Crown Casino are starting to plug into the action, exampled by Crown accepting PartyGaming - PartyPoker.com online poker players as part of their Aussie Millions promo last year... one by an Aussie, and will be doing the same again this year. Google is pushing forward with Google Games on the back of Pac-Man. Marvel Entertainment, Sega, DC Comics and even Harrah's are expected to ramp up. Gambling911 and Media Man will remain in the thick of the action, even though gaming and sports betting are only 2 of about a dozen of sectors covered. Many media companies are heding thier bets are offering strong coverge, while also covering many of industries like tech, politics, entertainment and the like. Some brands like Party and Virgin are in a number of sectors which is very exciting and profitable. Online variations of Cleopatra, Monopoly and Sinatra remain the top slots, with Tomb Raider enjoying a second wind, with 3D games like Heist on the upswing too. The industry is looking forward to a further improved remainder of the year, and punters will be able to benifit from great promos and deals, so its a win - win - win".

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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...

Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January.

Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.

Crown Limited Shares...

$8.350

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good punting.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Australian Casino News: Crown Casino And Crown Limited Special, by Greg Tingle - 22nd August 2010

Australian casino, gaming and politic news remains red hot. The Australian Parliament may be hung...with the balance of power scenarios upon us, complete Labor getting a beating from Liberal's Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott and the Coalition...and Crown casino king James Packer is riding the high seas, but its business as usual at Crown Casino and its swinging sister, Burswood Entertainment Complex. Media Man and Gambling911 pick up the baton sticks and plastic handcuffs with this special report on the good, the bad, the ugly and the sexy at Crown Limited aka Billionaire Inc...

World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...

The world's #1 ABBA tribute show, BJORN AGAIN, return to The Palms to present THE ABBA GOLD CONCERT. Bjorn Again will perform all songs from "ABBA GOLD", the definitive collection of ABBA's greatest hits. This album has sold over 26 million copies worldwide and is in the top 30 best-selling albums of all time. This will be an amazing show and a great experience not to be missed. Bjorn Again were formed in Melbourne in 1988 and have performed in over 70 countries to critical acclaim. Bjorn Again have developed a world-wide following, even gaining praise from the original ABBA members, including Benny Anderson who stated: "Fans had better make the most out of Bjorn Again as that's the closest they are going to get to seeing ABBA". Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010

Is Crown Casino Management In A Battle With Chef Gordon Ramsay?...What's Cooking?...

That's the question on the lips of Australia's foodie and casino industry. Numerous Australian editors and journalists are now saying the fight is on. Too many cooks in the kitchen, or not enough good ones, and what's happened on eh bean counter (money making and paying) front. Chef Gordon Ramsay is understand to be at war with Crown Casino, and its hotter than Hell's Kitchen. This news comes less than six months after media "custard tart" (Media Man inside joke) launch of his flagship restaurant in the Metropol complex section of Crown. Ramsay's Maze and Maze Grill are rumored (not fact - don't call the lawyers) to be flushing down the loo towards $20 grand a friggen week after the casino invested more than $10 million bucks on refurbishing the eateries and the like, leaked a number of sources, one known to MM and G911 as "Deep Throat" (not real name, nor a star in the movie sharing the same title). The restaurants' financial woes have soured and porked relations between Crown powers that be and the foul-mouthed chef, who are now commenced negotiations over Maze's future! A Network Nine reality TV show was previously on the cards but now looks to be in doubt. Crown pays roughly 6% of gross sales and a small percentage of profits to Gordon Ramsay Holdings, a deal which provides things like branding and marketing. Ramsay is understood to invoice Crown for the salaries of Maze's chef de cuisine Josh Emett and several senior cooks and assorted staffers. Crown is understood to not have its taste buds satisfied from the biz deal in recent supper sittings, as Ramsay's hospitality empire continues to suffer from the global slump in corporate dining. Sweeeet has turned to sour, and figure pointing goes on to who is a goose, turkey. Speculation also runs rife is Maze will last to see this Christmas' turkey roast dinner party. Crown Casino spokesman Gary O'Neill denied that Maze has gone sour. He spoke with Fairfax Media on the matter and advised "I don't know who has been calling you or for what reason but there is absolutely no truth in that accusation whatsoever. Crown has a very good relationship with Maze. It has exceeded our expectations quite significantly. A large number of people are going there." He also said Maze and Rockpool Bar and Grill were Crown's best-performing restaurants, both by patron numbers and dollars spent. He didn't get into what Maze's profits may or may not in fact be, and bean counters are silent. Restaurant deep throats told our friends at Fairfax Media that Maze and Maze Grill, which combined have more than 250 seats, have struggled somewhat to serve 100 covers a day, particularly early in the week. "Obviously winter is a factor and most places are quieter this time of year, but Mr Ramsay has certainly had a tough introduction to Melbourne,'" one local restaurateur shared. A spokeswoman for Gordon Ramsay Holdings said its agreement with Crown was strictly confidential. 'Ms X' she said Maze was meeting expectations. The king of the chefs also faces problems outside Australia. He was recently hit with a tax bill for $US2 million ($A2.3 million) by United States authorities and is now dealing with a series of lawsuits from unhappy creditors. Ramsay was also forced to close his restaurant in Cape Town last month and sold ("fire sale style")his TV production company for £40 million ($69AUD million) just last week. He disclosed that restaurants in New York, Paris, Los Angeles and Prague were "haemorrhaging" up to £200,000 pounds each month at the climax of the financial recession. Last year, Fairfax Media published that other exclusive Crown eateries were struggling, largely attributed to the global economic downturn, including once ultra exclusive Bistro Guillaume, which won Gourmet Traveller's best new restaurant back in 2009. At the time, owner Guillaume Brahimi and Crown management denied any problems, but it has since closed. Funny that. Punters, is Ramsay's goose cooked? Hot air or hot under the collar of bean counters? Off with his head, or not? Got a beef? Tell us in the forum. You be the judge, jury and executioner!

Burswood Casino Accused Thief Hid Jewels Inside Own Body...

Yuk. Those jewels would have sure required some polishing. International readers, please don't confuse the "jewels" with the proposed 'Mildura Jewel' casino in Melbourne, just saying...Western Australian Police have now formally charged a mug er man...with stealing after he allegedly concealed jewellery inside himself after smashing a display case at Perth's Burswood casino. A glass panel in the display case in the gaming area was smashed in the early hours of Saturday, police told press. A suspect was later located but a search failed to find any stolen items until some dislodged from inside him (via his anus - arse we understand), police said. "He was then transported to Royal Perth Hospital for X-rays and further property was recovered," Inspector Gary Lewis advised. 6 rings and a necklace worth a total of $329,000 were recovered and a 29-year-old man is in custody after being charged to appear in court at a date to be determined. That's what we call an expensive and uncomfortable toilet sitting.

Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...

Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election. Sportingbet Australia has the Coalition at $1.40, while Labor is at $2.80. Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael 'Mr Sums' Sullivan advised it looked very hard for Labor to form government, and punters had instantly backed the Coalition to come to an agreement with the 3 re-elected independent MPs. "The Coalition are a clear favourite, as it is hard to see how a Labor government relying on support from a Green and essentially conservative independents would ever reach a consensus and be able to function effectively," Sullivan said. Sportingbet opened the book on Sunday with the Coalition at $1.50 and instantly took two bets of $5000 at $1.50 and $1.45. A rival agency, Centrebet, has the Coalition at $1.40 and Labor on $2.85. Ah, what a different a few days can make. Who are you picking? Don't be shy.

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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...

Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January. Americans might be up for a 20 hour or so flight to get down under, but there's nothing on the planet quite like Aussie biffo, and we hear that Tyron Krost, Stewart Scott, Joe Hachem (2005 WSOP champion), Tony Hachem, Tony G, Shane Warne and Jeff Fenech are ready to serve up biffo in giant size quantities. Insiders are hopefully that Annette 15, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu and Annie Duke will bring their poker feuds down under. Maybe some one will end up in the river! (pun intended).

Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.

James Packer VS Kerry Stokes: ConsMedia War May Erupt...

When now relaxing or make the big decisions at Asia Pacific's most successful casinos, James Packer continues to build up his media empire. Let's take a peek shall we...An understood "peace deal" between Packer and Kerry Stokes over control of Consolidated Media will end next month with the two competitors set to raise the stakes. ConsMedia revealed its annual results yesterday and the executive chairman, John Alexander, said the standstill agreement would not be renewed! A media war to add to the casino wars! "It is a 12-month agreement that will expire and business will continue as usual" he said. Last year, Mr Stokes's Seven Network used a $243 million hostile share raid to increase its stake from just over 4.8 per cent to 19 per cent, then agreed to stop buying ConsMedia shares in exchange for two board seats. With the addition of Ashok Jacob from the Packer camp, this gave the board 10 directors - more than twice the number of the company's employees. ConsMedia's revenue comes from its 25 per cent share of Foxtel and a 50 per cent stake in Premier Media Group, whose other owner is News Limited. Premier produces and buys sporting content for pay television. It generated $447 million in revenue this year, up 2.9 per cent, and contributed $54 million to ConsMedia's net profit, a rise of $1.2 million. The Foxtel share contributed $29.9 million to profits, up $5.1 million. During the year, ConsMedia sold its 25 per cent share in the job site Seek.com for a $305 million profit and sold a Sydney property for $50 million. Despite the sales, the company's net profit fell 8.2 per cent to $392 million, as the previous year was boosted by ConsMedia selling down its stake in PBL Media, which it now values at nil. Punters, its all very complex, but Packer has another war on the horizon, and is set to do more media deals, not just throwing around the dice and shuffling the deck in the casino and gaming sector. You want more... ok, just a teaser.. Packer, through Consolidated Press Holdings, has a 47% stake, up from 38% last July. Channel Seven has a 23% share. Industry analysts expect the buy-back will eventually give Packer a 51% stake and Stokes 25%. What happens next might be up to the Gods. "For Stokes to take out Packer he'd have to offer a pretty big price," 'Mr X' tipped. "Packer's not going to take out Stokes - he could have owned 100% of it previously. So it's whether they get together and privatise it together and take out the minorities, but they'd have to pay a bit of a premium to do that." ConsMedia declared an unfranked dividend of 6¢ to be paid on Red October 15. Hopefully, red turns to green, as it goes in the UFC and formally in the WWE, before blood all but disappeared. Packer's favorite non blood sport is polo, if you forgot, and he also loves sailing the ocean in his prized Arctic P, sometimes catching up with mates overseas like Tom Cruise from 'Top Gun' and 'Mission: Impossible' fame. What Packer has shown is more than possible is cementing his place at the top of the world's gaming, gaming and tourism sector, having the Crown Limited empire ranked in numerous top 10 lists like Forbes, Google and WSJ. That's with or without the media empire arm, recently his media getting a boost from Bondi Beach based media icon David Gyngell, a part of the Media Man "Gumleaf Mafia" media puzzle (ask us over a beer). Packer's main business focus remains casinos with a lifestyle and tourism edge, but continues to hit runs in traditional media and new media. The world awaits a 'Kerry Packer' and 'Underbelly' slot game. Comon' Crown top brass, we know you read this. See you at Bondi Icebergs.. a bit easier than a flight to Melbourne, Perth or Macau...maybe Berg's Gaming hey.

Crown Limited Shares...

$8.390

Crown Casino Connection Colourful Crimes...

'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html

'Crown Casino Shaft Man Probed and Charged'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-shaft-man-probed-and-charged-080310.html

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Don't mix your passion for casinos and gaming with crime, and don't do anything we wouldn't do. Up for a punt? Perhaps invest in Crown Limited... we have, and we're up front about it. Feeling really brave... try Tabcorp Holdings, but beware... many tipsters say it might be a few years before a predicated Packer buyout of Tabcorp happens, but it's not a lock in. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good punting and fair winds.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Poker News Media: PKR Live Five Hits London This November, by Greg Tingle - 22nd August 2010

PKR.com will play host to PKR Live Five at the prestigious Fox Poker Club, London from November 12 - 14.

Qualification for the 150 runner, $500 buy-in main event is now underway at PKR.com a most affordable just $4.95.

The main event will have an prize pool of approximately $75,000 and on the Sunday of the festival sees an exciting $150 Terminator Bounty event with $50 on each player’s head and $100 going to the standard prize pool mix.

PKR marketing manager Erika Schwartz said, “The countdown for PKR Live V begins! It’s great that for our fifth outing we have a brand new venue and some fantastic new events in store for the players. It’s a weekend we all look forward to, players and staff alike, and we’re planning to make this the best one yet.”

A number of media and gaming analysts are giving this event the thumbs up.

PKR was recently nominated again for Media Man 'Online Poker Room Of The Month' and has previously won awards and commendations from the likes of Bluff, eGaming Review and Poker News Daily.

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