Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Media Man Network: PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Of The Month Award, by Greg Tingle - September 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, September 23, 2010

Australian Casino, Gambling And Political News, by Greg Tingle - 24th September 2010

Media Man Network

Another big news week for the Australian casino, gambling and political sector news. It's almost all that same thing these days isn't it, with politics playing a role in many aspects of business. Then of course the internet is connected up to all of these also, so little wonder it makes for interesting fun and games, as just as a little reminder - no one owns the internet and its a global medium, and a favorite of news media companies (and punters) these days, hence the News Limited, Fairfax Media and Google push of games of skill and games of chance. Readers familiar with PartyGaming may recall their CEO Jim Ryan going on record a few years ago about media getting into gaming and gambling, and as usual 'Our Jimbo' was right on the money. Casino and media tycoon watchers, don't be surprised if you spot James Packer, David Gyngell and a host of Network Nine, Seven, Ten and newspaper big shots at Bondi Beach this Saturday morning, possibly surrounded by casino babes, bodypainted goddess babes or both!. Media Man and Gambling911 voyage down under, doing the coast to coast from 'Sin City' Sydney, Bondi Beach, Melbourne, Brisbane - Bris Vegas, Perth... you name it. Tasmania tigers, Kiwis, dolphins and super whales, we've got it all for the loyal and vast audience...

Crown Casino Numbers Up; But Baby And Pram In (But Not For Long)...

Readers will recall the Gambling911 - Media Man news item showing a baby playing poker at the WWE poker room. Well, recently one "lucky" baby got wheeled in to Crown Casino, but didn't get to play! Where's the justice punters? .... just kidding. The baby and pram story is spreading like wildfire, and makes for a good media and hotel yarn you must admit. This matter was just one of the law breaches for which our friends and Crown Casino got fined for over the past year. It was only a $2500 fine, nothing to seriously impact the record $1.32 billion backers punters lost to the gaming giant. Punters might like to cut down expenses and play a bit more online next time, with the rising cost of car parking in Melbourne, and then there's always the risk of an incident - scuffle at a casino, but thankfully Crown have boosted security a great deal over the years, keep to improve safety and image, and give more reasons to spend a dollar (or million) at the 'World Of Entertainment', as the tag like once said. The Crown coffers are up than $100 million on the previous year, so certainly management and staff might like to but some more big boys toys.

Baby Into Crown Via Pram But Doesn't Gamble - Cries...

Baby-and-pram matters are a classic. Not quite up there with Crown Casino Shaft Man or Ferrari Thief Man, but getting there Pink Panther fans. The baby and pram fine was one of 9 incidents for which the casino was disciplined over for breaking the Casino Control Act, but Crown was fined a modest $50,000 for indiscretions... you know, slipping up. The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation annual report shows Crown's security failed when "a minor in a pram gained entry into the casino".
Crown casino said the woman who entered the gaming area was immediately ejected and did not play machines or tables during the brief visit. Gaming Minister Tony Robinson advised international visitors had contributed much of Crown's increase in takings in the past year, and heavy speculation a number of casino "whales" and "super whales" tried their luck, some possibly connected with Tiger Woods and Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible and Top Gun fame). The Victorian Government netted in almost $1.7 billion in gaming taxes and other fees in the year to June, just slightly down on last year. The commission received $984 million in gaming taxes and $380 million from Tattersall's Lotteries. Crown paid out $151 million in taxes and licence fees, while racing taxes and licences boosted the state's bottom line by a cool $137 million. All up, punters lost $5.14 billion from all forms of gaming. Gambling critic aka "hater" and World Vision chief Tim Costello said the losses translated into bankruptcies and home losses for families. Inter-Church Gambling Taskforce chairman Mark Zirnsak said the figures showed Crown's "rolled gold" tax treatment. "They get half of what suburban pokie venues earn but they only pay one-sixth the amount of tax," Mr Zirnsak said. "If we have legalised gambling, at the very least we want to be seeing more money flowing back into services for the community and not into the pockets of the already overly wealthy gambling industry."

Legal Eagles Talk Aussie Government VS Clubs; Government Tipped To Loose Fight; Punters Rejoice...

Law experts have tipped that independent MP Andrew 'Wild and Witty' (MM tag) Wilkie's demand for federal government action on pokies is doomed to fail. They predict gaming companies and state governments would manoeuvre to protect their revenue. Wilkie described poker machine reform as a potential "show stopper" for either major party seeking his support in a hung parliament, saying he had made it clear in a meeting with caretaker prime minister Julia 'Jungle Girl' (MM tag) Gillard that "inaction is not an option". The Tassie independent and South Australian independent senator Nick 'Mr X' (MM tag) Xenophon have united as a tag team to push for changes to federal legislation which would limit poker machines to a $1 bet limit or a maximum loss of $120 an hour. Wilkie said amendments to the Corporations Act or telecommunications law would enable the changes, but University of NSW law professor George 'Why Is It So' (MM tag) Williams said loopholes would still exist. "The way the states would get around it is by licensing non-corporate bodies to operate poker machines," he said. "Then you don't have the commonwealth power any more. It could lead to a bit of a jurisdictional tug-of-war between the commonwealth and the states if the states were determined to fight." The Australian Hotels Association declined to comment, while state governments refused to say if they would support federal moves to tighten poker machine restrictions. NSW has already outlined opposition to a $1 bet limit, saying it would have "a significant impact" on the viability of NSW clubs and hotels, given the current highest bet limit is $10. A spokesman for the Victorian government said: "We are not commenting on conversations that may or may not have taken place between the Prime Minister and Andrew Wilkie." Mr Wilkie said stories of lives "destroyed by the virtually unregulated rise of poker machines" had brought him to tears. "Hence I have told the Prime Minister that a really good place to start would be to introduce a $1 bet limit on all poker machines in the country," he said. "I would hope that the federal government would be able to steer the states in the right direction and there wouldn't be a need for the federal government to legislate. "I'm advised that there is a range of commonwealth legislation which is relevant which could be used to force change if the states don't agree." Senator Xenophon said a lack of political will was responsible for holding back poker machine reform, suggesting the federal government took a "carrot and stick" approach to wean the states off poker machine revenue. "If there was a package of reforms where the commonwealth said 'We will make sure you're not out of pocket' in terms of loss of revenue, that would be another way of looking at it," he said. "There could be an assurance the states will not be out of pocket, but I think you'll find if states have $3 billion or $4bn less from poker machines, that money will invariably be spent in other areas of the economy where you'll have a greater multiplier effect on jobs and spending on retail where GST will be collected. The sooner the states wean themselves off pokies tax, the better off all of us will be." Senator Xenophon said 'Wild And Witty' Wilkie's potential power in the hung parliament would have "acutely focused" the minds of Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony 'The Bruiser' Abbott on the need for poker machine reform. Stay tuned as the lovers vs haters war continues.

Man Of God Tells Christan Follows To Sell Woolworths Shares; Pokies King Connection...

We learn that among synod highlights, the Bishop of Bendigo, Andrew Curnow, urged Christians to sell Woolworths shares, saying they were not an ethical investment because the company was one of the country's biggest poker machine operators. Through its 75% stake in Australian Leisure and Hospitality, Woolworths runs more than 12,000 pokies. Bishop Curnow said the Victorian Premier, John Brumby, was "a bit dismissive" of gambling concerns and predicted the issue might be a "sleeper" for the state election. Wollongong minister, Sandy 'Greener' (MM tag) Grant, said every state except Western Australia was addicted to a regressive form of tax on gambling profits. He said the harm arising from problem gambling included suicide, depression, bankruptcy and criminality.

Casinos in Australia - Industry Risk Rating Report - New Market Analysis Released...

A handy list and report into casinos down under is available. It's the replacement for the July 2009 edition of Casinos in Australia Industry Risk Ratings Report. Industry Risk Ratings Synopsis This Industry Risk Ratings report evaluates the inherent risks associated with the Casinos in Australia industry. Industry Risk is assumed to be ´the difficulty, or otherwise, of the business operating environment´. The report is available from Companies And Markets.

Australian Land Based Casino And Gaming Brands Don't Get High Marks On Branding Report...

Aussies are punishing brands that commit "major transgressions", with Vegemite and Toyota slipping down the latest list of top Aussie brands. Tech brands, lead by Google and Microsoft, dominate our daily lives, followed by Nokia, Sony and Apple, according to a study of 2000 Australians conducted last month by Brand Asset Consulting, which is part of the global Y&R Brands advertising group. Trailing at the bottom of the list were casinos Star City and Jupiters, magazines FHM and InStyle, Nutrient Water and Smart Water, Tiger Airlines, social media brands MySpace and LinkedIn and betting site Betfair. Some of the biggest improvers included phone brand HTC, Colgate Total and wholegrain snack brand Grainwaves. Apple has 5 brands in the study, all of which ranked 90% or higher in the study, including the iPad, after just 13 weeks in market. The study follows a global list of top brands released by brand consultancy Interbrand last week. Coca-Cola topped that list, followed by IBM, Microsoft, Google and GE.

Aussie Millions Coming Back To Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia In January 2011...

Yep card shark and newbies, young and old, Australia's richest poker championships is coming up again in a few short months. Stay tuned to Gambling911 and Media Man for the finer details, like deals, and even fights, gossip from the tables and hotel rooms, and more. Oh, yep... PartyPoker's Tyron Krost and Stewart Scott are both expected to turn up, with Tony G a possibly also. Aussie celebs Shane Warne and Jeff Fenech are as close to 100% of attending as you can get. No word on Pam Anderson or Daniel 'She's a Hunt' Negreanu or Lover Not! Annie Duke as yet. Mike Tyson appears to be no longer campaigning to come down under to play or even watch poker, as his spiritual path continues. Crown Casino is understood to have security at max levels at the famed poker tourney this year with all the heat that exists between certainly players.

Australian Clubs VS Australian Government On Pokie Reform - And Update...

Clubs Australia executive director Anthony Ball said the undertaking to implement a mandatory pre-commitment system for all poker machines across Australia as well as to limit ATM cash withdrawals to just $250 a day were completely untested. He said the measures would close rural clubs, cost jobs, inconvenience recreational gamblers and club users, and do nothing to alleviate problem gambling. "She's done this without consultation and without any evidence to support it as an effective harm minimisation measure," Ball said. "Julia Gillard wrote to Clubs Australia and committed herself to consultation in developing gambling policy. "That commitment has been broken. We won't just take that sitting down." The NSW Government alone reaped more than $1 billion from pokies taxes in the past financial year. Mandatory "pre-commitment" technology, largely untested, will put computers in charge of 160,000 problem gamblers, placing self-imposed limits on the amount they can put through machines.
But most poker machine users could still bet to maximum limits. Gillard said it was not a total solution to problem gambling "but it's a good way forward". The politic pokie war continues. Same time, same channel again next week punters.

What sort of other Aussie news would you like to see? Tell us in the forum.

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Australian 'Gumleaf Mafia', Media Man and Gambling911 crew hear of a few casino babes and bodypainted babes heading to Bondi Beach for this Saturday. Think a James Packer - David Gyngell tie in. If either can't make it, fear not, there will be one of two other media men on hand to look after the goddesses. Oh, Sydney bodypainting artist Eva Rinaldi will also be present, and Eva's creations have actually appeared at the Australian Gaming Expo before, so top of the class to Eva, who is getting closer to Media Man all the time. Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com Shane Warne rumoured to ramp up bricks and mortar casino interests further with Packer with a branded Warnie poker room, and more online ventures too. Before you ask, more rumblings about a Kerry Packer and 'Mr Sin' Abe Safron slot game, but its its just talk or actually going to happen, time will tell. PartyGaming, Virgin Games, Slots3 and NextGen Gaming are favorites to develop titles such as those, and Marvel Entertainment leaks say more themed Marvel games may arrive in the coming months, in sync with Marvel Hollywood movie releases like Thor, The Avengers, Captain America, and whatever else legend Stan Lee and friends dream up for us. Hollywood hunk Sly Stallone is also said to be keen to see a 'The Expendables' online slot game and adaption for land based casinos get unleashed sooner rather than later, and his mate Hulk Hogan is also looking to ramp up casino and gambling interests, which should help cover his medical expenses. Check out the casino reviews at Media Man. Oh, friendly reminder punters... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. As Stan Lee says, Excelsior!

*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.

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PartyCasino News: New Instant Play PartyCasino Jackpot Time? The Big One Is Over $2,500,000!

PartyCasino News: New Instant Play PartyCasino.com Jackpot Time? The Big One Is Over $2,500,000!

Gibraltar – 22nd September 2010 – PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, is pleased to announce that it has launched its new instant casino! In addition, ‘The Big One’ at PartyCasino.com, the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry, is now over $2,500,000, while the Gold Mega Jackpot currently exceeds $1,300,000! In total PartyCasino.com’s jackpots total over $4,000,000!

A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: "The new instant casino is now live. Play direct from the website in 14 languages with the improved user interface. Everything else remains the same - continue to enjoy a huge range of casino games, jackpots and promotions! The Big One was last hit on the 29th May this year and we have seen frantic activity in recent days – it seems customers think someone is going to hit it very soon now the $2,500,000 landmark has been crossed. The Gold Mega Jackpot also looks ripe to payout and hasn’t been hit since the 1st June.”

The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry and currently stands at over $2.1 million. Customers can play for ‘The Big One’ through traditional slot Melon Madness. PartyCasino.com has also recently introduced another way of hitting ‘The Big One’ in the form of Snow Business. This slot is a five-reel, 30 line jackpot slot game with a Free Spins feature. When three or more scattered iceberg symbols appear anywhere in view, the feature screen is displayed where the player is required to catch a random number of fish, each of which reveals a random number of free spins or a random free spins multiplier.

For more information see: PartyCasino.com

PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and offers over 150 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players.

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Australian Casino Wars: Gold Coast MP Behind Jupiters Casino, by Greg Tingle - 20th September 2010

The Australian casino wars show no sign of slowing down and keep taking off in new tangents with political 'art of war' tactics taking hold on the Gold Coast. The tourism, employment and supporting big business card is being played out, something competitor Crown Casino did to T, while the casino haters also ramp up their campaigns. Media Man and Gambling911 play 'Casino Jack' as we ride the wave into Surfers' Paradise with a tidal wave of Gold Coast fodder for the loyal and vast audience...

Gold Coast Minister of Parliament Ray 'Sure Thing' (Media Man tag) Stevens has rocketed the Bligh Government, strongly urging it to get right behind Tabcorp's planned $300 million revamp and expansion of Jupiter's Hotel and Casino to surge the city's roller coaster like construction industry.

Could be this a bit of real life Underbelly at play? As usual, only part of the real story will make the news, with only some Chinese whispers and 'dark side' x factor seeing the light of day. Make no mistake, casinos in Australia have a bit of a 'Casino Jack' and 'Underbelly' side to them, as Gambling911, Media Man, friends and spies keep finding out the more they probe.

Stevens advised the Government should get over its "electoral jitters" and grant Jupiters Casino more pokie licences so that the upgrade could proceed full steam ahead captain courageous.

He firmly spoke to the State Parliament this week Tabcorp's proposal to redevelop Jupiters showed passionate belief in the city at a time when business confidence was the lowest in a decade.

"Jupiters Casino is an iconic tourism attraction for the Gold Coast, but is in desperate need of an upgrade to compete with southern state casinos. We have to accept the economic reality that there will be no change to existing casino facilities without the financial incentive to fund these upgrades. Government should be oblivious to the short-term media pain of a necessary decision."

Treasurer Andrew 'Beancounter' (MM tag) Fraser said Tabcorp's proposed investment had an 'exciting' potential to deliver jobs and a life to tourism infrastructure on the Gold Coast.

He said "This is a massive proposal and one that obviously has many issues to consider. The Government is not poll driven. We will make a decision in the interests of Queensland. That means, as ever, balancing the interests of economic development with the interests of the community such as adequate control on gambling."

Tabcorp is seriously considering spending up to $600 million on Jupiters and Brisbane's Treasury casino but the amount it throws around gets down to securing permission to buy the rights to machines the Government has taken back, or otherwise be able to purchase existing one armed bandits and licences from pubs and clubs in Queensland.

Media Man and G911 understands that 1000 gaming licences would be required across both casinos for the $600 million plan. If the extra licences were not not in fact granted, for whatever reason, Tabcorp most likely would downgrade its total spend to a modest $150 million. This would leave it further behind competitor Crown Limited, famous for its Crown Casino in Melbourne.

A public - press announcement is expected before the end of the year. Well, Christmas is coming.

Stevens told Parliament that failure to grant the extra licences would result in 'second-rate casinos being the hallmark of Queensland'. Yep, second rate banana benders, in a second rate second skin scenario. Well, we heard there was something in the water up that way.

"Yes, there is community sentiment that enough is enough in the growth of slot machines throughout Queensland. Should this be the reason to reject the enhancement of our major tourism casino icons, which are by their very nature designated gambling destinations? No is the clear and unequivocal answer. This is about jobs, jobs, jobs for the Gold Coast."

It's hard to argue against the jobs and tourism cards, something our friends at GenerationOne and Crown Limited have become masters of the art at.

We're not sure Jupiters gets a special $1 a year rent deal... not likely, so you can't blame them for wanting a bigger slice of the action.

Reef Hotel and Casino in far North Queensland is not commenting at the moment, and the Aus Vegas proposal pitched a few months back has gone quite, but insiders tip it may be a "Sleeping Giant", just as James Packer and Media Man generals have been called over the years. Brace yourselves punters, heavy incoming is expected in the 'Age Of Aquarius'.

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Australian 'Gumleaf Mafia', Media Man and Gambling911 crew hear of more Americans on the way to show the Aussies how its done - running land based casinos. Talk persists that Australian former Prime Minster John Howard may land a major job in Australia as part of the anti corruption in Australian sports betting directive. Cricket, AFL, NRL and Tennis are all under the microscope. The Blue Carpet to be rolled out from the AFL Brownlow Medal at Crown Casino. Lots of footy and casino babes. Should be an awesome afterparty, even without 'Punter Fev'. Aussie business and horse racing tycoon John Singleton, and Network Nine top gun David Gyngell to get a proposal from a certain media man sooner rather than later, with a strong charity and giving back to the community element we hear. Yep, the political, media and people power fun and games has only just begin. What happens on the Gold Coast and Bondi Beach, does not stay "down under". Quite the opposite of the motto of our friends in Vegas and what happens in Vegas... you know the drum folks. Surfs up kangaroos, koalas, goannas, sea snakes, serpents and all manner of Aussie and Yankee critters.

*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.

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Media Man interviewed on 'The Today Show' Channel 7 this morning re celebrities attacking paparazzi

Media Man interviewed on 'The Today Show' Channel 7 this morning re celebrities attacking paparazzi

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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Australian And Asia Pacific Casino News, by Greg Tingle - 19th September 2010

The Australian and Asia Pacific gambling and gaming sector remains red hot. Today we've got casino tycoon James Packer ramping up Crown Casino and City of Dreams Macau, reaping the benefits, Star City Casino management changes, Australian online casino wars, the pro casino VS the anti casino establishment and more. Media Man and Gambling911 load up the sniffer dogs and navigate the compass encountering kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, wombats, whales, and even a few Asia dragons...

City Of Dreams Powering Ahead In Orient; James Packer And Friends Delighted And Dancing On Water...

Packers' Macau JV has opened its highly anticipated HKD$2 billion ($267 million) stage show at its Oriental flagship City of Dreams casino. The first performance of the big-budget water-themed show is an important breakthrough for the casino, and comes at a critical time for the Melco Crown Entertainment gods and powers that be. Stage shows like The House of Dancing Water are used as draws or "bait" to lure tourists and the business folks into the casino. Media Man breaks down the categories as whales, dolphins, tuna and algae. The late, great, Kerry Packer was in the super whale category. VIP's who land of hard times after big looses are known in some circles as beached whales. News media types including journalists are understood to be called "marks" buy some sector, however Packer casino types are understood to respect fair and balanced news media outlets, and even do business with them from time to time, via third party promotions, deals and the like. COD's (City of Dreams)... not cod fish...management is relying on the show and glitz to boost gambling revenues in the midst of a casino customer price war that has been speculated as perhaps even bigger than the one it encountered when it opened its more modest Altira casino just two years ago. The opening is less than a month after a management reshuffle in which the gaming company lost its long-serving and loyal president of City of Dreams, and its chief financial officer. The company is aiming to demonstrate that the management cleanout was the smart chess move to make and also that it is more than capable of stealing yet more market share from its competitors - like Steve Wynn (not a favorite of the online casino crowd either). This 'Art Of War' attack has already begun, with Melco Crown besting its rival Wynn Macau last month to enter the top 3 ranking casinos in terms of gross gambling revenue, according to official figures. Melco Crown had a market share of 16%, just 1% more than in July, but a significant jump from the 13% it had 3 months back. It has achieved this by offering attractive enticements to gamblers - free money to gamble with for whales and high rollers, or free buffets and raffles for those with less money to bet with.
Historically these types of bait are not particularly good for the casino's bottom line because the profit margins are squeezed. Despite its aggressive marketing, Melco Crown still sits behind the market leaders, Stanley Ho's Sociedade de Jogos de Macau and Sands China, with 29% and 20% respectively of the overall market. The competitors will argue that Melco Crown has been "buying" these new customers with free gambling credits, a risky strategy that is not sustainable in the long term. Money does talk the gamblers language, and if they can keep their customer and build loyalty, smart money says the tactical bet from the casino would have won. Yep, the casino is betting on itself also. Ticket sales for the first weekend of the water-themed 'House Of Dancing Water' attraction are officially sold out but it remains to be seen whether it will boost the company's bottom line. A somewhat similar show at the rival Venetian casino failed to attract sufficient numbers willing to fork out p to $160 a ticket. There are high aspirations for the show, with the co-chairman of Melco Crown Entertainment, Lawrence Ho, describing it as 'destined to be the most extravagant and thrilling live production ever seen in the world'. Tickets to the Melco Crown show will sell at $HK380 to $HK1280 each, certainly a lot more than visiting a pokie palace or RSL Club show. The creator and mastermind of the show at the City of Dreams is the Belgian Franco Dragone, who directed nearly all of Cirque du Soleil's shows until 1998. The show is showcased in a gigantic swimming pool and involves 77 performers, many of whom perform impressive acrobatics and other moves difficult to describe, and even harder to pull of, we're sure Those lucky enough to be invited to the opening of City of Dream's sister casino the Altira in 2008 were given a preview of Dragone's work. Media Man spies tell us that roughly half left well before it finished, but that may be because they rushed back to slots or gaming tables.

PartyGaming VS Virgin Games VS MicroGaming Casino Wars Heat Up...

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.

Australian Punters Bet More Via Online Pokies In Show Of Defiance...

Aussies are spending about $850 million a year on overseas gambling websites according to insiders. 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. What's driving more punters to online casinos? The Australian government's crackdown on hotels and pubs, and this trend looks to have also swept to Tasmania and New Zealand. Gambling911 and Media Man will be proving frequent news updates, and also the odd game review on their world famous website portals.

Sydney - Aussie Oriental High Roller In Hot Water With Legal System...

The trial trial of a Wollstonecraft man has revealed some clues of the world of the high roller whale. Zheng Tan was charged with dealing with the proceeds of crime because a stolen cheque for $500,000 was put into his bank account. Tan told the District Court it was the repayment of a loan he had made to a fellow gambler he met in the VIP room of the Crown Casino in Melbourne. First he lent the man $120,000 and received as surety a $300,000 Patek watch. Later, he lent him even more, in return for an IOU backed by property in his homeland China. When he later received the cheque (which he advised he did not know was stolen), he withdrew the $500,000 in cash and took it to gamble in Canberra, where it was stolen from his car, so the story goes. The prosecutor went on to suggest he had, in effect, laundered the money in return for a fee of $29,000 AUD. Tan denied this, saying he had put $10 million bucks through the Crown Casino over the years and "$29,000 is nothing to me. I would do nothing to break the Australian law for $29,000". The jury agreed, and found him not guilty on all charges. Confuses say, 'You out of luck my friend.'

Americans Taking Over To Management Jobs At Star City Casino...

Management who have departed Sydney's Star City casino say the company has swept the table of senior Australian employees in a move to "Americanise" the icon formally known to Sydneysiders at The Pyrmont Workers Club - RSL Club on steroids. Would you believe lucky ten execs have left in less than a year, including managing director Craig Garvin, celebrity chef Sean Connolly and 4 general managers last week. This poses a question - its it a sinking ship, or management can not deal with the aggressive 'Aussie Casino Wars', adding to the bodycount. Count em folks - 10 casualties. Down south in Melbourne insiders tip only 3 or 4 management changes occurred in the past 12 months. A leak advised American or US-trained executives now held critical senior positions, including head of casinos, managing director and head of hospitality. "The Americans have so far indicated they have a poor impression of Australians by replacing senior posts with people from overseas," the mystery source said leaked. "It's more like stars and stripes city than Star City." The Tabcorp-owned casino is in the midst of an $860 million refurbishment by Yankee designers that will include a new hotel, an events centre with restaurants and gambling facilities to be ready next year. Yeah, ready for the next round of the 'Aussie Casino Wars'. It is also expected to be given a name change and this may include the possibly of loosing the "city" - as part of the rebranding as it attempts to match the bombs and warheads from Melbourne's Crown Casino, which lures off the line about 17 million visitors a year, about double that of Star City. Insiders say Crown has better relationships, marketing and bait than Star. Melbourne is known as Australia's casino hot spot, something Star will be looking to change. 'Cunning' (Media Man tag) Connolly, a former Australian Hotels Association chef of the year who had been working at the casino for about 15 years, politely declined to comment. He is is now understood to be working with a chefs' international consultancy company. One deep throat still employed by the casino said "It is anticipated that the $7 million Sean's Kitchen will soon be renamed and totally revamped as part of a plan to remove Connolly's name from the casino.". Yep, the cunning one is about to have the history books re written in a roundabout way. Apart from Connolly, outbound Aussies in the past year have included gaming general manager Michael Ahearn, hotel food and beverage general manager Richard 'Moneybags' (MM tag) Munro, entertainment general manager Bicci 'Happy' (MM tag) Henderson and marketing general manager Richard Whaite. Last week, 4 additional senior staff departed from the departments of security, beverage and operations. And you thought security was being beefed up. Hopefully it was deadwood they lost. Incoming executives include 2 former bosses from Borgata Casino in Atlantic City: Larry Mullin, who is now head of casinos at Star City, and Sid 'Viscous' (MM tag) Vaikunta, now MD. The deep throat said there were fears that some of the blunders that led to the casino being condemned by some as crass and ugly when it opened in 1997 would be repeated. The Lagoon Bar, designed by the US firm Landmark Entertainment Group, was described by Fairfax publication, The Sydney Morning Herald, as "gobsmackingly gaudy" for its fake desert rock and palm tree. Philip Cox, the acclaimed Sydney architect whose firm designed the building's exterior, distanced himself from "the rock and the tree", as the bar decor became known. The leak said: "There are concerns that the company now has little Australian expertise and that the new development will be very American." Vaikunta was invited on Friday to discuss the matter but a spokeswoman said he had to cancel because of extensive meetings. In a statement, he said "There have been some changes to the management team at Star City as part of the redevelopment project as we transform the casino complex into a world-class entertainment destination. The vast majority of our management team is made up of highly experienced local managers. In fact, 7 of our 11 senior managers are high-performing local managers and many are long-serving managers of Star City."

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Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, what's on your mind pertaining to the casino, online casino, poker and entertainment industry? What's your favorite slot game? Tell us in the forum.

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Wrap Up...

James Packer has continued to hold his place at the Australian casino king, and if things keep going his way, may also be soon considered the Asia Pacific - Oriental region casino king also. He's certainly got out nod for Media Man casino entrepreneur of the month. Online casinos continue to build in popularity, despite the market being somewhat flooded. Strong brands like PartyGaming, PartyCasino, Virgin, Playtech, Microgaming, World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker maintain their hold on punters and the majority of mainstream and gaming news headlines. Australian publishers, gaming entrepreneurs and a good portion of politicians are calling for gaming and igaming reforms, but its not happening quick enough for some. Liberal Malcolm 'No Bull' Turnbull is now the minister for Communications in the new Tony 'The Bruiser' Abbott cabinet reshuffle, and is known to have high intelligence when it comes to all manner of internet b2b matters. He made millions from the internet himself, so expect 'No Bull' to not put up with bull from Labor or The Greens, and will keeping Labor on their toes with with NBN national broadband rollout proposal. Website portals like Media Man and Gambling911 are expected to maintain their strong position as key news sources, traffic and balanced information when it comes to casinos, online casinos, sports, and the greater entertainment industry sector.

*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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Local body paint artist turning dreams into reality, by Greg Tingle – 15th September 2010

Local body paint artist turning dreams into reality

Body painting and human statues are back in vogue according to world-renowned body painter, educator and social and community entrepreneur, Eva Rinaldi.

Rinaldi from Abbotsford, is taking on the world by storm, sharing her knowledge and passion for all.

Like many dynamic Australian business people she was quick to notice the pending arrival to our shores of Oprah Winfrey, and has bold, yet achievable plans to body paint Oprah and / or some of her audience and celebrity guests.

Australia’s undisputed body painting goddess is riding a wave of positive momentum at the moment, fresh off a highly regarded photo shoot project with acclaimed photographer Roberto Duran. The impressive results of the local shoot ‘La Catrina’ will be available for public exhibition at the Pine Arts Australian Gallery from the 24th – 30th October.

The expo feature will include some of the areas most diverse cultural and Mexican entities, including models Elkatrina, Analise Greco, 4 (Strathfield), Lui Cantali, 5 (Five Dock), Victoria Gordetts, Arianna Starr and Phoenix (Sydney).

Gordetts said, "Getting body painted feels like a second skin and a light massage. It feels good”.

They will be all in good company with Rinaldi recently having also completed collaborations with Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Shannon Noll.

Rinaldi said "It’s a really exciting time for all of us at the moment. We do a lot community work and nurturing young talent. Now, with a number of celebrated business entrepreneurs coming to Australia, we all think it’s a wonderful chance to get everything to the next level and help out worthy causes. My ‘wish list’, which is actually more of a ‘to do’ list includes Oprah, Richard ‘Virgin’ Branson, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley (KISS), Blondie, Cher, John Trovolta and Russell Crowe. We have come up with a way for the celebrities to champion their favorites causes, so money raised will be put to good use. We think Oprah will see merit in this, and I’m certain a number of the range of celebrities will agree to be painted. A couple of them are friends, so I think they will be happy to do this for sure. We just hope Oprah will join the party."

Some may be a little skeptical of Rinaldi’s grand plans, however, based upon her almost decade of arts meets corporate work experience, the scales appear to be tipped in her favor. Just a couple of Human Statue BodyArts’ bigger campaigns include World Vision, Tourism Australia, Sydney Body Art Bike Ride, and famous Sydney Opera Bar!

Rinaldi and her world class team believe in making a positive difference when possible, and they’ve been able to do plenty of this over the years. Now with the likes of Oprah, Branson and Blondie about to grace our shores once again, the timing couldn’t be better.

To help create further buzz, awareness, and all important local employment opportunities, Rinaldi is now searching for an Oprah look-a-like to compliment the campaign. The model must be open to having African fruit, themes and Sydney icons painted on their body. In addition, there’s some golden opportunities for children (3 – 5) who appear to be from African descent.

It’s easy to see why Rinaldi and her team are so excited about Oprah and other celebrated entrepreneurs coming to Australia, and we think that there’s a good chance more of her dreams will indeed become reality.

For more information on Rinaldi’s amazing creations be certain to have a look at her website http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/eva.rinaldi2

Potential models, please e-mail bodyartist@bigpond.com with recent head shot.

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Casino News Media: IGT's Double Diamond(R) Slots Named Favorite Reel Slot

IGT's Double Diamond(R) Slots Named Favorite Reel Slot

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LAS VEGAS, Sept 16, 2010

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), a global leader in creating the major slot games players love and casino network systems that improve the player experience, received first place in the "Favorite Reel Game" category for its Double Diamond(R) slots in Casino Player magazine's "Best of Gaming" awards for 2010. In addition, three more IGT games took top honors in the same category.

The Double Diamond(R) theme was introduced in 1989 by IGT. With its introduction, IGT brought the concept of themed gaming machines to life. And since its first placement on the casino floor, Double Diamond slots have continued to be a favorite among players.

"IGT has a long and proud history of developing the very best slot themes and Double Diamond(R) is a prime example of this," said Ron Rivera, IGT senior vice president of North America sales. "It is truly an honor that one of our games, that is over twenty years old, is still a player favorite."

Double Diamond(R) reel slots remains popular for many reasons including its fun and classic game play. The Double Diamond(R) symbol matches any other symbol on the payline and doubles any corresponding award. Two Double Diamond(R) symbols on the payline earns four times the standard award amount. And if three Double Diamond(R) symbols land on the payline, the player wins the top award. According to Casino Player, Double Diamond(R) is "a game that contributed a lot to the general popularity of the slot floor when it was introduced in the late 1980s, and has remained a player favorite ever since."

The popularity of Double Diamond(R) also extends to IGT's MegaJackpots(R) line where it is a common base game on a number of favorites including Wheel of Fortune(R). And, the latest addition to the Double Diamond(R) family is Double Diamond(R) Reel MultiPLAY, which features 3D graphics and gives players a chance to play their favorite game up to four times at once on one machine.

In addition to Double Diamond(R), three more IGT games were named in the Favorite Reel Slot category: Wheel of Fortune(R); Red, White & Blue(R); and Triple Diamond(R).

Wheel of Fortune(R) offers players a chance to win big and is a constant favorite. With over $2.5 billion in jackpots hit on Wheel of Fortune(R) games, it continues to be on the top of players' lists year after year.

Red, White & Blue(R) slots was also introduced in 1989 as one of the first themed slot games and benefits from the same longevity and following as Double Diamond(R). This classic spinning reel game comes in a number of varieties and denominations to fit any player's needs.

And finally, Triple Diamond(R) rounds out the IGT reel slots winners. Another classic game, Triple Diamond(R) offers players an entertaining gaming experience with classic symbols and slot play.

The 2010 'Best of Gaming' awards were conducted by Casino Player magazine. This is the 15th annual survey done by Casino Player to its readers on their favorite aspects of gaming. Along with casino games, the survey included polls on reader's favorite casinos, hotels, and amenities.

About IGT

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products worldwide.

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Thursday, September 9, 2010

Media Man Network - 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."

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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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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

PartyGaming gains from European court ruling on German monopoly - 8th September 2010

Investors are taking a punt on online gambling companies following a ruling that German restrictions breached European law.

The European Court of Justice ruled there should not be a state monopoly of sports bets and lotteries in Germany, potentially opening up new opportunities for the online gaming groups. PartyGaming shares have climbed 12.9p to 285.5p on the news while its merger partner - Austria's Bwin - is more than 6% higher. 888 Holdings is up 1.25p at 41.75p while Sportingbet has added 0.25p to 67.25p.

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Media Man website network attracting approximately 6 million hits per month

Media Man website network attracting approximately 6 million hits per month; Media Man maintaining Hitwise Australia (entertainment - personalities) top ten status

Australian Sporting Codes To Gamble With Integrity Officers, by Greg Tingle - 7th September 2010

Major Australian sports are set to get integrity officers, a pitch largely brought in my the casino like sports betting aspects of many sports, which has seen the integrity of the sector severely threatened over the past year, with the recent Aussie - Paki cricket match fixing being the most recent high profile brown stain. There was also a number of NRL, AFL and snooker matches questioned, and its obvious that affirmative and real, effective action is needed. For the corrupt people in and around sports betting in Australia the party may soon be over. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the sector quizzing movers and shakers, some on record, to help us find the way forward in the sometimes murky world of sports betting both down under and further afield...

Numerous high profile Australian sports betting experts has called on the major sporting codes down under in Australia to each appoint a specialist to oversee "gambling" - sports betting. Don't even get us started if it should be classified as a game of skill or game of chance. Might depend on if your an insider or an outsider. You know the drill.

Current leaders in the sports betting sector in Kangaroo and Koala land include James Packer 50% owned Befair, Centrebet, Sports TAB and Sportingbet.

Sportingbet chief Michael 'Sure Thing' (Media Man tag) Sullivan has been very forthright with his belief to see a crackdown and more safeguards and the like in place for the industry.

The sure one advised the amount of dollars being gambled in Australia mixed in with sporting bodies often having a "professional relationship" with the betting agencies, gave strong reason for the need to change.

"Not just Sportingbet but all the major operators have got relationships with the NRL so it's probably time to appoint an integrity officer because betting in this country is incredibly transparent," Sullivan told the press.

"The cricket betting is underground with Indian bookmakers who turn over billions of dollars with absolutely no transparency whereas here it's regulated, transparent and taxed. It's not just the NRL - the AFL, Cricket Australia and Tennis Australia have to embrace the idea (of a betting expert) and go to the next level because there's no doubt our turnover is starting to be very significant in both codes."

His stern and well informed comments came after reports suggested investigations into a suspicious plunge on an unusual "exotic betting option" in a rugby league match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys could be extended to include 6 NRL games.

A greater scandal is ongoing over an illegal betting surge in cricket, with three Paki "players" (performers?) suspended for now following a spot-fixing scandal over bowling no balls in the 4 Test against England.

In excess of 80 cricket matches will be probed into as part of a broader investigation.

Gerard 'Dollars' (MM tag) Daffy, who leads relative newcomer sports betting agency Sportsalive, advised Australia was the best regulated betting country in the world, despite some knockers not being totally convinced.

"Several other countries are copying our model of information sharing and knowing your client," Daffy said.

New clients opening accounts must pass a 100-point security check.

"It's the same as opening a bank account. We have that information, the industry regulators have it, AUSTRAC (anti money laundering group) have it and as we're finding out now, the police have it."

Daffy was happy to go on record and say you couldn't just pick up the Yellow Pages in India and look up a bookmaker because they were illegal.

"If you can believe the stories there's over $100 million a day bet illegally in Mumbai alone. John the bookie operates in a shed in Mumbai. The law says he doesn't exist but he holds a million dollars a day."

Daffy reckons illegal Mumbai bookmakers turned over in one day what Australian bookies combined held in a year on cricket!

They offer punters hundreds of wagering options including the toss, minutes lost through rain, which end the umpires would stand and how many players would be wearing sunglasses. Betting on no balls is under the spotlight at the moment, but no word on bets about if Australia's John Howard will get a job as an official in Paki land or India. Might be about 100,000 to one.

Bookmakers contacted by news media said they'd co-operated fully with the current NRL betting probe, handing over relevant betting sheets on the Bulldogs-Cowboys match.

None had been asked for any more particulars on any other NRL games.

St George Illawarra coach Wayne Bennett said it was time to stop the "exotic bets" on sports.

"It is an issue for the game, there's no doubt about that," he told Network Ten.

"They've just got to stop the multiple (betting options). There's just too many variables that can be manipulated too easily. I'd like to think we're all honest people, but that's not the case."

A number of offshore based gaming and sports betting companies are rumoured to have an interest to ramp up down under and eventually even have offices in Australia including PartyGaming - Gamebookers - bwin, Virgin Games and even BetUS, which has a stronghold in the UFC niche, which Aussie's have taken a liking to. Experts think that betting on pro surfing and some snow sports could be growing markets, but snooker remains on the nose, following betting and fixing scandals last year. It's unclear if the scandals will slow down or speed up overseas operators kicking business along in Australia, but interest is sky high and is likely to remain so for some time, new government or not.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Yes, I believe the sports sector needs more regulation, as does the igaming sector in general. Betting and online games are not going to go away. The internet is a global medium. Kids no now to beat filters with proxy and the like. Corruption needs to be stamped out, and more regulation and safeguards are the way forward. We need more quality people and brands in the mix. Betfair has Hugh Taggart, Centrebet has Neil Evans, Virgin - Richard Branson, PartyGaming with Jim Ryan. Maybe our former P.M John Howard might be up for the role. If it's on Australian soil, I think the Australian public would like it. Liberal leader Tony 'The Bruiser' Abbott, a former boxer, would be able to also talk sports and sports betting shop with Howard more often. It would be great for the business of sports with integrity, politics, and make more interesting sports media fodder. Hopefully the Australian Labor Party can help get this sports betting situation right, but I have my doubts. I expect Betfair and Centrebet to maintain their top positions and to drive forward innovation and safeguards."

Readers, what do you think of having sports betting integrity offices for Australia? Are you an honest John, or are you susceptible to do the wrong thing, given half a chance? Tell us in the forum.

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

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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Australian Casino, Betting And Political News, by Greg Tingle - 5th September 2010

The Australian and Asia Pacific casino, gambling and political scene has never been hotter. We've got Aussie casino king James Packer doing deals with Shane Warne, Crown Casino and other Packer interests on fire (in a good way), more on the Australian - Paki cricket fixing scandal, a legendary Aussie gambling yarn, PM Julia Gillard getting swayed by anti pokie campaigners, News Limited being named by Govt 'Big Brother' as a porn site, PartyGaming : PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino "war", Aussie casino wars, WWE pro wrestling - WWE gambling connection, bible bashers being fingered on internet porn and more. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to fight the good fight, and deliver censorship free news to your laptop computer. Sniffer dogs Bluely, Timmy and the gang hit the trail encountering kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, whales, dolphins, tuna and even sharks... yes crew, its feeding time again...

Politics, Gambling And Porn At Work: Labor Minister Quits; More Fallout On Cards...

A Labor minister has been busted by extremely naughty (and wasting the public's money). Another minister is knocked out in NSW. Paul McLeay has resigned after being busted for using a work computer to visit gambling and adult sites. Rev Fred Nile's office also have porn tracks on their computers. Who will be next? A tote should set up odds on who and when. Does Labor still have a major sources of leaks? We think so, given the info been directed our way.

Real Life And Death Underbelly: Dennis "Greedy" Smith; Crown Casino Death Plot...

It's that's time for your real life 'Underbelly' true crime fix. Once upon a time there was an alleged plot to kill former Crown Casino boss Lloyd Williams and an Oriental VIP whale and empty their pocket of towards $15 million bucks. Well, its alleged no more. Following the death of Melbourne crime figure Dennis "Greedy" Smith revelations have come forward that it is a true story. Retired police sergeant Brian "Skull" Murphy this week advised Smith was the mastermind of a 1997 attempted heist to hijack and murder Williams and the gambler en route from Melbourne Airport to the casino. Smith, who passed away in the Royal Melbourne Hospital this past Monday after a series of heart attacks, was traced to a number of other high-profile robberies including planning the 'Great Bookie Robbery' and went on to use the proceeds to establish his colourful and somewhat dangerous Aussie Bar in Manila, Philippines. The bar became quite the haven for Aussie and international fugitives and crooks. 'Greedy' reckoned he killed a man there who tried to rob him, and who would doubt him. It was the plot to murder one of Australia's richest men that has long been legendary bar room yarn told by the well-known former Victorian detective "Skull" Murphy. It has been denied by the key insiders until now. Murphy was tipped off about the plot and then told Williams. He advised one of Williams' staff at the time, Ron 'Winning' (MM tag) Winsall, had gifted him $5000 bucks for tipping off the casino boss about the cunning plot. At the time, Williams told the press that he didn't "believe a word of the story" but Murphy said it was all true blue, kill a bird with a strong, and hope to die. It was this week, Williams verified the story. When informed of Smith's death, Williams went "Well, thank goodness for that." Murphy advised Smith's gang had plotted to intercept (think Ned Kelly meets Mad Max meets James Bond) Williams's car on the Tullamarine Freeway and rob the gambler, who was understood to be carrying roughly to $15 million in cash! "My informant said that they were prepared to kill Williams, his driver and the gambler to get the money," said Murphy. The keen gang had carried out rehearsals of sorts, done surveillance and had established a "safe house" in Essendon. High-calibre weapons had been purchased for the dirty deed. They dropped the plan after the tip-off.

Australian Casino Wars: Star City 'Sin City' To Take Fight To Packer's Crown...

Star City Casino in 'Sin City' Sydney is whale hunting, and it's apparent they are hunting for the same breed of whale high rollers that James Packer's Crown Casino and City of Dreams have taken a liking to. Get ready for this...a $100 million fleet of jets (think Thunderbirds A Go) and its harbourfront to be modified into a wharf of sorts to shore up the world's biggest yachts which will attract gambling "whales" to Sydney. Well, that's part of the plan. Thing is, 'Our James' already has a lot of the key relationships with whales (and big dolphins), so maybe relationships may be tested over the coming year, depending upon the type of bait, lure and rod used. Whale VIP's will treated like royalty (hopefully better, since we're talking Australia) and pampered with luxurious penthouse suites fitted out with kitchens designed by some of the nation's best chefs. Yeah, but where's the casino babes (not already snapped up by Team Media Man and the Gumleaf Mafia)? That info may be under wraps and 'Not For Publication' (like stuff in the Chris Masters book sharing the same name). The casino's US management is also aiming high on entertainment, hoping to lure super stars like Michael Buble and Elton John who would headline concerts after its forecast $890 million makeover is completed at the end of next year. In the U.S high end casinos like Wynn have used a similar bait in country rock god Garth Brooks, who Steve Wynn pushed heavily. The 'art of war' tactic is designed to establish Star City as Asia's gambling leader. This would therefor have to surpass James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne to actually be successful, and at the same tie compete with dragon like competition from lucrative whale friendly casinos in Macau and Singapore. Casino boss Larry 'Moneybags' (Media Man tag) Mullin...known for his 15 years running US billionaire Donald Trump's gambling empire, advised a "no-holds-barred" approach was required to make Star City a must-see destination for the biggest gamblers, known as whales. Yep, its a casino "war" on steroids folks, as Media Man and G911 have been tipping for over a year. "The only limits are our imaginations," he told News Limited during an extremely rare tour of the casino's existing high-rollers' room, which will need to be revamped. "The game plan is to put us on the map so people travelling around the world put this casino on their lists as a place they have to visit. "There's nothing Sydney shouldn't be first for. It's the bigger and better positioned city. For the premium level, it will offer the pinnacle of what the world has to offer." In excess of $100 million has been set aside to purchase a number of long-haul private jet aircraft to fly whales non-stop from the orient to down under Aussie land. Currently under consideration are aircraft such as the Bombardier Global Express, the sort owned by Frank Lowy and Packer; the Gulf Stream 550, billed as the world's most advanced business jet; and the Boeing Business jet, which is used by Australia's Prime Minister (which one may argue would not be a good look, because of the knifing of Kevin Rudd, a well known figure in Asia. We're whale "hunting" but not "whale killing". Crown is the only Australian casino that offers offer private jets. Mullin disclosed the casino hoped to redevelop the jetty area into a wharf complex that would attract the owners of the world's largest ocean-going private yachts. "That area is the sleeping giant," Mullin said. "We'd love to accept those kinds of boats...the only issue we would have is that they fit under the Harbour Bridge." The consultants who created the Colosseum entertainment venue in Las Vegas' renowned Caesar's Palace will oversee the design of the new entertainment venue, which will fit 3000 to 4000 people. Yep, an all mighty war is raging that might have been right at home in the Roman Colosseum, but 'Sin City' is getting it instead. We're going to wait a little longer before rushing out to but Tabcorp shares, and suggest you do the same, but its your God given right to choose sides. You can taste the blood already as the war causality tally count is set to rise, be it officially or unofficially. Ah, the things that go bump in the night outside the entrance to Star City.

Macau: City Of Dreams Revenue Up 40% For Packer...

Packer has backed another winner. Go Aussie. Macau, the only Chinese territory where casinos are legal sees revenue up 40% to $2.2 billion in August at its 6 operating casinos. Rev peaked 6% to $16.35 billion in the past 8. A jump in the number of high-stake tables and the return of high-rollers (what Tabcorp and others are hunting for) after visa constraints were lifted was a key driver for the impressive result. Crown's 2 Macau casinos - Altiri and City of Dreams, are owned in a joint-venture, Melco Crown, with Chinese tycoon businessman Lawrence Ho. Melco Crown had been previously besmirched by some for struggling to match up to its US and regional competitors. Now Macau is generally more healthy for the casino business that those Las Vegas show offs and big mouths. Numerous analysts had flagged concern Altiri and the flagship $3 billion City of Dreams resort could not maintain their 12.5% market share in the expanding local market. However, it was reported this week that Melco Crown had in fact increased its market share to 19% in the first half of August after sitting at 15% in July. Media Man hasn't see the real books, but we trust them as much as you can for a land based casino. Although the August revenue figures were impressive, as insider said the growth was partly driven by higher capacity in the Macau casino market. "You're not seeing all the operators go up by 40 per cent. However, Macau is surpassing everyone's expectations. Packer was stripped of his title as Australia's richest man last year after his mixed and largely failed stab into the US casino market. A leak said on Packer's Macau "I think things have definitely improved over the past six months. They've improved their marketing campaigns and they've reconfigured the set-up of their main gaming, so that's improved the yield they're getting from the floor. And the opening of the Grand Hyatt hotel at the City of Dreams late last year improved the gaming volumes at the casino." Yep, Packer is still on a roll. Don't bet against him.

Aussie PM Julia Gillard Broken Promise Again To Clubs NSW; Clubs Australia...

PM Gillard has broken a promise to Australia's 4000 registered clubs after cutting a deal with independent Andrew 'Witty & Wild' (MM tag) Wilkie that will mandate smartcard technology to limit gamblers' losses in return for his support in the hung parliament. Numerous leaks and insiders say Wilkie will be lucky to last 6 months, let alone a full 3 years in Parliament, based on the amount of enemies his is making on both sides of politics. An insider leaked "He's a very prejudiced, discriminatory type of person. He tries to force his own beliefs down everyone's throats. He doesn't listen to everyone. He hates the Aussie tradition of having a punt. Bit of a mummy's boy. Kind of reminds us of the old Kevin Rudd". Rudd was stabbed by Gillard with a 'midnight knock' by 'faceless Labor men", before the blood had to be mopped up off the floor. Clubs Australia executive director Anthony 'Buster' (MM tag) Ball said the Prime Minister had backflipped on an agreement to consult the industry before making any changes to gambling and he threatened to lobby the 3 rural independents (Rob Oakeshott, Tony Windsor and Bob Katter), who will decide what government will win. Under the deal, pre-commitment technology will be delivered to every poker machine by 2014 and withdrawals from ATM machines in venues with poker machines will be limited to $250. The PM said she would override state legislation if state premiers failed to take action, but overnight Victoria and New South Wales said they would back the move. Constitutional experts said the commonwealth appeared to have the power to override the states, which net in $3 billion a year in tax revenues from electronic gaming. The pre-commitment technology requires gamblers to use smartcards, to track how much money they spend on the poker machines and to limit their total losses. Gamblers would be able to opt out of the scheme if they wanted. But, should we believe Julia Gillard based on her track record? The Productivity Commission recommended this year that smartcards were the "most effective way to target problem gamblers". It recommended gamblers should be able to "opt out". Wilkie championed Gillard's commitment to force gambling reform by using corporations law to override unco-operative states as "unprecedented". Under the deal, the Aussie states must agree to implement the cards by May 31 next year. Ball told press that forcing gamblers to "pre-commit" to their pokie spending, along with introducing limits on ATM withdrawals, would close rural clubs, cost jobs, inconvenience recreational gamblers and club users, and do nothing to alleviate problem gambling. "She's done this without consultation and without any evidence to support it as an effective harm minimisation measure. Julia Gillard wrote to Clubs Australia and committed herself to consultation in developing gambling policy. That commitment has been broken." The NSW government grabbed more than $1 billion bucks from poker machine taxes in the past financial year. A senior NSW government source... let's call him 'Leak #100' said he did not think the commonwealth had the authority to legislate rules on use of pokies. "And if they think they can make an impact on state revenues, they'll have to compensate us". Acting NSW Gaming Minister Jodi McKay said Gillard's announcement was "exactly the sort of conversation we have been looking forward to having with the federal government". Constitutional law expert and Australian Catholic (a religion!) University vice-chancellor Greg 'Christ' (MM tag) Craven said the PM should be able to achieve poker machine reform across the states within the limits of Australian law. Professor Craven said Gillard should be able to legislate mandatory pre-commitment technology in electronic gaming machines because the commonwealth had the power to make laws with respect to corporations. The Victorian government welcomed Gillard's proposal. Gaming Minister Tony Robinson said the state had taken the lead by working towards implementing pre-commitment technology on all gaming machines. RSL & Services Clubs Association chairman Bryn Miller said he expected the reforms would undercut the revenue of his clubs but the move was preferable to introducing a maximum bet spend. Rumors are starting to circulate in and around the Australian club, hotel, casino and entertainment industry that Gillard, Andrew 'Witty & Wild' (MM tag) Wilkie and Nick 'Mr X' Xenophon are currently making some powerful and very dangerous real life Underbelly type enemies and that they should exercise extreme caution. One clubber whispered in a straight shooting fashion "Labor knifed one of its own. Have a stabbing guess at what us fellas might do when the opportunity presents, and it will". A Media Man insider was overheard with "A real life Underbelly meets Casino Jack meets Casino the movie situation is brewing here. There's going to be fall out. A full on dictator type Aussie government in Australia won't be tolerated much longer in Australia. The people are angry, and some are calling for blood. You might hear a phrase come up...Aussie Gumleaf Mafia. Fact is often stranger than fiction, especially in this world."

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Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, what's your view on the casino wars, online casinos, broadband, censorship, internet censorship and freedom of the press?... at work or home? Who will win the Aussie Casino Wars? Is Gillard's luck running out? Do you enjoy adult content (that is legal)? Make your voice heard. Tell us in the forum. The big wigs of Australian politics and business read and hang on every word at your beloved Gambling911. From Australia's answer to 'Casino Jack' to 'Outback Jack', they're all here folks. Keep checking daily for updates. Don't forget to use Proxy if need be, depending upon how you like your coffee and internet... filtered or not?

WWE Pro Wrestling Company Does WWE Poker: WTF - Grooming Kids For Poker?...

The World Wrestling Entertainment company, headed up by Vince McMahon, fresh off an Aussie and China tour, is ramping up WWE Poker, with it getting promoted on the official WWE website. There's a forum and various tournaments, using the names of superstars, wrestling moves and the like. Years ago McMahon rival Eric Bischoff dabbled in mixing wrestling and gaming together with mixed results. EB's website says this on some of his business activities: BHE licensing has developed brand strategies, licensing opportunities, and retail distribution for entertainment brands including WWE, Playboy, Socko Energy, Hulk Hogan, LG, and WalMart. BHE licensing is currently working with Rainmaker Gaming Technologies and ID Gaming for a November launch of a Hulk Hogan branded line of slot machines at G2E in Las Vegas. Swing back to Vegas in 1999 and it was the then World Wrestling Federation who bought a casino but it never got past concept stage. WWF proposed to open on the property best known as the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino, but now known as the Royal Resort Hotel and Casino. It's understood they sold it roughly a year later for a few million dollars profit. McMahon now doing WWE Poker may be a politically dangerous move, given his wifes' Linda McMahon's high profile position in American politics. WWE Poker isn't anywhere close to being listed on PokerScout (yet) which lists the world's most popular poker rooms, dominated by PartyGaming's PartyPoker, PokerStars, PKR, iPoker, Full Tilt, Microgaming and others. WWE toured Australia last month but no mention was made of poker or gambling, online or offline. A few years ago Ric Flair's association with gambling, namely Lotto, was tipped as a reason the company further distanced themselves from 'The Nature Boy'. TNA pro wrestler, Kevin 'Big Sexy' Nash (formally 'Vinnie Vegas' and Diesel) has some links to online gaming and gambling on his official website, which may be a one off in the industry. Media Man on the other hand has pushed the envelope as has a number of gambling and gaming campaigns running on their Wrestling News Media website portal, featuring PartyGaming, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair. WWE Poker is not particually impressive as yet, not to say that it won't become a body slamming hit with both Yankees and Aussies. Most of McMahon's other WWE entertainment themed side projects of late have been successful including WWE Studios, WWE action figures (Mattel) and WWE Comics. His past bombs included WBF (bodybuilding) and WWE backed American Football entitled XFL. At least he knew how to sell a land based casino for profit, so give the devil his due. Oh, McMahon has joined Facebook, plugging himself into the social media phenom, but thus far seems to have resisted his own official Twitter account, but his company and wrestlers are Twitter maniacs (in a good way). Side note, Hulk Hogan finds himself having numerous fake Faceook and Twitter accounts springing up on an almost weekely basis. Fakes are one of the main dangers of the internet world, but thank god there's only one Gambling911 and one Media Man. Often imitated, never, ever, duplicated!

The Late News...

Australian 'Gumleaf Mafia' fighting back against the 'Thought Police' and 'Bible Bashers', with some serious campaining planned, along with Clubs NSW exposing Australian Labor party lies. More resignations tipped from ALP... MP's doing the wrong thing. Sports: Pakistan Cricket team could be banned from Australia for life. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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 and offer political commentary and analysis.

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