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Sunday, January 30, 2011
Crown Casino Demands Aussie Govt Lift Game For Asian High Rollers, by Greg Tingle - 30th January 2011
G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whale VIP's, gambling millionaires and billionaires, poker sharks, entertainment and arts news junkies, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, legal eagles... one and all. You know who you are. Oriental high rolling VIP's, all 200 plus of them, are the world's most sought after casino clients, and James Packer's Crown Limited is demanding that the Australian government life their own game to help ensure the whales will come swimming (and jetting) to Australia. Media Man and Gambling911 with this high rolling report...
Casino and gambling big wigs have started to force the hand of the federal Government to streamline customs and immigration processing for Oriental high rolling whales flying down under into Australia.
James Packer's Crown Casino, and now Burswood and floating 'Infinity' wants visas made much easier to obtain, more frequent direct flights from Asia and VIP customs lounges at airports so high rolling gamblers can bypass those long queues.
Crown's chief executive Rowen Craigie advised the press the enhancements were absolutely necessary if Australia hopes to plug into the extremely lucrative middle and upper-class Chinese tourism market.
"They are the sort of issues we want to talk about with the federal Government," Craigie said, noting high-rollers wanted first-class treatment (in all aspects of their visit.)
In Singapore, where two world class casino resorts worth $11 billion opened last year, the Government has built a private lounge to fast-track customs and immigration processing for high-rollers. Officials meet and greet VIPs at the air-bridge and escort them through the process, then casino valets and porters arrive.
"It needs to be competitive," Craigie said. "At the moment, it's not."
Craigie welcomed the review that the Government announced last month into education visas. He said a similar process needed to be applied to tourist visas.
In another ultra competitive sector, higher education, the industry won the review into education visa processing after complaining that lack of access was discouraging students from studying in Australia. A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen would not commit to reviewing tourist visas.
Some insiders say the Immigration Department and some casinos have long-standing, prior arrangements for certain VIPs to access slightly more streamlined immigration processing.
"Australia's migration and visa programs are global and non-discriminatory," the spokeswoman said. "Where possible (we) offer streamlined processing to low-risk clients, primarily through electronic visas but also through preferred processing of applications lodged through trusted agents, as occurs in China."
Packer mate, Sir Richard Branson, king of Virgin (airline included) has casino whales on his radar, however its unclear if RB will be going after the sector this year. Packer's other Brit mate, Damian Aspinall, earlier this week advised he would be closing his Aspinall's (land based) casino, which can't have given the sector much of a confidence boost, but it might have lifted the confidence levels of gamblers, with gamblers obviously chipping away at the profits by winning. And we all thought the house always wins! Well, maybe it does, but Aspinall's house is down. Packer won't want the same luck, nor will Branson.
Stay tuned for more on the high rolling VIP's and Crown Casino management wish list.
Sneak Peak Into The World Of Oriental Casino Whales And High Rollers...
The king of the Oriental casino whales, Stanley Ho, has been in the news a lot lately, so we thought it was timely to offer the loyal readership a glimpse into the world of a whale and his pool of Asia high rollers, who by the way James Packer's Crown Casino (and Tabcorp's Star City) just to be fair, are looking to lure down under to Australia.
This is Lifestyle of the rich (and often not so famous). They don't want to be that well known outside their inner circle casino and poker dens of choice. They are the world's real casino whales and super VIP's.
Stanley Ho is one of the world's most powerful casino super whales, and he's got about 200 other whales to keep satisfied. Australian gambling entrepreneurs are looking for a greater bite of the whales swimming the ocean, and one needs to have the best lure, bait and service to ensure the whale clientele keep coming back for more.
It's the high stakes world of casino and poker tourism, and competition for the gambling and entertainment dollar has never been tougher.
They jet in for free on a $40 million Gulfstream, direct from Shanghai. The family of three is whisked from the airport in a limousine to villa valued at $27,000 a night and occupying the entire 38th floor at Melbourne's Crown Towers.
A team of staff, including a butler and chef, just meet just about any request the whale will have.
On Level 39 just about anything can happen, if the whale desires. There's gaming salons, all private, a croupier, cards and a wooden pallet are at the table. Officially betting limits are $300,000 per hand, but by special arrangement, this high roller could punt $1 million or more on a single hand of baccarat. He's one of the new US-dollar billionaires of China, a group that jumped by double last year. China is home to about 200 billionaires, second only to the United States, sitting on 403.
Casinos from Sydney, to Melbourne, to Macau to Singapore and Las Vegas are investing billions to secure a good part of this rapidly expanding sector. In Australia, the two biggest casino operators, Crown Limited and Tabcorp are spending $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion respectively on their gaming venues across four states. You could call it cash burn on the casinos part, but the rewards can be high for winning casino operators, where money (and world class service and entertainment) are the name of the game.
New six-star hotels, private jets, entertainment rooms, private gaming salons and dozens of celebrity-chef restaurants are all part of the extreme makeovers designed to make the likes of Star City, Crown Melbourne, Perth's Burswood, and Jupiters on the Gold Coast mega entertainment and tourism destinations. James Packer even has his 'Infinity' yacht ready for them off the coast of Western Australia.
The last Kerry Packer was once the king of the whales and only a few casinos in Las Vegas would accommodate him, thanks to his ability to break a casino, if lady luck went his way, and if often did.
Today, high rollers, most of them from China, also play hard and millions of dollars can pass across the table in an hour or two.
"I wouldn't call it war," Crown boss Rowen Craigie said.
"But obviously there's major investments in integrated resorts."
Integrated resorts is a term now frequently used by the newest player on the block, Singapore, to describe the mega entertainment and tourism complexes it has built around casinos. Singapore saw the boom coming, and threw out gambling restrictions in 2004 to invite private investment of $US11 billion in two super ambitious gaming, hotel and convention resorts.
The effect on inbound tourism was virtually immediate, increasing by 22% since Marina Bay Sands and Resort World Sentosa opened in the past year. "When it comes to tackling tourism from China, you have to look at what Singapore is doing," Craigie said.
At Marina Bay Sands, which cost $US6 billion, daily gaming revenue hit $4.5 million late last year, after the mid-2010 opening. It came at a cost to casinos elsewhere, with Crown's VIP revenues at its Melbourne and Perth casinos in the first six months of this financial year taking a hit, down 10% or about $35 million.
Crown's chairman James Packer used the company's AGM late last year to call for state and federal governments to change their attitude from ignoring to instead promoting casinos in official domestic and international tourism campaigns. Packer would like to see heavy private investment in "integrated resorts" matched by government backing in the form of marketing, improved visa access and procedures for VIPs and other gamblers and more direct flights from Asia.
In Singapore, high rollers are greeted by officials at Changi airport, and escorted through a private lounge for fast-tracked customs and immigration formalities. The Singaporean government actively promotes the two resorts through a special branch within its tourism authority. The resorts are a crucial part of the national campaign to rebrand Singapore as a fun place to be.
Packer told the AGM in November "I believe that Australia needs to meet the challenges and capture the opportunities that the fast growing tourism markets from Asia are presenting to this country. In order to progress this, I truly believe that it will be necessary for federal and state governments, the broader tourism industry and key Asian-focused tourism operators such as Crown to work more closely together."
A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen would not commit to reviewing tourist visas for gamblers. "Australia's migration and visa programs are global and non-discriminatory," the spokeswoman said.
Cashed-up Chinese tourists want to gamble, but they also want to experience the finer things in life, Craigie said. Their preference is for urban attractions, so Uluru, Sydney's beaches and the Great Barrier Reef are not enough.
"You need urban tourist attractions, not just natural resource tourist attractions," Craigie said.
At Singapore's Marina Bay Sands conventions of up to 45,000 delegates can be accommodated, there are 2,560 hotel rooms and suites and a SkyPark which sits like a gigantic ship's deck stretched atop three high-rise towers. The Iron Chef of America Mario Batali, is one of a handful of world-class celebrity chefs running restaurants in the complex. There's an art and science museum and in coming weeks theatre guests can take their pick of The Lion King, Elvis Costello or Slumdog Millionaire's AR Rahman.
In lifting gambling bans in 2004, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong withstood considerable community pressure, including claims that the casinos would cost Singaporean families more than $500 million a year due to problem gambling. Locals are taxed $S100 a day to gamble in the casinos.
In 2005 Lee said: "The great majority will not go there to gamble. They will be tourists, executives or businessmen who go to enjoy the resort of attend conventions or conferences."
Tabcorp backs Packer and Crown's sentiment on the need for casinos and government co-operation to boost tourism. Crown customer research found that its clients venture out of the complex to enjoy other tourist attractions during their visit, spending about $40 million (check) outside the Crown site every year.
Tabcorp is spending almost $1 billion upgrading Sydney's Star City and another $625 billion upgrading its three casinos in Queensland. "I absolutely believe Star City will boost tourism," Star's managing director Sid Vaikunta told Agenda.
In Sydney, Tabcorp is making its first serious play for the high roller and luxury tourism market, which for Crown Casino, the market leader on VIPs, means the first real domestic competition.
High rollers collectively plunged $28 billion on Australian gaming tables in the first six months of last year. Tabcorp's share was 16 per cent, or $4.48 billion. Across the 12 months to June 2010, VIP turnover at Crown's two casinos in Melbourne and Perth was $40 billion.
"Our goal is to grow the market," Vaikunta said. The biggest gaming revenue day of the year at Star is Christmas Day and Star's intention with the redevelopment is to continue to look after its main audience of local gamblers, while opening up a new market of VIPs and rich tourists.
"We believe in the city, it has charisma, and we want it to reach that potential, as a charismatic city," Vaikunta said. "We are spending almost $1 billion and a large part of that is a trade-up in quality."
Over the next year or so a new luxury 172-room hotel will open and among the six celebrity chefs fronting 20 new restaurants are David Chang from New York, master of modern Italian Stefano Manfedi and Masterchef star Adriano Zumbo. Last week Star spent the first half of a $100 million budget for two private jets for VIPs: a Bombardier Global Express XRS.
Vaikunta said the exclusive A-list concert with Bon Jovi at Star City in December last year was a taste of things to come, when a $100-million, 3000-seat events centre is completed next year (2012). Take any big act that toured Australia last year - Lady Gaga, ACDC, Guns N Roses - and this is the calibre of musical exclusive the casino hopes to sell, at a premium price, in this new venue, he said.
The complex is being re-orientated to face the harbour, with floor to ceiling glass, outdoor gaming and balconies. Inside will be significantly changed from the windowless maze of gaming rooms that Star has been lampooned for in the past. Also going is the dated and gawdy tropical oasis display and in its place will be chandeliers and contemporary furniture.
Vaikunta hopes that in return the state and federal governments will promote Star, and give it more poker machine licenses. While no formal proposal on increasing poker machine licenses had been put to the NSW Government or opposition, Vaikunta pointed out that Crown Melbourne had 2500 poker machines, about 1000 more than Star. QLD Premier Anna Bligh recently gave the go ahead to increase by 500 the number of poker machines in two of Tabcorp's 3 QLD casinos. The Victorian Government last year gave Crown Melbourne the green light to add another 150 new gaming tables.
Macau, the only Chinese territory where gaming is legal, has just overtaken Las Vegas as the world's biggest destination for gamblers. In recent years $A17 billion has been invested in casino resorts and monthly gross casino revenue hit $US2.4 billion in December. Annual gross gaming revenue hit a record $23.5 billion, trumping Las Vegas strip takings by four fold, according to analysts. Visitors to the modest sized province have increased from 9.5 million in 2001 to more than 23 million.
Singapore is forecast to become the gaming capital of the world by 2012 and national target for visitors is 17 million by 2015. In Australia, Packer told his AGM, tourist numbers had been flat for a decade at around 5 million people.
Packer must be sorry his bid to develop one of the Singapore casinos failed. But he is tipped to raise his hand again, when other markets open up overseas. Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines are all considering "integrated resort" developments.
Stay tuned for more on the super whales and high rolling VIP's, and if you can't wait for the next plane, feel welcome to browse the casino games and reviews on the website. You don't get a butler online, but at least its private. Might be just the thing to get you in the mood to visit Crown's super whale offerings down under in Melbourne, or take your gambling to a new level of Packer's 'Infinity' floating casino.
Crown Limited and Australian government departments - your throw of the dice. No bluff!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Ten Network Holdings
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Casino and gambling big wigs have started to force the hand of the federal Government to streamline customs and immigration processing for Oriental high rolling whales flying down under into Australia.
James Packer's Crown Casino, and now Burswood and floating 'Infinity' wants visas made much easier to obtain, more frequent direct flights from Asia and VIP customs lounges at airports so high rolling gamblers can bypass those long queues.
Crown's chief executive Rowen Craigie advised the press the enhancements were absolutely necessary if Australia hopes to plug into the extremely lucrative middle and upper-class Chinese tourism market.
"They are the sort of issues we want to talk about with the federal Government," Craigie said, noting high-rollers wanted first-class treatment (in all aspects of their visit.)
In Singapore, where two world class casino resorts worth $11 billion opened last year, the Government has built a private lounge to fast-track customs and immigration processing for high-rollers. Officials meet and greet VIPs at the air-bridge and escort them through the process, then casino valets and porters arrive.
"It needs to be competitive," Craigie said. "At the moment, it's not."
Craigie welcomed the review that the Government announced last month into education visas. He said a similar process needed to be applied to tourist visas.
In another ultra competitive sector, higher education, the industry won the review into education visa processing after complaining that lack of access was discouraging students from studying in Australia. A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen would not commit to reviewing tourist visas.
Some insiders say the Immigration Department and some casinos have long-standing, prior arrangements for certain VIPs to access slightly more streamlined immigration processing.
"Australia's migration and visa programs are global and non-discriminatory," the spokeswoman said. "Where possible (we) offer streamlined processing to low-risk clients, primarily through electronic visas but also through preferred processing of applications lodged through trusted agents, as occurs in China."
Packer mate, Sir Richard Branson, king of Virgin (airline included) has casino whales on his radar, however its unclear if RB will be going after the sector this year. Packer's other Brit mate, Damian Aspinall, earlier this week advised he would be closing his Aspinall's (land based) casino, which can't have given the sector much of a confidence boost, but it might have lifted the confidence levels of gamblers, with gamblers obviously chipping away at the profits by winning. And we all thought the house always wins! Well, maybe it does, but Aspinall's house is down. Packer won't want the same luck, nor will Branson.
Stay tuned for more on the high rolling VIP's and Crown Casino management wish list.
Sneak Peak Into The World Of Oriental Casino Whales And High Rollers...
The king of the Oriental casino whales, Stanley Ho, has been in the news a lot lately, so we thought it was timely to offer the loyal readership a glimpse into the world of a whale and his pool of Asia high rollers, who by the way James Packer's Crown Casino (and Tabcorp's Star City) just to be fair, are looking to lure down under to Australia.
This is Lifestyle of the rich (and often not so famous). They don't want to be that well known outside their inner circle casino and poker dens of choice. They are the world's real casino whales and super VIP's.
Stanley Ho is one of the world's most powerful casino super whales, and he's got about 200 other whales to keep satisfied. Australian gambling entrepreneurs are looking for a greater bite of the whales swimming the ocean, and one needs to have the best lure, bait and service to ensure the whale clientele keep coming back for more.
It's the high stakes world of casino and poker tourism, and competition for the gambling and entertainment dollar has never been tougher.
They jet in for free on a $40 million Gulfstream, direct from Shanghai. The family of three is whisked from the airport in a limousine to villa valued at $27,000 a night and occupying the entire 38th floor at Melbourne's Crown Towers.
A team of staff, including a butler and chef, just meet just about any request the whale will have.
On Level 39 just about anything can happen, if the whale desires. There's gaming salons, all private, a croupier, cards and a wooden pallet are at the table. Officially betting limits are $300,000 per hand, but by special arrangement, this high roller could punt $1 million or more on a single hand of baccarat. He's one of the new US-dollar billionaires of China, a group that jumped by double last year. China is home to about 200 billionaires, second only to the United States, sitting on 403.
Casinos from Sydney, to Melbourne, to Macau to Singapore and Las Vegas are investing billions to secure a good part of this rapidly expanding sector. In Australia, the two biggest casino operators, Crown Limited and Tabcorp are spending $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion respectively on their gaming venues across four states. You could call it cash burn on the casinos part, but the rewards can be high for winning casino operators, where money (and world class service and entertainment) are the name of the game.
New six-star hotels, private jets, entertainment rooms, private gaming salons and dozens of celebrity-chef restaurants are all part of the extreme makeovers designed to make the likes of Star City, Crown Melbourne, Perth's Burswood, and Jupiters on the Gold Coast mega entertainment and tourism destinations. James Packer even has his 'Infinity' yacht ready for them off the coast of Western Australia.
The last Kerry Packer was once the king of the whales and only a few casinos in Las Vegas would accommodate him, thanks to his ability to break a casino, if lady luck went his way, and if often did.
Today, high rollers, most of them from China, also play hard and millions of dollars can pass across the table in an hour or two.
"I wouldn't call it war," Crown boss Rowen Craigie said.
"But obviously there's major investments in integrated resorts."
Integrated resorts is a term now frequently used by the newest player on the block, Singapore, to describe the mega entertainment and tourism complexes it has built around casinos. Singapore saw the boom coming, and threw out gambling restrictions in 2004 to invite private investment of $US11 billion in two super ambitious gaming, hotel and convention resorts.
The effect on inbound tourism was virtually immediate, increasing by 22% since Marina Bay Sands and Resort World Sentosa opened in the past year. "When it comes to tackling tourism from China, you have to look at what Singapore is doing," Craigie said.
At Marina Bay Sands, which cost $US6 billion, daily gaming revenue hit $4.5 million late last year, after the mid-2010 opening. It came at a cost to casinos elsewhere, with Crown's VIP revenues at its Melbourne and Perth casinos in the first six months of this financial year taking a hit, down 10% or about $35 million.
Crown's chairman James Packer used the company's AGM late last year to call for state and federal governments to change their attitude from ignoring to instead promoting casinos in official domestic and international tourism campaigns. Packer would like to see heavy private investment in "integrated resorts" matched by government backing in the form of marketing, improved visa access and procedures for VIPs and other gamblers and more direct flights from Asia.
In Singapore, high rollers are greeted by officials at Changi airport, and escorted through a private lounge for fast-tracked customs and immigration formalities. The Singaporean government actively promotes the two resorts through a special branch within its tourism authority. The resorts are a crucial part of the national campaign to rebrand Singapore as a fun place to be.
Packer told the AGM in November "I believe that Australia needs to meet the challenges and capture the opportunities that the fast growing tourism markets from Asia are presenting to this country. In order to progress this, I truly believe that it will be necessary for federal and state governments, the broader tourism industry and key Asian-focused tourism operators such as Crown to work more closely together."
A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen would not commit to reviewing tourist visas for gamblers. "Australia's migration and visa programs are global and non-discriminatory," the spokeswoman said.
Cashed-up Chinese tourists want to gamble, but they also want to experience the finer things in life, Craigie said. Their preference is for urban attractions, so Uluru, Sydney's beaches and the Great Barrier Reef are not enough.
"You need urban tourist attractions, not just natural resource tourist attractions," Craigie said.
At Singapore's Marina Bay Sands conventions of up to 45,000 delegates can be accommodated, there are 2,560 hotel rooms and suites and a SkyPark which sits like a gigantic ship's deck stretched atop three high-rise towers. The Iron Chef of America Mario Batali, is one of a handful of world-class celebrity chefs running restaurants in the complex. There's an art and science museum and in coming weeks theatre guests can take their pick of The Lion King, Elvis Costello or Slumdog Millionaire's AR Rahman.
In lifting gambling bans in 2004, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong withstood considerable community pressure, including claims that the casinos would cost Singaporean families more than $500 million a year due to problem gambling. Locals are taxed $S100 a day to gamble in the casinos.
In 2005 Lee said: "The great majority will not go there to gamble. They will be tourists, executives or businessmen who go to enjoy the resort of attend conventions or conferences."
Tabcorp backs Packer and Crown's sentiment on the need for casinos and government co-operation to boost tourism. Crown customer research found that its clients venture out of the complex to enjoy other tourist attractions during their visit, spending about $40 million (check) outside the Crown site every year.
Tabcorp is spending almost $1 billion upgrading Sydney's Star City and another $625 billion upgrading its three casinos in Queensland. "I absolutely believe Star City will boost tourism," Star's managing director Sid Vaikunta told Agenda.
In Sydney, Tabcorp is making its first serious play for the high roller and luxury tourism market, which for Crown Casino, the market leader on VIPs, means the first real domestic competition.
High rollers collectively plunged $28 billion on Australian gaming tables in the first six months of last year. Tabcorp's share was 16 per cent, or $4.48 billion. Across the 12 months to June 2010, VIP turnover at Crown's two casinos in Melbourne and Perth was $40 billion.
"Our goal is to grow the market," Vaikunta said. The biggest gaming revenue day of the year at Star is Christmas Day and Star's intention with the redevelopment is to continue to look after its main audience of local gamblers, while opening up a new market of VIPs and rich tourists.
"We believe in the city, it has charisma, and we want it to reach that potential, as a charismatic city," Vaikunta said. "We are spending almost $1 billion and a large part of that is a trade-up in quality."
Over the next year or so a new luxury 172-room hotel will open and among the six celebrity chefs fronting 20 new restaurants are David Chang from New York, master of modern Italian Stefano Manfedi and Masterchef star Adriano Zumbo. Last week Star spent the first half of a $100 million budget for two private jets for VIPs: a Bombardier Global Express XRS.
Vaikunta said the exclusive A-list concert with Bon Jovi at Star City in December last year was a taste of things to come, when a $100-million, 3000-seat events centre is completed next year (2012). Take any big act that toured Australia last year - Lady Gaga, ACDC, Guns N Roses - and this is the calibre of musical exclusive the casino hopes to sell, at a premium price, in this new venue, he said.
The complex is being re-orientated to face the harbour, with floor to ceiling glass, outdoor gaming and balconies. Inside will be significantly changed from the windowless maze of gaming rooms that Star has been lampooned for in the past. Also going is the dated and gawdy tropical oasis display and in its place will be chandeliers and contemporary furniture.
Vaikunta hopes that in return the state and federal governments will promote Star, and give it more poker machine licenses. While no formal proposal on increasing poker machine licenses had been put to the NSW Government or opposition, Vaikunta pointed out that Crown Melbourne had 2500 poker machines, about 1000 more than Star. QLD Premier Anna Bligh recently gave the go ahead to increase by 500 the number of poker machines in two of Tabcorp's 3 QLD casinos. The Victorian Government last year gave Crown Melbourne the green light to add another 150 new gaming tables.
Macau, the only Chinese territory where gaming is legal, has just overtaken Las Vegas as the world's biggest destination for gamblers. In recent years $A17 billion has been invested in casino resorts and monthly gross casino revenue hit $US2.4 billion in December. Annual gross gaming revenue hit a record $23.5 billion, trumping Las Vegas strip takings by four fold, according to analysts. Visitors to the modest sized province have increased from 9.5 million in 2001 to more than 23 million.
Singapore is forecast to become the gaming capital of the world by 2012 and national target for visitors is 17 million by 2015. In Australia, Packer told his AGM, tourist numbers had been flat for a decade at around 5 million people.
Packer must be sorry his bid to develop one of the Singapore casinos failed. But he is tipped to raise his hand again, when other markets open up overseas. Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines are all considering "integrated resort" developments.
Stay tuned for more on the super whales and high rolling VIP's, and if you can't wait for the next plane, feel welcome to browse the casino games and reviews on the website. You don't get a butler online, but at least its private. Might be just the thing to get you in the mood to visit Crown's super whale offerings down under in Melbourne, or take your gambling to a new level of Packer's 'Infinity' floating casino.
Crown Limited and Australian government departments - your throw of the dice. No bluff!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Ten Network Holdings
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Australian Celeb News: Media, Casino And Gaming Celebs, by Greg Tingle - 29th January 2011
G'day punters, celebrities, journos, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, poker sharks, entertainment news junkies, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, legal eagles,... one and all. You know who you are. Seems just about everyone is a celebrity, or knows a celebrity these days. God know the poker world is full of them. This is our Aussie celebrity special, featuring Aussie celebs from the world of media, gaming, poker and more, and even a few ring-ins for good measure. Media Man and Gambling911 with celebrities you love to love, and even a couple you love to hate...
Shane Warne...And Liz Hurley...
Warnie and Liz look to be in love, with each other and with Twitter. The spinner is hanging out for a game of poker or "poke her" with Liz, almost begging for Hurley Burley to come down under for a face to face. The couple have taken to Twitter like ducks to water. Warne and Hurley's developing romance is good fodder out for their almost half a million Twitter followers. They are now publicly planning her trip Down Under. The poker - fashion babe might be in Australia within weeks. Hurley has been tweeting about her new parrot, Ping Pong. "I'm getting jealous of ping pong! Think it's time you left ping pong alone for a while & come visit me in Australia," Warne tweeted. "No need for jealousy SW, she's not getting any cuddles or kisses!" Hurley replied. The model brunette is teaching the parrot to talk and Saints fan Warne has urged her to teach it the St Kilda club song.
"Don't forget advance Australia fair !!!! In tune too please ping pong . . . Ps organized kangaroos and koalas for your trip," he wrote. The affair between the former spinner and the movie - poker babe went public in December and the pair were busted on a romantic weekend in LA earlier this month. Both have bounce back, and judging by the Tweets, can't wait to bounce, fly and play together. Is it an Aussie expression... a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? Never mind. Tweet me at twitter.com/mediamanint
Russell Crowe: Ex Kiwi (On Defending His South Sydney Rabbitoh's Star City Casino Deal)...
"The football club is a completely different organisation from the leagues club. We don't have any control over what the leagues club does; they run their own game." Crowe then went on to defend the move by pitching Star City as primarily an entertainment precinct and putting forward society benefits from gaming revenue, of which there is some truth in. Entertainment is the name of the game, and its broken into sub sectors. "This is an entertainment venue in general; it's not just about gaming. Let's get real about this situation; we're living in a state where they're telling us that the revenue from poker machines is paying for our hospitals. What we're talking about here is about a connection between two organisations that are all about entertainment, that are all about the future of Sydney." Souths chief executive Shane Richardson seconded the views put forward forward by NRL chief executive David "Gambling" (MM satire) Gallop this week that the association between sport and gambling "is as old as sport itself". "Let's be honest no sport in the world could ignore it, we're not holier than thou, the NFL, the English Premier League, wherever it is, there's gambling. As David Gallop said all along, it's going to be there, it's a major part of what sport is whether we like it or not and we've got to be part of it to have some sort of control over it." Crowe did concede that his own personal beliefs on gambling were at odds with the deal and recognised that problem gamblers were an issue of concern. "I don't like them (pokies). I'm not a fan of them; I've made that clear in the past. "But in life I am a gambler. The fact that I took on South Sydney underlines that." Media Man and Gambling911 congratulate both the Rabbitohs, Crowe and Tabcorp's Star City for taking a bet on this. Life is a gamble, just don't let it get the better of you, and always have fun... on and off the field. Work hard and play harder!
Julian Assange...
He is possibly Australia's most notorious public figure in a strange sort of way. Hero or Villain? Guess it depends on who you ask. If you ask Prime Minister Julia Gillard we think you know the answer! This weekends' The Australian newspaper fueled rumours that the James Bond franchise might like to have an Assange type in an upcoming flick. The journo penned...Ian Fleming could have turned the WikiLeaks boss into a villain in a James Bond novel. Given the pervasiveness of the Bond myth, it is no surprise that Assange, like Osama bin Laden before him, should be likened to a Bond villain. He has been labelled many things both positive and negative, from champion of free speech to cyber-terrorist. Perhaps the strangest, and for many fans of popular culture most glamorous, epithet applied to Julian Assange is that of Bond villain. Moreover, it is an epithet that has found widespread media acceptance. The connection has been made in blogs and especially tabloid newspapers, and equally it has surfaced in such diverse publications as Britain's The Guardian, The Financial Times and the US's The Washington Post. The most conspicuous parallel between Assange and the fantasy world of Ian Fleming's James Bond involves the Bond villain's lair. The WikiLeaks HQ, known as the Pionen data centre, is a remodelled Swedish nuclear bunker set in a granite mountain face. Special thanks to Simon Caterson at News Limited. We like your work mate.
Elle Macpherson...
The once former flame of Brit gambling tycoon Damian Aspinall has got busy again as of late. Elle Macpherson and Cate Blanchett were guests at the major bling event for the Portofino range at a dinner in Geneva yesterday. They were joined by Lost's Matthew Fox - looking heavier and a bit ratty in a Brad Pitt-style Catweazle beard - plus Kevin Spacey, Ronan Keating and more. We're sure it was a fun event. And we're sure all received a special gift.
Damian Aspinall (James Packer Mate) To Sell Aspinall's Casino In Britain Following Bad Luck!..
Damian does business with Australia's James Packer, but its possible that soon that may come to an end. The Brit has had relationships with glamorous women, including the TV presenter Donna Air, Elle Macpherson and Naomi Campbell. He confirmed the scale of the club’s debts but said it was not unusual for a casino business. He said: “You are talking about a business that has £250 million a year drop (the money staked by its clients). So it is a bit circular. You are looking at unlucky years. That is the business we are in.
“Anyone in the business with high value VIP tables will have years when you do well and years when they don’t do well because it is volatile." Asked about the house’s performance last year, he added: “That’s completely normal. You are talking about a volatile business.” He said over a 10-year period Aspinall’s was winning 18 per cent of the money gambled at its tables. But he added: “You have years when you do nine per cent and years when you do 24 per cent.” The most recent available accounts for the club are for 2009 and Mr Aspinall said the club was now doing better. He said that despite his plan to move away from the elite clubs founded by his father such businesses would not die out. “I think there is a future. You have got to be grown up about those sorts of investments. You lose £10 million one week, and win £8 million the next. It is part of the business. When you lose these amounts it is a knock for the casino concerned, but you have weeks like that. We also had a week where we won £11 million in six days. It is big numbers these days. The winners could be three people over a number of days, it can be one person in one night. There are plenty of players all over the world who have won and lost that sort of money in a night."
Mel Gibson...
American law enforcement sources say Summit Entertainment which is distributing Aussie Mel's upcoming movie, "The Beaver" - gave Mel the final cut of the movie on DVD. Mel screened it at his home, and at 10:45 AM put the DVD in his mailbox so a courier could pick it up and return it to Summit. The DVD was rumoured to go missing in action, not Mel!
Hugh Jackman...
Hugh Jackman, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry and Marisa Tomei Among Oscar Presenters...Tony Award winner and previous Academy Awards host Hugh Jackman will be part of this year's Oscar ceremony, according to the Associated Press. Jackman will be a presenter at the 83rd Academy Awards. Other presenters currently include Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry and Marisa Tomei. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented Feb. 27 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The awards will be televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 8 PM ET. James Franco and Anne Hathaway will co-host this year's ceremony. Jackman, who was seen on screen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," earned a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz. He is also known for his film roles in the "X-Men" trilogy, "Someone Like You," "Swordfish," "Kate and Leopold," "Van Helsing" and the recent "The Fountain" and "Happy Feet" (in voice). His stage credits also include Trevor Nunn's staging of Oklahoma! at Britian's National Theatre and award-winning work in productions of Sunset Boulevard and Beauty and the Beast.
John Travolta...(As John Gotti)...
Travolta was at Amici restaurant in Brentwood a few nights ago. He wasn't giving much away about taking the role. But Marty Ingels, Executive Producer of the movie was much more direct, stating Travolta will play the lead role in the movie, "Gotti." Leaks tell us James Franco has been approached to play John Gotti, Jr. Bang! Hit us up for an update soon.
David Gyngell...
Gyng is tipped to be very shortly flying to the U.S to test the waters re the upcoming float on the stock market on his CVC. Nine Entertainment's private equity owners will assess the health of the local equity and advertising markets this month. After which, they will decide the date for a $5 billion listing of the television, magazine and digital group. According to market sources, Nine's owner, CVC Asia Pacific, is yet to decide on the listing date although most observers expect the debt-laden group to test the waters as soon as April if global equity markets remain relatively strong. Management, including newly installed chief executive David Gyngell, will travel to the US next month to gauge the interest of potential offshore investors.
Celebrity Poker Pros: Tyron Krost And Stewart Scott: Celebrity Stars Going Down In Ratings; Direct Response To Poor Showing In Aussie Millions 2011
These couple of poker celebs were on fire at some point, but lately a shower has been thrown on their parade. Both are former Aussie Millions champs - Krost from last year, Scott from 2009. Fellas, time to win some big games again or you might not even be thought as celebs any more. Start performing or might those sponsorship deals with PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com dry up?
Van Marcus...
Poker pro Van Marcus, currently in Melbourne for Aussie Millions, is the chap who has his red rare Ferrari nicked from the Crown valet parking last year, in a story that generated massive international headlines. In the past days Marcus has been seeing driving around Melbourne in what looks to be the same card, but this time reportedly with a hot blonde or brunette in the passenger seat. Hows the ride girls?
Australian Chris Hemsworth Plays Father To Thor; Anthony Hopkins Is Thor!...
The Aussies and Brits are teaming up again in film, thanks to our friends at Marvel Entertainment. The industry is abuzz for Aussie Hemsworth and Brit Hopkins. Hopkins has portrayed so many notable characters from history, literature, and the arts, that it’s no surprise we will see him in yet another role of stature. In this year’s hotly anticipated Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment epic adventure Thor, he will be Odin, the major god of Norse mythology, and father to Thor, (played by Australian Chris Hemsworth). The film is based on the Stan Lee comic book version, and directed by Kenneth Branagh. Excelsior! Marvel Entertainment: Don't just buy the comics and watch the movies, play the games at PartyGaming. May the power of Thor be with you.
James Packer And Co...
Marketing and gaming advisers to James Packer have leaked that they see merit in having an Aussie Millions branded online slot game. They saw the popularity of Cleopatra and Sinatra in an online environment, and well as PartyGaming's World Poker Tour slot in land based casinos. They have not confirmed a Kerry Packer themed slot game, with some concerns it may be a uncomfortable proposal for one or two of the Packer family, however many punters and insiders think that Kerry would have loved the idea, and further would have loved the concept that a slot game will his likeness via tribute slot would actually make Crown Limited money. PartyGaming, WMS and IGT are keen to talk turkey with Crown Limited with their online plans, which may also compliment what's in store for the further development of Packer 50% owned Betfair. Who is tipped to the the contract? We think PartyGaming, based on their strong US land based casino deals, ink still drying over the last few days, but you will just have to keep watching the space.
As they say on TV, I'm a celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our special celebrity report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Ten Network Holdings
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Shane Warne...And Liz Hurley...
Warnie and Liz look to be in love, with each other and with Twitter. The spinner is hanging out for a game of poker or "poke her" with Liz, almost begging for Hurley Burley to come down under for a face to face. The couple have taken to Twitter like ducks to water. Warne and Hurley's developing romance is good fodder out for their almost half a million Twitter followers. They are now publicly planning her trip Down Under. The poker - fashion babe might be in Australia within weeks. Hurley has been tweeting about her new parrot, Ping Pong. "I'm getting jealous of ping pong! Think it's time you left ping pong alone for a while & come visit me in Australia," Warne tweeted. "No need for jealousy SW, she's not getting any cuddles or kisses!" Hurley replied. The model brunette is teaching the parrot to talk and Saints fan Warne has urged her to teach it the St Kilda club song.
"Don't forget advance Australia fair !!!! In tune too please ping pong . . . Ps organized kangaroos and koalas for your trip," he wrote. The affair between the former spinner and the movie - poker babe went public in December and the pair were busted on a romantic weekend in LA earlier this month. Both have bounce back, and judging by the Tweets, can't wait to bounce, fly and play together. Is it an Aussie expression... a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush? Never mind. Tweet me at twitter.com/mediamanint
Russell Crowe: Ex Kiwi (On Defending His South Sydney Rabbitoh's Star City Casino Deal)...
"The football club is a completely different organisation from the leagues club. We don't have any control over what the leagues club does; they run their own game." Crowe then went on to defend the move by pitching Star City as primarily an entertainment precinct and putting forward society benefits from gaming revenue, of which there is some truth in. Entertainment is the name of the game, and its broken into sub sectors. "This is an entertainment venue in general; it's not just about gaming. Let's get real about this situation; we're living in a state where they're telling us that the revenue from poker machines is paying for our hospitals. What we're talking about here is about a connection between two organisations that are all about entertainment, that are all about the future of Sydney." Souths chief executive Shane Richardson seconded the views put forward forward by NRL chief executive David "Gambling" (MM satire) Gallop this week that the association between sport and gambling "is as old as sport itself". "Let's be honest no sport in the world could ignore it, we're not holier than thou, the NFL, the English Premier League, wherever it is, there's gambling. As David Gallop said all along, it's going to be there, it's a major part of what sport is whether we like it or not and we've got to be part of it to have some sort of control over it." Crowe did concede that his own personal beliefs on gambling were at odds with the deal and recognised that problem gamblers were an issue of concern. "I don't like them (pokies). I'm not a fan of them; I've made that clear in the past. "But in life I am a gambler. The fact that I took on South Sydney underlines that." Media Man and Gambling911 congratulate both the Rabbitohs, Crowe and Tabcorp's Star City for taking a bet on this. Life is a gamble, just don't let it get the better of you, and always have fun... on and off the field. Work hard and play harder!
Julian Assange...
He is possibly Australia's most notorious public figure in a strange sort of way. Hero or Villain? Guess it depends on who you ask. If you ask Prime Minister Julia Gillard we think you know the answer! This weekends' The Australian newspaper fueled rumours that the James Bond franchise might like to have an Assange type in an upcoming flick. The journo penned...Ian Fleming could have turned the WikiLeaks boss into a villain in a James Bond novel. Given the pervasiveness of the Bond myth, it is no surprise that Assange, like Osama bin Laden before him, should be likened to a Bond villain. He has been labelled many things both positive and negative, from champion of free speech to cyber-terrorist. Perhaps the strangest, and for many fans of popular culture most glamorous, epithet applied to Julian Assange is that of Bond villain. Moreover, it is an epithet that has found widespread media acceptance. The connection has been made in blogs and especially tabloid newspapers, and equally it has surfaced in such diverse publications as Britain's The Guardian, The Financial Times and the US's The Washington Post. The most conspicuous parallel between Assange and the fantasy world of Ian Fleming's James Bond involves the Bond villain's lair. The WikiLeaks HQ, known as the Pionen data centre, is a remodelled Swedish nuclear bunker set in a granite mountain face. Special thanks to Simon Caterson at News Limited. We like your work mate.
Elle Macpherson...
The once former flame of Brit gambling tycoon Damian Aspinall has got busy again as of late. Elle Macpherson and Cate Blanchett were guests at the major bling event for the Portofino range at a dinner in Geneva yesterday. They were joined by Lost's Matthew Fox - looking heavier and a bit ratty in a Brad Pitt-style Catweazle beard - plus Kevin Spacey, Ronan Keating and more. We're sure it was a fun event. And we're sure all received a special gift.
Damian Aspinall (James Packer Mate) To Sell Aspinall's Casino In Britain Following Bad Luck!..
Damian does business with Australia's James Packer, but its possible that soon that may come to an end. The Brit has had relationships with glamorous women, including the TV presenter Donna Air, Elle Macpherson and Naomi Campbell. He confirmed the scale of the club’s debts but said it was not unusual for a casino business. He said: “You are talking about a business that has £250 million a year drop (the money staked by its clients). So it is a bit circular. You are looking at unlucky years. That is the business we are in.
“Anyone in the business with high value VIP tables will have years when you do well and years when they don’t do well because it is volatile." Asked about the house’s performance last year, he added: “That’s completely normal. You are talking about a volatile business.” He said over a 10-year period Aspinall’s was winning 18 per cent of the money gambled at its tables. But he added: “You have years when you do nine per cent and years when you do 24 per cent.” The most recent available accounts for the club are for 2009 and Mr Aspinall said the club was now doing better. He said that despite his plan to move away from the elite clubs founded by his father such businesses would not die out. “I think there is a future. You have got to be grown up about those sorts of investments. You lose £10 million one week, and win £8 million the next. It is part of the business. When you lose these amounts it is a knock for the casino concerned, but you have weeks like that. We also had a week where we won £11 million in six days. It is big numbers these days. The winners could be three people over a number of days, it can be one person in one night. There are plenty of players all over the world who have won and lost that sort of money in a night."
Mel Gibson...
American law enforcement sources say Summit Entertainment which is distributing Aussie Mel's upcoming movie, "The Beaver" - gave Mel the final cut of the movie on DVD. Mel screened it at his home, and at 10:45 AM put the DVD in his mailbox so a courier could pick it up and return it to Summit. The DVD was rumoured to go missing in action, not Mel!
Hugh Jackman...
Hugh Jackman, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry and Marisa Tomei Among Oscar Presenters...Tony Award winner and previous Academy Awards host Hugh Jackman will be part of this year's Oscar ceremony, according to the Associated Press. Jackman will be a presenter at the 83rd Academy Awards. Other presenters currently include Sandra Bullock, Jeff Bridges, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry and Marisa Tomei. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented Feb. 27 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The awards will be televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 8 PM ET. James Franco and Anne Hathaway will co-host this year's ceremony. Jackman, who was seen on screen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," earned a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz. He is also known for his film roles in the "X-Men" trilogy, "Someone Like You," "Swordfish," "Kate and Leopold," "Van Helsing" and the recent "The Fountain" and "Happy Feet" (in voice). His stage credits also include Trevor Nunn's staging of Oklahoma! at Britian's National Theatre and award-winning work in productions of Sunset Boulevard and Beauty and the Beast.
John Travolta...(As John Gotti)...
Travolta was at Amici restaurant in Brentwood a few nights ago. He wasn't giving much away about taking the role. But Marty Ingels, Executive Producer of the movie was much more direct, stating Travolta will play the lead role in the movie, "Gotti." Leaks tell us James Franco has been approached to play John Gotti, Jr. Bang! Hit us up for an update soon.
David Gyngell...
Gyng is tipped to be very shortly flying to the U.S to test the waters re the upcoming float on the stock market on his CVC. Nine Entertainment's private equity owners will assess the health of the local equity and advertising markets this month. After which, they will decide the date for a $5 billion listing of the television, magazine and digital group. According to market sources, Nine's owner, CVC Asia Pacific, is yet to decide on the listing date although most observers expect the debt-laden group to test the waters as soon as April if global equity markets remain relatively strong. Management, including newly installed chief executive David Gyngell, will travel to the US next month to gauge the interest of potential offshore investors.
Celebrity Poker Pros: Tyron Krost And Stewart Scott: Celebrity Stars Going Down In Ratings; Direct Response To Poor Showing In Aussie Millions 2011
These couple of poker celebs were on fire at some point, but lately a shower has been thrown on their parade. Both are former Aussie Millions champs - Krost from last year, Scott from 2009. Fellas, time to win some big games again or you might not even be thought as celebs any more. Start performing or might those sponsorship deals with PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com dry up?
Van Marcus...
Poker pro Van Marcus, currently in Melbourne for Aussie Millions, is the chap who has his red rare Ferrari nicked from the Crown valet parking last year, in a story that generated massive international headlines. In the past days Marcus has been seeing driving around Melbourne in what looks to be the same card, but this time reportedly with a hot blonde or brunette in the passenger seat. Hows the ride girls?
Australian Chris Hemsworth Plays Father To Thor; Anthony Hopkins Is Thor!...
The Aussies and Brits are teaming up again in film, thanks to our friends at Marvel Entertainment. The industry is abuzz for Aussie Hemsworth and Brit Hopkins. Hopkins has portrayed so many notable characters from history, literature, and the arts, that it’s no surprise we will see him in yet another role of stature. In this year’s hotly anticipated Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment epic adventure Thor, he will be Odin, the major god of Norse mythology, and father to Thor, (played by Australian Chris Hemsworth). The film is based on the Stan Lee comic book version, and directed by Kenneth Branagh. Excelsior! Marvel Entertainment: Don't just buy the comics and watch the movies, play the games at PartyGaming. May the power of Thor be with you.
James Packer And Co...
Marketing and gaming advisers to James Packer have leaked that they see merit in having an Aussie Millions branded online slot game. They saw the popularity of Cleopatra and Sinatra in an online environment, and well as PartyGaming's World Poker Tour slot in land based casinos. They have not confirmed a Kerry Packer themed slot game, with some concerns it may be a uncomfortable proposal for one or two of the Packer family, however many punters and insiders think that Kerry would have loved the idea, and further would have loved the concept that a slot game will his likeness via tribute slot would actually make Crown Limited money. PartyGaming, WMS and IGT are keen to talk turkey with Crown Limited with their online plans, which may also compliment what's in store for the further development of Packer 50% owned Betfair. Who is tipped to the the contract? We think PartyGaming, based on their strong US land based casino deals, ink still drying over the last few days, but you will just have to keep watching the space.
As they say on TV, I'm a celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our special celebrity report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Ten Network Holdings
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Friday, January 28, 2011
Shareholders approve merger
Shareholders approve merger...
The legal measures specified by the merger plan can now be implemented during the next few weeks.
Vienna/Gibraltar, 28 January 2011 – shareholders have today approved the merger of their two companies. These approvals in both extraordinary general meetings (EGM) were a condition for carrying out the proposed merger.
Commenting on the results of today’s EGMs...
Today’s shareholder meetings were a key milestone in the overall process, putting the transformational merger of our two companies well on the way to completion. We are delighted that both sets of shareholders have overwhelmingly recognised the strategic, operational and financial benefits of creating the world’s largest listed online gaming company."
The results of voting at the general meeting in Vienna have been published at www.bwin.org. The legal measures specified by the merger plan can now be implemented during the next few weeks.
Profiles
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Australian Casino And Gaming News, by Greg Tingle - 27th January 2011
G'day everyone. How as your Australia Day maties? The casino, gaming and sports betting news keeps coming thick and fast. Media Man and Gambling911 with the latest and greatest from the land down under...
Melbourne: Shane Warne Shows Again At Aussie Millions...
Warnie wore his poker face on Australia Day as he battled some of the world's best poker champs at the Aussie Millions Main Event at James Packers' Crown Casino. The spinner king played among the likes of former boxer and mate Jeff Fenech, fashion designer from Playboy fame, Christopher Chronis and Australian poker champ Joe Hachem. Warne and Hachem are the official poker faces of Crown Limited and both enjoy good relationships with Asia Pacific's gambling and media tycoon, James Packer aka 'Our James'.
Australian Pubs, Pokie Palaces Feel Financial Pressure, Pokie Takings May Not Save Them...
We're learned that 2 high-profile pub casualties, listed freehold owner Redcape Properties and venue operator National Leisure & Gaming (NLG) collectively owe about $860 million to their bank lenders. A senior banker told the press that pub loans totalling "several billion dollars" were spread across the bigger lenders, with the absence of pub buyers leaving few options but to extend debt repayments. Last month the Bank of New Zealand Australia, the business division of NAB, extended about $150m in NLG loans due at the end of July until January 2012. However, banks continue to lend on pub freeholds, albeit at reduced loan-to-valuation ratios of 50-60%. Few are lending on leaseholds. The harder line has fuelled fears of a further half a % softening in yields in 2011. "If a bank is only willing to lend 50% for a $20m acquisition, that limits the number of buyers able to stump up a lazy $10m," the senior industry figure said. While pub markets across Australia are under pressure, New South Wales...where there has been about 35 receiverships since 2008 - has suffered most. The latest to go into receivership is Icon Hospitality - the largest tenant of the troubled listed ING Entertainment Fund. The least affected state is Victoria, where poker machine baron Bruce Mathieson and Woolworths dominate the pub scene through their Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group partnership. Likewise, the ALE pub freehold group has the majority of its properties in Melbourne and Queensland, making it another standout in the listed pub space. Many Australian leading business peole say that the clubs need to improve entertainment, beyond just offering entertaining "one armed bandits". Also, good food for the right price may help save the skin of some Aussie pubs, clubs and hotels. No wonder the club sector is pissed off with 'Mr X', pitching proposals which will further reduce revenue streams. Aren't you glad you don't own a pub!
Victorian Government Targets Real Life Underbelly In And Around Horse Racing Scene...
The Victorian Government has authorised the state's racing officials to access information from more crime-fighting bodies, as part of a crackdown on shady characters. The Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sal Perna, can now trade data with the Australian Crime Commission, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, Centrelink and the Victorian Ombudsman. He was already authorised to view the files of Victoria Police and the state's gambling regulator. The Racing Minister, Denis Napthine, says crime is not welcome at the racetrack. "In racing there are millions of dollars involved on a daily and yearly basis, and this can sometimes attract people of ill repute," he said. "And the Racing Integrity Commissioner needs to have access to information with other agencies so that he can investigate any suggestions of impropriety." Victoria Police was recently criticised for entering into an information sharing agreement with the Australian Football League. Dr Napthine says the AFL is a private body, and the same concerns do not apply. "The Racing Integrity Commissioner is a state public-sector employee, and he is responsible for protecting the integrity of racing in the state of Victoria, and that is why he has access to this information,' he said. "He is fully aware of the issues in terms of protecting privacy." Mr Perna is a former policeman, corporate security expert, architect of Tennis Australia's Anti-Corruption Program and also helped develop the AFL's integrity program.
Australian Man With Cancer - Leukaemia Stole Millions To Feed Gambling Habit...
A man with terminal leukaemia has been sentenced to jail for stealing millions of dollars from a law firm trust account. William Brenton Willoughby, 65, admitted stealing more than $2 million to buy and train racehorses and gamble. Adelaide District Court Judge Paul Rice said Willoughby abused his position as a loyal and trusted employee of the Magarey Farlam law firm and his behaviour was morally reprehensible. The judge said the man would serve his time harder than others because of his leukaemia and diabetes. Willoughby has been jailed for 9 years with a five-year non-parole term. Rumour had it that some inmates go get to play cards in jail, with decks of cards sometimes being smuggled in we're told. It's unknown exactly how any wagers are paid in the can, but we suspect with vice like beer, cigs or even mobile phones which are known to be smuggled in from time to time.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory: Alice Springs Memorial Club: Real Life Underbelly Crime Spree...
The manager of the Alice Springs Memorial Club says crime is out of control in the town. Andrea Sullivan said the club was broken into around one o'clock in the morning and alcohol was stolen. She said while police were taking a statement from her, the alleged offenders returned and the police chased them and arrested them. Ms Sullivan said repeated break-ins have cost the club more than $20,000 over the last couple of months. "I really think that it's as simple as this - you do the crime, you do the time" Ms Sullivan said. "The justice system has to be a lot harsher on these people especially these repeat offenders. "They're coming in over and over and over again and I can tell you the town's people are getting very tired and sick of it."
Police have been kept busy over the last two days with break-ins at two other licenced premises. Police said all of the alleged offenders have been arrested and charged. The offers decent opportunities to have a punt. TAB, Keno, Bingo and Slots we understand. From their website we learn... TAB - We have the perfect setting for the eager punter, with an up to date top tipping service supplied by Bet-Busters and screening Sky Channel, Austar and Foxtel Sports. The TAB has it’s own separate area away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Club. Fully operational seven days a week with a fully equipped bar and ATM facilities available. KENO - We have a fully operational Keno Terminal and several screens to view the Keno situated throughout the Club. BINGO - Bingo sessions are held privately in our hall separated from the main Club area. Guests are welcome to try their luck at winning cash jackpots. Monday eyes down at 7:30 pm Sunday eyes down at 1:30 pm. Gaming - All the gaming functions are incorporated in one area of the club and include 45 Gaming Machines; Keno; TAB; Eight Ball & Darts rooms The gaming area reflects a casual and inviting ambiance with a modern and bold decor. In addition to the integrated gaming area is a further convenience of an outdoor smoking area that is central to all. The outdoor smoking area is a tastefully designed including a tiled floor and shaded area. Situated just off from the Main Bar you can enjoy a drink and a flutter on one of our 45 gaming machines. We have a 13 machine Aristocrat “Fast Lane” Hyperlink Jackpot system, 8 machine TAB “Rocket to Riches” linked Jackpot system, 7 machine IGT “Jetsetter” linked Jackpot system and an excellent variety of stand alone machines. The Club has a policy of responsible gaming and children under the age of 18 are not permitted in this room. The Gaming Room opens from 11am till late Monday to Saturday and 12pm - 9pm Sunday. We open on all public holidays except Easter Friday and Christmas Day. Members promotions are run in conjunction with the Pokies, TAB & Keno. Our Members promotions are held every fortnight and we change the prizes every three months.
Our Members Promotions have proved very popular with prizes ranging from:
Win Your Weight in Gold White Goods worth up to $10,000 Cars Huge Cash Give-aways
To collect tickets simply spend $20 on Poker Machine change, TAB, Keno, in the Bottle Shop or buy a main meal in the Bistro. All draws take place between 7pm & 9pm. To be eligible to win you must be a current Financial Member and present at the draws. *Committee Members, Staff and Family of both (including boyfriends, girlfriends, de-facto's etc) not eligible to win.
Queensland Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies Becoming More Popular?...
One armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in 'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested" close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and $28 million less than in 2008, but it still works out at in excess of $150 million every month down the slots August was the year's biggest month for slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the throats of the one armed bandits. August was also the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think that the reduction in official spending was more a sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout 2010.
Quotes From Nick Xenophon; Gambling And Sports Betting Hater On South's Rabbitoh's Casino Deal...
"The Rabbitohs players are role models for young kids and being tethered to Star City, to NSW’s biggest gambling venue, is really sending the wrong signal"
"It normalises gambling behaviour for young kids."
"Why would the Rabbitohs want to tie their reputation to a business that causes so much misery to so many?"
"It’s a very sad development given that South Sydney was a beacon of hope for those clubs wanting to ween themselves off a reliance on gambling revenue"
"This is only one short step removed from that so there must be better ways to raise a quid rather than off the backs of problem gamblers."
"In the same way that you can’t have tobacco companies sponsoring sporting clubs, the same rule should apply to gambling because the level of harm is so significant"
A Media Man spokesperson said, "There you go Senator Xenophon. Happy. We still give you coverage even if you don't return our phone calls. Many clubs say you are out of touch with real Australians and what the typical bloke is all about. Punting has been a way of life with Aussies and sports lovers the world over since almost the beginning of time going back to the Roman Colosseum and beyond. Deal with it."
NRL - Gambling News: Luxbet Joins Rabbitohs As Senior Corporate Partner...
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced that Luxbet have joined the Club as a senior corporate partner today, adding to the best-in-class brands associated with the Club leading into the 2011 NRL season. Luxbet is a racing and sports corporate bookmaking operation, owned and managed by Tabcorp Holdings. Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson is pleased to welcome Luxbet on board with the Rabbitohs. "Luxbet is recognised as a market leader in racing and sports betting and we’re pleased to welcome them aboard for 2011. We have many well-renowned and respected companies and brands associated with our Club at the major and senior corporate partnership level and Luxbet is another that we welcome to our family." General Manager of Luxbet, Andrew Vouris, says aligning with the Rabbitohs is a good move for their organisation. "Luxbet’s sponsorship of South Sydney presents us with a tremendous opportunity to align with a club that is on the verge of an extremely exciting period," Mr Vouris said. "We have been particularly impressed with South Sydney’s vision for its future and we believe the sponsorship will deliver significant benefits to both parties."
Top Aussie Gambling Companies Respond To Flood Cry For Help...
Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
Crown Limited: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed to matching all donations as well as staff contributions
Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million
Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires. It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an as. yet undecided amount
Shane Warnie Continues To Set Story Straight About 14 Mates And Self Attending Tennis Open...
Andy Roddick asked me in his box," Warne tweeted. "Said - yes ..." "How does that turn into wanting 14 tickets, VIP treatment and escorts to seats."
Warne's pissed response to the Herald story, which was sourced to two tournament officials, came as he prepared for the second round of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown casino. He attended the Open with poker former champ Joe Hachem.
James Packer Gets Council Approval To Develop Compound At Vaucluse; Full Speed Ahead...
Media and gaming tycoon James Packer has received council approval to redevelop a 3369 square metre sloping site in Sydney’s ritzy eastern suburb of Vaucluse. Packer with wife Erica has acquired three adjoining homes between Wentworth and Victoria roads. The largest home – a 1970s, unrenovated Guildford Bell designed mansion will be retained (view from pool, right). Packer, through company Monac Developments Pty Ltd, paid $18 million for this home in mid 2009. Last year, the businessman spent another $12.05 million acquiring two smaller homes on blocks beneath the prominent large home. These have both been demolished, allowing the land to be consolidated. The Packer’s plan to replace the demolished homes with a 13-car garage, 23 metre pool, underground cinema, gym and staff quarters. A 2.4 metre high metal security gate will be developed behind two 1.7 metre metal vehicle entry gates. It’s speculated the renovation will cost about $13 million. Construction is underway. We can't wait to see the finished product.
IMF Getting Reputation For Class Action Legal Funding Inc Gambling Down Under...
Class action law firms say while the size of the claims may be bigger, there is no big jump in the number of cases. Blake Dawson partner John Emmerig says class actions are increasing. "The High Court in 2006 changed a law to allow litigation funders to fund these actions and there's a huge financial motivation for funders in doing so because they take generally between 20 to 45% of a settlement or judgment from these claims," he said. Litigation funder IMF Australia is well-known for funding some of Australia's biggest class actions such as the $145 million payout to investors from poker machine maker Aristocrat Leisure. IMF has around 10 class actions on the go.
Aussie SP Bookmaking Legend Passes Away...
Bruce Johnstone who gained fame and notoriety as one of Melbourne's best-known SP bookmakers and two-up operators as well as playing a leading role in transforming the face of basketball in Australia, has died of a blood disorder in palliative care at Yarrawonga. He was 87. Johnstone left home near Mortlake as a 15-year-old with just a swag and £5 sewn into the lining of his coat by his mother, and went on to afford a regular table at the renowned Flower Drum restaurant on Sunday evenings. Johnstone's SP bookmaking was the stuff of legend and not for nothing was he widely known as "Bruce the Bookie". But the undertaking led to problems with the police. One particular raid caused him much grief after his cockatoo fell asleep and failed to warn of the onrushing police who started battering down the door as Johnstone scrambled to collect money strewn around the room. As the plainclothes raiders were about to burst through, he cagily shouted, "Call the police, call the police, robbers are here". He is survived by his wife Emma, daughter Kay, sons Gary, Robert and Max, their partners and 75 grand and great-grandchildren. RIP.
Aristocrat Leisure Misses Aussie Government Dealine On Pokies Reform; What Next?...
Australian-listed pokies manufacturer, Aristocrat Leisure, will not meet the deadline for reforms of the gaming industry. The reforms were demanded by independent MP Andrew Wilkie, whose support for the minority Federal Government was conditional on the introduction of betting limits for gamblers. Aristocrat Leisure stated on 26 January 2011 that the new system would not be ready by 2012 as planned by the Government.
Star City (Sydney) VS Crown Casino (Melbourne); War For Entertaining Talent And Gambling Dollar...
Star City Casino: Chinese New Year - The Year Of The Rabbit...
2 - 17 February
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Star City as we bring in the Year of the Rabbit with a whole calendar of exciting festivities and events. Start with a bang on New Year's Eve with Chinese crackers in the Porte Cochere then enjoy dragon and lion dancing, roving Chinese entertainers, a delicious banquet in Lotus Pond and lots more!
Star's New Baccarat Room...
The new Baccarat room is the latest area to open as part of Star City’s extensive refurbishment. Star City has launched a luxurious new room in order to provide a better experience for the large number of customers that enjoy the game of Baccarat. Situated on the Main Gaming Floor, the new room is appointed with a dedicated buy-in desk and 18 custom made tables and chairs for your ultimate comfort. What’s more, when the urge arises to dine, the new Baccarat room is conveniently located next to Star City’s new restaurant, Fat Noodle. Join the communal dining tables and relax in the warm surroundings whilst experiencing the fast paced service and culinary theatre from the open kitchen. The opulent surroundings of the new Baccarat room will ensure you experience the thrill of the game on a whole new level! Come and see it for yourself today. Opens 24 hours, everyday.
Crown Casino, Melbourne: More Great Entertainment Coming Up...
Burlesque Royale...
Starring for the first time in Australia, UK burlesque sensation Immodesty Blaize, Burlesque Royale is a never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour. Featuring for the first time in Australia, International stars Kalani Kokonuts (US), Michelle L'amour (US), and Perle Noire (US). Also performing are Australian artists Danica Lee, Holly J'aDoll, Kelly Ann Doll, and Lauren La Rouge with a special performance by Mada Vs Vegas - The Duelling Magicians. Hosted by the enigmatic Supergirly, Burlesque Royale is set to take its audience on a wild ride with tongues set firmly in cheek. VIP tickets will include a complimentary drink, gift bag and access to the after party.
DATE
Friday 28 January, 2011
Dragon...
n a special 3 part concert presented by BBC 2011, DRAGON play 20 of the best songs of the 60's British pop Invasion by 20 great British bands. The show begins with DRAGON playing acoustic guitars, mandolin & melodica. They will perform a capella and acoustic versions of such great songs as Thunderclap Newman's SOMETHING IN THE AIR, Cat Stevens' MATTHEW AND SON, a rousing acoustic version of The Troggs GIRL LIKE YOU by way of The Beatles YESTERDAY and more. After a short intermission the band will be back in electric mode tearing into the Stones GET OFF MY CLOUD followed by The Beatles TICKET TO RIDE. This electric set of great British songs gets crowd singing and dancing along. Songs such as WHITE ROOM, IT'S NOT UNUSUAL and WATERLOO SUNSET and ITCHYCOO PARK all get the Dragon treatment and a new burst of life in 2010.
These are the 20 favourite songs that the guys in Dragon played when they first took up their instruments. They are timeless songs and the band loves playing them. The DRAGON versions are fresh and affectionate and have an energy that references the way these songs turned the music world upside down in the 60's.
In the encore Dragon will play 6 of their timeless hits including APRIL SUN, CELEBRATE, RAIN and ARE YOU OLD ENOUGH.
DATE
Friday 25 March, 2011
Cliff & Dusty...
Three great International artists, one unique concert experience, featuring all the hits of two music icons once described as the King & Queen of British rock but who, amazingly, never appeared on stage together. That was until now as Australian music legend Marty Rhone and the stunning Sheena Crouch make it possible to imagine what the experience might have been like. Audiences will hear all the great Cliff & Dusty classics that brought over 200 million record sales and 50 hits such as The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, Devil Woman, We Don't Talk Anymore, Dreamin', I Only Want to be With You, Son of a Preacher Man, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me and many more
Plus, direct from the UK, special guest, Sir Cliff Richard protégé Barratt Waugh, whom Cliff has described as one of the most exciting and unique talents he has come across in his 50 years in the business. We are delighted to introduce Barratt Waugh to Australian audiences. Don't miss the concert experience of the year.
DATE
Saturday 18 June, 2011
Getting board of reading yet? If so, try your luck er skill at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming also have, or will soon get, a World Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend punters open an account with PartyCasino, PartyGaming and World Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party appears to still be the most popular online casino brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes of 888. Marvel slot games are forcast to be some of the most popular of this year with Captain America and Thor tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys and girls. Spin to win.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
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Melbourne: Shane Warne Shows Again At Aussie Millions...
Warnie wore his poker face on Australia Day as he battled some of the world's best poker champs at the Aussie Millions Main Event at James Packers' Crown Casino. The spinner king played among the likes of former boxer and mate Jeff Fenech, fashion designer from Playboy fame, Christopher Chronis and Australian poker champ Joe Hachem. Warne and Hachem are the official poker faces of Crown Limited and both enjoy good relationships with Asia Pacific's gambling and media tycoon, James Packer aka 'Our James'.
Australian Pubs, Pokie Palaces Feel Financial Pressure, Pokie Takings May Not Save Them...
We're learned that 2 high-profile pub casualties, listed freehold owner Redcape Properties and venue operator National Leisure & Gaming (NLG) collectively owe about $860 million to their bank lenders. A senior banker told the press that pub loans totalling "several billion dollars" were spread across the bigger lenders, with the absence of pub buyers leaving few options but to extend debt repayments. Last month the Bank of New Zealand Australia, the business division of NAB, extended about $150m in NLG loans due at the end of July until January 2012. However, banks continue to lend on pub freeholds, albeit at reduced loan-to-valuation ratios of 50-60%. Few are lending on leaseholds. The harder line has fuelled fears of a further half a % softening in yields in 2011. "If a bank is only willing to lend 50% for a $20m acquisition, that limits the number of buyers able to stump up a lazy $10m," the senior industry figure said. While pub markets across Australia are under pressure, New South Wales...where there has been about 35 receiverships since 2008 - has suffered most. The latest to go into receivership is Icon Hospitality - the largest tenant of the troubled listed ING Entertainment Fund. The least affected state is Victoria, where poker machine baron Bruce Mathieson and Woolworths dominate the pub scene through their Australian Leisure & Hospitality Group partnership. Likewise, the ALE pub freehold group has the majority of its properties in Melbourne and Queensland, making it another standout in the listed pub space. Many Australian leading business peole say that the clubs need to improve entertainment, beyond just offering entertaining "one armed bandits". Also, good food for the right price may help save the skin of some Aussie pubs, clubs and hotels. No wonder the club sector is pissed off with 'Mr X', pitching proposals which will further reduce revenue streams. Aren't you glad you don't own a pub!
Victorian Government Targets Real Life Underbelly In And Around Horse Racing Scene...
The Victorian Government has authorised the state's racing officials to access information from more crime-fighting bodies, as part of a crackdown on shady characters. The Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sal Perna, can now trade data with the Australian Crime Commission, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, Centrelink and the Victorian Ombudsman. He was already authorised to view the files of Victoria Police and the state's gambling regulator. The Racing Minister, Denis Napthine, says crime is not welcome at the racetrack. "In racing there are millions of dollars involved on a daily and yearly basis, and this can sometimes attract people of ill repute," he said. "And the Racing Integrity Commissioner needs to have access to information with other agencies so that he can investigate any suggestions of impropriety." Victoria Police was recently criticised for entering into an information sharing agreement with the Australian Football League. Dr Napthine says the AFL is a private body, and the same concerns do not apply. "The Racing Integrity Commissioner is a state public-sector employee, and he is responsible for protecting the integrity of racing in the state of Victoria, and that is why he has access to this information,' he said. "He is fully aware of the issues in terms of protecting privacy." Mr Perna is a former policeman, corporate security expert, architect of Tennis Australia's Anti-Corruption Program and also helped develop the AFL's integrity program.
Australian Man With Cancer - Leukaemia Stole Millions To Feed Gambling Habit...
A man with terminal leukaemia has been sentenced to jail for stealing millions of dollars from a law firm trust account. William Brenton Willoughby, 65, admitted stealing more than $2 million to buy and train racehorses and gamble. Adelaide District Court Judge Paul Rice said Willoughby abused his position as a loyal and trusted employee of the Magarey Farlam law firm and his behaviour was morally reprehensible. The judge said the man would serve his time harder than others because of his leukaemia and diabetes. Willoughby has been jailed for 9 years with a five-year non-parole term. Rumour had it that some inmates go get to play cards in jail, with decks of cards sometimes being smuggled in we're told. It's unknown exactly how any wagers are paid in the can, but we suspect with vice like beer, cigs or even mobile phones which are known to be smuggled in from time to time.
Alice Springs, Northern Territory: Alice Springs Memorial Club: Real Life Underbelly Crime Spree...
The manager of the Alice Springs Memorial Club says crime is out of control in the town. Andrea Sullivan said the club was broken into around one o'clock in the morning and alcohol was stolen. She said while police were taking a statement from her, the alleged offenders returned and the police chased them and arrested them. Ms Sullivan said repeated break-ins have cost the club more than $20,000 over the last couple of months. "I really think that it's as simple as this - you do the crime, you do the time" Ms Sullivan said. "The justice system has to be a lot harsher on these people especially these repeat offenders. "They're coming in over and over and over again and I can tell you the town's people are getting very tired and sick of it."
Police have been kept busy over the last two days with break-ins at two other licenced premises. Police said all of the alleged offenders have been arrested and charged. The offers decent opportunities to have a punt. TAB, Keno, Bingo and Slots we understand. From their website we learn... TAB - We have the perfect setting for the eager punter, with an up to date top tipping service supplied by Bet-Busters and screening Sky Channel, Austar and Foxtel Sports. The TAB has it’s own separate area away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Club. Fully operational seven days a week with a fully equipped bar and ATM facilities available. KENO - We have a fully operational Keno Terminal and several screens to view the Keno situated throughout the Club. BINGO - Bingo sessions are held privately in our hall separated from the main Club area. Guests are welcome to try their luck at winning cash jackpots. Monday eyes down at 7:30 pm Sunday eyes down at 1:30 pm. Gaming - All the gaming functions are incorporated in one area of the club and include 45 Gaming Machines; Keno; TAB; Eight Ball & Darts rooms The gaming area reflects a casual and inviting ambiance with a modern and bold decor. In addition to the integrated gaming area is a further convenience of an outdoor smoking area that is central to all. The outdoor smoking area is a tastefully designed including a tiled floor and shaded area. Situated just off from the Main Bar you can enjoy a drink and a flutter on one of our 45 gaming machines. We have a 13 machine Aristocrat “Fast Lane” Hyperlink Jackpot system, 8 machine TAB “Rocket to Riches” linked Jackpot system, 7 machine IGT “Jetsetter” linked Jackpot system and an excellent variety of stand alone machines. The Club has a policy of responsible gaming and children under the age of 18 are not permitted in this room. The Gaming Room opens from 11am till late Monday to Saturday and 12pm - 9pm Sunday. We open on all public holidays except Easter Friday and Christmas Day. Members promotions are run in conjunction with the Pokies, TAB & Keno. Our Members promotions are held every fortnight and we change the prizes every three months.
Our Members Promotions have proved very popular with prizes ranging from:
Win Your Weight in Gold White Goods worth up to $10,000 Cars Huge Cash Give-aways
To collect tickets simply spend $20 on Poker Machine change, TAB, Keno, in the Bottle Shop or buy a main meal in the Bistro. All draws take place between 7pm & 9pm. To be eligible to win you must be a current Financial Member and present at the draws. *Committee Members, Staff and Family of both (including boyfriends, girlfriends, de-facto's etc) not eligible to win.
Queensland Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies Becoming More Popular?...
One armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in 'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested" close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and $28 million less than in 2008, but it still works out at in excess of $150 million every month down the slots August was the year's biggest month for slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the throats of the one armed bandits. August was also the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think that the reduction in official spending was more a sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout 2010.
Quotes From Nick Xenophon; Gambling And Sports Betting Hater On South's Rabbitoh's Casino Deal...
"The Rabbitohs players are role models for young kids and being tethered to Star City, to NSW’s biggest gambling venue, is really sending the wrong signal"
"It normalises gambling behaviour for young kids."
"Why would the Rabbitohs want to tie their reputation to a business that causes so much misery to so many?"
"It’s a very sad development given that South Sydney was a beacon of hope for those clubs wanting to ween themselves off a reliance on gambling revenue"
"This is only one short step removed from that so there must be better ways to raise a quid rather than off the backs of problem gamblers."
"In the same way that you can’t have tobacco companies sponsoring sporting clubs, the same rule should apply to gambling because the level of harm is so significant"
A Media Man spokesperson said, "There you go Senator Xenophon. Happy. We still give you coverage even if you don't return our phone calls. Many clubs say you are out of touch with real Australians and what the typical bloke is all about. Punting has been a way of life with Aussies and sports lovers the world over since almost the beginning of time going back to the Roman Colosseum and beyond. Deal with it."
NRL - Gambling News: Luxbet Joins Rabbitohs As Senior Corporate Partner...
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced that Luxbet have joined the Club as a senior corporate partner today, adding to the best-in-class brands associated with the Club leading into the 2011 NRL season. Luxbet is a racing and sports corporate bookmaking operation, owned and managed by Tabcorp Holdings. Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson is pleased to welcome Luxbet on board with the Rabbitohs. "Luxbet is recognised as a market leader in racing and sports betting and we’re pleased to welcome them aboard for 2011. We have many well-renowned and respected companies and brands associated with our Club at the major and senior corporate partnership level and Luxbet is another that we welcome to our family." General Manager of Luxbet, Andrew Vouris, says aligning with the Rabbitohs is a good move for their organisation. "Luxbet’s sponsorship of South Sydney presents us with a tremendous opportunity to align with a club that is on the verge of an extremely exciting period," Mr Vouris said. "We have been particularly impressed with South Sydney’s vision for its future and we believe the sponsorship will deliver significant benefits to both parties."
Top Aussie Gambling Companies Respond To Flood Cry For Help...
Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
Crown Limited: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed to matching all donations as well as staff contributions
Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million
Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires. It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an as. yet undecided amount
Shane Warnie Continues To Set Story Straight About 14 Mates And Self Attending Tennis Open...
Andy Roddick asked me in his box," Warne tweeted. "Said - yes ..." "How does that turn into wanting 14 tickets, VIP treatment and escorts to seats."
Warne's pissed response to the Herald story, which was sourced to two tournament officials, came as he prepared for the second round of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown casino. He attended the Open with poker former champ Joe Hachem.
James Packer Gets Council Approval To Develop Compound At Vaucluse; Full Speed Ahead...
Media and gaming tycoon James Packer has received council approval to redevelop a 3369 square metre sloping site in Sydney’s ritzy eastern suburb of Vaucluse. Packer with wife Erica has acquired three adjoining homes between Wentworth and Victoria roads. The largest home – a 1970s, unrenovated Guildford Bell designed mansion will be retained (view from pool, right). Packer, through company Monac Developments Pty Ltd, paid $18 million for this home in mid 2009. Last year, the businessman spent another $12.05 million acquiring two smaller homes on blocks beneath the prominent large home. These have both been demolished, allowing the land to be consolidated. The Packer’s plan to replace the demolished homes with a 13-car garage, 23 metre pool, underground cinema, gym and staff quarters. A 2.4 metre high metal security gate will be developed behind two 1.7 metre metal vehicle entry gates. It’s speculated the renovation will cost about $13 million. Construction is underway. We can't wait to see the finished product.
IMF Getting Reputation For Class Action Legal Funding Inc Gambling Down Under...
Class action law firms say while the size of the claims may be bigger, there is no big jump in the number of cases. Blake Dawson partner John Emmerig says class actions are increasing. "The High Court in 2006 changed a law to allow litigation funders to fund these actions and there's a huge financial motivation for funders in doing so because they take generally between 20 to 45% of a settlement or judgment from these claims," he said. Litigation funder IMF Australia is well-known for funding some of Australia's biggest class actions such as the $145 million payout to investors from poker machine maker Aristocrat Leisure. IMF has around 10 class actions on the go.
Aussie SP Bookmaking Legend Passes Away...
Bruce Johnstone who gained fame and notoriety as one of Melbourne's best-known SP bookmakers and two-up operators as well as playing a leading role in transforming the face of basketball in Australia, has died of a blood disorder in palliative care at Yarrawonga. He was 87. Johnstone left home near Mortlake as a 15-year-old with just a swag and £5 sewn into the lining of his coat by his mother, and went on to afford a regular table at the renowned Flower Drum restaurant on Sunday evenings. Johnstone's SP bookmaking was the stuff of legend and not for nothing was he widely known as "Bruce the Bookie". But the undertaking led to problems with the police. One particular raid caused him much grief after his cockatoo fell asleep and failed to warn of the onrushing police who started battering down the door as Johnstone scrambled to collect money strewn around the room. As the plainclothes raiders were about to burst through, he cagily shouted, "Call the police, call the police, robbers are here". He is survived by his wife Emma, daughter Kay, sons Gary, Robert and Max, their partners and 75 grand and great-grandchildren. RIP.
Aristocrat Leisure Misses Aussie Government Dealine On Pokies Reform; What Next?...
Australian-listed pokies manufacturer, Aristocrat Leisure, will not meet the deadline for reforms of the gaming industry. The reforms were demanded by independent MP Andrew Wilkie, whose support for the minority Federal Government was conditional on the introduction of betting limits for gamblers. Aristocrat Leisure stated on 26 January 2011 that the new system would not be ready by 2012 as planned by the Government.
Star City (Sydney) VS Crown Casino (Melbourne); War For Entertaining Talent And Gambling Dollar...
Star City Casino: Chinese New Year - The Year Of The Rabbit...
2 - 17 February
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Star City as we bring in the Year of the Rabbit with a whole calendar of exciting festivities and events. Start with a bang on New Year's Eve with Chinese crackers in the Porte Cochere then enjoy dragon and lion dancing, roving Chinese entertainers, a delicious banquet in Lotus Pond and lots more!
Star's New Baccarat Room...
The new Baccarat room is the latest area to open as part of Star City’s extensive refurbishment. Star City has launched a luxurious new room in order to provide a better experience for the large number of customers that enjoy the game of Baccarat. Situated on the Main Gaming Floor, the new room is appointed with a dedicated buy-in desk and 18 custom made tables and chairs for your ultimate comfort. What’s more, when the urge arises to dine, the new Baccarat room is conveniently located next to Star City’s new restaurant, Fat Noodle. Join the communal dining tables and relax in the warm surroundings whilst experiencing the fast paced service and culinary theatre from the open kitchen. The opulent surroundings of the new Baccarat room will ensure you experience the thrill of the game on a whole new level! Come and see it for yourself today. Opens 24 hours, everyday.
Crown Casino, Melbourne: More Great Entertainment Coming Up...
Burlesque Royale...
Starring for the first time in Australia, UK burlesque sensation Immodesty Blaize, Burlesque Royale is a never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour. Featuring for the first time in Australia, International stars Kalani Kokonuts (US), Michelle L'amour (US), and Perle Noire (US). Also performing are Australian artists Danica Lee, Holly J'aDoll, Kelly Ann Doll, and Lauren La Rouge with a special performance by Mada Vs Vegas - The Duelling Magicians. Hosted by the enigmatic Supergirly, Burlesque Royale is set to take its audience on a wild ride with tongues set firmly in cheek. VIP tickets will include a complimentary drink, gift bag and access to the after party.
DATE
Friday 28 January, 2011
Dragon...
n a special 3 part concert presented by BBC 2011, DRAGON play 20 of the best songs of the 60's British pop Invasion by 20 great British bands. The show begins with DRAGON playing acoustic guitars, mandolin & melodica. They will perform a capella and acoustic versions of such great songs as Thunderclap Newman's SOMETHING IN THE AIR, Cat Stevens' MATTHEW AND SON, a rousing acoustic version of The Troggs GIRL LIKE YOU by way of The Beatles YESTERDAY and more. After a short intermission the band will be back in electric mode tearing into the Stones GET OFF MY CLOUD followed by The Beatles TICKET TO RIDE. This electric set of great British songs gets crowd singing and dancing along. Songs such as WHITE ROOM, IT'S NOT UNUSUAL and WATERLOO SUNSET and ITCHYCOO PARK all get the Dragon treatment and a new burst of life in 2010.
These are the 20 favourite songs that the guys in Dragon played when they first took up their instruments. They are timeless songs and the band loves playing them. The DRAGON versions are fresh and affectionate and have an energy that references the way these songs turned the music world upside down in the 60's.
In the encore Dragon will play 6 of their timeless hits including APRIL SUN, CELEBRATE, RAIN and ARE YOU OLD ENOUGH.
DATE
Friday 25 March, 2011
Cliff & Dusty...
Three great International artists, one unique concert experience, featuring all the hits of two music icons once described as the King & Queen of British rock but who, amazingly, never appeared on stage together. That was until now as Australian music legend Marty Rhone and the stunning Sheena Crouch make it possible to imagine what the experience might have been like. Audiences will hear all the great Cliff & Dusty classics that brought over 200 million record sales and 50 hits such as The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, Devil Woman, We Don't Talk Anymore, Dreamin', I Only Want to be With You, Son of a Preacher Man, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me and many more
Plus, direct from the UK, special guest, Sir Cliff Richard protégé Barratt Waugh, whom Cliff has described as one of the most exciting and unique talents he has come across in his 50 years in the business. We are delighted to introduce Barratt Waugh to Australian audiences. Don't miss the concert experience of the year.
DATE
Saturday 18 June, 2011
Getting board of reading yet? If so, try your luck er skill at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming also have, or will soon get, a World Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend punters open an account with PartyCasino, PartyGaming and World Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party appears to still be the most popular online casino brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes of 888. Marvel slot games are forcast to be some of the most popular of this year with Captain America and Thor tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys and girls. Spin to win.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Australia Day Special, by Greg Tingle - 26th January 2011
G'day and Happy Australia Day everyone. Ok, we know some of you punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, entertainment news junkies, politicians, insiders, outsiders and legal eagles are from across the globe, and are not Australia, nor have ever been down under, but you get the idea. Did you know that some indigenous Australia's call Australia Day 'Invasion Day'! That's because most history books show that Captain James Cook and his crew invaded Australia on this day in 1988. They are known by a new names including the First Fleet, while some aboriginals will always think of them and murderous mongrels, who stole their land and pride. It's easy for many of us to get the point of the blackfellas (affectionate). Media Man and Gambling911 with a bush tucker bag full of Australian gambling, casino, poker, media and sports news. Fair winds...
Queensland Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies Becoming More Popular?...
One armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in 'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested" close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and $28 million less than in 2008, but it still works out at in excess of $150 million every month down the slots August was the year's biggest month for slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the throats of the one armed bandits. August was also the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think that the reduction in official spending was more a sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout 2010.
Tassie 'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Devilish Quotes...
David Walsh from Tasmania was such a big hit with the readership we thought we would dig up a few more of the red hot 'The Devil's' quotes, that are too good not to share. First a refresher...Art and gambling do mix, at least that's the experience of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, Australian artist Gina Sinozich, Media Man (bodypaint and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian gambling whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh. You will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by us later. We like you David, ok mate. Tasmania's most famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire, David Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art exhibit...the biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery in Tasmania, if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million Museum of Old and New Art is nestled on the banks of Hobart's Derwent River.
Quotes By The Tasmanian Devil!...
"FUCK the art, let's rock'n'roll."
"I think formal curation is a form of mental masturbation."
"I'm not really that interested in a bunch of big names. Most of the works are by people most people haven't heard of and still won't have heard of because there's no wall labels."
"I don't want to lose control (or) something that ends up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery of Victoria".
"Subversive adult Disneyland".
"Please see reception if you are planning a pool party or a ritualistic orgy."
"It's the opportunity to mess with your head. I like the idea of people having a couple of beers and looking at the art, having a couple more and changing their mind."
"Just a privileged guy with a megaphone"
"It’s like a rich man’s soap box. I’m standing on my soapbox and I’m shouting my views like they mean something."
"I’ll take all the popular stuff out. And if you go to the toilet two or three times we’ll recommend a good urologist."
“My brother once said about me that I’d rather be outside a barrel pissing in than inside the barrel pissing out. I’m anti this idea that we know what we’re doing with certainty. I kinda think that most things that are good happen to people largely by accident, but then they start looking for explanations. You see the views of rich, successful people on television, and they tell you why they got rich and successful; they don’t interview all the people who went through the same process and didn’t. I think most things are complete crap. I want to show that you can be fortunate without believing that your fortune was anything other than fortune."
"There are so many things we do that we hide from. We hack open cows and eat their guts but we compartmentalise that away from our lives so we can pretend it’s not happening. And on a larger, more important scale, if each of us acted individually to say ‘OK, we f…ed up the atmosphere, it is our personal responsibility’, humanity would behave in a very different way."
"One of the things about having money is that … I feel a bit of guilt and a level of privilege, and it seems to be an obligation to do something, and since art is what I’ve been doing....but it wasn’t really like that. It was: I bought this small gallery, bought a bigger one, and gradually it became something of this scale. It’s become a lot more serious endeavour than I intended it to be. There’s a bit of thumbing my nose at the establishment and trying to bypass academia, but mainly I just wanted it to be a bit of fun. And it is. And it will be."
"The gambling is all a computer thing that is going on right now".
Website
Museum of Old and New Art
Queensand: Cairns Reef Hotel Casino Poised To Raise Big Bucks For Flood Relief On Australia Day...
Punters, let's all spare a thought for those who have been attacked by the floods on Australia Day. Numerous events are being planed around Australia, from 'Sound Relief' to and initiative from the Cairns Reef Hotel Casino 'Bring on the Sun' It will be one of the biggest events on the Australia Day calendar for the city and all funds raised will go to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal. There's a good old fashioned sausage sizzle, competitions and female performers including the Marlins’ cheer squad. "The whole idea is slanted towards the female performer," entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said. "We’ve got an eclectic blend of female artists coming to perform as well." Cazalys, El Mundo Tapas Bar and the Marlin Coast Bowls Club will also host events to raise money for flood victims. Cairns Regional Council will hold events across the region, including the ever-popular celebrations on the Esplanade.
Mayor Val Schier said the council was expecting a good attendance as usual with residents keen to get outside and celebrate our sunburnt country in the green and gold. "Even last year when it poured, a huge number of people came to the Aussie breakfast; we expect the same will happen this year, rain, hail or shine. It is one of those days where people can come together as a community and help celebrate why it is great to be an Australian. We live in a fantastic country and it is good for people to get out and enjoy it." Pubs and clubs will also get into the Aussie spirit with a number of activities on offer. Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club has a patriotic, fun-filled day planned with activities that pay homage to Australia’s heritage such as the much-anticipated pie-eating competition. "Everybody is welcome to come along and have some fun while tucking into our Aussie selection of meat pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian music by DJ Danny from Millennium Sounds," director of sales and marketing Darlene Holdsworth said.
Events
Join the celebrations
Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club Australia Day celebrations
What’s on: Australian menu served from noon in Restaurant 59, pie-eating and thong-throwing competitions start at 1.30pm. Pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian music on offer at the resort.
Time: 12pm. Entry free.
Bring on the Sun at Cairns Reef Hotel Casino
What’s on: Entertainment, sausage sizzle, raffles, jumping castle and more with all proceeds going to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
Time: 2pm. Entry free.
Shane Warne And Poker Mates Get VIP Star Treatment At Australian Open Tennis Sunday Night...
The spinner got there at 8pm hoping to get star VIP treatment for 14 of his closest mates. In the mix was was Joe Hachem, who he had earlier caught up with at the launch of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown Casino. Warne requested an escort (no, not that type silly) when he arrived and posed mostly for photographs with his sunglasses on. He also spent time in Andy Roddick's player's box during his loss to Swissman Stanislas Wawrinka. It been a big couple of days of "poker her" for the legend, playing rendezvous with Liz Hurley in LA. He is expected to play in the second round of the poker tournament and could face off against Gary Ablett Jr and Jeff Fenech tomorrow. Blett made it through to the second round.
Australian Financial Review Goes Gaga For Lady Gaga; Gets Facts Wrong (We Think)...
It took us a few months of going through newspapers but we finally found the AFR to make a slip up, and its a doozy....An article reads "the complex will have a few upmarket bars, including one on the roof, and an events theatre to house live acts – think Lady Gaga – as well as awards nights." With Gaga's level of popularity she would require a much larger venue than Star City. Earlier this year, she - they played two concerts at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, capacity 12,000 or thereabouts. Do the math.
Australia's Kylie Minogue To Do The Colosseum At Caesars Palace Las Vegas: Aphrodite Live...
Mark is down Kylie fans the word over. She's doing Ceasers Sunday May 22, 2011 8pm
Melbourne: Aussie Joker Comedian Performs At Packer's Crown; Raises Cash For Flood Relief...
Melbourne folks at Crown Casino recently enjoyed 'The Jokers Comedy That Rocks' at Crown Casino. James Packer's casino donated all proceeds from last Friday night’s show to Queensland flood victims. Organiser William Leitch has happy with the way things went and showcased an evening with some of the city’s top stand-up artists, including Brad Oakes, Christine Basil and Greg Fleet. It's understood he got close to 150 people to come along, and he may be invited back on upcoming Friday nights.
Top 100 ASX Listed Companies Respond To Flood Cry For Help; Gambling And Gaming Industry Steps Up; Mining Firms and Banking Bastards Lead Charge...
1. BHP Billiton: $1.3 million (in addition, matching employee donations)
2. CBA: $1.35 million
3. Westpac: $1 million
4. ANZ: $1 million
5. NAB: $1 million
6. News Corp: $500,000 and Blue Ribbon campaign
7. Rio Tinto: $1 million ($700,000 to Premier Relief, $300,000 to Emerald community)
8. Wesfarmers: $7.5 million (plus $3.5 million from Coles customers)
9. Telstra Corp: up to $1 million by matching staff contributions (so far $338,000; is also supplying phones and free calls to people affected)
10. Woolside Petroleum: $122,395 (corporate + employees)
11. Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
14. Fortescue Metals: Matching staff donations dollar for dollar
15. CSL: $250,000
16. QBE Insurance: not releasing a statement
17. Origin energy: $1 million
18. Macquarie Group: $200,000 (combined staff and company effort with fundraising activities continuing both here and overseas)
19. AXA Asia Pacific: No response
20. Santos: $500,000 plus use of helicopters and vehicles for clean up. Also $50,000 for flooding in WA
21. Coal and Allied Industries: (see Rio Tinto)
22. AMP: $250,000 + matching employee contributions to WA flood appeal up to $250,000
23. Suncorp Group: $100,000 (staff and customers have donated $1.5million)
24. Foster's Group: $500,000
25. Brambles: No response
26. Leighton Holdings: No response
27. Orica: No response
28. Oil Search: No response
29. Stockland: Donated $250,000 to the Premier's flood relief appeal, another $30,000 to the Mayoress Rockhampton regional flood appeal and are matching employee donations dollar for dollar
30. Coca. Cola Amatil: No response
31. Amcor: No response
32. Westfield Retail Trust: No response
33. IAG: No response
39. Crown: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed to matching all donations as well as staff contributions
52. Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million
78. Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires. It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an as. yet undecided amount
79. Fairfax Media: Matching staff donations
100. Seek: Reported it had made a donation to the Premier's Flood Appeal but chose not to disclose how much
Brisbane: Flood Relief Money Gets Spend On Pokies, Vice - Piss Up At Pubs...
It's been reported in a number of Queensland newspapers that the $1000 flood relief grants that went to many good folks in Granville are being used to feed slots and buy piss (beer) rather than food and necessities. Two Maryborough publicans say that in some instances the answer to that is yes, and they are disgusted. One of the publicans was so incensed by the misuse of flood relief money she telephoned Fairfax Media to complain. "A man came in bragging about how he’d got the $1000 payout because he told Centrelink he was stuck in Granville – but he was here the whole time. It makes me sick that people are openly admitting they’ve got the money for nothing, while there are people who’ve died or lost everything." She said Centrelink should have screened the applications more carefully to make sure only people who were genuinely in need received the cash. Another pub owner said his one armed bandits had not stopped buzzing since the grants became available. "We were quiet during the actual floods but this week’s been totally different. The pokies and the bottle shop have been going non-stop." Yeah, Aussie continue to love a punt, rain, hail, shine or flood!
Aussie Millions Game 8 Results...
The London based chap took down the $1,100 8 game mixed event title at Crown Casino in Melbourne adding AUD$23,800 to his almost $1.2 million in career tournament earnings. He entered the final table as the short stack, but managed to grind his way to victory and nudge away Australia's Bruno Portaro for the victory. The event marked Ashby's 8th final table appearance at the Aussie Millions that includes a side-event win back in 2005 and a seventh-place finish in the main event in 2009. Ashby also won his first WSOP bracelet this summer in the $1,500 7 Card Stud event and went well in the $10k H.O.R.S.E. for his biggest career score of $378,027. The 2011 Aussie Millions $1,100 8-Game Mixed event drew 68-players and paid the final 7.
Here are the results:
1 Richard Ashby AUD$23,800
2 Bruno Portaro AUD$16,320
3 Casey Kastle AUD$10,880
4 Daniel Ospina AUD$6,800
5 Oliver Gill AUD$4,760
6 Dane Coltman AUD$3,400
7 Paul Ravesi AUD$2,040
Aussie Main Event Day 1b: PartyPoker And Full Tilt Poker Players Feel The Pain...
PartyGaming's PartyPoker and Full Tilt Poker's powers that be likely won't be celebrating. Ok, they got news coverage and exposure, but its because their players are out. Yep, history maties. Full Tilt went well on Day 1a but Day 1b was rooted. Many of the big name pros went down for the count as locals stepped up. 209 players entered the Crown Poker room but after 7 levels of play, 80 remained. David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Steve Yea, Andy Bloch and Gus Hansen were some of the Full Tilt players who died. Other casualties included Luke Santo, Raj Ramakrishnan, George Moussa, Michael Pedley, Graeme Putt, Martin Comer, Dennis Huntly, Jamie Pickering, Bruno Portaro, Casey Kastle, Ben Savage and Tim Marsters. 2005 World Champion Joe Hachem (tweeting he struggled with jetlag following a recent trip to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.)
Defending champ, 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event winner Tyron Krost (PartyGaming's PartyPoker pro went down too). A new champ will be crowned in 2011 with plenty of Aussies still in contention. The field kicked off with Jeff Rossier in the lead with 154,900, closely followed by Michael Ottobra (143,400) and Martin Drewe, After winning the Opening Event last week and going deep in another event, Drewe is now set in the chip leaders in the Main Event after getting to 136,100. Jay “SEABEAST” Kinkade did nicely with 128,700, Haibo Chu (113,900), Manny Stavropoulos (85,600), Sorel Mizzi (74,400), Michael Egan (61,100), Kent Hunter (56,400), Jeff Lisandro (55,000), Eric Assadourian (50,300), Scott Montgomery (49,200), Chris Ferguson (45,400), Lee Nelson (30,200), Neil Channing (28,800), Roland de Wolfe (26,100), Aleks Brkovic (24,600), Jackie Glazier (21,900), Grant Levy (18,300), Gary Benson (10,500) and Mel Judah (7,200) amongst those who will return on Day 2. The 3rd and final flight of the 2011 Aussie Millions Main will commence Tuesday with another strong field and a few big names expected. Even Van Marcus will front up. Van, is your Red Ferrari safe this time mate? We're looking for more good fodder to write about. How about do a publicity stunt and make world wide headlines ago. Maybe someone at Crown Casino - Crown Limited might be open to it. Stanger things have happened... like Ferrari's getting stolen on site, casino fights and a man getting stuck in the Crown Casino kitchen greese vacume.
Aussie Millions Event #9 Day 1b: Rossiter In Front...
It was done to business with players investing AUD$10,600 to buy in all with the goal of becoming the 2011 Aussie Millions Champion. 7 seven levels of play, and the 209-player field went to 80. Jeff Rossiter is in front with 154,900. Martin Drewe, 2011 Aussie Millions Event #1 winner with 136,100 - now 3rd on the leaderboard. Australian Jay Kinkade is on 128,700, and European Poker Tour mainstay Jeff Sarwer sits 5th with 120,500. Randy "nanonoko" Lew has 110,000 and Gavin Griffin 101,700 in 9th ninth and 10th place. Sorel Mizzi, Jeffrey Lisandro, Eric Assadourian, Team Full Tilt's Chris Ferguson, Full Tilt Poker Red Pros Scott Montgomery and Roland de Wolfe, Neil Channing, and Lee Nelson have also all made it to Wednesday's Day 2, but it was touch and go for some of them, testing the skill VS luck debate. Full Tilt Poker $25,000 Shootout Invitational winner David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, Andy Bloch, David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Gus Hansen, Joe Hachem, and David Steicke all had to say goodnight nurse. PartyGaming's - PartyPoker Tyron Krost was eliminated in a hand VS Gavin Griffin where his Ace-Queen couldn't best Griffin's Aces. The 3rd and final Day 1 flight commences Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia at 12:30 p.m. local time.
Getting board of poker yet? If so, try your luck er skill at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming also have, or will soon get, a World Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend punters open an account with PartyCasino, PartyGaming and World Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party appears to still be the most popular online casino brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes of 888. Marvel slot games are forcast to be some of the most popular of this year with Captain America and Thor tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys and girls. Spin to win.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Queensland Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies Becoming More Popular?...
One armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in 'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested" close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and $28 million less than in 2008, but it still works out at in excess of $150 million every month down the slots August was the year's biggest month for slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the throats of the one armed bandits. August was also the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think that the reduction in official spending was more a sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout 2010.
Tassie 'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Devilish Quotes...
David Walsh from Tasmania was such a big hit with the readership we thought we would dig up a few more of the red hot 'The Devil's' quotes, that are too good not to share. First a refresher...Art and gambling do mix, at least that's the experience of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, Australian artist Gina Sinozich, Media Man (bodypaint and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian gambling whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh. You will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by us later. We like you David, ok mate. Tasmania's most famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire, David Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art exhibit...the biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery in Tasmania, if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million Museum of Old and New Art is nestled on the banks of Hobart's Derwent River.
Quotes By The Tasmanian Devil!...
"FUCK the art, let's rock'n'roll."
"I think formal curation is a form of mental masturbation."
"I'm not really that interested in a bunch of big names. Most of the works are by people most people haven't heard of and still won't have heard of because there's no wall labels."
"I don't want to lose control (or) something that ends up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery of Victoria".
"Subversive adult Disneyland".
"Please see reception if you are planning a pool party or a ritualistic orgy."
"It's the opportunity to mess with your head. I like the idea of people having a couple of beers and looking at the art, having a couple more and changing their mind."
"Just a privileged guy with a megaphone"
"It’s like a rich man’s soap box. I’m standing on my soapbox and I’m shouting my views like they mean something."
"I’ll take all the popular stuff out. And if you go to the toilet two or three times we’ll recommend a good urologist."
“My brother once said about me that I’d rather be outside a barrel pissing in than inside the barrel pissing out. I’m anti this idea that we know what we’re doing with certainty. I kinda think that most things that are good happen to people largely by accident, but then they start looking for explanations. You see the views of rich, successful people on television, and they tell you why they got rich and successful; they don’t interview all the people who went through the same process and didn’t. I think most things are complete crap. I want to show that you can be fortunate without believing that your fortune was anything other than fortune."
"There are so many things we do that we hide from. We hack open cows and eat their guts but we compartmentalise that away from our lives so we can pretend it’s not happening. And on a larger, more important scale, if each of us acted individually to say ‘OK, we f…ed up the atmosphere, it is our personal responsibility’, humanity would behave in a very different way."
"One of the things about having money is that … I feel a bit of guilt and a level of privilege, and it seems to be an obligation to do something, and since art is what I’ve been doing....but it wasn’t really like that. It was: I bought this small gallery, bought a bigger one, and gradually it became something of this scale. It’s become a lot more serious endeavour than I intended it to be. There’s a bit of thumbing my nose at the establishment and trying to bypass academia, but mainly I just wanted it to be a bit of fun. And it is. And it will be."
"The gambling is all a computer thing that is going on right now".
Website
Museum of Old and New Art
Queensand: Cairns Reef Hotel Casino Poised To Raise Big Bucks For Flood Relief On Australia Day...
Punters, let's all spare a thought for those who have been attacked by the floods on Australia Day. Numerous events are being planed around Australia, from 'Sound Relief' to and initiative from the Cairns Reef Hotel Casino 'Bring on the Sun' It will be one of the biggest events on the Australia Day calendar for the city and all funds raised will go to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal. There's a good old fashioned sausage sizzle, competitions and female performers including the Marlins’ cheer squad. "The whole idea is slanted towards the female performer," entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said. "We’ve got an eclectic blend of female artists coming to perform as well." Cazalys, El Mundo Tapas Bar and the Marlin Coast Bowls Club will also host events to raise money for flood victims. Cairns Regional Council will hold events across the region, including the ever-popular celebrations on the Esplanade.
Mayor Val Schier said the council was expecting a good attendance as usual with residents keen to get outside and celebrate our sunburnt country in the green and gold. "Even last year when it poured, a huge number of people came to the Aussie breakfast; we expect the same will happen this year, rain, hail or shine. It is one of those days where people can come together as a community and help celebrate why it is great to be an Australian. We live in a fantastic country and it is good for people to get out and enjoy it." Pubs and clubs will also get into the Aussie spirit with a number of activities on offer. Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club has a patriotic, fun-filled day planned with activities that pay homage to Australia’s heritage such as the much-anticipated pie-eating competition. "Everybody is welcome to come along and have some fun while tucking into our Aussie selection of meat pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian music by DJ Danny from Millennium Sounds," director of sales and marketing Darlene Holdsworth said.
Events
Join the celebrations
Paradise Palms Resort and Country Club Australia Day celebrations
What’s on: Australian menu served from noon in Restaurant 59, pie-eating and thong-throwing competitions start at 1.30pm. Pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian music on offer at the resort.
Time: 12pm. Entry free.
Bring on the Sun at Cairns Reef Hotel Casino
What’s on: Entertainment, sausage sizzle, raffles, jumping castle and more with all proceeds going to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
Time: 2pm. Entry free.
Shane Warne And Poker Mates Get VIP Star Treatment At Australian Open Tennis Sunday Night...
The spinner got there at 8pm hoping to get star VIP treatment for 14 of his closest mates. In the mix was was Joe Hachem, who he had earlier caught up with at the launch of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown Casino. Warne requested an escort (no, not that type silly) when he arrived and posed mostly for photographs with his sunglasses on. He also spent time in Andy Roddick's player's box during his loss to Swissman Stanislas Wawrinka. It been a big couple of days of "poker her" for the legend, playing rendezvous with Liz Hurley in LA. He is expected to play in the second round of the poker tournament and could face off against Gary Ablett Jr and Jeff Fenech tomorrow. Blett made it through to the second round.
Australian Financial Review Goes Gaga For Lady Gaga; Gets Facts Wrong (We Think)...
It took us a few months of going through newspapers but we finally found the AFR to make a slip up, and its a doozy....An article reads "the complex will have a few upmarket bars, including one on the roof, and an events theatre to house live acts – think Lady Gaga – as well as awards nights." With Gaga's level of popularity she would require a much larger venue than Star City. Earlier this year, she - they played two concerts at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, capacity 12,000 or thereabouts. Do the math.
Australia's Kylie Minogue To Do The Colosseum At Caesars Palace Las Vegas: Aphrodite Live...
Mark is down Kylie fans the word over. She's doing Ceasers Sunday May 22, 2011 8pm
Melbourne: Aussie Joker Comedian Performs At Packer's Crown; Raises Cash For Flood Relief...
Melbourne folks at Crown Casino recently enjoyed 'The Jokers Comedy That Rocks' at Crown Casino. James Packer's casino donated all proceeds from last Friday night’s show to Queensland flood victims. Organiser William Leitch has happy with the way things went and showcased an evening with some of the city’s top stand-up artists, including Brad Oakes, Christine Basil and Greg Fleet. It's understood he got close to 150 people to come along, and he may be invited back on upcoming Friday nights.
Top 100 ASX Listed Companies Respond To Flood Cry For Help; Gambling And Gaming Industry Steps Up; Mining Firms and Banking Bastards Lead Charge...
1. BHP Billiton: $1.3 million (in addition, matching employee donations)
2. CBA: $1.35 million
3. Westpac: $1 million
4. ANZ: $1 million
5. NAB: $1 million
6. News Corp: $500,000 and Blue Ribbon campaign
7. Rio Tinto: $1 million ($700,000 to Premier Relief, $300,000 to Emerald community)
8. Wesfarmers: $7.5 million (plus $3.5 million from Coles customers)
9. Telstra Corp: up to $1 million by matching staff contributions (so far $338,000; is also supplying phones and free calls to people affected)
10. Woolside Petroleum: $122,395 (corporate + employees)
11. Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
14. Fortescue Metals: Matching staff donations dollar for dollar
15. CSL: $250,000
16. QBE Insurance: not releasing a statement
17. Origin energy: $1 million
18. Macquarie Group: $200,000 (combined staff and company effort with fundraising activities continuing both here and overseas)
19. AXA Asia Pacific: No response
20. Santos: $500,000 plus use of helicopters and vehicles for clean up. Also $50,000 for flooding in WA
21. Coal and Allied Industries: (see Rio Tinto)
22. AMP: $250,000 + matching employee contributions to WA flood appeal up to $250,000
23. Suncorp Group: $100,000 (staff and customers have donated $1.5million)
24. Foster's Group: $500,000
25. Brambles: No response
26. Leighton Holdings: No response
27. Orica: No response
28. Oil Search: No response
29. Stockland: Donated $250,000 to the Premier's flood relief appeal, another $30,000 to the Mayoress Rockhampton regional flood appeal and are matching employee donations dollar for dollar
30. Coca. Cola Amatil: No response
31. Amcor: No response
32. Westfield Retail Trust: No response
33. IAG: No response
39. Crown: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed to matching all donations as well as staff contributions
52. Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million
78. Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires. It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an as. yet undecided amount
79. Fairfax Media: Matching staff donations
100. Seek: Reported it had made a donation to the Premier's Flood Appeal but chose not to disclose how much
Brisbane: Flood Relief Money Gets Spend On Pokies, Vice - Piss Up At Pubs...
It's been reported in a number of Queensland newspapers that the $1000 flood relief grants that went to many good folks in Granville are being used to feed slots and buy piss (beer) rather than food and necessities. Two Maryborough publicans say that in some instances the answer to that is yes, and they are disgusted. One of the publicans was so incensed by the misuse of flood relief money she telephoned Fairfax Media to complain. "A man came in bragging about how he’d got the $1000 payout because he told Centrelink he was stuck in Granville – but he was here the whole time. It makes me sick that people are openly admitting they’ve got the money for nothing, while there are people who’ve died or lost everything." She said Centrelink should have screened the applications more carefully to make sure only people who were genuinely in need received the cash. Another pub owner said his one armed bandits had not stopped buzzing since the grants became available. "We were quiet during the actual floods but this week’s been totally different. The pokies and the bottle shop have been going non-stop." Yeah, Aussie continue to love a punt, rain, hail, shine or flood!
Aussie Millions Game 8 Results...
The London based chap took down the $1,100 8 game mixed event title at Crown Casino in Melbourne adding AUD$23,800 to his almost $1.2 million in career tournament earnings. He entered the final table as the short stack, but managed to grind his way to victory and nudge away Australia's Bruno Portaro for the victory. The event marked Ashby's 8th final table appearance at the Aussie Millions that includes a side-event win back in 2005 and a seventh-place finish in the main event in 2009. Ashby also won his first WSOP bracelet this summer in the $1,500 7 Card Stud event and went well in the $10k H.O.R.S.E. for his biggest career score of $378,027. The 2011 Aussie Millions $1,100 8-Game Mixed event drew 68-players and paid the final 7.
Here are the results:
1 Richard Ashby AUD$23,800
2 Bruno Portaro AUD$16,320
3 Casey Kastle AUD$10,880
4 Daniel Ospina AUD$6,800
5 Oliver Gill AUD$4,760
6 Dane Coltman AUD$3,400
7 Paul Ravesi AUD$2,040
Aussie Main Event Day 1b: PartyPoker And Full Tilt Poker Players Feel The Pain...
PartyGaming's PartyPoker and Full Tilt Poker's powers that be likely won't be celebrating. Ok, they got news coverage and exposure, but its because their players are out. Yep, history maties. Full Tilt went well on Day 1a but Day 1b was rooted. Many of the big name pros went down for the count as locals stepped up. 209 players entered the Crown Poker room but after 7 levels of play, 80 remained. David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Steve Yea, Andy Bloch and Gus Hansen were some of the Full Tilt players who died. Other casualties included Luke Santo, Raj Ramakrishnan, George Moussa, Michael Pedley, Graeme Putt, Martin Comer, Dennis Huntly, Jamie Pickering, Bruno Portaro, Casey Kastle, Ben Savage and Tim Marsters. 2005 World Champion Joe Hachem (tweeting he struggled with jetlag following a recent trip to the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.)
Defending champ, 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event winner Tyron Krost (PartyGaming's PartyPoker pro went down too). A new champ will be crowned in 2011 with plenty of Aussies still in contention. The field kicked off with Jeff Rossier in the lead with 154,900, closely followed by Michael Ottobra (143,400) and Martin Drewe, After winning the Opening Event last week and going deep in another event, Drewe is now set in the chip leaders in the Main Event after getting to 136,100. Jay “SEABEAST” Kinkade did nicely with 128,700, Haibo Chu (113,900), Manny Stavropoulos (85,600), Sorel Mizzi (74,400), Michael Egan (61,100), Kent Hunter (56,400), Jeff Lisandro (55,000), Eric Assadourian (50,300), Scott Montgomery (49,200), Chris Ferguson (45,400), Lee Nelson (30,200), Neil Channing (28,800), Roland de Wolfe (26,100), Aleks Brkovic (24,600), Jackie Glazier (21,900), Grant Levy (18,300), Gary Benson (10,500) and Mel Judah (7,200) amongst those who will return on Day 2. The 3rd and final flight of the 2011 Aussie Millions Main will commence Tuesday with another strong field and a few big names expected. Even Van Marcus will front up. Van, is your Red Ferrari safe this time mate? We're looking for more good fodder to write about. How about do a publicity stunt and make world wide headlines ago. Maybe someone at Crown Casino - Crown Limited might be open to it. Stanger things have happened... like Ferrari's getting stolen on site, casino fights and a man getting stuck in the Crown Casino kitchen greese vacume.
Aussie Millions Event #9 Day 1b: Rossiter In Front...
It was done to business with players investing AUD$10,600 to buy in all with the goal of becoming the 2011 Aussie Millions Champion. 7 seven levels of play, and the 209-player field went to 80. Jeff Rossiter is in front with 154,900. Martin Drewe, 2011 Aussie Millions Event #1 winner with 136,100 - now 3rd on the leaderboard. Australian Jay Kinkade is on 128,700, and European Poker Tour mainstay Jeff Sarwer sits 5th with 120,500. Randy "nanonoko" Lew has 110,000 and Gavin Griffin 101,700 in 9th ninth and 10th place. Sorel Mizzi, Jeffrey Lisandro, Eric Assadourian, Team Full Tilt's Chris Ferguson, Full Tilt Poker Red Pros Scott Montgomery and Roland de Wolfe, Neil Channing, and Lee Nelson have also all made it to Wednesday's Day 2, but it was touch and go for some of them, testing the skill VS luck debate. Full Tilt Poker $25,000 Shootout Invitational winner David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, Andy Bloch, David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Gus Hansen, Joe Hachem, and David Steicke all had to say goodnight nurse. PartyGaming's - PartyPoker Tyron Krost was eliminated in a hand VS Gavin Griffin where his Ace-Queen couldn't best Griffin's Aces. The 3rd and final Day 1 flight commences Tuesday in Melbourne, Australia at 12:30 p.m. local time.
Getting board of poker yet? If so, try your luck er skill at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming also have, or will soon get, a World Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend punters open an account with PartyCasino, PartyGaming and World Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party appears to still be the most popular online casino brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes of 888. Marvel slot games are forcast to be some of the most popular of this year with Captain America and Thor tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys and girls. Spin to win.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
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*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
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