Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Tabcorp And Crown Want Aussie Gvt To Lift Game On High Rollers, by Greg Tingle - 24th February 2011

G'day punters, casino millionaires and billionaires, politicians, legal eagles, one and all. Australia's leading gaming companies, namely Tabcorp (Star City etc) and Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Casino etc) are demanding the the Australian government lift its game to help down under become more high roller whale friendly, especially at our international airports in Sydney and Melbourne. We probe and examine if the fact that the Gillard government not officially being a big fan of gambling is a factor, or if its a smoke screen hiding something more sinister. Media Man and Gambling911 hit the runway as we play plans, trains, automobiles (and politics)...

Tabcorp And Crown Limited To Aussie Government: Lift You're Game For High Rollers In Airports...

Tabcorp casinos big wig Larry Mullin has joined the pack of not happy Aussie casino and gambling tycoons and top brass telling the federal government to lift their game - streamline customs and immigration paperwork and checks for Oriental high-rollers flying down under into Australia, backing up his Crown Casino equal Rowen Craigie. Mullin advised making visas easier to obtain and installing "VIP customs lounges" at major airports to allow high-roller customers to avoid unsatisfactory queues should be seriously considered, and pronto. He said Australia needed to consider a similar model to Singapore, which has created a private lounge to fast-track customs and immigration processing for high-rolling whales. It's understood revenue from Singapore's two land based casinos opened last year is already close to $US5 billion a year. "The customers and the customer experience is everything. That first and last impression is so helpful, especially after long flights. "You go into Singapore, they pick you up in a golf cart and drive you to a private area and there's a government official in the receiving area. You almost feel as if you are going into a hotel experience, that was the seamlessness of it. I understand why you need the processes that are there, but I think we need to explore and get as fast as we can similar type of conveniences here." Mullin said Crown Casino chief exec Rowen Craigie was heading up the discussions with the federal government in his role as the president of the Australasian Casino Association. Craigie last month said the improvements were necessary in order for Australia to plug into the lucrative middle and upper-class Chinese tourism market and compete with Singapore. Tabcorp, which will launch its first personalised jet service for high-roller customers tomorrow, generates less than 10% of its casino revenues from high-rollers. But it is the fastest-growing arm of its business, with revenues from VIP customers up 36% to $32.9 million in the December half. Tabcorp is understood to have spent about $40m leasing the 14-seater jet which came on high recommendation by rock star Bon Jovi, a friend of Mullin. It will start transiting in punters from Asia tomorrow. The firm, which is spending a massive $960m on renovating its flagship Star City casino in Sydney, is now also throwing in $160m on its domestic and international VIP businesses to upgrade digs, improve and expand private gambling facilities and lease two private jets. Originally the jets were going to be purchased, but the bean counters thought better to lease. Mullin also advised Tabcorp, which plans to demerge its casino division by mid-year, was planning to work with the New South Wales government on tourism campaigns targeting potential casino customers. "As our project gets more mature we would like to get better placed in that," he said. Various gambling experts have leaked to Media Man that they expect Crown and Tabcorp to have a better year than last, as well as improved government dealings.

Tatts Gets Profit; Good News Finally...

Tatts Group Ltd has reported a 3.4% lift in first half net profit as the gambling and gaming company sees signs of growth reemerging after set backs due to recent natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. Net profit rose to $149.91 million for the 6 months to December 31 from $144.96 million a year earlier, Melbourne based Tatts said in a statement on Thursday. Revenue jumped 17.4% to $1.62 billion. The firm declared a interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, fully franked. Chief executive Dick McIlwain said the growth rates of the first half were showing signs of re-emerging after the disruption from the floods in Queensland and Victoria and Cyclone Yasi in Northern Queensland. Tatts said investors and other observers had enquired about the effect on the business from the natural disasters. The company said there was very little damage to company facilities while a significant number of agents and hosts suffered short term damage to electricity supply. Shares in Tatts declined 3.5 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to $2.435.

Aristocrat Leisure Shares Up; Back To Profit!

Airistocrat shares surged to a 3-month high today after the gaming machine supplier returned to the profit zone for 2010. Its stock rose 14 cents, or 4.4%, to $3.30 by 1029 AEDT, the best since November 25, 2010. Aristocrat Leisure today booked a net profit of $77.19 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a loss of $157.8m in 2009. Revenue fell 25.1% to $680.5m. Aristocrat declared a dividend of 1.5 cents per share, nil franked, compared to no final dividend in the prior year.

Melco Crown Makes US$16 Million Profit; Crown's James Packer Pleased; Could Have Been Much Worse...

Melco Crown Entertainment announced yesterday it recorded net income for the fourth quarter of 2010 of US$16.3 million (MOP130 million), compared with a net loss of US$89.7 million a year earlier. It was the company’s second consecutive quarterly profit. The gain in bottom-line results was driven by the year-over-year improvement in the operating performance at City of Dreams and Altira Macau, the company said. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was US$133.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to adjusted EBITDA of US$2.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Lawrence Ho, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, said "our fourth quarter results demonstrate our success in driving operating leverage and in improving the profitability of our portfolio of assets. Our mass market table games business continues to grow and our rolling chip segment remains strong," he said. James Packer, who teamed up on the project via Melco Crown, is understood to have been pleased with the result. The Packer family remains on good terms with the Ho's. It's one happy family again (or at least mainly), which is what we like to hear.

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 Virgin

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Media Man Network: PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award

PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Virgin Airlines and Elle Macpherson: We love women in uniform, by Eva Rinaldi - 23rd February 2011

Who doesn't love a woman in uniform?

Australian Supermodel Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body' has just slipped into something more comfortable, or at least that's the wish of Virgin king of the world, Richard Branson and his media savvy team.

The 40 year plus bombshell has just flown in from a Crown Casino, Melbourne stop over, and is strutting her stuff on the catwalk with Virgin hostesses in Sydney sporting a red hot number that is bound to keep passengers and others up all night (and other reaching for the chequebooks and credit cards).

Macpherson has been busy hosting Britain's Next Top Model, but made time to show off the latest Virgin Airline number, designed by season one Project Runway winner Juli Grbac.

It wasn't surprising, the Virgin King insisted that of his real life hosties also got the media rub off from 'The Body', and the powers that be are expecting Virgin Airlines to experience a lift in numbers (plus more mainly positive news media coverage), but just quietly, they expect a couple of knockers also.

Elle was passionate and extremely emotive, appearing to hold back tears, as she spoke on missing her family in Australia and a sick family member. She still looked a million bucks was pure class.

Virgin Blue PR Danielle Keighery spoke on the new uniform making fresh happenings both in the air and on the ground, but assured us that the staff wouldn't change and would continue to be known for their friendliness and fun.

Sex still sells when done right, and few know how to do it better than Elle and RB (who didn't attend due to a ski accident). Just how much business may have been mixed with pleasure is anyone's guess, but we know that Branson (and Packer friend and associate), Damian Aspinall, the UK gaming and nature entrepreneur, did a series of dates with Elle about a year ago, and Elle is very particular in her brands and men.

I think the matching of Elle and Virgin Airines might just be quite a match up in heaven. Now all we need is a bit of Michael Buble and wedding bells might sing out in the sky.

Branson and Elle - Virgin's, we don't think so...but the hot red uniform sure lends itself to new beginnings and radiates class, sex, power and style, with just a dash of romance.

What airline will you and yours be travelling on for your next overseas honeymoon. No need to tell us, we will take an educated guess darlings. Virgin continues to add to their world class 'body of work', remaining at the top of their game, despite the sometimes turbulent sector. Oh, did we mention, RB is also a member of the 'Mile High Club', but we are not endorsing you join it via his airline, unless you get a special invitation.

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Monday, February 21, 2011

Media Man - Casino News Media: News Update

PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award

Online gaming companies in for huge 2011

Online Gaming Heating Up in Australia

Australasian Casino Association: Pokies Reform To Take Decade!

AFL Tired Of Gambling On Punter Fevola

Aussie Hotels Want Pokie Limit Trial...

Higher Power At Work In Gambling; Godsend To Bendigo, Victoria...

Pokies Limits Likely to Cost Australian Hotels Up To $4B

PartyGaming, PartyCasino, Bwin Do Deal With Las Vegas Land Based Casinos

Australian Sports Want And Need National Gaming - Gambling Regulations

Aussie James Packer Riding Wave Of Success

Australian Gambling and Politics: Cat And Mouse Games

Australian Gambling And Politics: Fun And Games

Real Life Underbelly NRL Style

Queensland Floods Cost Tabcorp Millions In Lost Revenue And More…

Gambling With Australian Federal Police; Legal Eagles Ready

Australian And Asia Pacific Gambling Tycoon News: February 1, 2011

Joe Francis - Indicted Over Alleged $2M Gambling Debt

Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine; Punters With Problems Targeted By Crime Lords

Australia Zoo Viva Crocodile Las Vegas Back On

Crown Casino Demands Aussie Govt Lift Game For Asian High Rollers

Crown Aussie Million's Poker $250,000 - Greg Tingle Australia Report

NRL South Sydney Rabbitohs: Star City Casino Partnership!

The Shane Warne Show At Aussie Millions 2011

Australia Day 2011 Gambling Special

Crown Aussie Millions; James Packer Special

Running out of Internet Addresses: We Were Right

Tingle: 3D Movies And Slot Games Not Dead Yet

Tingle: Australian Underbelly History and the Anti Pokie Song

Aussie Celeb News; James Bond Casino Icon Connection

Real Life Underbelly in Sin City Sydney

Australian Gambling: Deals, Art, Politics And Vice

Australian Gambling On Pre-Commitment Pokies: Lovers vs. Haters

International Gaming Technology vs. Aristocrat Leisure Legal Battle Ensues

Australian Casino Tourism Smoking Hot Report

Gambling On Australia's Anti-Money Laundering Counter Terrorism Hit List

Tingle: Australian Gambling Regulation Won't Wipe Out Problem Gambling

Australia To Get Sports Stadiums Branded By Gambling and Gaming Companies

Australia Pokie and News Media Wars for January 14, 2011

Australia Remains In Top 10 For Gambling

Australian Pokies Saviour Or Villain; Lovers VS Haters

Crown Casino Refuse Jackpot Payment; ClubsNSW VS PokieAct

Lasseter’s Hotel Casino Getting Tough On Violent Drunks

Australian Kids Copy Parents Gambling Habits

Aussie Media Man Talks Domain Names: Gambling.com, Poker.com.au

Australian Casino, Sporting And Gambling Round Up – January 8

Brendan Fevola Released From Jail: Adelaide Clubs Get Tough On Gambling

Costigan Commission Going After Kerry Packer

Australian Land Based Casinos Rank Among The Best In The World?

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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Sin City Sydney: Kings Cross Gambling On Real Life Underbelly, by Greg Tingle - 19th February 2011

G'day punters, casino millionaires and billionaires, law enforcement officials, security officers, Underbelly fans and Kings Cross nightclub owners! Today we revisit real life Underbelly, as Kings Cross continues to live up to its name as a hotbed for real life Underbelly in 'Sin City' Sydney. Some nightclub owners and other Kings Cross businessmen apparently lack some faith the the NSW Police and AFP, choosing to engage their own private security force, and we learn that these "gorrillas" are pretty effective, in some aspects, more so than The Force, but the time is coming to see if they will become an official part of the NSW law enforcement landscape or remain rebals on a cause, emploayed by a few Cross hotshots that just need the job done. Media Man and Gambling911 walk the mean streets of The Cross and prob for answers...

Kings Cross in 'Sin City' Sydney still enjoys a bit of a reputation, and its for good reason.

There may not be official casinos in 'The Cross', but bet your bottom dollar there's some illigal gambling dens and Pluck-A-Duck knows how many brothers, legal and illigal, and drugs, and there for anyone who wants to score.

Clubs and hotels are were a great amount of the legal and above board money is, and security is one of the biggest concerns, and many a S.O.B and crime gang roams the street looking to get lucky, and bikers also have the means streets in their sights, and a couple of folks who are understood to control a lot of the cash flow in the red light district.

Private security forces are now pretty much the norm at The X, and some have ties to the Hells Angels.

Nightclub owner - king, John Ibrahim (as often featured in TV hit Underbelly), is understood to be behind much of the private security initiative.

The brick shit house - bodybuilder - martial arts expert types have got the attention of the industry and the Gillard Government. In the coming weeks they may become officially endorsed by the government.

Some of the premisis they patrol include World Bar, Ladylux, Tunnel, Piano Room and Hugo's.

They enjoy a bit of an advantage over the coppers having their their own private radio channel, and their insider info is right on the money. These devils are quick, in a city where information is valuable, and they have been known to turn up to incidents before the police arrive.

The Kings Cross licensees recently voted to back a crafty plan to extend the squad to all clubs and hotels and it also won support from Communities NSW, the department that includes the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing and the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority.

The coppers aka "boys in blue" have mixed feelings about the squad. If it's made official, the plan is to base it at Kings Cross police station, where coppers will be able to access its radio channel. That's something have haven't been able to do to date. They would also likley get to pull a few strings and play a bit of politics with the crew, and swing a bit of clout.

A Communities NSW spokesman said that if it was approved, the service would operate under the close supervision of Communities NSW, the police and licensed venues.

A Media Man spokesperson said "There's cases for and against the squaud. Kings Cross does appear to need more help, so the squad looks to have filled a niche. Whether the proposal is a total solution to security in The Cross remains to be seen.


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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Friday, February 18, 2011

Media Man - Casino News Media - Global Gaming Directory - News Update

PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award

Online gaming companies in for huge 2011

Online Gaming Heating Up in Australia

Aussie Hotels Want Pokie Limit Trial...

Higher Power At Work In Gambling; Godsend To Bendigo, Victoria...

Pokies Limits Likely to Cost Australian Hotels Up To $4B

PartyGaming, PartyCasino, Bwin Do Deal With Las Vegas Land Based Casinos

Australian Sports Want And Need National Gaming - Gambling Regulations

Aussie James Packer Riding Wave Of Success

Australian Gambling and Politics: Cat And Mouse Games

Australian Gambling And Politics: Fun And Games

Real Life Underbelly NRL Style

Queensland Floods Cost Tabcorp Millions In Lost Revenue And More…

Gambling With Australian Federal Police; Legal Eagles Ready

Australian And Asia Pacific Gambling Tycoon News: February 1, 2011

Joe Francis - Indicted Over Alleged $2M Gambling Debt

Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine; Punters With Problems Targeted By Crime Lords

Australia Zoo Viva Crocodile Las Vegas Back On

Crown Casino Demands Aussie Govt Lift Game For Asian High Rollers

Crown Aussie Million's Poker $250,000 - Greg Tingle Australia Report

NRL South Sydney Rabbitohs: Star City Casino Partnership!

The Shane Warne Show At Aussie Millions 2011

Australia Day 2011 Gambling Special

Crown Aussie Millions; James Packer Special

Running out of Internet Addresses: We Were Right

Tingle: 3D Movies And Slot Games Not Dead Yet

Tingle: Australian Underbelly History and the Anti Pokie Song

Aussie Celeb News; James Bond Casino Icon Connection

Real Life Underbelly in Sin City Sydney

Australian Gambling: Deals, Art, Politics And Vice

Australian Gambling On Pre-Commitment Pokies: Lovers vs. Haters

International Gaming Technology vs. Aristocrat Leisure Legal Battle Ensues

Australian Casino Tourism Smoking Hot Report

Gambling On Australia's Anti-Money Laundering Counter Terrorism Hit List

Tingle: Australian Gambling Regulation Won't Wipe Out Problem Gambling

Australia To Get Sports Stadiums Branded By Gambling and Gaming Companies

Australia Pokie and News Media Wars for January 14, 2011

Australia Remains In Top 10 For Gambling

Australian Pokies Saviour Or Villain; Lovers VS Haters

Crown Casino Refuse Jackpot Payment; ClubsNSW VS PokieAct

Lasseter’s Hotel Casino Getting Tough On Violent Drunks

Australian Kids Copy Parents Gambling Habits

Aussie Media Man Talks Domain Names: Gambling.com, Poker.com.au

Australian Casino, Sporting And Gambling Round Up – January 8

Brendan Fevola Released From Jail: Adelaide Clubs Get Tough On Gambling

Costigan Commission Going After Kerry Packer

Australian Land Based Casinos Rank Among The Best In The World?

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Underbelly: TV Movies And Real Life Report, by Greg Tingle - 17th February 2011

G'day punters, journos, entertainment news junkies, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, law enforcement agencies, legal eagles ... one and all. You know who you are. This is the TV Mini Movie Underbelly and Real Life Underbelly special!... Media Man and Gambling911 go beneath the underbelly of Australia's underworld, real and fake...

Underbelly 'Infiltration' A Hit...

The Underbelly telemovie 'Infiltration' has been well received by Australian audiences, but may insiders were expecting it to be a "piece of crap". The producers' task was huge...to create and shoot, interesting and suspense-filled drama based on the autobiographical book by former policeman Colin McLaren, who waged a covert campaign to bring down the Griffith-based mafia. Infiltration worked, and that casting of Sullivan Stapleton as McLaren was key. It was a tight, 3-week production. Stapleton was in nearly every one of the 200 plus scenes with little preparation. His rendering of the McLaren character solid to great. It was a portrayal of McLaren as gutsy, intuitive and fun - a bloke trying his best in the force, despite often internal problems in the department. Stapleton nailed it posing as an art dealer to infiltrate Calabrian gangsters tied to the death of anti-drug campaigner Donald Mackay. In addition, the casting of Jessica Napier as McLaren's colleague Jude backed it up. Jude's lingerie added spark and sexiness. Infiltration was very good to great, but how long can the Underbelly franchise keep going before it gets old? Mind you, James Bond has being going since the 60's, so maybe people will still be expecting the show's death in a few decades time.

Underbelly: Blood Brothers...

Our friends at Network Nine have commenced production on crime-based telemovie Blood Brothers. The 98 minute self-contained movie is based on Robin Bowles' book of the same name. The screenplay will be written by the amazing talent, Victoria Madden. Described as "a chilling portrait of crime and punishment, a compelling insight into human nature, and a relentless fight for justice", it will portray the horrific 1993 Gilham family murders. Lisa McCune (Blue Heelers, Sea Patrol), Tony Martin (False Witness, Wildside) and Michael Dorman (Daybreakers, Suburban Mayhem, The Secret Life of Us) will lead a cast which also includes Jonny Pasvolsky (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), Jodi Gordon (Home and Away) and Frank Holden (Police Rescue, Underbelly, The Strip). Dorman plays Jeffrey Gilham, who was convicted of manslaughter of his younger brother Christopher. He claimed to have killed Christopher in a fit of rage after his sibling murdered their parents. However, Gilham was in fact suspected of murdering them, despite no charges being handed down on him. The story is told beautifully from the perspective of both Tony Gilham, the boys' uncle played by Martin, who campaigned for 14 to clear Christopher’s name. And Margaret Cunneen, played by McCune, the Crown Prosecutor who found herself arguing a seemingly unwinnable case to eventually convict Gilham of the murders. "Blood Brothers is the compelling drama of a shocking family tragedy," stated Jo Horsburgh, Network Nine's head of drama. "I have no doubt that 17 years after these awful murders, the audience will still be divided in their opinions about the truth of what happened. "The Blood Brothers telemovie is another creatively satisfying collaboration with Playmaker."
Nine will partner with production company Playmaker Media, who also produced Wicked Love: The Maria Korp Story for the network last year. "We are grateful for the support of the Nine Network, Screen Australia and Screen New South Wales," said David Taylor, Playmaker's principal alongside David Maher. "A great script has helped us attract an outstanding cast and one of Australia's leading directors, Peter Andrikidis (Underbelly, East West 101)." Production is set for just a few weeks away and insiders reckon it will air later this year on Network Nine of course, as the 9 dotter station attempts to be once again known by the masses as 'The One'.

Underbelly 'Tell Them Lucifer was Here' Ratings...

The first of the Nine Network's Underbelly telemovies, Tell Them Lucifer was Here, produced solid ratings for the broadcaster last week, but was nabbed in the final round by Channel Seven, says OzTAM numbers. Nine won the evening in primary channels, while in combined network shares, Seven took out total people and Nine won 16-39, 18-49 and 25-54. Underbelly averaged 1.377 million viewers, coming first in its timeslot and for the evening in total people, 18-49 and 25-54. It was second in 16-39. Bones proved to be a smart choice to go against the local crime franchise, holding up strong with 1.208m for Seven, while Brothers and Sisters tanked to 832.000. Ten struggled against the strong competition as Undercover Boss slumped to 608,000 and Good News Week returned to 461,000. Both programmes were 4th in their timeslot. In any event, viewers are getting treated to a great mix of crime drama and solid entertainment.

Underbelly's Babe Kassandra Clementi Could Be A Casino Babe If She Desires; Options Open For Hot Stuff Actress - Underbelly Files: Infiltration...

Underbelly's Kassandra Clementi plays one of the more goddess type characters in the TV series famous for being raunchy, but she has her own super sassy side (plus mind and body). Clementi, 20, plays Chelsea, the daughter of Colin McLaren, a Victorian detective who risked his life by going deep undercover within a local arm of the Calabrian mafia, in Underbelly Files: Infiltration. It's one of the more innocent roles in the racy crime franchise, known for its nudity and steamy scenes. "It's all pretty PG (for me)," she said. But Clementi shed the good girl image and amped up the sultriness in a fashion shoot of this season's animal prints, leather, feathers, and daring thigh-high boots. Clementi and her fellow actors met McLaren before filming the telemovie airing on Nine. "We all got to pump him full of questions. I wanted to get an understanding of Chelsea's home life, and the most important thing in her life, which was her father." Now the star of one of Australia's biggest shows, Clementi has her sights squarely set on the United States, with a hot and standout role in an American program in the works. The project is confidential you could say, but if all goes to the way she's mapped out, the Adelaide born-actress-babe, now based in Melbourne, will be causing waves this year, so blokes and babes, be prepared to be tantalised and titillated.

'No Ibrahim Link' To Sin City Sydney Gunfire...

Sydney coppers have now ruled out any link between a shooting in Sydney's south-west, and an attack on two members of the Ibrahim family just a night earlier. Police say 3 men were in a van at Leppington when shots were fired from a white Subaru car about 1:15am. A 39-year-old man sitting in the back of the van was shot in the stomach. The two men in the front were not injured, and they drove to a nearby house and called police. The injured man was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he is in a serious but stable condition. Police say there is no link to the previous night's attack on a nephew of nightclub owner John Ibrahim, Sam Sayour, and his cousin Gehad Hamid. The men were attacked on a suburban street at Old Guildford, and a third man was also shot. New South Wales Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has complained that his officers are facing a wall of silence over the recent spate of shootings. He says even the smallest piece of information can help take guns off the street. "These crimes are not random attacks. Generally they're targeted and so they will always stay silent," Commissioner Scipione said. "What we need is people that are on the periphery, those that know just that little bit to come forward and talk to us. We will guarantee your anonymity and we will certainly investigate it."

Ibrahim Family: Real Life Underbelly?...

On 13th January this year, Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim's mother Wahiba was on the front porch of her Merrylands home in Sydney's western suburbs. Also in the front yard were her bikie son Sam and the family's ever-present bodyguard, "Tongan Sam" Ngata. Before you know it a number of shots were heard and Ibrahim fell to the ground, a bullet wound in each thigh. The Ibrahims are a family under fire. Over the last couple of years 7 separate shootings have targeted both male and female members of the well know family and their associates. Two Ibrahim brothers were shot, one almost fatally. Even John Ibrahim's sisters are fair game, as are some relatives.
Research points to either some alleged bikie and / or drug links, and domestic - personal relationship matters also come up in the mix. Coppers believe the violence will go on for quite some time. "These things never end well . . . it's coming to a head somehow," a boy in blue shared. The first family member to be targeted in the most recent spray of violence was Fadi Ibrahim, shot at 5 times outside his Castle Cove home in 2009. Police have identified the man they think is behind the shooting, however he hasn't been charged as yet. The 2nd shooting occurred last November at the Ryde home of Armani Haddad, John Ibrahim's sister. Her house was sprayed with 25 bullets while she was at home with the kids. A police theory is that the drive by is linked to another...at the home of her husband's brother and that both happenings may be domestic-related. Sam Ibrahim came to comfort the situation. Now its Sam who has been attacked, just last month. He's a seasoned bikie and alleged attempts to reform the Nomads Parramatta chapter by recruiting members of the Notorious gang is one theory being talked about as a reason behind his shooting. Some think the reason may be more personal. Ibrahim's people notified police a jealous boyfriend of a woman who fell for Sam decided to take action with gunshot. Even young members of the Ibrahim family have also been targets recently. Hassan "Sam" Sayour (19-year-old Ibrahim nephew) and Jihad Hamid (23) shot on the street in Old Guildford just last Sunday. Two other shootings have targeted an Ibrahim family associate, Notorious Sergeant at Arms Saber Murad. In the first incident, last November, Murad was whacked by 2 bullets at his Doonside home. Police have charged two men, one a Comanchero, over that incident. Coppers talk a a "wall of silence" surrounding the attacks. Fadi and Sam Ibrahim and Armani Haddad have all politely declined to give statements to police about the crimes committed against them. Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell made a statement saying police deserve co-operation and respect. "Given the recent escalation in gang-related crime, it's vital everyone, victims and witnesses alike, do everything possible to put the perpetrators behind bars," he said. John Ibrahim has had his dash of trouble with some of the Comancheros. Some members had left a calling card and message by trashing one of Ibrahim's Kings Cross nightclubs 3 years back and there has been an ongoing turf war in the region between factions of the Comanchero and Notorious, particularly over the security industry at Kings Cross. When police quizzed a Comanchero member why John Ibrahim had been targeted, he replied: "It's time." Ibrahim has a past linked with associations with bikies and underworld figures, including former 'King of the Cross' Louis Bayeh. He has been charged with murder and threatening witnesses in cases against two of his brothers but all charges were dismissed. A law enforcement source said: "There have been attempts on John's life. Some of the Comanchero are behind it." For Ibrahim, life goes on...having refused offers of police protection. He goes just about everywhere with Tongan Sam, or a similar bodyguard type. Coppers don't believe that all the shootings are an attempt to get to Ibrahim, who recently told friends he was planning to get out of "nightclub promoting" and focus on property development. Any rumours of a venture into pokies or casinos are just small talk, but never say never. Property development sounds like a safer bet at this stage of the game.

Underbelly - what's real, what's media beat up, what's made for TV movies? You be the judge, jury and executioner. Bang Bang.

Don't change your dial punters. We will be back soon with more Real Life Underbelly and AussieWood Underbelly.

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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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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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Australian And New Zealand Gambling And Casino News, by Greg Tingle - 17th February 2011

G'day everyone. It's yet another huge gambling and casino news updated from down under in Australia. We've got political fun and games, lovers VS haters, man VS machine, Big Brother VS The People, and you get the idea. Media Man and Gambling911 with your regular Aussie round up...

Pokies limits Likely To Cost Hotels Up To $4b'...

The Hotels Association says it would cost the industry up to $4 billion to comply with proposed new laws for pokies. The Federal Government aims to force gamblers to set limits on how much money they are prepared to lose before they play machines. But the Australian Hotels Association says the scheme would drive people to other forms of gambling, like illegal or online, and lead down the road to job losses. John Whelan from the Association has told anyone that would listen at a Parliamentary inquiry half of all machines would need to be replaced. "What's being asked of the industry this time around will involve a multi-billion dollar capital cost. It's very unlikely that those many venues or most venues around (have) the cash to do that, and it's equally unlikely that the banks will lend them the money to fund that capital cost."

Proposed Pokie Laws Will Send Smaller Clubs Broke...

Industry group, Clubs New South Wales, says the cost of complying with proposed new poker machine laws will send clubs across the region broke and put thousands out of work. The Productivity Commission has told a parliamentary inquiry, responsible hotels and clubs will barely notice the impact on revenue from the proposed laws designed to help problem gamblers. The new laws would require individuals to register and nominate a maximum spend amount and then use a USB card in converted machines. Clubs NSW Hunter spokesman, John Chin says his Hexham club will have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to convert 87 poker machines. "We're talking around $400,000 just to be compliant. I'm sure it's not going to do what they think it's going to do and that's to help the problem gambler." Chin says he understands the Prime Minister's dilemma, but she needs to understand the impact it will have on local clubs and 5,000 Hunter jobs. She had given him the agreement that she would push this through. We are fighting basically a life and death struggle for us and we are not going to give way, saying they can have it their way. We will fight this to the very end."

Higher Power At Work In Gambling; Godsend To Bendigo, Victoria...

Well respected Social welfare agency St Luke’s, has a rather new approach to tackle problem gambling...reaching out to workers at the Bendigo region’s gaming venues. St Luke’s will kick off its new venue support worker program, aimed at helping staff at gaming venues recognise and assist potential problem gamblers. The initiative comes as a new Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation survey of gaming venue managers and staff showed about two-thirds were less than comfortable to approach someone with a gambling problem and that almost 10% had never been instructed on dealing with problem gamblers. Trevor Rice is one of 26 Gamblers Help venue support workers across Victoria and covers 23 venues in the area from Gisborne and Maryborough to Swan Hill and Echuca. "I go and work out with the venues what training they require. Most venues are looking at how to approach people, and I think it’s a confidence thing. We’ve had some good responses. Some are very proactive, and all of the managers are very positive about the program." Rice said a problem gambler may exhibit one of more than 100 signs, including playing for long periods, attachment to a particular machine, aggression and continued visits to ATMs. Bendigo Stadium chief executive officer Eric Pascoe said Rice began training staff at the stadium last week after he initiated a meeting with Rice and Gamblers Help counsellors at St Luke’s. "The stadium is a community organisation, and we wanted to be a leader in helping problem gamblers and take a very active approach. Some insiders question if a staff member should be required to look out for over 100 different signs in players, thinking that may be more the thing for a body language expert of psychologist, attempting to move the responsibility and legal burden to a club employer. A Media Man spokesperson said "In regard to watching out to problem gamblers, the program has some merit, but it looks like there may be some buck passing going on already. Club workers are not psychologists. One may question if them having to remember up to 100 signs of a problem gambler is fair cop. An agro patron being questioned if they have a problem may also potentially wish to argue or get in a fight with who questions them. This proposal is fraught with questions and risks".

Queensland Banana Benders Punters Spend $5 Million Bucks Per Day On Poker Machines...

Banana Benders sank almost $5 million a day into poker machines in the first month of this year. The state's more than 42,000 machines collected nearly $153 million in metered wins in January. This is about $10 million more than January last year and up more than $18 million for the year to date. Queensland Council of Social Service director Jill Lang advised the number of at-risk and problem gamblers lay between 8 and 9% and were responsible for about 40% per cent of money generated. Some insiders question the numbers, with social groups known to sometimes use misleading numbers in attempt to push their own agenda. Lang said QCOSS supports many of the recommendations from the ongoing federal parliamentary inquiry into gambling, including pre-commitment machines, where gamblers set a limit. She advised that along with slowing down the betting rate and removing ATMs from the area where possible, pre-commitment was a good idea, despite industry saying this week that it would be too expensive. Clubs Queensland CEO Doug Flockhart said despite the higher year-to-date figures, the floods had led a drop in revenue in the central west by almost 44%. He said pokies upgrades would cost between $3500 and $5000 per machine. "Pre-commitment machines are another tool in the box. Any addict, whether it be alcohol or drugs, until they make the decision to stop, there'll be no way to stop them".

Aussie Hotels Want Pokie Limit Trial...

The Australian Hotels Association has just about begged the government to carry out detailed research and trials of mandatory pre-commitment poker machines before rolling out restrictions nationwide. The AHA's written submission to an inquiry on pre-commitment pokies was critical of the push by independent Andrew Wilkie, the committee's chairman, to have the pre-commitment system rolled out in 2014, despite the Productivity Commission saying it should begin in 2016, with exemptions for small hotels until 2018. The AHA warned that it could cost the industry up to $2.5 billion to upgrade machines to make them capable of having a pre-commitment function limiting the amount of money punters can wager. Older machines, mainly in regional areas, would have to be completely replaced at a cost of $25,000 each to make them capable of having a mandatory pre-commitment. In its submission, the AHA said it wished to work with government "to develop a sensible, evidenced-based way forward - that will continue to minimise harm from gambling, but will not close our businesses, slash our workforce and reduce our community support". AHA's national chief executive Des Crowe and director for responsible gaming John Whelan fronted the joint standing committee on gambling reform yesterday. The Productivity Commission also appeared before the committee yesterday highlighting the need for any trial of pre-commitment technology to be held in a large area, such as Tasmania. The commission warned that a small trial zone would allow people to drive to the next suburb where they could play unrestricted. The commission also dismissed concerns that people's privacy could be breached by new technology. On Friday the committee will reconvene in Hobart, where it will hear from Anglicare and the Australasian Casino Association. Media Man has interviewed dozens of journalists and gaming experts about pre commitment over the past few months with all questioned saying they don't see the Gillard government proposal offering a total solution and that trials overseas showed that the pre commitment doesn't work properly. It's widely known that gamblers and problem gamblers will gamble no matter what government restrictions are put in place. An uprising off illegal poker and casino game events are expect in Australia on an invitation only basis. This follows the U.S and Canadian pattern, where if some forms of gambling become illegal or too restricted, they thrive in the underground, falling off the map of government reports and bean counter types.

Crown Casino Loves Rugby Union Too...

James Packer's Crown Casino is enjoying the company of other sports fans at a lunch for Melbourne's new rugby union team, the Rebels. 1200 people showed their support at the lunch, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes part of the fun. Mike Brady gave a preview of his new rugby anthem. Rebels board member Gary Gray, whose involvement with Victorian rugby goes back to the failed 2005 bid to get a licence from the Australian Rugby Union, said rugby's support in Melbourne was a complex and varied mix. Rugby is an international game. You have a lot of people that have been starved for it in this town - expats both from interstate and from New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, even France and other parts of Europe where rugby's popular." Gray said there was also strong support from the local south Pacific island community, which has fielded many top players, and local clubs. "In Victoria there's the south Pacific island community, some of the state schools play rugby, most of the private schools play.". Crown Casino continues to back sport, having recently sponsored the NRL's Melbourne Storm.

Adelaide SkyCity Casino Feels Some Pain...

The popular casino's pre-tax earnings climbed to $16.1 million as its owner predicted subdued future trading. Sky City's half year profit fell 2.2% to $51 million ($NZ67.1 million) and chief executive Nigel Morrison said a quiet retail environment would impact on gaming revenue in Adelaide as it works with the State Government on developing the Riverfront precinct. Adelaide Casino lifted revenue by just $500,000 to $74.4 million but pre-tax earnings climbed 5.6 per cent to $16.1 million in the six months to December 31 thanks to "good cost controls and food and beverage revenue", Morrison said. Smoking bans in Darwin impacted on Australian casino earnings which fell 2% to $NZ47.2 million. The economic environment in this country remained challenging, particularly in discretionary retail, while the Australian discretionary retail sector was now also reporting more challenging times, Morrison said. Normalised net profit climbed 2.1% to $51 million after adjusting for comparisons without its divested cinemas group, the company said. Normalised revenue from ordinary activities rose 3.1 per cent on a year earlier to $NZ410.1 million.
An interim dividend of 8c a share has been declared. Gamblers from the orient - China and Thailand into the company's Auckland casino boosted the company's international business division, which almost doubled revenue to $1.1 billion. That growth underpinned the decision to invest in increased capacity and world class facilities for international customers in Auckland, Sky City said. Sky City reiterated its full year profit guidance to $96.1 million. Talks with the South Australian government on the proposed Adelaide Casino redevelopment and casino regulatory reforms were continuing, Morrison said. "We continue to stress the importance of a level playing field in respect of casino regulation and believe in the potential of the Adelaide market to deliver strong growth should some of the current challenges be adequately addressed," the company said. Sky City shares are trading steady at $2.49.

Sky City New Zealand And Australia Half Yearly Profits Drop...

The economic slowdown in New Zealand and Australia has led to a fall in half-year profit at casino operator Sky City Entertainment Group. The company made $67.1 million in the six months to December, a decrease of 6% on the same period a year ago. Stripping out a contribution from its now sold cinema operations, the listed company's underlying profit rose 2% to $67.4 million. Revenue rose 3% to $448 million, with growth in Adelaide and Hamilton partly offseting a fall at Darwin due to the introduction of a smoking ban.
Sky City chief executive Nigel Morrision says earnings at its flagship Auckland casino remained flat, as the subdued economy deterred local gamblers, although turnover doubled from high rollers, mainly from Asia. He says revenue rose 9% for the first six weeks of this year compared with the same period a year ago. Looking ahead, Sky City expects a full year profit of $127.4 million, compared with last year's normalised profit of $129 million.
A dividend payout of 8 cents a shares has been declared. Media Man analysts were not prepared to comment on what the financial position the firm would likely to be in come end of year results.

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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The Rock Brings It To WrestleMania

February 14, 2011 STAMFORD, Conn., February 14, 2011 - Do you smell what’s cookin’? The Brahma Bull™, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will `bring it’ to WrestleMania® XXVII. WWE® (NYSE: WWE) announced tonight that The Great One™ will return home to be The World’s Most Electrifying Host of WrestleMania on Sunday, April 3rd at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

As The World’s Most Electrifying Host of WrestleMania XXVII, The Rock will lay the SmackDown® on all of the pomp and festivities that makes WrestleMania the world’s greatest, annual pop culture extravaganza.

"I'm absolutely thrilled and fired up to be the host of WrestleMania. My goal was to partner up with Vince McMahon and WWE to create and deliver something globally entertaining and electrifying," said Johnson. "As an actor, entertainer and someone who both loves and has grown up in the sports entertainment business, the opportunity to host 75,000 passionate fans in a live venue, not to mention the millions that will be watching worldwide, is not only thrilling but quite honestly the opportunity of a lifetime. It's going to be one helluva an epic night."

In making the monumental announcement of his return to WWE just minutes ago on Monday Night Raw®, The People’s Champion™ whipped the crowd into a frenzy and was showered with thunderous applause.

For more, visit www.wwe.com for "Live with The Rock" online chat immediately following the conclusion of Monday Night Raw. For all the latest updates, 'Like' The Rock at www.facebook.com/DwayneJohnson or follow him at www.twitter.com/TheRock.

WrestleMania XXVII will be broadcast in more than 80 countries around the world. Check with your local cable operator or satellite provider to order the pay-per-view on Sunday, April 3rd. For more information on WrestleMania and WrestleMania events, please visit www.wrestlemania.com

About WWE
WWE, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly US PG rated content across all of its platforms, including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media, publishing and studios. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages, reaching more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo and Mexico City. Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.

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Palazzo Versace awarded two coveted ‘Two Chef Hats’

QUEENSLAND, 16 FEBRUARY 2011 – The Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace is excited to announce it has been awarded two, Two Chef Hats by the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide (AGFG). The hotel’s Vanitas Restaurant and Vie Bar + Restaurant have been recognized for providing an exceptional culinary experience that dares to be different.

Palazzo Versace, Australia’s first and only fashion branded hotel, is the only hotel in Australia to have two restaurants awarded the Two Chef Hats award. Palazzo Versace is also the only hotel in South East Queensland to receive Two Chef Hats. The AGFG Chef Hats have been awarded to discerning Chefs around Australia since 1982. The awards are the result of careful deliberation by inspectors who are appointed by AGFG and dine anonymously, their reviews and the votes of the dining public, determine the results. Inspectors take a number of key factors into account when reviewing restaurants, including quality of ingredients, individual flavours, presentation, individuality and creativity.

General Manager of Palazzo Versace, Russell Durnell, credits these awards to the exceptional team at Palazzo Versace who consistently style and deliver new and exciting culinary creations. “Palazzo Versace is honored to be the only hotel in Australia to be awarded two Two Chef Hats. The Food and Beverage team, led by Executive Chef Steve Szabo, continues to push the boundaries by designing new and exciting menus with creative flare and individuality that have been recognized by both industry experts and our guests,” he said.

Palazzo Versace’s dining offerings are overseen by Executive Chef, Steve Szabo, who joined the hotel in its inaugural year. Steve’s approach to dining has always been and continues to be both innovative yet classical, as he continues to draw on his experiences working with some of the world's leading chefs.

Fine dining restaurant Vanitas is led by Swiss-born Head Chef Martin Glutz. With over 15 years experience in the field, Martin has worked in seven different countries, bringing a world of flavour to each and every dish he serves. Complimented with outstanding service of an international caliber, Palazzo Versace is also home to Australia’s top sommelier Cyril Thevenet. Originally from France, Cyril is one of Europe’s most acclaimed wine experts and brings experience gained at a number of internationally recognized restaurants.

Award-winning Vie Bar + Restaurant overlooks the Gold Coast’s famous Broadwater, serving contemporary cuisine in a spectacular setting. Vie Bar + Restaurant is overseen by Chef de Cuisine, Tim Stewart, who brings with him a wealth of local and international knowledge, with experience working in kitchen’s throughout Australia and the UK.

To make a reservation at one of Palazzo Versace’s award-winning restaurants call 07 5509 7000 or for more information visit www.palazzoversace.com.au

Palazzo Versace

In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, the $300 million Palazzo Versace opened its doors on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.

Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater.

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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Las Vegas Land Based Casinos - 15th February 2011

The Gibraltar based iGaming powerhouse, is understood to have signed at least two major agreements to supply a gaming platform for online poker (and perhaps casino) to whale size Las Vegas land based casinos. The Vegas casinos that Media Man and Gambling911 insiders hint are in the mix include MGM, Las Vegas Sands, Boyd Gaming and Caesars (former Harrahs Entertainment). It's unlikely a Donald Trump casino is in, as he's just sold at least one of his establishments. Trump is a fan of online casinos, but leaks say he is frustrated by what appears to be slow progress of igaming into mainstream America. 

left the US after the UIGEA bill became law and a settlement towards $300 million was made with the DOJ (Department Of Justice). The firm smartly snatched the opportunity to re-enter the US market if online gambling was ever legalized. 

and a number other iGaming brands to go above board in the United States. enjoys strong presence in the U.S (and Canada and Australia), with its Hollywood titles including Marvel Entertainment tie ins

and our leaks tell us its now, no bluff! Readers, as always, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. 

*Media Man conducts some b2b as they do with dozens of other media, entertainment and gaming companies. Media Man is not a gaming company, but covers the sector, as they do over a dozen other industry verticals. *The writer is a regular contributor for Gambling911. 


Thursday, February 10, 2011

Aussie James Packer Riding Wave Of Success, by Greg Tingle - 11th February 2011

G'day everyone. As if you didn't hear, Australian gambling and news media tycoon, James Packer, and a number of his friends and associates are riding a tidal wave of success, despite concerns about the Australian economy. Packer still looks to have the Midas touch, and his casino and gaming ventures continue to perform well, despite challenges in Australia by competitor Star City (Tabcorp) and in the Asia Pacific (Venetian Macao - Las Vegas Sands Corp.) Packer mate Shane Warne is in love with the 'Hurley Burley', Sting jumps aboard a Packer yacht, Neil Perry's teams up with Starlight Foundation at Rockpool via Burswood Casino aka Burwood Entertainment Complex, and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 with your Aussie round up JP - Crown Limited Style. All aboard the Packer Express...

Sting And Mates Do James Packer's Boat In Sydney...

Sting (Gordon Sumner), not the pro wrestling superstar, is lapping it up down under enjoying party time on on James Packer's luxury boat. Older readers will remember that String used to be the frontman of 'The Police'. JP's boat has in recent days been spotted off Sydney's northern beaches in Pittwater. JP and wife were not seen. Sting's wife Trudi Styler was also MIA, understood to be in the UK. Sting and a bush tucker bag of his mates were having a hell of a party on the vessel, and its understood some of his old band members were on board. Sting also enjoyed taking in the summer at Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Packer's Burswood Raisers Big Bucks with Perry's Rockpool; Western Australia Shows The World...

Neil Perry's Starlight Foundation Fundraiser at Rockpool in Perth on Wednesday evening was a rip snorter with Packer present and giving of heart and spirit. JP said that would like to have super chef Perry cook more juicy steaks for him, and what do you know - $100,000 appears, and Bob's your uncle - home cooking at the Packer pad. It's a miracle! In a glitzy and power persons event which raised up to $400,000 all told for sick kids, WA billionaires Gina Rinehart (richest person in Australia) and Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest (mining king and face of GenerationOne) also generously donated $100,000 to have the Sydney-based Perry cook for them and their 9 lucky guests in their very own homes. The happening was the official opening of the Rockpool WA restaurant, following the Melbourne launch we understand. Guests were happy to pay $1,000 for the world class, 3 course plus dinner. Perry was happy to make a speech and mentioned how Perth people had embraced his new restaurant and said that there had been no cynicism from the public. "What an amazing result for the Starlight Children’s Foundation - Perth should be proud of its generosity tonight. "With three healthy kids of my own, I have been a passionate and active supporter of the Starlight Children’s Foundation for 22 years. Anything I can do to alleviate the pain and stress that these kids go through by using my name is a fair trade," he said. It's understood Perry is very appreciative of Packer, Forrest, Rinehart and the news media who have covered his ventures in a fair and balanced capacity. Give yourselves all a pat on the back, and we will keep Rockpoool and Starlight Foundation front of mind. Good show.

Shane Warne Poker Her Celeb Does Melbourne With Hurley Burley; Coffee Table, Not Bed!...

Yesterday the Warnie-Hurley has been doing Melbourne, with various sightings around the city. Warne may not have hit the sweet spot at Crown Casino Aussie Millions in terms of results, but his spin and sleight of hand sure seems to be working a charm with liz. A "sexy" lunch spot was a key goal. Ok fellas, you can guess what the other goal may have been. No explanation needed hey. Tweeting to his 320,000 Twitter followers earlier that he was looking for venue suggestions, Shane Warne chauffeured Liz 'Hurley' (affectionate) Hurley to an exclusive Melbourne golf club owned by ex Crown Casino boss Lloyd Williams, in tow by a swag of paparazzi and media choppers. The couple had enjoying Warne's Brighton mansion for about 40 hours since Hurley landed down under Tuesday evening. The ex spinner on reports of a new mattress being delivered to his house before her arrival via Twitter "Ps for the record - my so called big delivery to my house was not a mattress it was a coffee table, sorry to disappoint !" Thursday morning the Twitter followed with "Where is the sexiest place to take Elizabeth for lunch? Suggestions please? Chapel St? Crown? And no - not for spaghetti on toast". Warnie ended up driving to Capital Golf Club in Heatherton, a stones throw from Brighton, in a black Merc with tinted out windows, as you might expect. The Peter Thomson-designed course in Melbourne's southeast is a world class destination that has hosted celebs including Tiger Woods, who played practice rounds there ahead of the Australian Masters the past couple of years. Warne later tweeted about the photogs around his car. "Apologies to anyone driving on the rd & witnessing the ridiculous behavior by irresponsible photographers trying to get a pic !!!!!,. Ps I'm not complaining by the way, but I fear that someone could seriously get hurt on the rd as the photographers are so irresponsible." Media Man and friends are well aware of the bad and downright atrocious behavior of some photographers and paps, and that may be covered in a book just started to be talked about by Sydney based photography and artist, Eva Rinaldi, who has also shown off her works at a number of Australian casinos over the years, with more forecast soon at both Packer's Crown and Sin City Sydney's Star City. Ah, the ongoing saga of celebs, art and Aussie casinos continue.

Packer Property Has Tasmanian Devils; No, Not David "Wicked" Walsh...

The Hunter Valley breeding program for the insurance population of Tasmanian Devils could have its first newborns by the end of this month. The initial colony of 50 carnivorous marsupials has settled in to their new environment only a month after arriving in the Barrington Tops. The response to a facial tumour decimating the native Tasmanian population is being conducted on a property owned by billionaire businessman, James Packer. Devil Ark operations manager, Tim Faulkner advised 3 female devils are in season and have started mating. "We've got devils that are potentially one-third of their way already through a 21 day gestation," he said. "So we could experience birthing in as little as 15 days. We won't know the results of that for a couple of months because whilst the joeys are so small and the females are in a vulnerable state. So we won't do a pouch check maybe until June and at that point hopefully we've got a lot of babies." The Tasmanian Devils survived the Hunter Valley's recent heatwave. Faulkner says the hot weather had little impact on the animals. "In that extraordinary heat that the whole east coast experienced we never broke 32 degrees up here," he said. "So for the devils, they didn't experience the heatwave. They can escape into a burrow, they're very clever animals they will swim and cool down. The paddocks the devils are in are heavily timbered, they're nocturnal, they're out of a night time and through the peak of the heat, they're underground.". You got to love the Packer - Tassie Devil connection, and David down in Tassie, we will get back to you down the track mate. Plenty of devils to go around down under.

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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