Sunday, March 27, 2011

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

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

Merger Between bwin and PartyGaming Planned to Complete on 31 March 2011

Online gaming companies in for huge 2011

Online Gaming Heating Up in Australia

Admitted Addict Brendan Fevola Still Gambling: Caught Playing Horses, Slots

Gambling Business: James Packer Won’t Pursue Vegas Again

Aussie One Armed Bandits The New Big Brother

Tasmanian 'Devil Independent' Wilkie Hates Club Pokies Ad Campaign

Self-Proclaimed “Gambling Addict” and Bad Boy Brendan Fevola Punted From Crown Casino

Japan Tsunami And Quake Effect On Gaming In Australia

Gambling911.com’s Media Man Greg Tingle Targeted By Crim

Australian Casinos: A Look at What’s Happening Down Under in Gambling

Aussie MP Seeks iGaming Crackdown: Australia In Top 10 Gambling Nations

Packer 50 Percent Owned Betfair Signs Australian Super Rugby

Following Gambling Scandal: NRL And AFL Boys, Codes Under Spotlight

NRL Match Fixers Face 10 Years Jail; Pokies Law Could Kill Clubs

James Packer Aussie Media And Gambling King Quits Ten For Good Of Team

Cruise Ships Gamble On Western Australia

Tingle: Australia Gambling With Legal Eagles And Politics

Tingle: Australia And New Zealand Gaming Stocks; Beancounter Special

Sin City Sydney: Darling Habour Gets Star City Rub

Aussie Pokie Reforms To Cost Australian Clubs 100M Plus

Sin City Sydney: Kings Cross Gambling On Real Life Underbelly

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?

Media Man News

News

Casino News

Poker News

Online Casino News

Gambling News

Australian Casino News

Australian Gambling News

Financial News

Entertainment News

Sports News

Technology News

Property News

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, March 25, 2011

Australian Gambling News And Gossip, by Greg Tingle - 26th March 2011

G'day punters, sports nuts, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, legal eagles, and politicians...one and all. Australia continues to be one of the world's hot spots for gambling and casino news. Lovers VS Haters, gambling on politics, Aussie casino wars and more. Media Man and Gambling911 pound the pavement down under with the latest and greatest...

Aussie Casinos Hit Hard By Singapore Casino Resorts...

The Australian land based gaming sector is bashed as high-rolling whales and dolphins across the region switch from the casinos there to Singapore's new integrated resorts. The competition has led to calls by Australia's casino king, James Packer, for the federal and state governments to try to lure back these high-spending orientals. Packer's two casinos, Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth, have seen turnover from high-rollers drop 8% in the six months to Dec 31. Burswood suffered more, with VIP revenue down 14.3 per cent, compared with Crown's 5.5 per cent fall. Australian casinos bring in about A$700 million (S$895 million) a year from VIP gamblers, who contribute to about 15 per cent of all casino revenue, according to a Merrill Lynch analysis. Land based casinos such as Crown tend to focus on attracting high-rollers from China and Hong Kong. Tourists from Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia also make high-spending visits to Australian casinos, according to the Australian Gaming Council, which represents the industry. Packer and the Crown brains trust are also looking at a major play to offer a wide selection of online casino games to help them match up to the offerings of the likes of PartyGaming, Microgaming and Playtech powered casinos which are serving the Australian and Asia Pacific region.

Aussie Pokie Limits Will Hit Whole Economy Down Under...

ClubsAustralia has advised the Federal Government's new controls over poker machines will hit the economy hard. The Government is trying to convince the states and territories to agree to a card-based scheme forcing poker machine players to set betting limits before they play. It still needs approval from the Parliament. ClubsAustralia chairman Peter Newell says such measures would force clubs and pubs to close. He says a study by KPMG found in New South Wales alone there would be a 30% revenue downturn. "It would result in the loss of more than 11,500 jobs, a loss of [more than] $800 million from the New South Wales economy, and the closure of clubs," he told the National Press Club. "Extrapolate it nationally with pubs and casinos included - the damaging impact would reverberate across the whole economy." But independent Senator Nick Xenophon says poker machine advocates are acting like slave owners from the past. He says gambling addiction is devastating and the pokies' lobby needs to have a campaign based on facts. "The poker machine lobby reminds me a bit like the slave owners of the 19th century in the United States, who say their whole way of life would be ruined if there were any changes bought about. That's how the industry is behaving," he said. The Government also wants to set withdrawal limits for ATMs in pokie venues. Small clubs and those in country areas are likely to get special treatment under the proposed gambling laws.

Church Group Wants Footy League To Stop Gambling Sponsorship And Deals...

Uniting Care is urging the Ballarat Football League to reconsider its decision to develop a gambling website for the competition. The league has formed a partnership with a Northern Territory online bookmaker to allow betting on local football matches. The venture is set to make the league about $100,000 over five years.
However, Dr Mark Zirnsak of Uniting Care says sporting competitions should remain separate from gambling providers. "This is very concerning about this constant expansion of this online sports betting which ... (is) currently completely unregulated and it means they are out there aggressively pushing their business, marketing in ways that other gambling providers are not permitted to," he said. Uniting Care is urging the Ballarat Football League to reconsider its decision to develop a gambling website for the competition. The league has formed a partnership with a Northern Territory online bookmaker to allow betting on local football matches. The venture is set to make the league about $100,000 over five years. However, Dr Mark Zirnsak of Uniting Care says sporting competitions should remain separate from gambling providers. "This is very concerning about this constant expansion of this online sports betting which ... (is) currently completely unregulated and it means they are out there aggressively pushing their business, marketing in ways that other gambling providers are not permitted to," he said.


Gold Coast: Stomp Musical Coming To Gold Coast's Jupiters Hotel and Casino...

A rhythmic theatre, comedy and dance spectacular that sees its cast use "everything and the kitchen sink" to entertain crowds aged from five to 95 will head to Jupiters Hotel & Casino in May for an exclusive Australian season. A slice of physical theatre, STOMP was created by co-directors Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas in Britain 20 years ago and has been touring the world ever since, playing to more than 15 million people in 48 countries. The show has become such an international success, it has been parodied on hit US TV series Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. TThe international stage phenomenon “STOMP” will be exclusive at Jupiters from 12th May and is tipped to run for 14 weeks.

Melbourne: Crown Casino Gets HIStory This Is It: Jackson Tribute Show...

The tour, entitled HIStory This Is It, is an opportunity for Jackson fans to celebrate the music, the magic and all the history! This concert is the product of twenty-five years' dedication from celebrated Las Vegas performer, Kenny Wizz, to championing MJ's genius. This is the closest you will ever get to see the King of Pop in concert... Don't miss out! DATE & SHOW TIME: Friday 3 June & Saturday 4 June 2011

Sydney: Star City To Get The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber...

25 - 29 May 2011: A new theatrical event featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most timeless songs performed by the current stars of Australian musical theatre is coming to the Lyric Theatre on 25 May for 8 shows only. He’s been described as the master of musical theatre, the maestro of musicals, and a theatrical force to be reckoned with. His musicals have been seen by hundreds of millions around the world, translated into dozens of languages and won every major entertainment award. Now – Australia is set to fall in love once more with THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER in a stunning new theatrical event that will tour Australia in 2011. After more than 40 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music continues to have the extraordinary ability to touch an audience, lifting them to new heights of exhilaration and emotion after just a few bars of music. Through state-of–the-art technology, audiences will be swept from the avenues of Broadway to the magnificence of Eva Peron’s Argentina and the speedways of Starlight Express, in a dazzling journey through the many settings of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest works. All the ‘big’ moments from Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sunset Boulevard, Woman in White to the current Love Never Dies will be there.

James Packer: Casino And Media King May Like To Be Internet King...

The Sydney Morning Herald and others are reporting that Packer is looking to make a major splash in the internet world, one that would go far beyond his Betfair %50 owned stake. Past rumours have included a Packer buy into Media Man, Wikipedia, Fairfax Media and others, but exactly what entities are on his agenda are not known. Sources close say Packer has seen the impact of both gaming operators like PartyGaming, website portal operators like Media Man, and auction houses like ebay, and wants a big slice of the action.

A Media Man spokesperson said "It was Packer himself that famously said Internet is like electricity. Over the years he's seen the rise of Google, Wikipedia, ebay, and even Media Man. He's already got his foot in the the door with Betfair, and he wants to drive forward online casino games and well as further integrates his other business ventures into the web. Few have resources available like Packer, plus the political clout he wields, so expect a major impact, tipped to be later this year or early into the next. Packer knows he needs to make a major impact soon, before the internet gets further flooded with more portals, gaming and ecommerce offerings. It's almost a case or now or never for the maverick Packer".

Punter Fev Caught Still Punting; Horses, Now Slots...

Arguably Australia's most famous gambler of the modern era (with the possible exception of the late Kerry Packer) Brendan Fevola reckons he was not told to leave a pokies venue this morning, but admitted putting $50 in the machine to "muck about". Fev, attempting to restore his footy career in the VFL, journeyed to the Berwick Inn in Melbourne's southeast this morning and put money into a slot. Not a crime by any means, not good good for someone who says they are trying to get their gambling addiction under control. In an interview with the MTR radio station two days ago, he advised that playing the pokies had nothing to do with his gambling problem. He said he thought he would "pop in" after getting some money from an ATM on the way to training with the Casey Scorpions ahead of his VFL debut this weekend. "I put in 50 bucks...it obviously went, that’s why I left," he admitted. When quizzed if he should be playing the slots after entering rehab, Fevola said he went to rehab for addiction to alcohol and gambling on horses. "The horses are the problem, I don't understand what people don't get about this," Fevola said. "It's my life, I can f---ing do whatever I want. "(The rehab) was more for drinking in the end. It’s the horses mate, that’s the problem. "It’s ridiculous. I’m just a normal person now who plays VFL and I can do whatever I want and it’s my money … It’s got absolutely nothing to do with anyone." When probed if he should return to rehab, he replied: "What for? I’ve been sober since New Year's Eve." When the interview Mr King pointed out that people were worried about him, Fevola said: "They shouldn't be worried, I'm as happy as Larry." He denied being asked to leave or wearing a hoodie to help hide his identity, saying he had a jumper on instead. He said life at Casey Scorpions was "really good" and again denied being sacked from management firm Velocity Sports, insisting it was his decision to leave them. A spokesman for Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, which operates the venue, said Fevola was wearing a hoodie when staff approached him. "Our staff, (as we request them to do), requested that the hoodie be removed," the spokesman said. "They realised it was Brendan Fevola. He realised they knew who he was at which point in time he immediately left the venue." Fev knew they knew who he was, and were in the loop with some of Fev's gambling issues. It is believed Fev played the pokies for about 20 minutes before he was recognised, but its not totally clear what games he played. Cleopatra Black Rhino, Gone Fishing and Where's The Gold are some of the most popular land based pokies found in Australian clubs.
Independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (satire) Xenophon called on the community not to judge Fevola. "I know some in the community will be tempted to shake their heads and blame Fevola for being weak or giving in, "he said. "We need to remember Brendan has an addiction and addicts aren't always able to exercise free will. Brendan has sought treatment for gambling addiction previously, and I would encourage him to seek further help to deal with this issue."

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

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 (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).

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.

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 Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Australian Casino News

Casino News Australia

Global Gaming Directory

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Australian Anti Gambling MP May Cost Labor Election, by Greg Tingle - 24th March 2011

G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, legal eagles, politicians officials...one and all. How hot is the gambling debate in Australia? Well, hot enough to win or loose an election it seems according to numbers we have obtained, and the Liberal - Nationals coalition are heavily tipped to smash the Gillard Labor government. No surprises there, but the giant margin between the parties is the shock, as well as some surprised that Labor appears to be sticking by the man who looks primed to be a key reason for their upcoming defeat. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the gambling with politics debate, as Labor dives head first into what may be one of their most embarrassing election loses in decades...


Independent MP Andrew Wilkie Anti Gambling Stance Tipped To Cost Labour Election...

How much difference can one man - an MP make? Well, they can cost an election victory Labor is tipped to suffer.

The clearly bias MP, not independent in his views, has been cause of much of the political - gambling news to come out of Australia for well over a year, and the man many describe as a professional mischief maker may be soon going back to school, so to speak, as Gillard and co may ponder what went wrong.

Australia is estimated to have roughly 100,000 problem gamblers, if you believe the numbers which get spoken about (numbers we are skeptical about as their are agenda driven). MP Wilkie is hell bent to drive forward and create a national gambling pre-commitment system, that would allow individuals to set limits on their addictive behaviour. At least, that's the concept, but many world leading experts say his plan is doomed to fails, and just one reason is that gamblers will always find a way to gamble - finding the loop holes, be it borrowing a mates card, club swapping, fake ID, online gambling, illegal Kings Cross gambling dens and underground poker games in the suburbs of 'Sin City' Sydney and 'Underbelly Mother' Melbourne.

Clubs Australia king hit Labour and the independents yesterday at a conference held at the National Press Club in Canberra, with president Peter Newell proudly announcing a $20 million marketing campaign against the Wilkie reforms.

Newell believes that the scheme will not work, pushing pokie players into buying black market 'smart cards' – the proposed means of tracking users' gambling spend Australia wide. Clubs Australia believe pokie players will also leap across to other forms of gambling or set very high levels of 'pre-commitment' anyway. And, he says, it will be the death of 11,500 jobs and rape $800 million or so from the NSW economy.

Wilkie was pretty pissed off yesterday, holding a long press conference and here's some of what he had to say "If Clubs Australia think they can intimidate me with the nonsense we heard today, then they misjudge me badly. If anything, I feel more committed to these reforms than I have ever have."

Senator Nick Xenophon, another big anti gambling supporter, tag teamed with Wilkie at the press conference to sprout off the colourful "The poker machine lobby reminds me a bit like the slave owners of the 19th century in the United States, who say their whole way of life would be ruined if there were any changes bought about. That's how the industry is behaving."

This is one hell of a mighty WrestleMania like political battle. Wilkie achieved support from the Gillard government to pursue the pre-commitment scheme in return for helping it form minority government. He also snatched research from the Productivity Commission, some of which is heavily disputed from many experts. The PC reckons that 7 lives of family or friends are seriously impacted by each problem gambler, with a national social cost in the region of $4.7 billion a year.

In the blue corner, introducing 'The Devil'. Just kidding readers. Clubs Australia is well aware that an avalanche of clubs, pub and pokie palace closures will send massive anti-Labor sentiment through the communities they accommodate. We're talking about clubs like Blacktown RSL, which held a political debate with Labor coming off not looking too bad in the 2010 election campaign. But, Labor did not win in their own right.

Yesterday Wilkie was pretty fired up at the press conference. This is his main agenda - get rid of pokies, or all but close them down. What a life hey. Some believe he has the numbers to get the bill through the lower house, and via Nick 'Mr X' (satire) Xenophon will no longer hold the balance of power in the Senate by the time the bill arrives, Bob Brown's Greens will – and they are tipped to embrace the push, and will want to make it one of their own. But Greens don't like 'Big Brother' type tactics, so they say, so its a big time 'Art Of War' thing going on here.

$20 million bucks will help show that Labor is making a massive screw up. That might trigger Gillard screw over Wilkie.

Wilkie's may just have the numbers to play "silly buggers" (mold and manipulate et al) with the Gillard legislative agenda if he does not get his way, tipped to be the way of the bible basing brigade.

It's WrestleMania time both in the U.S and Australia and Clubs Australia VS the government are our main event. Is it going to be a steel cage match, a no holds barred contest for the championship, or will it go to a street fight 'real life Underbelly' style? Stay tuned fans.


Aussie Punters Bet Labor Will Be History In New South Wales...

The bookies have given the kiss of death to NSW Labor. Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt is a rank outsider in her electorate, as are Verity Firth in Balmain, Frank Terenzini in Maitland and Jodi McKay in Newcastle. Centrebet's preliminary odds, published today, show the bookies are sure Labor is a dead duck in the inner city and the Hunter. Ms Tebbutt is at $2.25 to $1.58 for Fiona Byrnes of the Greens. Ms Firth is $3.70 against $1.24 for the Greens' Jamie Parker. Ms Firth's fight for Balmain was spectacularly unsettled on January 28, after her husband Matthew Chesher, the chief-of-staff to the Roads Minister David Borger, was charged with buying an ecstasy pill. Mr Terenzini is tipped to lose his seat, with the Liberal Robyn Parker a favourite at $1.52 to $2.40. In Newcastle Ms McKay is an outsider against John Tate, an independent who is also the lord mayor. Neil Evans of Centrebet said punters generally showed more nous than pollsters.

"We're talking about very connected people who are not betting to lose," he said. "The closer you get to an election, the more informed the money is. You can take a snap of 500 people in a poll, but they might think something one day and something different the next."

Sportsbet's odds are even worse news for Labor. It puts a win by Ms Tebbutt at $4.50 to Ms Byrne's $1.10, and Ms Firth at $7 to $1.28 for Mr Parker. As for who will be premier, 90% of Centrebet punters say Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell. It is not all bad news for Labor. Betting agencies say Kristina Keneally and her predecessor as premier, Nathan Rees, will both win their seats. Centrebet has priced a win by Ms Keneally in Heffron at $1.06, with the Liberal and Greens candidates both long shots at $8 and $9.50. Mr Rees, who bypassed a rank-and-file ballot to be endorsed as the candidate by the party's national executive, appears to have more competition in Toongabbie - his odds are at $1.74 to $2 for the Coalition. Sportsbet has already compiled odds for who will be the Labor leader at the 2015 election, and it does not look good for Ms Keneally. She is equal third with Mr Borger, behind Transport Minister John Robertson and Police Minister Michael Daley. In the lead-up to the 2010 federal election, Centrebet's seat-by-seat odds showed a hung parliament, with Labor holding 75 seats, the Coalition 71, independents three and the Greens one - pretty close to the actual result of Labor 72, Coalition 73, independents four and Greens one. Do Aussie punters know a thing or two about election betting? Just ask Labor... in about a week. Can we have mops ready please to clean up the bloody crimson mass!

Aussie Punter bets $30,000 on NSW coalition...

One punter put their money where their mouth is and has wagered $30,000 on a win for the NSW coalition in the upcoming state elections. A Centrebet spokesman said tonight that a client has bet $30,000 on the NSW Coalition at $1.015 to win Saturday's state election. The person who placed the bet would gain only $450 if the coalition wins as NSW Labor has drifted to the high price of $16, according to Centrebet. "Nearly $250,000 has been bet into the election - and the money split is 93-7 the coalition's way," Centrebet spokesman Neil Evans said. Word of the Aussie political betting has leaked to the likes of PartyGaming and Virgin Games, with both becoming more interested to start taking bets on Australian elections.

A Media Man spokesperson said "The Aussie punter who placed the wager must know we most of us already know - Labor is going to cop an almighty beating. The only difference is that they placed money on it. Overseas betting agencies have also taken note, always looking at new ways to expand business. Quite ironic that the anti gambling brigade has been so vocal in this election. We prefer slots and tables games over election betting, but don't let that stop you. Know the odds and have fun, as they say".

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

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 (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).

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.

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 Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Australian Casino News

Casino News Australia

Global Gaming Directory

Friday, March 18, 2011

Australian Casino Canberra Close To Getting Pokies At Last, by Greg Tingle - 18th March 2011

G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, legal eagles, government officials...one and all. Australia's capital, Canberra, may be getting slots in its casino sooner rather than latter, tipped to win its 16 year battle for the 'bandits'. We also learn that the offline gambling world continues to ramp up its business dealings with the online gaming sector. We've also got the connection between NRL clubs and pokies, and lots more.. Media Man and Gambling911 take you on another voyage of discovery down under to Australia...

Casino Canberra In Nations Capital Tipped To Get Pokies; Punters Rejoice After 18 Years...

Punters in Canberra may not have to wait much longer before they can play the likes of Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Where's The Gold, Gone Fishing, Top Gun, Monopoly, Outback Jack and the rest of their pokie friends, some of which are found via online portals like Media Man International and Casino News Media.

Casino Canberra have been fighting for pokies for 16-years to operate the 'one armed bandits' out of its Glebe Park gambling den. ACT Labor Party insiders have leaked that former treasurer Ted Quinlan will recommend in his considerable review of the region's revenue base that the casino be allowed to operate machines in the venue. The casino has been lobbying to have pokies since 1995, when it says the opening of 'Sin City' Sydney's Star City Casino whacked them in the guts. Last year it raised the stakes by offering the ACT Government a whopping $10 million one-off payment simply to be allowed to operate the machines. To date the Government has not budged and refused flat out to permit any departure from Canberra's "not-for-profit" business model of distribution of machines. The ACT Labor Party snatched in excess of $600,000 in revenue from its Labor Club pokies operation last year, according to returns from the ACT Electoral Commission. Gaming Minister Andrew Barr has refused to discuss the matter as we go to print. Mr Quinlan has been commissioned to conduct a "root-and-branch review" of the entire ACT tax system, including gambling revenues, and it's understood he told party colleagues that he was preparing to recommend that the casino be granted its long time wish for 200 machines. It's believed that Quinlan noted that the Productivity Commission observed last year, "the prohibition on Canberra casino's operation of gaming machines is difficult to justify". Quinlan refused to confirm or deny the reports as we approach print. "I won't enter into the discussion". Casino Canberra marketing manager Peter Cursley said a recommendation from the Quinlan Review for pokies at the casino would be acknowledging the weight of evidence. "There's been a number of government-commissioned reports," he said. "All those reports have all either suggested that there should be machines in the casino or stated that there would be no harm done by machines in the casino." The casino has long argued pokies would contribute 30% in gross gaming revenue tax, delivering an annual revenue stream of about $4 million to the ACT Government. Canberra punters have been patiently waiting over a decade to play classic slots like Cleopatra, Monopoly and Wheel Of Fortune in their home state of Canberra and insiders are tipping the casino may just grant them their wish within the next few months. Time will tell if it would be a true win - win - win, but Casino Canberra would surly win. Canberra based players continue to play online poker machines in the meantime or travel to Melbourne's Crown or Sydney's Star City...of course in search of the elusive jackpots.

NRL Clubs Look To Make Up For Shotfall; Result Of Proposed Pokie Law Changes...

The National Rugby League clubs in 'Sin City' Sydney have a list of requests (getting closer to demands we hear) to offset the effect on their takings, should the Aussie government implement proposals like 'smart cards' onto 'one armed bandits' (slots aka pokies). The licensed clubs which are behind the footy clubs estimate the dip in revenue and cost of implementing the changes in attempt to reduce problem gambling will force them to cease many community support initiatives, like nurturing up and coming junior players, helping out aged care, schools and the like. It's the flow on effect. Should the federal government keep at these gaming reforms, clubs reckon a couple of things will assist them on the bean counter side of things...

The election of a Coalition government in NSW

A billion-dollar broadcasting deal for rugby league

A High Court decision upholding a turnover tax on wagering

The NSW state election will be on March 26 and Labor is set to go down for the count in spectacular fashion. The Coalition (Liberals and Nationals) have inked a memorandum of understanding with Sydney's whale size licensed clubs giving them tax relief on pokies, snatching St George Leagues Club (The Dragons) $800,000. Clubs with larger gambling revenue (Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs), will also get more of the action. St George's annual contribution to football is $3 million: $2.7 million is put aside to the NRL team and $300,000 to the club's junior representative teams. Media deals can also be a big part of the financial future of clubs. The clubs are seeking a billion-dollar TV rights deal. This would effectively raise the NRL's revenue from broadcasting by a massive 50%, and would be expected to double the NRL's annual grant to its 16 clubs, currently at $3.5 million. We will have to wait until the conclusion of the end of next season to see what happens with the TV contract. Free-to-air rights holder, Network Nine, has committed to pay more for the content, while Network Ten and Channel Seven have advised they are in the running to make bids to attempt to snatch the TV rights offerings. Tax is always a big thing for business. A 1.5 per cent turnover tax on wagering, is tipped to increase NRL revenue by as much as $20 mill. Sweet money if you can get it. This would facilitate the NRL to grab higher product fees, further increase annual club grants and thus reduce clubs' dependence on 'one armed bandits'. The news is not all good for the clubs. Friday's High Court decision granting Northern Territory corporate bookmakers and Betfair leave to appeal against a Federal Court decision upholding the turnover tax may play on the minds of the Sydney NRL club powers that be. It does't mean the High Court will reverse the Federal Court decision that gives legitimacy to product fees being based on the existing gross profit model, however NRL clubs would have preferred the High Court did not grant leave to appeal. The federal government's agenda to address problem gambling is set out in a memorandum to the presidents of licensed clubs on March 3 we understand. The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, favours a pre-commitment scheme where "We use technology to give people a tool, at the beginning of a gambling session, to think about how much they want to spend, set limits and stick to them. Under the model recommended by the Productivity Commission, players can set the limit as high or low as they like and players could choose no limit at all if they prefer." In a letter to the minister on March 9, the general manager of St George Leagues Club, Danny Robinson, set out his board's concerns. "This club cannot afford to spend the estimated costs of $6 million on the required technology to implement such a system. The expected reduction in revenue for this club would be $14 million per year which, together with the costs associated with the implementation of mandatory pre-commitment, would cause this club to close. Closure of this famous club would result in the loss of jobs for hundreds of workers and the loss of facilities enjoyed by over 30,000 members. The club's current contribution of over $4 million per year for sport and sporting facilities would be lost to the community … The club's annual contribution of $300,000 to local hospitals and children with special needs would also be lost." Robinson stages the flow on effects would occur without guarantee a pokie pre-commitment system would work. The system hasn't worked well in other countries with many experts, private and government saying the system is a failure, and a waste of time and money. Gamblers will continue to gamble, especially problem gamblers, with lots of loop holes - fake ID, makes cards, club hopping, removing fingerprints and all manner of other cleaver tactics, in attempt to outsmart 'Big Brother'.

Australia's Aristocrat Rumoured Signed Deal With Online Gaming's Game Account; Other Online Casinos Also Look For New Games...

The whale size casino games provider Aristocrat which supplies some of the hottest casino games to land based casinos around the world has inked a deal with the online gambling company Game Account to provide gaming content to their impressive portfolio of games. GameAccount network who are licensed by Alderney Gambling Control Commission has stated that this deal will be an endeavor to bring Aristocrat's vast library of gaming content to regulated online gaming websites. The initial focus of this new partnership will be based on the European market because the company is based in London and will eventually spread to other regulated markets. Online gamblers are hanging out for high quality content with better gaming experiences and as the online gaming industry grows and matures they plan on providing exactly that, stated Gillian Findlay, the General Manager for Aristocrat. Aristocrat’s games have been hits for many years across the globe and now the goal is to bring these highly recommended games to the online world. In order to make this happen teaming with Game Account which has a robust platform to host their games is a good start and with their relationships with trusted online operators and with the players that frequent their gaming sites this partnership is tipped for success. This new partnership will see a broad selection of Aristocrat games including their best, such as 50 lions and Dolphin Treasure as well as some new and exciting games being developed. Dermot Smurfit the managing Director for Game Account Network said "We are delighted to enable Aristocrat to bring its market leading slots to the online gaming market in Europe.” PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Virgin Enterprises Virgin Casino have also been adding new games to the portfolio of late, with NextGen Gaming tipped to add more in the coming months. Party's in house team 'The Games Studio' continues to work on more Hollywood themes and some website portals are also developing their own games, with some work been outsources. Could it be that Gambling911 or Media Man might soon have it's own themed slot games? IGT also continues to release new games via its online arm, WagerWorks. The land based sector of the gambling world continues to get into bed with its online counterpart. Stay tuned.

Adelaide Casino Switches Off Outdoor Pokies...

The Adelaide Casino has turned off poker machines which are installed in its outdoor smoking area, due to some people power pressure. The gaming section was opened last week and has 20 outside poker machines enabling people to gamble while smoking. Some MPs expressed concerns that casino operator SkyCity was trying to exploit a loophole in South Australia's smoking laws, pointing out pubs could not install outdoor pokies. SA Premier Mike Rann said the move was not a good look for the Adelaide Casino. "What they've done looks to most people like trying to get round the rules," he said. "Now if it's legal and there's a loophole then we should look at closing that loophole. "I would like to see the casino do the right thing and I think at the moment what they've done is the wrong thing." SA Gambling Minister Bernard Finnigan has asked gambling control authorities to prepare a report for him. "I've asked the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner for a full report on the matter as to what the current regulations are," he said. "We're certainly committed to making sure that we have smoke-free gambling areas in the casino and elsewhere." Independent Senator Nick Xenophon said SkyCity Casino was exploiting a loophole in legislation by putting machines outside. "We know from the research there's a clear link between gambling and smoking, particularly with poker machines," he said. "Now it can continue, people playing, because they don't go out to get a cigarette break. "It clearly is a breach of the spirit of the legislation. It's a loophole and the Government needs to act now." Independent MLC John Darley also said he would demand the Government act. In a statement, casino general manager David Christian said authorities were notified last December the casino would be putting machines in the area, which was licenced for gambling decades ago.

Former Legal Eagles Ordered To Pay $637k For Trust Breach...

An ex Melbourne lawyer who stole from clients to pay for a gambling addiction, has been ordered to pay $637,000 to the Legal Services Board for breach of trust. Gabriel Werden lost his right to practice law and was sentenced to almost six years in prison in 2006. He was convicted of a string of theft charges and obtaining financial advantage by deception, after admitting he stole $1.1 million from nine clients. Werden claimed he was being threatened by loan sharks, who were helping to pay for his gambling addiction at Crown Casino. The Victorian Supreme Court this morning ordered Werden to pay the Legal Services Board $637,000 for breach of trust.

CEO Magazine Rejects James Packer Interview Rumour...

Bean Media Group, publishers of the influential and highly-regarded business publication, The CEO Magazine, have today refused to confirm reports that The CEO Magazine will be conducting an exclusive interview with Australian businessman, James Packer. The CEO Magazine is Australia's leading business magazine focused directly at high-level executives in Australian companies. The CEO Magazine is a bi-monthly title that provides its readers with a wealth of articles discussing business strategy, expert opinion, analysis, corporate case studies, emerging trends, leadership, growth opportunities and challenges facing our country's leading business leaders. The CEO Magazine explores how Australian businesses can improve the way they manage their operations, staff, technology and supply chains with a view to creating a more profitable and successful business. Whilst The CEO Magazine is extremely meticulous in selection for interviews within the title, rumours of a one-on-one interview with James Packer have surfaced this week. "Due to the high profile nature of The CEO Magazine, it is impossible for us to confirm who will be included in upcoming magazines until publication date. Content is kept strictly between the publisher and any leading senior executive that have been chosen for selection," said a spokesperson for publisher, Bean Media Group. The next issue of The CEO Magazine is due out next month. About The CEO Magazine, Australia's leading business title specifically for high-level and senior executives. The publisher of The CEO Magazine is Bean Media Group, a multi-award-winning media company based in Sydney, Australia.

Media Man Looks To Get Own Branded Slot And Classic Games...

In a scoop word leaked that Media Man International has put feelers out for its own branded slot and classics casino games. The rumour mill leaked that they had seen a couple of other websites develop their own games over the years, and they basically feel its time to do the same thing, as a natural part of their business development. They have just started making enquiries to the likes of NextGen Gaming, PartyGaming, Virgin and IGT. Gambling911 is understood to have the exclusive on this one, so yet another reason to not change your dial, unless you want to hop on over to Media Man Int in case any more leaks in the story open up. Media Man often breaks news on its blog network before the site, so that's the tip punters.

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

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 (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).

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.

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 Network Ten

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Australian Casino News

Casino News Australia

Global Gaming Directory

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Japan Tsunami And Quake Effect On Gaming In Australia, by Greg Tingle - 15th March 2011

It's a rather somber news update covering the Asia Pacific today as we report on the after effects of the Japanese Tsunami and earthquake, and what it means to Asia Pacific's financial, gaming and casino sectors.. Media Man and Gambling911 with the news you need to know, not necessarily what you want to hear...

The tragedy unfolding after Japan's Tsunami and earthquake will have economic consequences for many companies and sectors, and Australia is tipped to suffer minimal loss in the gaming and gambling sector.

The All Ordinaries index has fallen by almost 1% today as the market tries its best to assess the effects on individual companies, and the gaming - leisure - lifestyle sector has suffered some loss, but not as much as many other sectors, with the insurance sector being one of the hardest hit, but we know its hard to feel too much compassion to our friends in the insurance sector, always ready to collect policy money, but often too slow to hand out claims.

Insurance

Insurance risk modelling group AIR Worldwide estimating that total insured losses could range up to $US34.5 billion (excluding tsunami damage), QBE Insurance was probably the first stock to mind for most Australian investors.

Property

Japanese commercial property investors Astro Japan Property Group and Galileo Japan Trust have taken a hit. Both have reassured investors that their physical assets have not been substantially impacted.

Uranium Sector!

Paladin Energy and ERA are in the mix of the largest price falls in the ASX 200 index. The market is spot on to question how an unfolding nuclear emergency might affect the future for these two uranium miners.

Tourism And Land Based Casinos

There might be a second round effect on Australia’s tourism industry. Japanese are the 5th largest group of inbound tourists. They tend to be short duration, high margin "package" travellers. This will likely have an impact on Virgin Blue and Qantas. Hotel operators are also concerned. Many hotels are also linked to casinos. Tabcorp owns Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast, Conrad Treasury and Jupiters Townsville. Star City casino in 'Sin City' Sydney shouldn't’t suffer too much, neither should Crown Casino owned by James Packer's Crown Limited. One may speculate if some Japanese casino - gambling whales may been keen to come to Australia soon to escape the chaos in their native Japan.

Beneficiaries From Japan Disasters!

Construction, Mineral Sector

BlueScope shares jumped 7%. Australia's coal industry chat is that the quake may further cement the importance on natural resources like Aussie coal, with nuclear power taking a massive dive in public relations, as the Japanese government gives more warning to those still alive who live in regions close to their nuclear reactors, more of which have suffered damage and continue into meltdown.

The Japanese disasters have had a minimal financial impact in Australia, buy tourism may be the worst effected, and construction and minerals are tipped to remain financial gainers. It's unclear at present on how the Japanese disasters may have effected Japaneses based igaming companies, but many website portals have backups, so backup servers have likely kicked in. The Asian Poker Tour website is on the air and appears not effected.

Be alert to natural disasters (or some say their are man made), but that's another article best left for the likes of our friends Jesse Ventura of Conspiracy Theory and mate Alex Jones at InfoWars, since there's a battle on for your minds, as Alex keeps telling us. There's also a global economic crisis, so don't take gambles you can't afford to loose.

Folks, don't leave us for a second as we continues to monitor the Japanese Tsunami and earthquake situation, and what it means to the financial, gaming and casino sector. If you must leave, check out some handy links on Google and Google Earth:

Google Earth Favorite Places
http://www.google.com/earth/explore/showcase/favoriteplaces.html

Google Earth Real-time earthquakes
http://www.google.com/gadgets/directory?synd=earth&hl=en&preview=on&cat=featured&url=http://www.google.com/mapfiles/mapplets/earthgallery/Real-time_Earthquakes.xml&num=16

Las Vegas condominium, entertainment & development map
http://www.google.com/gadgets/directory?synd=earth&hl=en&gl=en&preview=on&url=http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa%3D0%26msid%3D107307946303651764560.00000111ed7600c265b6a%26output%3Dghapi

Media Man Google Profile
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/google.html

We wish our friends and associates in Japan well. God speed.

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

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 (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).

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.

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 Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Australian Casino News

Casino News Australia

Global Gaming Directory

Monday, March 14, 2011

Crown Casino Citizen Paparazzi Shifts Into Top Gear, by Greg Tingle - 14th March 2011

G'day punters, gambling and casino millionaires and billionaires, photogs and rev heads. Rev heads. WTF? An amateur photographer snapped his not so smartphone - iphone at Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson at a Crown Casino restaurant Saturday with alarming results, bringing minds back to Russell Crowe's and Naomi Campbell's bad phone days.
Media Man and Gambling911 get you on pole position with this juiced up report...

Amateur Photographer Puts Jeremy Clarkson's Anger Into Top Gear At Crown Casino...

Folks, its been a while since we had a bit of odd news from Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, but wait no longer.

Readers will recall the 'Ferrari Thief Man', the 'Casino Battle Royal' and 'Grease Trap Man', but now we have 'Crown's Amateur Pap Man Angers Clarkson Into Top Gear'.

Melbourne racing car enthusiast Michael Garner claims the British TV star shirt-fronted him during a heated Crown Casino restaurant stand-off on Saturday night.

Clarkson's engine overheated when Garner used his smartphone to take some pictures of the star having a bite at a Melbourne restaurant located in James Packer's Crown Casino.

The otherwise popular, but ever controversial Clarkson was dining with colleagues including co-star James May and new Top Gear Australia host Shane 'Kenny' Jacobson at Crown's Guiseppe Arnaldo & Sons.

Super fan Garner, sitting nearby, advised he took one happy snap, which didn't work, and then snapped a second.

"We weren't intrusive. I didn't walk up to him. He was 8ft away, he wasn't close by," Garner told 3AW yesterday.

"He's got out of his seat, stormed over and shirt-fronted me."

A heated up Clarkson snatched the iphone and threw it to a colleague and Garner said he thought the TV star might king hit him.

"In some ways, yes, I thought it could be on," he said.

Jacobson stepped in to calm the situation, apologising to Garner and saying that Clarkson had had a bad day.

"(Clarkson) didn't apologise at all, which I thought was pretty unfair," Garner said.

A Top Gear spokeswoman said the crew had been having a private dinner and their privacy was invaded, but she said the situation had been amicably resolved.

It's understood that Clarkson, Jacobsen nor Garner gambled on the evening in question.

Readers may remember other motorsport and rev head matters tied into casinos such as the 'Crown Casino Ferrari Theif', PartyGaming's 'Drive The Dream' promotion and PKR Poker's Porsche promotion from a few years back. Roughly a year ago Richard Branson's Virgin Racing picked up Full Tilt Poker as a sponsor, but since that time Full Tilt has been hit with a bush tucker bag of bad publicity including poker bot scandals and affiliates across the globe saying they are owned large sums of money. Over a year ago PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com sponsored a number of F1 racing starts with their PartyPoker brand including Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella.

A few weeks ago Packer's Crown Casino sponsored embattled NRL team, The Melbourne Storm, and you can bet that Crown nor The Storm are looking for any more trouble. Just last week AFL living legend Brendan "Punter" Fevola was ejected by Crown when he was found to be playing poker by himself!

Crown Casino will once again play host to the annual TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday 1st May 2011. The 'Underbelly' show, TV movies and some actors in in the running for a number of awards, but last year got a 'golden donut' - nothing, so don't get too excited. On logies night security will be at an all time high, but the world awaits to see if we get another Twitter-Gate, or more dramas with unwanted and unwelcome photo opportunities, along with the often unfunny jokes.

It's understood Australian paparazzi Jamie Fawcett has been spotted at Crown Casino a number of times in the past few months. It was Fawcett who stalked out Australian cricket legend and celebrity businessman, Shane Warne, when he was 'hanging and banging' with UK babe Liz 'Hurley' Burley, who he lured down under to Australia after a well publicized kiss (pash) a few months ago. Fawcett has gone on record many times that his style of photography is about 'The Money Shot', but one can be forgiven for confusing the styles of photography money shots between himself and the Sydney based Eva Rinaldi, who hasn't photographed poker or casino stars yet, but is in line for the Royal's Price William. She was also recently spotted at the Future Music Festival where the Mazda2 Flamingo stage had a casino theme even sporting a likeness from the Golden Nugget casino in Las Vegas.

Crown Limited management and staff take the safety and happiness of patrons and investors seriously, and that's no joke.

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

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 (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).

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.

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

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Australian Casino News

Casino News Australia

Global Gaming Directory

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Surfing aerial at Bondi Beach sho, by Greg Tingle - 12th March 2011

Bondi Beach is set for aerial assault from the world's best aerial surfers when the Boost Mobile Surfsho makes a splash its final comp day, and what great weather it is. Shame about the small waves, but that's surfing.

About 50,000 people are expected, up about 10,000 from last year.

ASP world tour competitors include Julian Wilson, Jordy Smith, Owen Wright, Josh Kerr and Taj Burrow. The are competing from bragging rights at $25,000 worth of prizes.

Other surfers ripping it up for the fans are Craig Anderson, Mitch Crew, Mitch Coleborn and Jack Freestone, and freestyle is the order of the day for this pool of thrashers.

Yesterday's open qualifying round saw a two-foot swell with Ben Godwin and Beau Foster qualifying to join two-time champ Wright. Waves expected to get to a metre with a slight south-westerly.

The cool and hip event, now in its second year, is the biggest professional contest held at Bondi Beach, say the organisers.

Aerial surfing is the theme, so even when the surf isn't exactly huge, its still great entertainment for news media, fans, hardcores or beach babes.

The event is yet another shot in the arm for the Bondi Beach business community who suffered poor crowds and weather for much of last year, but this year things have certainly picked up.

The comp runs from March 11 to 13. Surfs up enough for a fun day at the world's most famous beach.

Websites

www.boostsurfsho.com.au

Bondi Beach Directory

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Prince William To Visit Australia And New Zealand, by Greg Tingle - 9th March 2011

Royal Prince William is to travel to Australia and New Zealand, but his bride-to-be won't be joining him according to numerous news media reports.

The 28-year-old prince is visiting to demonstrate solidarity with the people who have suffered horrible disasters in recent months. Floods and cyclones trashed much of Australia and a deadly earthquake hit New Zealand.

Prince William is set to arrive in Australia on Saturday, March 19, after a two-day visit to the Kiwi's.

He will visit a number of regions affected by the recent cyclone and flooding in Queensland, before heading down south to see the flood damage in parts of Victoria.

The long trip comes six weeks before William's highly anticipated April 29 wedding to Catherine Middleton at London's Westminster Abbey.

A Clarence House spokesman, representing the Prince, was able to confirm the 29-year-old Middleton will not make the trip.

"The two discussed the issue and felt that because Prince William would be representing the Queen that he should visit alone. Catherine looks forward to visiting on another occasion." Word quickly spread to traditional and new media outlets.

During his time in New Zealand, William will visit Christchurch, which is recovering from a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that killed at least 166 people when it struck the South Island city last month.

The prince will attend a national memorial service for the quake victims in Christchurch on March 18, where he will be addressing the people.

"This is a heart-warming gesture that will mean a lot to the thousands of people whose lives have been forever changed by these events," New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said on Wednesday.

William will also visit the South Island town of Greymouth to speak to the families of the men killed in the Pike River coal mine disaster.

Two Britons and two Australians were among the 29 men killed when they became trapped by a gas explosion at the underground mine in November last year.

"The reason for the visit was that the royal family wanted to show solidarity with the Australian and New Zealand people at this time of devastating natural disasters," the Clarence House spokesman said.

"They've watched the unfolding tragedies, first in Australia and then in New Zealand, with great sadness and disbelief.

While it's not known which towns the prince will visit in Australia, he's tipped to get a welcome reception.

"I'd shake Will's hand if he popped in. I'd shout him a beer," publican Steve Sutcliffe told AAP from flood-affected Lake Boga in Victoria.

In Tully Heads, a Queensland town ravaged by category five Cyclone Yasi last month, local woman Norma Eadie said the prospect of a princely visit was "cool" but it was a shame he'd be alone.

"But someone might ask him about the dress. We've got a few cheeky ones down here," she said.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu welcomed Prince William's visit to flood-affected communities in the state's northwest.

"The prince's visit will provide immense support and comfort to communities and families stricken by these floods," Baillieu said.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the visit would do wonders for her state's struggling tourism industry.

"I hope that he sends the message back to his friends and colleagues in the UK that Queensland is open for business and that while he's here he gets an opportunity to see that himself," she told parliament.

Australian Republican Movement (ARM) deputy chairman John Warhurst said the prince's visit, like all royal visits, would reignite the debate about the move to a republic.

"We respect the visit ... and we hope it achieves its objectives and is successful," Prof Warhurst told the press.

"But the ARM will take every appropriate opportunity to make the point that Australia should become a republic well before Will gets anywhere near the throne."

The trip will be Prince William's third to Australia but his first in an independent, official capacity.

As a baby, William accompanied his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana on an official visit to New Zealand and Australia in March 1983.

And in January 2010 William paid a private visit to both Sydney and Melbourne.

Additional details of William's upcoming trip to Australia and New Zealand are due to be released by the country's respective prime ministers.

Various news media commentators are expect to offer commentary on the upcoming visit including royal protocol matters, media elements, photography business aspects, and ideal outcomes.

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Australian Casino News

Casino News Australia

Global Gaming Directory

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Aussie MP Seeks iGaming Crackdown; Australia In Top 10 Gambling Nations, by Greg Tingle - 7th March 2011

G'day punters, gamers, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, politicians...one and all. Today a couple more members of Australian Parliament are seeking a crackdown on igaming aka online gambling in Australia. In the meantime, Australia maintains its top 10 status as a gambling nation, thought to be currently about lucky #7 on the list. Media Man and Gambling911 with this crackdown report...

The so called "Independent" MP Andrew Wilkie is ramping up his eagle eye on online gambling, telling numerous Australian press here is strong evidence it is a significant problem and only likely to worsen. Wilkie will request the parliamentary committee to reform the "Wild West" industry, according to the report, after Australians dropped around $1 billion in online gambling last year. While betting on sports and horse racing is legal in Australia, several other online gaming websites and web portals exist, despite some being illegal. People who play the online games are not breaking the law, according to Fairfax Media, a situation Wilkie desires to reverse. "We need to get in here and nip it in the bud, and avoid getting into the situation we have with poker machines, where it's so big and entrenched," Wilkie said. Fairfax Media and competitor, News Limited, already carry a number of wagering options on their website network, mixing in news, pr, sports betting and games (play for free or play for money), a formula other media companies such as Media Man have also followed with significant success.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Offering a wide array of promotions, brands, content, even games, is a popular formula for many Australian media companies in the current landscape. Fairfax Media, News Limited, as well as our Australian and international arm, also offer a range of games, some of which can be played for free or for money. News Limited, Fairfax, nor ourselves, are casinos or sports betting agencies, but we can offer the reader access via b2b agreements. Many legal eagles in Australia believe that Australian laws pertaining to the internet, b2b, affiliates, content sharing and the like are not up to speed with the rest of the world. We believe that the Liberal Party is better equipped to embrace b2b commerce better than the Australian Labour party, but it would be great to see us proved wrong. News Limited, Fairfax Media and Media Man cover over a dozen different business sectors, and gaming, igaming and sports betting are just a couple of them. Betting enjoys a cross over with sport, and gaming also enjoys a cross over with movies themes, be it Marvel Entertainment or Paramount Pictures branded games. Poker is also popular, with big brands such as PartyGaming offering satellites on a yearly basis to the world famous Aussie Millions conducted at James Packer's Crown Casino. iGaming is a big part of the future of b2b commerce this year, and will continue to be. Legal eagles will be busy as the battle for hearts and minds continues, and that's no bluff".


Australia Remains In World's Top 10 Gambling Nations In 2011...

The dinkim Aussies are known for lots of things on the world stage... great beaches, women, beers, great boobs, wildlife, champion athletes, and now, gambling nuts. Yep, some of the world's most passionate punters still call Australia home.

Would you believe there's 1 one armed bandit for 110 people down under. That puts Aussie Land squarely in the top 10 gambling havens, right up there with Monaco (famous for James Bond casino antics) and Macau (hello our friends at James Packer's City of Dreams).

The Aussies have the 8th highest total number of gambling machines, with roughly 187,000 in pubs and clubs aka "pokie palaces", industry stats tell a story of.

Anti-gambling activists aka "gambling haters" and "casino haters" are strongly encouraging the Gillard - ALP Government to adopt a "stop, revive, survive" style approach...similar to the safe driving campaign, in order to assist poker machine reform and introduce a mandatory cut-off period to help people break their habits... if they have a habit, if you follow our lead.

"The player logs in with his or her personal code and the machine stops after, for example, two hours' playing," researcher Charlotte Fabiansson said in research provided to the Government by the Social Justice and Social Change Research Group at the University of Western Sydney.

"The player can choose to take a 15 or 30 minutes, break or take out eventual winnings and leave the machine."

Under Dr Fabiansson's prop, the pokie used by the players would be untouched during their "revive" breaks.

The player should not be able switch to a new machine without the revive break," she said.

Numbers coming from the manufactures of gaming machines show Australia ranks 7th on an worldwide list of pokies per head with one machine for every 110 people.

First place goes to "lucky winner" Monaco, which has one machine for every 16 people. Japan and the Netherlands Antilles were also in the top 10. Countries giving Australia a run for its money include New Zealand and Britain, who rates closer to one machine for every 300 people.

Don't ask us if sheep also play in New Zealand... we don't want to know, but an insider joked "some Kiwi poker machine players are a bit like sheep, even if they don't have wool and have 2 legs instead of 4". The smart ass was having a sledge, and was not at all serious.

Australia is currently 7th we understand for the total number of gaming machines with approx 187,000, but insiders say we are quickly rose to lucky 7th position in bragging rights.

Britain has roughly 217,000 machines but, but has triple the population, has far fewer per capita.

Both the current and former Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, are not big fans of poker machines, with Rudd appearing to have the most hate towards the one armed bandits.

Gillard have recently felt the wrath of the powerful Australian clubs and pubs associations like Clubs Australia and ClubsNSW. Gillards's ALP is up against strong competition from the Aussie states and territories, and the mighty gaming industry.

Last year the Australian Productivity Commission proposed cutting cash payments down to $250 from the present $2000 limit, banning ATM's from all venues and increasing the present shutdown limit for poker machines from 6 hours per day in yet another attempt to fix "problem gambling".

Some of Australia's major banks and financial institutions have also jumped on board the campaign against many of the proposed changes.

They in fact wrote to the Federal Government a few times to state that a plan to limit withdrawal amounts and move ATMs further away from gaming areas would not work.

Anti-pokies campaigner and so called independent Senator Nick Xenophon called on the Federal Government to bypass the states and take action on its own.

"It shouldn't be underestimated what a powerful vested interest the pokie machine industry is from clubs to casinos to manufacturers. Of course they are squealing," he said.

Senator Xenophon said the Federal Government should use its taxation powers to make pokie machines unprofitable.

"It's a question of political will. I believe Kevin Rudd was genuine when he said he hated the pokies and the damage they did to families. But how will those strong words translate into action? He has talked the talk and now he has to walk the walk," Senator Xenophon said. Mr X was talking of Rudd, and he's been just as vocal this year calling on Julia Gillard to step up. Xenophon always has something to say, which is good, as it helps fill up news reports on the touchy subject of gambling.

Mr X has also recently brought more attention to online gambling, which has taken off in a big way down under, with slots and sports betting leading the charge. Media Man data shows that Hollywood and entertainment themed games from the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures and FremantleMedia are some of the most popular. Even companies behind the the image of Frank Sinatra, Rambo (StudioCanal) and Tarzan (Edgar Rice Burroughs) have jumped on the gambling bandwagon, with more tipped to follow.

Recently James Packer associated media company, Ten Network Holdings, let it be known they see a place for more gambling programming, and leaks say to expect to see a gambling show or channel. Packer recently stepped down from the Ten board, but gaming and igaming remains on their agenda. Insiders say it will be much bigger than 'The Poker Star' which was fronted by former Australian poker world champion (WSOP) Joe Hachem, who these days is one of the faces of Crown Casino, the other being mate, Shane Warnie, never short of a headline or spinning yarn. Network Ten has also recently launched Channel 'Eleven' and insiders say the channel is just begging for gambling shows, adding to the promos currently being seen. Warnie and Hachem also get regular features in the Australian newspapers about their passion for poker and gambling, and both are keen to please their mate and associate, James Packer, the king of Australian gambling, who is now once again a major force in the Australian media landscape. The UK's Virgin king, Richard Branson, has also been watching the Australian gambling and gaming space closely, and has met with 'Our James' at least one time. Branson is understood to not want to do anything in Australia until "grey areas" are cleared up, while Warne's and Hachem's brands appear full speed ahead, as are PartyGaming including its World Poker Tour, PartyPoker and branded games, with more overseas firms wanting to make more of a mark down under including Paddy Power, William Hill Online, PKR and Playtech. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour continues to be broadcast into Australia via Foxtel - Fox Sports and Fox8 we understand, with Foxtel interested to broadcast more poker and casino themed content down under, pushed along by online promotions and b2b agreements, ready for the next range of interactive television developments, (which will have to be signed off by Senator Stephen Conroy and friends, we suspect). The ACMA is also closely monitoring the situation.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Many of the UK and Gibraltar based igaming and gaming companies see Australia and Tasmania are maybe just the next Gibraltar and Alderney, two regions known to be gambling friendly." They went on to clarify "Well, maybe if or when the Australian Liberal Party win the next election. I'm tipping its when, not if".

Media Man conducted a recent street research on the subject of gambling and the results showed that most Australian adults of legal age up do enjoy a punt. Only 1 person in a batch of 10 found gambling "evil", with everyone else saying it was a personal choice. 60% of those who took the survey likened the Australian government's war on pub pokies as to their battle with the Australian mining companies (which many feel left the Australian government with egg on its face).

Stay tuned daily for more on the Australian pokie, gambling and casino wars.

Gillard, Packer, Murdoch (both of you sirs), Branson, Ryan, Trump, Gyngell and Turnbull - you're throw of the dice!

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? Will Australian ever get to #1 position for gambling? 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, Ten Network Holdings and Virgin.


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 is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs

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