"The world is changing as regulation takes different shape in different markets. But upcoming regulation means new entrants and competition in the market, and I worry less about direct competitors such as those sitting on this panel than I do about government-licensed operators and major media firms targeting their own markets in the future."
"While not ideal, it has been a humbling experience and has forced us to improve our products and offers and to really up our game."
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Casino News Media Update
PartyGaming boss sees casino threats and opportunities with media companies
Microgaming sees more casinos start up
Playtech sees online casino revamps
International Game Technology to release more branded slots online
Aspinalls Online Casino and Aspinalls Online Poker make push online, via Asia Pacific
Virgin Games bingo promotion a hit
PKR Casino and poker website revamp a hit with punters and industry
JackpotCity to boost presence via news media and Australian connections
888.com to launch five more CryptoLogic games this year
Slots tournaments to be promoted by Media Man Australia
James Packer, Australian gambling king, shores up Consolidated Media Holdings for $24m
World Series of Poker fraternity agree Doyle Brunson the best
Classic Slots Online.com boosts popularity of Cleopatra, Monopoly, Cluedo, Tomb Raider
Marvel Slots Online.com sees record numbers for The Hulk, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and Thor
Casino Travel Media.com a hit with multi currency players and world travellers
DC Comics rumoured to release Batman and Superman online slot this year
Mafia, mobster and crime themes some of the most popular; The Godfather, Sinatra, HITMAN
PartyPoker.com reports success with Italian-based Intralot www.Intralot.it
Harrah's Entertainment online casino plans on track, advises insiders
CasinoClub.com expands multi language and multi currency options
City Of Dreams lures locals and tourists to venue, however revenue forecasts down
Queensland government sees gambling bring in $1ba year
Salvos welcome gambler support service funds
Australian pokies $20 limit scrapped in Queensland
Hitwise Australia secretive on online casino statistics
Play4Property.com to use online game of skill in property marketing sector
Facebook reviews policy regarding online gaming
Google working on secretive gaming projects and aiming to make web more fun
Media Man Australia attracting investor interest
Online Casino News
Australian Casino News
Casino News
Casino News Media
Microgaming sees more casinos start up
Playtech sees online casino revamps
International Game Technology to release more branded slots online
Aspinalls Online Casino and Aspinalls Online Poker make push online, via Asia Pacific
Virgin Games bingo promotion a hit
PKR Casino and poker website revamp a hit with punters and industry
JackpotCity to boost presence via news media and Australian connections
888.com to launch five more CryptoLogic games this year
Slots tournaments to be promoted by Media Man Australia
James Packer, Australian gambling king, shores up Consolidated Media Holdings for $24m
World Series of Poker fraternity agree Doyle Brunson the best
Classic Slots Online.com boosts popularity of Cleopatra, Monopoly, Cluedo, Tomb Raider
Marvel Slots Online.com sees record numbers for The Hulk, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and Thor
Casino Travel Media.com a hit with multi currency players and world travellers
DC Comics rumoured to release Batman and Superman online slot this year
Mafia, mobster and crime themes some of the most popular; The Godfather, Sinatra, HITMAN
PartyPoker.com reports success with Italian-based Intralot www.Intralot.it
Harrah's Entertainment online casino plans on track, advises insiders
CasinoClub.com expands multi language and multi currency options
City Of Dreams lures locals and tourists to venue, however revenue forecasts down
Queensland government sees gambling bring in $1ba year
Salvos welcome gambler support service funds
Australian pokies $20 limit scrapped in Queensland
Hitwise Australia secretive on online casino statistics
Play4Property.com to use online game of skill in property marketing sector
Facebook reviews policy regarding online gaming
Google working on secretive gaming projects and aiming to make web more fun
Media Man Australia attracting investor interest
Online Casino News
Australian Casino News
Casino News
Casino News Media
Thursday, July 09, 2009
UFC 100 is only the beginning for MMA, by Kevin Iole - Yahoo! - 9th July 2009
LAS VEGAS – Dana White, the cocky kid from New England who never had much money and who survived until he was nearly 30 on little more than his guile and cunning, phoned his buddy, Lorenzo Fertitta, the well-to-do son of a powerful Las Vegas casino baron, and breathlessly told him he heard the Ultimate Fighting Championship might be for sale.
In 2000, that might have been like telling him there was a ’75 Eldorado he could get for $2,500 down at the salvage yard.
Had Fertitta hung up, as he probably should have, there wouldn’t be a UFC 100 on Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, a card which is expected to sell upwards of 1.5 million on pay-per-view and for which a pair of front-row tickets is going for as much as $45,000 on StubHub.
There would be no UFC Fan Expo on Friday and Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center that will essentially serve as a celebration of mixed martial arts.
If Fertitta had laughed in White’s ear, hung up the telephone and gone back to the business of slot machines and blackjack tables, mixed martial arts as we know it today would not exist. White’s telephone call on that fateful day not only would make him rich and famous beyond all measure, it essentially saved the sport.
Fertitta and his older brother, Frank, agreed to partner with White to create a company called Zuffa and buy the struggling promotion, but what they got for their money wasn’t much.
There was no mainstream media coverage, no stars, no free television, no pay-per-view outlets, no merchandising, no sponsorships and, it seemed, no interest in what they had to sell.
The first pay-per-view under Zuffa’s steward came in about 85 percent less than expected. Fertitta was hoping for 150,000 sales and wound up with 25,000.
It’s not exactly the kind of investment the casino executives had in mind.
But a combination of the Fertittas’ wealth, business acumen and connections, White’s vision, instincts and relentlessness and just plain good luck helped to forge one of the great business turnaround stories of the decade.
This is a company that cost $2 million to buy in 2001 that was estimated by Forbes to be worth $1 billion in early 2008.
Things went their way before they even realized it, in some cases. In September 2000, the New Jersey Athletic Control Board approved what became known as the unified rules, the basic set of rules that cover the sport to this day. UFC 28 was the first card fought under those rules, when the company was still owned by Bob Meyrowitz and his Semaphore Entertainment Group.
White, who had been managing boxers and MMA fighters before buying the UFC, understood the UFC had no chance to survive long-term without regulation because it was too brutal for regulators’ tastes and without regulation, there would be no television.
Zuffa actively pursued regulation upon taking control of the company, though it didn’t hurt that Lorenzo Fertitta had built a reputation as one of boxing’s finest regulators during a distinguished stint on the Nevada Athletic Commission.
“Without regulation, people wouldn’t see it as a sport,” White said.
And so they actively sought regulation wherever they turned. Not long after New Jersey adopted the unified rules and sanctioned the sport, Nevada followed suit.
It was a huge day for the sport because two of the most active boxing states had given their OK and in the process lent legitimacy to MMA.
“Getting Nevada was [expletive] huge for us, because when we got Nevada, we got pay-per-view back at the same time,” White said.
Pay-per-view had long been critical in boxing and, to a much lesser extent, MMA, because the revenue streams that existed in other sports, such as the NFL, NBA and MLB, either didn’t exist at all or produced piddling revenues in the combat sports.
Getting the OK from New Jersey and Nevada essentially re-opened the pay-per-view door for the UFC and created a steady stream of income. Without it, none of the Fertittas’ business wizardry or White’s vision and determination would have meant a thing.
Pay-per-view was only one element, though. And while the revenue it generated was a lifeline, it was clear that some sort of free television would be a requirement.
That’s why, already down more than $30 million since buying the UFC, Zuffa management opted to spend another $8 million in 2004 to create a reality series on Spike TV.
The Ultimate Fighter was an instant hit when it went on the air in 2005. By the sixth episode, it had pulled a 2.1 household rating and was demonstrating the strength among 18-to-34-year-old males that would eventually make it so attractive to advertisers.
White, though, is convinced the UFC would have gone under had Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar not put on one of the great slugfests in the sport’s history in the live televised finale of that first season.
There wouldn’t be a UFC 100 without the jaw-dropping fight between Griffin and Bonnar, won by Griffin via unanimous decision, in the tiny UNLV practice gymnasium on April 9, 2005.
There wouldn’t have been Elite XC shows on CBS or Strikeforce shows on Showtime if the Griffin-Bonnar fight had never been held.
And there wouldn’t have been shows in Canada, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Germany, as there have been since that fight, had it been anything less than the MMA equivalent of boxing’s classic Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns bout.
“We wouldn’t be talking today were it not for that fight,” White said. “At one point during that fight, we got up to 10 million viewers, whether through channel surfing or people calling each other and asking, ‘Are you watching this fight?’ Once that fight happened, things started to turn the other way.”
The UFC suddenly had leverage and the things that White wanted to do from the minute he gained control of the company suddenly seemed within reach.
Pay-per-view sales for a single fight reached 1 million for the first time in the last bout of 2006, when Chuck Liddell knocked out Tito Ortiz at UFC 61 and sales skyrocketed to 1.05 million.
In 2007, pay-per-view revenues for the year surpassed both boxing and professional wrestling. In 2008, blue chip sponsors such as Bud Light and Harley Davidson lent their support.
And in 2009, the UFC not only added blue-chip sponsors such as Burger King, but it released a spectacularly successful video game that sold three times the expected number.
The UFC is not the only MMA promotion in the world, nor is it the only successful MMA promotion. Strikeforce, which has a deal with Showtime, regularly turns a profit.
And while the sport’s hard core fans decry a media – including Yahoo! Sports – that they view as far too UFC-centric, it’s hard to argue with numbers.
Affliction Entertainment, the promotion that some see as the UFC’s primary competition, has only put on two cards in the last year. The UFC has had at least three shows – UFCs 91, 92 and 94 – that sold around 1 million each in PPV sales in that time frame.
There are a lot of excellent basketball players in the CBA, including some who are probably better than a few of those in the NBA, but it’s the NBA that commands the fan and media attention.
White didn’t invent the sport and he didn’t write or have anything to do with the creation of its rules, but MMA in its current form and with its present popularity wouldn’t exist today without him. The future, though, will largely by shaped by Lorenzo Fertitta, who in 2008 quit a job as an executive at Station Casinos that a year earlier had paid him $113.8 million in salary. In the last 13 months, Fertitta has been working full-time for the UFC, concentrating largely on expanding the company’s global reach.
White has long said that the UFC will someday exceed soccer in worldwide popularity among sports fans. And while that’s a stretch, it’s no stretch to say that for all the success the UFC has had, it’s only 10 percent or so of the way toward where it will be in 10 or 15 years.
“This fight on Saturday is going to be available in something like 100 million homes,” White said. “Since Lorenzo’s been with us, look at the progress we have made. He’s gotten us a TV deal in China. We’re going to France. We’re going everywhere. Lorenzo is opening doors and the stuff he’s doing is setting the stage.
“I’m telling you, the best thing that ever happened to this company was the day Lorenzo quit his job and came to work here. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not even close to being where we’re going to be.” (Credit: Yahoo!)
Media Man Australia Profiles
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BetUS.com
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Australian Sports Entertainment
In 2000, that might have been like telling him there was a ’75 Eldorado he could get for $2,500 down at the salvage yard.
Had Fertitta hung up, as he probably should have, there wouldn’t be a UFC 100 on Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, a card which is expected to sell upwards of 1.5 million on pay-per-view and for which a pair of front-row tickets is going for as much as $45,000 on StubHub.
There would be no UFC Fan Expo on Friday and Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center that will essentially serve as a celebration of mixed martial arts.
If Fertitta had laughed in White’s ear, hung up the telephone and gone back to the business of slot machines and blackjack tables, mixed martial arts as we know it today would not exist. White’s telephone call on that fateful day not only would make him rich and famous beyond all measure, it essentially saved the sport.
Fertitta and his older brother, Frank, agreed to partner with White to create a company called Zuffa and buy the struggling promotion, but what they got for their money wasn’t much.
There was no mainstream media coverage, no stars, no free television, no pay-per-view outlets, no merchandising, no sponsorships and, it seemed, no interest in what they had to sell.
The first pay-per-view under Zuffa’s steward came in about 85 percent less than expected. Fertitta was hoping for 150,000 sales and wound up with 25,000.
It’s not exactly the kind of investment the casino executives had in mind.
But a combination of the Fertittas’ wealth, business acumen and connections, White’s vision, instincts and relentlessness and just plain good luck helped to forge one of the great business turnaround stories of the decade.
This is a company that cost $2 million to buy in 2001 that was estimated by Forbes to be worth $1 billion in early 2008.
Things went their way before they even realized it, in some cases. In September 2000, the New Jersey Athletic Control Board approved what became known as the unified rules, the basic set of rules that cover the sport to this day. UFC 28 was the first card fought under those rules, when the company was still owned by Bob Meyrowitz and his Semaphore Entertainment Group.
White, who had been managing boxers and MMA fighters before buying the UFC, understood the UFC had no chance to survive long-term without regulation because it was too brutal for regulators’ tastes and without regulation, there would be no television.
Zuffa actively pursued regulation upon taking control of the company, though it didn’t hurt that Lorenzo Fertitta had built a reputation as one of boxing’s finest regulators during a distinguished stint on the Nevada Athletic Commission.
“Without regulation, people wouldn’t see it as a sport,” White said.
And so they actively sought regulation wherever they turned. Not long after New Jersey adopted the unified rules and sanctioned the sport, Nevada followed suit.
It was a huge day for the sport because two of the most active boxing states had given their OK and in the process lent legitimacy to MMA.
“Getting Nevada was [expletive] huge for us, because when we got Nevada, we got pay-per-view back at the same time,” White said.
Pay-per-view had long been critical in boxing and, to a much lesser extent, MMA, because the revenue streams that existed in other sports, such as the NFL, NBA and MLB, either didn’t exist at all or produced piddling revenues in the combat sports.
Getting the OK from New Jersey and Nevada essentially re-opened the pay-per-view door for the UFC and created a steady stream of income. Without it, none of the Fertittas’ business wizardry or White’s vision and determination would have meant a thing.
Pay-per-view was only one element, though. And while the revenue it generated was a lifeline, it was clear that some sort of free television would be a requirement.
That’s why, already down more than $30 million since buying the UFC, Zuffa management opted to spend another $8 million in 2004 to create a reality series on Spike TV.
The Ultimate Fighter was an instant hit when it went on the air in 2005. By the sixth episode, it had pulled a 2.1 household rating and was demonstrating the strength among 18-to-34-year-old males that would eventually make it so attractive to advertisers.
White, though, is convinced the UFC would have gone under had Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar not put on one of the great slugfests in the sport’s history in the live televised finale of that first season.
There wouldn’t be a UFC 100 without the jaw-dropping fight between Griffin and Bonnar, won by Griffin via unanimous decision, in the tiny UNLV practice gymnasium on April 9, 2005.
There wouldn’t have been Elite XC shows on CBS or Strikeforce shows on Showtime if the Griffin-Bonnar fight had never been held.
And there wouldn’t have been shows in Canada, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Germany, as there have been since that fight, had it been anything less than the MMA equivalent of boxing’s classic Marvin Hagler-Thomas Hearns bout.
“We wouldn’t be talking today were it not for that fight,” White said. “At one point during that fight, we got up to 10 million viewers, whether through channel surfing or people calling each other and asking, ‘Are you watching this fight?’ Once that fight happened, things started to turn the other way.”
The UFC suddenly had leverage and the things that White wanted to do from the minute he gained control of the company suddenly seemed within reach.
Pay-per-view sales for a single fight reached 1 million for the first time in the last bout of 2006, when Chuck Liddell knocked out Tito Ortiz at UFC 61 and sales skyrocketed to 1.05 million.
In 2007, pay-per-view revenues for the year surpassed both boxing and professional wrestling. In 2008, blue chip sponsors such as Bud Light and Harley Davidson lent their support.
And in 2009, the UFC not only added blue-chip sponsors such as Burger King, but it released a spectacularly successful video game that sold three times the expected number.
The UFC is not the only MMA promotion in the world, nor is it the only successful MMA promotion. Strikeforce, which has a deal with Showtime, regularly turns a profit.
And while the sport’s hard core fans decry a media – including Yahoo! Sports – that they view as far too UFC-centric, it’s hard to argue with numbers.
Affliction Entertainment, the promotion that some see as the UFC’s primary competition, has only put on two cards in the last year. The UFC has had at least three shows – UFCs 91, 92 and 94 – that sold around 1 million each in PPV sales in that time frame.
There are a lot of excellent basketball players in the CBA, including some who are probably better than a few of those in the NBA, but it’s the NBA that commands the fan and media attention.
White didn’t invent the sport and he didn’t write or have anything to do with the creation of its rules, but MMA in its current form and with its present popularity wouldn’t exist today without him. The future, though, will largely by shaped by Lorenzo Fertitta, who in 2008 quit a job as an executive at Station Casinos that a year earlier had paid him $113.8 million in salary. In the last 13 months, Fertitta has been working full-time for the UFC, concentrating largely on expanding the company’s global reach.
White has long said that the UFC will someday exceed soccer in worldwide popularity among sports fans. And while that’s a stretch, it’s no stretch to say that for all the success the UFC has had, it’s only 10 percent or so of the way toward where it will be in 10 or 15 years.
“This fight on Saturday is going to be available in something like 100 million homes,” White said. “Since Lorenzo’s been with us, look at the progress we have made. He’s gotten us a TV deal in China. We’re going to France. We’re going everywhere. Lorenzo is opening doors and the stuff he’s doing is setting the stage.
“I’m telling you, the best thing that ever happened to this company was the day Lorenzo quit his job and came to work here. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not even close to being where we’re going to be.” (Credit: Yahoo!)
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Television
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Shane Warne's poker ace, by David Hastie - Sunday Herald Sun - 5th July 2009
He conquered the world on the cricket pitch. He is rumoured to have reunited with his former wife. Now Shane Warne is taking the poker world by storm.
The spin king stormed into the next round of the World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas last night, finishing day one with more than $110,000 in chips.
Warne has been accompanied in Las Vegas by former wife Simone Callahan and their three children, fuelling speculation of a reunion.
And last night he was celebrating a windfall at the lucrative tournament, where he is set to go up against some big names, including actors Jason Alexander and Matt Damon. (Credit: Sunday Herald Sun)
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The spin king stormed into the next round of the World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas last night, finishing day one with more than $110,000 in chips.
Warne has been accompanied in Las Vegas by former wife Simone Callahan and their three children, fuelling speculation of a reunion.
And last night he was celebrating a windfall at the lucrative tournament, where he is set to go up against some big names, including actors Jason Alexander and Matt Damon. (Credit: Sunday Herald Sun)
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Poker push to be ranked with Melbourne Cup, GP, by Michael Warner - Herald Sun - 8th July 2009
Crown casino wants its annual Aussie Millions poker tournament given official status on the major events calendar.
Casino chiefs have confirmed they are planning a submission to the Victoria Major Events Company.
If successful, Crown could be eligible for funding under the State Government's $83 million major events cap like the Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Open tennis and Australian Masters golf.
But Crown CEO David Courtney says the casino does not want financial support -- just official recognition.
"Crown is not looking for funding or subsidy from the Government -- far from it. "But we believe the Aussie Millions meets the criteria for a major event in Victoria and we would like to see it given that status alongside the Spring Racing Carnival and the other major events here," Mr Courtney said.
The move will require final approval from a Cabinet sub-committee.
Industry sources say the casino will have little trouble demonstrating that the Aussie Millions delivers significant economic benefits to Victoria, as required under qualification criteria.
It attracts thousands of international and interstate participants and generates more than 8000 hotel room nights.
The Herald Sun revealed on Saturday that Crown has raised the first prize purse for next January's Aussie Millions to $2.5 million - making it the nation's second-biggest first prize event behind the Melbourne Cup.
Anti-gambling groups yesterday scoffed at suggestions a poker championship could offer either cultural or social benefits.
"Why don't we make Sexpo a major event as well?" the Rev Tim Costello said.
"There's a fundamental difference between a major sporting event that excites and transcends our human condition than a gambling tournament."
Australian world poker champion Joe Hachem told the Herald Sun from Las Vegas the Aussie Millions was worthy of major event status.
"It deserves the title as one of Australia's majors alongside the Australian Open, Spring Racing Carnival and F1 Grand Prix," Hachem said.
Hachem, spin king Shane Warne and a host of other Australians are in Las Vegas this week vying for the World Championship of Poker. (Credit: Herald Sun)
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Casino chiefs have confirmed they are planning a submission to the Victoria Major Events Company.
If successful, Crown could be eligible for funding under the State Government's $83 million major events cap like the Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Open tennis and Australian Masters golf.
But Crown CEO David Courtney says the casino does not want financial support -- just official recognition.
"Crown is not looking for funding or subsidy from the Government -- far from it. "But we believe the Aussie Millions meets the criteria for a major event in Victoria and we would like to see it given that status alongside the Spring Racing Carnival and the other major events here," Mr Courtney said.
The move will require final approval from a Cabinet sub-committee.
Industry sources say the casino will have little trouble demonstrating that the Aussie Millions delivers significant economic benefits to Victoria, as required under qualification criteria.
It attracts thousands of international and interstate participants and generates more than 8000 hotel room nights.
The Herald Sun revealed on Saturday that Crown has raised the first prize purse for next January's Aussie Millions to $2.5 million - making it the nation's second-biggest first prize event behind the Melbourne Cup.
Anti-gambling groups yesterday scoffed at suggestions a poker championship could offer either cultural or social benefits.
"Why don't we make Sexpo a major event as well?" the Rev Tim Costello said.
"There's a fundamental difference between a major sporting event that excites and transcends our human condition than a gambling tournament."
Australian world poker champion Joe Hachem told the Herald Sun from Las Vegas the Aussie Millions was worthy of major event status.
"It deserves the title as one of Australia's majors alongside the Australian Open, Spring Racing Carnival and F1 Grand Prix," Hachem said.
Hachem, spin king Shane Warne and a host of other Australians are in Las Vegas this week vying for the World Championship of Poker. (Credit: Herald Sun)
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Crown Casino
Aussie Millions
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Sunday, July 05, 2009
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Saturday, July 04, 2009
Casino News Media Update
Australian online casino games continue to rise in popularity
Crown Casino Aussie Millions event aims to top Melbourne Cup money stakes
Aspinall's Online Casino - Aspers - Star Partner poised to shake up Asia Pacific region
World Series of Poker parties rate with world's best say insiders
WSOP Ante Up for Africa won by Alex “Diesel” Boloton
Russian casinos to increase focus on poker
PartyGaming's PartyCasino sees massive popularity in Australian region, boosted by new games, site revamp and multi currency facilities
Microgaming sees more branded casinos open, Expekt.com, Captain Cooks Casino discusses Microgaming offering's with media man
Gambling911.com parent company, Costigan Media, files suit to open warrant in online poker $30 million seizure
Mobile casino games, mobile gaming poised to reach new levels, PartyGaming, Slotland ramp up
TOMB RAIDER online slot classic a favorite of Aussies
Tom Cruise visit to Australia sees Party Gaming's Mission: Impossible and Top Gun games enjoy spike in popularity
Marvel Entertainment slot games collaboration with PartyCasino.com on track
Virgin Games considering more Hollywood themed slot games, following Transformers success
CasinoClub Launches Two New Slot Machine Games
Harrah's Entertainment gaming boss predicts consolidation; legal US online gambling
Lottery news media jackpot coverage in Australia sees rise in online bingo players
Rouge pit casinos changing names in attempt to become reborn, Affiliate Guard Dog and Casino Meister watch dogs tracking closely
Titan Casino, Titan Poker increase accountability and ramp up global awareness
Titan Poker extends Wimbledon tennis action extends off the court
JackpotCity.com rumoured to embark on global television campaign
DC Comics to release super hero themed slot games
Play4Property.com to release online game of skill
Paris Hilton being pursued by online casino, poker companies
WWE wrestling legends express interest in casino game deals, following Hulk Hogan's Hulk-A-Mania Experience and upcoming Andre The Giant NextGen gaming release
Network Ten rumoured to show poker themed TV show
Media companies turning to gaming to boost revenues, as traditional channels drying up
UFC expecting significant sports betting and PPV buy rates, Australian tour plans
American gambling online soon to be legal across the board advises Goldman Sachs
Bigpond adds gambling themed games to online shop offerings
Poker tournaments leading to legal can of worms; sponsorships, loan shark territory
Partypoker, 888 highest profile in United Kingdom
Australian pokies in clubs fuelled by Woolworths and Coles, News Limited and Fairfax reports
Online gaming more popular that TV or sex with youth sector
Sports betting industry in Australia under spotlight and government enquiry begins; some players rumoured to be betting
James Packer's City of Dreams maintains focus on goals, despite economic recession
Media Man Australia group of companies enter business negotiations with Mob Candy Magazine
Australian Casino News.com website adds more classic casino games
Property News Media.com adds more Australian casino news to coverage
Casino News Media.com approaching Hitwise "top ten" status, to match Media Man parent
News
Australian Casino News
Online Casino News
Gambling News
Poker News
Casino News
Casino News Media
Crown Casino Aussie Millions event aims to top Melbourne Cup money stakes
Aspinall's Online Casino - Aspers - Star Partner poised to shake up Asia Pacific region
World Series of Poker parties rate with world's best say insiders
WSOP Ante Up for Africa won by Alex “Diesel” Boloton
Russian casinos to increase focus on poker
PartyGaming's PartyCasino sees massive popularity in Australian region, boosted by new games, site revamp and multi currency facilities
Microgaming sees more branded casinos open, Expekt.com, Captain Cooks Casino discusses Microgaming offering's with media man
Gambling911.com parent company, Costigan Media, files suit to open warrant in online poker $30 million seizure
Mobile casino games, mobile gaming poised to reach new levels, PartyGaming, Slotland ramp up
TOMB RAIDER online slot classic a favorite of Aussies
Tom Cruise visit to Australia sees Party Gaming's Mission: Impossible and Top Gun games enjoy spike in popularity
Marvel Entertainment slot games collaboration with PartyCasino.com on track
Virgin Games considering more Hollywood themed slot games, following Transformers success
CasinoClub Launches Two New Slot Machine Games
Harrah's Entertainment gaming boss predicts consolidation; legal US online gambling
Lottery news media jackpot coverage in Australia sees rise in online bingo players
Rouge pit casinos changing names in attempt to become reborn, Affiliate Guard Dog and Casino Meister watch dogs tracking closely
Titan Casino, Titan Poker increase accountability and ramp up global awareness
Titan Poker extends Wimbledon tennis action extends off the court
JackpotCity.com rumoured to embark on global television campaign
DC Comics to release super hero themed slot games
Play4Property.com to release online game of skill
Paris Hilton being pursued by online casino, poker companies
WWE wrestling legends express interest in casino game deals, following Hulk Hogan's Hulk-A-Mania Experience and upcoming Andre The Giant NextGen gaming release
Network Ten rumoured to show poker themed TV show
Media companies turning to gaming to boost revenues, as traditional channels drying up
UFC expecting significant sports betting and PPV buy rates, Australian tour plans
American gambling online soon to be legal across the board advises Goldman Sachs
Bigpond adds gambling themed games to online shop offerings
Poker tournaments leading to legal can of worms; sponsorships, loan shark territory
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James Packer's City of Dreams maintains focus on goals, despite economic recession
Media Man Australia group of companies enter business negotiations with Mob Candy Magazine
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Crown Casino wants to trump Australia's richest horse race, by Michael Warner - Herald Sun - 4th July 2009
A poker tournament is looking to trump the Melbourne Cup as Australia's biggest-paying major event.
Crown casino has raised the first-prize purse for its annual "Aussie Millions" poker championships to $2.5 million, putting its main event just $800,000 short of last year's Melbourne Cup winner's cheque of $3.3 million.
And the poker prize pool will soar again in 2010 on the back of a TV series tipped to reach more than 100 million lounge rooms across the globe.
The Australian Open, offering $2 million for both men's and women's championships, now sits in third place ahead of the AFL Grand Final ($1 million) and the Australian Masters Golf ($270,000).
Podium prizes for the Albert Park Formula One Grand Prix and the Phillip Island MotoGP are minimal.
"A first prize of $2.5 million gives the Aussie Millions a status it deserves on Melbourne's major events program," Crown CEO David Courtney said yesterday.
"Crown is now sharing the limelight with some of Victoria's other major events, including the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open, and the AFL Grand Final."
The Aussie Millions, running each January in conjunction with the Australian Open, is now the world's fifth largest poker tournament and the biggest outside the US.
"Huge growth in the number of overall participants reflects the increasing popularity of the game locally and internationally," Mr Courtney said.
He said the tournament generated more than 8000 hotel-room nights across Melbourne, rivalling all other Victorian major events.
This week, Melbourne poker champ Joe Hachem and cricket legend Shane Warne are heading a band of Aussie hopefuls in Las Vegas vying for the World Championship of poker and a bumper first prize of more than $9 million. (Credit: Herald Sun).
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Crown casino has raised the first-prize purse for its annual "Aussie Millions" poker championships to $2.5 million, putting its main event just $800,000 short of last year's Melbourne Cup winner's cheque of $3.3 million.
And the poker prize pool will soar again in 2010 on the back of a TV series tipped to reach more than 100 million lounge rooms across the globe.
The Australian Open, offering $2 million for both men's and women's championships, now sits in third place ahead of the AFL Grand Final ($1 million) and the Australian Masters Golf ($270,000).
Podium prizes for the Albert Park Formula One Grand Prix and the Phillip Island MotoGP are minimal.
"A first prize of $2.5 million gives the Aussie Millions a status it deserves on Melbourne's major events program," Crown CEO David Courtney said yesterday.
"Crown is now sharing the limelight with some of Victoria's other major events, including the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open, and the AFL Grand Final."
The Aussie Millions, running each January in conjunction with the Australian Open, is now the world's fifth largest poker tournament and the biggest outside the US.
"Huge growth in the number of overall participants reflects the increasing popularity of the game locally and internationally," Mr Courtney said.
He said the tournament generated more than 8000 hotel-room nights across Melbourne, rivalling all other Victorian major events.
This week, Melbourne poker champ Joe Hachem and cricket legend Shane Warne are heading a band of Aussie hopefuls in Las Vegas vying for the World Championship of poker and a bumper first prize of more than $9 million. (Credit: Herald Sun).
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Gold Coast a 'haven' for betting scams - ABC News - 25th June 2009
A joint operation involving police, the Office of Fair Trading and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is cracking down on sport betting scams in Queensland.
Authorities say Australians have lost up to $20 million because of fraudulent or misleading sport betting companies over the past two years.
Peter Kell from the ACCC says people should beware of schemes that seem to be good to be true.
"The climate is unfortunately ripe for scams and consumer losses in this area we've seen more and more consumers engaging in online trading," he said.
"We've also seen obviously a loss of confidence in the mainstream investment markets."
Authorities say the Gold Coast is a haven for the scams.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay says 39 Gold Coast companies were targeted last month, but most were no longer at their registered address.
"Unfortunately what we're seeing is hundreds of people being ensnared, some large sums of money are involved and unfortunately a lot of people's dreams are going to be shattered and their lives changed forever," he said.
Detective Superintendant Hay says some of the companies have failed to honour unrealistic odds, while others have simply disappeared with the money bet.
"You are not going to get a quick turnaround on an investment to the volume that they've been promoted by these professional products... they certainly look professional these glossy brochures these slick talking advertising marketing people that telephone you," he said.
"It's fraught with danger: don't get excited, get advice." (Credit: ABC)
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Authorities say Australians have lost up to $20 million because of fraudulent or misleading sport betting companies over the past two years.
Peter Kell from the ACCC says people should beware of schemes that seem to be good to be true.
"The climate is unfortunately ripe for scams and consumer losses in this area we've seen more and more consumers engaging in online trading," he said.
"We've also seen obviously a loss of confidence in the mainstream investment markets."
Authorities say the Gold Coast is a haven for the scams.
Detective Superintendent Brian Hay says 39 Gold Coast companies were targeted last month, but most were no longer at their registered address.
"Unfortunately what we're seeing is hundreds of people being ensnared, some large sums of money are involved and unfortunately a lot of people's dreams are going to be shattered and their lives changed forever," he said.
Detective Superintendant Hay says some of the companies have failed to honour unrealistic odds, while others have simply disappeared with the money bet.
"You are not going to get a quick turnaround on an investment to the volume that they've been promoted by these professional products... they certainly look professional these glossy brochures these slick talking advertising marketing people that telephone you," he said.
"It's fraught with danger: don't get excited, get advice." (Credit: ABC)
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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Gambling scams expose regulation deficiencies - Yahoo! News - 29th June 2009
Sport is an Australian national obsession, but it seems some con men are taking advantage of that passion for their financial gain.
Moreover, some of the firms conducting the scams remain registered as companies long after suspicions first surface about their bona fides.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) registers companies and regulates investment schemes, but does not regulate gambling schemes, even when they pose as investments.
Betting scheme crackdown
The authorities that are responsible for regulating gambling schemes are the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the state departments of fair trading and, in the cases of criminal fraud, police.
The ACCC and the Queensland Police and Office of Fair Trading this week launched a joint campaign against sport arbitrage and gambling schemes and scams based on the Gold Coast.
They say hundreds of Australians have fallen prey to such operators, and buying into investment schemes which claim to give you access to computer software which will help you gamble successfully, is likely to be a losing bet.
"It's estimated that up to $20 million may have been lost by Australian consumers in these schemes. It's hard to tell at this stage exactly how much, but we're talking about a lot of money," ACCC deputy chairman Peter Kell said.
He says up-front fees of $3,000 to 19,000 are commonly charged for access to gambling software, or syndicates that place the bets for you.
And the Queensland Police say they have had one unlucky punter come forward who invested $146,000 between two of these companies.
While it may seem ridiculous for anyone to invest so much money into such a scheme, the authorities say the marketing materials usually look very professional, and these organisations occasionally pool resources to avoid the appearance of a one-man show.
"We found an office where six companies were located where they shared telemarketing staff and other facilities," said Joe Camilleri from Queensland's Office of Fair Trading.
The ACCC says a loss of confidence in the mainstream markets during the financial crisis is tempting consumers to look for alternatives.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in scams reported to us over the last year, and a 67 per cent increase in the number of people reporting losses," Mr Kell said.
Take the money and run
While some of these companies do actually bet on your behalf, Mr Camilleri says others just walk away with the cash.
"About 50 per cent of complainants are telling us that, once they pay their money to the operators of these schemes, they are no longer able to contact these companies," he said.
Even where the companies do actually place bets, the authorities say the returns are rarely anywhere near those promised or hinted at, and they have had staff from some of these operations come forward and tell them that the bets came straight from the newspaper form guide.
Fair Trading and the Queensland police tried to visit 39 sports betting schemes based on the Gold Coast, but they found only 8 operating at their registered addresses.
Authorities say more than 650 complaints have been lodged since the beginning of last year, and Detective Superintendent Brian Hay say the schemes have been multiplying rapidly.
"There's a whole plethora of different circumstances, environments, entities. This is not one or two people, it's not one or two companies, it's almost if you like a nefarious, insidious industry that has populated a certain landscape," he said.
First hand experience
Although Queensland based, the schemes do not just target Queenslanders, but the authorities say most of the complaints have come from there and New South Wales.
Recently I received a call from a Brisbane-based company claiming past returns of between 26 and 95 per cent a month on its horse racing scheme.
I cannot name it, because it may be one of the organisations currently under investigation, but I was only too happy to hear their spiel so I could share it with ABC News Online readers.
In return for having this company manage a gambling account using their computer system, I was asked for an $8,800 dollar sign-up fee, and between $1,000 and $10,000 in capital to start the gambling account.
In their sales pitch, the company claimed its software system was developed by a former employee of Kerry Packer, who their salesman said used to help Mr Packer with his horse racing picks.
The company also claimed it had been around for 15 years, but a quick search of the ASIC database revealed it was only registered in May last year.
When I searched internet investor forums, dozens of people had been given similar offers from the same company.
Nick Miller from South Australia responded to my post on the forum and gave me a call. He says he was rung about eight times over a period of several weeks by this company.
"It was heavy pressure selling," he said.
"It was, 'we've only got so many spots left for South Australia, we've got one left in South Australia, and one for NSW so you'd better sign up now or you'll miss out,' and then I just said, no I'm not interested in it."
Company registration
While Mr Miller smelt a rat and did not invest despite their persistence, he is concerned about how easy it is for such businesses to set up and remain as legally registered companies.
"When I was talking to this Tom guy he said, 'as you know we're regulated, we're required, every year we have to register with ASIC', he made some reference to that," he said.
"It sort of shocked me a little bit to think that there could be rogue operators like this that have obviously got a registration."
ASIC told the ABC that gambling schemes are not classified as investments and therefore do not fall under its jurisdiction.
But ASIC is responsible for company registers, and ASIC's database reveals that the regulator got information last November that the Brisbane company which contacted me and Mr Miller is no longer at its registered address.
Mr Kell says that is a good reason why consumers should not rely solely on the companies register when checking the legitimacy of a firm.
"One of the messages we have to send here, because it has been used in the marketing by these companies, is that simply registering a company doesn't make it immediately trustworthy," he said.
The length of time taken to investigate dodgy companies, and the apparent difficulty in shutting operations down until well after they have swindled thousands of dollars from investors, raises some serious questions about consumer protection regulation, and the funding of investigation and enforcement in Australia.
Given that it seems unlikely that regulators will be given the resources needed to better filter companies when they first start up, the ACCC says consumer awareness is the best defence.
"With these sports investment schemes the only certain bet is that you'll lose money," Mr Kell said. Michael would be interested in hearing from anyone who has invested in a horse racing or sport gambling scheme. You can contact him via email at abcbiztips@gmail.com. (Credit: Yahoo! News)
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Moreover, some of the firms conducting the scams remain registered as companies long after suspicions first surface about their bona fides.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) registers companies and regulates investment schemes, but does not regulate gambling schemes, even when they pose as investments.
Betting scheme crackdown
The authorities that are responsible for regulating gambling schemes are the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the state departments of fair trading and, in the cases of criminal fraud, police.
The ACCC and the Queensland Police and Office of Fair Trading this week launched a joint campaign against sport arbitrage and gambling schemes and scams based on the Gold Coast.
They say hundreds of Australians have fallen prey to such operators, and buying into investment schemes which claim to give you access to computer software which will help you gamble successfully, is likely to be a losing bet.
"It's estimated that up to $20 million may have been lost by Australian consumers in these schemes. It's hard to tell at this stage exactly how much, but we're talking about a lot of money," ACCC deputy chairman Peter Kell said.
He says up-front fees of $3,000 to 19,000 are commonly charged for access to gambling software, or syndicates that place the bets for you.
And the Queensland Police say they have had one unlucky punter come forward who invested $146,000 between two of these companies.
While it may seem ridiculous for anyone to invest so much money into such a scheme, the authorities say the marketing materials usually look very professional, and these organisations occasionally pool resources to avoid the appearance of a one-man show.
"We found an office where six companies were located where they shared telemarketing staff and other facilities," said Joe Camilleri from Queensland's Office of Fair Trading.
The ACCC says a loss of confidence in the mainstream markets during the financial crisis is tempting consumers to look for alternatives.
"We've seen a 60 per cent increase in scams reported to us over the last year, and a 67 per cent increase in the number of people reporting losses," Mr Kell said.
Take the money and run
While some of these companies do actually bet on your behalf, Mr Camilleri says others just walk away with the cash.
"About 50 per cent of complainants are telling us that, once they pay their money to the operators of these schemes, they are no longer able to contact these companies," he said.
Even where the companies do actually place bets, the authorities say the returns are rarely anywhere near those promised or hinted at, and they have had staff from some of these operations come forward and tell them that the bets came straight from the newspaper form guide.
Fair Trading and the Queensland police tried to visit 39 sports betting schemes based on the Gold Coast, but they found only 8 operating at their registered addresses.
Authorities say more than 650 complaints have been lodged since the beginning of last year, and Detective Superintendent Brian Hay say the schemes have been multiplying rapidly.
"There's a whole plethora of different circumstances, environments, entities. This is not one or two people, it's not one or two companies, it's almost if you like a nefarious, insidious industry that has populated a certain landscape," he said.
First hand experience
Although Queensland based, the schemes do not just target Queenslanders, but the authorities say most of the complaints have come from there and New South Wales.
Recently I received a call from a Brisbane-based company claiming past returns of between 26 and 95 per cent a month on its horse racing scheme.
I cannot name it, because it may be one of the organisations currently under investigation, but I was only too happy to hear their spiel so I could share it with ABC News Online readers.
In return for having this company manage a gambling account using their computer system, I was asked for an $8,800 dollar sign-up fee, and between $1,000 and $10,000 in capital to start the gambling account.
In their sales pitch, the company claimed its software system was developed by a former employee of Kerry Packer, who their salesman said used to help Mr Packer with his horse racing picks.
The company also claimed it had been around for 15 years, but a quick search of the ASIC database revealed it was only registered in May last year.
When I searched internet investor forums, dozens of people had been given similar offers from the same company.
Nick Miller from South Australia responded to my post on the forum and gave me a call. He says he was rung about eight times over a period of several weeks by this company.
"It was heavy pressure selling," he said.
"It was, 'we've only got so many spots left for South Australia, we've got one left in South Australia, and one for NSW so you'd better sign up now or you'll miss out,' and then I just said, no I'm not interested in it."
Company registration
While Mr Miller smelt a rat and did not invest despite their persistence, he is concerned about how easy it is for such businesses to set up and remain as legally registered companies.
"When I was talking to this Tom guy he said, 'as you know we're regulated, we're required, every year we have to register with ASIC', he made some reference to that," he said.
"It sort of shocked me a little bit to think that there could be rogue operators like this that have obviously got a registration."
ASIC told the ABC that gambling schemes are not classified as investments and therefore do not fall under its jurisdiction.
But ASIC is responsible for company registers, and ASIC's database reveals that the regulator got information last November that the Brisbane company which contacted me and Mr Miller is no longer at its registered address.
Mr Kell says that is a good reason why consumers should not rely solely on the companies register when checking the legitimacy of a firm.
"One of the messages we have to send here, because it has been used in the marketing by these companies, is that simply registering a company doesn't make it immediately trustworthy," he said.
The length of time taken to investigate dodgy companies, and the apparent difficulty in shutting operations down until well after they have swindled thousands of dollars from investors, raises some serious questions about consumer protection regulation, and the funding of investigation and enforcement in Australia.
Given that it seems unlikely that regulators will be given the resources needed to better filter companies when they first start up, the ACCC says consumer awareness is the best defence.
"With these sports investment schemes the only certain bet is that you'll lose money," Mr Kell said. Michael would be interested in hearing from anyone who has invested in a horse racing or sport gambling scheme. You can contact him via email at abcbiztips@gmail.com. (Credit: Yahoo! News)
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Friday, June 26, 2009
Punters Cheated by up to 40 Sports Betting Operators - Gambling911 - 25th June 2009
Our man on the scene in Australia, Greg Tingle, has notified us of a major cheating scandal down under involving some 40 operators allegedly ripping off punters in Queensland.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Office of Fair Trading investigators are chasing millions of dollars lost by hundreds of punters through 30 so-called sporting arbitrage companies, mostly from the Gold Coast.
Half these companies have vanished, according to reports.
Sporting arbitrage involves customers being offered "guaranteed" wins by spreading their bets on all possible outcomes with different bookmakers.
According to the Courier-Mail story, the probe has also embroiled nine software firms, such as Bundall-based Sports Investment Services, which touts sports betting returns of 56 per cent compared with only 6 and 9 per cent on the share and property markets.
About 650 punters have filed complaints and were unable to contact companies once they paid membership fees of between $3000 and $19,000.
"They are simply scams which are designed to take the money of unwitting consumers," Fair Trading Minister, Peter Lawlor, said. "We also found that once these companies start receiving complaints from their clients, they often simply close down and start up again somewhere else under a new name."
The probe, which has also involved the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, does not involve mainstream betting companies such as UNiTAB or Betfair.
Sports Investment Services director Mark Henderson last night said he had had several complaints, but insisted he had done nothing wrong and sold software to help pick winners.
"It gives clients stand-out picks to bet on," he said.
Asked about the claims of 56 per cent betting returns on the company's website, Mr Henderson said: "At the time when it was published these figures were correct but they are variable and at different points they can return different things." (Credit: Gambling911)
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The Courier-Mail can reveal Office of Fair Trading investigators are chasing millions of dollars lost by hundreds of punters through 30 so-called sporting arbitrage companies, mostly from the Gold Coast.
Half these companies have vanished, according to reports.
Sporting arbitrage involves customers being offered "guaranteed" wins by spreading their bets on all possible outcomes with different bookmakers.
According to the Courier-Mail story, the probe has also embroiled nine software firms, such as Bundall-based Sports Investment Services, which touts sports betting returns of 56 per cent compared with only 6 and 9 per cent on the share and property markets.
About 650 punters have filed complaints and were unable to contact companies once they paid membership fees of between $3000 and $19,000.
"They are simply scams which are designed to take the money of unwitting consumers," Fair Trading Minister, Peter Lawlor, said. "We also found that once these companies start receiving complaints from their clients, they often simply close down and start up again somewhere else under a new name."
The probe, which has also involved the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, does not involve mainstream betting companies such as UNiTAB or Betfair.
Sports Investment Services director Mark Henderson last night said he had had several complaints, but insisted he had done nothing wrong and sold software to help pick winners.
"It gives clients stand-out picks to bet on," he said.
Asked about the claims of 56 per cent betting returns on the company's website, Mr Henderson said: "At the time when it was published these figures were correct but they are variable and at different points they can return different things." (Credit: Gambling911)
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Probe into alleged scams in sports betting industry, by Patrick Lion - The Courier-Mail - 25th June 2009
Queensland's sports betting industry has been rocked by a probe into almost 40 operators allegedly ripping off punters with elaborate scams.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Office of Fair Trading investigators are chasing millions of dollars lost by hundreds of punters through 30 so-called sporting arbitrage companies, mostly from the Gold Coast.
It is understood half of the companies have vanished, after police found only empty land or a post office box as the principal place of business after following up customer complaints.
Sporting arbitrage involves customers being offered "guaranteed" wins by spreading their bets on all possible outcomes with different bookmakers.
But the probe has also embroiled nine software firms, such as Bundall-based Sports Investment Services, which touts sports betting returns of 56 per cent compared with only 6 and 9 per cent on the share and property markets.
About 650 punters have complained since last August after losing on the intricate betting systems or being unable to contact companies once they paid membership fees of between $3000 and $19,000.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor last night said the high number of complaints showed consumers were rarely pocketing any profits.
"They are simply scams which are designed to take the money of unwitting consumers," Mr Lawlor said. "We also found that once these companies start receiving complaints from their clients, they often simply close down and start up again somewhere else under a new name."
The Office of Fair Trading would not confirm which companies were in the investigation's sights.
The Courier-Mail understands that Suncity Equities and Investments and a firm called Profitrunner were also being investigated.
The money thought to have been lost through the companies, which are often part of a tangled web of other companies, is believed to be between $4 million and $6 million.
The probe, which has also involved the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, does not involve mainstream betting companies such as UNiTAB or Betfair.
Sports Investment Services director Mark Henderson last night said he had had several complaints, but insisted he had done nothing wrong and sold software to help pick winners.
"It gives clients stand-out picks to bet on," he said.
Asked about the claims of 56 per cent betting returns on the company's website, Mr Henderson said: "At the time when it was published these figures were correct but they are variable and at different points they can return different things."
Mr Lawlor said some of the companies styled themselves as investment schemes using "financial instruments" and "risk free" to secure the profits. They also often used telemarketers with false names to entice clients into parting with their money. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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The Courier-Mail can reveal Office of Fair Trading investigators are chasing millions of dollars lost by hundreds of punters through 30 so-called sporting arbitrage companies, mostly from the Gold Coast.
It is understood half of the companies have vanished, after police found only empty land or a post office box as the principal place of business after following up customer complaints.
Sporting arbitrage involves customers being offered "guaranteed" wins by spreading their bets on all possible outcomes with different bookmakers.
But the probe has also embroiled nine software firms, such as Bundall-based Sports Investment Services, which touts sports betting returns of 56 per cent compared with only 6 and 9 per cent on the share and property markets.
About 650 punters have complained since last August after losing on the intricate betting systems or being unable to contact companies once they paid membership fees of between $3000 and $19,000.
Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor last night said the high number of complaints showed consumers were rarely pocketing any profits.
"They are simply scams which are designed to take the money of unwitting consumers," Mr Lawlor said. "We also found that once these companies start receiving complaints from their clients, they often simply close down and start up again somewhere else under a new name."
The Office of Fair Trading would not confirm which companies were in the investigation's sights.
The Courier-Mail understands that Suncity Equities and Investments and a firm called Profitrunner were also being investigated.
The money thought to have been lost through the companies, which are often part of a tangled web of other companies, is believed to be between $4 million and $6 million.
The probe, which has also involved the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, does not involve mainstream betting companies such as UNiTAB or Betfair.
Sports Investment Services director Mark Henderson last night said he had had several complaints, but insisted he had done nothing wrong and sold software to help pick winners.
"It gives clients stand-out picks to bet on," he said.
Asked about the claims of 56 per cent betting returns on the company's website, Mr Henderson said: "At the time when it was published these figures were correct but they are variable and at different points they can return different things."
Mr Lawlor said some of the companies styled themselves as investment schemes using "financial instruments" and "risk free" to secure the profits. They also often used telemarketers with false names to entice clients into parting with their money. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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Monday, June 22, 2009
Long-range punter just one win from the champions league, by John Schell - The Sydney Morning Herald - 19th June 2009
Superstar status awaits a TAB Sportsbet customer who is one win away from becoming a genius after taking a long-range multi-bet. TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said the bet, placed back in March, involved Barcelona winning the Champions League, the Los Angeles Lakers taking out the NBA crown, Pittsburgh Penguins winning the NHL and the New York Yankees winning baseball's World Series. So far the first three legs have all saluted, and now the wait is on until October to see if the Yankees take the World Series. For just a $50 outlay the punter stands to collect $114,750.
Meanwhile, one of TAB Sportsbet larger customers has had a winning week by investing heavily on some short-priced favourites.
"They started with $250,000 at $1.06 on Pakistan in the Twenty20 Cricket against Ireland then followed up with $140,000 at $1.08 on Spain against Iraq in the soccer and landed a tidy profit of $26,200," Munsie said.
Bombers away
Alan Eskander's Betstar.com.au hopes Essendon fall victim to Melbourne tonight after a sustained plunge on the Bombers.
"The Bombers have been the biggest go of the split round," Eskander said. "We took a bet of $7500 giving 19½ start, $6000 at -20½ and another $3000 lobbed at -21½. They've been $1.36 in to $1.31 in head-to-head betting while the Dees are friendless, easing from $3.25 to $3.65."
Sydney host Collingwood tomorrow night, with Eskander saying the Swans have been easing favourites, out from $1.88 to $1.94 with the Pies rock solid at $1.90.
"It's no secret that the Pies have the wood on the Swans, and having won their past three matches leading into the split round, it's hard to see them slipping up here," Eskander said.
Support for Blues
Betting on the reduced round of the NRL might be quiet but Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael Sullivan expects wagering on the second State of Origin next Wednesday night to be fast and furious. "The Blues may have been beaten last year but it was only by two points in Sydney," said Sullivan, who is tipping the support to come for NSW. "They grow an extra leg at home, and the $2.25 to win seems like pretty good odds for a side desperate to tie up the series."
Sullivan said there had been solid early money around for the Maroons at $1.67, including a bet of $10,000, but punters were holding off backing the Blues.
"Punters are still concerned about the Blues' injuries, with Jennings already out and doubts still over a couple of others," he said. "I would expect the money to arrive for the Blues if the others pass their fitness tests."
Australia firm
Australia have firmed in to $1.68 from an opening $1.80 to win the upcoming Ashes series with Centrebet. Spokesman Neil Evans said England, playing at home, had blown from an opening $2.85 out to $3.35. "The biggest bet is $35,000 on the Aussies at $1.80 but the money is still coming in from both here and the UK for them to win the series," Evans said. "But the same confidence isn't there yet for Australia to win the first Test in Cardiff. They are quoted at $2.15 with the Poms at $3.60 and the draw at $2.95."
Plunge for Nadal
Rafael Nadal may still be under an injury cloud for Wimbledon but that hasn't stopped a fan plunging on him to win the tournament. Munsie said the TAB Sportsbet punter had wagered $30,000 on the Spaniard at $6.50.
Meanwhile, Sullivan said Sportingbet Australia punters were keen on Roger Federer, while Australian Samantha Stosur has shortened in the women's market.
Tiger domination
Tiger Woods, at $3, dominates betting on the US Open and commands a remarkable 30 per cent of money invested with TAB Sportsbet in the winner market. Munsie said US Masters winner Angel Cabrera was well backed at big odds with bets of $1400 and $1000 at $51. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Meanwhile, one of TAB Sportsbet larger customers has had a winning week by investing heavily on some short-priced favourites.
"They started with $250,000 at $1.06 on Pakistan in the Twenty20 Cricket against Ireland then followed up with $140,000 at $1.08 on Spain against Iraq in the soccer and landed a tidy profit of $26,200," Munsie said.
Bombers away
Alan Eskander's Betstar.com.au hopes Essendon fall victim to Melbourne tonight after a sustained plunge on the Bombers.
"The Bombers have been the biggest go of the split round," Eskander said. "We took a bet of $7500 giving 19½ start, $6000 at -20½ and another $3000 lobbed at -21½. They've been $1.36 in to $1.31 in head-to-head betting while the Dees are friendless, easing from $3.25 to $3.65."
Sydney host Collingwood tomorrow night, with Eskander saying the Swans have been easing favourites, out from $1.88 to $1.94 with the Pies rock solid at $1.90.
"It's no secret that the Pies have the wood on the Swans, and having won their past three matches leading into the split round, it's hard to see them slipping up here," Eskander said.
Support for Blues
Betting on the reduced round of the NRL might be quiet but Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael Sullivan expects wagering on the second State of Origin next Wednesday night to be fast and furious. "The Blues may have been beaten last year but it was only by two points in Sydney," said Sullivan, who is tipping the support to come for NSW. "They grow an extra leg at home, and the $2.25 to win seems like pretty good odds for a side desperate to tie up the series."
Sullivan said there had been solid early money around for the Maroons at $1.67, including a bet of $10,000, but punters were holding off backing the Blues.
"Punters are still concerned about the Blues' injuries, with Jennings already out and doubts still over a couple of others," he said. "I would expect the money to arrive for the Blues if the others pass their fitness tests."
Australia firm
Australia have firmed in to $1.68 from an opening $1.80 to win the upcoming Ashes series with Centrebet. Spokesman Neil Evans said England, playing at home, had blown from an opening $2.85 out to $3.35. "The biggest bet is $35,000 on the Aussies at $1.80 but the money is still coming in from both here and the UK for them to win the series," Evans said. "But the same confidence isn't there yet for Australia to win the first Test in Cardiff. They are quoted at $2.15 with the Poms at $3.60 and the draw at $2.95."
Plunge for Nadal
Rafael Nadal may still be under an injury cloud for Wimbledon but that hasn't stopped a fan plunging on him to win the tournament. Munsie said the TAB Sportsbet punter had wagered $30,000 on the Spaniard at $6.50.
Meanwhile, Sullivan said Sportingbet Australia punters were keen on Roger Federer, while Australian Samantha Stosur has shortened in the women's market.
Tiger domination
Tiger Woods, at $3, dominates betting on the US Open and commands a remarkable 30 per cent of money invested with TAB Sportsbet in the winner market. Munsie said US Masters winner Angel Cabrera was well backed at big odds with bets of $1400 and $1000 at $51. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Live Friday night matches focus of next TV contract, by Patrick Smith - The Australian - 29th May 2009
The present AFL broadcast rights might not officially end until the 2011 season is done and dusted so no one is quite throwing punches just yet.
But the broadcasters and the AFL are beginning to dance about the ring. A little posturing, a feint here and there.
But what is a fundamental principle agreed to by all parties is a need for the deal post 2011 to deliver most matches live. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed yesterday that the league's infatuation with protecting attendances by limiting live-against-the-gate broadcasts had all but run out of passion.
"There is common ground between the AFL and the potential broadcasters that the next agreement should feature wherever possible live telecasts," Demetriou said. And while the league boss would not talk specific slots, it is clear the contentious Friday night coverage will be one fixture under heavy focus.
The long delay imposed by Channel Seven in this contract has infuriated viewers from Brisbane to Perth. As an example of the poor service delivered by the broadcaster, tonight's match between Carlton and West Coast is not shown live on free-to-air television.
In Melbourne the telecast is delayed by one hour, one and half hours in Adelaide, Perth gets the match on a three-hour wait and, in Sydney, it comes on just before midnight. The AFL broadcast schedule says it goes live on pay-TV network Fox Sports only in NSW and Queensland. Channel Seven does not show it in Brisbane until 11.30pm.
A Melbourne talkback radio station asked yesterday for people's feedback on the league's existing broadcast schedule and most complained about the delayed programming on Friday night as well as Sunday afternoon. "We will need to protect some soft slots," Demetriou said. "But everyone is agreed that live sport works best and there is a commitment from everyone to see that it happens. I am not sure anymore about the value of protecting live-against-the-gate games. I think live broadcasts actually helps bring people to the game." That is a significant and welcome change in league philosophy.
All interested parties have been told that the next agreement will deal with eight matches per round. Only when the 18th licence is granted to a west Sydney consortium will the rights to a ninth match be open to negotiation. The AFL has said a Gold Coast team would join the competition in 2011 and a team based in western Sydney one year later. That would mean an 18-team, nine-match fixture from the first year of the new broadcast contract.
The AFL's reluctance not to broaden discussions to an 18-team competition is in contrast to its confident rhetoric that the western Sydney team is on schedule to make its debut in 2012. "Broadcasters might ask for provision for a ninth match, that's possible, but until we grant a licence it is not proper to negotiate beyond eight matches." That also allows wriggle room if the Gold Coast debut is delayed.
While the AFL broadcast deal has always been controversial because of its failure to deliver live football to all the game's markets, the league yesterday could gloat on news that the total of positive drug tests in 2008 had fallen dramatically. For the first time positive tests fell below 1 per cent. There were 12 positives in 1220 tests, the lowest and therefore best result for the AFL since it began its drug monitoring in 2005.
The AFL has been criticised and ridiculed - this column at the head of the queue - for its drug protocols which allow a player to test positive to illicit drugs three times before the league applies a meaningful penalty. Yesterday's announcement is undeniable statistical evidence that the league policy is reducing drug use. Twelve positives - two players were caught out twice last year - are 12 too many but the figures suggest that drug use among players is considerably less than in the wider community. That's a significant reward for weathering the criticism the AFL commission sustained on the introduction of its three-strike policy.
There are other social issues with which to deal. The media has been fuelled by rumour that a prominent footballer is in deep debt because of a gambling addiction. His club denies it point blank. But some commentators suggest it is just the tip of evidence that gambling might be the most significant problem for players away from the field.
This week the betting exchange Betfair spoke with the AFL Players Association chief executive Brendon Gale about wagering and gambling issues. Further talks are planned. It is believed the betting exchange impressed Gale with its promotion of a betting and deposit limit available to customers.
The exchange is one of eight betting outlets - TAB Sportsbet, Luxbet, Betezy, Sports Acumen, IAS Bet, Sportingbet and Racing Odds are the others - that has a partnership with the league which includes a product fee and an information-sharing contract. Betting agencies are provided with the names of all AFL players and their accounts are monitored to check if they punt on AFL games.
Live telecasts will prove a boon for supporters who like to bet during play. Betfair reported that a third of its betting on the Anzac Day Essendon-Collingwood match took place in the last five minutes of the game and that with two minutes to go Essendon was quoted as a 100-1 chance. At that moment Collingwood led by more than two goals. With just seconds remaining Essendon teenager David Zaharakis snapped a goal to pinch the game by five points.
Ummm. Would you take a cheque? (Credit: The Australian)
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But the broadcasters and the AFL are beginning to dance about the ring. A little posturing, a feint here and there.
But what is a fundamental principle agreed to by all parties is a need for the deal post 2011 to deliver most matches live. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed yesterday that the league's infatuation with protecting attendances by limiting live-against-the-gate broadcasts had all but run out of passion.
"There is common ground between the AFL and the potential broadcasters that the next agreement should feature wherever possible live telecasts," Demetriou said. And while the league boss would not talk specific slots, it is clear the contentious Friday night coverage will be one fixture under heavy focus.
The long delay imposed by Channel Seven in this contract has infuriated viewers from Brisbane to Perth. As an example of the poor service delivered by the broadcaster, tonight's match between Carlton and West Coast is not shown live on free-to-air television.
In Melbourne the telecast is delayed by one hour, one and half hours in Adelaide, Perth gets the match on a three-hour wait and, in Sydney, it comes on just before midnight. The AFL broadcast schedule says it goes live on pay-TV network Fox Sports only in NSW and Queensland. Channel Seven does not show it in Brisbane until 11.30pm.
A Melbourne talkback radio station asked yesterday for people's feedback on the league's existing broadcast schedule and most complained about the delayed programming on Friday night as well as Sunday afternoon. "We will need to protect some soft slots," Demetriou said. "But everyone is agreed that live sport works best and there is a commitment from everyone to see that it happens. I am not sure anymore about the value of protecting live-against-the-gate games. I think live broadcasts actually helps bring people to the game." That is a significant and welcome change in league philosophy.
All interested parties have been told that the next agreement will deal with eight matches per round. Only when the 18th licence is granted to a west Sydney consortium will the rights to a ninth match be open to negotiation. The AFL has said a Gold Coast team would join the competition in 2011 and a team based in western Sydney one year later. That would mean an 18-team, nine-match fixture from the first year of the new broadcast contract.
The AFL's reluctance not to broaden discussions to an 18-team competition is in contrast to its confident rhetoric that the western Sydney team is on schedule to make its debut in 2012. "Broadcasters might ask for provision for a ninth match, that's possible, but until we grant a licence it is not proper to negotiate beyond eight matches." That also allows wriggle room if the Gold Coast debut is delayed.
While the AFL broadcast deal has always been controversial because of its failure to deliver live football to all the game's markets, the league yesterday could gloat on news that the total of positive drug tests in 2008 had fallen dramatically. For the first time positive tests fell below 1 per cent. There were 12 positives in 1220 tests, the lowest and therefore best result for the AFL since it began its drug monitoring in 2005.
The AFL has been criticised and ridiculed - this column at the head of the queue - for its drug protocols which allow a player to test positive to illicit drugs three times before the league applies a meaningful penalty. Yesterday's announcement is undeniable statistical evidence that the league policy is reducing drug use. Twelve positives - two players were caught out twice last year - are 12 too many but the figures suggest that drug use among players is considerably less than in the wider community. That's a significant reward for weathering the criticism the AFL commission sustained on the introduction of its three-strike policy.
There are other social issues with which to deal. The media has been fuelled by rumour that a prominent footballer is in deep debt because of a gambling addiction. His club denies it point blank. But some commentators suggest it is just the tip of evidence that gambling might be the most significant problem for players away from the field.
This week the betting exchange Betfair spoke with the AFL Players Association chief executive Brendon Gale about wagering and gambling issues. Further talks are planned. It is believed the betting exchange impressed Gale with its promotion of a betting and deposit limit available to customers.
The exchange is one of eight betting outlets - TAB Sportsbet, Luxbet, Betezy, Sports Acumen, IAS Bet, Sportingbet and Racing Odds are the others - that has a partnership with the league which includes a product fee and an information-sharing contract. Betting agencies are provided with the names of all AFL players and their accounts are monitored to check if they punt on AFL games.
Live telecasts will prove a boon for supporters who like to bet during play. Betfair reported that a third of its betting on the Anzac Day Essendon-Collingwood match took place in the last five minutes of the game and that with two minutes to go Essendon was quoted as a 100-1 chance. At that moment Collingwood led by more than two goals. With just seconds remaining Essendon teenager David Zaharakis snapped a goal to pinch the game by five points.
Ummm. Would you take a cheque? (Credit: The Australian)
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Key clients, by Michael Evans - The Sydney Morning Herald - 10th June 2009
David Coe won't be short of a nice venue or some toys to share around as the one-time Allco banana works the contact book to get reaccepted into the chairman's club at the pointy end of town. We pointed out yesterday that Coe would be suckling the taxpayer teat as the V8 Supercars roar around the lively Homebush Bay Olympic site later this year.
But consider some of the other assets Sports & Entertainment Ltd manages.
For starters there is the lucrative merchandising contract with Cricket Australia. Coe's mob also manages all aspects of the Australian Rugby Union's licensing program. Coe's lot even runs the retail operations of the Sydney Opera House.
Which got us thinking: given Coe's connections to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Opera House and the Allco offices towering over the Cahill Expressway, at one point Coe controlled all sides of Circular Quay.
And if he needs to do some schmoozing out of the limelight, Coe can always take the troops down to the Southern Highlands.
After all, SEL owns and runs Mount Broughton Golf and Country Club.
Nothing like doing a few rough years in the doghouse. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
But consider some of the other assets Sports & Entertainment Ltd manages.
For starters there is the lucrative merchandising contract with Cricket Australia. Coe's mob also manages all aspects of the Australian Rugby Union's licensing program. Coe's lot even runs the retail operations of the Sydney Opera House.
Which got us thinking: given Coe's connections to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Opera House and the Allco offices towering over the Cahill Expressway, at one point Coe controlled all sides of Circular Quay.
And if he needs to do some schmoozing out of the limelight, Coe can always take the troops down to the Southern Highlands.
After all, SEL owns and runs Mount Broughton Golf and Country Club.
Nothing like doing a few rough years in the doghouse. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Record amount wagered on Origin I delivers black night for bookies
TAB Sportsbet media manager Glenn Munsie said the agency had held a record figure of $5,091,000 in bets on State of Origin I. "The interest was enormous," Munsie said. "The hold was up 27.4 per cent on game one in 2008. There were 194,000 individual bets placed on the various options, which was up 22 per cent on game one in 2008.
"We lost on the game, with the biggest swing coming as a result of Queensland scoring that last-minute try. It meant that, in the tri-bet market, with the options of Queensland winning by over 6½, NSW winning by over 6½ or either team winning by under 6½, we lost heavily.
"We would have preferred Jarryd Hayne [to have] been awarded that early try for NSW, which would have made him the game's first try scorer. Billy Slater scoring the first try was a much worse result for us than Hayne."
The most experienced figure in sports betting management in Australia, Gerard Daffy, described it as the blackest night in Origin history for bookmakers.
Daffy, now the sports betting manager for SportsAlive.com and formerly with Centrebet for more than a decade, said the last-minute Maroons try was a huge joy for punters betting with his agency as well. "We got hammered by that on the tri-bet," Daffy said. "But we got hammered across the board."
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said bets on Queensland outnumbered those on the Blues by six to one. The rush for the Maroons was also on at Centrebet, where Neil Evans said Queensland were backed from $1.53 into $1.44 to win.
"There was a late rush that saw one punter unload $35,000 at $1.45 and another invest $30,000 at $1.48," Evans said. "The Maroons also tumbled in from an opening $1.60 to win the series a couple of months back to $1.45 by the time game one kicked off."
Support for Knights
Neil Evans said Newcastle had been the best-backed team with Centrebet in this weekend's NRL round, firming from $1.30 in to $1.28. The Eels have eased to $3.75 and are likely to get out further.
Betstar's Alan Eskander said the agency had increased the points start Melbourne were giving in tonight's game against Brisbane from a flat four to 4½ now that Broncos centre Justin Hodges is out with a knee injury suffered in the Origin game.
AFL punting paradise
Betstar's Alan Eskander reckons it could be another disastrous week for bookmakers betting on the AFL. "With five of the eight favourites under $1.25, it looks to be multi heaven for AFL punters," he said. "The past month has been terrible but we're not about to run and hide."
Eskander said Port Adelaide had been the best-backed team of the weekend with Betstar. "They are $1.24 in to $1.19 while Fremantle is friendless, going from $4.25 to $5," he said.
"One punter had $2000 on Port at -26½ and another $3000 on at -27½. The line is now -29½, but with injuries to take into account, the line may jump to -34½."
Essendon, at $1.88, are slight favourites against Adelaide, $1.95, for Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium. Hawthorn have eased from $1.40 to $1.44 against the Swans, who have firmed to $2.85. "The Swans were very good in their second-half last week and are Hawthorn's bogy side, winning four of the last five clashes between these two," Eskander said.
Proteas for cricket cup
South Africa have been backed in from $7 to $4.50 with Sportingbet Australia to win the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. Sportingbet's chief, Michael Sullivan, said the Proteas were second favourites behind India.
"South Africa has been steadily supported since we opened this market back in December," he said. "There's no doubt they are shaping as our worst result."
Sullivan reported little interest in Australia.
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"We lost on the game, with the biggest swing coming as a result of Queensland scoring that last-minute try. It meant that, in the tri-bet market, with the options of Queensland winning by over 6½, NSW winning by over 6½ or either team winning by under 6½, we lost heavily.
"We would have preferred Jarryd Hayne [to have] been awarded that early try for NSW, which would have made him the game's first try scorer. Billy Slater scoring the first try was a much worse result for us than Hayne."
The most experienced figure in sports betting management in Australia, Gerard Daffy, described it as the blackest night in Origin history for bookmakers.
Daffy, now the sports betting manager for SportsAlive.com and formerly with Centrebet for more than a decade, said the last-minute Maroons try was a huge joy for punters betting with his agency as well. "We got hammered by that on the tri-bet," Daffy said. "But we got hammered across the board."
Sportingbet Australia CEO Michael Sullivan said bets on Queensland outnumbered those on the Blues by six to one. The rush for the Maroons was also on at Centrebet, where Neil Evans said Queensland were backed from $1.53 into $1.44 to win.
"There was a late rush that saw one punter unload $35,000 at $1.45 and another invest $30,000 at $1.48," Evans said. "The Maroons also tumbled in from an opening $1.60 to win the series a couple of months back to $1.45 by the time game one kicked off."
Support for Knights
Neil Evans said Newcastle had been the best-backed team with Centrebet in this weekend's NRL round, firming from $1.30 in to $1.28. The Eels have eased to $3.75 and are likely to get out further.
Betstar's Alan Eskander said the agency had increased the points start Melbourne were giving in tonight's game against Brisbane from a flat four to 4½ now that Broncos centre Justin Hodges is out with a knee injury suffered in the Origin game.
AFL punting paradise
Betstar's Alan Eskander reckons it could be another disastrous week for bookmakers betting on the AFL. "With five of the eight favourites under $1.25, it looks to be multi heaven for AFL punters," he said. "The past month has been terrible but we're not about to run and hide."
Eskander said Port Adelaide had been the best-backed team of the weekend with Betstar. "They are $1.24 in to $1.19 while Fremantle is friendless, going from $4.25 to $5," he said.
"One punter had $2000 on Port at -26½ and another $3000 on at -27½. The line is now -29½, but with injuries to take into account, the line may jump to -34½."
Essendon, at $1.88, are slight favourites against Adelaide, $1.95, for Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium. Hawthorn have eased from $1.40 to $1.44 against the Swans, who have firmed to $2.85. "The Swans were very good in their second-half last week and are Hawthorn's bogy side, winning four of the last five clashes between these two," Eskander said.
Proteas for cricket cup
South Africa have been backed in from $7 to $4.50 with Sportingbet Australia to win the ICC Twenty20 World Cup. Sportingbet's chief, Michael Sullivan, said the Proteas were second favourites behind India.
"South Africa has been steadily supported since we opened this market back in December," he said. "There's no doubt they are shaping as our worst result."
Sullivan reported little interest in Australia.
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
Rivers of gold from pokie palaces, by Des Houghton - The Courier-Mail - 16th May 2009
The recession has failed to put the brakes on poker machine gambling, with the top 10 clubs each turning over more than $10 million a month.
The staggering figures leaked to me this week show a secret war is raging between the Redcliffe Leagues Club and Greenbank RSL for the title of the state's top money-spinner.
The "war" is being fought in predominantly blue-collar suburbs by club members aged 40 plus, many of them female, who enjoy the spoils such as cheap beer and wine, $10 rump steaks, free entertainment and even a free shuttle bus.
I'm told the plush Greenbank RSL turned over more than $15.8 million last month, a shade ahead of Redcliffe Leagues Club, which spun $15.6 million. There was a spirited battle for minor placings, with Kedron-Wavell Services Club turning over more than $14 million, Sunnybank Rugby Union Club $14 million, Caloundra RSL $13.9 million, Southport Sharks $13.6 million and the Broncos Leagues Club $12.5 million.
The big improver is the Sunnybank rugby club, which has a strong Asian contingent.
The top clubs are allowed no more than 280 machines. The rivers of gold continue to flow, with most top 10 clubs slightly up in net profit for the month.
Their biggest threat is the rise of gambling in hotels, most of them owned by rival retailers Coles Myer and Woolworths.
There are 41,809 operational "electronic gaming machines" or pokies, in pubs and clubs in Queensland latest figures supplied by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing show.
There were 23,052 machines in 558 clubs compared with 18,757 machines in 766 pubs.
The State Government offers little public feedback on the industry for fear of an anti-gambling backlash. This may be because it gets a staggering $10.5 million a week, or $550 million a year, from the machines.
The president of a successful Queensland club went months without even seeing a single problem gambler. And the image of the desperate gambling addict squandering the family grocery money is rare.
He said: "The typical club members are a husband and wife, 40-plus, perhaps semi-retired who come once or twice a week for a show and a cheap meal. They budget $20 to play the machines for two hours for fun with minor jackpots.
"It's a cheap and cheerful form of entertainment; much cheaper than dinner at a restaurant and a night at the pictures."
He believes clubs should be supported because they contribute generously to community projects, unlike most hotels whose machine profits go back to shareholders.
Two years ago the Queensland Household Gambling Survey identified 14,000 problem gamblers in Queensland, many of them casino and racetrack punters. So problem gamblers represent 0.47 per cent of the state's adult population - almost an insignificant number unless, of course, one of them is your partner, daughter or son.
Greenbank RSL chief executive John Limbrick says the club's 80,000 members make it one of the top three in the country.
"The more we generate with gambling the more we can give back to the community." he said.
The club donated to more than 100 organisations, from the RSPCA to the Queensland Cancer Council, schools, churches, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the War Widows' Guild. He says clubs go to great lengths to keep problem gamblers away.
The $550 million in pokie taxes represents less than 1.55 per cent of State Government revenue.
More than $142 million will go to the community through Community Investment Fund programs.
With figures like that, it seems clubs are here to stay. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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The staggering figures leaked to me this week show a secret war is raging between the Redcliffe Leagues Club and Greenbank RSL for the title of the state's top money-spinner.
The "war" is being fought in predominantly blue-collar suburbs by club members aged 40 plus, many of them female, who enjoy the spoils such as cheap beer and wine, $10 rump steaks, free entertainment and even a free shuttle bus.
I'm told the plush Greenbank RSL turned over more than $15.8 million last month, a shade ahead of Redcliffe Leagues Club, which spun $15.6 million. There was a spirited battle for minor placings, with Kedron-Wavell Services Club turning over more than $14 million, Sunnybank Rugby Union Club $14 million, Caloundra RSL $13.9 million, Southport Sharks $13.6 million and the Broncos Leagues Club $12.5 million.
The big improver is the Sunnybank rugby club, which has a strong Asian contingent.
The top clubs are allowed no more than 280 machines. The rivers of gold continue to flow, with most top 10 clubs slightly up in net profit for the month.
Their biggest threat is the rise of gambling in hotels, most of them owned by rival retailers Coles Myer and Woolworths.
There are 41,809 operational "electronic gaming machines" or pokies, in pubs and clubs in Queensland latest figures supplied by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing show.
There were 23,052 machines in 558 clubs compared with 18,757 machines in 766 pubs.
The State Government offers little public feedback on the industry for fear of an anti-gambling backlash. This may be because it gets a staggering $10.5 million a week, or $550 million a year, from the machines.
The president of a successful Queensland club went months without even seeing a single problem gambler. And the image of the desperate gambling addict squandering the family grocery money is rare.
He said: "The typical club members are a husband and wife, 40-plus, perhaps semi-retired who come once or twice a week for a show and a cheap meal. They budget $20 to play the machines for two hours for fun with minor jackpots.
"It's a cheap and cheerful form of entertainment; much cheaper than dinner at a restaurant and a night at the pictures."
He believes clubs should be supported because they contribute generously to community projects, unlike most hotels whose machine profits go back to shareholders.
Two years ago the Queensland Household Gambling Survey identified 14,000 problem gamblers in Queensland, many of them casino and racetrack punters. So problem gamblers represent 0.47 per cent of the state's adult population - almost an insignificant number unless, of course, one of them is your partner, daughter or son.
Greenbank RSL chief executive John Limbrick says the club's 80,000 members make it one of the top three in the country.
"The more we generate with gambling the more we can give back to the community." he said.
The club donated to more than 100 organisations, from the RSPCA to the Queensland Cancer Council, schools, churches, the St Vincent de Paul Society and the War Widows' Guild. He says clubs go to great lengths to keep problem gamblers away.
The $550 million in pokie taxes represents less than 1.55 per cent of State Government revenue.
More than $142 million will go to the community through Community Investment Fund programs.
With figures like that, it seems clubs are here to stay. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Punters lose $1b in WA splurge, by Peter Kerr - The West Australian - 13th May 2009
West Australians’ love affair with gambling has grown deeper with losses hitting more than $1 billion in a year — or almost $630 each — for the first time, according to a report.
The latest data on Australia’s gambling habits shows WA punters splurged a record $4.5 billion at the casino, racetrack and on Lotto and sports betting in 2006-07, an average of almost $2800 for each adult.
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This wagering spree was 19.5 per cent higher than the previous period and saw gamblers lose $1 billion over the financial year, up from $850 million previously.
About $453 million was blown at the casino, $264 million on Lotto and instant “scratchies” and $259 million on racing.
But the punting paid off for the State Government, which collected almost $326 million in gambling related taxes over the same period, or about $200 per person.
Anglicare financial counsellor Joanna Carrington said yesterday many West Australians saw gambling as a recreation that could be afforded during boom times but it could easily become a problem as the economy soured if people did not adjust their betting habits.
She said the report revealed how important the WA ban on poker machines was in reducing problem gambling.
With the Government prohibition on poker machines, except for the “gaming” units at Burswood Casino, WA’s gambling turnover paled compared with other States where the machines are widespread, such as NSW, where more than $67 billion was spent on gambling.
NSW has almost 100,000 poker machines compared with fewer than 2000 gaming machines at Burswood.
The figures, obtained from the Queensland Treasury, show gaming accounted for most gambling in WA, with $2.1 billion bet at the casino and $500 million spent on lottery tickets while $1.6 billion was fluttered on racing, with most going to the TAB.
Australians gambled a record $153.3 billion in 2006-07, almost $10,000 a head, up $5 billion on the previous year. Collectively, $18.2 billion was lost, $10.6 billion of it on pokies.
The State Government is considering a proposal from Lotterywest to offer online sales of its games but financial counsellors are concerned that any expansion could increase problem gambling.
Racing Minister Terry Waldron said the Government remained opposed to more poker machines. (Credit: The West Australian)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Australian Pokies
Pokies
Sports Betting
Racing
Horse Racing
Casino News
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
The latest data on Australia’s gambling habits shows WA punters splurged a record $4.5 billion at the casino, racetrack and on Lotto and sports betting in 2006-07, an average of almost $2800 for each adult.
BLOG: Gambling - Are you addicted? Click here
This wagering spree was 19.5 per cent higher than the previous period and saw gamblers lose $1 billion over the financial year, up from $850 million previously.
About $453 million was blown at the casino, $264 million on Lotto and instant “scratchies” and $259 million on racing.
But the punting paid off for the State Government, which collected almost $326 million in gambling related taxes over the same period, or about $200 per person.
Anglicare financial counsellor Joanna Carrington said yesterday many West Australians saw gambling as a recreation that could be afforded during boom times but it could easily become a problem as the economy soured if people did not adjust their betting habits.
She said the report revealed how important the WA ban on poker machines was in reducing problem gambling.
With the Government prohibition on poker machines, except for the “gaming” units at Burswood Casino, WA’s gambling turnover paled compared with other States where the machines are widespread, such as NSW, where more than $67 billion was spent on gambling.
NSW has almost 100,000 poker machines compared with fewer than 2000 gaming machines at Burswood.
The figures, obtained from the Queensland Treasury, show gaming accounted for most gambling in WA, with $2.1 billion bet at the casino and $500 million spent on lottery tickets while $1.6 billion was fluttered on racing, with most going to the TAB.
Australians gambled a record $153.3 billion in 2006-07, almost $10,000 a head, up $5 billion on the previous year. Collectively, $18.2 billion was lost, $10.6 billion of it on pokies.
The State Government is considering a proposal from Lotterywest to offer online sales of its games but financial counsellors are concerned that any expansion could increase problem gambling.
Racing Minister Terry Waldron said the Government remained opposed to more poker machines. (Credit: The West Australian)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Australian Pokies
Pokies
Sports Betting
Racing
Horse Racing
Casino News
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Virgin Casino Slots - Casino Classics
Classic casino slots by Virgin Games - Virgin Casino
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Cleopatra
Cleopatra II
Da Vinci Diamonds
Double Diamond
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The 50,000 Pyramid
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Wheel Of Fortune II
Monopoly
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ELVIS II
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Cleopatra
Cleopatra II
Da Vinci Diamonds
Double Diamond
Five Times Pay
The 50,000 Pyramid
Enchanted Unicorn
Wheel Of Fortune
Wheel Of Fortune II
Monopoly
Monopoly II
ELVIS
ELVIS II
Classic Slot Machines
Classic Slots
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Casino Classics
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Virgin Casino
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Sunday, May 10, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
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Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Party Casino News
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Marvel Heroes Casino
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Marvel Heroes Casino
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
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Australian Sports Entertainment
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Media Manager
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Marvel Slots Online
Marvel Heroes Casino
Australian Casino News
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Australian Sports Entertainment
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Media Manager
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Friday, May 01, 2009
Media Man Australia Website Network Milestone
Sydney, Australia
1st May 2009
Media, publicity and portal development company, Media Man Australia, is delighted to announce its latest in a series of significant milestones.
Media Man Australia has expanded its network website portfolio to 11 websites, headed up by flagship website portals www.mediaman.com.au, www.casinonewsmedia.com and www.australiansportsentertainment.com
In addition MMA is the owner and operator of over 20 website domains covering the media, publicity, lifestyle, gaming, tourism and financial sectors.
The Media Man Australia website network attracts approximately 2 million hits per month and the Media Man Australia company website is in the Hitwise Australia top ten (entertainment category).
Some of the key brands Media Man Australia and its ever growing website network have worked with include PartyGaming - PartyCasino - PartyPoker, Virgin Games - Virgin Casino, William Hill Online, Playtech, Casino Rewards - Captain Cooks Casino, InterCasino - Marvel Entertainment, 888, PKR, Centrebet, Betezy, Virgin Blue, Webjet, Wotif, Foxtel, DGM, Ruby Rabbit De Nom, Universal Peace Centre Retreat, Richard Bradley Productions, Maxx-G Aerobatics, Messages On Hold, and the Australian Stunt Academy.
Media Man Australia enjoys supporting worthy community initiatives and some of its favorite charities and community minded organisations include Virgin Unite, beyondblue, The Shane Warne Foundation, The Salvation Army, Variety, Barnardos, Earth Hour, Climate Action, and Friends of Bondi Pavilion.
More information:
Greg Tingle
Director and Founder
Media Man Australia
t: (02) 9365 3164
e: greg@mediaman.com.au
w: www.mediaman.com.au
1st May 2009
Media, publicity and portal development company, Media Man Australia, is delighted to announce its latest in a series of significant milestones.
Media Man Australia has expanded its network website portfolio to 11 websites, headed up by flagship website portals www.mediaman.com.au, www.casinonewsmedia.com and www.australiansportsentertainment.com
In addition MMA is the owner and operator of over 20 website domains covering the media, publicity, lifestyle, gaming, tourism and financial sectors.
The Media Man Australia website network attracts approximately 2 million hits per month and the Media Man Australia company website is in the Hitwise Australia top ten (entertainment category).
Some of the key brands Media Man Australia and its ever growing website network have worked with include PartyGaming - PartyCasino - PartyPoker, Virgin Games - Virgin Casino, William Hill Online, Playtech, Casino Rewards - Captain Cooks Casino, InterCasino - Marvel Entertainment, 888, PKR, Centrebet, Betezy, Virgin Blue, Webjet, Wotif, Foxtel, DGM, Ruby Rabbit De Nom, Universal Peace Centre Retreat, Richard Bradley Productions, Maxx-G Aerobatics, Messages On Hold, and the Australian Stunt Academy.
Media Man Australia enjoys supporting worthy community initiatives and some of its favorite charities and community minded organisations include Virgin Unite, beyondblue, The Shane Warne Foundation, The Salvation Army, Variety, Barnardos, Earth Hour, Climate Action, and Friends of Bondi Pavilion.
More information:
Greg Tingle
Director and Founder
Media Man Australia
t: (02) 9365 3164
e: greg@mediaman.com.au
w: www.mediaman.com.au
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Media Man Australia Website Network Updated
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Party Casino News
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Classic Slots Online
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Classic Slots
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Travel Tourism Media
Greg Tingle TV
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Casino Travel Media
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Marvel Slot Casino
Party Casino News
Cleopatra Slot News
Classic Slots Online
Classic Casino Games
Classic Slots
Virgin Casino News
Australian Casinos
Property News Media
Travel Tourism Media
Greg Tingle TV
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Media Man Australia Network Profiles Updated
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Casino Travel Tourism
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
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Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Manager
Media Man Australia
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Marvel Slots Online
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Travel Tourism Media
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Media Manager
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
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Travel Tourism Media
Australian Casino News
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Australian Pokies
50 Lions
Highly distinctive due to its appearance – it’s the first 50 line slot in the world – this means that you’ll always have 20 symbols showing on the screen rather than the more standard 15.
Indian Dreaming
Released in 1999, this was the first pokie in which the player could win without having lined up matching symbols – this is due to Aristocrats unique 243 config – in which symbols that are on neighbouring reels can win.
Where’s the Gold?
Where’s the Gold is ‘free game’ heaven – the player can win up to 20 free games simply by picking a character – this character becomes wild when your free games are initiated.
Show me the Money
Another bend on the free games feature, this game was released in 2000 and enables the player to choose between 5 different multipliers or spins – you can also pick up a mystery prize for getting wilds on the first five reels.
Queen of the Nile
This hugely popular slot has (rather unsurprisingly) an ancient Egyptian theme. It can be played up to 20 lines and the player can get up to fifteen game bonuses absolutely free. It’s remained at the top of the charts for nearly 12 years!
Popular Online Pokies In Australia
Cleopatra
Cleopatra II
MegaJackpots Cleopatra
Da Vinci Diamonds
The 50,000 Pyramid
Wheel Of Fortune
Goanna Gold
No Worries
Bush Telegraph
Tomb Raider
Highly distinctive due to its appearance – it’s the first 50 line slot in the world – this means that you’ll always have 20 symbols showing on the screen rather than the more standard 15.
Indian Dreaming
Released in 1999, this was the first pokie in which the player could win without having lined up matching symbols – this is due to Aristocrats unique 243 config – in which symbols that are on neighbouring reels can win.
Where’s the Gold?
Where’s the Gold is ‘free game’ heaven – the player can win up to 20 free games simply by picking a character – this character becomes wild when your free games are initiated.
Show me the Money
Another bend on the free games feature, this game was released in 2000 and enables the player to choose between 5 different multipliers or spins – you can also pick up a mystery prize for getting wilds on the first five reels.
Queen of the Nile
This hugely popular slot has (rather unsurprisingly) an ancient Egyptian theme. It can be played up to 20 lines and the player can get up to fifteen game bonuses absolutely free. It’s remained at the top of the charts for nearly 12 years!
Popular Online Pokies In Australia
Cleopatra
Cleopatra II
MegaJackpots Cleopatra
Da Vinci Diamonds
The 50,000 Pyramid
Wheel Of Fortune
Goanna Gold
No Worries
Bush Telegraph
Tomb Raider
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Travel Tourism Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Travel Tourism Media
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Casino News
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Profiles Updated
Australian Sports Entertainment Profiles
Television
Hollywood
Hollywood Slots
Games
Gaming
Casino
Slots
Wrestling
Bondi
Sydney
Australia
Television
Hollywood
Hollywood Slots
Games
Gaming
Casino
Slots
Wrestling
Bondi
Sydney
Australia
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Casino Travel Tourism
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Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Casino Travel Tourism
Australian Casino News
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Wolverine and X-Men Online Slot Machines
Australia's own Hugh Jackman is featured in Marvel themed online slot machines, Wolverine and X-Men. InterCasino features the slot games in addition to a large range of other Marvel Comics themed slots.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine opens in Australia on April 29 and in the US on May 1.
The Wolverine and X-Men online slot games are available for play now.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wolverine
X-Men
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Hugh Jackman
InterCasino.com
Marvel Slot Games
Marvel Slots Online
Marvel Entertainment
Australian Pokies
Australian Casinos
Australian Casino News
X-Men Origins: Wolverine opens in Australia on April 29 and in the US on May 1.
The Wolverine and X-Men online slot games are available for play now.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wolverine
X-Men
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Hugh Jackman
InterCasino.com
Marvel Slot Games
Marvel Slots Online
Marvel Entertainment
Australian Pokies
Australian Casinos
Australian Casino News
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
X-Men sequel leaked online - 3rd April 2009
A stolen copy of the film X-Men Origins: Wolverine has leapt around the internet being downloaded from file sharing websites.
An incomplete, early version of the film purloined earlier this week was posted illegally at websites, according to Twentieth Century Fox Films studio spokesman Chris Petrikin.
The movie is slated to open in theaters worldwide in just under four weeks.
"It was without many effects, had missing and unedited scenes and temporary sound and music," Petrikin said of the version of the film put online.
"We immediately contacted the appropriate legal authorities and had it removed."
Fox forensically marks digital films to better track them and, in this case, figure out who made it available online and those that downloaded copies.
The X-Men film, based on the eponymous comic book characters, was evidently spread with BitTorrent file sharing technology that lets people share large data files virally between computers in a fashion called peer-to-peer.
"The source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Petrikin said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.
"We are encouraged by the support of fan sites condemning this illegal posting and pointing out that such theft undermines the enormous efforts of the filmmakers and actors, and above all, hurts the fans of the film."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wolverine
X-Men
Twentieth Century Fox
Hugh Jackman
Marvel Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
An incomplete, early version of the film purloined earlier this week was posted illegally at websites, according to Twentieth Century Fox Films studio spokesman Chris Petrikin.
The movie is slated to open in theaters worldwide in just under four weeks.
"It was without many effects, had missing and unedited scenes and temporary sound and music," Petrikin said of the version of the film put online.
"We immediately contacted the appropriate legal authorities and had it removed."
Fox forensically marks digital films to better track them and, in this case, figure out who made it available online and those that downloaded copies.
The X-Men film, based on the eponymous comic book characters, was evidently spread with BitTorrent file sharing technology that lets people share large data files virally between computers in a fashion called peer-to-peer.
"The source of the initial leak and any subsequent postings will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Petrikin said in an email response to an AFP inquiry.
"We are encouraged by the support of fan sites condemning this illegal posting and pointing out that such theft undermines the enormous efforts of the filmmakers and actors, and above all, hurts the fans of the film."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wolverine
X-Men
Twentieth Century Fox
Hugh Jackman
Marvel Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment
Saturday, April 04, 2009
AFL slammed for free gambling vouchers - News.com.au - 2nd April 2009
Promotion "cannabilising" supporters
Giving betting firms "plenty of oxygen"
Xenophon to introduce a Bill to ban it
THE AFL has "cannabalised" supporters by attaching free gambling vouchers to the official match day program, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says.
Senator Xenophon plans to introduce a Bill into Federal Parliament banning such promotions, which he says are designed get some people hooked on gambling.
All copies of the round one AFL Record had a $50 Betfair gambling voucher attached.
The promotion, which a spokesperson for the AFL Record said was approved by the AFL, was on the cover of the publication.
It required the user to create an account with Betfair and then spend $50 of their own money on bets before receiving the credit.
In a climate of global financial uncertainty, the AFL and its clubs are giving betting firms plenty of oxygen, something Senator Xenophon predicted would result in some supporters becoming compulsive gamblers.
"This is the AFL taking a narrow, blinkered approach,'' Senator Xenophon said.
"The irony is that many fans will, because of this promotion, get hooked on gambling and won't be able to afford a season ticket or a membership.
"Getting money from gambling like this is fool's gold, because it essentially cannibalises the supporters of the game.''
Corporate bookmakers have moved with increasing confidence into aggressive marketing via top level sports since last year, when a High Court judgment in favour of Betfair effectively opened the gates to a closer relationship between betting agencies and sports.
In October, well-known bookmaker Gerard Daffy described the changed climate as "party time'' for betting companies.
But anti-gambling campaigner Senator Xenophon has a different view.
"My message to (AFL chief executive) Andrew Demetriou is think of the consequences of footy fans getting hooked on online gambling,'' he said.
"There is no such thing as a free bet - these companies are luring people via these promotions. They know a proportion of people will get hooked.'' (Credit: News.com.au)
Greg Tingle comment...
As long as its not illegal you can expect many Australian professional sports codes to adopt a business model that has elements of betting, be it Betfair with the AFL, Betezy with the NRL clubs, AIS with the Australian Grand Prix or whatever. Gambling is gambling whatever way we slice it or dice it. Lotto, bingo, scratchies, online bingo, horse racing, online slots or high stakes million dollar poker tournaments. The subject of betting ignites passionate arguments for and against and of course it's a very hot item on the Australian political agenda. I think the readers can guess whether Senator Stephen Conroy will have bet on the AFL footy matches of not!
Media Man Australia Profiles
AFL
Sports Betting
Sports News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Giving betting firms "plenty of oxygen"
Xenophon to introduce a Bill to ban it
THE AFL has "cannabalised" supporters by attaching free gambling vouchers to the official match day program, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says.
Senator Xenophon plans to introduce a Bill into Federal Parliament banning such promotions, which he says are designed get some people hooked on gambling.
All copies of the round one AFL Record had a $50 Betfair gambling voucher attached.
The promotion, which a spokesperson for the AFL Record said was approved by the AFL, was on the cover of the publication.
It required the user to create an account with Betfair and then spend $50 of their own money on bets before receiving the credit.
In a climate of global financial uncertainty, the AFL and its clubs are giving betting firms plenty of oxygen, something Senator Xenophon predicted would result in some supporters becoming compulsive gamblers.
"This is the AFL taking a narrow, blinkered approach,'' Senator Xenophon said.
"The irony is that many fans will, because of this promotion, get hooked on gambling and won't be able to afford a season ticket or a membership.
"Getting money from gambling like this is fool's gold, because it essentially cannibalises the supporters of the game.''
Corporate bookmakers have moved with increasing confidence into aggressive marketing via top level sports since last year, when a High Court judgment in favour of Betfair effectively opened the gates to a closer relationship between betting agencies and sports.
In October, well-known bookmaker Gerard Daffy described the changed climate as "party time'' for betting companies.
But anti-gambling campaigner Senator Xenophon has a different view.
"My message to (AFL chief executive) Andrew Demetriou is think of the consequences of footy fans getting hooked on online gambling,'' he said.
"There is no such thing as a free bet - these companies are luring people via these promotions. They know a proportion of people will get hooked.'' (Credit: News.com.au)
Greg Tingle comment...
As long as its not illegal you can expect many Australian professional sports codes to adopt a business model that has elements of betting, be it Betfair with the AFL, Betezy with the NRL clubs, AIS with the Australian Grand Prix or whatever. Gambling is gambling whatever way we slice it or dice it. Lotto, bingo, scratchies, online bingo, horse racing, online slots or high stakes million dollar poker tournaments. The subject of betting ignites passionate arguments for and against and of course it's a very hot item on the Australian political agenda. I think the readers can guess whether Senator Stephen Conroy will have bet on the AFL footy matches of not!
Media Man Australia Profiles
AFL
Sports Betting
Sports News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Aussie Gambling Reforms Close to Collapse - Gambling911 - 3rd April 2009
The revolutionary reform of Victoria's $5-billion-a-year gambling industry, which would end Tatts and Tabcorp's duopoly control of pokies by handing ownership to venues, is on the brink of collapse.
That's the news courtesy of The Australian:
"Gaming Minister Tony Robinson warned that the Government would have no choice but to walk away from its reforms if Opposition parties continued to block them in the upper house.
"The Coalition and the Greens, whose support Mr Robinson needs, hit back, accusing the Government of trying to ram through a flawed bill by scaremongering.
"The minister said his plan to auction pokies to individual venues and slash TAB's turnover tax on racing would collapse, leaving the industry and its 100,000 employees in chaos, unless the bill to achieve it passed in the next session of parliament in early May. He threatened to renew the duopoly deal if the "Opposition and the Greens would not support the bill. A nasty political brawl looms over the deadlock. The Government is expected to portray the Opposition and the Greens as lackeys of the two gambling giants."
Gambling911.com spoke with Australian Media Man, Greg Tingle regarding the gambling reforms issue:
"Things are still heating up in Australia on the gaming front. Australian's are amongst the world's biggest gamblers be it in clubs, hotels, casinos or online casinos. You can imagine the competition for the entertainment dollar, and of course the Australian government wants their cut also. The knives are out. Australian professional sports codes are upping the ante with magazine front cover promotions, in house sports betting like Betezy's BunnyBet, and so it goes on. In the meantime the world goes through a recession but the Australian gambling market looks pretty healthy."
Tingle deals with the online gambling community himself out of Australia and he claims times have never been better.
"Our numbers here at Media Man Australia are still holding up. We (Media Man Australia) had our recession a couple of years back but the last few years have been full steam ahead. That's an indication that the gambling sector, online gaming, igaming and the brave new world of internet portals are here to stay. Overseas operators still want in to Australia and for many like PokerStars, PartyGaming and The Bingo Affiliates, the internet is the way to go, backed up by "free to play" .net websites, complimented by live shows and offline promotions at the likes of Crown, Star City and Burswood Casino. Indications show that the industry is going to be further regulated, however as the ACMA blacklist policy shows there's going to be a few challenges and teething problems as the Australian government tries to regulate an industry that can be traced back to the underworld, 'Underbelly' days and the mob in Vegas and Chicago. If there ever was a "casino economy" the time is now."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Australian Casinos
Australian Pokies
Casino News
Australian Casino News
Poker News
Australian Sports Entertainment
That's the news courtesy of The Australian:
"Gaming Minister Tony Robinson warned that the Government would have no choice but to walk away from its reforms if Opposition parties continued to block them in the upper house.
"The Coalition and the Greens, whose support Mr Robinson needs, hit back, accusing the Government of trying to ram through a flawed bill by scaremongering.
"The minister said his plan to auction pokies to individual venues and slash TAB's turnover tax on racing would collapse, leaving the industry and its 100,000 employees in chaos, unless the bill to achieve it passed in the next session of parliament in early May. He threatened to renew the duopoly deal if the "Opposition and the Greens would not support the bill. A nasty political brawl looms over the deadlock. The Government is expected to portray the Opposition and the Greens as lackeys of the two gambling giants."
Gambling911.com spoke with Australian Media Man, Greg Tingle regarding the gambling reforms issue:
"Things are still heating up in Australia on the gaming front. Australian's are amongst the world's biggest gamblers be it in clubs, hotels, casinos or online casinos. You can imagine the competition for the entertainment dollar, and of course the Australian government wants their cut also. The knives are out. Australian professional sports codes are upping the ante with magazine front cover promotions, in house sports betting like Betezy's BunnyBet, and so it goes on. In the meantime the world goes through a recession but the Australian gambling market looks pretty healthy."
Tingle deals with the online gambling community himself out of Australia and he claims times have never been better.
"Our numbers here at Media Man Australia are still holding up. We (Media Man Australia) had our recession a couple of years back but the last few years have been full steam ahead. That's an indication that the gambling sector, online gaming, igaming and the brave new world of internet portals are here to stay. Overseas operators still want in to Australia and for many like PokerStars, PartyGaming and The Bingo Affiliates, the internet is the way to go, backed up by "free to play" .net websites, complimented by live shows and offline promotions at the likes of Crown, Star City and Burswood Casino. Indications show that the industry is going to be further regulated, however as the ACMA blacklist policy shows there's going to be a few challenges and teething problems as the Australian government tries to regulate an industry that can be traced back to the underworld, 'Underbelly' days and the mob in Vegas and Chicago. If there ever was a "casino economy" the time is now."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Australian Casinos
Australian Pokies
Casino News
Australian Casino News
Poker News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Australian Casino News
Casino News Media
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Australian Casino News
Casino News Media
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Friday, April 03, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Profiles Updated
Australian Sports Entertainment Profiles
Casino
Games
Slots
Sports
Sports Portal
Betting
Television
Australia
Casino
Games
Slots
Sports
Sports Portal
Betting
Television
Australia
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Media Man Australia - March 2009
This is the Media Man Australia monthly update as we get ready to enter a new month.
March 2009 proved to be a most significant month for Media Man Australia and we suspect for most people and companies.
The sentiment on the street and in the boardrooms is that Australia nor the rest of the world has yet to see the worst of the financial crisis, recession, crush, or whatever other terms we wish to use to describe it. It's well and truly a casino economy.
The "casino economy" was a catalyst in Media Man Australia further ramping up its activities in the casino, online casino, resort, financial news and tourism sector.
As you likely know Media Man Australia is primarily a media, publicity and portal development company. MMA was born in Sydney, Australia in 2001.
In 2005 we become fully aware that the casino, online casino and professional poker poker business had some exciting and potentially lucrative ties in with the media company and internet portal development business. It was our former client Keith "Bendigo" Sloan, poker commentary and trainer who tipped us off, and it must be said that "Bendigo" was right on the money as far as poker and casinos being made for TV in addition to convergent media opportunities.
In our time managing "Bendigo" we also expanded our online presence in the media, new media, poker and casino space, and were certainly able to see our business get to the next level.
Over the past few years we have noticed the trend of business giants such as Richard Branson's Virgin Group expand into other lifestyle sectors including launching their Virgin Casino - Virgin Games and James Packer's Crown Casino offering more of a total entertainment experience via bring in world class entertainment acts and in house facilities to their casino in Melbourne and Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia. Billionaires such as Mr Branson and Mr Packer has also experienced their ups and downs with the financial markets and only last week caught up for a chat at the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix. Last month Donald Trump referred to the casino business as a "disaster", however the casino business is not the online casino business, and here down under in Australia things are a bit different to Las Vegas and Atlantic City which are somewhat saturated with debt laden land based casinos.
Just as in any business their are individuals and brands who stand head and shoulders about the rest and there are others which raise a number of questions and concerns.
As the founder and director of Media Man Australia and Casino News Media you can imagine that I get asked for my opinion and experience with a number of media, new media and casino entities. Here's is a list, not complete by any means, of a range of companies that we have had positive dealings and experiences with:
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Virgin Games
PartyGaming PartyCasino.com PartyPartners.com
PKR
World Poker Tour
World Series of Poker
Playtech
William Hill
Rewards Affiliates
Captain Cooks Casino
Microgaming
Cryptologic
Betezy
National Rugby League
Crown Casino
Hilton Hotels
Marvel Entertainment
InterCasino.com
JackpotCity
Moneybookers
Betfair
Australian Stunt Academy
Maxx-G Aerobatics
Drasin Productions
Richard Bradley Productions
Casino Affiliate Programs
Gaming Portal Webmasters Association
Gambling911
DGM
World Wrestling Entertainment
Layfield's Energy
Google
Fairfax
News Corporation
Foxtel
Craig's List
The Bondi View
ABC
Again, this list is not complete by any means. Please see the Media Man Australia and Casino News Media websites for more information and company reviews and articles.
What to expect from Media Man Australia in the coming months?
Media Man Australia will be at the forefront of important news stories, especially those which concern both the online casino and censorship debate and the ACMA "blacklist".
We will be continuing our policy of supporting many worthy causes at the same time via our online listing of the Social and Community Entrepreneurs and Charity portfolio. Our favorite worthy causes include Virgin Unite, Variety, beyondblue, The Salvation Army and The Shane Warne Foundation.
The Media Man Australia network will continue to expand in an online and offline capacity.
The main websites in the Media Man Australia online portfolio are:
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
We also also assisting our friends and associates at Travel Tourism Media.
Expect to see one or two Media Man Australia websites turn up again in the Hitwise top ten lists and our Alexa rankings further improve.
The good old fashion work - life balance will remain a focus. Some good places to check out on that front include the offerings from Virgin Limited Edition and Universal Peace Centre Retreat. MMA also have an online Mind, Body and Spirit portfolio. If your looking into air travel check out Webjet, Virgin Blue, V Australia and Qantas.
We're set to break more leading news stories and will also continue to play a major role in new and exciting developments in the publicity business. I am known to say, "we don't advertise" however the internet could be seen as one giant advertisement and positive word of mouth could also be seen as a form of advertising.
Movie Reviews
There's been some great movies released so far in 2009 and some potential blockbusters just around the corner.
Movie Profiles
The Wrestler
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
Watchmen
Wolverine
12 Rounds
Game Reviews
The Godfather
Wolverine
Lucky News Network
No Worries
Bush Telegraph
Goanna Gold
The Hulk
Cleopatra
WWE Legends Of WrestleMania
News
Access the world's major news services online here and here.
That's a wrap for March. Remember, you only live once so make the most of it.
Thanks for supporting Media Man Australia.
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia
March 2009 proved to be a most significant month for Media Man Australia and we suspect for most people and companies.
The sentiment on the street and in the boardrooms is that Australia nor the rest of the world has yet to see the worst of the financial crisis, recession, crush, or whatever other terms we wish to use to describe it. It's well and truly a casino economy.
The "casino economy" was a catalyst in Media Man Australia further ramping up its activities in the casino, online casino, resort, financial news and tourism sector.
As you likely know Media Man Australia is primarily a media, publicity and portal development company. MMA was born in Sydney, Australia in 2001.
In 2005 we become fully aware that the casino, online casino and professional poker poker business had some exciting and potentially lucrative ties in with the media company and internet portal development business. It was our former client Keith "Bendigo" Sloan, poker commentary and trainer who tipped us off, and it must be said that "Bendigo" was right on the money as far as poker and casinos being made for TV in addition to convergent media opportunities.
In our time managing "Bendigo" we also expanded our online presence in the media, new media, poker and casino space, and were certainly able to see our business get to the next level.
Over the past few years we have noticed the trend of business giants such as Richard Branson's Virgin Group expand into other lifestyle sectors including launching their Virgin Casino - Virgin Games and James Packer's Crown Casino offering more of a total entertainment experience via bring in world class entertainment acts and in house facilities to their casino in Melbourne and Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia. Billionaires such as Mr Branson and Mr Packer has also experienced their ups and downs with the financial markets and only last week caught up for a chat at the Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix. Last month Donald Trump referred to the casino business as a "disaster", however the casino business is not the online casino business, and here down under in Australia things are a bit different to Las Vegas and Atlantic City which are somewhat saturated with debt laden land based casinos.
Just as in any business their are individuals and brands who stand head and shoulders about the rest and there are others which raise a number of questions and concerns.
As the founder and director of Media Man Australia and Casino News Media you can imagine that I get asked for my opinion and experience with a number of media, new media and casino entities. Here's is a list, not complete by any means, of a range of companies that we have had positive dealings and experiences with:
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Virgin Games
PartyGaming PartyCasino.com PartyPartners.com
PKR
World Poker Tour
World Series of Poker
Playtech
William Hill
Rewards Affiliates
Captain Cooks Casino
Microgaming
Cryptologic
Betezy
National Rugby League
Crown Casino
Hilton Hotels
Marvel Entertainment
InterCasino.com
JackpotCity
Moneybookers
Betfair
Australian Stunt Academy
Maxx-G Aerobatics
Drasin Productions
Richard Bradley Productions
Casino Affiliate Programs
Gaming Portal Webmasters Association
Gambling911
DGM
World Wrestling Entertainment
Layfield's Energy
Fairfax
News Corporation
Foxtel
Craig's List
The Bondi View
ABC
Again, this list is not complete by any means. Please see the Media Man Australia and Casino News Media websites for more information and company reviews and articles.
What to expect from Media Man Australia in the coming months?
Media Man Australia will be at the forefront of important news stories, especially those which concern both the online casino and censorship debate and the ACMA "blacklist".
We will be continuing our policy of supporting many worthy causes at the same time via our online listing of the Social and Community Entrepreneurs and Charity portfolio. Our favorite worthy causes include Virgin Unite, Variety, beyondblue, The Salvation Army and The Shane Warne Foundation.
The Media Man Australia network will continue to expand in an online and offline capacity.
The main websites in the Media Man Australia online portfolio are:
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
We also also assisting our friends and associates at Travel Tourism Media.
Expect to see one or two Media Man Australia websites turn up again in the Hitwise top ten lists and our Alexa rankings further improve.
The good old fashion work - life balance will remain a focus. Some good places to check out on that front include the offerings from Virgin Limited Edition and Universal Peace Centre Retreat. MMA also have an online Mind, Body and Spirit portfolio. If your looking into air travel check out Webjet, Virgin Blue, V Australia and Qantas.
We're set to break more leading news stories and will also continue to play a major role in new and exciting developments in the publicity business. I am known to say, "we don't advertise" however the internet could be seen as one giant advertisement and positive word of mouth could also be seen as a form of advertising.
Movie Reviews
There's been some great movies released so far in 2009 and some potential blockbusters just around the corner.
Movie Profiles
The Wrestler
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
Watchmen
Wolverine
12 Rounds
Game Reviews
The Godfather
Wolverine
Lucky News Network
No Worries
Bush Telegraph
Goanna Gold
The Hulk
Cleopatra
WWE Legends Of WrestleMania
News
Access the world's major news services online here and here.
That's a wrap for March. Remember, you only live once so make the most of it.
Thanks for supporting Media Man Australia.
Greg Tingle
Director
Media Man Australia
Monday, March 30, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Marvel Slots Online
Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Party Casino News
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Australian Sports Entertainment
Marvel Slots Online
Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Party Casino News
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wolverine slot game review
Slots Type: 5 Reel, 25 Payline Video Slot with Bonus Game.
Software: Cryptologic
Description: This is a 5 reels, 25 payline video slot with the theme of the imaginary comic character Wolverine. Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses; he has enhanced physical capabilities like blades coming from his hand, and a healing factor that recovers him from virtually any wound. The symbols of the game like the Wolverine, the blade marks made by wolverine, wolverine's clothes, mask and other accessories all support the theme very well. This game has beautiful video graphics as well as amazing sound effects, which increases the interest level.
This slot has a jackpot of 3000 coins and three progressive jackpots to be won. It also has a bonus game, where the player can again win a big amount.
This game can also be classed as a penny slot as the minimum amount that the player can bet in this game is a cent for a single spin, while the maximum amount that the player can bet is $125 per spin making it perfect for the high rollers as well (high roller slot).
This game was launched on 7th June 2007.
If you like this game you may also like other Marvel themed slots we have reviewed.
Marvel Jackpot: The bigger you bet, the bigger chance you have of winning. Jackpots are hit every couple of hours.
Key Jackpot Info:
Starts at: $5000.00
Average Hits at: $10,146.58
Highest Ever: $29,305.76
Super Hero Jackpot: The bigger you bet, the bigger chance you have of winning. Jackpots are hit every few hours.
Key Jackpot Info:
Starts at: $500.00
Average Hits at: $1,031.34
Highest Ever: $3,910.25
Hero Jackpot: The bigger you bet, the bigger chance you have of winning. Jackpots are hit every couple of hours.
Key Jackpot Info:
Starts at: $50.00
Average Hits at: $108.73
Highest Ever: $478.23
Wild Symbol: The Wolverine symbol is the wild symbol. It means that this symbol can substitute other symbols to complete the winning combination, except the scatter symbol.
Scatter Symbol: The Sabretooth symbol is the scatter symbol. It means that if two or more scatter symbols appear anywhere in the five reels, then it completes the winning combination.
Bonus Game: The Wolverine V Sabretooth bonus game is activated when three or more Sabretooth symbols appear anywhere in the five reels. In this game the player selects the moves for Wolverine to fight Sabretooth. Each move has a random amount stored on it. Both Wolverine and Sabretooth have life lines and the fight continues until either one's life line ends.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wolverine
Hugh Jackman
X-Men
Marvel Slot Games
Marvel Slots Online
Australia
Australian Casinos
Australian Casino News
Software: Cryptologic
Description: This is a 5 reels, 25 payline video slot with the theme of the imaginary comic character Wolverine. Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses; he has enhanced physical capabilities like blades coming from his hand, and a healing factor that recovers him from virtually any wound. The symbols of the game like the Wolverine, the blade marks made by wolverine, wolverine's clothes, mask and other accessories all support the theme very well. This game has beautiful video graphics as well as amazing sound effects, which increases the interest level.
This slot has a jackpot of 3000 coins and three progressive jackpots to be won. It also has a bonus game, where the player can again win a big amount.
This game can also be classed as a penny slot as the minimum amount that the player can bet in this game is a cent for a single spin, while the maximum amount that the player can bet is $125 per spin making it perfect for the high rollers as well (high roller slot).
This game was launched on 7th June 2007.
If you like this game you may also like other Marvel themed slots we have reviewed.
Marvel Jackpot: The bigger you bet, the bigger chance you have of winning. Jackpots are hit every couple of hours.
Key Jackpot Info:
Starts at: $5000.00
Average Hits at: $10,146.58
Highest Ever: $29,305.76
Super Hero Jackpot: The bigger you bet, the bigger chance you have of winning. Jackpots are hit every few hours.
Key Jackpot Info:
Starts at: $500.00
Average Hits at: $1,031.34
Highest Ever: $3,910.25
Hero Jackpot: The bigger you bet, the bigger chance you have of winning. Jackpots are hit every couple of hours.
Key Jackpot Info:
Starts at: $50.00
Average Hits at: $108.73
Highest Ever: $478.23
Wild Symbol: The Wolverine symbol is the wild symbol. It means that this symbol can substitute other symbols to complete the winning combination, except the scatter symbol.
Scatter Symbol: The Sabretooth symbol is the scatter symbol. It means that if two or more scatter symbols appear anywhere in the five reels, then it completes the winning combination.
Bonus Game: The Wolverine V Sabretooth bonus game is activated when three or more Sabretooth symbols appear anywhere in the five reels. In this game the player selects the moves for Wolverine to fight Sabretooth. Each move has a random amount stored on it. Both Wolverine and Sabretooth have life lines and the fight continues until either one's life line ends.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wolverine
Hugh Jackman
X-Men
Marvel Slot Games
Marvel Slots Online
Australia
Australian Casinos
Australian Casino News
International Internet Betting Laws
It may seem difficult but it is important that all citizens across the world stay updated with Internet Betting laws. Below you will find what we understand as the laws to online betting in certain areas of the world.
US Internet Betting Laws
The United States of America has the most ambiguous online casino laws in the world. They have passed laws to ban banks from allowing transactions that are deemed illegal, but no one has any idea what the United States considers legal or illegal. Currently, all US citizens are advised to check with local laws before gambling online. Even the online casinos aren't sure if you should be allowed to bet at their site. Some companies don't allow US players, others allow some US players, and some could care less where a player is from.
UK Internet Casino Laws
The UK is the first major country to completely legalize and regulate online gambling. The Gambling Act of 2005 was passed while Prime Minister Tony Blair was in office. Blair had a flair for expanding gambling, but when Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister in the UK he provided a tax structure that was so high that most online casino companies were not urged to relocate to England. Today, all web branded casinos that are in a UK approved jurisdiction are legal for UK citizens to play at.
International Online Betting Laws
As the world gets deeper into the 21st century and the Internet becomes a more common cultural tool more and more countries are realizing the reality that is Internet gambling. Currently, Spain, Italy, Germany and other countries have moved to legalize and regulate the industry, while few still look to protect their homeland gaming monopolies. It is extremely important to check all local, state, and federal laws before participating in any online gambling activities.
Media Man Australia Profiles
American Gaming
American Casinos
UK Casinos
European Gaming
European Casinos
Multi Currency Casino
World Casino Directory
World Gaming Directory
Online Betting
Online Casino
Online Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
US Internet Betting Laws
The United States of America has the most ambiguous online casino laws in the world. They have passed laws to ban banks from allowing transactions that are deemed illegal, but no one has any idea what the United States considers legal or illegal. Currently, all US citizens are advised to check with local laws before gambling online. Even the online casinos aren't sure if you should be allowed to bet at their site. Some companies don't allow US players, others allow some US players, and some could care less where a player is from.
UK Internet Casino Laws
The UK is the first major country to completely legalize and regulate online gambling. The Gambling Act of 2005 was passed while Prime Minister Tony Blair was in office. Blair had a flair for expanding gambling, but when Gordon Brown took over as Prime Minister in the UK he provided a tax structure that was so high that most online casino companies were not urged to relocate to England. Today, all web branded casinos that are in a UK approved jurisdiction are legal for UK citizens to play at.
International Online Betting Laws
As the world gets deeper into the 21st century and the Internet becomes a more common cultural tool more and more countries are realizing the reality that is Internet gambling. Currently, Spain, Italy, Germany and other countries have moved to legalize and regulate the industry, while few still look to protect their homeland gaming monopolies. It is extremely important to check all local, state, and federal laws before participating in any online gambling activities.
Media Man Australia Profiles
American Gaming
American Casinos
UK Casinos
European Gaming
European Casinos
Multi Currency Casino
World Casino Directory
World Gaming Directory
Online Betting
Online Casino
Online Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
March Madness Search Strategies - Hitwise - 20th March 2009
It goes without saying that during the NCAA Basketball Tournament, visits will increase to the websites that provide coverage of the games – particularly on those that offer live video during work hours. As the tournament gets underway, we decided to look at the search terms that are driving traffic to websites hoping to attract viewers and ultimately drive ad revenues during March Madness.
We created a portfolio of the most popular search terms around the NCAA tournament to understand what search strategies are being employed to drive traffic. Last week, the share of clicks to the portfolio from organic search results was 90%. Among the top 10 search terms ranked by the share of clicks, 5 received 100% of their clicks through organic results.
This high share of organic results shows that many of the websites are well-optimized for the top search terms, with the official website of the NCAA leading the pack.
Of the 10% of the traffic that came from paid clicks, Google captured the majority of the traffic coming through sponsored listings. 94% of the paid clicks for all of the search terms within the NCAA March Madness portfolio for the week ending 03/14/2009 were through Google.
The overall share of paid traffic is fairly low for the portfolio of NCAA March Madness search terms and many of the terms are only driving organic traffic, so there should still be affordable opportunities across all of the search engines. Some of the players can take advantage of sponsored links for placement next to the organic results and possibly intercept some traffic. (Credit: Hitwise)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Hitwise
Google
Sports Betting
United States
Australian Sports Entertainment
We created a portfolio of the most popular search terms around the NCAA tournament to understand what search strategies are being employed to drive traffic. Last week, the share of clicks to the portfolio from organic search results was 90%. Among the top 10 search terms ranked by the share of clicks, 5 received 100% of their clicks through organic results.
This high share of organic results shows that many of the websites are well-optimized for the top search terms, with the official website of the NCAA leading the pack.
Of the 10% of the traffic that came from paid clicks, Google captured the majority of the traffic coming through sponsored listings. 94% of the paid clicks for all of the search terms within the NCAA March Madness portfolio for the week ending 03/14/2009 were through Google.
The overall share of paid traffic is fairly low for the portfolio of NCAA March Madness search terms and many of the terms are only driving organic traffic, so there should still be affordable opportunities across all of the search engines. Some of the players can take advantage of sponsored links for placement next to the organic results and possibly intercept some traffic. (Credit: Hitwise)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Hitwise
Sports Betting
United States
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australian Sports Entertainment Website Network Updated
Websites
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australian Casino News
Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australian Casino News
Casino News Media
Media Man Australia
Casino Travel Tourism
Marvel Slots Online
Party Casino News
Friday, March 27, 2009
Australians Are The Biggest Gamblers In The World - Gambling911 - 26th March 2009
A report out of Canada paints Australians as the biggest gambling degenerates in the world. The report, obtained exclusively by The Sunday Telegraph, shows Australian and New Zealand gamblers spend an average of $435 online every month.
This is five times what punters put through poker machines and has prompted renewed calls for bans on online gambling, which allows people to bet using credit.
The study also found the prevalence of problem gambling was up to four times higher for Internet gamblers than those who used traditional means such as poker machines.
More than 20,000 adults from 105 countries were surveyed for the study, conducted by University of Lethbridge professors Robert Wood and Robert Williams.
"Australian Internet gamblers do report higher average monthly gambling spending than the overall average we observed among our sample," Prof Wood said.
"This would suggest that Australian Internet gamblers do indeed spend more on gambling compared with Internet gamblers from most other countries."
Australian Media Man for Gambling911.com, Greg Tingle, rejoiced at the news.
"Ahoy. This report confirms my suspicions and my own findings... online gambling is red hot in the land down under... Australia. I think this officially marks a gold rush for the promised land. Our phone hasn't stopped ringing, and there's a constant stream of overseas enquires.
"The Australian government's ACMA website blacklist doesn't appear to have slowed down those seeking to make a killing down under. We're seen a trend in more .net ventures taking off and online casinos are generally keeping the "play for free" or "play for money" option. Australian newsrooms are also starting to run more stories regarding the online gambling sector and most are surprisingly balanced stories. We're gladly assisting them on (some) of the inner workings of the online casino industry." (Credit" Gambling911)
Casino News Media Profiles
Online Casino News
Australian Casino News
Australian Gambling
Australian Casinos
Australian Slots Online
Casino News
World Casino Directory
Casino Travel Tourism
Australian Sports Entertainment
This is five times what punters put through poker machines and has prompted renewed calls for bans on online gambling, which allows people to bet using credit.
The study also found the prevalence of problem gambling was up to four times higher for Internet gamblers than those who used traditional means such as poker machines.
More than 20,000 adults from 105 countries were surveyed for the study, conducted by University of Lethbridge professors Robert Wood and Robert Williams.
"Australian Internet gamblers do report higher average monthly gambling spending than the overall average we observed among our sample," Prof Wood said.
"This would suggest that Australian Internet gamblers do indeed spend more on gambling compared with Internet gamblers from most other countries."
Australian Media Man for Gambling911.com, Greg Tingle, rejoiced at the news.
"Ahoy. This report confirms my suspicions and my own findings... online gambling is red hot in the land down under... Australia. I think this officially marks a gold rush for the promised land. Our phone hasn't stopped ringing, and there's a constant stream of overseas enquires.
"The Australian government's ACMA website blacklist doesn't appear to have slowed down those seeking to make a killing down under. We're seen a trend in more .net ventures taking off and online casinos are generally keeping the "play for free" or "play for money" option. Australian newsrooms are also starting to run more stories regarding the online gambling sector and most are surprisingly balanced stories. We're gladly assisting them on (some) of the inner workings of the online casino industry." (Credit" Gambling911)
Casino News Media Profiles
Online Casino News
Australian Casino News
Australian Gambling
Australian Casinos
Australian Slots Online
Casino News
World Casino Directory
Casino Travel Tourism
Australian Sports Entertainment
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Aussies Biggest Betters In The World
Online punters Downunder wager more money online than gamblers elsewhere in the world, reports the Melbourne Sun Herald this weekend. The newspaper references a new Canadian study by University of Lethbridge professors Robert Wood and Robert Williams which used a research base of 20 000 adults in 105 countries to reach its conclusions.
The study claims that Australian and New Zealand gamblers spend an average of A$435 online every month - five times what punters put through land poker machines - and has prompted renewed calls for bans on online gambling in Australia, the newspaper reports.
The Uni Lethbridge study also found the prevalence of problem gambling was up to four times higher for Internet gamblers than those who used traditional means such as poker machines, an apparent conflict with previous studies including the regular gambling prevalence studies carried out in the UK by the Gambling Commission. Whether this is a conflict, or an indication that Aussie and Kiwi gamblers are more prone to addiction by higher usage, is unclear. The finding is also dependent on what the researchers define as "problem gambling."
Professors Robert Wood and Robert Williams, who conducted the Lethbridge study, concluded: "Australian Internet gamblers do report higher average monthly gambling spending than the overall average we observed among our sample.This would suggest that Australian Internet gamblers do indeed spend more on gambling compared with Internet gamblers from most other countries."
The Salvation Army's problem-gambling service co-ordinator for Australia, Gerard Byrne, said he was not surprised by the figures and called on the Federal Government to ban credit-based betting.
"People are certainly reporting more and more usage of online gambling," Byrne said. "I'm not surprised New South Wales is near the top in problem online gambling. We've got a culture where gambling is the state pastime."
Clubs NSW chief executive David Costello said online gambling should be subject to the same restrictions as the heavily regulated land gambling industry.
"This is a very real issue," Costello said. "It confirms what we've been saying for the past two years: the incidence of Internet gambling is infinitely increasing."
He said there was a danger of young people using their parent's credit cards, with not enough age checks completed.
The news comes after online gambling group Centrebet posted a 23 percent jump in Australian online revenue last month. The company is also expecting a 10 percent increase for the 12 months to June 2009.
Australian Sports Entertainment Profiles
Casinos
Betting
Australia
Australian Pokies
The study claims that Australian and New Zealand gamblers spend an average of A$435 online every month - five times what punters put through land poker machines - and has prompted renewed calls for bans on online gambling in Australia, the newspaper reports.
The Uni Lethbridge study also found the prevalence of problem gambling was up to four times higher for Internet gamblers than those who used traditional means such as poker machines, an apparent conflict with previous studies including the regular gambling prevalence studies carried out in the UK by the Gambling Commission. Whether this is a conflict, or an indication that Aussie and Kiwi gamblers are more prone to addiction by higher usage, is unclear. The finding is also dependent on what the researchers define as "problem gambling."
Professors Robert Wood and Robert Williams, who conducted the Lethbridge study, concluded: "Australian Internet gamblers do report higher average monthly gambling spending than the overall average we observed among our sample.This would suggest that Australian Internet gamblers do indeed spend more on gambling compared with Internet gamblers from most other countries."
The Salvation Army's problem-gambling service co-ordinator for Australia, Gerard Byrne, said he was not surprised by the figures and called on the Federal Government to ban credit-based betting.
"People are certainly reporting more and more usage of online gambling," Byrne said. "I'm not surprised New South Wales is near the top in problem online gambling. We've got a culture where gambling is the state pastime."
Clubs NSW chief executive David Costello said online gambling should be subject to the same restrictions as the heavily regulated land gambling industry.
"This is a very real issue," Costello said. "It confirms what we've been saying for the past two years: the incidence of Internet gambling is infinitely increasing."
He said there was a danger of young people using their parent's credit cards, with not enough age checks completed.
The news comes after online gambling group Centrebet posted a 23 percent jump in Australian online revenue last month. The company is also expecting a 10 percent increase for the 12 months to June 2009.
Australian Sports Entertainment Profiles
Casinos
Betting
Australia
Australian Pokies
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Australian Gambling News: Tasmania Wants to Force Breaks on Gamblers - Gambling911 - 23rd March 2009
The Tasmanian government wants to reduced the number of people addicted to pokie machines by forcing them to take breaks.
The Treasurer Michael Aird has announced a range of measures to further protect people addicted to poker machines.
They include a mandatory code of practice for gambling, reducing the maximum bet on poker machines.
"The more player breaks you can induce the more you can mitigate player behaviour," Aird said.
"'They' are at at again!" declared Australia Media Man, Greg Tingle. "'They' are wanting to control people's behavior. They are Government and organisations with hidden agendas. ‘They' are sometimes church groups, lobby groups and government spooks. ‘They' are everywhere and amongst us."
Tingle also warns of the language that "They" use in describing the need to control gambling behavior.
"Be watching out for the word ‘mitigate'," he says. "It's another word for ‘Control'. Mitigate - To moderate (a quality or condition) in force or intensity!"
....Good Friday Bets Won't Happen In South Australia: Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis says he wrote to UNiTAB, which owns the South Australian TAB, to make clear it is not allowed to take bets on Good Friday.
He says UNiTAB has withdrawn its plan for the Good Friday trial.
"The TAB were about to, for the first time in SA, have a trial. They were going to open a call centre and take internet bets. On Good Friday and Christmas that's illegal in SA and in breach of their agreement," the Minister said.
"If they continued with that trial they could have been open to a $60,000 fine."
....Internet Service Provider Pulls Out of Australia Censorship Trial: Australia's third largest internet provider, iiNet, has withdrawn from the Government's internet censorship trials, saying it could not "reconcile participation in the trial with our corporate social responsibility".
The move comes after the anonymous whistleblower site Wikileaks last week published a leaked copy of the secret Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) blacklist of prohibited websites, which forms the backbone of the Government's censorship policy.
That list included online poker sites.
"The ISP's have started to pull out of the trial, starting with iiNet, now that the Government's real agenda is becoming much clearer thanks to the leaking of information about the list," Tingle said.
"Industry rumours indicate that not only has Betfair been banned but also PokerStars and PokerNews.com I can't wait to find out if our Casino News Media has made the Government's hate list also. They don't always see eye to eye with journalists or gaming entrepreneurs, so I'm betting I'm on the list! I would also bet that if Gambling911 gets a .com.au they will make the list also!"
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The Treasurer Michael Aird has announced a range of measures to further protect people addicted to poker machines.
They include a mandatory code of practice for gambling, reducing the maximum bet on poker machines.
"The more player breaks you can induce the more you can mitigate player behaviour," Aird said.
"'They' are at at again!" declared Australia Media Man, Greg Tingle. "'They' are wanting to control people's behavior. They are Government and organisations with hidden agendas. ‘They' are sometimes church groups, lobby groups and government spooks. ‘They' are everywhere and amongst us."
Tingle also warns of the language that "They" use in describing the need to control gambling behavior.
"Be watching out for the word ‘mitigate'," he says. "It's another word for ‘Control'. Mitigate - To moderate (a quality or condition) in force or intensity!"
....Good Friday Bets Won't Happen In South Australia: Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis says he wrote to UNiTAB, which owns the South Australian TAB, to make clear it is not allowed to take bets on Good Friday.
He says UNiTAB has withdrawn its plan for the Good Friday trial.
"The TAB were about to, for the first time in SA, have a trial. They were going to open a call centre and take internet bets. On Good Friday and Christmas that's illegal in SA and in breach of their agreement," the Minister said.
"If they continued with that trial they could have been open to a $60,000 fine."
....Internet Service Provider Pulls Out of Australia Censorship Trial: Australia's third largest internet provider, iiNet, has withdrawn from the Government's internet censorship trials, saying it could not "reconcile participation in the trial with our corporate social responsibility".
The move comes after the anonymous whistleblower site Wikileaks last week published a leaked copy of the secret Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) blacklist of prohibited websites, which forms the backbone of the Government's censorship policy.
That list included online poker sites.
"The ISP's have started to pull out of the trial, starting with iiNet, now that the Government's real agenda is becoming much clearer thanks to the leaking of information about the list," Tingle said.
"Industry rumours indicate that not only has Betfair been banned but also PokerStars and PokerNews.com I can't wait to find out if our Casino News Media has made the Government's hate list also. They don't always see eye to eye with journalists or gaming entrepreneurs, so I'm betting I'm on the list! I would also bet that if Gambling911 gets a .com.au they will make the list also!"
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Betfair Banned: CEO Outraged - Gambling911 - 19th March 2009
Following leakage of an Australian "Ban List", Betfair CEO Andrew Twaits expressed outraged with government officials. Twaits was unaware that his company's website had been blacklisted as part of an effort to prevent viewing of child pornography.
"We didn't know [about the ban]. We've been licensed to operate in Australia for three years and have never received a complaint or any allegation that Betfair locally or globally is not allowed usage by Australians.
"The global Betfair site is used by Australians every day."
The implications are enormous. Earlier today, Gambling911.com reported on how the list of websites blacklisted in Australia expanded to over 2300. These included YouTube links and some Christian websites along with online poker portals.
"We're will the madness end? The report stats that Betfair bas been banned in Australia! Is horse racing betting, boxing betting and eating meat pies and driving Holden Cars going to be banned also?" asked Australian Media Man Greg Tingle. "That's the direction things are heading in".
"I will repeat my thoughts on on a worldwide trend when things get "banned"... Citizens (and business) revolved and industries go underground, sometimes generating more money, however the risks increase and consumers and the industry no longer enjoy the same safeguards as it becomes unregulated".
"In addition, matters of insurance can becoming tricky, as an insurance company may be hesitant to insure a business sector which the government of the day deems "illegal". I have a strong suspicion some of the stuff the Australian government is doing is actually illegal. As they say, the law is an ass, and it appears that Australia has too many jackasses in political office at the moment."
Perhaps Tingle was referring to The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, who on Thursday condemned the reported leak and publication of a list which includes prohibited internet addresses.
"The leak and publication of prohibited URLs is grossly irresponsible. It undermines efforts to improve cyber-safety and create a safe online environment for children," Senator Conroy said.
"Under existing laws the ACMA blacklist includes URLs relating to child sexual abuse, rape, incest, bestiality, sexual violence and detailed instruction in crime."
"No-one interested in cyber-safety would condone the leaking of these addresses."
But Tingle believes Conroy is doing more harm than good with such assertions and attempts to censor.
"I predict that these jackass submissions by government are going cause more problems than they cure". (Credit: Gambling911)
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"We didn't know [about the ban]. We've been licensed to operate in Australia for three years and have never received a complaint or any allegation that Betfair locally or globally is not allowed usage by Australians.
"The global Betfair site is used by Australians every day."
The implications are enormous. Earlier today, Gambling911.com reported on how the list of websites blacklisted in Australia expanded to over 2300. These included YouTube links and some Christian websites along with online poker portals.
"We're will the madness end? The report stats that Betfair bas been banned in Australia! Is horse racing betting, boxing betting and eating meat pies and driving Holden Cars going to be banned also?" asked Australian Media Man Greg Tingle. "That's the direction things are heading in".
"I will repeat my thoughts on on a worldwide trend when things get "banned"... Citizens (and business) revolved and industries go underground, sometimes generating more money, however the risks increase and consumers and the industry no longer enjoy the same safeguards as it becomes unregulated".
"In addition, matters of insurance can becoming tricky, as an insurance company may be hesitant to insure a business sector which the government of the day deems "illegal". I have a strong suspicion some of the stuff the Australian government is doing is actually illegal. As they say, the law is an ass, and it appears that Australia has too many jackasses in political office at the moment."
Perhaps Tingle was referring to The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, who on Thursday condemned the reported leak and publication of a list which includes prohibited internet addresses.
"The leak and publication of prohibited URLs is grossly irresponsible. It undermines efforts to improve cyber-safety and create a safe online environment for children," Senator Conroy said.
"Under existing laws the ACMA blacklist includes URLs relating to child sexual abuse, rape, incest, bestiality, sexual violence and detailed instruction in crime."
"No-one interested in cyber-safety would condone the leaking of these addresses."
But Tingle believes Conroy is doing more harm than good with such assertions and attempts to censor.
"I predict that these jackass submissions by government are going cause more problems than they cure". (Credit: Gambling911)
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
CryptoLogic and Paramount Digital Entertainment Strike a Deal
Games based off of Paramount Pictures' properties to be developed and made available to CryptoLogic customers
17 March 2009 (Dublin, IRELAND) -- CryptoLogic Limited, a world leader in Internet casino and branded gaming software, today announced a multi-year agreement with Paramount Digital Entertainment that will bring some of the most famous movie characters in history to the Internet casino world beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Under the agreement, CryptoLogic gains the exclusive rights to offer online slot games based on more than 20 of Paramount Pictures' collection of feature film titles, including "Braveheart", "Forrest Gump", "Beowulf", "Beverly Hills Cop", "Ferris Bueller", "Ghost", and many others. CryptoLogic also has the opportunity to build a dedicated gaming site that would house all of its movie-themed games. The first games will launch in several international territories.
"We are very excited about this new relationship with Paramount Digital Entertainment as it both vindicates and enhances our strategic position. Paramount Pictures boasts an extensive catalogue of classic and new releases, and CryptoLogic makes the world's best branded Internet casino games," said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic's president and CEO. "It’s been proven that CryptoLogic’s branded games drive Internet casino revenue -- and we look forward to a mutually profitable relationship with this global entertainment leader.”
“As the online gaming industry continues to evolve as a destination for gamers, we feel that our films are a great fit for those looking to play on this new platform,” states Luke Letizia, Vice President Interactive Licensing Paramount Digital Entertainment. “We are excited to be able to work with CryptoLogic, a leader in this space, and are confident that they will develop games that are on par with the quality and caliber of Paramount Pictures properties.”
With more than 280 games, CryptoLogic has one of the most comprehensive casino suites on the Internet today. CryptoLogic has earned rave reviews from industry peers and players alike, and just recently earned Gambling Online Magazine’s Top Casino Software award for the fourth consecutive year. Based on the votes of players around the world, it is widely considered the industry’s top honour.
"CryptoLogic is building excellent momentum with a long and growing list of major entertainment brands as our partners and customers,” said Justin Thouin, CryptoLogic’s Vice President, Product Management and Business Development. “This agreement with Paramount Digital Entertainment strengthens CryptoLogic’s leadership in the branded gaming space.”
###
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Ross
Lyceum Media
Melissa@lyceummedia.com
+44 (0) 207 976 6469
About CryptoLogic(R) (www.cryptologic.com)
Focused on integrity and innovation, CryptoLogic Limited is a world-leading public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. Its leadership in regulatory compliance makes it one of the very few companies with gaming software that is certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming. WagerLogic(R) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the licensing of its gaming software and services to blue-chip customers who offer their games to non-U.S. players around the world. For information on WagerLogic, please visit www.wagerlogic.com.
CryptoLogic’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CRY, CXY), the NASDAQ Global Select Market (CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (CRP).
About Paramount Digital Entertainment
Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, virtual worlds and emerging technologies.
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
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17 March 2009 (Dublin, IRELAND) -- CryptoLogic Limited, a world leader in Internet casino and branded gaming software, today announced a multi-year agreement with Paramount Digital Entertainment that will bring some of the most famous movie characters in history to the Internet casino world beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Under the agreement, CryptoLogic gains the exclusive rights to offer online slot games based on more than 20 of Paramount Pictures' collection of feature film titles, including "Braveheart", "Forrest Gump", "Beowulf", "Beverly Hills Cop", "Ferris Bueller", "Ghost", and many others. CryptoLogic also has the opportunity to build a dedicated gaming site that would house all of its movie-themed games. The first games will launch in several international territories.
"We are very excited about this new relationship with Paramount Digital Entertainment as it both vindicates and enhances our strategic position. Paramount Pictures boasts an extensive catalogue of classic and new releases, and CryptoLogic makes the world's best branded Internet casino games," said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic's president and CEO. "It’s been proven that CryptoLogic’s branded games drive Internet casino revenue -- and we look forward to a mutually profitable relationship with this global entertainment leader.”
“As the online gaming industry continues to evolve as a destination for gamers, we feel that our films are a great fit for those looking to play on this new platform,” states Luke Letizia, Vice President Interactive Licensing Paramount Digital Entertainment. “We are excited to be able to work with CryptoLogic, a leader in this space, and are confident that they will develop games that are on par with the quality and caliber of Paramount Pictures properties.”
With more than 280 games, CryptoLogic has one of the most comprehensive casino suites on the Internet today. CryptoLogic has earned rave reviews from industry peers and players alike, and just recently earned Gambling Online Magazine’s Top Casino Software award for the fourth consecutive year. Based on the votes of players around the world, it is widely considered the industry’s top honour.
"CryptoLogic is building excellent momentum with a long and growing list of major entertainment brands as our partners and customers,” said Justin Thouin, CryptoLogic’s Vice President, Product Management and Business Development. “This agreement with Paramount Digital Entertainment strengthens CryptoLogic’s leadership in the branded gaming space.”
###
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Ross
Lyceum Media
Melissa@lyceummedia.com
+44 (0) 207 976 6469
About CryptoLogic(R) (www.cryptologic.com)
Focused on integrity and innovation, CryptoLogic Limited is a world-leading public developer and supplier of Internet gaming software. Its leadership in regulatory compliance makes it one of the very few companies with gaming software that is certified to strict standards similar to land-based gaming. WagerLogic(R) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CryptoLogic, is responsible for the licensing of its gaming software and services to blue-chip customers who offer their games to non-U.S. players around the world. For information on WagerLogic, please visit www.wagerlogic.com.
CryptoLogic’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CRY, CXY), the NASDAQ Global Select Market (CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (CRP).
About Paramount Digital Entertainment
Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, virtual worlds and emerging technologies.
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The company's labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Race boss warns of prize cuts, lost clubs, by Craig Young - The Sydney Morning Herald - 11th March 2009
Racing NSW has warned that prizemoney cuts, closures of race clubs and a reduction in racing stock will be the result should its stoush with wagering operators over the racefields legislation drag on.
More than $20 million has been gathered since the September introduction of the legislation, under which all wagering operators must pay 1.5 per cent of their turnovers to Racing NSW, but it has been frozen due to Betfair and Sportsbet launching a legal challenge to its validity.
As revealed in the Herald on Monday, Racing NSW and Tabcorp are also in dispute over the 1.5 per cent payment, with Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys revealing a victory for the ruling body would inject about $33m annually into the state's racing industry.
Racing NSW's newly installed chairman, Alan Brown, who, along with vice-chairman Alan Bell and V'Landys, formally addressed members of the media for the first time yesterday. They said the board's principal priority was to ensure racing remains financially viable.
Brown revealed the court challenges and any appeals could take up to 12 months and that they threatened the industry's financial wellbeing.
"We may never recover from this outcome [a loss]," he said.
The chairman revealed Racing NSW intended to write to wagering operators authorised to operate on NSW races requesting that in the event the court challenges were successful, they agreed to Racing NSW retaining the payments received to date.
Should the money not be forthcoming, Racing NSW tipped that:
■ Prizemoney would be reduced;
■ Clubs could be forced to curtail their activities and even close;
■ Investment in the industry (racing stock, etc) would fall;
■ Jobs would be lost, and;
■ Participants would leave the industry.
"Those prepared to support the industry, we'll let people know who they are," Brown said. "We would like to disclose their hand."
Brown believes Victoria, which is charging wagering operators a percentage of gross profit, and Queensland are watching the court action and should Racing NSW be successful, both states would follow its lead.
"A lot is riding on it and we intend seeing it through," he said.
He said that in 2000 $1 billion was invested with interstate wagering operators, and that this would grow to $4 billion this year.
"Of the total, $2 billion is coming from NSW punters," he said.
Racing NSW confirmed "a universal merit based handicapping system" would be in place by July 1 and that it would be an "inclusive rather than exclusionary" policy.
Former leading bookmaker and respected form analyst Dominic Beirne, a consultant to Racing NSW, was present at yesterday's meeting. The new policy will lead to a major reduction in the individual ratings of country gallopers and a drop for those on the provincial circuit to ensure they are competitive with metropolitan thoroughbreds.
The current system of fixed rating increases for winning horses and reductions for losses will be abandoned. Movements in the rating will be based on a handicapper's judgment.
"I won't be directly handicapping any horses," Beirne said. "I will be creating systems and computer programs which would inform the handicappers on the way private handicappers assess race quality."
Under the new system maiden, class 1 and class 2 races will be retained outside the metropolitan area while some restricted races will be run at Sydney Saturday meetings, although most of the races will be basically open handicaps. These will be given a rating for which the highest rated horse will carry 58 kilograms.
Should a race carry a 76 rating, a horse with a superior rating can run, but it will carry the weight for its individual rating.
In regard to setting minimum standards for clubs around the state, Brown said the most comprehensive information gathering exercise "ever embarked on in NSW" had taken place, with most clubs completing a wide-ranging questionnaire.
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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More than $20 million has been gathered since the September introduction of the legislation, under which all wagering operators must pay 1.5 per cent of their turnovers to Racing NSW, but it has been frozen due to Betfair and Sportsbet launching a legal challenge to its validity.
As revealed in the Herald on Monday, Racing NSW and Tabcorp are also in dispute over the 1.5 per cent payment, with Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys revealing a victory for the ruling body would inject about $33m annually into the state's racing industry.
Racing NSW's newly installed chairman, Alan Brown, who, along with vice-chairman Alan Bell and V'Landys, formally addressed members of the media for the first time yesterday. They said the board's principal priority was to ensure racing remains financially viable.
Brown revealed the court challenges and any appeals could take up to 12 months and that they threatened the industry's financial wellbeing.
"We may never recover from this outcome [a loss]," he said.
The chairman revealed Racing NSW intended to write to wagering operators authorised to operate on NSW races requesting that in the event the court challenges were successful, they agreed to Racing NSW retaining the payments received to date.
Should the money not be forthcoming, Racing NSW tipped that:
■ Prizemoney would be reduced;
■ Clubs could be forced to curtail their activities and even close;
■ Investment in the industry (racing stock, etc) would fall;
■ Jobs would be lost, and;
■ Participants would leave the industry.
"Those prepared to support the industry, we'll let people know who they are," Brown said. "We would like to disclose their hand."
Brown believes Victoria, which is charging wagering operators a percentage of gross profit, and Queensland are watching the court action and should Racing NSW be successful, both states would follow its lead.
"A lot is riding on it and we intend seeing it through," he said.
He said that in 2000 $1 billion was invested with interstate wagering operators, and that this would grow to $4 billion this year.
"Of the total, $2 billion is coming from NSW punters," he said.
Racing NSW confirmed "a universal merit based handicapping system" would be in place by July 1 and that it would be an "inclusive rather than exclusionary" policy.
Former leading bookmaker and respected form analyst Dominic Beirne, a consultant to Racing NSW, was present at yesterday's meeting. The new policy will lead to a major reduction in the individual ratings of country gallopers and a drop for those on the provincial circuit to ensure they are competitive with metropolitan thoroughbreds.
The current system of fixed rating increases for winning horses and reductions for losses will be abandoned. Movements in the rating will be based on a handicapper's judgment.
"I won't be directly handicapping any horses," Beirne said. "I will be creating systems and computer programs which would inform the handicappers on the way private handicappers assess race quality."
Under the new system maiden, class 1 and class 2 races will be retained outside the metropolitan area while some restricted races will be run at Sydney Saturday meetings, although most of the races will be basically open handicaps. These will be given a rating for which the highest rated horse will carry 58 kilograms.
Should a race carry a 76 rating, a horse with a superior rating can run, but it will carry the weight for its individual rating.
In regard to setting minimum standards for clubs around the state, Brown said the most comprehensive information gathering exercise "ever embarked on in NSW" had taken place, with most clubs completing a wide-ranging questionnaire.
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Saturday, March 07, 2009
Brand explosion not what we need, by Patrick Smith - The Australian - 7th March 2009
Now let's just see if we have got a handle on this. Rugby union is coming to Melbourne, the AFL is going to the Gold Coast, the NBL is going nowhere. And Australia can't beat Kuwait in soccer.
North Melbourne president James Brayshaw said several Melbourne clubs will go broke just as the AFL sets about spending a cool $200 million in western Sydney. Rugby union is made up of rugby league players, the rugby league tribunal isn't made up of anybody. Somebody called Klein is representing Australia in the Davis Cup. And Betfair is now everybody's best friend.
Cricket's immediate future is uncertain, policemen and civilians are dead; umpires, officials and players in shock. The IPL is in doubt and there is not one healthy fast bowler left in Australia. Sport is in a whirl.
Brayshaw's concern is the deal with Etihad Stadium, which according to the AFL isn't Etihad Stadium but Docklands. The league is in dispute with the ground managers and therefore will not recognise the change of sponsor from Telstra to Etihad. The AFL is Australia's sporting bully-boy.
Two soccer players are sent off during the A-League final only to find the incidents were not worthy of red cards - maybe any cards - at all. Meanwhile, the AFL makes it a reportable offence to cause physical contact, accidentally or otherwise. It is a time to tread most warily.
Brydan Klein will become the first West Australian to face action in the Davis Cup when Australia plays Thailand this weekend. Whatever happened to Centre Court Tomic? The NBL played the second of its best-of-five finals series last night between the Melbourne Tigers and South Dragons. Watch that and you think the sport is vibrant, but the NBL is finished and nothing is at all certain for next year.
The Victorian Government has backed the Melbourne bid to be the home of the 15th Super rugby union team. This at a time when the last Australian expansion team, Western Force, seems all but dysfunctional and the Victorian Government will not step in to help Victorian AFL clubs squeeze a better deal from the stadium with no name. Anyway, it is doubtful there are enough good rugby players left to field five teams. Union risks diluting the talent pool to field teams of mediocrity.
Victorian clubs will meet as one before the AFL commission next assembles. Brayshaw has said that the stadium deal must be kinder to Melbourne clubs or the future is bleak. But these are the deals agreed to by the clubs and the AFL itself. The clubs worry now that the bids for AFL licences in western Sydney and on the Gold Coast are fraught in the crashing economy. Who will fund the new stadiums required? The Gold Coast bidders have been shocked to find that without commitment of significant monies from state and federal governments to rebuild Carrara their club will remain a shell.
Betfair is now a player in the marketplace where it once was a pariah. Racing Victoria once declared it would rather suspend the spring carnival than allow racing to get into bed with Betfair. Get into bed? They are having a right old time of it now.
Legislation change and court decisions now allow exchanges and corporate bookmakers to advertise. Which means sponsorship. So country racing clubs in Victoria are in for their chop. Melbourne Racing Club so slobbered at the Betfair money it renamed its Sandown track Betfair Park. Footy codes sleep with Betfair, and footy clubs welcome sponsorship.
If racing was to build its sport from scratch, exchanges such as Betfair would get no oxygen. That exchanges allow punters to back horses to lose is anathema to the spirit and security of racing.
But serious punters love them because the takeout is less and they have the chance to squeeze percentages.
Betfair will not go away now and racing must use this platform, not so long ago racing's vile child, to build its betting base. To its credit Betfair acknowledges it is more vulnerable to corrupt acts because of its facility to back horses to lose. It has continued to address this weakness by sharpening transparent integrity protocols that Racing Victoria chief Rob Hines said yesterday were more strict than any others.
As thoroughbred racing loses more and more of its revenue to online pursuits such as poker and sport betting, Betfair presents as a friend in the new media. Rehabilitation will not be easy nor quick, for its reputation was savaged when it first sought a licence to operate in Australia.
Racing is at a most crucial stage in its history. It is poorly organised. NSW pulls in one direction, Victoria in another, Queensland and Western Australia do their thing and it's years since South Australia did anything. There are too many layers of administration, too many clubs, too many races. The umpteenth limited over match between Bangladesh and anybody is more memorable than the card at Moonee Valley at night.
At some clubs winning owners are greeted in the mounting yard by nobody but horse, jockey and trainer. The romance of racing has given way to the hum-drum. It now has its own lazy language. Commentators talk about the quinella as a Q, an exacta is E and the trifecta as a T, and so racing becomes more inaccessible by the race. The Australian Racing Board is a quasi-national body, stocked with the partisan folk of the state bodies. Two networks produce much the same thoroughbred coverage.
Melbourne has three race clubs, will soon have a second soccer team, clings to its rugby league representation, stumps up nine AFL teams, wastes money on the Grand Prix and now must find cash to bid for a new union side. It might be the sports capital of the nation but it is fatigued.
The AFL promised more than a 55,000-strong crowd to the bushfire game and not 40,000 turned up. Again a sell-out was the prediction for Ben Cousins's return to football. Not 40,000 turned up. The Grand Prix loses obscene amounts of money, the two most successful basketball teams might not have a league to play in. The Victorian cricket team hasn't seen a final it believes it can win. Asafa Powell runs at Olympic Park amid a collection of the world's elite athletes. About 4000 turned up.
Sport of every brand is trying to expand or begin again in a shrinking market. The public is battered by the economy, by bushfires, by floods and by terrorism. We need a distraction. The irony is in the cure. We need footy - your type and my type. (Credit: The Australian)
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North Melbourne president James Brayshaw said several Melbourne clubs will go broke just as the AFL sets about spending a cool $200 million in western Sydney. Rugby union is made up of rugby league players, the rugby league tribunal isn't made up of anybody. Somebody called Klein is representing Australia in the Davis Cup. And Betfair is now everybody's best friend.
Cricket's immediate future is uncertain, policemen and civilians are dead; umpires, officials and players in shock. The IPL is in doubt and there is not one healthy fast bowler left in Australia. Sport is in a whirl.
Brayshaw's concern is the deal with Etihad Stadium, which according to the AFL isn't Etihad Stadium but Docklands. The league is in dispute with the ground managers and therefore will not recognise the change of sponsor from Telstra to Etihad. The AFL is Australia's sporting bully-boy.
Two soccer players are sent off during the A-League final only to find the incidents were not worthy of red cards - maybe any cards - at all. Meanwhile, the AFL makes it a reportable offence to cause physical contact, accidentally or otherwise. It is a time to tread most warily.
Brydan Klein will become the first West Australian to face action in the Davis Cup when Australia plays Thailand this weekend. Whatever happened to Centre Court Tomic? The NBL played the second of its best-of-five finals series last night between the Melbourne Tigers and South Dragons. Watch that and you think the sport is vibrant, but the NBL is finished and nothing is at all certain for next year.
The Victorian Government has backed the Melbourne bid to be the home of the 15th Super rugby union team. This at a time when the last Australian expansion team, Western Force, seems all but dysfunctional and the Victorian Government will not step in to help Victorian AFL clubs squeeze a better deal from the stadium with no name. Anyway, it is doubtful there are enough good rugby players left to field five teams. Union risks diluting the talent pool to field teams of mediocrity.
Victorian clubs will meet as one before the AFL commission next assembles. Brayshaw has said that the stadium deal must be kinder to Melbourne clubs or the future is bleak. But these are the deals agreed to by the clubs and the AFL itself. The clubs worry now that the bids for AFL licences in western Sydney and on the Gold Coast are fraught in the crashing economy. Who will fund the new stadiums required? The Gold Coast bidders have been shocked to find that without commitment of significant monies from state and federal governments to rebuild Carrara their club will remain a shell.
Betfair is now a player in the marketplace where it once was a pariah. Racing Victoria once declared it would rather suspend the spring carnival than allow racing to get into bed with Betfair. Get into bed? They are having a right old time of it now.
Legislation change and court decisions now allow exchanges and corporate bookmakers to advertise. Which means sponsorship. So country racing clubs in Victoria are in for their chop. Melbourne Racing Club so slobbered at the Betfair money it renamed its Sandown track Betfair Park. Footy codes sleep with Betfair, and footy clubs welcome sponsorship.
If racing was to build its sport from scratch, exchanges such as Betfair would get no oxygen. That exchanges allow punters to back horses to lose is anathema to the spirit and security of racing.
But serious punters love them because the takeout is less and they have the chance to squeeze percentages.
Betfair will not go away now and racing must use this platform, not so long ago racing's vile child, to build its betting base. To its credit Betfair acknowledges it is more vulnerable to corrupt acts because of its facility to back horses to lose. It has continued to address this weakness by sharpening transparent integrity protocols that Racing Victoria chief Rob Hines said yesterday were more strict than any others.
As thoroughbred racing loses more and more of its revenue to online pursuits such as poker and sport betting, Betfair presents as a friend in the new media. Rehabilitation will not be easy nor quick, for its reputation was savaged when it first sought a licence to operate in Australia.
Racing is at a most crucial stage in its history. It is poorly organised. NSW pulls in one direction, Victoria in another, Queensland and Western Australia do their thing and it's years since South Australia did anything. There are too many layers of administration, too many clubs, too many races. The umpteenth limited over match between Bangladesh and anybody is more memorable than the card at Moonee Valley at night.
At some clubs winning owners are greeted in the mounting yard by nobody but horse, jockey and trainer. The romance of racing has given way to the hum-drum. It now has its own lazy language. Commentators talk about the quinella as a Q, an exacta is E and the trifecta as a T, and so racing becomes more inaccessible by the race. The Australian Racing Board is a quasi-national body, stocked with the partisan folk of the state bodies. Two networks produce much the same thoroughbred coverage.
Melbourne has three race clubs, will soon have a second soccer team, clings to its rugby league representation, stumps up nine AFL teams, wastes money on the Grand Prix and now must find cash to bid for a new union side. It might be the sports capital of the nation but it is fatigued.
The AFL promised more than a 55,000-strong crowd to the bushfire game and not 40,000 turned up. Again a sell-out was the prediction for Ben Cousins's return to football. Not 40,000 turned up. The Grand Prix loses obscene amounts of money, the two most successful basketball teams might not have a league to play in. The Victorian cricket team hasn't seen a final it believes it can win. Asafa Powell runs at Olympic Park amid a collection of the world's elite athletes. About 4000 turned up.
Sport of every brand is trying to expand or begin again in a shrinking market. The public is battered by the economy, by bushfires, by floods and by terrorism. We need a distraction. The irony is in the cure. We need footy - your type and my type. (Credit: The Australian)
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Thursday, March 05, 2009
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Wednesday, March 04, 2009
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Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Betfair Move into the NRL
25th February 2009
The Professional rugby league football club, Wests Tigers, has announced a six figure sponsorship deal with online betting exchange, Betfair.
The Sydney, based NRL team said in a statement that it welcomed the deal, which took almost a year to negotiate. Wests Tigers reportedly preformed a thorough due diligence study on the online bookie, in order to make sure it would not be compromised for endorsing the company.
Brett Clarke, Marketing Manager, for Wests Tigers, said “Gambling is a sensitive area and we had to make sure any deal was the right fit.”
Clarke continued saying, “The NRL has ticked the boxes about this deal. The fact is we aren't going to force our supporters to bet. It's not as if we are going to say ‘prove you're a Wests Tigers fan and bet’. There is no obligation. However, we are allowing them the opportunity, those who gamble, to be aware of Betfair's services.”
As part of the agreement, Betfair advertising banners will be on display at the three home grounds and betting stalls will be setup around the stadiums allowing fans to find out information on odds and place bets. Promotional leaflets and flyers will also be handed out by promotional girls.
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Betfair
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Sports Betting
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The Professional rugby league football club, Wests Tigers, has announced a six figure sponsorship deal with online betting exchange, Betfair.
The Sydney, based NRL team said in a statement that it welcomed the deal, which took almost a year to negotiate. Wests Tigers reportedly preformed a thorough due diligence study on the online bookie, in order to make sure it would not be compromised for endorsing the company.
Brett Clarke, Marketing Manager, for Wests Tigers, said “Gambling is a sensitive area and we had to make sure any deal was the right fit.”
Clarke continued saying, “The NRL has ticked the boxes about this deal. The fact is we aren't going to force our supporters to bet. It's not as if we are going to say ‘prove you're a Wests Tigers fan and bet’. There is no obligation. However, we are allowing them the opportunity, those who gamble, to be aware of Betfair's services.”
As part of the agreement, Betfair advertising banners will be on display at the three home grounds and betting stalls will be setup around the stadiums allowing fans to find out information on odds and place bets. Promotional leaflets and flyers will also be handed out by promotional girls.
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Monday, March 02, 2009
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Sunday, March 01, 2009
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
From claws to applause: Jackman's Oscars blitz, by Clare Morgan - The Sydney Morning Herald - 23rd February 2009
To American audiences he is Wolverine but Hugh Jackman proved he has much more to offer than sideburns and retractable claws as he opened the Oscars ceremony with a raucous song-and-dance number that earned a standing ovation.
Joking that everything in the broadcast had been downsized due to the recession, a relaxed-looking Jackman told the audience at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles that he'd put together his own tribute in his garage.
There followed a witty musical routine covering the nominated films - Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon and The Reader - that featured what looked like home-made props, cardboard cut-outs and even the Craig's List Dancers.
A highlight was best actress nominee Anne Hathaway joining him on stage for the Frost/Nixon duet, with Jackman singing "Why didn't you burn the tapes?" With Hathaway playing the disgraced former president, Jackson held her in a clinch and whispered a breathy "Oh, Nixon."
The opening number showed Jackman at his singing and dancing best as he finished with "These are the Oscars! This is my dream! I am a slumdog! I'm the reader, the wrestler. I am Wolverine!" and the assembled stars leapt to their feet.
The Australian performer then chatted with some of the nominees in the front row, offering tributes to Meryl Streep and telling Mickey Rourke about the broadcast's 30-second delay. "But if you win we have a 20-minute delay."
It was vintage Jackman, who had proved how well he could work a room when he starred in The Boy From Oz in 2006.
This year's Oscars were given an overhaul by organisers as they seek to bounce back from 2008 television figures that were the worst in history.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Hugh Jackman
Oscars
Joking that everything in the broadcast had been downsized due to the recession, a relaxed-looking Jackman told the audience at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles that he'd put together his own tribute in his garage.
There followed a witty musical routine covering the nominated films - Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon and The Reader - that featured what looked like home-made props, cardboard cut-outs and even the Craig's List Dancers.
A highlight was best actress nominee Anne Hathaway joining him on stage for the Frost/Nixon duet, with Jackman singing "Why didn't you burn the tapes?" With Hathaway playing the disgraced former president, Jackson held her in a clinch and whispered a breathy "Oh, Nixon."
The opening number showed Jackman at his singing and dancing best as he finished with "These are the Oscars! This is my dream! I am a slumdog! I'm the reader, the wrestler. I am Wolverine!" and the assembled stars leapt to their feet.
The Australian performer then chatted with some of the nominees in the front row, offering tributes to Meryl Streep and telling Mickey Rourke about the broadcast's 30-second delay. "But if you win we have a 20-minute delay."
It was vintage Jackman, who had proved how well he could work a room when he starred in The Boy From Oz in 2006.
This year's Oscars were given an overhaul by organisers as they seek to bounce back from 2008 television figures that were the worst in history.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Hugh Jackman
Oscars
OSCARS: Slumdog dominates, Ledger wins, Rourke hits the canvas
The Live Winners List:
Best supporting actress: Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Best animated feature: Wall-E.
Art Direction: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button - Donald Graham, Burt Victor Graham Zolfo.
Costume design: The Dutchess - Michael O'Connor
Makeup: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button - Greg Cannom.
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire - Anthony Dod Mantle.
Live short action film: Spielzeugland - Directed by Jochen Alexander Freydank.
Best supporting actor: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight.
Documentary Feature: Man On Wire.
Visual Effects: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.
Outstanding Sound Editing: The Dark Knight - Richard King.
Sound mixing: Slumdog Millionaire.
Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire.
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Jerry Lewis.
Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire - A.R.Rahman.
Best Original Song: "Jai Ho" - Slumdog Millionaire. A.R.Rahman.
Foreign Languages Film: Departures.
Best Director: Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire.
Best Actress: Kate Winslet - The Readers
Best Actor: Sean Penn - Milk
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire.
---------------------
For the 81st Oscars, it was a new look, new feel and a fresher approach. And for the most part, it worked.
Producers cut the fat of previous years, and lent a punchier, 'behind the scenes' feel to the presentation of the awards.
Long setups and elaborate comedy routines were eschewed for quick introductions to the various categories - spiced up with brief points explaining the backgrounds of writing, production, costume design, makeup, acting, animation and directing.
The admittedly nervous host, Australia's Hugh Jackman, maintained a steady, slick delivery thanks to the program's tightly formatted structure.
Jackman was under a certain level of pressure to perform well, with producers hoping to combat the falling ratings the ceremony has experienced in recent years.
He got off to a good start with an entertaining Broadway-style opening number that parodied the films up for best picture nomination.
Throughout the awards, he performed a medley of musical numbers which showcased his stage talents, sharing the duties with singer and actress Beyonce Knowles.
The crowd was also delighted by brief comedy routines by Steve Martin, Tina Fey and Jack Black.
Later, comedian Ben Stiller took a dig at derailed actor Joaquin Phoenix - appearing with actress Natalie Portman in full beard and long hair, and imitating Phoenix's recent rambling, incoherent dialog.
"You look like you work in a Hassidic meth-lab" Portman quipped.
As the awards kicked off, actress Penelope Cruz was the first to receive a gong, picking up Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Her reception of this award instantly dispelled a supposed "leak" of the winners list - with fake information suggesting the award would be picked up by Amy Adams.
Not surprisingly, best Animated Feature went to the wildly popular robot love story Wall-E. However, it was the only award the Disney/Pixar film would receive on the night.
But the moment on everyone’s mind was undoubtedly the announcement of Best Supporting actor, and in particular if the Late Heath Ledger would receive the Oscar for his critically acclaimed role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.
The actor, who died in January last year, was the recipient of the award.
Ledger's family graciously, yet emotionally accepted the Oscar on behalf of Heath's daughter, Matilda.
"Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul, who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives." Heath's sister Kate said.
"We have truly overwhelmed by the honour and respect been bestowed upon him with this award."
"Tonight we are choosing to celebrate what he has achieved."
Following a series of emotional tribues, including Jerry Lewis's reception of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Kate Winslet was given Best Actress for her role in The Reader, with many believing her first Oscar was well earnt.
Winslet was emotional about her recognition, and said her dream to win the Academy Award started at an early age.
"I'd be lying if I hadn't made a version of this speech. Before I was 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror speaking into a shampoo bottle. But this isn't a shampoo bottle." she said.
While Winslet's win was basically in the bag, the announcement of Sean Penn trumping Mickey Rourke for Best Actor was a surprise.
Penn won the award for his gripping portrayal of a homosexual politician in Milk.
Rourke was initially penned to nab the gong for his role in The Wrestler, a part that was considered his 'resurrection'.
Thanking the Academy, Penn made a provocative statement by jokingly referring to the industry as "commie homo loving sons of guns".
He later went on to urge the importance of accepting all walks of life, including homosexuals.
The real winner however, was Danny Boyle's romantic tale of urban India, Slumdog Millionare.
Picking up best Cinematography, Sound Mixing, Film Editing, Original Score, Original Song Best Directing, and culminating in Best Picture, the film was the standout selection of the awards.
Media Man Australia Profiles
The Oscars
Australian Sports Entertainment
Best supporting actress: Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Best animated feature: Wall-E.
Art Direction: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button - Donald Graham, Burt Victor Graham Zolfo.
Costume design: The Dutchess - Michael O'Connor
Makeup: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button - Greg Cannom.
Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire - Anthony Dod Mantle.
Live short action film: Spielzeugland - Directed by Jochen Alexander Freydank.
Best supporting actor: Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight.
Documentary Feature: Man On Wire.
Visual Effects: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.
Outstanding Sound Editing: The Dark Knight - Richard King.
Sound mixing: Slumdog Millionaire.
Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire.
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Jerry Lewis.
Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire - A.R.Rahman.
Best Original Song: "Jai Ho" - Slumdog Millionaire. A.R.Rahman.
Foreign Languages Film: Departures.
Best Director: Danny Boyle - Slumdog Millionaire.
Best Actress: Kate Winslet - The Readers
Best Actor: Sean Penn - Milk
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire.
---------------------
For the 81st Oscars, it was a new look, new feel and a fresher approach. And for the most part, it worked.
Producers cut the fat of previous years, and lent a punchier, 'behind the scenes' feel to the presentation of the awards.
Long setups and elaborate comedy routines were eschewed for quick introductions to the various categories - spiced up with brief points explaining the backgrounds of writing, production, costume design, makeup, acting, animation and directing.
The admittedly nervous host, Australia's Hugh Jackman, maintained a steady, slick delivery thanks to the program's tightly formatted structure.
Jackman was under a certain level of pressure to perform well, with producers hoping to combat the falling ratings the ceremony has experienced in recent years.
He got off to a good start with an entertaining Broadway-style opening number that parodied the films up for best picture nomination.
Throughout the awards, he performed a medley of musical numbers which showcased his stage talents, sharing the duties with singer and actress Beyonce Knowles.
The crowd was also delighted by brief comedy routines by Steve Martin, Tina Fey and Jack Black.
Later, comedian Ben Stiller took a dig at derailed actor Joaquin Phoenix - appearing with actress Natalie Portman in full beard and long hair, and imitating Phoenix's recent rambling, incoherent dialog.
"You look like you work in a Hassidic meth-lab" Portman quipped.
As the awards kicked off, actress Penelope Cruz was the first to receive a gong, picking up Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Her reception of this award instantly dispelled a supposed "leak" of the winners list - with fake information suggesting the award would be picked up by Amy Adams.
Not surprisingly, best Animated Feature went to the wildly popular robot love story Wall-E. However, it was the only award the Disney/Pixar film would receive on the night.
But the moment on everyone’s mind was undoubtedly the announcement of Best Supporting actor, and in particular if the Late Heath Ledger would receive the Oscar for his critically acclaimed role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.
The actor, who died in January last year, was the recipient of the award.
Ledger's family graciously, yet emotionally accepted the Oscar on behalf of Heath's daughter, Matilda.
"Heath was such a compassionate and generous soul, who added so much excitement and inspiration to our lives." Heath's sister Kate said.
"We have truly overwhelmed by the honour and respect been bestowed upon him with this award."
"Tonight we are choosing to celebrate what he has achieved."
Following a series of emotional tribues, including Jerry Lewis's reception of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, Kate Winslet was given Best Actress for her role in The Reader, with many believing her first Oscar was well earnt.
Winslet was emotional about her recognition, and said her dream to win the Academy Award started at an early age.
"I'd be lying if I hadn't made a version of this speech. Before I was 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror speaking into a shampoo bottle. But this isn't a shampoo bottle." she said.
While Winslet's win was basically in the bag, the announcement of Sean Penn trumping Mickey Rourke for Best Actor was a surprise.
Penn won the award for his gripping portrayal of a homosexual politician in Milk.
Rourke was initially penned to nab the gong for his role in The Wrestler, a part that was considered his 'resurrection'.
Thanking the Academy, Penn made a provocative statement by jokingly referring to the industry as "commie homo loving sons of guns".
He later went on to urge the importance of accepting all walks of life, including homosexuals.
The real winner however, was Danny Boyle's romantic tale of urban India, Slumdog Millionare.
Picking up best Cinematography, Sound Mixing, Film Editing, Original Score, Original Song Best Directing, and culminating in Best Picture, the film was the standout selection of the awards.
Media Man Australia Profiles
The Oscars
Australian Sports Entertainment
American public gives Hugh's Oscars performance a tick - 24th February 2009
Some US TV critics may disagree, but Hugh Jackman's performance as Oscar host has received a big thumbs up from the American public.
The affable Aussie's singing, dancing and stand-up comedy performance spearheaded a reverse in the troubling slide in US TV ratings for the film industry's glitzy night of celebration.
Preliminary figures pointed to a six per cent rise in American viewers for the Jackman-led US TV Oscar telecast over the dismal performance a year ago when the Jon Stewart-hosted ceremony pulled in a record low audience of 32 million.
Polls in the US also overwhelmingly gave Jackman the thumbs up.
New York newspaper Newsday asked its readers to rate the Australian host's performance and 65.5 per cent deemed it "excellent", 21.5 per cent "good", 8.1 per cent "satisfactory" and just five per cent gave him a "fail".
Entertainment Weekly asked its readers if Jackman should return as host.
Just over 70 per cent said he should and only 29 per cent said he should not.
Most negative reviews from TV critics pointed to Jackman's use of the words "excrement" and "pubic hair" and other lines they considered low grade humour.
"We knew that with Jackman involved, metallic lame was a real possibility, but to make fun of the Nazi-war-crimes/paedophilia-themed The Reader?," Los Angeles Times critic Mary McNamara, who voiced her complaints about Jackman when it was announced last year, wrote.
New York Daily News' David Hinckley agreed.
"His showcase opener would have been better served, however, without the line about 'human excrement'," Hinckley wrote.
"You'd think someone somewhere in the production process would have said, 'That's not entertaining. That's gross'.
"It pretty much killed any chance Jackman could summon the classy ghost of Fred Astaire, which made it ironic that his midshow number, an all-hands-on-deck Busby Berkeley blowout, was built on Astaire's Top Hat."
Other critics applauded Jackman.
"He sang, he danced, he sat on Frank Langella's lap and he also presented the 81st annual Academy Awards," New York Times' Alessandra Stanley wrote.
"Hugh Jackman was a shrewd, even thrifty choice for a recession-era Oscar night - the hosting equivalent of a value meal."
LA Times' McNamara did have some kind words for the family of Heath Ledger, father Kim, mother Sally and sister Kate, and the way they accepted the best supporting actor Oscar.
"To the Ledger family, we are all sorry for your loss," McNamara wrote.
"Thank you for the simple and heartfelt words about your son and brother and for reminding us that just one step back from all the glamour and craziness are ordinary people who understand both the importance and the limitations of a night like this."
Media Man Australia Profiles
The Oscars
Hugh Jackman
Heath Ledger
Australian Sports Entertainment
The affable Aussie's singing, dancing and stand-up comedy performance spearheaded a reverse in the troubling slide in US TV ratings for the film industry's glitzy night of celebration.
Preliminary figures pointed to a six per cent rise in American viewers for the Jackman-led US TV Oscar telecast over the dismal performance a year ago when the Jon Stewart-hosted ceremony pulled in a record low audience of 32 million.
Polls in the US also overwhelmingly gave Jackman the thumbs up.
New York newspaper Newsday asked its readers to rate the Australian host's performance and 65.5 per cent deemed it "excellent", 21.5 per cent "good", 8.1 per cent "satisfactory" and just five per cent gave him a "fail".
Entertainment Weekly asked its readers if Jackman should return as host.
Just over 70 per cent said he should and only 29 per cent said he should not.
Most negative reviews from TV critics pointed to Jackman's use of the words "excrement" and "pubic hair" and other lines they considered low grade humour.
"We knew that with Jackman involved, metallic lame was a real possibility, but to make fun of the Nazi-war-crimes/paedophilia-themed The Reader?," Los Angeles Times critic Mary McNamara, who voiced her complaints about Jackman when it was announced last year, wrote.
New York Daily News' David Hinckley agreed.
"His showcase opener would have been better served, however, without the line about 'human excrement'," Hinckley wrote.
"You'd think someone somewhere in the production process would have said, 'That's not entertaining. That's gross'.
"It pretty much killed any chance Jackman could summon the classy ghost of Fred Astaire, which made it ironic that his midshow number, an all-hands-on-deck Busby Berkeley blowout, was built on Astaire's Top Hat."
Other critics applauded Jackman.
"He sang, he danced, he sat on Frank Langella's lap and he also presented the 81st annual Academy Awards," New York Times' Alessandra Stanley wrote.
"Hugh Jackman was a shrewd, even thrifty choice for a recession-era Oscar night - the hosting equivalent of a value meal."
LA Times' McNamara did have some kind words for the family of Heath Ledger, father Kim, mother Sally and sister Kate, and the way they accepted the best supporting actor Oscar.
"To the Ledger family, we are all sorry for your loss," McNamara wrote.
"Thank you for the simple and heartfelt words about your son and brother and for reminding us that just one step back from all the glamour and craziness are ordinary people who understand both the importance and the limitations of a night like this."
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The Oscars
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Heath Ledger
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Monday, February 23, 2009
Academy Awards Live Broadcast in Australia First Time Ever - Gambling911 - 22nd February 2009
You won't have to rise too early in Australia, but you might want to skip work for a few hours. That's because it's the first time ever the Academy Awards are being broadcast live in the country. Late morning through early afternoon is the time frame for this huge awards show that features some of Australia's best talent.
Channel Nine, which also broadcasts the phenomenally popular Underbelly series, will air the Oscars Monday morning in Australia the same time they are being shown at 5 pm Los Angeles time (Sunday).
The Media Man, Greg Tingle, tells Gambling911.com that everyone in Ledger's native Australia will be tuned in to watch the Oscars later this month.
"Australia is very excited about the Heath Ledger being nominated," Tingle Said. "I never heard anyone ever say a bad word about him. Heath used to live just down the road from us at Bronte Beach, however, one or two rabid paparazzi saw Health generally keen a lower public profile in the proceeding 12 months prior to his untimely death. Like many actors, artists and talented arty types, his fame grew after he left us, and Australia still loves him despite Ledger's sometimes problem with drugs, which ultimately cost him his life."
And while Australia will be rooting for Ledger, they'll also be watching another native son, Hugh Jackman, host the show.
"It would be a travesty not to broadcast the show live," says Tingle.
According to the Courier Mail, there used to be a massive blow-out in the Hilton Hotel ballroom, hosted by the various film distributors, back when they maintained a decent presence in Queensland.
"Then it dwindled to the point where Nine would take the live feed off a satellite and everyone would gather in a studio or in one of those more intimate cinemas and then head back to work sometime during the afternoon. Only they knew who the winners were." (Credit: Gambling911)
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Channel Nine, which also broadcasts the phenomenally popular Underbelly series, will air the Oscars Monday morning in Australia the same time they are being shown at 5 pm Los Angeles time (Sunday).
The Media Man, Greg Tingle, tells Gambling911.com that everyone in Ledger's native Australia will be tuned in to watch the Oscars later this month.
"Australia is very excited about the Heath Ledger being nominated," Tingle Said. "I never heard anyone ever say a bad word about him. Heath used to live just down the road from us at Bronte Beach, however, one or two rabid paparazzi saw Health generally keen a lower public profile in the proceeding 12 months prior to his untimely death. Like many actors, artists and talented arty types, his fame grew after he left us, and Australia still loves him despite Ledger's sometimes problem with drugs, which ultimately cost him his life."
And while Australia will be rooting for Ledger, they'll also be watching another native son, Hugh Jackman, host the show.
"It would be a travesty not to broadcast the show live," says Tingle.
According to the Courier Mail, there used to be a massive blow-out in the Hilton Hotel ballroom, hosted by the various film distributors, back when they maintained a decent presence in Queensland.
"Then it dwindled to the point where Nine would take the live feed off a satellite and everyone would gather in a studio or in one of those more intimate cinemas and then head back to work sometime during the afternoon. Only they knew who the winners were." (Credit: Gambling911)
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
NRL Club Launches BunnyBet Bookmaker Website Venture - Gambling911 - 21st February 2009
What's not to like about a site calling itself Bunnybet.com.au? Actually, the link redirects to the Betezy.com website as part of the latest NRL club joint venture with a bookmaking organization in Australia.
The Rabbitohs on Thursday launched the website following in the lead of other NRL clubs that have now begun to understand the potential in teaming up with betting groups like Darwin-based Betezy.
The Melbourne Herald writes:
"It is a stunning backflip after co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court unsuccessfully attempted to rid the embattled Souths Leagues Club of pokies 18 months ago. If there was any concerns about hypocrisy, Souths members don't seem to care."
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said around 90 percent of the club's members gave their approval to join up with Betezy.com.
"Obviously people are going to talk about it being a backflip,'' he said. "This is a decision made after much consultation with the members. From a commercial point of view, we would be mad not to do it.
"As a CEO, I asked all the questions and it is the smart way to go. We've not entered into this partnership lightly. We consulted our members on this issue by sending them a Members First video over three weeks ago, explaining our options on sports betting, and the response we received was over 90 per cent in support of moving ahead with a sponsorship agreement.
"We've been in consultation with the NRL to ensure we meet their policies regarding sponsorship and sports betting, and they have given us the green light to move ahead.''
The Rabbitohs will receive a guaranteed six-figure sponsorship plus advertising commissions based on turnover. (Credit: Gambling911)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Betezy
South Sydney Juniors
NRL
Sports Betting
Australian Sports Entertainment
The Rabbitohs on Thursday launched the website following in the lead of other NRL clubs that have now begun to understand the potential in teaming up with betting groups like Darwin-based Betezy.
The Melbourne Herald writes:
"It is a stunning backflip after co-owners Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court unsuccessfully attempted to rid the embattled Souths Leagues Club of pokies 18 months ago. If there was any concerns about hypocrisy, Souths members don't seem to care."
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson said around 90 percent of the club's members gave their approval to join up with Betezy.com.
"Obviously people are going to talk about it being a backflip,'' he said. "This is a decision made after much consultation with the members. From a commercial point of view, we would be mad not to do it.
"As a CEO, I asked all the questions and it is the smart way to go. We've not entered into this partnership lightly. We consulted our members on this issue by sending them a Members First video over three weeks ago, explaining our options on sports betting, and the response we received was over 90 per cent in support of moving ahead with a sponsorship agreement.
"We've been in consultation with the NRL to ensure we meet their policies regarding sponsorship and sports betting, and they have given us the green light to move ahead.''
The Rabbitohs will receive a guaranteed six-figure sponsorship plus advertising commissions based on turnover. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Saturday, February 21, 2009
Bookies tip Ledger to win Oscar, by Peter Mitchell - 21st February 2009
If Heath Ledger's name is not called out at the 81st Annual Academy Awards it will be the biggest upset in Oscar history.
On the eve of film's night of nights, bookmakers in Las Vegas, London and Australia have the late Perth-born actor at outrageously slim odds.
British bookmaker bet365.com has The Dark Knight star at the shortest odds of all, 1/250, with second favourite, Doubt's Philip Seymour Hoffman, at the longshot price of 25/1.
Australia's Centrebet is almost as tight, offering punters just three cents for a $1.00 investment for a Ledger win.
"No contest, no debate, Heath Ledger," New York Times' film writer David Carr, in an article forecasting Oscar winners, wrote.
The Los Angeles Times polled 12 Oscar experts from leading publications including The New York Post, USA Today and Us Weekly and all 12 picked Ledger as the winner.
"The idea that Heath Ledger won't win for The Dark Knight is so unthinkable, I can only imagine mass walk-outs at the ceremony and riots breaking out across the country if it doesn't come to pass," CNN.com columnist Tom Charity wrote.
Ledger's family, headed by his father Kim and mother Sally, are expected to give the acceptance speech inside Hollywood's Kodak Theatre if the Academy's 6,000 members follow the script and name Ledger a posthumous winner.
Ledger is one of six Australians nominated for Oscars this year.
If bookmakers are right, Ledger will be the only winner.
Catherine Martin was the only nominee for the epic Australia, earning her nod in the costume category.
Martin, who won two Oscars for husband Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! in 2002, is at 8/1 and on the third line of betting in the category this year with Englishman Michael O'Connor the 2/1 favourite for the Keira Knightley period drama, The Duchess.
Australian Michael Carlin is nominated for his art direction on The Duchess, but again is an outside chance with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Donald Burt and Victor Zolfo the 1/3 favourites.
Australian visual effects wizard Ben Snow was nominated for his work on Iron Man and is at 4/1, but the bookies' bet for the visual effects category is the team from Benjamin Button at 3/11.
There are two Aussies in the editing category, Benjamin Button's Kirk Baxter and The Dark Knight's Lee Smith, and both are expected to be swept up in the Slumdog Millionaire Oscar tsunami.
Slumdog Millionaire's British editor Chris Dickens is the top pick at 8/15, while the Aussies are more than 7/1.
Slumdog Millionaire is nominated for eight Oscars and has emerged the last fortnight as the outright best picture favourite with tight odds of 1/6, distancing itself from onetime likely winner Benjamin Button currently at 5/1.
One-time bad boy Mickey Rourke (1/2) has also shot to favouritism for best actor for his extraordinary performance in The Wrestler.
A month ago Sean Penn (7/4) was the popular pick of most pundits for the biopic Milk, but Rourke has campaigned tirelessly, been on his best behaviour and has a comeback story Academy voters love.
The best actress category is one of the most open, with Kate Winslet (The Reader) still hanging on to favouritism at about 2/5 although there has been a late push for Meryl Streep (Doubt) who sits at 4/1 and a legitimate threat Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) at 5/1.
The best supporting actress race is the closest in the acting categories with Spanish siren Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) the frontrunner at 4/6 and the duo from Doubt, Amy Adams second at 3/1 and Viola Davis third at 4/1.
Slumdog Millionaire's Danny Boyle is the outright pick in the director category at slim odds of 1/10.
The Academy Awards will take place from noon Monday (AEDT).
Media Man Australia Profiles
Heath Ledger
Sports Betting
Centrebet
Entertainment News
On the eve of film's night of nights, bookmakers in Las Vegas, London and Australia have the late Perth-born actor at outrageously slim odds.
British bookmaker bet365.com has The Dark Knight star at the shortest odds of all, 1/250, with second favourite, Doubt's Philip Seymour Hoffman, at the longshot price of 25/1.
Australia's Centrebet is almost as tight, offering punters just three cents for a $1.00 investment for a Ledger win.
"No contest, no debate, Heath Ledger," New York Times' film writer David Carr, in an article forecasting Oscar winners, wrote.
The Los Angeles Times polled 12 Oscar experts from leading publications including The New York Post, USA Today and Us Weekly and all 12 picked Ledger as the winner.
"The idea that Heath Ledger won't win for The Dark Knight is so unthinkable, I can only imagine mass walk-outs at the ceremony and riots breaking out across the country if it doesn't come to pass," CNN.com columnist Tom Charity wrote.
Ledger's family, headed by his father Kim and mother Sally, are expected to give the acceptance speech inside Hollywood's Kodak Theatre if the Academy's 6,000 members follow the script and name Ledger a posthumous winner.
Ledger is one of six Australians nominated for Oscars this year.
If bookmakers are right, Ledger will be the only winner.
Catherine Martin was the only nominee for the epic Australia, earning her nod in the costume category.
Martin, who won two Oscars for husband Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! in 2002, is at 8/1 and on the third line of betting in the category this year with Englishman Michael O'Connor the 2/1 favourite for the Keira Knightley period drama, The Duchess.
Australian Michael Carlin is nominated for his art direction on The Duchess, but again is an outside chance with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Donald Burt and Victor Zolfo the 1/3 favourites.
Australian visual effects wizard Ben Snow was nominated for his work on Iron Man and is at 4/1, but the bookies' bet for the visual effects category is the team from Benjamin Button at 3/11.
There are two Aussies in the editing category, Benjamin Button's Kirk Baxter and The Dark Knight's Lee Smith, and both are expected to be swept up in the Slumdog Millionaire Oscar tsunami.
Slumdog Millionaire's British editor Chris Dickens is the top pick at 8/15, while the Aussies are more than 7/1.
Slumdog Millionaire is nominated for eight Oscars and has emerged the last fortnight as the outright best picture favourite with tight odds of 1/6, distancing itself from onetime likely winner Benjamin Button currently at 5/1.
One-time bad boy Mickey Rourke (1/2) has also shot to favouritism for best actor for his extraordinary performance in The Wrestler.
A month ago Sean Penn (7/4) was the popular pick of most pundits for the biopic Milk, but Rourke has campaigned tirelessly, been on his best behaviour and has a comeback story Academy voters love.
The best actress category is one of the most open, with Kate Winslet (The Reader) still hanging on to favouritism at about 2/5 although there has been a late push for Meryl Streep (Doubt) who sits at 4/1 and a legitimate threat Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) at 5/1.
The best supporting actress race is the closest in the acting categories with Spanish siren Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) the frontrunner at 4/6 and the duo from Doubt, Amy Adams second at 3/1 and Viola Davis third at 4/1.
Slumdog Millionaire's Danny Boyle is the outright pick in the director category at slim odds of 1/10.
The Academy Awards will take place from noon Monday (AEDT).
Media Man Australia Profiles
Heath Ledger
Sports Betting
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Friday, February 20, 2009
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
888.com Hosts Charity Poker Tournament for Australia Wildfire Victims - Gambling911 - 17th February 2009
Gambling911.com applauds 888.com for its efforts in trying to raise money for those affected by the wildfires in Australia last week. Our friend, The Media Man, has advised that 888.com will be hosting an online poker tournament to help Australia wildfire victims. The publicly traded online gambling firm has been making some serious inroads into Australia over the last year.
Sadly, the wildfire death toll heading into Wednesday (Australia time) had reached 200.
A judge launched an inquiry into the deadly Australian wildfires on Tuesday as authorities announced they would find ways to make the region safer before the next season of inevitable blazes.
Media Man, Greg Tingle, questioned why one individual had been fined by environmentalists for clearing trees and brush away from his property prior to the fires.
"He was the only survivor in his neighborhood," said Tingle.
The nightmarish blazes tore across Victoria with 400 fires destroying more than 1,800 homes and scorching about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) of farms, forests and towns.
Police suspect at least two of the fires were deliberately set, and have charged one man with arson causing death and lighting a wildfire. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years on the first charge and 15 years on the second. He was being held in protective custody to prevent revenge attacks against him.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against electricity supplier SP AusNet, alleging that defective power lines caused losses and damage in connection with one of the fires. SP AusNet, which is 51 percent owned by the Singapore Power Group, said it would "vigorously defend" the claim.
As for the online poker tournament, details appear below:
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50 bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
DOWNLOAD HERE
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Sadly, the wildfire death toll heading into Wednesday (Australia time) had reached 200.
A judge launched an inquiry into the deadly Australian wildfires on Tuesday as authorities announced they would find ways to make the region safer before the next season of inevitable blazes.
Media Man, Greg Tingle, questioned why one individual had been fined by environmentalists for clearing trees and brush away from his property prior to the fires.
"He was the only survivor in his neighborhood," said Tingle.
The nightmarish blazes tore across Victoria with 400 fires destroying more than 1,800 homes and scorching about 1,500 square miles (3,900 square kilometers) of farms, forests and towns.
Police suspect at least two of the fires were deliberately set, and have charged one man with arson causing death and lighting a wildfire. Brendan Sokaluk, 39, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years on the first charge and 15 years on the second. He was being held in protective custody to prevent revenge attacks against him.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against electricity supplier SP AusNet, alleging that defective power lines caused losses and damage in connection with one of the fires. SP AusNet, which is 51 percent owned by the Singapore Power Group, said it would "vigorously defend" the claim.
As for the online poker tournament, details appear below:
Due to the tragic events caused by the bushfires in the Victoria region,
888 will be hosting the "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament" to help
families in need. The No-Limit Texas Hold'em tournament will take place
on Sunday, February 22nd at 8:30pm AEDT. The buy-in for this tournament
will be $30 and all buy-ins (and re-buys) will be donated to the relief
efforts. Entrants to this special tournament will be playing for great
prizes donated by 888;
1st place: $500 US
2nd place: $300 US
3rd place: $200 US
4th-10th place: Free entry into the 888 NZ Poker Champs Sunday Qualifier
on March 1 ($120 Value)
As well as these great prizes, if you knock out 888 ambassadors Brendan Fevola (bfevola25) or Jeff Fenech (fenech888) you will receive an $50 bounty prize (credited next day).
We hope you take this opportunity to Enjoy The Game while helping your fellow Australian families during this difficult time. Thank you for your support.
What: Tournament- "Bushfire Relief Charity Tournament"
Buy-in: $30 with optional $30 rebuys (all going to charity)
When: February 22nd @ 8:30pm AEDT
Charity: The Variety and Shane Warne Foundation Bushfire Relief Fund
Where: 888Poker
To download and join 888Poker please click on the link below:
DOWNLOAD HERE
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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Monday, February 16, 2009
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
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Saturday, February 14, 2009
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Off the Wall, by Jeff Wall - League Unlimited - 2nd February 2009
At long last a couple of NRL clubs have come up with a strategy to ring fence the game from the damage the economic downturn is inevitably going to cause – and at least theirs is a better strategy than the nonsense that emanated from the NRL over the weekend!
The Sharks and the Knights believe that the citizenry are going to be very happy to punt their way out of the economic storm judging by their decision to enter into agreements with on line betting agency, Ezybet (according to the Daily Telegraph) but I suspect it is with Betezy which has an agreement with the Gold Coast Titans that has been up and running since last year.
If it is Betezy, then the operation is a fully licensed on line betting agency, operating out of the Northern Territory and approved by the NT Government. Betezy takes wagers on horse racing, the trots and the dogs as well as just about every sport with the exception of marbles!
It would seem that fans sign up with their favourite club – provided it is in an agreement with Betezy – and that the club gets a return from what is invested by fans. Time will tell what the return is, but it may well be the difference between survival and collapse for some clubs. That will depend on how many club members/supporters join up – and how much they punt!
The NRL will review the Sharks and Knights proposals, but given that the Titans agreement has been approved, it is hardly likely to reject them.
And in fact it is really in no position to do so because the NRL has its own agreement with TAB Sportsbet.
The involvement of more and more clubs with betting agencies is going to attract the attention of the anti-gambling lobby. Comments such as “In hard financial times such as these, more people seem to gamble so it makes sense to benefit off that” coming from the Sharks CEO are unhelpful!
The simple reality is that online betting is here, and here to stay. And the greatest growth area in online betting is not on horses, but on sport – including rugby league.
And one has to ask, is it any different, or more dangerous, being sponsored by a sports betting agency than by a brewery or a rum producer?
At least the Sharks and the Knights have a solution that is more credible than what the NRL itself has so far offered.
Over the weekend we learnt that David Gallop has issued a direction that all NRL executives are now required to fly economy class, and not business class as has been the practice.
This was apparently done in response to the impact on the NRL of the global economic downturn.
Even if the NRL executives are industrious travellers – as the media claim they are – then how much will that save? One hundred thousand?
If the NRL believes that the prevailing economic circumstances – and what will follow – can be overcome with such a weak response then they are living in dreamland.
The Australian Rugby Union has also cut out business class travel AND cut the salaries of the CEO, John O’Neill, and his senior executives, AND delivered an effective match payment cut to the Wallabies for the 2009 season.
If the NRL is serious, it will insist that the ARL immediately begin merger talks – so that the savings from the costly duplication of administration of our game can end, and the savings be used to help protect the game in very tough times.
Those savings – if they are genuine about it – will make the “no business class” edict seem like small change by comparison.
And what the game needs is not PR solutions, but substantial measures that can help secure its future in difficult, perhaps extremely difficult, times.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Betezy
NRL
Australian Sports Entertainment
The Sharks and the Knights believe that the citizenry are going to be very happy to punt their way out of the economic storm judging by their decision to enter into agreements with on line betting agency, Ezybet (according to the Daily Telegraph) but I suspect it is with Betezy which has an agreement with the Gold Coast Titans that has been up and running since last year.
If it is Betezy, then the operation is a fully licensed on line betting agency, operating out of the Northern Territory and approved by the NT Government. Betezy takes wagers on horse racing, the trots and the dogs as well as just about every sport with the exception of marbles!
It would seem that fans sign up with their favourite club – provided it is in an agreement with Betezy – and that the club gets a return from what is invested by fans. Time will tell what the return is, but it may well be the difference between survival and collapse for some clubs. That will depend on how many club members/supporters join up – and how much they punt!
The NRL will review the Sharks and Knights proposals, but given that the Titans agreement has been approved, it is hardly likely to reject them.
And in fact it is really in no position to do so because the NRL has its own agreement with TAB Sportsbet.
The involvement of more and more clubs with betting agencies is going to attract the attention of the anti-gambling lobby. Comments such as “In hard financial times such as these, more people seem to gamble so it makes sense to benefit off that” coming from the Sharks CEO are unhelpful!
The simple reality is that online betting is here, and here to stay. And the greatest growth area in online betting is not on horses, but on sport – including rugby league.
And one has to ask, is it any different, or more dangerous, being sponsored by a sports betting agency than by a brewery or a rum producer?
At least the Sharks and the Knights have a solution that is more credible than what the NRL itself has so far offered.
Over the weekend we learnt that David Gallop has issued a direction that all NRL executives are now required to fly economy class, and not business class as has been the practice.
This was apparently done in response to the impact on the NRL of the global economic downturn.
Even if the NRL executives are industrious travellers – as the media claim they are – then how much will that save? One hundred thousand?
If the NRL believes that the prevailing economic circumstances – and what will follow – can be overcome with such a weak response then they are living in dreamland.
The Australian Rugby Union has also cut out business class travel AND cut the salaries of the CEO, John O’Neill, and his senior executives, AND delivered an effective match payment cut to the Wallabies for the 2009 season.
If the NRL is serious, it will insist that the ARL immediately begin merger talks – so that the savings from the costly duplication of administration of our game can end, and the savings be used to help protect the game in very tough times.
Those savings – if they are genuine about it – will make the “no business class” edict seem like small change by comparison.
And what the game needs is not PR solutions, but substantial measures that can help secure its future in difficult, perhaps extremely difficult, times.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Betezy
NRL
Australian Sports Entertainment
Saints and Betezy join to form a winning combo - 12 February 2009
The St Kilda Football Club has entered into an advertising and sponsorship agreement with major Australian corporate bookmaker Betezy, an AFL approved betting provider.
Betezy is one of seven sports wagering providers to have signed an information-sharing and financial agreement with the AFL.
Betezy will use its sports and racing site, clubbet.com.au to service St Kilda members and supporters.
St Kilda Football Club CEO Archie Fraser said, “We are delighted to welcome Betezy, the owner and operator of clubbet.com.au, as a new corporate supporter of the Saints. It’s extremely pleasing to secure such a strong commercial outcome for the Club, particularly one over a three year period which gives us a very secure and exciting new partnership.”
Betezy Managing Director Vince McDonald said, “Betezy is thrilled to be among the first sports wagering companies to secure a major association with an AFL Club. The Saints are an exciting Club with one of the most passionate fan bases in the country and we look forward to working alongside them in the coming years.”
Media Man Australia Profiles
Betezy
AFL
Australian Sports Entertainment
Betezy is one of seven sports wagering providers to have signed an information-sharing and financial agreement with the AFL.
Betezy will use its sports and racing site, clubbet.com.au to service St Kilda members and supporters.
St Kilda Football Club CEO Archie Fraser said, “We are delighted to welcome Betezy, the owner and operator of clubbet.com.au, as a new corporate supporter of the Saints. It’s extremely pleasing to secure such a strong commercial outcome for the Club, particularly one over a three year period which gives us a very secure and exciting new partnership.”
Betezy Managing Director Vince McDonald said, “Betezy is thrilled to be among the first sports wagering companies to secure a major association with an AFL Club. The Saints are an exciting Club with one of the most passionate fan bases in the country and we look forward to working alongside them in the coming years.”
Media Man Australia Profiles
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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Monday, February 09, 2009
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Saturday, February 07, 2009
First free sports channel to air next month, by Media Diary - The Australian - 6th February 2009
Ten's free-to-air 24-hour sports channel, ONE, will be launched on Thursday 26 March 2009 at 7.30 pm, the network announced today.
Viewers need a set top box and or a digital HD television with built in tuner to access the channel. But it is the first free-to-air commercial channel in Australia.
The first sports to be broadcast will be an AFL match between Richmond and Carlton, Swimming Australia SKINS event and live coverage of the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix .
“We know our opening weekend will give viewers a sensational introduction to ONE, and mark the beginning of a lifetime’s habit of essential sports viewing,”
Network Ten’s general manager sport, David White, said today in a statement.
However, some Ten fans will be disappointed because when ONE begins broadcasting in High Definition (HD) on Channel 1 the current mix of general programming in high defintion will vanish.
Some shows which are shot in high definition such as Rove Live and Australian Idol will now not be seen anywhere in high definition.
ONE will also be broadcast in in Standard Definition (SD) on Channel 12. (Credit: The Australian).
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Viewers need a set top box and or a digital HD television with built in tuner to access the channel. But it is the first free-to-air commercial channel in Australia.
The first sports to be broadcast will be an AFL match between Richmond and Carlton, Swimming Australia SKINS event and live coverage of the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix .
“We know our opening weekend will give viewers a sensational introduction to ONE, and mark the beginning of a lifetime’s habit of essential sports viewing,”
Network Ten’s general manager sport, David White, said today in a statement.
However, some Ten fans will be disappointed because when ONE begins broadcasting in High Definition (HD) on Channel 1 the current mix of general programming in high defintion will vanish.
Some shows which are shot in high definition such as Rove Live and Australian Idol will now not be seen anywhere in high definition.
ONE will also be broadcast in in Standard Definition (SD) on Channel 12. (Credit: The Australian).
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Online Gambling Heating Up in Australia - Gambling911 - 6th February 2009
The online gambling industry is really starting to get hot in Australia it seems.
The land down under is seen as the land of opportunities, but it is often forgotten by the folks up north. That's not so much the case with the online gambling sector. Last month we watched with excitement as the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament turned out yet another millionaire. It's now among the most popular live tournaments in the world today.
Many of the world's top online casino brands have been doing the ring around down under to see what media, PR, spin and online exposure mileage they can secure in the land known to be settled by convicts, back in the days when Captain Cook set shore and 1000s of Aboriginals were murdered in the progress.
Well known media analyst and entrepreneur, Greg Tingle of Media Man Australia is taking his share of the phone calls and letters of enquiry.
"We're been doing business with some some of the world's top online casino brands for a number of years now... Virgin Games, PKR, 888, WPT and Betfair. Recently the amount of enquiries coming in has been huge," Tingle told Gambling911.com Friday. "We've locked down business deals with PartyPartners, Slotland, JackpotCity, The Bingo Affiliates, BetCruise, and recently we joined our mates down the road here at Bondi Beach... Rewards Affiliates.
"Captain Cooks Casino has been hugely popular, but I haven't figured out whether it's the Bondi Beach locals or international whales coming to our region to check out the bronzed Aussies. We were privileged to spearhead the Ezybet sports betting media and publicity campaign which attracted major Australian and international interest."
Most of the excitement centering around the Australian sports betting sector has to do with deals being reached with the NRL (National Rugby League).
"The NRL (National Rugby League) is like a religion in Australia, and punters love having a punt," said Tingle. "The massive campaign was impossible to miss, and sources at the NRL are even looking at following some aspects of the TitansBet (Gold Coast Titans) business model".
Tingle also says, "There was also good interest by worldwide online casino entities to penetrate Australia, but the Ezybet exposure and worldwide story has really lit a fire under the industry."
More online casinos and poker sites will be entering the Australian market in the coming months, Tingle advised. (Credit: Gambling911)
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The land down under is seen as the land of opportunities, but it is often forgotten by the folks up north. That's not so much the case with the online gambling sector. Last month we watched with excitement as the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament turned out yet another millionaire. It's now among the most popular live tournaments in the world today.
Many of the world's top online casino brands have been doing the ring around down under to see what media, PR, spin and online exposure mileage they can secure in the land known to be settled by convicts, back in the days when Captain Cook set shore and 1000s of Aboriginals were murdered in the progress.
Well known media analyst and entrepreneur, Greg Tingle of Media Man Australia is taking his share of the phone calls and letters of enquiry.
"We're been doing business with some some of the world's top online casino brands for a number of years now... Virgin Games, PKR, 888, WPT and Betfair. Recently the amount of enquiries coming in has been huge," Tingle told Gambling911.com Friday. "We've locked down business deals with PartyPartners, Slotland, JackpotCity, The Bingo Affiliates, BetCruise, and recently we joined our mates down the road here at Bondi Beach... Rewards Affiliates.
"Captain Cooks Casino has been hugely popular, but I haven't figured out whether it's the Bondi Beach locals or international whales coming to our region to check out the bronzed Aussies. We were privileged to spearhead the Ezybet sports betting media and publicity campaign which attracted major Australian and international interest."
Most of the excitement centering around the Australian sports betting sector has to do with deals being reached with the NRL (National Rugby League).
"The NRL (National Rugby League) is like a religion in Australia, and punters love having a punt," said Tingle. "The massive campaign was impossible to miss, and sources at the NRL are even looking at following some aspects of the TitansBet (Gold Coast Titans) business model".
Tingle also says, "There was also good interest by worldwide online casino entities to penetrate Australia, but the Ezybet exposure and worldwide story has really lit a fire under the industry."
More online casinos and poker sites will be entering the Australian market in the coming months, Tingle advised. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Friday, February 06, 2009
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Thursday, February 05, 2009
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Wednesday, February 04, 2009
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Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Rabbitohs backflip over bets, by Adrian Proszenko - The Sun-Herald - 1st February 2009
About a year after Russell Crowe outlined his vision to scrap poker machines at South Sydney Leagues Club, the Rabbitohs are in talks to create a club betting website that encourages supporters to open online betting accounts to gamble on league and other sports.
Newcastle and Cronulla have followed the lead of the Gold Coast in partnering the Northern Territory bookmaker Betezy.com.au in an attempt to improve their bottom line - and now Souths are looking to do likewise.
Parramatta will meet Betezy representatives tomorrow to discuss a similar arrangement, while two other NRL clubs will announce partnerships this week.
All rugby league clubs have been encouraged to explore alternative revenue streams in the wake of the global economic downturn and the impact of pokie taxes but the Rabbitohs' interest in gambling revenue is a huge backflip.
Soon after sweeping to power at Redfern, Gladiator star Crowe declared he wanted Souths Leagues to be a pokie-free zone.
"We are not moralising here, we just believe that low-income areas like Redfern need [fewer] poker machines rather than more," Crowe wrote in a letter to club members in September 2007.
The Oscar winner appears to have had a rethink, with the club deep in talks with Betezy about setting up a Titans-style gambling model.
Crowe has also warned fans he won't finance the club's premiership ambitions indefinitely in a six-minute video sent to Rabbitohs members just before Christmas in an apparent bid to boost the club's membership base.
Betezy.com.au's Ryan Kay would not disclose which clubs he was negotiating with, but confirmed several Australian sporting teams had expressed interest.
"Especially in NSW, leagues clubs are doing it tough with the new pokie tax and the smoking bans," Kay said. "There's a major hole to be filled and we feel we can be a major contributor." (Credit: The Sun-Herald)
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Newcastle and Cronulla have followed the lead of the Gold Coast in partnering the Northern Territory bookmaker Betezy.com.au in an attempt to improve their bottom line - and now Souths are looking to do likewise.
Parramatta will meet Betezy representatives tomorrow to discuss a similar arrangement, while two other NRL clubs will announce partnerships this week.
All rugby league clubs have been encouraged to explore alternative revenue streams in the wake of the global economic downturn and the impact of pokie taxes but the Rabbitohs' interest in gambling revenue is a huge backflip.
Soon after sweeping to power at Redfern, Gladiator star Crowe declared he wanted Souths Leagues to be a pokie-free zone.
"We are not moralising here, we just believe that low-income areas like Redfern need [fewer] poker machines rather than more," Crowe wrote in a letter to club members in September 2007.
The Oscar winner appears to have had a rethink, with the club deep in talks with Betezy about setting up a Titans-style gambling model.
Crowe has also warned fans he won't finance the club's premiership ambitions indefinitely in a six-minute video sent to Rabbitohs members just before Christmas in an apparent bid to boost the club's membership base.
Betezy.com.au's Ryan Kay would not disclose which clubs he was negotiating with, but confirmed several Australian sporting teams had expressed interest.
"Especially in NSW, leagues clubs are doing it tough with the new pokie tax and the smoking bans," Kay said. "There's a major hole to be filled and we feel we can be a major contributor." (Credit: The Sun-Herald)
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No love for Black Caps, by John Schell - Fairfax - 21st November 2008
New Zealand have been friendless in betting on the first Test against Australia despite gaining the upper hand on the first day of play.
TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said that even when Australia slumped to 3-23 they remained firm favourites.
"Early bets on the Aussies include $40,000 and $30,000 at $1.40 before they drifted to as much as $1.47 when they lost the three quick wickets," he said. "The draw was specked with a bet of $5000 at $4.25 with the largest bet on New Zealand being $500 at $8 after they were priced at as much as $11 with us before play started. The Kiwis firmed into as short as $4 before drifting to $6.50 with Australia 3-60 at lunch."
Munsie said TAB Sportsbet attracted one "interesting bet" with a punter having $5000 on a 1-1 series result at $11.
Centrebet punters only backed two options going into the first day of the Test that started at the Gabba yesterday. "I can't remember the Kiwis going into day one of a Trans-Tasman Test series an embarrassing $15 outsider to win the first match," said Centrebet's Neil Evans.
"But that's what they were with us. Australia firmed from $1.40 into $1.33 and were the best backed, but there's also very good money for the draw with the rain around and it was $4.35 into $4."
… None for Kiwis, also
Betezy.com.au's Tino Trung said punters did their money when Australia romped into the World Cup final with a 52-0 win over Fiji last week. This week they are backing the Kangaroos to give the Kiwis "a touch up" at a short quote in Brisbane tomorrow night, Trung said.
"That is in contrast to last week when the Kiwis gave punters a windfall when they covered the line against the Poms and Australia cost punters a hat full when Fiji were backed from $1.91 into $1.60 with 50.5 points start only to lose by 52," he added.
Evans said Centrebet punters are giving New Zealand next to no chance. "Australia has firmed from $1.11 into $1.10 and the Kiwis have eased from $6.35 to $7," he said. "Punters are prepared to take the $1.91 line bet about the Aussies giving the Kiwis an 18-point start. One Sydney client has had $10,000 at $1.91 about the Kangaroos covering the big start."
TAB Sportsbet is also struggling to take any money for the Kiwis with Munsie saying they are yet to attract a bet of more than $500 in any of the nine markets open on the match. "It has been impossible to write any bet of note for them in Saturday night's final," Munsie said. "Australia has been $1.14 into $1.11 with a string of big bets taken for the Kangaroos."
The biggest bets have been $36,000, $20,000 (twice) and $11,250 at $1.14 as well as $45,000, $12,500, $10,000, $7500 and $5000 at $1.13 and $50,000 and $21,000 at $1.11.
All aboard the Wallabies
Punters have quickly jumped on the Wallabies bandwagon after their win over England last week. Bets of $30,000 and $6500 were placed on Australia at $1.85 for their match against France. Meanwhile, one punter has plonked $20,000 on England at $2.20 to win against South Africa ($1.60).
A long bow to draw?
A TAB Sportsbet football multiplayer turned a little into a lot when their four-leg half-time/full-time double multi arrived.
"The punter took Draw/Inter Milan in their match against Palermo, Bayern Munich/Draw in their game against Moenchengladbach, Liverpool/Liverpool when they won against Bolton and Fulham/Fulham when they beat Tottenham," Munsie said. "The bet was $30 and the odds were $1014. The customer was very happy to collect almost $30,420."
THE BEST BET
Australia (-18.5) against New Zealand at $1.90 with TAB Sportsbet. (Credit: Fairfax)
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TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said that even when Australia slumped to 3-23 they remained firm favourites.
"Early bets on the Aussies include $40,000 and $30,000 at $1.40 before they drifted to as much as $1.47 when they lost the three quick wickets," he said. "The draw was specked with a bet of $5000 at $4.25 with the largest bet on New Zealand being $500 at $8 after they were priced at as much as $11 with us before play started. The Kiwis firmed into as short as $4 before drifting to $6.50 with Australia 3-60 at lunch."
Munsie said TAB Sportsbet attracted one "interesting bet" with a punter having $5000 on a 1-1 series result at $11.
Centrebet punters only backed two options going into the first day of the Test that started at the Gabba yesterday. "I can't remember the Kiwis going into day one of a Trans-Tasman Test series an embarrassing $15 outsider to win the first match," said Centrebet's Neil Evans.
"But that's what they were with us. Australia firmed from $1.40 into $1.33 and were the best backed, but there's also very good money for the draw with the rain around and it was $4.35 into $4."
… None for Kiwis, also
Betezy.com.au's Tino Trung said punters did their money when Australia romped into the World Cup final with a 52-0 win over Fiji last week. This week they are backing the Kangaroos to give the Kiwis "a touch up" at a short quote in Brisbane tomorrow night, Trung said.
"That is in contrast to last week when the Kiwis gave punters a windfall when they covered the line against the Poms and Australia cost punters a hat full when Fiji were backed from $1.91 into $1.60 with 50.5 points start only to lose by 52," he added.
Evans said Centrebet punters are giving New Zealand next to no chance. "Australia has firmed from $1.11 into $1.10 and the Kiwis have eased from $6.35 to $7," he said. "Punters are prepared to take the $1.91 line bet about the Aussies giving the Kiwis an 18-point start. One Sydney client has had $10,000 at $1.91 about the Kangaroos covering the big start."
TAB Sportsbet is also struggling to take any money for the Kiwis with Munsie saying they are yet to attract a bet of more than $500 in any of the nine markets open on the match. "It has been impossible to write any bet of note for them in Saturday night's final," Munsie said. "Australia has been $1.14 into $1.11 with a string of big bets taken for the Kangaroos."
The biggest bets have been $36,000, $20,000 (twice) and $11,250 at $1.14 as well as $45,000, $12,500, $10,000, $7500 and $5000 at $1.13 and $50,000 and $21,000 at $1.11.
All aboard the Wallabies
Punters have quickly jumped on the Wallabies bandwagon after their win over England last week. Bets of $30,000 and $6500 were placed on Australia at $1.85 for their match against France. Meanwhile, one punter has plonked $20,000 on England at $2.20 to win against South Africa ($1.60).
A long bow to draw?
A TAB Sportsbet football multiplayer turned a little into a lot when their four-leg half-time/full-time double multi arrived.
"The punter took Draw/Inter Milan in their match against Palermo, Bayern Munich/Draw in their game against Moenchengladbach, Liverpool/Liverpool when they won against Bolton and Fulham/Fulham when they beat Tottenham," Munsie said. "The bet was $30 and the odds were $1014. The customer was very happy to collect almost $30,420."
THE BEST BET
Australia (-18.5) against New Zealand at $1.90 with TAB Sportsbet. (Credit: Fairfax)
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Monday, February 02, 2009
Centrebet goes hostile for IAS, by Giles Parkinson - Business Spectator - 2nd February 2009
Listed wagering and gaming company Centrebet has launched a hostile cash takeover for rival group International All Sports, playing on its target’s weak share price performance and the heavy losses suffered from its international operations.
Centrebet, which is controlled by leading book-maker Con Kafataris, is offering 28c a share for IAS, controlled by veteran bookmaker Mark Read, but will lift that offer to 33c a share should it reach 90 per cent. IAS shares last closed at 16c.
The bids value IAS at $18.6 million and $21.9 million respectively. Read owns a 27 per cent stake.
The bid has been launched just months after IAS concluded an asset sales process that failed to attract what it considered to be a decent enough offer.
Centrebet was one of those companies that took part in that process, and its bid is subject to the removal of confidentiality and standstill agreements that it signed at the time.
Centrebet is receiving advice from a Wilson HTM team led by Tony Jones and Scott Colvin, and David Selig from legal firm Addisons. IAS is yet to respond, but used local boutique advisory firm VMC Global and the London-based Torch Partners Corporate Finance on its asset sales process.
Centrebet sees strong synergies in the two businesses, but it is not clear what it would do with CanBet, which has been the source of much of IAS problems and returned a loss of $8 million in 2008.
The woes of CanBet began in late 2006 with the US decision to ban online gaming, and then its failure to attract good business in the international football betting market. In comparison, IAS’ Australian businesses have been performing well, nearly doubling EBIT in the past year to $12.3 million.
Centrebet says IAS has been a poorly performing company, paying only one dividend of 1.5c a share in the past five years, and with its share price down more than 90 per cent from its 1999 float price of $2.
Centrebet says the future of IAS is uncertain given the aggressive nature of international competitors, the challenging economic outlook and the adverse impact from the introduction of product fees.
Kafataris and other family members hold around 59 per cent of Centrebet, which has a market capitalisation of around $117 million. (Business Spectator)
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Centrebet, which is controlled by leading book-maker Con Kafataris, is offering 28c a share for IAS, controlled by veteran bookmaker Mark Read, but will lift that offer to 33c a share should it reach 90 per cent. IAS shares last closed at 16c.
The bids value IAS at $18.6 million and $21.9 million respectively. Read owns a 27 per cent stake.
The bid has been launched just months after IAS concluded an asset sales process that failed to attract what it considered to be a decent enough offer.
Centrebet was one of those companies that took part in that process, and its bid is subject to the removal of confidentiality and standstill agreements that it signed at the time.
Centrebet is receiving advice from a Wilson HTM team led by Tony Jones and Scott Colvin, and David Selig from legal firm Addisons. IAS is yet to respond, but used local boutique advisory firm VMC Global and the London-based Torch Partners Corporate Finance on its asset sales process.
Centrebet sees strong synergies in the two businesses, but it is not clear what it would do with CanBet, which has been the source of much of IAS problems and returned a loss of $8 million in 2008.
The woes of CanBet began in late 2006 with the US decision to ban online gaming, and then its failure to attract good business in the international football betting market. In comparison, IAS’ Australian businesses have been performing well, nearly doubling EBIT in the past year to $12.3 million.
Centrebet says IAS has been a poorly performing company, paying only one dividend of 1.5c a share in the past five years, and with its share price down more than 90 per cent from its 1999 float price of $2.
Centrebet says the future of IAS is uncertain given the aggressive nature of international competitors, the challenging economic outlook and the adverse impact from the introduction of product fees.
Kafataris and other family members hold around 59 per cent of Centrebet, which has a market capitalisation of around $117 million. (Business Spectator)
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Online betting agencies lure gamblers with free bets, by Melanie Christiansen - The Courier-Mail - 1st February 2009
Online betting agencies are giving away millions of dollars' worth of "free" bets to entice punters to open an account, increasing fears of gambling addiction.
The offers range from $10 to $1000 credited directly into their accounts - in a move condemned by critics as "unethical" and an attempt to "suck in" problem gamblers.
"It's like saying to an alcoholic, here's a free drink," said social justice campaigner the Rev Tim Costello. "There is no question it is dangerous. I think it's wrong."
While most states ban poker machine venues from offering financial inducements to lure players, online betting companies yesterday confirmed offers of free bets were a widespread industry practice.
In a recent mail-out to about 13,000 long-standing clients, Centrebet offered a $10 "free bet" with the re-issue of membership cards. "Log in now and you'll find a $10 free bet token in your account," the letter to one Queensland customer said.
Sportingbet Australia said it also offered free bets up to the value of $200 - depending on the amount a customer deposited in their betting account - while Betfair caused an outcry at the Australian Open last week by offering free $50 bets to tennis fans willing to sign up for an account.
Sports bookmaker Gerard Daffy - with the ACT-based online betting company Sports Acumen - said his agency offered $50 in bets to existing customers who referred a friend.
But he said some industry players now offered as much as $1000 in free bets to new account holders, while "selected" well-established clients had long been allowed to bet on credit.
"Free bets are all relative to an opening deposit," he said. "It could be like 25 per cent of your opening deposit. It's sort of like a semi rewards system."
Along with Centrebet and Sportingbet, Mr Daffy dismissed suggestions the free bet offers would fuel problem gambling, describing them as no different to the incentives offered by other businesses.
"Everywhere you go there are bonuses on offer," he said.
"The petrol station will give you 5c off if you spend $10."
But anti-gambling Senator Nick Xenophon blasted the practice, saying online betting agencies would not be giving away millions of dollars in so-called "free" bets without the promise of a much bigger return.
"I would call them parasites, because what they are doing is they are playing on people's vulnerabilities," he said.
"There's no such thing as a free bet. They know people will get sucked in and hooked and they'll make back their money many times."
Senator Xenophon and Mr Costello both want the Federal Government to ban online offers of free bets.
Senator Xenophon said he would introduce a private members bill in the next few months to stop the practice, with the aim of triggering a wider inquiry into online gambling. He said online gambling would produce Australia's "next wave" of problem gamblers.
Mr Costello also called for new research into the extent of online punting, warning it could be even more significant than gambling on the pokies, which saw Queenslanders lose $1.83 billion last year - or more than $5 million a day.
"Online betting is potentially much worse, because you can lose your house without leaving it," Mr Costello said.
Online betting agencies have been allowed to advertise their free-bet offers in Victoria and NSW since those states dropped a long-standing ban on such ads. But Australia's racing ministers have since agreed to develop a national standard for bookmaker advertising. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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The offers range from $10 to $1000 credited directly into their accounts - in a move condemned by critics as "unethical" and an attempt to "suck in" problem gamblers.
"It's like saying to an alcoholic, here's a free drink," said social justice campaigner the Rev Tim Costello. "There is no question it is dangerous. I think it's wrong."
While most states ban poker machine venues from offering financial inducements to lure players, online betting companies yesterday confirmed offers of free bets were a widespread industry practice.
In a recent mail-out to about 13,000 long-standing clients, Centrebet offered a $10 "free bet" with the re-issue of membership cards. "Log in now and you'll find a $10 free bet token in your account," the letter to one Queensland customer said.
Sportingbet Australia said it also offered free bets up to the value of $200 - depending on the amount a customer deposited in their betting account - while Betfair caused an outcry at the Australian Open last week by offering free $50 bets to tennis fans willing to sign up for an account.
Sports bookmaker Gerard Daffy - with the ACT-based online betting company Sports Acumen - said his agency offered $50 in bets to existing customers who referred a friend.
But he said some industry players now offered as much as $1000 in free bets to new account holders, while "selected" well-established clients had long been allowed to bet on credit.
"Free bets are all relative to an opening deposit," he said. "It could be like 25 per cent of your opening deposit. It's sort of like a semi rewards system."
Along with Centrebet and Sportingbet, Mr Daffy dismissed suggestions the free bet offers would fuel problem gambling, describing them as no different to the incentives offered by other businesses.
"Everywhere you go there are bonuses on offer," he said.
"The petrol station will give you 5c off if you spend $10."
But anti-gambling Senator Nick Xenophon blasted the practice, saying online betting agencies would not be giving away millions of dollars in so-called "free" bets without the promise of a much bigger return.
"I would call them parasites, because what they are doing is they are playing on people's vulnerabilities," he said.
"There's no such thing as a free bet. They know people will get sucked in and hooked and they'll make back their money many times."
Senator Xenophon and Mr Costello both want the Federal Government to ban online offers of free bets.
Senator Xenophon said he would introduce a private members bill in the next few months to stop the practice, with the aim of triggering a wider inquiry into online gambling. He said online gambling would produce Australia's "next wave" of problem gamblers.
Mr Costello also called for new research into the extent of online punting, warning it could be even more significant than gambling on the pokies, which saw Queenslanders lose $1.83 billion last year - or more than $5 million a day.
"Online betting is potentially much worse, because you can lose your house without leaving it," Mr Costello said.
Online betting agencies have been allowed to advertise their free-bet offers in Victoria and NSW since those states dropped a long-standing ban on such ads. But Australia's racing ministers have since agreed to develop a national standard for bookmaker advertising. (Credit: The Courier-Mail)
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Sunday, February 01, 2009
Rabbitohs consider bet deal, by Adrian Proszenko - The Sun-Herald - 1st February 2009
About a year after Russell Crowe outlined his vision to scrap poker machines at South Sydney Leagues Club, the Rabbitohs are in talks to create a club betting website that encourages supporters to open online betting accounts to gamble on league and other sports.
Newcastle and Cronulla have followed the lead of the Gold Coast in partnering the Northern Territory bookmaker Betezy.com.au in an attempt to improve their bottom line - and now Souths are looking to do likewise...
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Newcastle and Cronulla have followed the lead of the Gold Coast in partnering the Northern Territory bookmaker Betezy.com.au in an attempt to improve their bottom line - and now Souths are looking to do likewise...
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
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Friday, January 30, 2009
Not punting on Ben Graham's success, by Adam Hamilton - Herald Sun - 30th January 2009
Punters think Ben Graham's fairytale ride to the Super Bowl will end in a thumping loss on Monday.
Graham's Arizona Cardinals are $3.25 outsiders and not attracting much interest in Betfair trading against the rampaging Pittsburgh Steelers at $1.43.
"Punters are very confident of a win for Big Ben, but sadly for Graham's fans it's not him, but rather the Steelers quarterback 'Big Ben' Roethlisberger," Betfair's Jake Norton said yesterday.
"The good news for the patriotic Aussie punters is that the layers are really prepared to take a stand against the Cardinals."
For the really ambitious, Graham is a $151 shot to win MVP - almost impossible for a punter to win.
Final push for Proteas
SOUTH Africa has been backed from $2.80 into $2.65 to win tonight's fifth and final one-dayer in Perth, despite fielding a side well below full strength.
Such has been the Proteas' dominance of the series - they lead 3-1 - punters are willing to back them at value odds to beat an Aussie team ($1.45) that is strengthened by the return of batsman Michael Clarke.
Left out of in-betting
THE Australian Open and some thrilling one-day cricket matches has stirred the issue of why Australian punters are banned from betting during sporting events on the internet.
Sports betting is booming, especially in-running betting, so why are Australian punters put at such an outrageous handicap compared to those in other countries?
Betfair's Hugh Taggart said it was a by-product of the federal Interactive Gaming Act.
"It's frustrating. I know our punters would love to be able to bet in the run," Taggart said.
Interestingly, horse racing is not covered by the legislation.
Betfair launched "in-the-run" betting on a string of major horse races during last year's spring carnival to a huge response.
"It just took off and exceeded all expectations and we didn't have any problems," Taggart said.
Heath's Oscar support
HEATH Ledger's posthumous nomination for awards for his portrayal of the Joker is set to continue all the way to the biggest of them all, the Academy Awards.
Of the six awards TAB Sportsbet is betting on so far, Ledger is by far the most dominant at $1.07 for Best Supporting Actor.
Another raging favourite is Slumdog Millionaire at $1.25 for Best Picture.
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Graham's Arizona Cardinals are $3.25 outsiders and not attracting much interest in Betfair trading against the rampaging Pittsburgh Steelers at $1.43.
"Punters are very confident of a win for Big Ben, but sadly for Graham's fans it's not him, but rather the Steelers quarterback 'Big Ben' Roethlisberger," Betfair's Jake Norton said yesterday.
"The good news for the patriotic Aussie punters is that the layers are really prepared to take a stand against the Cardinals."
For the really ambitious, Graham is a $151 shot to win MVP - almost impossible for a punter to win.
Final push for Proteas
SOUTH Africa has been backed from $2.80 into $2.65 to win tonight's fifth and final one-dayer in Perth, despite fielding a side well below full strength.
Such has been the Proteas' dominance of the series - they lead 3-1 - punters are willing to back them at value odds to beat an Aussie team ($1.45) that is strengthened by the return of batsman Michael Clarke.
Left out of in-betting
THE Australian Open and some thrilling one-day cricket matches has stirred the issue of why Australian punters are banned from betting during sporting events on the internet.
Sports betting is booming, especially in-running betting, so why are Australian punters put at such an outrageous handicap compared to those in other countries?
Betfair's Hugh Taggart said it was a by-product of the federal Interactive Gaming Act.
"It's frustrating. I know our punters would love to be able to bet in the run," Taggart said.
Interestingly, horse racing is not covered by the legislation.
Betfair launched "in-the-run" betting on a string of major horse races during last year's spring carnival to a huge response.
"It just took off and exceeded all expectations and we didn't have any problems," Taggart said.
Heath's Oscar support
HEATH Ledger's posthumous nomination for awards for his portrayal of the Joker is set to continue all the way to the biggest of them all, the Academy Awards.
Of the six awards TAB Sportsbet is betting on so far, Ledger is by far the most dominant at $1.07 for Best Supporting Actor.
Another raging favourite is Slumdog Millionaire at $1.25 for Best Picture.
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Bookie seeks venture with Knights, Sharks, by John Schell - The Sydney Morning Herald - 30th January 2009
A Northern Territory-based bookmaker is close to formalising a deal with NRL clubs Newcastle and Cronulla to set up team-specific websites aimed at encouraging fans to open online betting accounts to gamble on league and other sports.
The two clubs have approached the NRL to approve contractual terms with Betezy.com.au, which has already concluded a deal with the Gold Coast Titans.
Betezy.com.au general manager Ryan Kay said the NRL clubs involved would receive advertising-based commissions based on turnover "which will generate substantial payments for the clubs over the next few years".
NRL director of media and communications John Brady yesterday confirmed the NRL was "looking at the proposals, as we are with a number of other clubs".
"Since the advertising laws involving interstate betting operators were changed last year there has been an influx of interest in betting companies aligning themselves with NRL clubs," Brady said. "The Titans have an arrangement with Betezy already and these new deals are very similar to them, pretty much the same I expect.
"But we have made it very clear that there are stipulations that would have to be in any contract to ensure there was a recognition of the integrity process that is needed not only for the entitlement of the game to get a return from the betting but also for transparency.
"There is a recognition with the betting operators that 'you're making money out of us so give something back'. That would be the same case with anyone else who was making money out of the game.
"As for integrity, that is a central issue of our game whether there is betting involved or not. Right from the under sixes to first grade, integrity is paramount."
Titans chief executive Michael Searle welcomed news that other NRL clubs were set to join forces with Betezy.com.au and other operators.
"The important thing is that this is new revenue to the game that clubs previously didn't have access to," he said. "Anything that derives new revenue for the club and the game can only be a good thing. We've been associated with Betezy since last year and we are more than happy with the relationship. There hasn't been a drama and it has generated income for us."
Searle said there were no concerns that other clubs becoming involved would drain the Titans' ability to make a profit from their deal.
"The thing with the Betezy model is it is more or less a fan-based relationship, so we are targeting Gold Coast Titans supporters," he said.
"I would think it would be the same with the other clubs."
Kay confirmed that the proposals with the Knights and Sharks were the same as that in place with the Titans.
"Like the Titansbet venture, the new ventures have agreed to ensure a high percentage of profits is contributed to the respective club's charities and community projects," Kay said.
He also stressed that the integrity of the NRL was the major priority for all clubs concerned as well as Betezy.com.au, with the NRL having the ability to "veto" any bet types it deems not in the best interests of the game, including betting on penalty counts.
"We will be continually looking at integrity issues. We will be working with the NRL and other sporting bodies to make certain there is always integrity," Kay said. "One thing we are very resolute about is making sure there are never any illegal gambling activities in the sport and we will work with everyone involved to ensure this is achieved." (Credit: Fairfax)
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The two clubs have approached the NRL to approve contractual terms with Betezy.com.au, which has already concluded a deal with the Gold Coast Titans.
Betezy.com.au general manager Ryan Kay said the NRL clubs involved would receive advertising-based commissions based on turnover "which will generate substantial payments for the clubs over the next few years".
NRL director of media and communications John Brady yesterday confirmed the NRL was "looking at the proposals, as we are with a number of other clubs".
"Since the advertising laws involving interstate betting operators were changed last year there has been an influx of interest in betting companies aligning themselves with NRL clubs," Brady said. "The Titans have an arrangement with Betezy already and these new deals are very similar to them, pretty much the same I expect.
"But we have made it very clear that there are stipulations that would have to be in any contract to ensure there was a recognition of the integrity process that is needed not only for the entitlement of the game to get a return from the betting but also for transparency.
"There is a recognition with the betting operators that 'you're making money out of us so give something back'. That would be the same case with anyone else who was making money out of the game.
"As for integrity, that is a central issue of our game whether there is betting involved or not. Right from the under sixes to first grade, integrity is paramount."
Titans chief executive Michael Searle welcomed news that other NRL clubs were set to join forces with Betezy.com.au and other operators.
"The important thing is that this is new revenue to the game that clubs previously didn't have access to," he said. "Anything that derives new revenue for the club and the game can only be a good thing. We've been associated with Betezy since last year and we are more than happy with the relationship. There hasn't been a drama and it has generated income for us."
Searle said there were no concerns that other clubs becoming involved would drain the Titans' ability to make a profit from their deal.
"The thing with the Betezy model is it is more or less a fan-based relationship, so we are targeting Gold Coast Titans supporters," he said.
"I would think it would be the same with the other clubs."
Kay confirmed that the proposals with the Knights and Sharks were the same as that in place with the Titans.
"Like the Titansbet venture, the new ventures have agreed to ensure a high percentage of profits is contributed to the respective club's charities and community projects," Kay said.
He also stressed that the integrity of the NRL was the major priority for all clubs concerned as well as Betezy.com.au, with the NRL having the ability to "veto" any bet types it deems not in the best interests of the game, including betting on penalty counts.
"We will be continually looking at integrity issues. We will be working with the NRL and other sporting bodies to make certain there is always integrity," Kay said. "One thing we are very resolute about is making sure there are never any illegal gambling activities in the sport and we will work with everyone involved to ensure this is achieved." (Credit: Fairfax)
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NRL Clubs bank on Betting Revenues
The Cronulla Sharks and Newcastle Knights are the latest NRL clubs to announce joint ventures with Betezy.com.au after the hugely successful Titansbet.com.au was launched in October last year.
The deals are now with the NRL for final approval, and sources report are likely to be followed by another group of high profile clubs within a week.
Sharksbet.com.au and Knightsbet.com.au, should they be approved, will offer fans the full range of sports and racing with guaranteed better odds via online 24/7 or telephone.
The Rugby League clubs will receive advertising based commissions based on turnover which could generate substantial revenues for the clubs. Some projections estimate the clubs will generate several million over the next few years.
With increased state taxes on pokies and smoking bans having major impacts on Leagues clubs that have traditionally funded many Football clubs, Football clubs are actively searching for new revenue streams, which in many cases will be needed to fill their League’s Club funding drops.
The Sharksbet and Knightsbet websites also include inducements for fans to become members of their clubs by offering increased odds for members.
Betezy’s General Manager Ryan Kay said, “The huge success of the TitansBet.com.au venture has demonstrated that all Clubs can achieve a major income stream from sports betting.”
“We are extremely happy to announce the launch of Knightsbet.com.au and Sharksbet.com.au. Both clubs have very loyal fans, who by moving their betting turnover to their club’s betting site can help ensure the success of their club.”
“Fans will be able to be bet online or by phone in a very personal service where they are no longer treated like a number.”
“Like the Titansbet venture the new ventures have agreed to ensure a high percentage of profits is contributed to the Clubs charities and community projects.”
Kay also stressed that maintaining the integrity of rugby league would be a major priority for all of the new ventures.
"We will be continually looking at integrity issues. We will be working with the NRL and the Sporting bodies to make certain there is always integrity in the sport,'' said Kay.
"One thing we are very resolute about is making sure there are never any illegal gambling activities in the sport and we will work with everyone involved to ensure this is achieved.”
Fans of both the Sharks and Knights are sure to accept this venture with open arms - you bet they will!
Contact:
Ryan Kay Work: 02 8113 7603 Mobile: 0414928666 email: ryan@betezy.com.au
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The deals are now with the NRL for final approval, and sources report are likely to be followed by another group of high profile clubs within a week.
Sharksbet.com.au and Knightsbet.com.au, should they be approved, will offer fans the full range of sports and racing with guaranteed better odds via online 24/7 or telephone.
The Rugby League clubs will receive advertising based commissions based on turnover which could generate substantial revenues for the clubs. Some projections estimate the clubs will generate several million over the next few years.
With increased state taxes on pokies and smoking bans having major impacts on Leagues clubs that have traditionally funded many Football clubs, Football clubs are actively searching for new revenue streams, which in many cases will be needed to fill their League’s Club funding drops.
The Sharksbet and Knightsbet websites also include inducements for fans to become members of their clubs by offering increased odds for members.
Betezy’s General Manager Ryan Kay said, “The huge success of the TitansBet.com.au venture has demonstrated that all Clubs can achieve a major income stream from sports betting.”
“We are extremely happy to announce the launch of Knightsbet.com.au and Sharksbet.com.au. Both clubs have very loyal fans, who by moving their betting turnover to their club’s betting site can help ensure the success of their club.”
“Fans will be able to be bet online or by phone in a very personal service where they are no longer treated like a number.”
“Like the Titansbet venture the new ventures have agreed to ensure a high percentage of profits is contributed to the Clubs charities and community projects.”
Kay also stressed that maintaining the integrity of rugby league would be a major priority for all of the new ventures.
"We will be continually looking at integrity issues. We will be working with the NRL and the Sporting bodies to make certain there is always integrity in the sport,'' said Kay.
"One thing we are very resolute about is making sure there are never any illegal gambling activities in the sport and we will work with everyone involved to ensure this is achieved.”
Fans of both the Sharks and Knights are sure to accept this venture with open arms - you bet they will!
Contact:
Ryan Kay Work: 02 8113 7603 Mobile: 0414928666 email: ryan@betezy.com.au
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Thursday, January 29, 2009
NRL Australia Clubs Find Savior in Ryan Kay - Gambling911 - 28th January 2009
Breaking NRL Australian sports betting story coming through to Gambling911.com with full details likely Friday.
Ryan Kay, a major force in the Australian sports betting world, and his elite team look to have come up with a sustainable solution to ensure the livelihood's of the NRL clubs, while ensuring that players, clubs, fans and Government coffers all win.
The trail blazing Gold Coast Titans have revolutionised the way clubs raise revenue and ignited a widespread integrity debate after the shock launch of their own online sports betting agency last October.
The cutting-edge innovation floored many NRL heavyweights and the nation's biggest corporate bookmakers in a venture that will see revenue, normally gained from poker machines in leagues clubs, pocketed via a computer screen.
The launch of Titansbet.com.au makes the Titans the first ever professional sporting organisation in Australia and the only club in the NRL to have entered into the Northern Territory's growing corporate bookmaking market, which is expected to turnover more than $4 billion this financial year.
Titansbet.com.au is operating as a joint venture company with one of Australia's largest bookmakers, Betezy.
Ryan Kay is General Manager for Betezy and said this past fall, the launch of Titansbet.com.au was an innovative concept for both parties.
"This is the first white label service of its type in Australian sport and it's a very exciting new venture,'' said Kay.
"The whole website and white label is licensed by Betezy, which is a licensed bookmaker in the Northern Territory.
"Clients will be able to bet with Titansbet.com.au 24 hours, 7 days a week online and on the telephone and it'll be just like their own personal account with one of Australia's leading operators.
"We see it being a major contributor of revenue for the Titans. It means that clients and loyal fans can basically bet with the Titans and the money goes back to the club and to the community.
"We see it as a win-win for everyone.''
Betting on the National Rugby League is an Australian pastime.
Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
*pitched and tipped off by Greg Tingle - Media Man Australia, Casino News Media and Australian Sports Entertainment
Ryan Kay, a major force in the Australian sports betting world, and his elite team look to have come up with a sustainable solution to ensure the livelihood's of the NRL clubs, while ensuring that players, clubs, fans and Government coffers all win.
The trail blazing Gold Coast Titans have revolutionised the way clubs raise revenue and ignited a widespread integrity debate after the shock launch of their own online sports betting agency last October.
The cutting-edge innovation floored many NRL heavyweights and the nation's biggest corporate bookmakers in a venture that will see revenue, normally gained from poker machines in leagues clubs, pocketed via a computer screen.
The launch of Titansbet.com.au makes the Titans the first ever professional sporting organisation in Australia and the only club in the NRL to have entered into the Northern Territory's growing corporate bookmaking market, which is expected to turnover more than $4 billion this financial year.
Titansbet.com.au is operating as a joint venture company with one of Australia's largest bookmakers, Betezy.
Ryan Kay is General Manager for Betezy and said this past fall, the launch of Titansbet.com.au was an innovative concept for both parties.
"This is the first white label service of its type in Australian sport and it's a very exciting new venture,'' said Kay.
"The whole website and white label is licensed by Betezy, which is a licensed bookmaker in the Northern Territory.
"Clients will be able to bet with Titansbet.com.au 24 hours, 7 days a week online and on the telephone and it'll be just like their own personal account with one of Australia's leading operators.
"We see it being a major contributor of revenue for the Titans. It means that clients and loyal fans can basically bet with the Titans and the money goes back to the club and to the community.
"We see it as a win-win for everyone.''
Betting on the National Rugby League is an Australian pastime.
Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
*pitched and tipped off by Greg Tingle - Media Man Australia, Casino News Media and Australian Sports Entertainment
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Titans punt on grand final with online gambling move, by Brad Walter - Fairfax - 1st October 2008
A controversial new betting agency launched by Gold Coast Titans will not be allowed to offer odds on judiciary hearings such as last week's Cam Smith case.
The Titans, who anticipate an annual $3 million boost from the online gambling operation, stunned rival clubs when they announced a joint venture with Betezy.
Punters can bet with Titanbet on the grand final. Manly and Melbourne, the combatants in Sunday's premiership decider, said last night they were likely to follow suit. But the NRL said strict conditions would be placed on any arrangement entered into by clubs, including the right to prevent certain types of bets, such as the one that infuriated Storm officials last week when Sportingbet offered odds on whether or not Smith would be suspended at the judiciary.
"While we accept that sports betting is a reality and that clubs are looking to build revenue streams, we will retain the right to examine each proposal on a case-by-case basis," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.
The move by the Titans comes just weeks after the NRL prevented the Sea Eagles entering into a $2m major sponsorship deal with Betchoice. Officially, the deal was not allowed because
it conflicted with the NRL's arrangement with TAB Sportsbet but it is understood the league does not want clubs wearing the name of betting agencies on their jerseys for moral reasons.
Titans CEO Michael Searle anticipated criticism of the club's move into gambling but argued that bookmaking organisations were making money from betting on sport, including the NRL, so they might as well profit.
"There's no point being half pregnant so we've decided to take it to the next level by entering into a joint venture with a bookmaking agency," Searle said.
"Unlike other clubs, we don't rely on money from poker machines and I believe this is an opportunity to get a foothold into the growing gambling market within Australia for the benefit of rugby league."
Searle said the revenue stream created from the joint venture would fund both the football club and its charity arm, the Gold Coast Titans Community Foundation. He said Titansbet.com.au had agreed to implement certain safeguards to guarantee the integrity of the game and the players, while the club would sign a betting integrity and product fee agreement similar to those between the NRL and both Tabcorp and Betfair.
The NRL has insisted the Titans have no exposure to profit or loss from betting on a single match.
With betting in the Northern Territory expected to turn over more than $4 billion this financial year, other clubs have been approached about entering into similar partnerships. It is understood some clubs have been told they could earn $4.5 million per year from such a deal.
"It's something we've already looked at and we will consider more closely after the grand final," Manly CEO Grant Mayer said.
Melbourne Storm CEO Brian Waldron said: "It's something I envisage we will get involved with too at some stage." (Credit: Fairfax)
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The Titans, who anticipate an annual $3 million boost from the online gambling operation, stunned rival clubs when they announced a joint venture with Betezy.
Punters can bet with Titanbet on the grand final. Manly and Melbourne, the combatants in Sunday's premiership decider, said last night they were likely to follow suit. But the NRL said strict conditions would be placed on any arrangement entered into by clubs, including the right to prevent certain types of bets, such as the one that infuriated Storm officials last week when Sportingbet offered odds on whether or not Smith would be suspended at the judiciary.
"While we accept that sports betting is a reality and that clubs are looking to build revenue streams, we will retain the right to examine each proposal on a case-by-case basis," NRL chief executive David Gallop said.
The move by the Titans comes just weeks after the NRL prevented the Sea Eagles entering into a $2m major sponsorship deal with Betchoice. Officially, the deal was not allowed because
it conflicted with the NRL's arrangement with TAB Sportsbet but it is understood the league does not want clubs wearing the name of betting agencies on their jerseys for moral reasons.
Titans CEO Michael Searle anticipated criticism of the club's move into gambling but argued that bookmaking organisations were making money from betting on sport, including the NRL, so they might as well profit.
"There's no point being half pregnant so we've decided to take it to the next level by entering into a joint venture with a bookmaking agency," Searle said.
"Unlike other clubs, we don't rely on money from poker machines and I believe this is an opportunity to get a foothold into the growing gambling market within Australia for the benefit of rugby league."
Searle said the revenue stream created from the joint venture would fund both the football club and its charity arm, the Gold Coast Titans Community Foundation. He said Titansbet.com.au had agreed to implement certain safeguards to guarantee the integrity of the game and the players, while the club would sign a betting integrity and product fee agreement similar to those between the NRL and both Tabcorp and Betfair.
The NRL has insisted the Titans have no exposure to profit or loss from betting on a single match.
With betting in the Northern Territory expected to turn over more than $4 billion this financial year, other clubs have been approached about entering into similar partnerships. It is understood some clubs have been told they could earn $4.5 million per year from such a deal.
"It's something we've already looked at and we will consider more closely after the grand final," Manly CEO Grant Mayer said.
Melbourne Storm CEO Brian Waldron said: "It's something I envisage we will get involved with too at some stage." (Credit: Fairfax)
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Ezybet - NRL sport betting breaking news
More details on the Ezybet - NRL clubs sports betting breaking news story as it comes to hand.
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Punters crowding platforms to jump on Fed Express, by John Schell - The Sydney Morning Herald - 23rd January 2009
Sportingbet Australia punters are backing Roger Federer to win his fourth Australian Open after he was friendless in pre-tournament betting.
Federer opened at $2.75 several months ago but drifted out to $3.75 as recently as last week as question marks arose over the champion's form and fitness.
"Those questions have been answered emphatically with many punters outlaying several thousand dollars on the 'Fed Express'," Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael Sullivan said. "The biggest bet was $6500 at $3.40 with Federer now showing $3.25. The opening couple of days there were simply no results for bookies and punters investing in big all-ups had a fill-up.
"Fortunately for us, two Aussies provided some relief on Wednesday night. Jelena Dokic winning was a good result, as was young Bernard Tomic winning the first set.
"Sportingbet Australia clients stepped heavily into Tomic's opponent Gilles Muller to win in straight sets, including one bet of $10,000 at $2.45."
Meanwhile, Flemington Sportsbet's Jason Sylvester said his office had been busy, with punters winning plenty.
"The punters have been on serve at the Australian Open," he said. "With the usual suspects winning early, the punters investing in multis are cleaning up. The one short-priced favourite to get rolled was David Nalbandian, who was at $1.05 but he was friendless in betting."
Sylvester said Federer remained solid at the top of betting to take the title, firming from $3.80 to $3.25.
"We even wrote a bet of $66,000 to $1000 about Federer winning the Australian Open into Geelong to win the NAB Cup into St Kilda to make the top four in the AFL this season," he said.
In the women's draw, Dokic, who was given no hope at the start of the Open and was at $1001 with TAB Sportsbet, is in to $101 after wins against Tamira Paszek and Anna Chakvetadze.
Centrebet's Neil Evans said the Australian was sensationally backed from $2.50 in to $2.30 before beating the 17th-seeded Russian Chakvetadze in round two. However, she is a $5.25 outsider to continue the charge against Danish young gun Caroline Wozniacki ($1.14) in the third round.
One-day traffic
Australia have been well-backed before the start of both one-day cricket matches already this summer and are again short-priced favourites to win game three at the SCG today.
"They opened at $1.42 when batting first in Melbourne, and they were $1.48 after being sent in against South Africa in Hobart," TAB Sportsbet's Matt Jenkins said. "Australia have opened at $1.55 and South Africa at $2.35 for game three in Sydney with early money going the way of the Proteas."
Four-leg clover
A TAB Sportsbet punter stands to col
Federer opened at $2.75 several months ago but drifted out to $3.75 as recently as last week as question marks arose over the champion's form and fitness.
"Those questions have been answered emphatically with many punters outlaying several thousand dollars on the 'Fed Express'," Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael Sullivan said. "The biggest bet was $6500 at $3.40 with Federer now showing $3.25. The opening couple of days there were simply no results for bookies and punters investing in big all-ups had a fill-up.
"Fortunately for us, two Aussies provided some relief on Wednesday night. Jelena Dokic winning was a good result, as was young Bernard Tomic winning the first set.
"Sportingbet Australia clients stepped heavily into Tomic's opponent Gilles Muller to win in straight sets, including one bet of $10,000 at $2.45."
Meanwhile, Flemington Sportsbet's Jason Sylvester said his office had been busy, with punters winning plenty.
"The punters have been on serve at the Australian Open," he said. "With the usual suspects winning early, the punters investing in multis are cleaning up. The one short-priced favourite to get rolled was David Nalbandian, who was at $1.05 but he was friendless in betting."
Sylvester said Federer remained solid at the top of betting to take the title, firming from $3.80 to $3.25.
"We even wrote a bet of $66,000 to $1000 about Federer winning the Australian Open into Geelong to win the NAB Cup into St Kilda to make the top four in the AFL this season," he said.
In the women's draw, Dokic, who was given no hope at the start of the Open and was at $1001 with TAB Sportsbet, is in to $101 after wins against Tamira Paszek and Anna Chakvetadze.
Centrebet's Neil Evans said the Australian was sensationally backed from $2.50 in to $2.30 before beating the 17th-seeded Russian Chakvetadze in round two. However, she is a $5.25 outsider to continue the charge against Danish young gun Caroline Wozniacki ($1.14) in the third round.
One-day traffic
Australia have been well-backed before the start of both one-day cricket matches already this summer and are again short-priced favourites to win game three at the SCG today.
"They opened at $1.42 when batting first in Melbourne, and they were $1.48 after being sent in against South Africa in Hobart," TAB Sportsbet's Matt Jenkins said. "Australia have opened at $1.55 and South Africa at $2.35 for game three in Sydney with early money going the way of the Proteas."
Four-leg clover
A TAB Sportsbet punter stands to col