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Saturday, July 31, 2010

Online betting firm bwin announces merger with PartyGaming - 30th July 2010

Austrian online betting company bwin announced Thursday it had signed a merger agreement with British rival PartyGaming.

The move, giving bwin a 51.6-percent stake in the new group compared to 48.4 percent for PartyGaming, will become effective in the first quarter of 2011, the Austria Press Agency reported.

"This business combination makes great strategic, operational and financial sense," bwin chief executive Norbert Teufelberger said in a statement.

"We will be in pole position to capitalise on the wealth of opportunities that will flow from the continued evolution and expansion of the global online gaming industry," he added.

PartyGaming chief executive Jim Ryan echoed that sentiment, saying: "The enlarged group will have a winning formula to exploit the growing online gaming market, supported by a strong balance sheet, significant cashflow generation and a highly experienced management team."

The two men will become co-chief executives of the new company, which will have its seat in Gibraltar and be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Meanwhile, bwin will be delisted from the Vienna Stock Exchange.

The new group will be the largest listed online gaming company.

In late trade Thursday, bwin shares were up 20.35 percent to 42.88 euros in Vienna and PartyGaming gained 19.49 percent to 307.1 pounds in London. (Credit: Fairfax Media)

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Friday, July 30, 2010

Australian, Kiwi, Asia Pacific Gambling News, by Greg Tingle - 30th July 2010

Readers er punters, another huge news week for the Australian - Asia Pacific including New Zealand region. Aussie's and Kiwi's rejoice at the PartyGaming - bwin deal, Australia's most dangerous casino named, Kiwi in Hong Kong poker sting, Star City Casino gunman awaiting sentencing, under age gambling probe on cards and more. heat. Media Man and Gambling911 play Pink Panther and Cluedo with this exciting and newsy Asia Pacific news round up...

Jupiters Hotel and Casino Gold Coast: Australia's Most Dangerous? World Dangerous List...

Australia's Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast is now considered one of the world's most dangerous according to numerous Media Man informers who don't wish to be named (funny that). This news follows the trial of the Star City Casino gunman as reported in Gambling911 just two days ago. Some commentators say Monte Carlo may be home to the world's most dangerous casino, with a couple of casinos on the U.S Las Vegas Strip giving them a run for their money. High profile incidents like a celebrity committing a crime at a casino, like the O.J Simpson matter in Vegas and Van der Sloot might raise the profile of a casino, but it doesn't mean that they are the most dangerous, as there are a number of criteria to judge... bashings and assaults, deaths and injuries, theft, guns and / or knives and so it goes on. iGaming insiders sometimes joked that Grand Prive, Lucky Ace, Platinum Partners were the most dangerous online casino brands! Last year Casino Tropez was an online casino hangout for a players who went on to commit murder, but that shouldn't mean that that casino was dangerous - just not good luck for the player or casino on that matter. More about these cases in the Media Man online casino reviews and of course Gambling911 has an extensive Gambling News and Casino Crime section on their website portal.

Gambling 911 Star City Casino Gunman news
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australian-new-zealand-gambling-news-july-28-2010-072810.html

'Casino Model Holly Graham revelled'
http://www.mediamanint.com/articles/casino_model.html

Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast - Broadbeach to be precise, is the most dangerous casino in Queensland, and one of the world's most dangerous casinos occurring to numerous sources to afraid to provide names. Jupiter's recorded more than double the number of assaults as the Treasury Casino in Queensland's biggest city, Brisbane, last year. Queensland Police numbers released under a Right To Information application have disclosed more than 1 offence was committed on average per day at the casino in 2009 including serious assaults, rape, extortion, stalking, fraud, car stealing, theft and a huge number of liquor and drunkenness offences. Get that, 1 offence per day folks!

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian and global casino wars, land based and online.

Crown Casino Restaurant Lift Traps Firefighter; Lucky To Be Alive...

A Melbourne firefighter got covered fat, dehydrated and totally exhausted due to spending a night...11 bloody hours in a shaft above a Crown Casino restaurant... speculation and bad jokes circulating is it was Maze (get it) or an attempt to audition for Ramsey's 'Hell's Kitchen'... if the glove fits, put it on hey. Escaping with his life the 25-year-old firey couldn't remember how he got there! The sequence of misadventures went something like this... 11pm Wednesday night, gaining access to the exhaust duct from a Crown stairwell, travelling 30 metres like a rat, 2 vertical drops, through duct maze until stuck in a 1 metre X 50 centimetre space apparently above the Automatic Cafe. Staffers heard him banging on the duct area at roughly 9.30am. Ramsey is not suspected of fowl play, nor was he spotted on sight with his Hell's Kitchen props. A Crown Casino restaurant is tipped to be the site of a Ramsey reality TV show next year. Guess the audience is warmed up unless the goose is already cooked? The victim is expected to have gone off eating at Crown and visiting cafes. Needless to say he lost his bet with the Crown elevators! He's resting in the Alfred hospital where his condition is returning to normal, and police are awaiting to interview he about the situation that led to him becoming hot under the collar.

New Zealand National Banker Arrested In Hong Kong Poker Game...

Michael Tan Boon Suan, a 42-year-old Kiwi national employed as a licensed securities trader and corporate finance adviser with the Wall Street mob in downtown Hong Kong, was arrested along with unlucky 7 others this past March and has now only now been formally charged with gambling in a gaming establishment. An underground game of Texas hold'em run by two women from Hong Kong and their partners from Nepal is what got the Kiwi unstuck. Other defendants arrested include another banker, 2 investment consultants, 2 company directors, a businessman, a bank teller and a partridge in a pear tree (just kidding, but it adds humour to a serious matter). None of them entered pleas when they appeared in court yesterday. Posting bail of only HK $1,000 (US $130) each their cases were adjourned for the next 3 months. When cops raided the Texas game there was some HK $3,000,000 (US $390,000) on the table. Folks, gambling in Hong Kong is illegal, unless its numbers lottery, soccer games and horse races run by the state-sanctioned Hong Kong Jockey Club. Punters, to play legal in those neck of the woods you need to travel to Macau, where poker, slots and other games are legalized and available in casinos such as James Packer's City Of Dreams. Don't make your gambling a nightmare, visit City of Dreams...and check out the Dancing With Water show. Thank us later James. "Twiggy" and the panel did a fine job at GenerationOne on Thursday at Fox if you missed the broadcast on the cruiser internet connection.

Adelaide, SA: Flinders University Brains Call To Ban Computers From Kids Bedrooms...

Electronic media like computers and gaming devices have no place in childrens’ bedrooms because of their adverse effects on sleep and behavioural development, experts in Adelaide say. Sleep researchers from Flinders University reviewed 36 studies of relationship between sleep and electronic media in school-aged kids and adolescents, and found evidence for an overall negative effect on sleep from television viewing, use of computers, electronic gaming, using the web and mobiles.
Publishing their findings in 'Sleep Medicine' they state adverse effects on sleep is largely due to delayed bedtime and shorter total sleep time associated with excessive media use. They note that recent studies show 55% of U.S adolescents access the web and 24% play computer games after 9pm, while 1 in 3 adolescents reported text messaging and 44% reported talking on the phone after 9 pm. Shock, Horror hey. They say their findings should be used to develop guidelines on electronic media use by children, given that sleep is important for learning and memory, as well as having implications for emotional regulation and behaviour. Insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality have also been linked to impairments in memory and concentration, which may translate into poor academic performance. Professional and semi pro poker players have come under the spotlight for alleged legal and illegal drug and stimulant use to assist in late night poker games, be it legal or illegal games. "Considering the evidence to date it appears that watching television and using other media devices at bedtime should generally be discouraged. Parents should also be informed that simply having electronic media devices in the bedroom can negatively affect their children’s sleep. Parents may also consider not having a TV in the bedroom, unless it improves the sensual and sexual experience, rather than hinder it. Adult partners are also known to get curious as to whom their partner may be texting in dark hours, so often switching off mobile and other electronic devices helps improve relationships with your most loved ones.

AFL Legend David Schwarz Comes Clean...

Thanks to our friends at News Limited we have learned the following which is something to keep in mind for gamblers or potential gamblers, no matter the size of the punts. As a kid he witnessed his father's murder, he gambled away $4 million, had 3 knee reconstructions, spent most of the years between retirement and becoming a father being, in his own words, a "prick". Next week Schwarz will release his biography, All Bets Are Off, which he describes as uplifting and confronting. "I'm at a point in my life where I can say, this is where I've come from and this is where I am and where I was 10 years ago and to where I am today, well, people just wouldn't believe it," says the legend. 'The Day I Won $500,000 At The Track'..."The drinking I don't think was critical, but it was certainly not conducive to gambling. Every time I abused both of them it was a bad result". His gambling, including binges at casinos including Las Vegas, and his favourite vice - the horses. The evening Schwarz let The Footy Show cameras film his retirement speech to his footy teammates, Schwarz spoke, cried and then drove to the Mahogany Room at Crown, where he gambled for 3 days, living off toasted sandwiches and energy/alcohol drinks. Another time he took $2000 to the races and left with almost $500,000. One of the worst times, he said, was explaining to Karen's father, Brian, why he needed money. He said he had blown everything, he loved his daughter and could Brian help him. Schwarz met Karen in 2003, and was married in 2008. Asked where he would be without her, he was frank... "Dead or in jail.". As Gambling911 and the Media man say, for god's sake keep it fun.

Boxer's Sister Wanted For Illegal Gambling...

Philippine cops said on Friday sis of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was involved in running an illegal gambling racket, after detaining 25 people in a raid on her home aka den. A police vice squad detained the suspects and seized evidence, including gambling materials and cash, in Thursday's raid on the digs of Pacquiao's elder sister, Isidra Paglinawan, said Chief Inspector Leo Sua. Pacquiao, the 7-time world champion who was elected to a seat in the Philippine parliament this year, personally watched as police searched the house, but vowed not to interfere. A lower court in the southern port of General Santos ordered the raid as part of a police crackdown against an illegal numbers game, locally called "masiao", but the 34-year-old sister was not at home, Sua told the press. He said the detained people were bet collectors for the illegal numbers racket, in which bettors place wagers on the last 2 digits of the winning ticket of the Philippine lottery! Cops seized 33,000 pesos (about $A800) in suspected bets, advised Sua, who headed the raid. He said police would ask state prosecutors to file illegal gambling charges in court against Paglinawan and the 25 other suspects. Sua said police were still searching for Paglinawan. Pacquiao told reporters on Friday he was attending his father's birthday party when police raided his sibling's house next door. He said he would ask the police to investigate whether his sister was indeed a "masiao" operator. "I will not interfere. Let the law take its course,". Betting in an illegal numbers game, or allowing one's property to be used in its operation, is punishable by up to 6 years in the slammer. Working for an illegal gambling operation, or actually running it, carries penalties of between 8 and 20 years in prison. The sister sought by police and her husband have no known permanent jobs. More lessons learned hey folks.

Under-Age Pokie Win Investigation...

Queensland's gaming watchdog is probing the Upper Ross Hotel aka pokie palace, after an alleged minor won an $18,790 poker machine jackpot. The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation move follows the win at the Rasmussen hotel on Wednesday by a punter believed to be 17. The hotel managers face a fine of up to $25,000 if found guilty of allowing a minor to play a gaming machine. The winner did not receive his payout, and faces a maximum fine of $2500. Gaming whistleblowers have claimed the youth was "a regular" and that a woman would sign on his behalf to claim his winnings of more than $100. But one Upper Ross patron, who gave his name only as Kenneth, said the winner was 18 but without photographic ID. "I know the dude, I know his father," he said. "He's 18, he just hasn't got his 18-plus card or photo ID and that's the reason they couldn't pay him out." The hotel did not comment. The probe comes as State Government figures show more than $35 million was lost on Townsville pokies in the first 6 months of this year. Cairns punters lost $31 million. Social service and family groups yesterday expressed their concern amid the allegations. "We do not condone a 17-year-old (being) in a gaming premises of a licensed hotel, the authorities need to look into that and the appropriate penalties applied if found true," Herbert Family First candidate Michael Punshon said. "The fact patrons know him, security staff should have known who he was and removed him from the premises if he did not have the appropriate identification." The Salvos Major Bruce Harmer said the incident was "very concerning". "It may appear this young gentleman had a win but I bet London to a brick he's put many more thousands of dollars in than he's won," he said. Maj Harmer said it was important publicans and licensees were mindful of minors attempting to enter gaming areas. "Clubs do what they can do to uphold the law, but it is incumbent on any person operating a licensed or gaming premises to ensure the people frequenting their establishment are over 18 years of age and have the appropriate identification," he said. "If it is found that this alleged minor is a minor, then certainly more resources need to be allocated to make sure only appropriate patrons are in these areas."


Victoria's Wagering Licence Up For Grabs; 3 Outfits In Race...

British betting powerhouse Ladbrokes is still in the running for Victoria's wagering licence from 2012 after being named as 1 of 3 companies shortlisted by the state government. Ladbrokes joins the incumbent Tabcorp Holdings and competitor Tatts Group for the 12-year wagering and betting licence. It will also allow the successful applicant to run the first Victorian-based betting exchange which is a huge bonus for future proofing the operation. The decision to shortlist Ladbrokes offers stiff competition for the licence as the British outfit brings 120 years experience as a bookie and high tech for wagering on racing, sports et al. In reaching the decision to shortlist just three companies to apply for the licence, a number of interesting bidders were ignored. It is understood the Hong Kong Jockey Club as well as Irish Paddy Power, Greek firm, the embattled Intralot and betting exchange company Betfair, were overlooked. Jesus, James Packer, I guess we can't win them all. The licence will grant the successful applicant the sole authority to conduct wagering and betting via "off-course agencies". The winner of the licence can also offer pari-mutuel and fixed-odds betting on racing, sports and other events such as political elections. The licence will provide the right to establish and operate the sole betting exchange based in Victoria, and the opportunity to offer simulated racing games, similar to 'Trackside' (TAB). The only betting exchange based in Australia is UK's Betfair, which is out of Tassie. It is understood that the ability to provide a competitive betting exchange model is paramount on the decision to be made over the next couple of months. Tabcorp is looking strong and tipped to regain the licence, being the incumbent, but Tatts Group is expected to forward forward an impressive proposal for the license. The contract won't be up for grabs again until 2024, which is like a lifetime in the gaming and racing sector. The government will name the winner by the conclusion of the year.

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So, whether you prefer land based casinos or online, slots, poker, boxing, racing or other, please take precautions. As always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good luck.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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GenerationOne Ideas Forum - Fox Studios, Sydney, Australia - 29th July 2010

GenerationOne had its first Ideas Forum today on Indigenous employment that lasts. The key outcomes of the forum focused on job specific training fostered by industry and backed by governments. Jenny Brockie, from SBS TV’s Insight hosted a thought provoking forum with panelists Andrew Forrest (Founder of GenerationOne), Melinda Cilento (Business Council of Australia) Danny Lester (Aboriginal Employment Strategy), Leah Armstrong (Incoming CEO Reconciliation Australia) and Bruce McQualter (ANZ).

*Media Man founder and director, Greg Tingle, is a pro active campaigner and supporter of GenerationOne. Greg Tingle attended, pitched questions and conducted 1:1's after the forum

*Public thank you and well done to everyone involved in GenerationOne

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Braggin' Branson's card trick - The Australian - 29th July 2010

Braggin' Branson's card trick

Budding cosmonaut and serial entrepreneur Richard Branson was in characteristically bullish mode yesterday on Channel 9's Today program.

The billionaire was spruiking his credit card venture with Citibank.

He explained away the demise of a previous card deal with Westpac, saying it turned out to be a runaway winner but gave the bank the heebie-jeebies. The Virgin credit card was "so successful", Sir Richard said, that Westpac "panicked . . . when our contract came up they decided to terminate . . . but we got 800,000 people signed up in three years".

One analyst yesterday laughed and said the last card had gone well, but mainly with "ute men over 30" who either kept a low balance or, in a small number of cases, failed to pay.

He also noted that the new card would charge 16.95 per cent -- more than the old one did. (Credit: The Australian - News Limited)

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Australian And New Zealand Casino And Gambling News, by Greg Tingle - 28th July 2010

The Aussie and Kiwi casino, gambling and sports betting scene shows little sign of slowing down, pending Australian election or not (you can bet on it too). Aussie gaming fans rejoice as PartyGaming release more branded games, and the industry awaits return fire from the land based casino sector as the battle for the gambling and entertainment dollar continues. Media Man and Gambling911, no virgin's to the region, once again do the Asia Pacific... News, PR or shades of grey... readers, er punters...you be the judge...

Australian And Kiwi Casino Fans Rejoice With PartyGaming's Sly Rocky Classic...

Aussie's and New Zealanders had reason to cheer last night with a range of PartyGaming casinos releasing the long rumoured Rocky online slot game. It's the original 1976 classic and it must be said that Sylvester Stallone and the Party powers that be have delivered a world class result. The rumour mill says that Party will soon be following up with the Pink Panther themed slot. The 1963 film classic directed by Blake Edwards and co-written by Edwards and Maurice Richlin, is a comedy film, starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale. Insiders say PartyGaming has done a fine job with it, and be watching Media Man, Noble Casino and Casino Las Vegas for more clues! The tag line..."A Madcap Frolic Of Crime and Fun".

SkyCity Alpine Adventure tournament: New Zealand Poker Tour (NZPT): Student Wins $75k...

With Aussie poker players making up 8 of the 9 places at the final table of this past weekend's poker tournament in Queenstown, it was no surprise to see the winner's cheque going to an Aussie. Julian Cohen, a recent uni grad from Melbourne snatched $75,000 first place prize in the SkyCity Alpine Adventure tournament, part of the New Zealand Poker Tour (NZPT). The only Kiwi to make the final, Emerson Riwi of Rotorua, finished in 6th place, earning over $15k. Rewi is a 35 year old Department of Justice employee. He finished 4th at the 2008 Auckland championships, but this was his biggest payday to date. An original starting field of 119 players battled for a total prize pool of $267,750. 13 countries were represented, including Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore, United States, Germany, Korea, Macau, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. The big names in the main event didn't last through to the finals. Australian's Tony Hachem and Chris Levick, Singapore's Bryan Huang and New Zealand's Lee Nelson were all out in the early rounds. Simon Watt, who became New Zealand's most famous poker face overnight with his bracelet win in the World Series of Poker, couldn't get past past day 2.

Final Standings And Money:

1. Julian Cohen (Australia) $73,630.00
2. Andrew Watson (Australia) $46,860.00
3. Vesko Zmukic (Australia) $27,440.00
4. Michael Spilkin (Australia) $22,760.00
5. Tim Clarke (Australia) $18,740.00
6. Emerson Rewi (New Zealand) $15,400.00
7. Jason Gray (Australia) $12,720.00
8. John Maklouf (Australia) $10,040.00
9. Bryan Huang (Australia) $8,030.00


GenerationOne Ideas Forum In Sydney; Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest Flys Flag This Week, Mate James Packer Casino King Still Cruising Globe...

Media Man Rounds Up Sydney Community Entrepreneurs To Chip In... In an effort close to our hearts, GenerationOne is to hold their Ideas Forum at Fox. Aussie casino king might be cruising the high sees but the Bondi Beach entrepreneurs connection will be represented well with a Media Man army of social and community entrepreneurs set to hit Fox. The forum will be broadcast live at approx 1pm. Where: Fox Studios, Moore Park, Sydney, Australia - Thursday 29th July...


Sydney: Star City Casino Gunman Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder...

A male mongrel has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of his former girlfriend at Sydney's Star City Casino. Todd Devaney was charged with a range of offences after the shooting of fitness babe and instructor Holly Graham aka "Casino Model" as she was teaching yoga at the casinos gym in May of 2008. The legal eagle courthouse had previously been advised that the model instructor was shot twice...below the ribs and in the hip region. Devaney fled the scene on foot but was arrested a short time later. Star City sports multiple hundreds of videocameras, a powerful "eye in the sky" or two, and dozens of security officers. In Sydney's Downing Centre District Court early today, the gunman pleaded guilty to 4 charges including shooting (with intention to murder) and the possession of 3 firearms, which he was banned from carrying on his person. He is set to be sentenced on 15th September. Ms Graham was in court to witness Devaney plead guilty. Afterwards she told the press she was pleased with the outcome. "I'm really, really lucky that I've recovered and I just hope that he gets put away for a long time," Ms Graham said. Media Man friends and associates wish Holly well with her ongoing journey.

Crown Casino To Get Celebrity Chef TV Show...

Network Nine has signed last year's MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin for her own show, Home Cooked. Nine is also set to produce Celebrity Chef Live from Melbourne's Crown Casino. Ten is responding with Junior MasterChef, which will screen from mid-October, and MasterChef USA, hosted by Gordon Ramsay. Auditions for the third series of MasterChef Australia are to take place around the country from October. Ten's program manager, Peter Andrews, is confident MasterChef can weather the storm. "We're actually quite flattered that Seven and Nine are jumping on the bandwagon," he said.
"I think the audience can smell a copycat program from a mile away so if any of these cooking shows aren't entertaining, the audience will desert them in a flash." Media analyst Steve Allen said Nine and Seven were playing a spoiling game. "Everyone is crowding into the same space and it will be counterproductive in the end," he said. "Nine and Seven want to overcook the cooking genre so that it lowers the ratings for MasterChef in 2011.". Australian casinos are home to some of the world's finest chefs, and Crown Casino and Star City have a foodie casino war on their hands. What network and casino is to get egg on their face remains to be seen.


Shane 888 Warnie Does The Races With Babe Elizabeth Hurley...

The cricket - celeb poker icon just off comparing the Australia VS Pakistan games, accompanied the British babe socialite to the Glorious Goodwood race meet on Tuesday. Warnie filled the void for Hurley's husband and friend, Arun Nayar who was missing in action from the sexy sporting Sussex. The rumour mill reckon Warnie and his filly for the day might be at least slightly addicted to Twitter (and poker). We understand Warnie made time to place a wager with bookies on the horses. Elizabeth Hurley Twittered "Glorious Goodwood tomorrow...just got some tips from my racing mad shepherd whilst trying on hats." The very friendly couple have been friends for years and occasionally share friendly chats Twitter. Also among Hurley’s Australian Twitter mates are Russell Crowe and Media Man mate Max Markson aka Mr Fame, seems to swap the odd wise crack online, often about food or coffee. Crowe doesn't bet, but Warne more than makes up for the shortfall. The ex spinner is also chummy with Packer and they get spotted together from time to time at casinos and sports fields.

Australian TV Broadcasters To Ramp Up Poker And Gambling Coverage...

Network Ten - One HD, Foxtel and friends have only just scratched the surface of Australian poker and gambling programs such as The Poker Star and World Series of Poker highlights. The Media Man bush telegraph says to perhaps even expect a casino king type program or two, that will cover both only and offline activity. Broadcasters and sponsors are keen to see plain language warnings on the broadcasts advising punters not to overdo it and "bet with your head, not over it, and set limits". The shows are tipped to cut into air time formally occupied by traditional gambling programming like horse racing. Sky Sports was not commenting. Ten's The 7PM Project mentions poker and casinos from time to time and let's not forget Packer pal David Gyngell, CEO of Nine, a smart cookie by all accounts, is aware of Crown's total entertainment experience, which includes gambling and poker tournaments, including the famed Aussie Millions coming up in January.


Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group To See Kids Skill Games Removed From Pokie Palaces...

He king of poker machines in Victoria has voted to remove children's arcade games that offer prizes such as iPods from its venues nationwide. Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, a JV between supermarket tsar Woolworths and billionaire poker machine operator Mr Bruce Mathieson, has now confirmed that games offering prizes more valuable than "stuffed toys or chocolate" would be removed for good from all its venues over the next year, or as soon as the games' contracts permit. The decision was made at a board meeting on Friday. A Woolworths spokeswoman, Clare Buchanan, said "We've made a decision that we are going to be removing what's known as tile machines from our venues - the (games with) more high-value prizes but less chance of winning the prize." The games are in roughly 280 of the group's 286 palaces, including the "vast majority" of the 96 or so venues in Victoria. She said it was appropriate to remove them. "We did a bit of research among patrons and these weren't games that we felt were adding any value to the venues," Buchanan said. The move follows Fairfax Media reports that experts believed arcade games with prizes were "grooming" children to gamble.

Boxing: Green VS Brigg's Does Hurricane Type Damage To Boxing Betting In Australia...

The match has done great damage to both Australian boxing and the sports betting elect of such. The day of the "fight" there was a rush across betting agencies for Briggs to be knocked out in the 1st or 2nd round. One agency shortened its odds from $7 early in the day to even money. Others closed the market! Multiple bookies said the activity was odd, with a spokesman for Centrebet going on record..."We've never in the history of boxing seen so much go on a specific decision outcome." Line-betting is enjoying mega popularity with punters and fans. Sport remains the fastest growing sector of the Aussie gambling industry, increasing by 12% last financial year, compared with 1.2% for pokies and 0.5% for horse-racing. In response to the Briggs-Green bout, some betting agencies have advised they will no longer take line bets on boxing fights down under. Boxing can no longer be trusted says Media Man informers. Boxing is more high risk to betting corruption than most other sports. A 1:1 "contest" is easier to rig, as their are less people involved! Word leaked to MM from an Aussie legal eagle report carried by some wires including Fairfax...Team sports are not immune to the ills of line-betting. The common thread in many recent international betting scandals in basketball, soccer and cricket is that they involved large-scale betting on immaterial outcomes, such as the winning margin in a lopsided contest. A classic example is "point shaving" in US basketball; where players or referees influence the winning margin, or "point spread", of a game without affecting the result. Independent Senator Nick Xenophon has called for a ban on sport betting until the federal government establishes regulations. Given the recent Aussie sports scandals "Mr X" has a leg up on the sports gamblers on this matter, even if some of X's proposals relating to gaming and gambling are in "fantasy land", whispered a Media Man staffer.

Australian Music Groups Do U.S Hotel Casinos...

Fresh off U.S performances, The Australian Bee Gees and Air Supply, are both understood to be keen to clock up a few more gigs at American hotels and casinos. Folks, let's be honest... a number of land based casinos are in a better position than many venues to be able to pay good bucks to top notch Australian groups. Music helps get customers into the premises, and some will of course "feel lucky". Some will be lucky, and some won't... that's the nature of a casino. Punters generally have "more luck" playing games of skill, be it poker or other table games, while slots aka pokies, are basically pure luck, but remain popular with casino punters the world over.

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As always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good luck.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
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Monday, July 26, 2010

Comic-Con News: 'Thor' And 'Amaterasu' Tapped For 'Marvel Vs. Capcom 3'?

'Thor' And 'Amaterasu' Tapped For 'Marvel Vs. Capcom 3'?

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Capcom seems to have neglected to mention a couple of gods when it announced Doctor Doom, Super-Skrull, Trish from "Devil May Cry" and Chun-Li as fighters in "Marvel vs. Capcom 3" Tuesday. New purported shots from the game bearing the Marvel.com watermark do not currently appear on the site's "Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds" images page, but a message board poster claims to have acquired them via a leak.

Screenshots clearly showing Marvel's God of Thunder and Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess incarnation from Capcom's "ÅŒkami," did appear on a NeoGAF thread, and if they're fakes, they are darn good ones.

With Marvel's "Thor" movie and Capcom's "ÅŒkamiden" for the Nintendo DS both getting released in the coming year, it would actually be quite a shocker if neither of these characters appeared in "MvC3." Furthermore, Thor's hammer those Three Wolf God Sun shirts are already hanging around the San Diego Convention Center this week, so getting the news out now makes perfect sense.

Given Amaterasu's height (or lack thereof) it's going to be fun to see how the wolf shape fits in with the gameplay. I don't know if squat-kicks and leg sweeps are going to be necessary for getting a blow to connect, but surely a trailer will reveal all soon. (Credit: MTV)

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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Australian Casino, Gaming And Politics News, by Greg Tingle - 24th July 2010

Readers er punters, the Australian connection between casinos, gaming and politics had never been so hot. Aussie politicians and campaigners continue to battle for your mind (and vote), headlines and the whole box and dice. Media Man and Gambling911 deliver the uncensored news (full strength caffeine in Google speak) you need to know, not always what you want to hear. Here's your weekend fix my friends...

James Packer Family Spotted In Barcelona...

The Packer holiday continues with his luxury boat, the Arctic P, sighted this week off Barcelona, the biggest city on Europe's Mediterranean coastline. Spy's reckon the casino and lifestyle king and family, wife Erica, Indigo and Jackson, are voyaging east. Ah, Captain Cook would be proud, as is perhaps Packer dare devil, billionaire adventurer, Richard Branson, who is to embark on a kite surfing expedition soon. Packer plans to catch up with Tom Cruise from Top Gun and Mission: Impossible Fame. Rumours circulating Party may release more games featuring Cruise, and more on that in upcoming editions.


Australia MP Wants Political Betting Online Banned...

The "Jungle Girl" Julia Gillard VS Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott war must be heating up. Now some are calling for the banning of betting on Australian politics. Oh, our nicknames for Julia and Tony are done in a tongue and cheek and affectionate fashion, so no offence Julies and Anthony okies? We know your legal eagles an spinners read our column, as well they should! With Australia’s 2010 elections underway, federal MP Michael Johnson has called for a ban election betting. While Johnson is not opposed to casual betting between friends in the local pub, he feels betting on Australian elections should be outlawed. Johnson is calling for a change to be made to Australian gambling laws forbidding high street bookies and online sportsbooks from offering odds on national elections. "It's entirely inappropriate for Australians to bet on the result of an election," said Johnson. "Just like the next guy I enjoy betting on two flies (going) up a wall. I just think something like the result of an election, money shouldn't be put on it, given the seriousness of it. There's just something undignified about it. Betting and gambling is already a huge problem in our country." In addition to feeling that elections are too serious to be wagered on, it seems Johnson is also concerned with the possibility that heavy betting on state and national elections at online sportsbooks in Australia could affect the outcome of elections. "It might allow some political parties to engage in some sort of rorting," he thinks. Matie, ok, you got your worldwide headlines, thanks in part to Media Man and Gambling911, now get back to business son.


Australia's Air Supply Perform Their Hits The Orleans Hotel And Casino...

Australian music groups have been hitting American hotels and casinos of late. Air Supply follows in the footsteps of the the Australian Bee Gees who yesterday appeared at the Paragon Casino Resort, Marksville. The Aussie soft-rock group Air Supply quickly became a star of early ‘80s radio after their first smash hit, "Lost in Love." Performing together for more than 30 years, Air Supply returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows Labor Day weekend, September 3, 4 and 5, each evening at 8 p.m. Englishman Graham Russell and Aussie Russell Hitchcock met in 1975 while performing in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Later that year, the duo formed Air Supply and released their first smash hit and self-titled debut album, reaching gold in Australia. After opening for Rod Stewart's tour in the United States in the late ‘70s, Air Supply had an international breakthrough and signed a distribution deal with Artista Records in 1980. Their album, Lost in Love, featured three U.S. top five singles, including the title track, which was the fastest-selling single in the world; "Every Woman in the World"; and "All Out of Love," which hit No. 11 in the United Kingdom's Top 40 charts. Throughout the next three years, Air Supply produced hit after hit, including "Just Another Woman," "The One That You Love," "Here I Am," "Sweet Dreams," "Even The Nights Are Better" and "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1983. Producing 30 albums and more than 15 hit singles, Air Supply has become a worldwide sensation, touring in Australia, Asia, India, the United States and the Caribbean. In 2008, as the only Australian band on the list, Air Supply was named No. 83 on Billboard's top 100 musical acts of all time. Showtime is 8 p.m folks. Tickets start from $29.95, plus extras. Visit the Orleans Casino website for more details.


NSW Opposition To Block Cartoon Gambling Legislation Re Randwick Et Al?...

The NSW Opposition has hit out on the Government's plan to fund a major upgrade to Sydney's Randwick racecourse with revenue from a computerised gambling game. The State Government says it will loan the racing industry $150 million for the Randwick upgrade, if the Australian Jockey Club and the Sydney Turf Club official merge. As part of the deal the racing industry will get dollars from an animated horseracing game called Trackside so it can repay the loan. That means the animated game will soon be in pubs, clubs and TABs. The changes require new legislation but the Government does not have a majority in the Upper House at this time. The Opposition's racing spokesman George Souris has concerns about the plan and says the Coalition could join forces with crossbench MPs to block it for good. "The Government is acting somewhat in a vacuum and almost dictatorially if it takes as assumed that the Opposition will support legislation which will be necessary. I think it sends a very poor message that the government now is addicted to gambling revenues. It now can't think of anything more innovative than to increase the level of gambling in our community so as to fund vital upgrades on racecourses." The Greens have pledged to vote against the changes. The NSW horse racing sector continues to bleed, hence is looking to adapt to the times, something Aussie media legend and horse racing expert Alan Jones said they needed to do. Jonesy and John Singo, might be time to hit the phones again and bring this politicians into line. Jones and Singo... mate I wish you guys were running the country. John, you said it right with out last PM... "couldn't or wouldn't sell him". Labor... you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink. The AJC wants to drink but some polies don't want them to. Without water one can die... is that the goal? Time will tell.


Online Casino Wars...

The Aussie casino wars continues, both offline and online. This week Richard Branson's Virgin Casino released the War Of The Worlds slot game. This may be a counter measure, at least in part to PartyGaming's PartyCasino Palladium Slot, and Party's strong branded line up. Virgin are closing the gap on Party by all accounts, while Captain Cooks powered by Microgaming seriously needs some new branded slots if they are to compete on even ground. Aussie's and Kiwi's still can't play at Branson's Virgin, so thank god for Party and the captain, with the PKR 3D casino and poker room also in the mix for good measure.

Media Man commentary: "The Australian online casino wars have never been hotter. The political headlines in mainstream media are a strong indicator of this. Knockers reckon gaming is a training ground and "practice" for gambling machines. We can confirm first hand that the gaming (and igaming) sector is recession resistant (but not recession proof). One of the great aspects of gaming brands like PartyGaming and Virgin is that most games can be played for free or played for money. Responsible gaming websites also offer betting limits. Always remember to keep your gaming fun and don't let it become a problem. Gaming is not intended to take over your every day activities, be it Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll... Mind, Body and Spirit, or other!"

Online Casino Wars: PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino VS Captain Cooks Casino...

PartyCasino remains the online casino of choice for Aussies. Their Palladium Slot, named after the Palladium Lounge has been a bit hit with VIP's and "whales". But PartyPoker isn't benefiting, falling in the PokerScout ratings. Richard Branson's Virgin Casino has just released an awesome online slot entitled 'Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of War Of The Worlds', based on the classic H.G. Wells 'War Of The Worlds'. PartyGaming is strong rumoured to be releasing a 'Rocky' and 'Pink Panther' slot game in less than 2 weeks! Meantime, Captain Cooks Casino in the way of Hollywood themes has Lara Croft Tomb Raider, but its been well over a year since they added Hollywood branded slots. Now Microgaming has done a deal with Branson's Virgin seeing Hitman, Tomb Raider and Thunderstruck no longer stand out slots for the Captain, but its good they have them for Australians and New Zealanders, as some had trouble signing up with Virgin (a sign of things to come with the Aussie internet filter perhaps?)


Crikey Media Founder Based In Victoria - Melbourne Plays Anti Pokie Card Running For Politics...

Publicity stunt by Mr Mayne or genuine concern? You be the judge, jury and executioner... so to speak... no malice intended Stevie my son. Guess I'm not just a TAFE student not worthy of your time anymore you arrogant "Sir"...Shareholder activist, serial pest of sorts, and former Liberal staffer Stephen Mayne is running for the Senate in Victoria as an anti-gambling candidate. He was an innovator in the Australian media and new media landscape, so give the devil his due but numerous Media Man sources say its an elaborate publicity stunt from Mr Crikey Mate, perhaps following in the footsteps of Media Man comedian friend and sometime associate, Austen Tayshus, now representing The Sex Party (or is it the Green or both)... in Manly... home turf to Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott. Tayshus has been seen wearing a Mankini ala Sasha Cohen (Borat, Ali G and Bruno).

More politics...

Media Man Politics
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/politics.html

Gambling911 Politics
http://www.gambling911.com/politics.html

Gambling911 Australian News
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html


Burswood Bouncers Casino Guards Dodge Assault...

Packer's Burswood Entertainment Complex over Perth way in WA is back in the news.

The daily double Burswood Bouncers aka Casino Security will not be formally charged even though a magistrate found they assaulted a punter who was attending a wedding no less. A police spokesman advised there was insufficient evidence to charge the bouncers, named as Uhmet "Guns" Gungor and Peter "Puncher" Ross, even though Magistrate Robert Lawrence encouraged coppers to investigate them when Gregory Haig was acquitted in November last year of assaulting punter Gungor. A Corruption and Crime Commission spokesman said there was no evidence the police decision not to pursue charges against the two men was unreasonable, improper, oppressive or unjust. As the late, great, Big Tim Bristow would say, "Be Told"! Haig, who was attending a wedding function, was apprehended by the two security officers on 23rd November 2008 after receptionist Casinda May Buckley-Stanton alerted security to a punter being abusive towards her. However, during the trial it emerged Ms Buckley-Stanton had advised police the verbally abusive man had sandy blond hair, when Mr Haig has dark brown hair. Sounds like the iconic Aussie flick 'Black & White', featuring a young Rupert Murdoch, now media 'king of the world'. Mr Ross, who Mr Haig claims pushed him from behind, refused to give police a statement or testify. According to the court transcripts, his reason for not doing so was that at the time he faced a charge of assault occasioning bodily harm. The investigating officer, Constable Alan Edward Ball, admitted under cross-examination that he had not viewed the security footage, of which there was 32 minutes missing by accident (or something). Insiders ask 'Does Underbelly stuff still exist in Perth?' Handing down his verdict, Mr Lawrence said "I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the incident occurred as described in detail by the accused." He went on about there had been no lawful justification for Mr Ross grabbing Mr Haig from behind and forcing him to the ground with the assistance of Mr Gungor. "They assaulted him unlawfully and then the two of them physically threw him to the ground outside the door," Mr Lawrence stated. "I would have thought that there should be further inquiries as to the conduct of those security officers." A Burswood spokeswoman said the matter had been investigated more than once and Burswood considered the matter closed. Got that everyone, Case Closed.


Victorians Spent $2.6bn On Pokies Last Financial Year...

Numbers released by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (VCGR) show gamblers put out the big bucks despite the pressures of rising interest rates and living expenses. But the VCGR said the spending was 4.1% less than the $2.7 billion spent in the previous financial year, and the biggest decline since 2002/03, when smoking bans began. It said spending per adult dropped by 5.8% to $611. The number of gambling venues and machines in the state fell to their lowest levels since the mid-1990s, it said. There are now 514 venues with 26,682 licensed poker machines in Victoria.


Aussie Tatts Hit On UK Pokies...

Tatts has become the latest Aussie firm to reveal it is suffering in Britain, finally conceding a huge write-down of its Talarius pokies. Tatts announced it was writing down the value of Talarius by $140 million to $180 million. It attributed the write-down to an emergency budget from the new government that will increase the rate of value added tax, which is expected to affect consumer spending. Talarius, which now runs 8000 machines in some 170 venues, has been disappointing the market and investors for too many years to list. Chief executive of Tatts, Dick McIlwain, was upbeat about the future of Talarius and revealed he had refused 3 private equity offers to buy it in the past six months. Tatts is spending £10 million ($17 million) restructuring the business and has closed 45 venues. Industy analysts advised the write-down was no surprise, given Talarius's piss poor performance.


Business Talk: Bring In Skills Or Pay To Piper...

Australia's economy will stagnate and inflation increase if the intake of skilled migrants is not kept at least as high as it is now, say many of Australia's most influential businessmen. But the business community is in furious agreement that Australia's infrastructure and training programs must be better planned to accommodate economic growth. One of the country's richest businessmen, Len Ainsworth, founder of pokies group Aristocrat Leisure, has warned that Australia needs to be careful to match population growth with infrastructure availability. Packer mate 'Twiggy' Forrest said "If you stop Australia growing then you stop the economy growing and you stop the aspirations of every single Australian growing. The Aristocrat pokie mob bottom line has been much better days, while Packer's Crown share rates continue to struggle, but are making a slow upward recovery.

Australian Share Price Wrap Up...

Crown Limited 8.000

Aristocrat 3.580

Tabcorp 6.720

Centrebet 1.390

Tatts Group Limited 2.380


Aussie Boxing Sports Scandal - Not Ready Or Fix?...

Footage posted on YouTube of an out-of-condition Briggs sparring is believed to have sparked the betting rush on Wednesday night's fight with Danny Green. The video of Briggs sparring middleweight Peter Mitrevski jnr, shows "The Hurricane" getting a bit of a hiding, with action at one minute and 14 seconds showing Briggs getting punched while his hands are by his side. Mitrevski jnr is going half-paced and finding holes in Briggs's defence.

"I got a million calls after that video went up," Hussein told the Fairfax Media."Jeff (Fenech) told me two weeks before the fight to pull him out. I spoke to Paul and he said there was no way he would pull out, he wanted to knock out Danny Green and he believed he could do it. Regardless of if I had pulled out of camp, he would have fought. He would have found another trainer. I wanted to be there for him as a mate. I wanted to make sure he was going to be OK in there. If he didn't go down to that shot, if he had taken a bigger punch, I would have thrown in the towel. I was there to protect a guy who was adamant he was going to fight." Briggs, who has separated from his partner and has two children, was so desperate for cash he had earlier approached Anthony Mundine but was told they would rather give him money if he needed it. Briggs stronly claims he did not throw the fight and was "not the man he once was". The Australian boxing community says it will take a long time, if not ever, to recover, with insiders saying it will help the UFC and MMA in general, at least in the short term, while make the boxing business even harder. A sad week for Austrailan boxing to say the least.

YouTube Secret Briggs Training Footage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWd2OGS4Wmw


Briggs VS Green Press Conferce (Star City Casino)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GDqwxOooH8&NR=1

Media Man Profiles

Boxing
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/boxing.html

Danny Green
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/green.html


90% Of Australian Web Snoop Document Censored To Stop 'Premature Unnecessary Debate'...

The federal government has censored approximately 90 per cent of a secret document outlining its controversial plans to snoop on Australians' web surfing, obtained under freedom of information (FoI) laws, out of fear the document could cause "premature unnecessary debate". The government has been consulting with the internet industry over the proposal, which would require ISPs to store certain internet activities of all Australians - regardless of whether they have been suspected of wrongdoing - for law-enforcement agencies to access. All parties to the consultations have been sworn to secrecy. *full report: The Sydney Morning Herald website
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/smh.html


Key Websites In The Aussie Casino War...

PartyCasino

Captain Cooks Casino

Virgin Casino

PKR

Media Man and Gambling911 have a casino reviews section, so check it out to find out more. Bet with your head, not over it, and have fun".

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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html

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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/new_games.html

What did you like or hate most about this editions news? Tell us in the forum. Aussie's, vote early and vote often... just kidding brothers and sisters. Know the odds, Keep it legal and have fun maties.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown Limited, PartyGaming, Virgin and others mentioned in this report

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Australian Gaming, Casino And Sporting News, by Greg Tingle - 22nd July 2010

Readers er punters, a good spread of Aussie gaming, gambling and sporting news fodder this edition. The ongoing debate about the potential dangers of punting continues, we've got an update on the NRL, a boxing scandal, the horses industry revamps, crime links to pub pokies and more. Media Man and Gambling911 once again take you on a voyage of discovery down under...

Aussie - Greek News: Centrebet Cyber Squatter Fun And Games...

No, not the Intralot troubles this time. Centrebet, the Aussie online betting and gambling machine has got back both Centrebet.gr and Centerbet.gr from domain squatters in Greece.

Centrebet commenced operations in downtown Greece in 2009 using the centrebet.com domain but the recovery of the .gr domain names helped potential mix ups and worse, and will stop others stealing traffic and other kind of "dark forces" of the web.

Centrebet’s Head of Marketing, Luke Brill said "Greece is one of Centrebet’s fastest growing markets and it has been a priority for us to recover the domain successfully and ensure we have full control of our online brand in Greece. Melbourne IT’s effective recovery of the domain in time for Greece’s participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup was also a high priority and we are very pleased there is no longer any cause for customer confusion." Centrebet engaged Melbourne IT to recover the .gr domain names after prior attempts did not bear fruit. Media Man understands Melbourne IT collaborated and worked with the ELTA (the Greek Post Office...who hold responsibility for the dispute resolution process on .gr) to put forward Centrebet’s case and come up winners this time around.

"When faced with domain cybersquatters, trademark holders are generally faced with two options – either buy the domain from the cybersquatter or resolve the dispute through arbitration. When you consider that international brands are launching new products and services every day, the opportunity for squatters to grab domains is enormous and, if not managed properly, the time and cost of recovery can be significant,” Mr Thymian advised press.

Both Media Man and Gambling911 have previously thwarted attempts by others to ride off their good names with "knock offs", copy cat try hards and the like. Media Man and Casino News Media for example own and operate a large variety of .com .com.au .org and .net to help keep the mongrels at bay, as well as maintaining their top ten and front web page results status. A Media Man spokesperson said "Its a great idea to protect your brand as much as possible. Prevention is better than cure. Having your brand in various gives number benefits including marketing, media, legal, technical and reach. We recommend firms include a strong brand and domain protection strategy in their overall business plan."


Australian Bee Gees to appear at Paragon Casino Resort - Friday 23rd July...

Australia's "Stayin Alive" will appear at the Paragon Casino Resort 9pm., Friday, July 23, in the Mari Center located at Highway 1 in Marksville.

The Australian Bee Gees show is a multimedia concert style event featuring state-of-the-art sound, superb lightening and big screens, featuring video clips, live camera images and awesome graphics. Critics say the act genuinely captures the look, sound and personality that defines one of the most successful and loved acts in history. The show is presented from a contemporary outlook and has evolved to become the definitive live celebration of 4 decades of the magic music written by the Brothers Gibb. For one night only here's your chance to be a part of the magic that is the Australian Bee Gees. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling (800) WIN-1-WIN. Folks, can you hear it... Ah Ah Ah Ah, Stayin Alive, Stayin Alive ... Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi


NRL VS News Limited Legal War Over?...

All major media and insider insiders tip that the legal war between News and the NRL is history. The News Limited owned Storm announced on Thursday it would be dropping the case against the NRL, which is half-owned by News Limited. The legal case, which sought an injunction on the penalties that included stripping the club of the 2007 and 2009 premierships and all competition points this year, had been brought by the club's four independent directors. But the independent directors were sacked last week after a report revealed the Storm's salary cap breaches were greater than first thought. After a legal review, the club's new directors, appointed by News Limited, decided the case would not proceed. NRL chief executive David Gallop said the decision removed the "barriers the Storm's legal team had placed in the path of the NRL salary cap auditor" and the league could now begin working with the club on a playing roster for 2011. "This case did not have merit and has only served to give false hope to Storm fans," Gallop said in an NRL statement. "The penalties were the right ones for what had occurred. "It's time for all of us to concentrate on the club's future." Storm lawyer Leon Zwier told the Victorian Supreme Court on Thursday he had instructions that the matter be discontinued. "The parent-subsidiary and half brother are now in agreement," he said. "We are now one big happy family." Outside court on Thursday, Zwier said the matter was over. "Whilst it is fair to say that our advice hasn't changed, certainly our instructions have and that has brought it to an end," he said. "I remain confident that neither Mr Gallop (NRL chief executive David Gallop), nor the NRL will never allow for repetition of the events that occurred on the 22nd of April. "From the Melbourne Storm's perspective the dispute is now over."


Boxing Scandal: Danny Green Knocks Out Paul Briggs In 29 Seconds...

Perth, Western Australia: This was the fight that was banned from Sydney as reported by Gambling911 earlier this week. Online bookie Centrebet has labelled the IBO cruiserweight world title showdown as "highly, highly dubious" after a massive betting plunge yesterday on Paul Briggs to be knocked out in the first or second round. A quick knock out and a near riot situation with fans and punters feeling ripped off. Boxer and promoter Green has watered down his criticism of Briggs in the past 24 hours but the investigation is on, and bookie Centrebet has been speaking out about what many are calling a "fix". A squad of police escorted Paul "The Hurricane" Briggs from Challenge Stadium in Perth last night, dodging fruit, beer cups and anything else what wasn't belted down. Fans were spitting and shouting abuse, all feeling ripped off. After less than 30 seconds of the IBO world cruiserweight title fight, Briggs appeared to be glanced a blow by a Danny Green left. Centrebet spokesman Neil Evans said hundreds and hundreds of bets began pouring in from yesterday morning, shortening the odds for a first-round knock-out from $5 to odds-on by the time the fight got underway. Evan's said "We've never ever in the history of boxing seen so much money go on a specific decision outcome, as in a first or second-round knockout." The trend was not just within Centrebet but was mirrored in betting agencies across the country, he said. Betting agencies are now demanding a full investigation into the fight, fearing the worst - a FIX. "There was a massive go on first or second round knock-out starting from very early yesterday morning, right through the day, certainly up until early afternoon," he said. "There were hundreds and hundreds of bets of all different shapes and sizes, and a lot of them from Western Australia. There was one bet of $50,000 which is extraordinary on an option of a first-round knock-out, even on a hot favourite. "They were both into even money, paying $2 each at around lunch-time almost, such was the amount of money just poured in the gate." After the fight Green called Briggs a "dog" and "canine". Woof, that's boxing! 1 more nail in the coffin of boxing, and more power again to the UFC and MMA world.


Sydney: Randwick Racing Gets $175 million Boost, Games and Movie Drive Inn...

Royal Randwick racecourse's capacity will be increased by 30,000 and "five-star facilities" built in a $175 million deal funded by the introduction to TABs of the cartoon gambling game Trackside. The package, which will be announced today by Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene, will include funding for a new Queen Elizabeth II stand at Randwick and the $15 million upgrade of a stand at Rosehill Racecourse. But the provision of the $175 million to the racing industry will be contingent on the Australian Jockey Club and Sydney Turf Club agreeing to merge in a bid to improve efficiencies. Rumours in recent months that the Government alone was about to kick in $150 million will be quashed, sources said. Instead there will be a grant of about $20 million and the major part of the $175 million will be given as a "loan". The loan will be repaid from revenues to be reaped from the introduction of cartoon gambling game Trackside - which already exists in Victoria - to TABs, hotels and licensed clubs around the state. The Government expects some heat from knockers that the money could be spent elsewhere, but it will argue the racing industry creates 50,000 jobs, NSW is in competition with Queensland and Victoria for racing revenue and that Royal Randwick is in desperate need of an upgrade. Racing sources said that the announcement was the biggest in the history of the sport in NSW and that the upgraded stand at Randwick could be built within 12 months. "At the moment if you wanted to go to Randwick as a corporate customer, there's nowhere to go. If you're a bloke wanting to take your wife or girlfriend, there's nowhere to go. "It (the upgrade) will turn Randwick into a five-star facility. "At the moment it's (like a) Formule 1 hotel." The source said Star City and Victorian TABs had had the Trackside game, which punters could play between races, for several years. Speculation that Thoroughbred Breeders' Association boss John Messara would head the new combined club was described as "nonsense speculation" and given just a "100-1" chance by racing sources yesterday. Government sources said that no one in the Cabinet Budget committee meeting on Tuesday opposed the package, because it was argued that Trackside would be introduced to venues where gaming already was in place. Randwick is going for a total entertainment experience, much like casinos, with a new drive in now being pushed to residents in Sydney's eastern suburbs.


Aussie Pokies Crime Link?...

A Victorian Government report has found poker machines cause crime. It's the first major study to make the link. The study finds that poker machine use is second only to drug use as a cause of crime. One gambling researcher says the finding should lead to more community consultation when it comes to deciding on where poker machines are allowed.

The ABC's Simon Lauder spoke with Dr Charles Livingston. Here's a sample transcript of the interview...

Dr Charles Livingstone is a gambling researcher at Monash University.

CHARLES LIVINGSTONE: The authors have found that the only greater relationship between increased crime in an area is that it is drug use or crimes associated with drug use, so the expenditure on poker machines is right up there with drug use as a cause of crime.

SIMON LAUDER: The report, which has been published by Victoria's Justice Department, finds poker machine use can be linked to an increase in crime all round, but especially income generating crimes like robbery, theft and fraud.

The authors looked at where poker machines are located and cross checked that with local police data on crime.

Dr Livingstone says there's no evidence to explain exactly why people who use pokies are more likely to commit crime.

CHARLES LIVINGSTONE: Anecdotally we know that many, many people end up in serious difficulty, financial difficulty because of their excessive poker machine use. In Victoria there is many well documented cases of people embezzling millions and millions of dollars to put them through poker machines, whether at the casino or at local venues.

The plausible link appears to be that people's you know addiction if you like to poker machines is so great that they will, people who have never committed a crime before will resort to it in order to fund this habit.

SIMON LAUDER: The study will fuel arguments that the community cost of poker machines is much greater than previously thought.

Dr Livingstone says communities should be given a greater say on applications for new gambling venues and licenses.

CHARLES LIVINGSTONE: Unfortunately in Victoria, despite some progress in recent years, local communities still have only a very limited say in most of the rest of the country they have almost no say.

This is very strong support for the view that local communities should be able to say yes or no to increase gambling opportunities.

SIMON LAUDER: A spokeswoman for the Victorian Minister for Gaming, Tony Robinson, says the relationship between crime and gambling is complex and the Government is tough on crime.


Queensland gamers leading the world...(Positive PR On Gaming From Queensland Government!)...

Premier and Minister for the Arts: The Honourable Anna Bligh - 22/07/2010

A Queensland game development company is slaying its competition by creating the world's most downloaded "Mini" game on the Playstation Network.

Premier Anna Bligh today congratulated Halfbrick after their game 'Age of Zombies' was named the number one Playstation Minis download.

"That's an incredible achievement for a Queensland company when you consider the sheer size of the international market for companies producing Playstation games," Ms Bligh said.

"The talented Halfbrick team is also responsible for creating the international best seller 'Fruit Ninja', which has sold more than one million copies and been on the iPhone games global top ten list for weeks.

"The Queensland Government has been a keen supporter of Halfbrick since it was established in 2001, and it's fantastic to see the team's talent and dedication being recognised on a worldwide scale."

At an ICT Industry Business Luncheon hosted by the Australian Information Industry Association and Australian Computer Society in Brisbane today, Ms Bligh spoke about the growing importance of the ICT industry to Queensland.

"The ICT industry in Queensland directly supports around 69,000 jobs and thousands more indirectly," Ms Bligh said.

"Queensland is fast becoming 'game central' with 40% of Australia's games industry based here, including innovative firms like Halfbrick, and Krome Studios and THQ, the country's two biggest game studios..

"Today the Queensland Government in partnership with the Australian Computer Society launched the 'I Choose Technology' portal.

"We're investing in this portal to show young people that an ICT career can be incredibly rewarding and exciting.

"Our aim is to encourage more people to choose ICT careers to address current and future ICT skills shortages."

The Queensland Government is the Titanium Sponsor of the World Computer Congress to be held in Brisbane in September.

Media Man commentary: "Maybe this government press release will shut up the knockers that reckon gaming is a training ground and "practice" for gambling machines. The release further adds to the augment that the gaming (and igaming) sector is recession resistant (but not recession proof). One of the great aspects of gaming brands like PartyGaming and Virgin is that most games can be played for free or played for money. Responsible gaming websites also offer betting limits. Always remember to keep your gaming fun and don't let it become a problem. Gaming is not intended to take over your every day activities, be it Sex, Drugs and Rock N Roll... Mind, Body and Spirit, or other!"

Online Casino Wars: PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino VS Captain Cooks Casino...

PartyCasino remains the online casino of choice for Aussies. Their Palladium Slot, named after the Palladium Lounge has been a bit hit with VIP's and "whales". But PartyPoker isn't benefiting, falling in the PokerScout ratings. Richard Branson's Virgin Casino has just released an awesome online slot entitled 'Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of War Of The Worlds', based on the classic H.G. Wells 'War Of The Worlds'. PartyGaming is strong rumoured to be releasing a 'Rocky' and 'Pink Panther' slot game in less than 2 weeks! Meantime, Captain Cooks Casino in the way of Hollywood themes has Lara Croft Tomb Raider, but its been well over a year since they added Hollywood branded slots. Now Microgaming has done a deal with Branson's Virgin seeing Hitman, Tomb Raider and Thunderstruck no longer stand out slots for the Captain, but its good they have them for Australians and New Zealanders, as some had trouble signing up with Virgin (a sign of things to come with the Aussie internet filter perhaps?)

Websites

PartyCasino

Captain Cooks Casino

Virgin Casino

Media Man and Gambling911 have a casino reviews section, so check it out to find out more. Bet with your head, not over it, and have fun".

Media Man Profiles

Australian Casinos
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html

Casino Reviews
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/casino_reviews.html

New Games
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/new_games.html

What did you like or hate most about this editions news? Tell us in the forum. Tony Clifton, Andy Kaufman, Austen Tayshus, A. Reader, Miller Markson, Mr X, A. Bah and Outback Jack, we will be looking forward to your contributions, based on the lively forum heat in the past weeks. Must be the Australian federal election getting everyone a bit fired up and agro, or something is in the water. Know the odds, Keep it legal and have fun maties.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown Limited, PartyGaming, Virgin, Fairfax Media, News Limited and Betfair

Website Network

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Australian And New Zealand Casino And Gambling News, by Greg Tingle - 20th July 2010

Readers er punters, casino billionaires, whales, journalists and everyone else... the last Australian and New Zealand report was so popular we're following it up pronto, without further delay. So, whether you take a liking to Kangaroos, Koalas, Octopus, Sheep or Tasmanian Devils, we've got something to whet you're appetite. Media Man and Gambling911 set the menu and fire up the barbecue for your culinary delight...

Friends, make no mistake, the Australian and New Zealand casino and gambling landscape comprises of more than just the famous casino wars dominated by James Packer's Crown Casino, Burswood Casino and Tabcorp's Star City, and if you like, add in the new potential players Mildura Jewel and Cairns 'Aus Vegas' proposal. Then you have the "pokie palaces" (clubs, pubs and hotels), and perhaps the odd illegal gambling den, but we don't know much about the later despite Underbelly rumours and cafe talk. The Australian horse racing industry used to be a serious player but their numbers and clout is way down from what it was 10, even 5 years ago. Some gambling and gaming related companies have adapted to the times better than most and that's the bottom line. Winners remain grinners and firms out of luck can usually blame themselves. Media Man and Gambling911 likes to back winners, and we applaud the switched on operators from down under that may have been listening to smart folks like Mort Zuckerman, media baron in New York.

Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Multi-Million Dollar Expansion...

The Western Australia Government says it will not get in the way of a multi-million dollar expansion of the Burswood Entertainment Complex and casino. The operators of Burswood plan to spend over $350 million over the next 3 years upgrading the resort, building new restaurants and expanding the casino to accommodate 300 new gaming machines and tables, all set to please the powers that be, whales, dolphins and tuna.
If the project is officially approved by the Racing and Wagering Commission, Burswood has agreed to remunerate the government a $20 million up front fee. The Racing Minister, Terry Waldron, says that is a "typical business deal". "Twenty million dollars will be utilised to support problem gambling services also to support the racing industry," Waldron advised. If the expansion is approved, Western Australia will still have the lowest concentration of gaming machines per capita in Australia, so James Packer... comon, let's give the other states a run for their money, and many punters also look forward to Crown's continued online development with punters screaming for an online Cleopatra, Kerry Packer and Ned Kelly online slot. As Packer friend and associate Sir Richard Branson and other inner circle types have pointed out, sometimes its a "crawl, walk, run" situation. PartyGaming last year directed players to the Crown Casino Aussie Million's tournament via a PartyPoker online promotion which was encouraging, whispered a Media Man insider.

Adelaide Casino: All You Can Eat, All You Can Play, Or Both?...

The Independent Gambling Authority is understood to be a tan worried about a $5 "all-you-can-eat" gambling related deal promoted to a pensioner group by the Adelaide Casino. A number of aspects of the scheme are attracting an accusing finger, and then some. Critics say the promo is not a good example of responsible gambling promotion. The vast majority, if not all, of the states pubs and clubs can't do the same sort of promos. The community friendly gambling den is rarely in the bad books, but as is often the trend, a small but vocal minority scream blue murder, many of these organised groups often having strong links to Churches and the clergy. Don't start us up on pedophilia church scandals that have swept the world from Adelaide, to Vegas, the Vatican and beyond. The casino's deal for the more senior patrons is affectionately being referred to as the Pensioner Promotion says industry insiders. The diners are "forced" to stay at the venue for 4 hours in order to collect their "cheap" meals. Is cheap cheap, or can cheap be expensive? That may depend on their luck in the slots. The pensioners are mainly "tuna" with no whales, but may contain the odd "dolphin" to use industry speak in and around Media Man circles. No high rollers here folks. One may argue that there is an element of swapping food for the chance to win big on the pokies. 4 hours game play hey? We're advised their may be a version of peer-group pressure, the sort of thing that goes on in a school yard, but in this can its at the casino! If 1 person leaves the group in the 4 hour limit all of their mates will miss out on the "$5 pensioner promotion" deal.


Auckland's SkyCity Casino Targeted By Scammer...

A senior employee nicked $2.7 million from her company employer over 6 years to spend as a VIP high-roller at Auckland's SkyCity Casino. Herminia Lanuza pleaded guilty in Auckland District Court this week to fraud and theft and her accountant partner Divinia Granados admitted laundering stolen money through bank accounts. The daring couple will be sentenced in August. Lanuza worked as a senior financial controller for an Auckland company, whose name is suppressed. The incidents occurred from 2002 to 2008, systematically nabbing cash to feed her gambling addiction. The missing millions were uncovered after an unpaid tax bill was discovered back in March 2008. Crime doesn't pay.


New Zealand Poker Tour (NZPT) Queenstown 'Alpine Adventure' Tournament...

15 poker nuts are on journey from Auckland to Queenstown this week for a shot at fame and money via the poker green. The swag are qualifiers from a tourney at SkyCity Auckland casino last weekend that offered spots in the New Zealand Poker Tour (NZPT) Queenstown 'Alpine Adventure' tournament, which carries a sweet prize and the expected net prize pool is estimated to go up to $400,000, maybe a tad higher. The Auckland leg commenced on Saturday with a line up of 38 international and domestic players from 9 countries including reps from down under in Australia, Singapore, Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada and sheep loving New Zealand. Local poker sharks made up the most of the 15 successful players who fight for glory this weekend. SkyCity will pick up the tab for the travel and accommodation as well they might considering the global coverage they are getting, including Media Man and Gambling911 networks.

Players include

Yannick Frenette - Canada
Tim Macbeth - NZ
Stephen Smith - NZ
Richard Kit - NZ
Jordi Urlings - Netherlands
Lindsay Andrews - NZ
Campbell Melville - NZ
Brian Huang - Singapore
Rewi Emmerson - NZ
Mike Tyler - NZ
Robert Wang - NZ
Kani Edwards - NZ
Ben Price - Australia
Oleg Vitsenko - NZ
Renae Baker - NZ

Land Based Casinos VS Online Casinos And Media Connections...

Australian and New Zealand punters are taking to online casinos and sports betting sites like "ducks to water" says Media Man. A Media Man spokesperson said "Australians are some of the world's most passionate users and early adopters of technology and entertainment, as well as in the top 5 of gambling nations, so you can just imagine how they have fallen in love with online gaming, poker and betting in general. One need look no further than the Australian Productivity Report to see the passion Aussie's have for the punt. New Zealanders are also right up there. Media companies such as Fairfax Media and News Limited have plugged into the action, as has TV stations Foxtel, Network Ten and OneHD in roundabout ways, and Google has Google TV and Google TV coming up also, on the heels of Google Pac-Man, so things look exciting. Rest assured Media Man and Gambling911 will stay in the thick of the action. Readers are encouraged to open various accounts with a number of casinos and bookies, just in case your prime supplier gets banned. PartyCasino, Captain Cooks Casino, PKR, Betfair, Virgin Casino (no Aussies yet) and Centrebet are some of the ones we can recommend. Paul The Octopus isn't commenting on the findings. Media Man and Gambling911 have a casino reviews section, so check it out to find out more. Bet with your head, not over it, and have fun".

Media Man Profiles

Australian Casinos
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html

Crown Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/crown_casino.html

New Zealand
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/new_zealand.html

Paul The Octopus
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/paul_the.html

Casino Reviews
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/casino_reviews.html

Tasty morsels hey. No animals or other creatures were hurt in the compiling of this report. That's it for now folks, stick a fork in her, she's done. Woof. Bah for now!

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown Limited, PartyGaming, Virgin, Fairfax Media, News Limited and Betfair

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Casino

Media Man Poker

Casino News Media

Casino Travel Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment