Australian Sports Entertainment: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Australian Sports Entertainment Website Updated

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Australian Sports Entertainment

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Casino News Media - Global Gaming Directory - Media Man Australia News Update - 24th September 2009

PartyCasino.com releases Tarzan and High Noon online slots, and Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro

Virgin Games to release Bejeweled classic in coming days

CAP Down Under II coming to Australia, March 2010, land based casinos have interest

Ric Flair's NC Education Lottery Wooooo! scratch card a winner

Hulk Hogan may expand on igaming deals, The Hulkamania Experience and Marvel's "The Hulk" may be just the tip of the iceberg

Titan Poker to back European Championship of Online Poker V

James Packer's City Of Dreams, Macau, on the upswing, casino commissions on track

Crown Casino continues to attract world class entertainment acts, with Aussie Millions coming in January 2010

Crown Casino Brownlow Medal awards night see over indulgence of drinking

Harrah’s Entertainment debt restructure

Google may build upon igaming, following Monopoly City Streets

Playtech - Sega "Sonic" deal on cards this October

Multi currency casino options a favorite of gamblers

European Union legal outcomes may see online gaming go underground

PartyBets.com ramps up UFC and boxing sports betting, eating into BetUS.com, others

Sports betting - fixing and corruption can be linked to small % of athletes officials

Slots tournaments popular with punters

Horse racing slot machines may hit Australian TAB suburban outlets

Bingo online sector still growing

Gaming Entrepreneurs - reputation, deals, associates and bottom line show real industry power players... spin free zone

Macau caps junket fees at 1.25%, cutting casino costs

Media Man Australia and Casino News Media company and web network will add more sites

Cleopatra casino classic still world's #1 online casino game

Captain Cooks Casino enjoying strong popularity with Aussies, Asia Pacific region

Mobile casino game market still growing

Domain names investment trend continues, Media Man Australia and Global Gaming Directory in leading pack

Hitwise - Media Man Australia website makes top ten (January - June 2009)

Online casinos further ramp up safe gambling awareness

PartyGaming continues global domination on world's online casino, gaming markets, World Poker Tour, Noble Poker and Hollywood themed casino portfolio to further expand

Virgin Unite - Virgin Games campaign supported by Media Man Australia

Asia Pacific sector remains "promised land" for some igaming companies

PartyCasino.com wins Media Man Australia "Online Casino Of The Month" again

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Crown's Packer talks with News; iGaming - Aussie wrestling connection, by Greg Tingle - 24th September 2009

The Australian's Rebecca Urban penned a ripper story on James Packer's meeting with News Limited's John Hartigan. For our money, the line that made the piece, coming from "Our James" was "Listen mate, I'm here for a business meeting,". Yes folks, not even the red dust could stop our home grown Aussie gambling and media tycoon. Given the venue of choice being Rupert Murdoch's main business den, just maybe Mr Packer is taking more of a liking to news media these days, in more ways that one. ConsMedia remains a co owner of Foxtel, saddled by Telstra and News. Meantime, Packer's Crown Macau is doing great business, as Macau's politicians wrestle with casino commissions. Macau will limit the commissions paid to junket operators to 1.25 percent of the betting chips purchased by high rollers, helping cut casino operators’ costs. In the meantime Crown Casino remains open to b2b igaming and gaming business opportunities, with firms such as PartyGaming's PartyPoker, Noble Poker and Euro Partner's Titan Casino offering satellites to play poker at Crown. iGaming Business - Affiliate Media and a number of other igaming entities remain keen to do business with Crown Casino, and information is leaking about an upcoming igaming conference to be held in Australia in the coming months, following on from last years CAP Down Under. In the meantime, Hulk Hogan, pro wrestling legend and business tycoon, just returned to the United States, having spent a week of doing ultra impressive promos and appearance in Australia to plug his Hulkamania Let The Battle Begin tour, which kicks off in late November. Hogan (and his named opponent, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair), also have a number of gaming and igaming business interests. Hogan has a Hulkamania Experience pokie found in some U.S casinos and Mr Flair is currently the face of the NC Education Lottery, with his unmissable "Woooooo!" scratch cards. A media man or two reckon a meeting may be order soon for Hogan, Flair and Packer, and PartyGaming and NextGen Gaming may be a logical choice of business partner for igaming ventures. NextGen Gaming has developed an Andre The Giant online slot game. Incidentally, the late, great, Kerry Packer was rumoured to has sat ringside for at least one major American wrestling tour that occurred in Australia in circa 2002. Mr Packer and co have a wealth of opportunities to explore. It's hard to get rid of the wrestling and media bug, Hulkamania, Goanna or not. Casino moguls everywhere are looking forward to blockbuster movie to be, 'Casino Jack', but a few Australian politicians, namely one or two Labor Party MP's, wouldn't mind seeing the movie never be screened on Australia soil. A certainly Australian film producer is very interested to do is own 'Casino Jack' style movie, but showcasing Australia's links between casinos and politicians. Go Aussie, go. Packer, Branson, Ho, Murdoch, Ayre, Stokes, Ryan... gentlemen, you're throw of the dice.

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Hulkamania: Let the Battle Begin

Ric Flair has been coaxed out of retirement to battle Hulk Hogan himself in what may well be the ultimate grudge match. HULKAMANIA will also feature some of the top stars that compete all over the world including Brutus Beefcake, Aumaga, Kishi, Black Pearl, Mr Ken Anderson, Shanon Moore, Heidenreich, King V, Godfather, Brian Knobs, Nasty Boys, Orlando Jordan, Vampire Warrior, Val Venise, Stephanie Pietz, Koa Marie Gabric, Jimmy Hart and more in THE ULTIMATE WRESTLING SPECTACULAR!". (Credit: Hulkamania.com.au)

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Hulk Hogan still the showman at the age of 56, by Nick Walshaw - The Daily Telegraph - 22nd September 2009

HULKAMANIA is why his back concaves on the right. A souvenir from muscle ripping straight off the bone.

It's those scars on a knee torn by Diamond Dallas Page. On a leg broken by first coach Matsuda. On those matching hollows revealed when flexing both biceps.

"Yeah, tore them lifting Andre the Giant," Hulk Hogan shrugs. "It was Wrestlemania III and, while we hadn't planned it, Andre said 'if you reckon you can lift me brother, go for it'.

"Now you have to remember he'd weighed in earlier that day at Detroit airport. Exactly 308 kilos. But when I got in position man, I just went f... it and lifted."

Sitting in a tiny room on the second floor of Sydney's InterContinental Hotel, it's easy to see why Terry Gene Bollea - all bright pink shirt and matching bandanna - is universally loved.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

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Why some 20 years after first telling us train hard, say your prayers and take your vitamins, this mustachioed marauder is still barred from doing his interviews in hotel foyers.

"No, we've tried that," says his female publicist, weighed down with a pile of schedules and flight plans. "Mr Hogan was mobbed."

It's why, at age 56, Hollywood Hulk Hogan is once again donning those famed yellow tights to bring us his Let The Battle Begin Tour in November.

Letting us Hulkamaniacs finally see live this image that's adorned energy bars, mixmasters and A-Team episodes. Who in the 1990s outrated Disneyland as the No. 1 Make a Wish Foundation pick.

Who even today needs submission moves learned in Japan to ward off lunatic fans.

"On Sunday we were in Melbourne, going into a restaurant when this guy - you know what a Hells Angel looks like, right? - well, he came screaming across the room at me," Hogan shrugs.

"So I blocked him, hooked him and took him down. It was all over fairly quickly."

But this, Hogan stresses quickly, is all part of Hulkamania, brother.

"And I can accept that, yes, these days I'm getting older, slowing down," the 131kg millionaire grins. "That there will come a point in time when I have to retire gracefully.

"But there's a big difference between retirement and being tired. And brother, I'm not tired yet." (Credit: The Daily Telegraph)

Reader Comment

Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Piper, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and too many more to list, thank you for the memories. Hulk Hogan's legend lives on and is alive and well down under in Australia. Australian's appreciate Hulk's hard work over the years and his own comeback of the decade. The way Hulk Hogan communicates his real life story is ultra impressive, and its great to see him putting in the hard yards, pounding the pavement and jetting around Australia to let the Australian public know that this upcoming tour is the real deal. The entertainment industry has been fuelled considerably by pro wrestling over the years, and guys like Hogan, Flair and Piper carried it on their backs, with switched on promoters at the likes of WWE, WCW and
NWA kicking it along. It appears that Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jimmy Hart and Eric Bishcoff and co are putting together a great event here. For my money, having Hogan here means the show has already began. The coverage in the newspapers and Australian TV sure beats the hell out of some of the other stuff passed off as "entertainment news". Hulkamania forever. Wooooo! Just when they think they have the answers, Hogan and Flair change the questions.
Greg Tingle, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

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Celebrate the iconic wrestlers, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair, with their gaming and igaming offerings.

The campaign is on the way that will see wrestling living legends Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair wrestle in Australia this November.

Wrestling fans and gaming fans may be interested in this bit of history:

Hulk Hogan was once a bank teller and played guitar in a rock band. One discovered he was trained in Japan by Hiro Matsuda, who broke his leg just to test his will. Hulk recovered from the injury, returned to training, and later found fame and fortune in the WWE (then World Wrestling Federation)

Starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rocky III as Thunderlips

Hulk Hogan's first WWE match was against Ted DiBiase where Hogan was billed "The Incredible Hulk Hogan". WWE and later Terry "The Hulk" Bollea came to terms with Marvel Comics (Marvel Entertainment) and purchased the rights to use the name "Hulk".

Hogan defeated the late Andre The Giant in front of 93,173 people at WrestleMania III

Ric Flair was born Richard Morgan Fliehr on February 25, 1949

Flair is a recognized 16-time World Heavyweight Champion

*other pro wrestlers with a gaming connection include Kevin "Big Sexy" Nash, once going under the stage name of Vinnie Vegas" and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who legend has it has frequented a well known land based casino in New Zealand. NextGen Gaming is rumoured to have developed an Andre The Giant themed online slot game.

Gaming connections include:

The Hulk online slot game

The Incredible Hulk online slot game

Wooooooo! North Carolina Education Lottery scratch ticket featuring Ric Flair

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Media Man Australia public support of Hulk Hogan Hulkamania tour of Australia

Media Man Australia public support of Hulk Hogan Hulkamania tour of Australia via The Baltimore Sun online

As long as both Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair do some of their signature moves have the in ring charisma, I think the match up is still worth paying for. There will only every be one Hulk Hogan and one Ric Flair, and both are apparently prepared to put in all on the line to entertain the fans while they still can, and make a pay day in the process, which will help go towards the massive expenses they have both endured in the past few years. I think wrestling fans owe it to the guys and themselves to pay to see the match. You also can't blame them for wanting to have a working holiday down under here in Australia, and make a pay day and party with us Australians. Enjoy the match up and take the opportunity to see both legends go at while they can. Let's also see some technical wrestlers and other entertaining talent get locked into the card. Hulk and Flair, thanks for the memories over the decades, and we look forward to seeing you do your thing in Australia. Greg Tingle, founder and director, Media Man Australia

The Sunday Telegraph - reader feedback - 20th September 2009

There will only ever be one Hulk Hogan, and one Ric Flair. I think fans owe it to see and support living legends such as The Hulk and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, while they can still do their thing. Hogan, Flair, Roddy Piper and the crew... thank you for the memories. New talent also have their chance to shine in the indy's, WWE feeder promotions and the WWE. Hulkamania for ever. Hulkamania has indeed run wild down under in Australia.
Bondi Beach #1 Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair and Roddy Piper fan. Woooo!
Greg Tingle

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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Triple H to accompany Money in Vegas - 17th September 2009

Floyd Mayweather Jr will be escorted to the ring by WWE superstar Triple H when he takes on Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Pretty Boy is no stranger to the world of wrestling entertainment, having faced off against The Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV as well as hosting Monday night RAW earlier this summer.

And he will not be the first to be accompanied to the ring by a wrestler either, as Manny Pacquiao was joined by Batista on his way out to fight Ricky Hatton in May.

There could be divided loyalties for wrestling and boxing fans to contend with if Mayweather and Pacquiao do finally meet in a showdown next year, but for now the WWE is wholeheartedly backing the undefeated American.

Collaboration

Mayweather said: "Triple H is one of the greatest guys in the world and represents a whole universe of WWE fans that appreciate what he does.

"He and his stature are huge and I can't think of a better person to escort me to the ring for my return to boxing."

There is no doubt who D-Generation X star Triple H expects to prove victorious in Las Vegas on Saturday either.

"It is an honour to walk the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world back into the ring," said the WWE superstar.

"Floyd 'Money' Mayweather has shown WWE tremendous support and it is my pleasure to return the favour this Saturday by standing at his side as he defeats Marquez in what I am sure will be boxing's fight of the year."

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New Ticket with a Lot of “Flair”, by Greg Tingle

If anyone wondered about how hot pro wrestling is right now, wonder no more. Wrestling is more Hollywood than Hollywood, and many of the professions top stars have massive crossover and mainstream appeal.

Look at "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair for example. The North Carolina Lottery has a Flair themed lottery ticket. Flair, the man known for taking ladies to "Space Mountain" and trademark "Whoooooo!" is also scheduled to wrestling Hulk Hogan down under in Australia starting on 21st November.

Casino and gaming buffs may also be aware that Hulk's "The Hulkamania Experience" land based slot machine is scheduled to soon hit some American casinos. The casino deal was done in conjunction with the National Indian Gaming Association, Dreamseekers Foundation, ID Interactive and Rainmaker Gaming Technology.

Hulk Hogan is arguably the biggest moneymaking and brand licensing machine pro wrestling has ever seen, with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin also said to be on his level.

Hogan and the the WWE (formally known as WWF) previously did business deal with Marvel Entertainment, thus securing the rights to use the name "Hulk". Marvel Entertainment, who were recently purchased by Disney, actually have "The Hulk" and "The Incredible Hulk" online slot machines.

Both Terry "The Hulk" Bollea (Hogan) and Ric Flair could both do with some strong pay days, be it from gaming or stepping back in the right, as both have endured some expense legal battles over the past few years. Hulk is playing up his single status to the ladies of Australia, and "Slick Ric" certainly has a reputation for Wooooing the ladies.

Hogan VS Flair, and Hogan and Flair, be it wrestling or gaming enterprises - Jackpot! Australian production companies are also talking reality television business with Hogan and Flair. "The Goanna" would be proud.

Media Man Australia is the agent for a number of Australia wrestling stars including John "Vulcan" Seru (from James Bond fame) and Steve "Crusher" Rackman (Crocodile Dundee).

*Greg Tingle is the founder and director of Media Man Australia, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory, and a long time pro wrestling fan!

Press Release below

NC Education Lottery Unveils a New Ticket with a Lot of “Flair”

RALEIGH- The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) today unveiled a new sports-themed instant scratch-off ticket featuring world-renowned pro wrestler Ric Flair. The NCEL and “The Nature Boy” teamed up on the new game that will be available at lottery retail locations statewide starting Tuesday, Sept. 22.

“All of us at the NCEL are thrilled about this partnership and the potential it has for bringing in a different group of players, which could result in increased sales,” said Tom Shaheen, NCEL executive director. He added, “We are always looking for ways to appeal to new players so we can maximize sales and generate as much money as
possible for education.”

During the event that took place at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, Flair expressed that education is important to him as well. To help get the word out about the ticket and to help the NCEL raise money for education, Flair said that he will make appearances at upcoming fairs around the state.

“Wooooooo!” is a $5 scratch-off ticket. The game features eight top prizes of $100,000 and over 500,000 prizes between $10 and $200. Players have 16 chances to win on each ticket, which corresponds with Flair’s 16 championship belts.

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Friday, September 18, 2009

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

PartyCasino.com still most popular online casino in Australia, Asia Pacific

Cleopatra remains #1 online casino game globally

Trump Plaza - Casino dealers seek to end representation under UAW

PartyGaming, 888 Holdings focused on global strategy, strategic growth

Harrah's Entertainment buys a slice of Planet Hollywood's debt

Betfair Shock Poker Ad Suggestive 15 Year Old

Crown Casino wins on table deal, despite investigation and protests

Crown Casino prepares for potential record breaking Aussie Millions this January

Virgin Casino access denied errors in Australia, still strong in Europe, UK; PartyCasino, Captain Cooks Casino capitalize

Virgin Games - Virgin Unite - charity drive - Bright-On Target-Virgin Games Set to Raise 10k for Charity

Marvel Entertainment - Disney's purchase of Marvel Entertainment not effecting popularity on Marvel themed online slot games to date

Aspers Damian Aspinall and company quite of late, company restructure rumours

Playtech - Sega sonic slot deal moves forward, CAP, iGaming Business follows up

Playtech powered online casino comp heats up, Casino Las Vegas, Casino King, Casino Swiss, Titan Casino, Casino Tropez, Europa Casino, battle for punters

PKR ramps up online slots, sports betting on the way

Income Access - brand shuffle continues

Mob Candy Magazine, on again, off again dealings with Media Man

Bodog remains keen on South American and coffee deals et al

Argentinean government may regular online gambling this year

Asia Pacific region "the next Macau and promised land" says Media Man Australia

Casino reviews - punters prefer strong, established, proven brands

NRL - some teams and players under spotlight over "tanking", alleged betting on matches

UFC - PartyBets may challenge BetUS.com dominance, Gamebookers ramps up

Las Vegas wild parties at casino - hotels - resorts

Domain name buy ups trend continues in igaming, gaming, online casino space

Hitwise Australia - Media Man Australia network holding dominance, others want in

Multi currency casino options remains an industry favorite

Google pushes forward with online gaming - Monopoly City Streets hits web

Virtual worlds - PartyCasino.com Live Dealer, PKR Casino challenge Second Life's hold

Global Gaming Directory launch pushes Media Man Australia into world's top 50 gaming, igaming most influential

Classic Slots Online and Classic Casino Games niche remains strong

Media companies in Australia starting to push forward sports betting, igaming, following European business model

Poker tournaments - competition heats up between World Poker Tour (PartyGaming), World Series of Poker (Harrah's Entertainment tie in), and others

Poker Cup Australia - PartyPoker.com, Noble Poker and Titan Poker satellites send players to Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

YouTube.com popular site for potential and existing online casino game players

Casino legal? - check your local laws in state, city and country

Online gambling - could be more addictive than other forms of gambling says experts

CasinoNewsMedia.com website traffic triples, following GlobalGamingDirectory.com launch

PartyCasino.com wins Media Man Australia - Casino News Media "online casino of the month"

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania tour of Australia

Said to be on board for Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania tour of Australia: Ric Flair, Val Venis, The Godfather, Diamond Dallas Page, Umaga, Gangrel, Shannon Moore, Ken Anderson, The Nasty Boys, Jimmy Hart, Brutus Beefcake, and Lacey Von Erich. Rob Van Dam is in negotiations in addition to a number of former WWE Divas. Jeff Hardy talks advised numerous wrestling news media outlets. Headliner to be based on Hogan v Flair and talk of filming a reality TV show.

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Tax doubts hamper bidders for Tote Tasmania - 8th September 2009

Uncertainty regarding a tax exemption for Tote Tasmania on betting pool arrangements in mainland states has left bidders such as Tabcorp unable to value the company accurately. The Tasmanian government was hoping to have the sale finalised by early this month, but the process has hit a roadblock as betting pool tax exemptions remain unresolved. The Victorian government, led by Victorian Racing Minister Rob Hulls, has granted an extension until January 31 for the matter to be determined.

References: Australian Financial Review, Fairfax Media, Wires, Tabcorp, Tasmanian Government, Victorian Racing

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Australia Online Casino Award

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

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

PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands. PartyGaming's most recent purchases include the World Poker Tour and Cashcade (picking up Foxy Bingo in the progress).

The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, Cleopatra, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune, Rambo, The Naked Gun and Resident Evil.

In developing news the PartyCasino.com jackpot recently exceeded $4 million. It's largest ever jackpot!

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

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Is the i-Gaming sector really recession proof? - 28th May 2009 - Virgin.com

*The following is the first number paragraphs of an excellent article that appeared on the official Virgin Enterprises Limited website on the 28th May 2009.

Then you see the follow up article from Greg Tingle, founder and director of Media Man Australia, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory.

To date, the i-Gaming sector seems to be relatively unaffected by the credit crunch that is decimating other businesses. Consequently, there appears to be a growing feeling that all you need to have is a good idea in terms of new software, new platforms or new applications to do with e-gaming and then it’s just a question of sitting back and waiting for the money to roll in.

There is a feeling around that because the gaming sector is growing and, as of to date, appears to be relatively unaffected by the credit crunch that is decimating other businesses, all you need to have is a good idea in terms of new software, new platforms or new applications to do with e-gaming and then it’s just a question of sitting back and waiting for the money to roll in.

That is not only untrue for now, where the constraints that the banks are currently operating under, in terms of investment and loans, is absolutely mirrored by the Venture Capital companies; it has always been untrue.

As Thomas Edison once said,“Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration”. The easy bit, curiously, is having the idea in the first place. However, as someone once said, there are very few good ideas that don’t, sooner or later, degenerate into hard work.

As Malcolm Gladwell’s new book, ‘Outliers’, illustrates, every success story, given the odd lucky break and the aptitude and talent of the founders, depends on hard work and practice. Ideas are nothing without execution.

So, if one is thinking of starting a new gaming company, what are the issues that one needs to focus on most closely to give oneself an appropriate chance of success? Virgin Games was itself a start-up just over four years ago; and, as such, while we are very sympathetic to the ambition, we are also sanguine and realistic about the pain being a start-up involves. To us, theree are four key things that are necessary – primarily, because they’ve always been necessary – but which have become even more critical than ever as the economy has battened down the funding hatches.

Firstly, it is absolutely imperative to make sure you understand exactly what it is that your customer wants. This may seem like a statement from the ,inistry of the bleeding obvious, but it is amazing how many start-ups – or, at least, potential start-ups – don’t. Too many ideas are based on doing something “because we can” rather than because it’s what the customer wants. All the talk and hype about web 2.0 and social networking often seems to blind people to its relevance or sustainability as a commercial business.

Every new start-up, in my opinion, should be based on a fundamental insight. That insight can come from data, research, a dialogue with customers or from testing alterations to your offering in terms of technology, service and product to see if it offers customers a better deal or a better option for them to spend their money on. Let’s remember, after all, that in the current market place, gaming companies are fighting for market share or share of wallet. (Credit: Virgin.com)

by Greg Tingle

An excellent article. My 7 plus years in and around gaming, igaming, news media and internet has demonstrated to me clearly that i-gaming is recession resistant, but not recession proof.

I'm pleased to report that our involvement i.e promotion of Virgin Games was our first real solid success in the igaming industry. Our Media Man Australia group has very strong traffic results (Hitwise Australia awards), however we were not making the best use of the traffic for many years, but there was strong potential to "monetize" more of that traffic, eyeballs and the like into a recurring income stream. We're were still trying to figure our what the magic formula and "the secret" was. We were already doing some b2b with other Virgin brands, in addition to covering Virgin in a news media capacity, so we enjoyed a bit of a kick start, as some of the right, receptive audience was already there, and most Richard Branson
business ventures are successful, and have the strength to ride out a storm or two.

Much like Virgin Enterprises Limited, the Media Man Australia group has spread its risk in a number of industry verticals, so we are not totally reliant on what's happening in the igaming sector, and the world's financial fun and games. We're in in news media, technology, entertainment, travel and tourism social and community and gaming industry (but not aviation thank God... lucky us). Many of these business arms are lifestyle related, as customers and potential customers all make lifestyle choices. The global strategy has also served us well in the gaming sector, as the nature of gaming means various cities and countries have differing laws governing the sector.

As we are largely an internet portal development company these days (and not an actual casino for example), we have little trouble in keeping up to what potential customers and existing customers want in many of the world's regions, and more often than not, when one door closes, another opens, when you have such a strong brand in a number of happening business verticals.

I-gaming is part of the entertainment and technology sector, albeit it in a sub group known as gambling. Needless to say, being in business is a gamble, but you get the idea. I-gaming like many other web based businesses is in a battle for both the entertainment dollar and eyeballs (yes, your eyes), as billions of other websites exist "out there" for the eyeball to google. The option to "play for free" or "play for money" has certainly proved to be a winner, and this somewhat follows the Microsoft and Google model, in that you give away something for free, but if you want the best, you pay (I bet News Corp's Rupert Murdoch and his people will get to this article eventually).

Our successes with Virgin Games, and the parent company, Virgin, helped give us the confidence to further ramp of our igaming and gaming involvement and we subsequently launched both Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory. I'm proud to say that the Virgin brand and numerous games are showcased significantly in our network, and
that Virgin Games has been fantastic for us. Virgin Games dominate much of our classic slots and classic casino games coverage, as they do our UK and European sections of our network website, not to mention the multi currency casino options. Virgin Games also pay for a job well done, and you know they have the money in the kitty, and will be around tomorrow, and likely, forever in some shape or form.

Some of the revenue we derive from Virgin Games, and our Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory arms of Media Man, we put back into society, and some of this via Virgin's philanthropic and community arm, Virgin Unite.

I've noticed that a number of traditional media companies are now starting to take the lead of Virgin by opening igaming arms, however there's only one Virgin and Richard Branson, just as there's only one original Media Man Australia. You can also trust RB to keep turning up in the news for something, thus keeping the Virgin name in the world's most recognized and trusted list, which works for everyone (unless your a competitor).

Some quotes that make strike a chord with Virgin and its audience...

Big will not beat small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow - Rupert Murdoch

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has - Margaret Mead

First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win - Ghandi

Internet is like electricity - James Packer

In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed - Charles Darwin

and last, but not least...

In the '80's my gut feeling was that airlines were crap. I hated spending time on planes. I thought we could create the kind of airline I'd like. So we got a secondhand 747 and gave it a go - Richard Branson

Thank you Virgin Enterprises Limited for being part of our ongoing journey, and the journey of so many others who had a go. You have to be in it to win it, and Virgin Enterprises, Virgin Games, and so many of their friends and associates know a thing or two about this. Happy flying and work hard, play and party harder.

Greg Tingle
Founder and Director
Media Man Australia
Global Gaming Directory

Monday, September 07, 2009

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