Wednesday, June 30, 2010

'Scared Google about to launch Facebook rival', by Asher Moses - The Sydney Morning Herald - 30th June 2010

Google, perhaps the only company with the clout and users to take on the seemingly unassailable Facebook, is reportedly working on "Google Me", a product that would go head-to-head with the social networking giant.

The founder of popular link-sharing site Digg, Kevin Rose, kicked off a round of feverish speculation this week by tweeting that he had heard a "huge rumour" from a very credible source" that Google was going to launch a Facebook competitor "very soon". Rose has since removed the tweet, saying he was asked to do so...

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

World Poker Tour® Announces Matt Savage As WPT Executive Tour Director

PartyGaming News: World Poker Tour® Announces Matt Savage As WPT Executive Tour Director

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LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2010) – World Poker Tour® (WPT) announced today renowned tournament director Matt Savage will join their team as Executive Tour Director. In his new role, Savage lends his years of experience and vast knowledge base to WPT committing himself to improving player communication, tournament offerings, tour cohesiveness, and event growth.

“Matt is one of the world’s foremost experts on poker tournaments,” said Steve Heller, World Poker Tour CEO. “Matt’s expertise and relationships in the poker community will greatly enhance our upcoming ninth season.”

“I am excited about this opportunity to work with WPT as their Executive Tour Director,” said Savage. “WPT is one of the most respected and recognizable brands in poker and I am happy to be a part of its efforts to improve tournament poker for players, fans and casinos.”

Savage has appeared on more than 300 televised poker shows on Fox Sports Net, Travel Channel, GSN, ESPN, and numerous others. He was also the host of a nationally televised show called “Inside Poker” and is an actor in the Warner Brothers movie “Lucky You.” A founder of the Tournament Directors Association and recipient of the inaugural Benny Binion award for outstanding service in the poker industry, Savage has directed some of the most successful poker tournaments including WPT’s Bay 101 Shooting Star and Los Angeles Poker Classic.

Players may contact Savage directly at msavage@worldpokertour.com to discuss tournament ideas, concerns, or pose questions.

ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT has aired globally in 150+ countries, currently airs in the United Sates on Fox Sports Net and is preparing for its all-new ninth season. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see visit www.worldpokertour.com


About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Notice of Pre-close Trading Update

28 Jun 2010

PartyGaming Plc, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, will announce a pre-close trading update on 6 July 2010.

Reflecting the fact that the Eurozone has become the predominant economic environment in which the Group’s gaming companies operate based on the currencies with which players fund their accounts, as well as the expected opening of a number of newly regulated regimes in France, Italy and other Eurozone markets, the Group intends to change its functional currency from US dollars to Euros.

In line with International Accounting Standard 21 the change will take effect from the date the Group determined that the characteristics required to identify the functional currency had changed. The Group determined this occurred during 2010 and for accounting purposes, this is effective from 1 January 2010.

In addition, the Group will from this date change the reporting currency used for its financial statements of the Group and other reporting from US dollars to Euros.

All prior financial data will be converted using the exchange rate at 1 January 2010 of 1 US dollar = 0.695 Euros. An updated summary containing the Group’s historic financial data in Euros up to and including the Q1 2010 Key Performance Indicators will be made available at www.partygaming.com on 6 July 2010. The Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2010 will be reported in Euros when they are announced on 6 August 2010. A separate notification containing details of the analyst presentation and simultaneous webcast and dial-in broadcast for the interim results announcement will be made in due course.

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Monday, June 28, 2010

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

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28 June 2010

PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, announces that it has been awarded licences by ARJEL, the French Gaming regulator, to operate online poker and sports betting websites for residents in France. The Group can offer sports betting immediately and will offer poker on http://www.partypoker.fr when the market is opened, which is expected to be later this month.

As previously announced, the Group has signed three exclusive B2B deals this year to form a significant French poker network with PMU, the country’s largest pari-mutuel horse racing company, AB Groupe, a leading TV broadcaster, and Aviation Club de France, one of France’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs. This network will now benefit from pooled poker player liquidity that will be provided by PartyPoker.fr

About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Hollywood Studios Attempt To Stop Movie Futures Market, by Greg Tingle - 29th June 2010

Entertainment insiders, movers n shakers, and star gazers, Hollywood has caught the gaming and gambling bug, while some factions are pro, some con. The old guard is generally looking to protect their turf. Legal eagles and Hollywood movie moguls have been hitting the phones and using their political clout in attempt see things go their way. Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment may have deals with the likes of PartyGaming, but that doesn't mean they are a lock for Hollywood movie exchanges. Media Man and Gambling911 embed themselves in the action...

Hollywood's old guard movie studios are on the brink of winning their battle against the movie futures markets, with United States legislators likely to outlaw such trades within days.

At last count 6 Hollywood studios are pushing to see movie betting banned and canned (in the bin, not in the can)... in movie speak.

Currently movie futures contracts allow and facilitate speculators to bet on the box office success or failure of a particular film. The first of these new era contracts, for the Matt Dillon and Chris Brown flick Takers, was approved by the United States Federal regulator over a fortnight ago and the new Sylvester Stallone film The Expendables was due to be approved by the regulator. Sly "Rambo" Stallone is quietly fired up say insiders, but the old guard is looking to put ice on his fire. Stallone and mate, Arnie, have had a taste of the Hollywood - gaming connection previously with both the Rambo and The Terminator Hollywood slot games that are offered via PartyGaming, in play for free or play for money options. StudioCanal greenlighted Sly's PartyGaming deal a few years ago. Orion Pictures Corporation was originally behind The Terminator deal. Orion still operates today, but it is now an in-name-only subsidiary of MGM. They acquired Filmways and The Samuel Goldwyn Company, but they do not own Samuel Goldwyn Films. In the past years other entertainment brands such as Marvel Entertainment followed suit into gaming and gambling, usually with good to great success, by CryptoLogic had mixed results, with PartyGaming blitzing them for service, gameplay, credibility, affiliate program offerings and overall stability. Marvel best adapted to the igaming world say analysts.

Movie Slot Games: Movie Betting Next? Legal Eagles Fly...

The powerful Motion Picture Association of America has been lobbying lawmakers to outlaw movie futures, arguing the market would be easily manipulated and skew the public's perception of movies before they open. The association firms believes rival studios could potentially sabotage films by betting against them.

Trading would be based on the amount of money a movie takes in during its opening weekend. The exchange would set the initial odds for contracts, but those odds would change based on the bidding of investors. An investor who buys a contract with longer odds takes on greater risk and the potential to earn more money.

Example?...an "investor" may think a movie will make at least $75 million in its first weekend. The exchange finds an investor who thinks the movie will fall short of that mark and the two investors enter the contract together. When the movie receipts come in the one who is correct gets a % on top of their investment based on the odds received. The other loses their investment! It's put your money where your mouth is maties.

At the weekend, it emerged that a ban on movie futures is in an amendment to President Obama's financial reform Bill, which is likely to be passed by Congress. Two box office futures markets, the well publicized (thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, Gambling911 and Media Man) Trend Exchange and Cantor Exchange, had intended to launch "soon".

Last week, the mastermind or 'Evil Genius' if you will, behind Trend Exchange, Robert Swagger, vowed to launch to market even if the ban was passed and fight the Government in court on the grounds the regulator had already granted approval. But an MPAA spokesman said the ban makes it retrospective to June 1 - before the regulator issued the approval. Legal eagles best or worst nightmare... add it to the legal bill hey.

Academics, Professors And Smart Cookies Weight Into Debate...

Associate professor Barry Burgan, head of the business school at the Australia's University of Adelaide, advised a movie futures market would provide valuable information about which films were likely to succeed (or fail). "Only one out of a large number of films produce returns and if you can provide ways to predict that better you can improve the outcomes," he said. With his odds analysis, little wonder Hollywood old guard are not so keen.

Media Man is currently seeking comment from Marvel Entertainment and New York based media entrepreneur, Mort Zuckerman. Zuckeman has previously pointed to online gaming and gambling as a way for U.S newspapers and mainstream media companies to stop their bleeding, following the adaption to a business model adopting to gaming, be it slots, poker, bingo, sports betting or a combination, following the UK media experience. In the meantime Australian newspapers and media firms, Daily Telegraph, and Fairfax Media (Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times, WA Today etc) keep ramping up their gaming, igaming and sports betting involvement.

Aussie casino king James Packer remains keen on his Premier Media Group stock. Premier Media Group also enjoys ties to the sports betting world via Fox Sports, and Packer mate Tom Cruise just happens to sometimes stay at Crown Casino and is featured in the PartyGaming title Mission: Impossible. Coincidence Not! Comon' James and Cruise, shake them up in Hollywood... I'm an investor (in Crown) you know. Got to keep the investors happen. Just don't tell us its impossible, and if need be, speak to Richard Branson who just launched Virgin Gaming, following his success of Virgin Casino (not available to Aussies or Yanks yet). PartyGaming is keen to ramp up more Hollywood involved (and do deals with Crown Limited). Last year PartyPoker referred online poker players to the Aussie Millions Poker Championship in Melbourne, Australia, and the promo worked a charm. We all made money right? Yep. Thanks in advance.

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Wrap Up...

The argements for and against the betting on film releases are many. It's fair to say that the legal eagles on both sides of the equations will pulling out all the stops to see the ideal outcomes for their prospective clients. Hollywood betting... good, bad or neutral? Tell us in the forum, and Tony Clifton and Howard Stern (King Of All Media), we invite your contribution... and everyone else. Your feedback will be taken on board by the powers that be at Gambling911 and Media Man, at a time when The Expendables look to kick booty, and Max Mad 4 is looking to weigh into the Hollywood betting wars. Would you bet against Stallone or Max Max!

Media Man and Gambling911 are website portals covering entertainment, gambling, gaming, sports, politics and much more. Punters, as always, know the odds and have fun.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover.

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Saturday, June 26, 2010

Australian Fans Assaulted And Robbed At World Cup, by Greg Tingle - 27th June 2010

South Africa is not regarded as a safe place, with or without the FIFA World Cup Unfortunately a bush tucker bag of Australia fans experienced the very real danger just hours ago, assaulted and robbed at gunpoint. Media Man and. Media Man and Gambling911 kick off into the field of danger in South Africa...

A bush tucker swag of Aussie soccer fans in South Africa, including an off-duty fed, were robbed, tied up and assaulted at gunpoint soon after after enjoying watching the Socceroos take up Serbia.

It's understood four mad Australian fans and a London based duo returned to their digs after watching the match at approximately midnight on Thursday, when they were assaulted by four armed men, clues pointing to local knowledge and an "inside job".

The Aussies were attacked as the lodge manager was showing them to their rooms at the now infamous Hamilton Parks Country Lodge in Hazyview, an isolated area north-east of Johannesburg. The lodge has dozens of crime incidents to its name, and South African police have not been following up fully or appropriately, according to dozens of media reports. Media Man and Gambling911 is helping ensure that the word gets out on the track record of guests being robbed and worse at 'Hamilton Parks' (mark it down in your Stay Away From List'!)

Wires is reporting that the mum of the lodge manager, Nola Molich, said the gun wielding bandits had hidden around the corner as her 'sonny jim' proceeded to welcome the Australian tourists into their quarters.

"The guys came up to him with a gun and said, 'Right, get back in.' He went in and they locked the door behind him and asked for all their goodies."

The South African police probing the crime, Captain Jacky Mbuyane, advised the victims' hands were bound behind their backs with shoestrings, while the crims stole mobile phones, laptops, passports, money, and pride (what may be left), of their controversial and crime ridden nation.

He also advised the female was sexually assaulted, and got medical treatment, but she was not raped. "Emotionally, she was hurt. She was upset.".

Mrs Molich advised the incident was "very traumatic", but the well-dressed thieves were "as my son said, the best kind of people to be robbed by. They did not even tie them up tightly, and they were not interested in hurting anybody."

The swag of Aussies freed themselves soon after the attack and called the coppers. Australian consular personnel from the Australian High Commission, based in Pretoria, assisted the victims get medical attention and gave them emergency travel documents, a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said.

The Australian fans said they intended to stay on to try to end the sports tour on a high note. Media Man applauds their positive attitude and guts.

Ambush Marketing "Attack" Mild Compared To Australian Fans Assaulted...

World Cup Ambush Marketing Beer Babes Charges Dropped

http://www.gambling911.com/fifa-world-cup/world-cup-ambush-marketing-beer-babes-charges-dropped-062310.html

Yankees, sorry to hear about your 2-1 loss with Ghana in last nights match. At least it wasn't a whitewash, and the American team says they had gone further than they has expected.

South Africa Casino Guide With Public Thank You To Jimmy Wales At Wikipedia

Eastern Cape
Boardwalk Casino, Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth, part of Sun International South Africa

Wild Coast Sun at Port Edward, part of Sun International South Africa

Free State
WindMill Casino in Bloemfontein, part of Sun International
Thaba'Nchu Casino in Thaba'Nchu, part of Sun International

Gauteng
Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, part of Sun International
Emperor's Palace Casino and Resort
Monte Casino in Johannesburg
Morula Sun Casino near Pretoria, part of Sun International
Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg
Emerald Casino on the Vaal River
Silver Star Casino in Johannesburg

Kwazulu-Natal
Sibaya Entertainment Kingdom in Durban near Umhloti, part of Sun International
Wild Coast Sun near Margate South Coast Durban North Beach Casino Century Casino in New Castle

Limpopo
Meropa Casino in Polokwane, part of Sun International

Northern Cape
Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, part of Sun International

North West Province
Carousel Casino, part of Sun International
Sun City, part of Sun International

Western Cape
Grandwest Casino in Goodwood, Cape Town, part of Sun International
The Golden Valley in Worcester, part of Sun International

Credit: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org

Media Man South Africa profile

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

Wrap Up

We wish fans and the soccer team, all the best in their upcoming FIFA games. Fans, players, press and others in South Africa... for God's sake take care on the mean streets and in your hotel rooms. DTA - Don't Trust Anyone! Punters, as always, know the odds and have fun.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover.

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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Gambles On Tennessee Lottery, by Greg Tingle - 25th June 2010

An ever increasing amount of celebrities, athletes and all matter of entities are entering the gaming and gambling arena, having learned of its resistance of the world's economic recession. Wrestling legend Ric Flair, featured in wrestling video games, has been enjoying his role of front man for Caroline lotteries and has now further expand to good old Tennessee. Media Man and Gambling911 with this body slamming report...

Ric Flair aka "The Nature Boy" continues to enjoy one crazy in his life and reads like a Hollywood script. From small time wrestling events to WrestleMania, world tours, star of videogames, and in the last few years, the spokesperson for both South Carolina and North Carolina Lotteries. Flair still wrestles out of love of the business that made him a star.

We note the wrestling with TNA Wrestling keeps him on TV, Flair and the fans enjoy the contribution, and at the same time is keeps exposure high, thus staying appealing to companies, brands (and gaming firms), looking to engage his services.

World spread to Tennessee of Flair's gift in getting the word out on Lottery ticket sales, and hence a deal was stuck, complete with another Flair YouTube hit.

The Tennessee Lottery sees Flair and his signature "Woooooo" promote the Mega Millions scratchie - instant win.

Flair also appears in 30-second TV promo and radio spots entitled "Jack Up Your Jackpots." He's shown in the gym giving a wrestling chop to a bloke and encouraging him to turn small jackpots into huge ones by playing Tennessee Mega Millions of course!

The powers that be in the business world love working with Flair and he sports praise from promoters and corporate giants the world over.

"He's an absolute delight to work with and everybody knows him," advised Rebecca Hargrove, Prez and CEO of the Tennessee Lottery. "He's a good representation of good people.

"Everything we do is geared to sell more tickets, and this ad has garnered a lot of attention."

The spots run for 3 but lottery officials have the rights to run it for a year. It's yet another YouTube viral hit for Flair, enjoying over 2,000 views in a week.

"It's gotten the response we hoped," Hargrove said.

Flair has done previous promotion work for lotteries including in North Carolina, but this promo might be his champion result.

"I thought this was a perfect fit for him" Hargrove stressed.

Flair's website proclaims him "the most decorated world champion in history." In the Tennessee spot, he screams his famous "Wooooo" four times.

"People of all ages want his autograph," Hargrove said.

Taking the chop for the lottery promo was a shirtless Michael Bradley, a local actor. The promo production is understood to have cost $110,000 to produce, but the promoter is certain they will get the money back, and sell a lot more tickets. Of course, there's going to be lucky winners also. Some small, and some bigger. Everyone's aiming for Mega Millions, not to be confused with Mega Jackpots, as found as land based casinos and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino.

Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery in which players pick five lucky numbers and then another number. It only costs $1 to play.

Knockers say its a "Tax on the dumb", but a Media Man spokesperson enthusiastically says, "If you can afford a dollar and think your lucky, even better a wrestling fan, it a no brainer. Do it to support Flair and test your luck, and you might even get jacked".

The Tennessee lottery, authorized in a statewide referendum in 2002, has raised more than $1.6 billion for education programs since it commenced in January 2004. Players have won close to $3.6 billion in prizes. Lottery tickets are available at more than 4,700 retail locations.

Flair is arguably the second most famous pro wrestler of all time, Hulk Hogan likely being #1. Hogan is also featured in wrestling video games and has his Hulk A Mania Experience slot game found in casinos. Flair and Hogan are on friendly terms and have done good business together (despite wrestling storylines saying they hate each other). Other wrestlers such as Jimmy Snuka, Roddy Piper, Outback Jack and Kevin Nash, once known as Vinnie Vegas, are all following the Flair and Hogan success in gaming, and some are keen to get their own deal. PartyGaming and North Sydney (Australia) based NextGen Gaming are rumoured to be working on an Andre The Giant online slot game and Media Man witnessed hard copy promos for the game last year, so something big is in the works. PartyGaming currently offers the 'Sumo' slot game. Sumo recently made headlines for wrestlers having links to mafia and doing illegal betting on matches. We expect Flair will remain in the thick of the (legal and totally above board) action.

Readers, please bet responsibly and have fun

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Australia Releases 2010 Productivity Commission Gambling Report, by Greg Tingle - 24th June 2010

As readers would be well aware by now, gaming and gambling, be it casino, poker, slots, sports betting, bingo, scratchies, online or offline, along with internet censorship, are a few of the hottest subject matters in Australia. The gaming sector also enjoys strong ties to the political arena, with the ongoing agreements as to the control, rules and regulation of the industry. Some of the American gaming ties to the political arena are famously documented in 'Casino Jack And The United States Of Money'! Punters er readers, congratulations are in order for Julia Gillard, the new Prime Minister of Australia, elected soon after 9am earlier today. Readers can learn more with the Gambling911 article 'Australian Political Challenge: PM Kevin Rudd VS Julia Gillard'.

http://www.gambling911.com/politics/australian-political-challenge-pm-kevin-rudd-vs-julia-gillard-062310.html

Media Man and Gambling911 are delighted to bring this important update to the every loyal readership...

The Australian Government today released the 2010 Productivity Commission Report into Gambling for consideration by States, Territories, industry and the wider community.

The Government has also announced its support for key reform directions to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling.

In an initial response to the 2010 Productivity Commission Report into Gambling, the Australian Government signalled it supports the use of pre-commitment technology to tackle problem gambling and is committed to working with State and Territory Governments, and industry, in implementing this technology.

The Australian Government does not agree with the Productivity Commission recommendation that the Australian Government amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to allow for a liberalisation of online gambling, starting with allowing the provision of online poker games to Australians. The existing rules will continue to apply.

The Australian Government accepts that further work can be done to improve harm minimization measures for electronic gaming machines.

The Australian Government will now write to State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers to recommend the establishment of a new high-level Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Select Council of Ministers on Gambling Reform to progress a national approach to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling.

The Productivity Commission estimates that there are between 80,000 and 160,000 Australian adults suffering severe problem gambling. In addition there are between 230,000 and 350,000 people at moderate risk.

The Productivity Commission’s final report highlights the significant social cost of gambling, estimated to be at least $4.7 billion. The Productivity Commission estimates that problem gamblers account for around 40 per cent of electronic gaming machine expenditure, showing that a small number of gamblers account for a large percentage of losses.

The Productivity Commission also highlighted the gambling sector as an important industry with gambling expenditure exceeding $19 billion and the industry estimated to support the employment of more than 145,000 people.

Pre-commitment

The Productivity Commission found that pre-commitment is the most effective way to target problem gamblers and at-risk gamblers without impacting upon the wider gambling community and that’s why the Government has committed to developing a pathway towards implementation for pre-commitment.

The Productivity Commission also found that pre-commitment systems would empower people to take responsibility for their own spending behaviour, by helping them decide exactly how much they want to spend before they start playing.

The Productivity Commission found that a pre-commitment scheme is a strong, practicable and ultimately cost-effective option to minimise harm caused by gambling. This new technology will give people the tools to stick to their limit and help them keep track of their spending.

The first priority for the Australian Government will be to progress a nationally consistent pre-commitment model for electronic gaming machines.

Online gaming

The Australian Government does not support the liberalisation of online gaming, including online poker, as recommended by the Productivity Commission.

The Government is not convinced that liberalising online gaming would have benefits for the Australian community which would outweigh the risks of an increased incidence of problem gambling, particularly with the rapid changes in technology.

The current prohibition on the provision of online gaming services to Australians will continue to apply.

The Government will examine the regulatory approach taken by other countries with similar regulatory regimes in relation to online gaming, such as the United States.

In particular, we will seek to work with other countries to investigate the possibility of a more effective multilateral regulatory regime to address this form of gambling, its social impacts and its impact on the Australian gambling industry.

Harm minimization

The Australian Government accepts that more work can be done to improve harm minimisation measures for electronic gaming machines.

The Select Council on Gambling Reform will engage with all stakeholders to ensure that any changes to harm minimisation measures are proven to actually minimise the damage caused by problem gambling and are ideally able to be applied consistently across Australia.

This will include an analysis of the possible costs and benefits of such measures and also consider their need in light of moves towards a nationally consistent pre-commitment model.

COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform

The Australian Government will recommend that the COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform includes up to two Ministerial representatives from all jurisdictions to ensure that both economic and social portfolios are represented.

The Select Council on Gambling Reform will be co-chaired by Ministers Macklin and Sherry.

Most recommendations in the report are directed at areas of State Government responsibility but the Australian Government recognises that national leadership is required and will work with State and Territory governments through the new Select Council on Gambling Reform to consider the Productivity Commission’s final report.

The Australian Government is committed to a thorough process through the COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform and to consulting closely with community groups, industry and relevant employee and employer groups on the Productivity Commission’s findings.

Today’s report follows a request made by COAG in 2008, through the then Assistant Treasurer, for the Productivity Commission to update its 1999 inquiry into Australia’s gambling industries, with a focus on problem gambling. This responded to calls from industry and community groups that the Commission should be asked to update its 1999 report.

Copies of the Productivity Commission’s report are available from www.pc.gov.au.


Link to the report via the Australian Government Productivity Commission

http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/gambling-2009/report

Wrap Up And Disclaimers...

For the record, and you have quite likely read it before, Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming including sports betting, is just one of a bakers dozen of industry sectors they cover.

Gambling911 is also a website portal, primarily covering the world of sports betting, gambling, gaming, entertainment and politics.

Media Man nor Gambling911 are casinos as such, but they cover the sector offering news, reviews, tips, gossip, odds, facts and figures and the like.

Media Man International http://www.mediamanint.com creates and runs media and publicity campaigns, in addition to offering celebrity and media management, and they are also currently ramping up their ambush marketing arm and consolation services. hey also have participated in a range of affiliate programs. Gambling911 has previously covered 'What Is An Affiliate Program'

The readership may be also interested about website portals are. Wikipedia offers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_portal

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Australian Political Challenge: PM Kevin Rudd VS Julia Gillard, by Greg Tingle - 24th June 2010

Politics, media, new media website portals and gambling do mix.

Media Man and Gambling911 cross live...

Today Australian political history is set to be made, and the smart money is on Julia Gillard to become Australia's first female Prime Minster today, after Rudd's continued downward spiral over the past months.

Whilst both are Labor, word on the street and in political rounds is that "Rudd is on the nose and doesn't listen".

Voting occurs later this morning.

Rudd's about to declare the leadership vacant and a secret ballot outcome will be known in approximately one hour when it comes from caucus.

Some of the key issues that has hurt Rudd include but are not limited to:
poor communication to others in Parliament, being called a phony by a number of high profile Australian business tycoons, internet censorship, gambling reform, environment policy (emission trading scheme, whaling and solar power back flips)
education reforms and Australia's public hospital crisis. Rudd's 'Big Brother' like policy when it comes to internet censorship and freedom of the press are also being pointed to by numerous political and media commentators.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett, who had backed Mr Rudd's leadership yesterday, has now pledged allegiance to Ms Gillard.

Speaking to ABC TV in Morocco, where he is representing Australia at a meeting of the International Whaling Commission, Mr Garrett said Ms Gillard would be an "outstanding prime minister''.

"The government's record is a solid one," he said.

"But in these instances ... if someones going to contest the leadership of a calibre of Julia Gillard then she would have had my support."

Ms Gillard has also received vocal support this morning from Sports Minister Kate Ellis, senator Kate Lundy, backbencher Kelvin Thomson and WA MP Gary Gray.

Rudd Last Night...

"I was elected by the people of Australia as Prime Minister of Australia. I was elected to do a job. I intend to continue doing that job".

Julie Gillard Last Night...

"I will be a candidate in tomorrow's ballot"

Ms Gillard, the Deputy Prime Minister, had 76 of the 112 caucus votes with 30 minutes to go before the ballot.

Betting Odds

Ms Gillard is now $1.10 to be in charge when voters next go to the polls
Rudd’s odds have blown out from $2.70 to $4!

It's probably to late to place a bet at Betfair or Centrebet now, but punters, you can always bet on the outcome of the Labour VS Liberal election... likely to be Gillard VS Tony Abbott, which is looking on the cards as we go to press. More to come in the forum.

Bet with your head, not over it (as some say both Rudd and Gillard have done)!

Liberal leader Tony Abbott is understood to be enjoying the bloodbath.

The Late News... rumours circulating Rudd has stood down (rather than go to voting, such was the unpopularity of Rudd. Thanks Senator Conroy (Minister Of Censorship) for doing your little bit in seeing the downfall of Rudd. Cheers.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

Ambush Marketing Dutch Beer Babes Charges Dropped; Aussie Marketers Rejoice, by Greg Tingle - 24th June 2010

Readers, punters, soccer nuts, media and marketing guns. Thought you had heard the last of ambush marketing aka "parasite marketing"? Think again..
Media Man and Gambling911 are pleased to report that the buxom beer babes who ambushed FIFA are essentially off the hook. This rather welcome news has further inspired a number of Aussie media, marketing and sporting identities who are starting to plan something huge down under in Australia, home of meat pies, kangaroos, Holden Cars (and NRL, AFL, Crown Casino, Star City and Bondi Beach... hint hint). Got the message? Lots of potential targets to throw ya boomerang at. Enjoy ambushing marketing 101, online, offline and everything in between...

Charges were delightfully dropped against the daily double Dutch buxom beer babes (with brains too) who had faced prosecution for allegedly taking part in an ambush marketing stunt at a World Cup soccer match. Oh My God, the crime.

They were among a bevvy of more than 30 Dutch goddess babes who attended last week's Netherlands-Denmark match at the Soccer City Stadium wearing orange mini dresses paid for by Bavaria Beer. The double trouble pair (no, not that pair of knockers er knockouts) were in danger of getting charged under an act that covers ambush marketing aka "parasite marketing", when a firm benefits from an event without paying for advertising! Sounds good hey.

FIFA, whose sponsors have exclusive rights to in-stadium marketing etc, advised some 48 hours ago it had reached a settlement with Bavaria Beer which saw all parties agreed to drop any claims and also not to make any further public comments about the case, but that of course doesn't stop the almost Wikileaks like Gambling911 and Media Man running a follow up (or 3)!

FIFA advised Bavaria now agrees to fully respect FIFA's marketing policies through the year 2022.

A press Statement by the Double Dutch beer babes, Barbara "Buxom" Castelein and Mirte "Melons" Nieuwpoort, read, "We are happy to go home and that the situation has been resolved."

Bavaria remunerated the women to come to South Africa and arranged for them to go to the Netherlands' opening match against Denmark on June 15. Insiders and smart asses reckon Bavaria "won" the encounter, with many admires googling the beer babes "nether regions", only to catch a bit more hot legs action... but they haven't stopped looking, based on stats coming to hand, pun intended.

FIFA officials noted the relatively small "Bavaria" tag on the side of the dresses, which they saw as infringing the rights of official sponsors, partners and the like, some of whom invested multi millions to advertise exclusively at World Cup venues. The dresses are understood to have been available to the public (and potential ambushers) at service stations in downtown Holland, passed "free" with a pack of their now mega famous beer.

Ambush marketing has caused complications in the past for the Bavaria outfit. Circa 2006 - World Cup in Germany, the brewery provided fans orange lederhosen which pissed off FIFA powers that be.

"Buxom" Castelein and "Melons" Nieuwpoort advised FIFA officials and police probed (no not that type of probe you dirty minded loyal readers) them for several hours after the super and successful stunt last week, until legal eagles engaged by the brewery became involved.

As Gambling911 covered last week, a number of Australian marketing and media entrepreneurs are watching this space closely are exploring ideas and potential events to ambush. Australian ambushing marketing king, Kym Illman from Messages On Hold, is keeping his cards pretty well guarded at present, but has made what one may call "strategic leaks" to some media and new media companies, thus already benefiting from some Barvaria - FIFA stunt rub off. Fairfax Media, Markson Sparks!, Harry M. Miller Group, Smart Company, Network Nine, Channel Seven, Crown Casino and Shane Warne are just a few entities that are understood to be watching out for an Aussie ambush marketing stunt follow up. It's also worth noting that long time James Packer friend, Network Nine CEO, David Gyngell has just joined the Crown Limited board of directors. Did we mention Shane Warne is also friendly with Kym Illman and James Packer... ah, what a small world. One that can help put great campaigns together we might suggest.

A Media Man spokesperson said, "We know Aussie marketing king Kym Illman has been watching this space with keen interest. Kym doesn't like to come off as second best, so when he does his next stunt down under, don't be too surprised if it has an impact comparable to the Barvaria buxom beer babes effort at the World Cup. We think the stunt or stunts are likely to happen at either Moore Park, Acer Arena, ANZ Stadium, Bondi Beach or near the Opera House or Harbour Bridge. Possibly a combination. 'Sin City' Sydney is about to become more sinful, thanks to the 'evil genius' Illman, with some help from some friends".

Read more about ambush marketing...coming soon to a casino near you, with 'Money Girl' if your very lucky.

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

*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. *Media Man is currently ramping up its ambush marketing arm, both online and offline! The company motto is "Putting Your Name Out There!"

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited.

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Australian Casino And Gambling News: Huge Week, by Greg Tingle - 23rd June 2010

Readers, punters, media and gambling tycoons, and everyone else... yet another huge gambling, gaming and sports betting week. Of course, most of the world still has World Cup fever, and sports betting records are tipped to be broken on that front. Down under in Australia the long awaited Productivity Commission reports has finally made its way into the public domain, and its mainstream news to say the least. Media Man and Gambling911 round up the blood hounds and sniffer dogs with your latest fix on news, with just a dash of PR and ambush marketing on the side for good measure...

Crown Casino News - James Packer Gets Nine Network Australia CEO David Gyngell On The Board...

Yep, long time friend and associate of 'Our James' has shaken things up with an updated Crown Limited board of directors.

Nine Network CEO David Gyngell has been appointed as a director of Crown, as has Sydney University professor of medicine John Horvath.

Mr Packer advised that professor Horvath will chair a new formed arm...a committee of the board and we like the sound of it...the Responsible Gaming Committee. They will oversee and enhance the company’s responsible gaming programs and performance.

The two new directors certainly bring with them significant and diverse experience to the Crown board. Some knockers in the Aussie media are questioning the move, as they almost always try to find negative stories to run on Crown and the gaming and gambling sector.

Mr Packer has long enjoyed an interest (and investment) in both media and the health sector. Media Man understands that Packer's interest in the health sector may have been sparked by his late fathers involvement, which saw Kerry having his life saved several times. Kerry has encountered a number of heart attacks in his later years. The machine that is understood to help kick start the heart was later named the 'Packer Wacker', in tribute and respect to Kerry. Packer Jr and fellow entrepreneur, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest (GenerationOne visionary), also share considerable experience in witnessing the ups and downs of health relating to Australia's indigenous community. Packer Jr did some work on a family cattle station or two in his youth and hence got a close up look at health and well being issues. This is understood to be just one of the motivating factors in seeing Packer hook up with GenerationOne, as well as commit to employing 100s, with the view to 1000s, of suitable and trained up indigenous casinos in his Crown Limited empire.

Gyngell is also health savvy, and is quite the keen surfer, sometimes spotted at Bondi Beach, where Packer also has a pad. Gyngell has not taken to Packer's love of polo, but give him time... he's a nature lover. Gyngell was a driving force is seeing Network Nine get more positive and feel good lifestyle programs and the like on his network. Network Nine is also a long time supporter of beyondblue, as far as offering fair and balanced coverage of well being, mental health and such.

Last year James Packer was a guest of honour at Victor Chang Cardiac Research fundraiser, and is understood to have been extremly generous of heart, spirit and pocketbook.

Back to the situation at hand, Crown Limited announced that Westfield’s David Lowy has resigned from the board of Crown.

For the 2009 financial year, Crown booked a $1.197 billion loss. Readers will be aware that Crown is travelling along nicely this year, with multiply upgrades, new Lear jets, happy casino whales, dolphins, fish and tuna, and positive dealings continue with the creme of the sports, gaming and entertainment world... folks like Richard Branson, Tiger Woods, Tom Cruise, and a good mix of state and federal politicians. Almost 'Casino Jack' like (but done in a legal, ethical and above board way), for a corporate if you understand. Crown's current share price is $8.030.

Australian Casinos May Get Ambush Marketing In Casino War...

Motivated by the massive exposure that the hot and sexy soccer babes aka buxom and leggy beer babes, Bavaria Beer style generated at the World Cup, Crown and Star City powers that be have been reading up on ambush marketing, impossible to miss on the internet in recent days. Of course Perth based Kym Illman and his Messages On Hold are front of mind. Sharne Warne enjoys friendships, if not business relationships, with both Illman and Packer.

Soccer has Bavaria Beer and orange coloured dresses, and could Crown or Star have Warnie and or Messages On Hold. Warne enjoys getting down to Crown several times a year, with with Gyngell now on the Crown board, expect a ramp up in media savvy activity.

Crown Casino Push On To Bankrupt Former Whale Client Gone Bad...

Crown Casino still plans to bankrupt ex casino high-roller Harry Kakavas, who failed to score victory in court last year. Kakavas, a self-proclaimed pathological gambler, was due to be issued with a bankruptcy notice late last month, after an application by Crown to the Federal Magistrates Court.


Aussie Productivity Commission: Treat Gambling Like Drinking!...

Feeling thirsty punters? Drink up, or then again, take it easy. As coverage on Gambling911 recently, the Australian Productivity Commission report into gambling reckons gambling needs to be treated somewhat like drinking alcohol. The commission found there was strong evidence that gambling had adverse health, emotional and financial impacts on many more people than those categorised as problem gamblers.


Proposal For Pokies Limits: Size Of Wagers Included...

Aussies would be able to wager only up to $1 at a time on pokies under proposals outlined in the Productivity Commission’s final report on gambling. Under the initiative, gamblers would also no longer be able to stuff $50 notes into poker machines, in order to limit losses.

Clubs and casinos did get some decent news however. The Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin said the government Did Not agree with the commission’s recommendation to "liberalise" online gaming.

The commish advised if pokies are played at "high intensity", punters can lose $1500 per hour. Of course, you can win big dollars too, if your very lucky.

"The amount of cash that players can feed into machines at any one time should be limited to $20". The current limit is up to $10,000. Spin to win, or don't. It your call grown ups. People need to take responsibily for their own thoughts and actions. Do you trust 'Big Brother' and the 'Thought Police'? Ponder than for a moment, and then think about all the crazy fines and government red tape you have every had to put up with.

Muldura Casino Proposal Continues To Move Forward Despite Detractors...

The smart money is still on Victoria town Mildura to get its' Jewel.

We ask questions of those in the know... Does the opening of a new casino necessarily mean that rates of gambling in a community increase? Professor Alan Jackson, the Director of the Problem Gambling and Treatment Centre at Melbourne University, says there is an "initial surge of participation" and problem gambling levels, but over a period of time those levels drop back as communities adapt to the higher level of opportunity available. He adds a casino is good for tourism initially but over time most places find that the bulk of business comes from the local community. There are interesting measures used in places such as Singapore to mitigate gambling harm that Australians might not find "palatable", but Jackson believes that maximising tourism and limiting harm is also possible in Australia. However, the community is right to be cautious.


Church Bible Bashers Lodge Petition Against Gaming Licences...

A church has lodged a petition with the Mildura Rural City Council opposing any more gaming licences in the municipality.

The Anglican Church's Bendigo Diocese says the 400 signatures on the petition were gathered in only 48 hours.

The petition comes as debate continues over proposals for the Jewel Casino in Mildura.


Aussie - Vietnamese Women Gambling Crime Link?...

Viet women are considerably overrepresented in Victoria's female prison population after moving into crime to repay gambling debts, says community leader of sorts Cam Nguyen.

Nguyen, founder and chief of the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association, said the women were overwhelmingly convicted of drug-related offences or crimes such as receiving stolen goods or fraud.

But she said the motivation for resorting to crime was usually to pay debts from gambling.

She said there was a pattern of women with poor English skills who were socially isolated, being drawn to the casino by its glamour. Hotel poker machines did not have the same appeal.

Mrs Nguyen said that earning up to $30,000 grand acting as a drug "mule" importing illicit drugs could be attractive to women deep in debt. She also advised many Vietnamese women who had not learned English were socially isolated. Gambling was one of their few recreational outlets.

Crown Casino has a number of effective safeguards in place to help prevent punters getting in over their head.

Australian TV - Mr Sin: The Abe Saffron Story on ABC-TV - This Thursday Punters...

Want a business model for organised crime? Look up "Mr Sin", if you haven't already.

Writer-director Hugh Piper has done with the story on the man who satisified the vices, lust, desires of many otherwise law abiding Aussies.

Setting the stadard for the Australian underworld, he amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune in cash, property, goods... you name it. Other crims tryied but useually failed in matching his success.

All the cliches come to mind...power, greed, sex and corruption. Insiders reckon Underbelly fans and anti fans will enjoy this true yarn.

Piper interviewed all sorts in his 'Mr Sin' voyage of discovery. Writers, politicians, ex-police and corrupt investigators...the lot.

His profile was larger than life, and with that came pros and cons... "named by three separate Royal Commissions as the number one Mr Big of Australian crime".

From information Media Man was able to obtain... "Abe used lawyers and accountants to set up businesses that fronted his illegal gambling, sex and liquor empire. He turned the profits from his nefarious activities into real estate which allowed him to reign as the boss of Kings Cross while maintaining the veneer of respectability".

To protect his empire Saffron corrupted or blackmailed anyone he needed. Former NSW Premier Sir Robert Askin, judges, and the like all stand out like dogs "alls. "The police commissioner is a standout", a Media Man crewman was overheard.

'Mr Sin' is understood to have got a lot of his ideas and business formual from Las Vegas... why, of course.


The late Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal would be proud (or at least be tuned in for this Thursday)!

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Punters Interested To Bet On Former WWE Superstars Success In UFC And MMA World...

With news that more professional wrestlers aka "sports entertainers" (term thanks to WWE owner Vince McMahon) are set to enter the mixed martial arts world, seems sports betting fans and wrestling fans will have more more to get excited about. Enter Dave Batista, whose next?

Brock Lensar may have been the first former WWE superstar to make his considerable mark on the MMA world (via UFC) but he won't be the last. Enter Dave Batista, fresh off a scripted loss to WWE's who Media Man spys say is heading to StrikeForce...competitor of sorts to the UFC.

Gambling911 and Media Man have been scouring the planet to see who may take odds - bets on Batista's upcoming Strikeforce debut, before year end we understand. Comon' PartyGaming - PartyBets, Gamebookers, BetUS, Betfair, Centrebet, Paddy Power and SBG Global.

Public Challenge To Sports Betting Companies!...

We issue a public challenge to offer betting options on Batista and other pro wrestlers going to the mixed martial arts world!

Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Speaks On UFC (MMA) And WWE Fans...

"MMA doesn’t affect wrestling at all. I’m not saying wrestling fans don’t watch MMA, but it is two different audiences. My take on MMA is that those guys are phenomenal athletes and extraordinarily tough and committed but the people that are crazy about them got nothing going on themselves. I actually think most of the male public that is crazy for that are living vicariously for something they can never be. Wrestling is more entertainment-based. MMA is what it is, those guys are out there trying to kill each other. And the guys that are sitting at home going "Wow" could never find that within themselves on the first day of their life. When Lesnar fights, I like watching Brock… and I recognize a lot of names … you’ve got to have so much respect for what those guys put themselves through but it is a limited time frame [they've got]. It’s hard to develop a star in that business that’s going to have any longevity. In wrestling a guy that develops a name for himself can do it fifteen years."

Gambling911 fans or anti fans. Does Flair's quote piss you off, or do you like his tell it like it is attitude? Tell us in the forum, and we can't wait for Hollywood's crazed comedian nutter Tony Clifton, to offer his 2 cents worth again. Shame about what happened to the late Andy Kaufman (former inter gender pro wrestling champion of the world!!!). Trust us, Andy was not the UFC type... ask Jerry 'The King' Lawler.

'The Nature Boy' has enjoyed previous Gambling911 coverage thanks to his gambling and gaming entrepreneur exploits... namely being former NC Education Lottery front man, and the current man of the moment for the South Carolina Lottery. Woooooo! as Flair would say.

Wrap Up...

As you can see, another big week. Readers, please not, we do not intend to glamorise crime, with or without gambling and gaming. Gambling has been a part of live in most counties for hundreds of years, and in many parts, is a significant part of the culture... look no further than Australia, Las Vegas and Macau. We urge punters...er... readers to bet responsible, and to be aware of the differences between fantasy (not that type mates) and reality. Please obey laws in your state or territory, and bet responsibly and keep it fun.

Entertainment based website portals Media Man and Gambling911 are proud to have brought you this report (internet filter free... as far as we know!).

*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. *Media Man is currently ramping up its ambush marketing arm, both online and offline! The company motto is "Putting Your Name Out There!"

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited.

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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Asia Pacific Casino, Gambling, Gaming, Sports Betting News Update, by Greg Tingle - 20th June 2010

Gambling, gaming and sports betting news continues to show no signs of slowing down in the Asia Pacific region, including the land "down under" in Australia. Media Man and and Gambling911 continue to circumnavigate the globe in search on what's news, be it casino whale news, innovation, politics or good old fashioned gossip. Australia, New Zealand, Macau, Philippines...no where is safe from the blood hounds on their Asia Pacific voyage of discovery...

Crown Casino VS Star City Casino Wars Continues...

Adam Santarossa aka "Man In The Ball" continues to live in the giant ball located outside Crown Casino. Half way thru his ordeal he shows no sign of quitting. Not to be outdone, Sydney's Star City Casino saw soccer mad sisters Joanne and Alanah Argyrou watch 72 hours of soccer World Cup style non stop. They currently awaiting confirmation by Guinness World Records. Likely the most famous gambling related GWR is PokerStars having the most people playing in an online poker room at any one time.


Crown Casino Will Pursue Gambling Addict Harry Kakavas $50 Million...

As reported earlier in the week, Crown Limited legal eagles are going after the hide and shirt off the back of Harry. Crown, please also remember, you can't get blood out of a stone. We know he owes $50 mil, but getting it out of him will be a challenges, if not impossible, scuttlebutt says. Insiders reckon Harry might already be $50 mil in debt himself... ah, the house always wins... well, almost always.

Aussie Casino King James Packer And Wife Erica Holiday In Greece...

Australian gambling and entertainment royalty, the Packer's, has gone to Greece to spend the summer, escaping the often cold winds of Bondi Beach. They went by air to Mykonos to board the family icebreaker, the Arctic P, located off the coast of the stellar island Santorini. Spy's advised they were spotted strolling the streets of the island capital, Fira (not Fireass from 'Underbelly'). The Packer's have a friendship and positive history with the world famous Paspaley pearling family based in the region. The rumour mill says Tom Cruise could show up soon as his new movie Knight and Day is to premier downtown in about a month.

Gambling Linked To 1 In 5 Suicidal Patients Says Australia Hospital...

Triggered by a nurse's curiosity over what tipped patients into crisis. The 17% which includes patients referred by mental health crisis teams, is roughly 20 times the rate of problem gambling in the community. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, said researchers made the discovery after screening 898 suicidal patients for gambling problems over 6 months last year. Dr Charles Livingstone, of Monash University's health science department, said the figure "appals me, but unfortunately I'm not surprised".

PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino VS Captain Cooks Casino...

PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com continues to be Australia's favorite destination for branded online games. This is partly due to Party getting the jump into Australia a couple of years ago when Mission: Impossible, Rambo and Sinatra came out, followed by Marvel heroes titles. Australia's can't currently play Virgin, but we reckon there's a secret way in, and Captain Cooks Tomb Raider and Mega Moolah remain big hits, but the captain desperately needs more new branded titles in they are to keep swimming, not drowning. Centrebet is now offering Aussie's Marvel titles, and Packers's Betfair is working on providing Australians with a online casino and poker product. PKR's strength remains 3D like poker, with sports betting recently being added to the portfolio. PartyCasino remains #1 and is heavily promoting their soccer world cup themed 'Safari Soccer', while Captain Cooks has a soccer themed streaming media promo running on their website.

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


PartyGaming’s Corporate Responsibility Credentials Receive Four Endorsements...

PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, is proud to announce that its corporate and social responsibility (CSR) credentials have been endorsed by four leading corporate, charitable and gaming industry bodies:
FTSE4Good Index, GREaT Foundation, eCOGRA and GamCare

GamCare:

For the sixth year in succession, PartyGaming has been certificated as a responsible operator by GamCare, a registered charity which is a leading authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK. Andy McLellan, Chief Executive of GamCare, said: “I am delighted to be able to renew PartyGaming’s GamCare Certification in public recognition of their longstanding commitment to player protection. Players who choose PartyGaming have the assurance from GamCare Certification that there are appropriate measures in place to help them gamble responsibly and that the right advice is there for anyone who wants to know more about staying in control.”

Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director who has executive responsibility for PartyGaming’s CSR matters, said: “These corporate responsibility endorsements are welcome recognition of our commitment to act responsibly, which remains one of the four pillars of our business strategy. Being recognised in this way is a source of genuine pride for all of PartyGaming’s 1,300 employees whose commitment to undertaking pro bono community projects in 2009 was also recognised as ‘placing the Company well ahead of its peers’ by the GoodCorporation that undertakes CSR reviews for a number of public companies around the world.”

Macau...

Macau SAR is looking at “a missed opportunity” if no direct flights to Australia are launched to replace the Viva Macau operation, the head of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in Hong Kong, Phil Ingram advised. “Obviously people prefer to fly direct and they can’t do that now but it’s not going to stop them from coming”, Ingram says. In fact, the Austrade Senior Commissioner adds, “our biggest export to Macau is tourists. There is a surprisingly large number of Australians coming to visit.” A lot of them, he says, hear about the territory through “the Crown connection.” Crown, Australian billionaire James Packer’s company, partially owns Melco Crown Entertainment, which operates City of Dreams resort and Altira casino. But many more, Ingram believes, “come not just to gamble, but expecting to see something historical and interesting as well as Macau’s UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] World Heritage.” Nonetheless, the Austrade executive emphasised, “we would prefer if there were a new replacement for the airline [Viva Macau].”
“You have a great international airport, so it’s a pity if it’s not used as much as it could be,” he said. The launch of a direct flight to Australia “would be beneficial for our exports too, food most of all,” Ingram acknowledged.

Last year the Macau market was worth MOP 500 million in trade and was “very important” for the Australian hospitality and tourism industry, the Austrade commissioner said. For example, he underlined, the local gaming sector is the third largest buyer of slot machines “made in Australia,” after USA and Japan.

American Academic Explains Asian Gaming And Casino Culture...

Gambling has strong traditions in the Chinese culture, and that has permeated to the surrounding counties, although to a lesser degree, said Vera Schwarcz, director of the Freeman Center for East Asian Studies at Wesleyan University.
“It hasn’t been frowned upon like in Christian cultures,” Schwarcz said. “Finding shortcuts in the dream of realizing wealth is something that’s more acceptable.” Chinese men go out to drink and gamble, and Chinese women stay home to gamble with friends, sometimes in large groups, she explained. The Chinese people believe strongly in luck, which coincides with their feelings toward fate and fortune. “It’s not like if you go out and gamble that you are a bad family man,” Schwarcz said. “If you gamble and win, it goes toward your social status of having more money.” Asia, especially China, has become the new hotspot for American casinos to drum up new business. For a long time Las Vegas casinos have sought out high rollers in Asia to fly into Nevada, Patrone said. Now casino companies build properties in the Far East, particularly Macau.

Global Gaming Asia Conference Bold Prediction...

Delegates to the Global Gaming Asia conference in Macau were told that the regions gambling market has a very good chance of overtaking that of the U.States within the next 3 to 5 years. Based on Packer's success with his City of Dreams Macau, and Steve Wynn's progress, we think the prediction will hold true.

Gambling on the island of Macau off the Chinese coast has already surpassed that of Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenue, recording record-breaking growth, delegates were told, and Singapore and other Southeast Asian nations are now building up their gambling sectors to cash in on its exploding popularity. "The growth of the market in Asia has been incredible," Frank Fahrenkopf, head of the American Gaming Association told the conference.

NRL Football State Of Origin...

Despite the Queenslanders Thrashing NSW once again, in a 34 to 6, sports betting agencies continue to bring home the bacon. The State Of Origin and various racism related incidents have overshadowed the NRL Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal, for now...

Club Sells $666K Winning Lotto Ticket: Mark Of The Beast...

The Millicent and District Community Club is celebrating after it sold one of two winning tickets in Saturday night's Cross Lotto draw. One of its customers is now set to collect $666,666 after matching all six numbers. The club's Adam Dredge say it is quite likely the winner is a local. "It's usually the same people that come in each week to get their lotteries. We do a reasonable amount each day - not hundreds of people - it might be 20 or 30 people each day at the most - but I'm not even sure what day it was sold," he said. The weekend winners join the ranks of 13 other rural players who have collected a division one prize in SA Lotteries' games this financial year. No, the winner didn't die or anything!

Pyramid Lottery Scheme Shut Down In Nothern Territory...

A pyramid scheme offering shares in lottery wins has been banned from operating in the Northern Territory, the Consumer Affairs Commissioner says. Gary Clements says the scheme, known as OzPower System and run by TSC 2000 Europe Ltd, attracts members by offering a share in wins and bonuses for signing new members. Mr Clements says pyramid selling schemes often cost members more than they bring benefits. He says the company has agreed to withdraw from the Territory to avoid court proceedings. "They will basically refuse to accept any further Northern Territory members," he said. "Any current members can withdraw from the scheme without any costs. "There is normally a cost to stop being a member from a lot of these sorts of schemes and they go into detail on their website that Northern Territory residents cannot go into the scheme."

Japan: Scandal Hits Sumo Wrestlers...

Wrestlers gambling on baseball with gangsters. As Sor Hol! The latest controversy slammed down this week when the top ranked wrestler Kotomitsuki outed himself for gambling on baseball with yakuza gangsters. The 34-year-old ozeki (the second-highest rank, below yokozuna) had little choice: after a run of winning wagers the yakuza told him that not only would he not be paid, but they desired "hush money" to keep his gambling out of the press. Didn't work that well says Media Man and Gambling911, with assist from Murdoch's News Limited and friends...Betting on all but a handful of sports is illegal in Japan, and Kotomitsuki has been suspended for at least the next tournament while a penalty is decided. Kotomitsuki is likely to be the tip of the iceberg, with a Japan Sumo Association investigation revealing that up to 65 wrestlers or coaches had admitted to gambling on baseball, golf, mahjong or cards. The police will also investigate the Kotomitsuki case because of the yakuza extortion element and the Ministry of Education and Culture, which regulates the sport, is demanding heads on a plate from the Japan Sumo Association. The controversy comes as the number of young Japanese willing to commit to the feudal and sequestered sumo lifestyle diminishes and the viewing audience is increasingly confined to the older generation. Media Man expects the PartyGaming 'Sumo' slot game to rise in popularity, with Sumo back in the mainstream news...

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

Ambush Marketing Stunts Gamble Planned By Australian Media And Coms Entrepreneurs...

Inspired by the now world famous Bavaria Beer ambush marketing stunt at the world cup, Perth Based Kym Illman, is interested to see if he can top it for worldwide exposure. As of this writing, ambush marketing is understood to contain elements of "grey area" on a legal front in Australia. Richard Branson's Virgin Games often refers to "grey area" in igaming and gaming regulation. Did we mention Illman once ambushed Branson! For the record Media Man has met and talked biz with both gents, albeit it on different occasions, as you might expect. Ambush marketing in Australia - expected the unexpected - Crown Casino, WWE, UFC, Bondi Beach or a combo whopper? Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 as D Day approaches is the message.

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

World Cup Refereeing Decisions: History Shows Link Against Aussies!...

3 successive World Cup matches. 3 massive refereeing decisions. Every one against Australia. Conspiracy!!!

a. Fabio Grosso's infamous "dive" over Lucas Neill, which gave 10-man Italy a hotly disputed last-minute penalty to sink Australia's 2006 campaign.

b. The 2010 game opened with Australia's most influential player, Tim Cahill, sent off against Germany for a late but far from malicious challenge, which even the player on the receiving end, Bastian Schweinsteiger, said shouldn't have warranted a red card.

c. Australia's best man on the field, Harry Kewell, is dismissed and suspended for a match after a ball blasted from close range hit him on the upper arm on the goal line in the 1-1 draw against Ghana.

The resultant penalty meant the difference between victory and a draw. The guy has killed my World Cup," said Kewell. "He is the referee, he's the judge, jury and executioner. "Unless I detach my arm and put it somewhere else, there's no other way I can move my arm." Defender Craig Moore said: "I didn't think it was a red card and I didn't think it was a penalty." Captain Lucas Neill said: "When the ball goes 100 miles an hour at you and you're standing on the line, it's got to hit you somewhere, and it happened to hit Harry on the upper arm/shoulder."
Coach Pim Verbeek said: "It was a mistake. What can you do with your arm? You cannot cut it off. As far as I know in the rules it has to be intentional to send a player off." The Aussies are pissed that Kewell received a red card for an unintentional act while Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic got off with a yellow against Germany for a deliberate handball. "Serbia has conceded two hand-to-ball penalties," said Neill, "but this could only be interpreted as ball-to-hand." Kewell asked: "Why's is this one different?" "It's confusing because one minute they (the referees) are saying this and next minute they're saying that."
Neill said refereeing decisions usually evened out like "swings and roundabouts". Word on the streets down under is that Aussie's "smell a rat" (of the FIFA variety). A Media Man insider was heard at a cafe frequented by sports, entertainment and media types "Suspecion is one thing, proof is another. I think we know why human refs still remain and the video umpire meathod is not used. The human element is a way for rorting, rigging and the like to more easily exist in the environment... largely going undedicted". The cafe patrons largely agreed. Punters, what do you think? Tell us in the Gambling911 forums. Can't wait for Tony Clifton's submission.

Wrapt Up...

Punters er readers, there you go. One of the biggest sports betting and gaming news months in recent history.

May you enjoy good fortune with your passion, be it sports betting, slots, casino tables, poker or other. As always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

*The writer has conducted b2b with PartyGaming and Virgin Enterprises Limited

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Saturday, June 19, 2010

PartyGaming News: PartyGaming’s Corporate Responsibility Credentials Receive Four Endorsements

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PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, is proud to announce that its corporate and social responsibility (CSR) credentials have been endorsed by four leading corporate, charitable and gaming industry bodies.

FTSE4Good Index:

PartyGaming has retained its membership of the FTSE4Good Index series which measures the performance of companies against globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. Membership is based on transparent criteria including environmental sustainability, upholding and supporting universal human rights, ensuring good supply chain labour standards and countering bribery. All of these criteria are independently assessed by the Experts in Responsible Investment Solutions.

GREaT Foundation:

PartyGaming has won a ‘Gold Award’ from the Gambling Research, Education and Treatment Foundation in recognition of its financial and professional contributions towards tackling problem gambling. Formerly known as the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, the GREaT Foundation was established as a charity in 2002 and is Britain’s largest funding body responsible for tackling problem gambling through financing research, education and treatment from voluntary donations.

Geoffrey Godbold, Director of GREaT, said:
“We are extremely grateful to PartyGaming as one of the industry’s leading companies that has made an extra effort in supporting our fundraising campaign.”

eCOGRA:

PartyPartners, which is PartyGaming’s affiliate marketing programme, has been awarded the eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal. The award certifies that PartyPartners observes best practice for fairness and efficiency in dealing with affiliate marketers. eGOGRA is the independent standards authority for the online gaming industry, overseeing fair gaming, player protection and responsible operator conduct.

Commenting on the award, eCOGRA chief executive Andrew Beveridge said:
“We were impressed by the competency of both PartyPartners’ staff and their systems, which we thoroughly tested at full capacity to determine efficiency and consistency levels. In our opinion it is among the most professionally managed businesses we have encountered in hundreds of eCOGRA reviews and audits at major Internet companies.”

GamCare:

For the sixth year in succession, PartyGaming has been certificated as a responsible operator by GamCare, a registered charity which is a leading authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK.

Andy McLellan, Chief Executive of GamCare, said:
“I am delighted to be able to renew PartyGaming’s GamCare Certification in public recognition of their longstanding commitment to player protection. Players who choose PartyGaming have the assurance from GamCare Certification that there are appropriate measures in place to help them gamble responsibly and that the right advice is there for anyone who wants to know more about staying in control.”

Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director who has executive responsibility for PartyGaming’s CSR matters, said:
“These corporate responsibility endorsements are welcome recognition of our commitment to act responsibly, which remains one of the four pillars of our business strategy. Being recognised in this way is a source of genuine pride for all of PartyGaming’s 1,300 employees whose commitment to undertaking pro bono community projects in 2009 was also recognised as ‘placing the Company well ahead of its peers’ by the GoodCorporation that undertakes CSR reviews for a number of public companies around the world.”

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