Saturday, July 31, 2010

Australian Political Parties Bet On Self To Loose, by Greg Tingle - 1st August 2010

Readers, punters, gamers, casino billionaires, entrepreneurs, journos and political pundits, what a week, and what a story have we got for you. You've heard of an own goal in soccer. Well, get this... Australian political parties betting on themselves to loose the upcoming election... no joke folks. Centrebet is enjoying the spoils with the rumour mill saying PartyGaming want in, but the clock is ticking boys. Media Man and Gambling911 play 'Casino Jack' with this most unusual turn of events that is rumoured to bring Paul The Psychic Octopus out of retirement...

New Australian Prime Minster Julia Gillard might feel like she's spent Six Months In A Leaking Boat (thanks Split Enz), even though it's only been a month. Liberal call the Gillard run the shortest "Honeymoon Period" in the history of Australian politics, and it looks and smells like the case. Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott can hardly put a foot wrong at the moment, and even if he did, it may be missed by sweet science pundits, as Gillard stumbles around the ring, bouncing off the ropes like an irish whipped Skippy Kangaroo... doing down sport!...with the corner man leaking buckets and reaching for the secret grease...

Top dog Labor party folks have placed some large wagers on the outcome of the upcoming Australian federal election, with plenty of would be turncoats punting against their own party. What would Captain Cook or Jesus think? A major betting powerhouse advised bets had been placed on members of the opposing team to win marginal seats including New South Wales and Queensland. Just when we are trying loose the taste of the NRL State Of Origin series, not to mention the Green Machine VS Paul 'The Hurricane' Briggs "boxing match"... you know, the one banned from Sydney which went on to super scandal in Western Australia.

Centrebet hotshot analyst Neil Evans went on record to our friends at Fairfax Media with "I can't tell you who but I can tell you this...these are people very high up betting on some of the critical seats and I can tell you they don't always stay faithful to their party - they swap sides. They are well-known Labor figures and associates that are punting on these seats. A lot of Labor-connected money has been backing a Coalition win in marginal seats and, to a lesser extent, the Coalition has been doing the reverse."

Fairfax is of the understanding the figures also include parliamentary staffers, advisers and senior party officials. Fire them all... just kidding.

Media tart of sorts (we appreciate your style mate) Independent senator and anti-gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon aka 'Mr X' (affectionate satire) advised on the record "In the same way in the AFL officials and players can't bet on the other team, the same rules should apply for election betting. We have those rules in place so matches aren't thrown and, when it comes to a democracy, the stakes are much higher and therefore the standards should be accordingly higher.". Mr X has a point, so give the devil his due hey maties.

Later today the outspoken and switched on senator will call for all politicians, party officials and advisers to be banned from election betting. Media Man understands he has not consulted as of print with either Australia's gambling watchdog 'Mr Woof' (satire), not Australian casino king, James Packer, currently on voyage via Artic P. Bible bashers have been ringing X's email and phone off the hook.

The findings follow a 24-hour shark like feeding frenzy in which the Coalition's odds tightened up from $3.32 to $2.64 and the ALP eased up from $1.32 to $1.46.

A Herald/Nielsen poll published yesterday demonstrated the Coalition... reeling by leaks against the Government of the day has an election-winning lead with a 2 party preferred vote of 52 to 48%. Yahoo! ... just kidding, we're journalists, or at least media agents, but this is an opinion type piece with disclaimers a plenty. Green at heart, but brains say Liberal my friends. Not so much a "swinger", not in that capacity anyway.

With Labor at its longest price in the betting markets since PM Julia 'Jungle Girl' (satire MM stage name) Gillard deposed Kevin 'Bloody' Rudd, bets of $10k... yep, 10 Grand at $3.25, $7800 at $3.10, $5000 at $2.90 plus s loads of other moderate type bets were recorded for a 'Bruiser' Abbott victory.

Election betting and the subsequent fever is on track to reach record levels across the nation. More than $1 million in head-to-head bets have been placed with Centrebet alone. Bondi Beach media entrepreneurs were overhead in cafes discussing "The Punting Party", perhaps following in the footsteps of The Sex Party and Family First.

An ALP campaign spokesman would not directly speak on the allegations of insider betting but said it was a "personal choice" if party members had engaged in such conduct. Some do gooder are calling for the political betting to be banned (there's that word again BANNED).

"Those are personal choices for individuals to make. This will be a close election. As the Prime Minister has said, we are in the fight of our lives."

A Liberal spokeswoman said the party had no knowledge of such betting on electoral seats.

'Mr X' is demanding an independent inquiry into political punting and will expand the terms of reference of a Senate inquiry into sporting and online gambling to include tougher regulations on election betting..."To say it is a personal choice is an insult to the electorate."

'Odds On' Evans said election betting was the biggest growth area of his industry! He had no trouble going on record with "The bets that we get in a federal election are bigger than the bets we get in all of the state elections put together. They're not mugs betting. When there are people putting money like that on an election outcome, they are people who are inside the game."

Competitor to Centrebet, Sportingbet also spoke via their operations manager, Bill Richmond, confirming the practice of high-ranking party officials and even politicians taking a wager.

"Not that I've heard of it this year, although it has happened before. They may be with other betting agencies but they're not with us."

Swing up north to Banana Bender territory... Queensland-based Unitab has opened election betting for the first time and PR type Brad 'The Lion' Tamer advised the decision was made due to demand from punters!

Betting agencies suspended bets on the date of the election early last month after continued speculation it would be called.

Media Man says to "Vote early and vote often" (just kidding again).

MM early in the week attended the GenerationOne 'Ideas Forum', doing a 1:1 with Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, and to spite rumors, was not a political front, but we all know relationships matter, in life, business and news media. MM is also tipped to attend a range of Malcolm 'No Bull' Turnbull functions including one on Internet Censorship!

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The Great Debate ASP V's Family First...

Sex Party welcomes national sex and morality debate with Family First: “We're Ready When You Are!”

Appearing on national television Thursday morning for a panel discussion regarding the sexual politics of the upcoming federal election, Australian Sex Party President and Victorian Senate Candidate Fiona Patten welcomed the idea of a debate with Family First Senator Steven Fielding, on the social and moral issues which are being increasingly ignored by the major parties in the lead-up to polling day.

** Stop Press: The debate is on! The Australian Sex Party's Fiona Patten will go up against Family First's Wendy Francis Monday, 2 August, 7.15am on Sunrise.
This is the debate Australians really want to see. Two politicians with differing views, debating real issues**

Ms. Patten wholeheartedly embraced the notion of a debate with Senator Fielding after it was suggested this morning by historian, author and columnist Dr. Ross Fitzgerald, on The Morning Show discussion this morning. Citing issues such as censorship, same sex marriage and the internet filter, Dr. Fitzgerald chided the major parties for ignoring these issues on the campaign trail and in Sunday night’s Leader’s Debate, and emphasized the need for a public discussion on these vital issues between the Australian Sex Party and the fundamentalist Christian-backed Family First leader Senator Fielding.

The call for a debate between the two parties comes in the wake of revelations that Family First bizarrely courted the Sex Party in preference discussions, in spite of holding diametrically opposed positions on a staggering range of issues, from voluntary euthanasia, to drug reform, to the universal right of adults across Australia to legally access adult themed computer games and non-violent erotica. Family First has since denied making preference approaches to the Sex Party, in spite of a clear body of evidence to the contrary in the form of emails from Family First staff members to Ms. Patten and other Sex Party campaign staff.

So, whether you prefer Liberal, Labor, Greens of other. Enjoy the fun and games that is Australian politics. If your an Austen Tayshus supporter, please keep your bits in your Mancini, unlike one punter who got arrested by the cops at Manly Beach, home ground to The Bruiser (who opts for budgie smugglers). If planning to bet, as always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good luck.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*This report contains elements of opinion and satire and is not intended as a betting guide!

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Standings And Money:

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


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

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


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

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

Crown Casino To Get Celebrity Chef TV Show...

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Rocky Slot Game Hits PartyGaming - Noble Casino

Rocky Slot Game Hits PartyGaming - Noble Casino

The new Rocky slot game has become Playtech’s most sought after title as online gaming fans flock to box as Rocky Balboa.

The great features of Playtech’s video slot have made the game one of the most popular of all time. Rocky Slots sets the pace for PartyGaming and Playtech, with Pink Panther soon to follow.

Rocky Slots traces the fortunes of the kind hearted south paw Rocky Balboa from the 1976 film starring Sylvester Stallone. The game has fast and well designed features and game play as well as a pounding soundtrack to match...this really gets the excitement and adrenaline flowing! Bonus features include a special Knockout Bonus round where players can pick Rocky’s opponents, watch a ten round boxing match and win big money.

Playtech have upped the ante with Rocky Slots as the game features more advanced graphics, better sound and more sophisticated detail than other similar games. This makes Rocky Slots an absolute knock out to play.

The spinning reels sound like a punch bag to make players feel that they are hearing Rocky train in his favourite Philadelphia gym. Players need to spell out ROCKY on the 5 reels in order to receive an instant 5x total bet payout. And if you manage to achieve this in the free spin rounds you will receive a massive 10x total bet payout!

Perhaps the more impressive feature of the Rocky Slots game from Playtech is the Knockout Bonus Round. This is where players choose from three prize fights to spar against Rocky in a ten round match – including the famous film world champion Apollo Creed. The player watches the stunning fight from a front line seat, featuring real footage from the fight scenes in the film.

During the Knockout Bonus Round players have the chance of winning up to a 30x total bet payout if Rocky manages to knock his opponent out in a fast enough time. Go Rocky!

PartyGaming also offer PartyCasino.com which offers dozens more movie and TV themed slot games, as well as other online casino games that can be played for free or played for money.

PartyGaming was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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Monday, July 26, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, July 24, 2010

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

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

James Packer Family Spotted In Barcelona...

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


Australia MP Wants Political Betting Online Banned...

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


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

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


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

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


Online Casino Wars...

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

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

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

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


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

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

More politics...

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

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

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


Burswood Bouncers Casino Guards Dodge Assault...

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

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


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

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


Aussie Tatts Hit On UK Pokies...

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


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

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

Australian Share Price Wrap Up...

Crown Limited 8.000

Aristocrat 3.580

Tabcorp 6.720

Centrebet 1.390

Tatts Group Limited 2.380


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

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

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

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


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

Media Man Profiles

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

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


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

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


Key Websites In The Aussie Casino War...

PartyCasino

Captain Cooks Casino

Virgin Casino

PKR

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

Media Man Profiles

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

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

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

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

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Casino

Media Man Poker

Casino News Media

Casino Travel Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment

Thursday, July 22, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


NRL VS News Limited Legal War Over?...

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


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

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


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

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


Aussie Pokies Crime Link?...

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

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

Dr Charles Livingstone is a gambling researcher at Monash University.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Websites

PartyCasino

Captain Cooks Casino

Virgin Casino

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

Media Man Profiles

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

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

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

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

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Casino

Media Man Poker

Casino News Media

Casino Travel Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Australian And New Zealand Casino And Gambling News, by Greg Tingle - 16th July 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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


Auckland's SkyCity Casino Targeted By Scammer...

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


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

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

Players include

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

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

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

Media Man Profiles

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Casino

Media Man Poker

Casino News Media

Casino Travel Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment

Monday, July 19, 2010

Australian Casino Wars: Burswood Casino Takes Aim, by Greg Tingle - 20th July 2010

The world famous Australian casino wars have evolved with James Packer's Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Entertainment Complex) and Star City (Tabcorp) remaining the main players on the giant casino chess board down under. Jupiters on the Gold Coast remains a relative minor players, but some of Cairns in Northern Queensland still wants to make a major strike into the action. Expect incoming missiles from Perth's Burswood. Media Man and Gambling911 play commando and strap on the bullet proof vests and fire up the rocket launchers with this special report from the war zone down under...

Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion...

Not completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his "war chest", with Perth based Burswood to get a major boost, in the process become a greater chess piece in the world renown Aussie casino wars.

Crown Ltd advises it now has government support to expand the number of pokie machines aka "One Armed Bandits" at Perth's Burswood casino, also known as Burswood Entertainment Complex, where acts such as Hulk Hogan's Hulk-A-Mania are known to run wild entertaining Western Australians.

Crown had achieved "in-principle" support from the West Australian government to expand the number of gaming machines from about 1,750 to 2,000 and increase gaming tables from approx 170 to 220, it advised.

The gaming giant is currently 40% owned by Packer's Consolidated Press Holdings Ltd, but what may happen in the coming year is open to speculation, as Tabcorp also has the eye of Packer and "Billionaire Inc".

Crown powers that be advised Burswood had agreed to compensate the state government a $20 million "front fee" and to increase the tax rate on additional pokies from 22% to 27% over the next 5 years. Even if the Government leadership changes on state or federal level, the deal would stick.

The Racing Minister, Terry Waldron, says that is a typical business deal.

"Twenty million dollars will be utilised to support problem gambling services also to support the racing industry," he said.

$350 million has been earmarked to invest into Burswood to facilitate developments and VIP gaming and accommodation facilities are at the top of the list for upgrades, expansions and the like. No word on Lear jets at this time, which Crown Casino sports, as does competitor Star City in Sydney. Reef Casino in Cairns operated by
Casinos Austria International and Accor is yet to confirm expansion plans or jet numbers to Media Man.

Cairns is still pitching the idea to have a "Aus Vegas" casino mecca, despite a small but vocal group of detractors, and down south in Mildrua the upcoming development of the Mildura Jewel Hotel and Casino is still a strong possibility.

Perth's Burswood has committed to expanding local gaming capacity, establish new restaurants and bars, and further enhance the Intercontinental Perth Hotel, Crown advised the ASX.

A Crown spokesperson said "The end result will be the creation of a world class, integrated resort that can successfully compete against the other integrated resorts in the Asian region."

The Numbers...

Return On Investment - circa 2013.

450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).


Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.

"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.


Mildura Jewel Casino: Victoria Update...

Mildura casino developer, the brains behind the grand plan, John Haddad, has met up with Victoria's political powers that be but says there is no clear direction forward for the $400 million plan. Mr Haddad met with Premier John Brumby, Nationals leader Peter Ryan and Liberal leader Ted Baillieu on the proposed riverfront based casino and entertainment complex. He advised Mr Brumby was happy to receive letters of in-principle support from Mildura Council and tourism and development boards, however he still requires "bipartisan" support. "It is legislation for a casino, which is something that is a bit more sensitive," he said. "It would be foolish for the Government to come out with some sort of direction if they know that issue is not going to have at least any indication of support. I have to step back and just hope the National Party and the Liberal Party ... have no objection to a second casino being issued in Victoria."

The Late News...

Major Australian and Asia Pacific based media and new media companies continue to ramp up their online and offline coverage of the Australian gaming, igaming, casino and sports betting sector. Major media and non casino players include Fairfax Media, News Limited, NineMSN, Yahoo! and Google (Search, AdWords and other) and of course Media Man, now sporting Media Man Games and Media Man Poker, adding to Global Gaming Directory and Casino News Media.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Many major Australian and Asia Pacific based media companies, agencies and internet giants are continuing to increase their coverage and sometimes involvement in the casino, igaming, poker and sports betting world. From Google (search engine results), NineMSN (articles and multimedia) to News Limited and Fairfax, both carrying in-house sports betting brands, to us who cover the sector in a holistic fashion with news, pr, campaigns, articles, content, multimedia and portal development, its all happening. Many of these companies like us target the world and have a global strategy, marketing and media plan, but the Australian region remains on the radar and is an important part of the master plan. Of course, the internet is a global medium and not restricted to any one part of the world, so it ideally covers coverage of the casino and gaming sector, be it content, journalism, publicity of other. Different brands are also handing out casino and gaming awards and commendations following in the eGaming Review path, like Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award which PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino have both won over the years. It's an extremely exciting time to be covering the casino and gaming sector, something our friends at Gambling911, CAP, GPWA and eGaming Review can vouch for. Expect Crown Limited, Tabcorp, Centrebet, PartyGaming and Virgin to make waves, and Media Man and Gambling911 to remain in the thick of the action."

Media Man Profiles

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

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

Burswood Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/burswood.html

Star City Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/star_city.html

Jupiter's Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/jupiters_hotel.html

Aus Vegas
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/aus_vegas.html

Mildura Jewel
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/mildura_jewel.html

Gaming
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/gaming.html

Portals
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/portals.html

Google
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/google.html

Media Companies
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/media_companies.html

Folks, we hope you enjoyed this special 'Australian Casino Wars' edition. Know something we don't? Tell us in the forum which has been red hot of late. Stay tuned and in the coming days and weeks we will also expand on the coverage with New Zealand and Asia Pacific - Macau components of the war, along with special online casino and gaming reports which remain important chess pieces in the war zone. Check or cheque mate?

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Casino

Media Man Poker

Casino News Media

Casino Travel Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment