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Saturday, February 05, 2011

Media Man News Blog: News

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Virgin Hotels 'at least two years away' - 1st February 2011

Sir Richard Branson has said that his much-anticipated new hotel brand Virgin Hotels is still two years away from launching.

According to reports in US media, he told the American Lodging and Investment Summit that finding sites for the new hotel chain wasn't proving easy, although he did confirm a few places where travelers will be able to enjoy Virgin's almost-legendary hospitality.

San Diego and Washington DC are likely candidates, and Branson also announced that one of the the first sites will be in New Mexico, overlooking the spaceport which will send his Virgin Galactic tourist flights into space.

He also told conference attendees that each hotel will be different, saying that putting a Virgin stamp on the hotels wasn't enough and that the goal was to be the "funnest" hotel for guests to go to.

Fans of the outlandish British billionaire who are disappointed by the wait can take solace in exciting new hotels from America's favorite businessman Donald Trump, scheduled for the not-too-distant future.

The luxury hotel brand is set to open its first properties outside of the US in the coming months - the Trump Ocean Club Panama and the Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto are both expected in the spring.

The hotels, which will be added to the five-star portfolio of properties in New York, Las Vegas and Chicago, are built to the exacting standards of Donald and his daughter Ivanka and are both record breakers - the Panama property is the tallest and largest building in Latin America and the Toronto hotel the tallest residential building in Canada.

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Real Life Underbelly NRL Style, by Greg Tingle - 5th February 2011

G'day punters, journos, sports nuts, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, law enforcement agencies, legal eagles ... one and all. You know who you are. This is Real Life Underbelly - NRL style!... Media Man and Gambling911 go beneath the underbelly of Australia's National Rugby League, where the real news is...

Australian Police Swoop On NRL Bet Scandal; Blow By Blow Account...

It's goes like this...early Tuesday, coppers with search warrants, hone in simultaneously on the shacks of Doggies star play Ryan Tandy, player agent big wig Sam Ayoub and former NRL great John Elias. Tandy is in bed at eastern suburbs Bronte. Ayoub is getting ready to go to work in the Strathfield home he shares with former Roosters and now Parramatta Eels player Brad Murray. Elias, who recently penned a tale about his involvement in various crimes and time in the clink, lives with mum at Punchbowl in Sydney's south west. Police search for any breakthrough evidence in the NRL betting scandal from the highly suspicious Cowboys-Bulldogs game late last season. Officers raid the homes, confiscate mobile phones, search cars, seize computers... you get the idea.. Ayoub quizzed by the press over the past few days refuses comment, having denied any illegal activity. Yep, he's a cleanskin. "I don't know who is telling you things," Ayoub said. "I'm with people...I've got to go," he added, before hanging up. Ayoub is Tandy's manager, the player who gave away the controversial penalty which sparked the Racing NSW stewards inquiry that was later passed over to police. Ayoub, who shares a house with Murray, was captured on CCTV footage placing substantial wagers on the option of Cowboys scoring first points from a penalty goal. Ayoub has confirmed he placed a bet on a Cowboys penalty goal as the first score but says it's an option he often takes when gambling on NRL games. Elias said he was shocked when police knocked on his door, although he was aware of the rumours that he bet heavily on the game in question and the penalty goal option under investigation. "Is there now a law against having a bet?" Elias said. "I have done absolutely nothing wrong. People know I like to have a bet on the footy, but so do a lot of other fans." News Limited understands police showed Elias photos of a punter placing bets at the Rozelle and Haberfield TAB outlets and asked if it was him. He confirmed it in fact was. The raids follow over 4 months of investigations by coppers, involving interviews with dozens of NRL players, officials and managers. A massive amount of resources are being throw at the case. It's a secret what cops found in the search. The dees confirmed they seized relevant documentation and mobile phones, while one leak be prepared for more to come out at the Crime Commission this week." Ayoub, Murray and Tandy all appeared before the NSW Crime Commission within the last week before dees raided their homes. No findings of wrongdoing were made against them. Tandy was recalled and later charged for allegedly providing false evidence to a law enforcement agency during an investigation. At a presser later, Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis claimed the information Tandy provided to police was far more serious than "a white lie". "This is the type of lie that carries very serious ramifications," he alleged. He refused to comment on how many other players would be charged in relation to the investigation. "It's not a game - this is real life, and police will continue with their investigations in an endeavour to uncover the truth and ensure justice is done," Katsogiannis said. "Detectives will continue to use every available resource to uncover the truth and complete their investigation. "If anyone has been involved with, or has information about criminal activity regarding betting allegations, we urge them to come forward and assist police while they have the opportunity."

Players And Agents Part Of Real Life Underbelly?...

An underworld type has been seriously implicated in the NRL's latest scandal. Police investigating match-fixing claims executed search warrants at a Punchbowl home early on Tuesday morning. In the home lives mum Susan, John Elias, 3 times a jailbird and a self-confessed match fixer, race rigger and stand-over man, whose knows the who is who of the underworld. In the 80s and 90's Elias was a huge star. When not playing footy he would sometimes engage in robberies and other criminal behavior. He had very close ties to crime figure Danny Karam. Karam was murdered by gunshot in 1998 by his partner Michael "Doc" Kanaan. Elias's "Kings Cross family" is understood to be headed by friend John Ibrahim. "'John is now arguably the most influential man of his kind in Sydney, a Lebanese immigrant like myself but with infinitely more connections" wrote Elias in his autobiography Sin Bin, which hit the shelves in 2010. When in jail he got to build more connections with crims, as you would expect, even with murderer and drug trafficker Neddy Smith. Smith, was a key part of the puzzle that saw Elias put $1 million with illegal bookies on the infamous game between Wests and Elias's then-team Souths circa 1994. Smith gave Elias money to pay 4 Souths players $25,000 each to play poorly, while 4 Wests players were bucks to play their guts out! That was that the the games' outcome almost a lock. Elias placed $1 million with illegal bookies on Wests to win. The fix had some similarities to the alleged Cowboys-Bulldogs case of last year, where there was a plunge for the Cowboys to score first by way of a penalty goal. In both cases, it was the pre-game betting that set of the warning a fix might be up. Due to the 1994 plunge, the media speculated a fix was on.
The fix was called off at the last moment the story goes, but not all are totally convinced. "While there's no such thing as a certainty in gambling, there were ways to stack the odds in your favour," writes Elias in his book. While betting scams were one thing, his also loved putting the fix on the trots. "So where do I go from here?" pens Elias in his book. "Now that you know my life's story, I'm hoping you can be the judge.". The tainted anti hero is expect to get strong book sales and numerous media opportunities, but not all will be positive, however some will be balanced. He will be back in the news.

NRL In Bed With Gambling; A Safe Bet Or Not?...

Ryan Tandy's recent arrest is the closest anyone, player, agent or other, has come to being charged following an investigation into betting on the NRL. Despite criticism of the growing ties with the NRL and its clubs have with bookies via betting and sponsorship, it is those lines of communication that helped NSW chief racing steward Ray Murrihy decide that the matter should be handed over to the coppers, our friend - the Boys In Blue. The NRL insists that betting agencies associated with the game sign agreements that insist on co-operation. It was those integrity agreements that Murrihy, who was called in by the NRL as a consultant, was able to work out the level of betting activity on the first scoring option in last August's Cowboys-Bulldogs match at Dairy Farmers Stadium, and where the wagers were placed. He then decided there was enough solid evidence to warrant the involvement of the NSW Police Casino and Racing Unit, which then organised hearings before the New South Wales Crime Commission. Recent developments such as Penrith renaming their home ground to CentreBet Stadium, Manly entering a sponsorship agreement with CentreBet, and South Sydney wearing the Star City casino logo on the front of their jersey have lifted concerns about the growing involvement of gambling firms in the footy. Crown Casino is now confirmed as the Melbourne Storm's new major sponsor. Gambling on sport is big business, in Australia and around the globe, and punters will bet money on matches regardless of whether the NRL and clubs are officially involved or not. The game wants to profit, which is fair enough, as betting on sport, events and such is hear to stay, well entrenched in Australian culture. Let it be known to all...the police charges against the Doggies front-rower for giving false evidence. They are not directly related to the betting on the game as such, but often where there is smoke, there is fire. The probe has also revealed that Parramatta halfback Brad Murray placed a bet on the Cowboys-Bulldogs game, which is contrary to NRL rules and likely to lead to sanctions against Murray...although there is no suggestion he did anything illegal. Back in 1994, the game was subjected to similar rumours and allegations, involving players from the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Magpies that were never conclusively probed. Tainted ex footy NRL legend ... the anti hero - Elias surged up the best-sellers with his book in which goes on to tell how he had tried to fix a match, the last of the season. Elias, who was playing for The Bunnies at the time, claimed to have been offered $50,000 for himself and another $100,000 to buy off teammates to ensure Wests won. He explained in detail how he organised the sting, and then called it the evening before the game. Four Souths players including Sinclair, who passed away last year sued for defamation. There have been rumours and allegations of other betting rorts in between but no wrongdoing has ever been proved. Betting and the NRL is a curious mix, but is it a case of better the devil you know, than the one you don't? If the NRL teams do deals with the gaming and betting sector, one would think they can better keep a finger on the pulse of the situation, but would they be fooling themselves? Time will tell... maybe!

Don't change your dial punters. We will be back soon with more of the saga that is Real Life Underbelly NRL style.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

Profiles

Australian Casinos

World Casino Directory

Global Gaming Directory

Casino Travel

Casinos

Australia

Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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Clubs Reject Wilkie's Pokie Plan

ClubsAustralia has told the parliamentary committee on gambling that the Federal Government’s plan to force limits on how much people can bet on poker machines will not reduce problem gambling.

Executive Director of ClubsAustralia Anthony Ball told the committee that the technology has failed to reduce problem gambling in Norway, which is the only country in the world to have installed mandatory pre-commitment technology on poker machines.

“The Norwegian Government admits that the rate of problem gambling has actually increased over the past 3 years. Not surprisingly, gamblers have simply switched from poker machines to the internet where credit card betting is allowed.

“Mandatory pre-commitment in Norway has failed to deliver what it promised. The country is barely one third of the size of NSW, and yet the Norwegian Government has managed to link just 2,300 machines in the last 2 years. At that rate it’ll take more than 170 years to network all of Australia.

“The anti-gambling lobby has tried to use the existence of pre-commitment technology in Norway as justification for their refusal to trial the system in Australia.

“But this claim ignores a recommendation from the Productivity Commission that the technology should be trialled in one state or territory.

“There has never been a trial of this technology in Australia. Andrew Wilkie knows this, the Federal Government knows this, anyone who has read the Productivity Commission’s report into gambling knows this.

“Experts are lining up to reveal this technology for the multi-billion dollar lemon that it is.

“Already Australia’s leading problem gambling researcher has said mandatory pre-commitment won’t reduce problem gambling and could actually delay people from getting help.

“Forcing clubs to spend billions of dollars on a network so the Federal Government can know how much people are gambling will only kill off clubs and their support for community and sporting groups.

“Andrew Wilkie has already admitted this technology will have a central database with people’s gambling history recorded. Australians have made it abundantly clear they simply won’t accept such an intrusion into their spending and leisure habits,” Anthony Ball said.

Below is what Andrew Wilkie told the ABC’s 7.30 Report on 2 September last year:

“Something like a swipe card or USB plug. Some means by which individual gamblers can be recognised by the machines and recognised by the network of machines, so we can keep track of problem gamblers, machines can shut down when a problem gambler has exceeded reasonable limits, where loss amounts per hour can be regulated.”

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Friday, February 04, 2011

Crown Casino Confirmed As Major Melbourne Storm Sponsor, by Greg Tingle - 4th February 2011

G'day punters, journos, sports nuts, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, law enforcement agencies and agencies, legal eagles ... one and all. You know who you are. Today we have another look at the relationship with sport, gaming and gambling. Front and centre Crown Casino and the NRL's Melbourne Storm, who have come to terms. No, it's not a stadium being named after casino, but its close, with insiders tipping the team's jersey will be plastered with Crown Casino, plus another add on components in the sponsorship deal... Media Man and Gambling911 kick a goal with the Melbourne Storm - Crown Casino special...

James Packer's Crown Casino will be unveiled to the world as the new and dynamic naming rights sponsor of the Melbourne Storm later on today.

Fairfax Media broke the story in May of last year, with Gambling911 and Media Man helping push the story around the globe via website portals and social media. It was one of 2010's biggest Australian sports stories.

Read up on the background here...

'Crown Casino In Sponsorship Talks With Melbourne Storm'...

http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-sponsorship-talks-melbourne-storm-051710.html

Melbourne Storm commenced talks which led to serious negotiations with Packer's #1 casino after major sponsors left the club in response to what is widely accepted as salary cap rorting.

Who left back the? ME Bank and financial services - superannuation outfit HostPlus. This cost the team close to a million dollars AUD a season.

A domino effect started to kick into action, with then sportswear goods firm Skins,walking in April last year soon after the NRL stripped the Storm of 2 premierships and 3 minor premierships for salary cap breaches. The bad news quickly made the rounds on a global scale, will The Storm becoming the whipping boy poster child about what was wrong with NRL.

Some 8 plus months late with a bush tucker bag of discussions and negotiations (and a few beers we understand)with Crown Limited powers that be, the famous er infamous club is expected to hold a press conference about the time we go to press today, and is strongly tipped to announce the new major sponsorship deal, that we understand will tun to 2013.

As it stands right now, the ME Bank had the rights to the front of the Storm's jersey until the end of this season, while HostPlus had the rights to the back of the jersey until November next year. ME Bank, changing allegiances, has become a major sponsor of AFL club Richmond.

With the clock ticking, its 6 six weeks and counting from the NRL season. Word is that the only major partner of The Storm is Jayco Caravans. Look, we must tell you, they are the company of dismissed club director Gerry Ryan. That particular business relationship between Jayco and Storm has lasted 12 years, but who knows what the future holds.

Packer's Crown has had strong personal and business tie ins with the Storm for many years. The club has held numerous fund-raisers at the casino, including a hell of a lot of good Aussie piss ups and parties.

This deal really needs to happen. It could save the clubs skin.

Packer's Crown Limited is pushing the entertainment, tourism and lifestyle themes of his casinos, and the NRL teams are looking to bounce back and move forward, having endured too many scandals over the past few years for anyones liking.

Probed if Crown Casino was the club's new major sponsor, Melbourne Storm top brass didn't respond, but our spies and insiders will get to the bottom of it. Don't change your dial as we will getting back with another update in short order.

Ok, half time folks. Take a breather, and will will join you again soon for the second half of epic action from the land down under.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

Profiles

Australian Casinos

World Casino Directory

Global Gaming Directory

Casino Travel

Casinos

Australia

Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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Aussie Gambling News: Australia's Tabcorp Revenue Leaks From Flood, by Greg Tingle - 4th February 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, entertainment news junkies, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, ... one and all. You know who you are. Today we take a close look at how the Queensland floods put a hole in Tabcorp's revenue, Aussie sports betting reform, Packer's boat floating off Manly getting some heat and lots more. Media Man and Gambling911 play Water World with this wet wet wet news report...

Queensland Floods Cost Tabcorp Millions In Lost Revenue...

Gaming, betting and gabling firm Tabcorp Holdings Ltd advised the recent floods on the east coast of Australia in January have wiped $10 million from revenue. Tabcorp is still expecting to see revenue and earnings growth in the second half of 2010-11. Tabcorp posted a 2.9% lift in first half profit to $265.5 million, up from $257.9 million in the prior corresponding window. Tabcorp said its normalised net profit for the half year was $272 million, up 3% on the prior corresponding half. Normalised net profit takes into account variations in the "theoretical win rate" against high-rolling punters. It excludes costs associated with Tabcorp's plans to demerge its casinos division from its other operations to form 2 listed companies. Shares in Tabcorp were 22 cents higher, by 3.19%, at $7.12 (10.24am on Thursday). Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper advised that each of the company's 3 operating divisions was forecasting an lift in revenue and earnings performance in the second half of the financial year. "The recent floods put some uncertainty in the immediate outlook for consumer spending in Queensland. Nevertheless, we are expecting to see positive underlying growth in the second half of the year. This gives us confidence that we are on the right path with our investment programs", Funke Kupper went on record with. Tabcorp noted the recent Queensland floods had affected trading at its Treasury casino and hotel in Brisbane, with a large dive in visitors during the floods and immediately afterwards. Tabcorp's other casinos experienced a small impact and operated normally, with Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast and Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney continuing on with the momentum. Wet weather in Queensland, NSW and Victoria also affected Tabcorp's wagering business as the number of abandoned horse and dog races rose. Tabcorp estimated that the immediate revenue impact of the January floods and wet weather was about $10 million. Despite the floods, normalised group revenues grew 2.5% in January 2011, which Tabcorp said indicated good underlying growth. Tabcorp said that in the first half, all 3 business divisions achieved positive revenue and earnings growth, with the strongest growth recorded in casinos. Group expenses rose 4.6%, driven by costs associated with Tabcorp's massive upgrade and expansion of its casinos. The $960 million redevelopment of Star City in Sydney was said to be progressing to plan. In the first half, Tabcorp announced that it intended to invest $625 million in upgrading its Queensland casinos. Tabcorp said plans to separate its casinos business from its wagering, gaming and keno businesses into separate, listed companies were on track. The target date for the proposed demerger remained June 30, 2011. Tabcorp plans to have a "scheme booklet" available during April 2011, and to hold an extraordinary general meeting in the late part of May or early June to allow shareholders to vote on the demerger proposal. Tabcorp's revenue for the 6 months to December 31, 2010 was $2.26 billion, up 3.5% from $2.18 billion. Tabcorp declared an interim dividend of 24 cents per share, fully franked. Tabcorp looks poised for a solid to good 12 months. James Packer's Crown Limited has recently downplayed talk of a potential buy out of Tabcorp, but didn't completely rule it out either.

James Packer's Z Sydney Whale Size Yacht Gets's Shelly Beach Locals Talking...

Asia Pacific gambling and media tycoon James Packer had folks talking this week with his monster yacht, Z Sydney, anchored off Shelly Beach. While Packer’s luxury boat might seem large for Cabbage Tree Bay, it’s just one of many similar boats that have been seen on Pittwater, behind Sydney's Northern Beaches over summer. Broken Bay water police commander senior sergeant Chris Morgan said the larger boats were self-contained and rarely caused any problems. "Packer’s boat is big but there are plenty of other big ones," he said. Palm Beach water taxi driver Brad Fogarty said there were "plenty of big boats" between Christmas and New Year. "I think Ilonka was the biggest, but so was Northern Star, which had a chopper on the back and five or six tenders," he said. What a life a big time gambling and media business can bring hey.

Australia Just Weeks Away From Combating Illegal Sports Betting Corruption?...

The top brass of the down unders lucky 7 major sports could be only weeks away from approving a raft of measures designed to combat the stench of illegal gambling. Former Australian cricket chief Malcolm Speed is in the final stages of compiling a report into how the Coalition of Major Professional Participation Sports (COMPPS)...which represents rugby league, rugby union, AFL, netball, tennis, football and cricket...can combat corruption. We understand the codes have scrapped plans to form an integrity commission but are focused on convincing the federal government to bring in laws to cater specifically for illegal gambling on sport. The latest developments come as the NRL endures yet more negative headlines relating to suspicious betting activity on last year's round 24 game between the Bulldogs and North Queensland. Bulldogs forward Ryan Tandy was arrested and charged 2 days ago after allegedly providing false evidence to a law enforcement agency in relation to the matter. Tandy, at the centre of police probes into the game, has denied any wrongdoing. Police declined to comment on the prospect of further arrests in coming days, although they did confirm their investigation into the suspect game could be completed by the end of this month. Speed provided a draft document to a working group of the 7 major sports which was discussed at length via meetings over the past 2 days. He took note of their feedback and fully expects to finalise his recommendations within 2 weeks. "We have now reached a stage where a number of changes have been suggested," Speed said. "Most of the issues are resolved but there are a couple that have not quite been resolved. It will now go from that working party to the seven chief executives of the sports. There are some recommendations on some action the sports should take to make sure so far as possible they have covered all of the options in relation to gambling and corruption." While there were suggestions the sports would join forces to form an integrity commission designed to track and watch out for suspicious gambling activity, it is understood that concept has gone by the wayside. However, the sports are in agreement over the need for sports-specific legislation which would allow governments to take action against anyone involved in illegal activity. "It's important that each sport has its own processes to deal with anti-corruption," Speed said. "What's become apparent is there are some things we can do together that are cost-effective and more effective by doing them together. They're the sort of things we'll be recommending to the chief executives." The sports have already held talks with federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib to discuss the subject of jail sentences for athletes in relation to match fixing. The concept has already been adopted in Britain where athletes face jail sentences for corruption. We tip that some current and former players and players agents will do jail time, by the time the proposals become law.

A Media Man spokesperson said "On the surface the new proposal containing ways to combat corruption looks impress. Something needed to be done, and this looks to be it. Some laws will be more general, while some are sport specific. That approach will help catch out the bad apples. Many of our friends and associates are excited and positive about the forecast changes. Everyone should win... except for the bad guys who have been engaged in corruption. Here's to a much cleaner Australian sporting landscape in 2011".

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

Profiles

Australian Casinos

World Casino Directory

Global Gaming Directory

Casino Travel

Casinos

Australia

Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games and sports before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

Keep your head above water!

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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Thursday, February 03, 2011

Joe Francis - Indicted Over Alleged $2M Gambling Debt, by Greg Tingle - 3rd February 2011

American (and now also Asia Pacific) gambling and real estate mogul, Steve Wynn, looks to now have soft porn king Joe Francis (Girls Gone Wild) by the balls. Media Man an affiliate of Girls Gone Wild, goes in hard and deep!

Francis has had big professional and personal issues with Wynn since his loss at the casino back in 2009.

Since the very public bitchfight Wynn had made numerous outlandish claims against Wynn including that Wynn has contracted Las Vegas Nevada bad guys to make him disappear - a contract on his life.

As Gambling911 (forum) readers would have noticed, numerous times over the past 6 months references were made to the spot apparently awaiting Francis's body in the Nevada Desert. Folks were frequently quizzing the progress on the hole earmarked for Francis circa March 2010 - October 2010. Do the readers know something we don't know?!

The Media Man Int team, also getting pissed with Francis' Girls Gone Wild affiliate program not paying up, modified their Media Man profile page "so it still works for us" a Media Man rep disclosed. That page in question can be found @ http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/girls_gone.html The Media Man also built a Steve Wynn "tribute", with disclaimers, but added a new twist to the promos and you can see to believe it at http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/wynn.html No, no horns of the devil on anyone - not yet anyway (but who knows what the future may hold)!

Back to business, Francis allegedly owes Wynn $2 million bucks, and made one payment of $500,000 towards the debt. If Francis is convicted he could face up to 4 years jail! Our friends over at entertainment and celeb website TMZ have a history of the Wynn - Francis sage in their archives, as does Gambling911 of course.

As we say at Media Man, crime does not pay. And, know the odds, plus Bet With Your Head, Not Over It, and that's speaking to you Francis.

*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 dozen sectors covered

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Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Yasi already battering North Queensland - 2nd February 2011

The people of north Queensland are now on their own as they wait for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Yasi, now due about midnight (AEST).

Emergency services have warned that no one should be moving about in any of the regions in Yasi's path, saying they were not prepared to risk the lives of their personnel during the height of the cyclone.

People should now be bunkered down in their own homes or with family or friends in safer zones, or among the thousands who have moved into one of the 20 evacuation centres across the region.

Winds of 290km/h are predicted for the Category 5 cyclone which is expected to hit the coast just south of Innisfail.

Innisfail Mayor Bill Shannon told AAP he had already seen the roof torn from a building near the council chambers where 500 people are sheltering.

Cassowary Coast councillor Ross Sorbello, a Tully resident, said trees had been torn down in nearby El Arish and Cardwell.

"We're just hoping and praying we can all get through the night," he said.

"The winds are probably getting up to 100 kilometres an hour which is worrying when we are this far out (from the eye)."

However, he said he was more concerned about the potential loss of life than damage to property.

"We can rebuild the houses, the important thing is staying alive, I don't want to see people die."

Cr Shannon said the council had used the experience of Cyclone Larry, which virtually destroyed the town in 2006, to prepare for Yasi's arrival.

"We're confident that we've done all we could, we've evacuated 8,000 people in the space of a few hours."

Innisfail correspondent Duncan Paterson said winds had picked up to a noisy 100km/h, lights were flickering, and the roof of the Canegrowers' building in the centre of Innisfail was beginning to lift.

Mr Paterson is one of 70 people sheltering in the Rising Sun building in the centre of Innisfail while about 500 more are sheltered in the town hall, showgrounds buildings, backpacker hostels, and a purpose built cyclone-rated hall at the local TAFE college.

"A chemist shop on the corner here had a huge glass panel. It's blown off and there's shattered glass underneath it.

Meanwhile Cairns City Council Mayor Val Schier was hoping for some good news with the damage to Cairns from Cyclone Yasi and the subsequent flooding not expected to be as bad as feared by authorities.

Ms Schier said that it was further south than originally thought, making authorities in Cairns reassess the impact slightly.

"It may be the case that there is less damage than earlier expected," Ms Schier told AAP.

"We'll still be getting very destructive winds, we're still very close to the centre."

Just south of Cairns, Mayor Percy Neal says the seaside Aboriginal community at Yarrabah is ready for Cyclone Yasi.

Mr Neal told AAP that 100 houses along the shoreline have been evacuated, with residents going to friends, family and two evacuation centres in the community of 3500 to 4000 people.

The mayor of Palm Island, Alf Lacey, rejected claims his people had been forgotten and said residents were bunkered down in homes and four evacuation centres waiting for Cyclone Yasi to strike.

Mr Lacey said while he agreed with former mayor Rob Blackley that the community needed a new, cyclone-rated town hall to use as a central evacuation centre, the mixed messages coming from the island were unnecessary.

"We've been planning for these events for many years," Mr Lacey, who is also chairman of the Local Disaster Management Group, said.

"We planned before Cyclone Anthony (which crossed into north Queensland on January 30) when it was predicted.

"Palm certainly is in safe hands and everything is in order," Mr Lacey told AAP.

The Queensland government has assured residents in regions impacted by Yasi that while they may be alone at the height of the cyclone, help will be available as soon as possible after.

Eight Queensland government community recovery teams of more than 130 people are on standby to move into the areas affected by Yasi.

The teams will be ready to move in as soon as police and Emergency Management Queensland give them the go ahead when the areas have been declared safe.

Community Services Minister Karen Struthers said the recovery teams would work alongside the Red Cross, Lifeline and St Vincent de Paul to support the communities affected by the disaster. (Credit: AAP)

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PartyGaming: A Double Winner at the International Gaming Awards - 31st January 2011

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PartyGaming is proud to announce that it was a double winner at this year’s International Gaming Awards, being voted both best Online Casino Operator and Online Bingo Operator of the year. Held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge, the awards were open to both land-based and online operators and attracted entries from more than 300 companies from around the world.

In making the Online Casino Operator award to PartyCasino, the independent judging panel said: “PartyCasino is certainly leading the online casino business. PartyCasino has shown that poker is not the only industry on the internet.”

Cashcade, best known for its UK market-leading Foxy Bingo brand and which was acquired by PartyGaming in the Summer of 2009, won the Online Bingo Operator award for the second year running. The citation for the bingo award said: “Foxy looks like great fun and has an outstanding brand identity.”

Colin Thomson, co-founder of the International Gaming Awards, said: “To win two awards was a great achievement, endorsing PartyGaming’s leadership in the online gaming industry. PartyGaming was also a finalist for awards for Socially Responsible Operator, which is open to both land-based and online operators, and for Online Poker Operator. This is a great all-round achievement for PartyGaming!”

Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said: “We are delighted to accept these top online gaming industry accolades. The International Gaming Awards are just that – international. They are also fiercely competitive: I’m proud of our casino and bingo teams who have beaten strong competition to win these awards by providing great online gaming entertainment for our customers.”

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PartyGaming: A Double Winner at the International Gaming Awards - 31st January 2011

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PartyGaming PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com Bwin PartyBingo.com World Poker Tour
Britain
Gibraltar

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PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com PartyBingo.com PartyGammon.com World Poker Tour

PartyGaming is proud to announce that it was a double winner at this year’s International Gaming Awards, being voted both best Online Casino Operator and Online Bingo Operator of the year. Held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge, the awards were open to both land-based and online operators and attracted entries from more than 300 companies from around the world.

In making the Online Casino Operator award to PartyCasino, the independent judging panel said: “PartyCasino is certainly leading the online casino business. PartyCasino has shown that poker is not the only industry on the internet.”

Cashcade, best known for its UK market-leading Foxy Bingo brand and which was acquired by PartyGaming in the Summer of 2009, won the Online Bingo Operator award for the second year running. The citation for the bingo award said: “Foxy looks like great fun and has an outstanding brand identity.”

Colin Thomson, co-founder of the International Gaming Awards, said: “To win two awards was a great achievement, endorsing PartyGaming’s leadership in the online gaming industry. PartyGaming was also a finalist for awards for Socially Responsible Operator, which is open to both land-based and online operators, and for Online Poker Operator. This is a great all-round achievement for PartyGaming!”

Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said: “We are delighted to accept these top online gaming industry accolades. The International Gaming Awards are just that – international. They are also fiercely competitive: I’m proud of our casino and bingo teams who have beaten strong competition to win these awards by providing great online gaming entertainment for our customers.”

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Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Gambling With Australian Federal Police; Legal Eagles Ready, by Greg Tingle - 1st February 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, law enforcement agencies and agencies, legal eagles ... one and all. You know who you are. Today we take a look at the legalities of what is one of the world's most lucrative and exciting industries... you guessed it... gaming, gambling and igaming, which is of course part of the entertainment, technology and financial series sector. Our friends at the Australian Federal Police have come under the spotlight, with some folks calling on them to investigate various Australian sports betting and gaming operators. Readers may also recall the question of what constitutes an Australian or international operation, when the internet is in fact a global medium, and some companies that cover sports betting and gaming, are actually not sports betting or gaming companies if you follow. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation with our trusty crowd control batons and plastic handcuffs...

The Australian Federal Police ignored potential breaches of interactive gambling legislation involving several NRL clubs that were alleged to have overseas-hosted betting agencies advertising on their uniform because of "other priorities". The actual names of the clubs and betting agencies involved have not been disclosed by the AFP, but they have confirmed no action was taken in relation to 5 complaints about alleged breaches of interactive gambling regulations last year. You don't have to be a genius to figure out some of their names. Poker logo on the shorts, shirts, signage at TV stations, a plug or two on TV, and you get the idea maties. Breaches of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 can cost corporations $1.1 million for each day of illegal operations, while corporations can be fined $66,000 for publishing advertisements. The complaints are outlined in a Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy report on advertisements for interactive gambling services. The AFP said they had received two referrals from the Australian Communications and Media Authority regarding alleged advertising of online gambling services in Australia. It is believed these referrals relate to two breaches by NRL clubs, or separate breaches by the same club. "The AFP advised ACMA that the two referrals had not been accepted for investigation," a spokeswoman said. The AFP would not comment on why the referrals were not accepted, referring to the Case Categorisation Prioritisation Model on their website. The AFP assess "the incident type and the impact of the matter on Australian society, the importance of the matter to both the client and the AFP in terms of the roles assigned to them by Government and ministerial direction (and) the resources required by the AFP to undertake the matter" before prioritising certain investigations. The department's report states that the AFP informed it that two investigations would not proceed because of "other priorities". It also said there were three other matters under consideration, which do not involve NRL teams, but the AFP confirmed these were also not accepted for investigation. The AFP said one of the matters was referred "to the relevant international law enforcement authority for information. Readers are reminded to consider what constitutes a gaming or gambling company, what a media, publicity and internet portal development company is. For the record Media Man is a media, publicity and internet portal development company, and covers over a dozen different business sectors including but not limited to entertainment and celebrity, property and financial, gaming and igaming, travel, tourism and lifestyle, politics, business, technology, sports and social and community. We cover news, gossip, interviews, multimedia, events, promotions and more. Media Man International enjoys a global audience and covers news and happenings around the world, and has been operational since 2011. Our legal eagles team includes the one and only Jamie Nettleton of Addisons Lawyers, who we think is one of the best in his field on a global scale. It's understand 'Our Jamie' has consulted with such well respected and high profile companies such as Crown Limited, Tabcorp... and of course the Media Man network family. The writer wishes to congratulation the Australian Federal Police on what we think is a job well done. We remain very impressed with their efforts, which recently led to the arrest of a well known poker pro on the Australian and international poker tour who is alleged to be part of a cocaine ring. Great to see the Fed's have their priorities right and after going after real crime, rather than on wild goose chases. Way to go 'Boys (and girls) In Blue'.

Australian Gambling Revenue: Federal VS States War; Gillard And Wilkie Deal Gets Heat...

The battle between the Commonwealth and Australian states over pokies continues machines. In return for support on the floor of Parliament, Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, promised the Tassie MP Andrew Wilkie that by close of business today she would have legal advice on whether the Commonwealth could go it alone in imposing change. At stake are reforms to combat problem gambling...and billions of dollars of state revenue. Gillard has undertaken to change how the machines work. She plans to implement a commitment scheme. Gamblers set a limit on how much they are prepared to lose...require machines to display dynamic warnings and impose a limit of $250 on ATM withdrawals in poker machine venues. Gamblers have already found ways to combat the system, speaking and dealing with their other pokie mates, as well as some hitting internet gambling websites more often, so they are not so restricted, with some getting further disillusioned with clubs and the Australian government in general, blaming the gabling haters and one or two radical and agenda driven ministers, senators and the like. Gillard's issue is that poker machines, and the tax they generate, are guarded ferociously by the states. The Commonwealth has traditionally kept out of this area and the states want it to stay that way. Funny that. It is not only issue gamblers who may have 'one armed bandit' addiction. State treasuries suffer the same affliction. On average, the states raise 10% of their revenue from gambling. In NSW, gambling taxes generate $1.6 billion, or about $300 per adult head... 70% of it from pokies. The Wilkie "agreement" (deal), which has been questioned by legal eagles and potentially being illegal, requires Gillard first to ask the states to carry out the reforms themselves. If they have not agreed to do so by May 31, the government must impose the changes. The legal advice due today will provide an initial answer about whether this is possible. The constitution does not give the federal Parliament power over gambling but Parliament could impose conditions on how trading corporations operate poker machines. It's important to remember that the constitution on that in the event of a conflict between federal and state law, the federal law prevails. The Commonwealth has significant powers in this area but this is not so extensive as to cover every hotel and club with a machine. Federal power falls short for venues not operating as a corporation or across a state border. This may persuade some clubs and hotels to ditch their corporate status to escape federal regulation. This could get ugly and complicated. Gillard will want to avoid this by securing state co-operation. She may do so through a "compensation package" (another bribe or sorts) to the states but this seems off the radar due to the Commonwealth's stressed financial position. Another option would be for the Commonwealth to reduce its grants to a state by the same amount the state receives in pokie revenue, unless the state agrees to implement the reforms. The Commonwealth has had success with this art of war maneuver previously. The idea has also been discussed as a way of basically forcing the states to eliminate mining royalties in favour of a federal resource super profits tax. Australian and state clubs say the the pokie war could overshadow the mining tax war that was the talk of the business world for the better half of 2010. The Commonwealth might achieve its reforms but it's wait and see. The states rely on gambling revenue in a big way. The underlying financial positions of the states, with the possible exception of Western Australia (which gambling king James Packer is very keen on) are desperate. They generate less than 70% of the revenue they need for their annual budget, including for essential services. Without handouts from the Commonwealth, their finances would collapse. The states have been in stress since World War II when the Commonwealth snatched control over income tax. In 1997 the High Court decision in Ngo Ngo Ha deprived them of lucrative taxes on alcohol, tobacco and petrol worth a massive $5 billion a year. With hardly any areas left in which to raise revenue, the states have turned to sin tax type areas - gambling, beer and cigarettes. Could pot one day become legal, so it can be taxed?. Poker machine reform has put the Commonwealth and states on a collision course for war. The Gillard government is not quite sure what to so with "our friend" Wilkie because its somewhat depends on his continuing support, but the word is many other MP's think Gillard might be better of without him, and he is known to be a very bias rep, not speaking for the people for the main, but just pushing his own agenda, with significant ties to the bible bashers and numerous anti gambling folks, which means his is not acting in a balanced fashion, pandering to the wishes of small by vocal groups. So, the Commonwealth will likely win over the states, but it might take than a lot of time, money and embarrassment to do it. "Problem gambling" will likely always exist. People will be people. Governments want their share of the jackpot. Folks, that's just the way it is. Blame the government, Federal and / or state, and if you want a beer, cigy or care to try your luck on the slots, fruits and pokies, do it, but always have fun and set limits. See you at the bar!

Popular Mainstream Brands Involved With Gambling And Gaming In Australia (Summary But Not Full List By Any Stretch)...

NRL, AFL, Marvel Entertainment, Hasbro, Sony, Google, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Virgin Games, World Wrestling Entertainment (poker and more) 20th Century Fox, Activision Publishing, Paramount Pictures, Trifecta Entertainment and Media, Edgar Rice Burroughs, StudioCanal, NFL, DreamWorks Pictures, RKO Radio Pictures, Universal Pictures, Fox Sports, Ten Network, Nine Entertainment Co, and Media Man.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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Australian And Asia Pacific Gambling Tycoon News, by Greg Tingle - 31st January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, entertainment news junkies, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, ... one and all. You know who you are. Today we take a close look at what's news in the world of Australian and Oriental casino and media whales. We've got James Packer, Rupert Murdoch, Stanley Ho and more. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the sector with a report that is right on the money...

James Packer; Australian Gambling's Favorite Son...

We like him, and so should you. He is the ever rising gambling and media powerhouse of the Asia Pacific region, and Australia's undisputed casino king. Yep, he's 'Our James'. Yeah, we are shareholders in Crown Limited and Ten Network too, but we've always been up front about it. What's news with Packer? Glad you asked...

Packer Earnings?...

James Packer: the executive chairman of Crown Limited was valued at $4.1 billion by Business Review Weekly last year but drew no directors fees from the casino company or Consolidated Media Holdings. It was his old man Kerry, who started initiative. Crown offered up JP $112 million of dividends in 2010 whilst CMH provided $46 million so we guess a salary is not required when you have an annual income of $158 million.

Stanley Ho (Update)

More Twists And Turns In War For Casino Tycoon's Millions...

Family members involved in a dispute with unwell casino mogul Stanley Ho over ownership of his gambling empire said he has dropped his lawsuit against them, but a law firm representing the billionaire denied it Monday. It's yet another twist in a family feud that erupted last week over who will control Ho's stake, worth about $1.6 billion, in his casino company in Macau, the world's most lucrative gambling market.
Ho, who was hospitalized for seven months after reportedly undergoing brain surgery in August 2009, has 16 surviving children by four women he calls his "wives." The unfolding drama highlights a power struggle between different branches of the family for control of his casino empire. The families of Ho's second and third wives said late Sunday that Ho "does not see any point" in going through with the legal action filed last week, which alleged that the shares were improperly transferred from Ho to them. The two families released a letter written in Chinese purportedly signed by Ho in which he said that he is dropping the "unnecessary steps of legal procedures," which he had taken because of a recent lack of understanding and communication. But law firm Oldham, Li and Nie said it is going forward with the lawsuit, saying Ho confirmed his wishes to "take all available action" to ensure that his assets are divided equally among the families of his four wives. "His wishes are to continue to pursue this matter," senior partner Gordon Oldham said in comments broadcast Monday on a local cable television news channel. The controversy erupted a week ago when Hong Kong-listed casino operator Sociedade de Jogos de Macau announced that Ho, who owns roughly 18 percent of the company through a series of holdings, transferred the stake to his third wife and five children from his second wife. Oldham said Ho believed the transfer was improper, while the family members released documents they said proved he agreed to it. Oldham then filed suit to reclaim the assets. At one point, Ho appeared on television with his third wife and one of their daughters to say he was dropping the suit. But Oldham said Ho told him later he was pressured into making the statement.

26th January 2011...

Billionaire Stanley Ho has accelerated the handover of his Macau casino empire to his family, including his son Lawrence, a partner in the Melco Crown Entertainment joint venture with James Packer. Ten months after leaving hospital, Mr Ho, 89, has given a 31.7 per cent stake in Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau (STDM), the parent company of Asia's largest casino operator, SJM Holdings, to two companies owned by members of his family. SJM shares fell sharply after the announcement in Hong Kong on concern the transfer may affect decision making at the casino company. Mr Ho, who held a gambling monopoly in Macau for four decades until 2004, was discharged from hospital last March after seven months and two operations. "He's been the real strength," said Andrew Sullivan at OSK Securities Hong Kong. "Now, instead of dealing with Stanley, you may deal with a lot more people. It introduces a huge element of uncertainty in what is already a cut-throat business." SJM stock closed 4 per cent lower at $HK13.80 ($1.78) after earlier falling nearly 9 per cent. The stock had more than tripled in the past year. The stake in STDM will be held by a company called Lanceford. Action Winner Holdings will hold a 50.55 per cent stake in Lanceford and Ranillo Investment will have 49.45 per cent. Action Winner is owned by Mr Ho's third wife, Chan Un-chan, and Ranillo by Mr Ho's children Pansy, Daisy, Maisy, Josie and Lawrence. ''Stanley Ho is getting old,'' said Victor Yip, an analyst at UOB-Kay Hian. "(This) is part of his plan to distribute his wealth to family members. SJM's daily operations are already handled by Ho's assistants." SJM has a market share of 32.6% in Macau, the world's biggest gambling hub and the only place in China where casinos are legal. Melco Crown, a joint venture between Lawrence Ho's company and James Packer's Crown, has a market share of 11.7 per cent. SJM runs 20 casinos in Macau, including its flagship Casino Lisboa. Casino revenue in Macau could rise to $US30 billion this year as visitors from mainland China increase. Last year's rise of $US8.6 billion is 50% more than the total revenue for the Las Vegas Strip for all of 2010.


Gambling And Media Man Pay Packets Of Aussies (and Murdoch Senior)...

Bruce Mathieson: the 25% owner of the giant ALH pokies joint venture controlled by Woolworths is valued by BRW at $1 billion, but the retailer has declined to reveal what, if anything, the veteran publican is paid to run the operation. His package has never been disclosed in a Woolworths remuneration report over the five years he's been in charge so it must be relatively modest.

Rupert Murdoch & sons: BRW does not put a price on RM because he is actually a US citizen, but his family's controlling stake in News Corporation is worth roughly $5.5 billion and carries no debt. The News Corp executive chairman was paid a total of $US22.72 million in 2009-10, down a tad from a high of $US30 million in 2007-08. Rupert's youngest son James Murdoch pocketed $US10.3 million last year, but at least this was down from $US17.1 million in 2007-08.

Lachlan Murdoch: Elder son Lachlan Murdoch is now a non-executive director who snatched US1.8 million in 2009-10 thanks to an adjustment to his severance package, so the total salary take for the Murdoch family was a sweet $US34.8 million. Just imagine what other benefits come with being a Murdoch!

Gina Rinehart: she (not he) is the mining heiress (she's not that keen on the tag) is valued at $4.75 billion but her only public board followed on from the purchase of 10% stake in Ten Network Holdings last year. Ten advises that the board is yet to determine what, if anything, billionaire directors such as James Packer and Gina Rinehart will be paid. At least it's not a "No Way". The other non-executive directors averaged about $90,000 in 2010, which is chicken feed for the likes of 'Our Gina', yeah, she gets a loveable nickname too. Welcome to the inner fold GR!


James Warburton And Friends...

Nine Questions Ten Board Of Directors Advertising Figures...


The Nine Network's managing director Jeffrey Browne has written to the board of Ten Network Holdings, in a bid persuade the broadcaster to reverse its decision in pulling out of free-to-air television's revenue share figures. According to The Australian, the request will be considered by all board members, including the recently appointed James Packer, Win Television owner Bruce Gordon, and mining executive Gina Rinehart. Together, they have the power to override the decision made by Ten's chief executive Grant Blackley. Ten withdrew from the collection of data in July, citing "serious concerns regarding the accuracy and allocation of metropolitan commercial television revenue data". "The reason for our decision was detailed last year and our position has not changed," a Ten spokesman said. While accountancy firm KPMG Australia collects television advertising revenue, it does not audit the figures. Ten executives believed that Nine, who flatly deny the suggestion, overstated revenue for clients dealing directly with the network. Last year's figures released by Free TV Australia, showed that Ten's share of the television advertising market fell well short of Blackley's 30 per cent forecast. It instead positioned third with 28.9 per cent, well behind Nine on 32.2 percent and market leader Seven on 37.9 per cent. The three commercial networks rarely see eye-to-eye on television ratings or revenue. Television ratings reports, which were released at the end of the 2010 survey period, saw each network quote figures against differing benchmarks in order to highlight their performance. Each network claimed victory, but results depended on how they measured success in a changing television landscape. Meanwhile, in what could be described as a rarity, Seven and Nine appear to have agreed on the issue. "The debate about performance would be far more objective if all networks submitted to the decision of...KPMG," said Browne. Similarly, Seven's chief of sales and digital officer, James Warburton, said, "It's a shame not to have an official industry number." But it wasn't long before the rivals were back arguing over the final results, with each network preferring different research houses. Nine's provider leaves out figures for direct bookings, whilst Seven's provider Adex does not include coverage for digital multichannels. True to form, both networks went on to claim a dominant performance in the 2010 ratings race, seemingly forgetting about Ten in order to take another shot at each other.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

Profiles

Australian Casinos

World Casino Directory

Global Gaming Directory

Casino Travel

Casinos

Australia

Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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