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Friday, April 15, 2011

Australian Gambling News Round-up Part II, by Greg Tingle - 15th April 2011

Australian gambling and casino news keeps coming thick and fast. Media Man and Gambling911 with the news you love to hate...

Jupiters Hotel and Casino Gold Coast Get Snoop Dogg...

Snoop Doggy attended a press conference at Jupiters Hotel and Casino yesterday wearing red slippers he snatched while in town. When quizzed whether he spent $25,000 grand in the store with his homeboys Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Game and nephew Bow Wow, the 39-year-old let the truth slip. "Actually it was the other way around as they gave us $25,000," he said let loose. Snoop, renowned for enjoying recreational herbs, said if he headed to Nimbin he would "expect $50,000". Police decided best to shut down the eastern side of the Southport street when Snoop and the boyz checked out shops. Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus), is in Australia to promote his new album Doggumentary and plays a poolside party at Jupiters Casino tomorrow. Snoop, who is 'good friends' with Aussie actor Russell Crowe, said he's had the opportunity to watch AFL and the other Australian football codes but doesn't think he will partake. "I love watching it, but I'd never play it because it seems like I'd get f***** up quick."

Star City Casino Ralph Model Kahili Blundell Delighted...

She won at 'Sin City' Star City and now the world might be at her feet. Manly Vale’s Kahili Blundell has won the 2011 Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year competition, beating 37 finalists. Ms Blundell won the title after just three years of modelling. “I was absolutely speechless when I won,” she told The Manly Daily. “No words can explain how I felt when they came around to the winner’s spot and said my number, which was 27, I just couldn’t believe it. “I was so overwhelmed because I wanted it so badly.” The 21-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to Jennifer Hawkins, went through regional qualifying in November before claiming the title over 2000 beauties from Australia and New Zealand. Ms Blundell spent most of last week with the other finalists, being judged not only on her physique and presentation, but also on how she conducted herself during daily media interviews. For the former Mackellar Girls Campus student, who runs her own make-up studio between working in office administration, the win is a far cry from three years ago when she started modelling as a drinks promotion girl. “I’m not too sure what’s happening next but having this title will help me get my foot in the door to bigger and better things,” she said. But Ms Blundell, who recently moved to Cremorne, isn’t the only one basking in the title glory. Boyfriend Nick Taylor, who plays league for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the NSW Cup, said he had an extra spring in his step since his partner won. “Yeah, I’ve got some bragging rights around training,” he said. “I think the other boys in the team are a bit jealous.” Ms Blundell won $16,000 worth of cash and prizes, and will feature on the cover of the 2012 Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year Calendar.

Aussie Cody Simpson To Perform At Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom; New Hampshire...

As a kid growing up on Australia's Gold Coast, Simpson used to watch his dad play guitar and sing for friends and family at parties and backyard barbecues. Seeing how music brought people together, Cody asked for his own guitar and lessons at the age of seven. After learning a few chords from his teacher, Cody wrote his first song. "It was about putting a diaper on a chicken," he says with a laugh. "Who knows what my seven-year-old brain was thinking?" Cody's folks encouraged him to keep singing and practicing his guitar. By age 12, he began posting YouTube videos of himself performing covers of songs by artists who inspired him, including Justin Timberlake, Jason Mraz, and The Jacksons. Search for Cody on YouTube and there he is: An appealing blonde 12-year-old accompanying himself on guitar while knocking out stellar covers of "Cry Me A River," "I'm Yours," and "I Want You Back." Cody's YouTube Channel, which has been active since August 2008, now boasts nearly 4.5 million views and has more than 42,000 subscribers. In 2009, Cody received a message through his YouTube Channel from songwriter and producer Shawn Campbell (Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Ciara) expressing interest in meeting him. Cody and his father flew to the U.S. to meet Campbell and write and record some tracks. In April 2010, Cody signed with Atlantic Records, which is releasing his irresistible rhythmic pop single "iYiYi" featuring Flo Rida on June 1st. "Flo and I worked with some amazing people including Colby O'Donis, Bei Major and DJ FrankE on my debut single" Cody says. "We came up with something really catchy. And I think everyone can relate to the lyrics. The song is about liking a girl and missing her when she's not around. Who hasn't been through that?" Tickets are $18 for this all ages show. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.

About the Casino: Constructed in 1927, the Ballroom at the Casino complex has become the pillar of Hampton Beach, providing New Hampshire with the hottest names in entertainment for almost one hundred years. The Ballroom has seen its share of history playing host to likes of Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and U2. Today, the Ballroom consistently lands in the top 25 for club ticket sales worldwide and hosts the biggest names in live music and comedy. The Casino Ballroom has arguably become one of the most renowned entertainment establishments in the world.

Australian Anti-Gambling MP Andrew Wilkie Accused Of Ordering Cadets To Salute Hitler!...

One of the driving forced behind the anti-pokie brigade in Parliament; Andrew Wilkie has now been accused of ordering teenage army cadets to salute the 50th anniversary of Hitler's rise to power in Nazi Germany. Not good timing for MP Wilkie. Last night he conceded he was involved in "bastardisation" at Duntroon Military College in 1983. As a senior cadet at Duntroon that year Wilkie was one of a group that allegedly ordered junior cadets to stand to attention and salute to commemorate Hitler becoming Germany's Chancellor on January 30, 1933. When one defiant junior cadet refused to stand at attention in honour of Nazis, Wilkie allegedly allowed other senior cadets to abuse and punish him. In a statement yesterday Mr Wilkie said he had "no recollection" of the Hitler incident but admitted he was one of "many cadets caught up in the 1983 bastardisation scandal at Duntroon and like many cadets was disciplined for it at the time". A Defence Department spokesperson last night said the department could not comment on specific details of individuals "for privacy reasons".

Punters, er readers, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum and stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies and gaming wars.

*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.

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Australian Gambling News Round-up, by Greg Tingle - 15th April 2011

Australian gambling and casino news keeps coming thick and fast. We've got a butcher who slayed his wife over a gambling argument, Tabcorp numbers, pokie lovers vs haters, James Packer's boat for sale, and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 with your regular Aussie gambling fix...

Melbourne Man Butchers Wife Over Gambling...

Butcher Peter Lubik, 42, severed his wife Barbara's carotid artery when he stabbed her in the throat at their Melbourne home in January 2009. It's been described as a "shocking and cowardly" killing. Prior to the the stabbing they had fought about Lubik, who was understood to have been a big gambler, going to a casino, the Victorian Supreme Court heard on Wednesday. Last year, Lubik was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter but acquitted of murder. On Wednesday, Justice Ross Robson jailed Lubik for 9.5 years and ordered he serve a minimum of 6.5 years. Justice Robson said Lubik, of Noble Park North, deliberately stabbed his wife in a very delicate area of the body. He rejected Lubik's defence that his wife had come at him with the knife, finding that only Lubik had a knife. "Your deliberate stabbing of Barbara involved a deliberate intention to harm her," Justice Robson said. "It was a shocking and cowardly crime. You were duty-bound to protect her. "You are a big man. She was small. "There was not the slightest justification for taking up a knife against her in her own home." Justice Robson said Mrs Lubik constantly forgave her husband's abusive, "bullying and boorish" behaviour. "Despite her loyalty, love, forgiveness and companionship, you cruelly and deliberately stabbed her, with a knife, killing her," he said. "I can discern no reason for your conduct, other than your repeated abuse and bullying of your wife." Lubik's two-and-a-half-year marriage had been a turbulent one and included physical violence, the court heard. Lubik was a "good husband" unless he had been drinking. Mrs Lubik came to Australia from Poland in 2004. Lubik has already served more than two years and two months in custody.

James Packer Boat For Sale: $22 million...

Gambling and media king James Packer has put up for sales his 46m motor yacht, Z Sydney, on the market. The vessel is being advertised with an asking price of $22 million. That's about the same price it was bought for by JP back in January of last year. Rumour is that yachts name has been changed to "Ares" (Greek god of war) in attempt to lure in European buyers. The big boat can fit 12 guests and 8 crew. Leaks reckon he's looking to upgrade.

Sin City Sydney's Star City Wants To Take Brownlow AFL Event From Melbourne's Crown Casino...

The AFL code is in talks with the New South Wales Government to take the iconic Brownlow Medal night to 'Sin City' Sydney next year. Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu told the press that if the AFL even thinking about moving its awards night from Melbourne, it would show it is out of touch with Victorian football lovers. The shift would coincide with the launch of Sydney's second AFL team. An $850 million revamp of Sydney's Star City casino is the key in the bid to host the event. A grand hall in the redevelopment will hold up to 4,000 people. That does rather outdo Crown's Palladium, which has a 1,700 capacity. Will the rumor turn to reality? Time will tell, but many celebs keep saying they like it at Crown... and looking forward to doing some Twittering about it also.

Tabcorp 3rd Quarter Up 5.4%...

Gambling giant Tabcorp Holdings Ltd has reported a 5.4% rise in normalised net revenue for the March quarter. Normalised net revenues for the 3 months ended March 31 was $1.06 billion, up 5.4% on the previous corresponding period, Melbourne-based Tabcorp said in a statement on Wednesday. Revenue growth for the first nine months of the financial year was 3.9% to $3.32 billion. All 3 business divisions achieved positive revenue growth. The casinos division experienced revenue growth of 5.9%, wagering's grew 2.6% and gaming gained 8.6%. Revenues in wagering were adversely affected by wet weather in January and early February with abandoned race meetings and reduced field sizes due to the state of the tracks, the company said. Tabcorp said its plans to demerge its casinos business was progressing with shareholders to vote on it in June this year. In Queensland, the January floods impacted significantly on the performance of the Treasury Casino and Hotel during the quarter. Star City Casino in Sydney grew normalised revenues by 11.3 per cent and the other Queensland casinos recorded positive revenue growth. Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper said in a statement that trading in the third quarter was pleasing, in light of the Queensland floods. The recent floods on Australia's east coast had wiped $10 million from its revenue, the company said last month. In better news, last month Tabcorp was awarded Victoria's new exclusive 10-year Keno licence, which will start in April 2012. "Revenue growth in the third quarter improved over the first half of the financial year, which indicates that the businesses are resilient and have good underlying momentum," Kupper said.

PM Gillard Still Hates Pokies...

Julia Gillard stated on record that it's the "right thing" to crack down on problem gambling and she has seen the misery it causes in her own back yard. The PM holds the western Melbourne seat of Lalor, home to Victoria's number one venue for "one armed bandit" losses. "We know what it's like to see people who put so much money into poker machines that they break the family budget, they can't feed the kids. They end up with their houses being repossessed," Gillard said. "Now, that kind of problem gambling causes human misery. I don't think we want to see anybody profiting on human misery. Of course people like to have a bet, but I don't think they like to see their fellow Australians suffer." Despite a $20 million campaign by clubs and hotels, Gillard said the Government would push ahead to introduce technology to require frequent gamblers to set, in advance, how much they would spend. Anti-pokies senator Nick Xenophon said he had lodged a complaint with the ACCC against the Clubs Australia campaign. In the meantime MP Wilkie reckons he got a genuine death threat from pro gambling folks. Clubs Australia have called him to prove it and to refer the matter for police.

Burswood In Line To Get New Sporting Stadium Next To Packer's Casino...

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says a new football stadium for Perth is likely to be built at Burswood, just across the Swan River from the city's centre. But he says a final decision on the site, size and timing of the new stadium will not be made until mid-year. "Burswood is a probable site, maybe even a likely site, but I stress a decision has not been made, cabinet has not yet looked at the matter," he told the press on Wednesday. He said there would not be any announcement about a stadium in the budget in May, though funding would be set aside to do initial engineering tests at the sites and perhaps initial designs. The government has been looking at three different sites for a new stadium, including several different locations within the Burswood precinct. "Much of that area is an old waste site, so we've got to be very careful about that," Barnett said. "I think most people, from the reaction I get, do see a lot of merit in Burswood in the sense that this stadium, when it's built, has to serve the state for another 50 years." Mr Barnett said Burswood, the site of the city's casino, had space for more sporting and entertainment venues and that was in its favour. West Coast coach John Worsfold said he would leave the matter of a stadium to the experts, but the sentimental value of Subiaco would remain. With all of this happening little wonder James Packer remains such a big fan of Perth.

The Aussies continue to love to try their luck. Sure, spin to win, but know the odds, and have fun.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies and gaming wars.

*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.

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Casino Visit By Butcher Blamed For Wife Slaying, by Greg Tingle - 14th April 2011

Australian gambling and casino news keeps coming thick and fast. We've got a butcher who slayed his wife over a gambling argument, Tabcorp numbers, pokie lovers vs haters, James Packer's boat for sale, and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 with your regular Aussie gambling fix...

Melbourne Man Butchers Wife Over Gambling...

Butcher Peter Lubik, 42, severed his wife Barbara's carotid artery when he stabbed her in the throat at their Melbourne home in January 2009. It's been described as a "shocking and cowardly" killing. Prior to the the stabbing they had fought about Lubik, who was understood to have been a big gambler, going to a casino, the Victorian Supreme Court heard on Wednesday. Last year, Lubik was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter but acquitted of murder. On Wednesday, Justice Ross Robson jailed Lubik for 9.5 years and ordered he serve a minimum of 6.5 years. Justice Robson said Lubik, of Noble Park North, deliberately stabbed his wife in a very delicate area of the body. He rejected Lubik's defence that his wife had come at him with the knife, finding that only Lubik had a knife. "Your deliberate stabbing of Barbara involved a deliberate intention to harm her," Justice Robson said. "It was a shocking and cowardly crime. You were duty-bound to protect her. "You are a big man. She was small. "There was not the slightest justification for taking up a knife against her in her own home." Justice Robson said Mrs Lubik constantly forgave her husband's abusive, "bullying and boorish" behaviour. "Despite her loyalty, love, forgiveness and companionship, you cruelly and deliberately stabbed her, with a knife, killing her," he said. "I can discern no reason for your conduct, other than your repeated abuse and bullying of your wife." Lubik's two-and-a-half-year marriage had been a turbulent one and included physical violence, the court heard. Lubik was a "good husband" unless he had been drinking. Mrs Lubik came to Australia from Poland in 2004. Lubik has already served more than two years and two months in custody.

James Packer Boat For Sale: $22 million...

Gambling and media king James Packer has put up for sales his 46m motor yacht, Z Sydney, on the market. The vessel is being advertised with an asking price of $22 million. That's about the same price it was bought for by JP back in January of last year. Rumour is that yachts name has been changed to "Ares" (Greek god of war) in attempt to lure in European buyers. The big boat can fit 12 guests and 8 crew. Leaks reckon he's looking to upgrade.

Sin City Sydney's Star City Wants To Take Brownlow AFL Event From Melbourne's Crown Casino...

The AFL code is in talks with the New South Wales Government to take the iconic Brownlow Medal night to 'Sin City' Sydney next year. Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu told the press that if the AFL even thinking about moving its awards night from Melbourne, it would show it is out of touch with Victorian football lovers. The shift would coincide with the launch of Sydney's second AFL team. An $850 million revamp of Sydney's Star City casino is the key in the bid to host the event. A grand hall in the redevelopment will hold up to 4,000 people. That does rather outdo Crown's Palladium, which has a 1,700 capacity. Will the rumor turn to reality? Time will tell, but many celebs keep saying they like it at Crown... and looking forward to doing some Twittering about it also.

Tabcorp 3rd Quarter Up 5.4%...

Gambling giant Tabcorp Holdings Ltd has reported a 5.4% rise in normalised net revenue for the March quarter. Normalised net revenues for the 3 months ended March 31 was $1.06 billion, up 5.4% on the previous corresponding period, Melbourne-based Tabcorp said in a statement on Wednesday. Revenue growth for the first nine months of the financial year was 3.9% to $3.32 billion. All 3 business divisions achieved positive revenue growth. The casinos division experienced revenue growth of 5.9%, wagering's grew 2.6% and gaming gained 8.6%. Revenues in wagering were adversely affected by wet weather in January and early February with abandoned race meetings and reduced field sizes due to the state of the tracks, the company said. Tabcorp said its plans to demerge its casinos business was progressing with shareholders to vote on it in June this year. In Queensland, the January floods impacted significantly on the performance of the Treasury Casino and Hotel during the quarter. Star City Casino in Sydney grew normalised revenues by 11.3 per cent and the other Queensland casinos recorded positive revenue growth. Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper said in a statement that trading in the third quarter was pleasing, in light of the Queensland floods. The recent floods on Australia's east coast had wiped $10 million from its revenue, the company said last month. In better news, last month Tabcorp was awarded Victoria's new exclusive 10-year Keno licence, which will start in April 2012. "Revenue growth in the third quarter improved over the first half of the financial year, which indicates that the businesses are resilient and have good underlying momentum," Kupper said.

PM Gillard Still Hates Pokies...

Julia Gillard stated on record that it's the "right thing" to crack down on problem gambling and she has seen the misery it causes in her own back yard. The PM holds the western Melbourne seat of Lalor, home to Victoria's number one venue for "one armed bandit" losses. "We know what it's like to see people who put so much money into poker machines that they break the family budget, they can't feed the kids. They end up with their houses being repossessed," Gillard said. "Now, that kind of problem gambling causes human misery. I don't think we want to see anybody profiting on human misery. Of course people like to have a bet, but I don't think they like to see their fellow Australians suffer." Despite a $20 million campaign by clubs and hotels, Gillard said the Government would push ahead to introduce technology to require frequent gamblers to set, in advance, how much they would spend. Anti-pokies senator Nick Xenophon said he had lodged a complaint with the ACCC against the Clubs Australia campaign. In the meantime MP Wilkie reckons he got a genuine death threat from pro gambling folks. Clubs Australia have called him to prove it and to refer the matter for police.

Burswood In Line To Get New Sporting Stadium Next To Packer's Casino...

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says a new football stadium for Perth is likely to be built at Burswood, just across the Swan River from the city's centre. But he says a final decision on the site, size and timing of the new stadium will not be made until mid-year. "Burswood is a probable site, maybe even a likely site, but I stress a decision has not been made, cabinet has not yet looked at the matter," he told the press on Wednesday. He said there would not be any announcement about a stadium in the budget in May, though funding would be set aside to do initial engineering tests at the sites and perhaps initial designs. The government has been looking at three different sites for a new stadium, including several different locations within the Burswood precinct. "Much of that area is an old waste site, so we've got to be very careful about that," Barnett said. "I think most people, from the reaction I get, do see a lot of merit in Burswood in the sense that this stadium, when it's built, has to serve the state for another 50 years." Mr Barnett said Burswood, the site of the city's casino, had space for more sporting and entertainment venues and that was in its favour. West Coast coach John Worsfold said he would leave the matter of a stadium to the experts, but the sentimental value of Subiaco would remain. With all of this happening little wonder James Packer remains such a big fan of Perth.

The Aussies continue to love to try their luck. Sure, spin to win, but know the odds, and have fun.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies and gaming wars.

*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.

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Un-Australian Gambling Reforms, by Greg Tingle - 12th April 2011

Australian pokies reform continues to dominate Australian news headlines. The battle has only just began, with hand grenades, bombs and rocket launchers being unleashed on both sides of the debate. It's a hell of a war down under, with NSW looking to be the most dangerous and volatile war zone, followed by Canberra. Will Clubs Australia $20 million dollar public relations campaign do the trick, or is their another secret weapon lurking in the war chest? Media Man and Gambling911 go into deep cover in the war zone this special report...

The Australian government's proposed gambling reforms are "simply un-Australian" and will wipe out shite loads of pubs and clubs... yeah, and pokie palaces Clubs Australia has gone on record with.

The lobby powerhouse $20 million advertising blitz against the reforms kicked in yesterday.

A focus on the reforms is the intro on smartcards and gambling limits.

"This license to punt will send pubs and clubs broke," president of Clubs Australia Peter Newell said during the campaign launch at a Sydney bowling club.

"(It) is quite simply un-Australian."

Australia's most well known (and possibly most hated polies), the anti-pokies polies Nick 'Mr X' (MM tag) Xenophon and Andrew 'Winning' (MM tag) Wilkie, who has threatened to remove his support for the Gillard government if a mandatory system isn't in place by 2014, say the ad campaign is based on a pack of lies.

"The industry is being dishonest," Wilkie told ABC Radio, adding the clubs' preferred voluntary limit system would have a very limited impact on problem gambling.

Wilkie said given the option, the vast majority of poker machine players would opt for "low intensity" machines that limit gambling losses to $50 an hour.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon agreed.

"Every problem gambler affects the lives of seven others," he said, adding that the changes would not affect casual players.

"If you want to go for a casual punt, spend a few dollars, there is an alternative - low-intensity machines - you won't need a smart card."

The outspoken Senator said 600,000 people play pokies on weekly basis and 100,000 of them have a significant problem while another 200,000 are at risk of developing a significant problem.

"Something like 40% of revenue comes from problem gamblers. It's untenable to have any business and industry relying so heavily on the vulnerable and the addicted."

But NSW Tourism Minister George Souris has backed clubs, saying the pre-commitment scheme would cost jobs and lead to venue closures.

"To stay in power, Julia Gillard is prepared to sacrifice thousands of jobs, many food and entertainment outlets including for seniors, support for sport and community organisations in every part of NSW," he said in a statement.

Souris advised a mandatory pre-commitment system would drive punters underground or online, and not fix problem gambling.

A Media Man spokesperson said "There is already evidence building that underground gambling dens are being established in Sin City Sydney, as well as high stakes poker games happening in the suburbs. Online gambling websites offering casino, poker and other games are likely to only become more popular, as the Gillard government fails again to offer a comprehensive solution."

"It (is) in the interests of all concerned to ensure gambling remained regulated and if possible in licensed venues rather than either underground or on the internet, where it is certain the incidence of under-age and problem gambling would increase," Souris said.


MP Andrew Wilkie; It's The Man Against Machine...

The majority of the 5 folks down under who only occasionally play the pokies would not be affected by mandatory pre-commitment technology despite clubs' claims that it would ruin the industry. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie punched back at the clubs' campaign against the pokie reforms, accusing them of lying about the impact of the anti-gambling measures. Wilkie is due to finalise his draft recommendations this week, which will be circulated to the parliamentary committee into problem gambling, with a final report to be made public by the conclusion of April. It is believed Wilkie is leaning towards the Productivity Commission recommendations on introducing low-value cards for gaming machines and low-intensity machines to limit losses. Contrary to the clubs industry's claims that the reforms could cost up to $4 billion, the mandatory pre-commitment technology would only apply to 15% of the 500,000 people who play pokies more than once a week and were considered to be problem gamblers. Wilkie said he was more determined than ever to see his reforms through and was confident the Government would deliver on its promise to get legislation up next year. "I am being as open-minded about this as I can, but we will only get one shot at this," he said. "It's a once-in-a-generation reform. We need intelligent discussion about this. "What the clubs are suggesting about being a licence to gamble is an outright lie and the industry knows it." The future of the Gillard Government depends on its delivery of a promise to Wilkie on forming minority government to introduce mandatory pre-commitment technology to tackle problem gambling. Wilkie has already indicated that if the Government was to adopt a policy along the lines of the Productivity Commission's two key recommendations, then he would support it. It is estimated that more than $5 billion is lost by problem gamblers every year in Australia. Will Wilkie win or lose the Gillard Labor government the upcoming federal election? No need to answer. Check out the results in NSW about a month ago, and you'll figure it out Casino Jack!

Prime Minister Gillard Not A Fan Of Pokies...

Prime Minister Gillard, whose coalition government holds a fragile one-seat majority, said problem gambling caused "human misery" and should not be profited from. "I come from a part of Melbourne where we know what it's like to see people who put so much money into poker machines that they break the family budget, they can't feed the kids, they end up with their houses being repossessed by the bank," Gillard told reporters in Canberra.
"People like to have a bet but I don't think they like to see their fellow Australians suffer, so it's the right thing to have an appropriate package to tackle problem gambling." Some 600,000 Australians - 4 % of the adult population -- are estimated to play pokies at least weekly, with about 95,000 classed as problem gamblers in a study published last year by the Productivity Commission. The commission recommended imposing voluntary loss limits to address the issue and Gillard promised to introduce such a scheme by 2014 as part of a deal with independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who is key to her grip on power. But the Australian Hotels Association and Clubs Australia hit back in their advertising campaign, arguing that the plan amounts to a "licence just so you can have a $5 punt" and will involve a loss of freedom and privacy. The clubs, which pay stiff state government charges to have the money-spinning machines, argue that they strongly contribute to communities and sporting organisations and would suffer terribly under the proposed changes. The Productivity Commission found that the pokies, a common staple of Australia's pubs, carried an especially high risk for problem gambling, which comes at enormous social cost. Aussies gambling losses totalled more than Aus$19 billion in 2008-2009, according to the commission, with each player an average of about Aus$1,500 out of pocket every year. Punters generally know that that chance of winning the big on i.e: a massive jackpot on a slot machine - in a pub or online, is about 1 in a million, but that doesn't stop the punters coming back for more. Aussies love to try their luck. Sure, spin to win, but know the odds, and have fun.

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

*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.

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

PartyGaming Plc, now known as bwin.party digital entertainment plc ('bwin.party' or the 'Company')

Completion of the Merger

The process of merging PartyGaming Plc and bwin Interactive Entertainment AG ('bwin') has been completed today. The Company has formally re-registered its name as 'bwin.party digital entertainment plc'.

The Company's ordinary shares of 0.015 pence each ("Shares") have today been de-listed and re-admitted to the premium segment of the official list and commenced dealing on the London Stock Exchange's main market. A total of 439,209,325 new Shares have today been issued in the form of dematerialised depositary interests and credited in CREST for onward transfer to the relevant securities accounts of former bwin shareholders no later than 1 April 2011. As a result of this issue of new Shares, the Company now has 852,271,026 Shares in issue.

The new London Stock Exchange 'ticker' for the Shares is 'BPTY'. The ISIN number for the Shares remains G1000A0MV757, whilst the SEDOL number has changed to B53TNH6. The London Stock Exchange will show the Company's new name of 'bwin.party digital entertainment plc' on its trading system from 1 April 2011.

As a result of the merger completing, the following appointments to the Company's board of directors have taken effect from today:

Simon Duffy, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
Norbert Teufelberger, Co-Chief Executive Officer
Joachim Baca, Chief Operating Officer
Per Afrell, Independent Non-Executive Director
Manfred Bodner, Non-Executive Director
Helmut Kern, Independent Non-Executive Director
Georg Riedl, Non-Executive Director

Biographies for each of these directors are set out in the Company's prospectus and circular published on 23 December 2010 and available on bwin.party's website, www.bwinparty.com. There are no disclosures to be made under Listing Rule 9.6.13 in respect of any of the new directors other than those set out in the Company's prospectus and circular to shareholders published on 23 December 2010.

Commenting on the completion of the merger, Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger, the Co-CEOs, said:

"We are delighted that our merger is now complete so that we can start with the integration of our businesses and capturing the synergies we have already identified. As we make the transition from unregulated to regulated markets we have an excellent opportunity to capitalise on our market-leading positions in sports betting, poker, casino and games as well as bingo."

Simon Duffy, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board, commented:

"Congratulations to bwin.party's directors and employees on managing the merger through to completion. This is a landmark day for the online gaming sector and bwin.party is now in a position to leverage its combined resources to take maximum advantage of regulating markets and the exciting opportunities in the real money gaming and digital entertainment sectors."

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

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Monday, April 11, 2011

Pro Wrestling Stars Ramp Up Gambling: Lottery, by Greg Tingle - 10th April 2011

G'day punters, sports nuts, entertainment news junkies and wrestling fans. Today we take another look at the popularity of gambling in pro wrestling and martial arts circles. Former WWE, TNA and WCW champion, Ric Flair has done another deal with the Carolina's Education Lottery and now WWE Hall Of Famer Shawn Michaels has got a lottery deal too. Michael's mate Kevin 'Diesel' Nash has also ramped up his online casino promos, and WWE Poker is full speed ahead, plus the UFC has done a deal with Full Tilt Poker. Word is an Andre The Giant slot game will also soon be hitting a bwin.party digital entertainment website too, via NextGen Gaming, so there's lots to get excited about. Media Man and Gambling911 with a bodyslamming report from ringside...

Ric Flair Does North Carolina Education Lottery Woooooo! 2 Deal...

Lottery players across the Carolina's may once again be calling out Ric Flair’s trademark “WOOOOO!™” as the winning wrestler’s newest scratch-off ticket “WOOOOO!™ II” launched March 29. “WOOOOO!™II” is a $5 scratch-off ticket featuring renowned wrestler and North Carolinian Ric Flair®, whose four decade spanning career has made him one of the most recognizable entertainment athletes in the world. Players scratch off 16 wrestling belts, which are representative of the 16 championship belts Flair won throughout his career. The game has five top prizes of $100,000 and more than $3.3 million in prizes between $15 and $80. Players who reveal a "money bag" symbol win the associated prize instantly and players who reveal a "chair" symbol win double the prize shown. If a player scratches to reveal a “Woo” symbol, they automatically win all 16 prizes.

Flair will appear at several of the lottery’s sponsored events across the state, including the Azalea Festival in Wilmington on April 9, the Dogwood Festival in Fayetteville on April 30, the NCEL 200 truck race in Concord on May 20 and Speed Street in Charlotte on May 28.

Two other scratch-off games are launching Tuesday, Sizzlin' 7's and The Money Game.

Sizzlin' 7's is a $2 ticket with six top prizes of $20,000. The game is played by matching any of your 10 numbers with one of two winning numbers. Revealing a black "seven" symbol doubles the prize shown, and revealing a red “seven” symbol wins all ten prizes shown. More than $7.5 million in prizes can be won in the game, including more than 81,000 prizes between $20 and $100.

In The Money Game, a $1 ticket, players try to match their center prize with the prizes on each corner of the ticket. The game has more than $4.1 million in total prizes, including a $4,000 top prize and more than 89,000 prizes between $10 and $40. If a "Bill" symbol is revealed, the player automatically wins $20.

NCEL net proceeds are used for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, reduction of class size in early grades, school construction and need-based college scholarships. For prizes of $5,000 and greater, 25% federal tax and 7% tax are automatically withheld.

For more information, contact Ryan Kennemur, Public Information Officer, North Carolina Education Lottery, 919-301-3306.

North Carolina wrestling icon Ric Flair signed autographs last Saturday at the Azalea Festival in Wilmington as part of his partnership with the N.C. Education Lottery in a new instant scratch-off game. Flair agreed for a second round of the ticket, called “Wooooo! II.” The $5 ticket, named after Flair’s trademark wrestling yell, went on sale in March. Here are details of the autograph session.


Shawn Michaels Follows Mate Ric Flair Into Lottery Promotions...

WWE living legend Shawn Michaels wants you to buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a trip to a WWE Event. The proceeds from the raffle will go to several charities, including Operation Homefront. Operation Homefront will receive a contribution from 2011 WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Shawn Michaels through an online charity raffle. The winner of the raffle will receive a prize package that includes two premium seats at WrestleMania XXVII. Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to military families and wounded warriors. Fans and supporters can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win the prize and help military families. Raffle tickets are $2.00 each, and there's a minimum purchase of five tickets. The draw occured at 11:00 AM EST on Friday, March 25, 2011. The winners name is a mystery. More information here
http://www.celebritiesforcharity.org/raffle/shawn-michaels-wrestlemania-raffle

Multimedia

Ric Flair Woooooo! 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK5561MkxqE&feature=player_embedded

Kevin Nash (Vinnie Vegas)
http://www.youtube.com/user/wrestlingnewsmedia#p/a/u/0/Z2a0YsMtflo

Pro Wrestling - Gambling Trivia...

Kevin 'Diesel' Nash, recently returned to WWE, used to be known in WCW as 'Vinnie Vegas'. Nash still has some gaming links on his official website.

Hulk Hogan, the most famous pro wrestler of all time, will have an online slot game out later this year in a deal done with Endemol. The story goes...

Endemol, along with the licensing division of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment, have partnered with Hulk Hogan to launch online game Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania. The game, created by recently launched Endemol Games U.K., is expected to hit early next year worldwide and will be distributed internationally by Endemol Worldwide Brands. MX Gaming is co-producing Hulkamania with Endemol and Bischoff Hervey Entertainment. "Endemol Games U.K. is expanding into new areas and this deal marks one of our first third-party licensing partnerships," says Jurian van der Meer, managing director of Endemol Games U.K. "Hulk Hogan is an icon with massive global appeal and we aim to attract his fans with creative online slot games. This is a great addition to our portfolio."

Hogan also has 'The Hulk-A-Mania Experience' land based slot games which is available in some American casinos. Some of the proceeds of the Hulksters slot go to The Dreamseekers Foundation, associated with native American casino tribes.

Ric Flair 'The Nature Boy' is apparently keen to explore an online casino game deal featuring his likeness.

The late, great, Andre The Giant is expected to have a slot game out in his likeness within 6 months. The two brands strongly rumoured to be in on the deal are bwin.party digital entertainment and NextGen Gaming.

World Wrestling Entertainment once owned a land based casino, that was never fitted out with company branding. They were miraculously were able to sell it for a profit circa 2000. WWE is understood to be very happy with their WWE Poker.

The UFC is delighted with their recent deal with Full Tilt Poker, but it isn't clear why they choose that poker brand over others. Last year Full Tilt did a deal with Richard Branson's Virgin Games. That Virgin deal happened around the same time that PartyGaming signed up a couple of F1 drivers, and Pommie cricket legend Phil "Tuffers" Tufnel.

It appears it's a case of what pro wrestling personalities and tie ins will happen next, rather than if.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Be watching out for pro wrestling names to start to appear on online and offline branded slot games. Hulk Hogan was first and we understand that Andre The Giant is second cab off the rank. Ric Flair tipped for third. WWE and UFC are tipped to make more noise about their gaming and gambling involvement also".

YouTube Footage...

WWF Casino
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJ8Ye6lNT0

Star City Casino, Sydney, Australia (Ric Flair attacks Hulk Hogan)
http://www.youtube.com/mediamanoz#p/u/50/8xsh9NT7bnw

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

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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Sunday, April 10, 2011

Australian And Hollywood Gambling TV Movie News, by Greg Tingle - 10th April 2011

G'day punters and entertainment news junkies. Today we're serving up a smorgasbord of Australian and American television, movies and gambling related news. You asked, and we've delivered. We've got famous Australians, the late Kerry Packer, and living media icon Ita Buttrose portrayed in an new Aussie telemovie coming to the box later this month: 'Paper Giants - The Birth Of Cleo'. Cleo the magazine, not the slot folks. We preview Broadwalk Empire, a Gotti movie in the works and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 with your Aussiewood - Hollywood special...

Australian's Kerry Packer and Ita Buttrose In New Cleo TV Show...

Gambling and media fans. You won't have to wait much longer. The late Kerry Packer (played by actor Rob Carlton) will be returning to Australian TV screens (and internet). Paper Giants: The Birth Of Cleo, promises to be a quality production that will also show some of the more intimate details of the relationship between the late Packer and Ita, as well as show us a bit of our mate, Jack Thompson (in a Cleo spread no less). Jack is understood to be pleased with the choice of model just quietly. Yeah, we're going to get some nudity boys and girls. The telemovie stars Asher Keddie as Ita Buttrose and will tell the story of the magazines' rise in the Australian media circa 1970s. The viewer will also get some solid insight into the lives of Packer and Buttrose. What do our friends at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have to say about it? "In early 1972, 30 year old journalist and editor, Ita Buttrose (Asher Keddie) and 35 year old Kerry Packer (Rob Carlton), heir to what was then Australia's most ruthlessly powerful and influential publishing family, got together to create a magazine that became one of the most dramatic sensations in Australian publishing history. CLEO went on to help define women, Australia and the relationship between the two." Buttrose, who first cemented her place as the magazine's editor, was a consultant on the production. "If there was a supposed affair it didn't happen in this timeframe. I have no idea if there was, we didn't raise it with her," said producer John Edwards. A 2007 feature article by The Sydney Morning Herald revealed on Packer - Buttrose: "He soon proposed marriage and, despite rumours to the contrary, she accepted him. But she was less committed to the idea of marriage than he was. She already had one failed marriage behind her," we were told. That marriage to Alasdair Macdonald produced Buttrose's two children, Ben and Kate. "After Ita accepted Kerry's proposal, Kerry told his wife Ros, who knew about the affair anyway. She threatened to take half his wealth and deny him custody of his children, Gretel and James. Kerry found himself weighing up the loss of half of his riches and the loss of his children and finally had a change of heart. He didn't want to lose either." Actor Carlton says he approached the role of Packer with "an equal dose of terror and exhilaration. Like most encounters with Kerry Packer, I'm told". The two-part telemovie will go to air at 8.30pm, Sunday 17 April (and) the same time on Monday, 18 April, on ABC1. News media is speculating is the son of the late KP, James Packer, may get any positive spin offs or PR's from the telemovie which is being touted to be the talk of 'Sin City' Sydney, and perhaps even across Australia, such is the interest in Packer and Buttrose. Buttrose is managed by the Harry M. Miller Group, and Packer is well... not easy to get in touch with, but the right approach to Crown Casino directly can sometimes work wonders. No, please don't ask us for more information on how to, and no, we don't manage them either, but offer online profiles on the two for folks who are interested. From the leaks we've got on Paper-Cuts so far; 4 out of 5 stars. "It's 1972. Skirts are up, pants are down". Spin to win with Cleo, the telemovie, not the slot!

Profiles

Kerry Packer
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/packer1.html

Ita Buttrose
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/buttrose.html

Jack Thompson
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/thompson.html

Cleo (the slot, not the mag)!
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/cleo.html


Boardwalk Empire On Australia's Foxtel...

Tonight's the night if you have pay tv service Foxtel. The much hyped Boardwalk Empire continues it's dream run on Australian screens. We're 3 episodes in now and the storyline is awesome. We hear that tonight a fella... a bad guy arrives in hospital, giving a shit load of problems for corrupt Atlantic City treasurer Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi). Thompson's bro Eli, the city sheriff (Shea Whigham), to make sure the witness dies in hospital. Michael K. Williams (The Wire's Omar) plays Chalky White, a black leader. It's a bit like a Yankee version of Underbelly, but most critics say the acting and production is much better than the Aussie equivalent. No offence Firass Dirani or John "Vulcan" Seru. Just saying.

Boardwalk Empire official website
http://www.hbo.com/boardwalk-empire

'Gotti: Three Generations'; Travolta...

The flick stars John Travolta as the leader of the legendary and notorious Gambino crime family is: "Gotti: Three Generations." Film spokesman Steve Honig confirmed the title Saturday and says the biopic about "Dapper Don" John Gotti will be shot on a budget of roughly $75 million this year. Honig says details would be released April 12 at a news conference in New York, where the project will be filmed. An insider spoke on condition of anonymity. It will be produced by Marc Fiore and directed by Nick Cassavetes. The infamous mob leader died in prison in 2002. His son, 47-year-old John "Junior" Gotti, sold film rights to Fiore last year for an undisclosed figure.

Sylvester Stallone Movie And Casino Industry Hotshot To Do Rambo Style Fashion...

Living legend Stallone reckons he has what it takes for men's fashion. The 64-year-old actor is working on his own clothing line, inspired by his two iconic characters in "Rambo" and "Rocky,". The collection, set to debut in 2012, will fall under his new men's lifestyle brand Sly Inc. and will feature "looks for the rebel and the gentleman." "I thought the time is now," Stallone said. "I've lived a life where I know what has worked and what hasn't worked. Clothing is the first step to building a character." According to Sly Inc. president Michael Henry, the collection, to be sold in mid-tier department stores like Macy's, will first debut with jeans, shirts, outerwear and watches, and will then follow by eyewear, fragrance, shoes and grooming products. Stallone, who recently starred in "The Expendables" with Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke and Steve Austin, said the idea to start his own line came up when he lost 45 pounds between "Rambo 2" and "Rambo 3." "Nothing fit so I started buying custom clothing," he said."I found out I really like this world." He added, "I pay a great deal of attention to the way I dress. When men learn to put things together, they start taking care of themselves better." I hope that what worked for me will work for others," he said. "I really believe I have an understanding of the male psyche on all levels. I want to expose people to things that will work and this is the apropos time. I'm not experienced in this field, but we have the proper team to move this vision along."

Snoop Dogg Does 'Sin City' Sydney's Star City; Official Presser...

Not only is SNOOP DOGG a living legend in hip-hop, he is also one of the greatest rappers and pop culture icons of our time. In a musical career spanning over two decades, Snoop has amassed an impressive discography consisting of ten solo albums and has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide. He has scored acting roles in over 40 movies, featured in his own reality show and has endorsed numerous pop culture brands. It’s his natural appeal to both the hood and Hollywood that has allowed Snoop to stay tremendously relevant through the years. Since bursting into our consciousness alongside famed producer Dr. Dre on the 1992 classic “The Chronic”, Snoop has remained a constant force in hip-hop and a household name around the world. With 18 Top 20 singles in Australia, including 3 number ones, NELLY is a Grammy Award winning artist that has been topping the charts for over 10 years. With a genre-defying discography, its easy to see why Billboard Magazine recognized Nelly as the #3 artist of the decade (2000-2009). Hailing from St. Louis, Nelly first burst onto the scene with the massive worldwide hit “Country Grammar”, and continued to consistently return to the charts with hit after hit including “Hot in Herre”, “Dilemma” and “Over & Over”. Nelly became a rapper capable of crossing practically all boundaries from the Dirty South to MTV and everything in between. With 21 million album sales under his belt, Nelly is also a successful actor and entrepreneur, owning two clothing lines, Apple Bottoms and Vokal, plus the energy drink Pimp Juice. Nelly’s latest album “5.0” is out now featuring the hit single “Just A Dream” which peaked at #3 on the Aria Charts. *Snoop Dogg has also appeared in various film and TV shows such as Scrubs, Old School, Bigg Snoop Dogg: Raw 'N Uncut Vol. 1, Snoop Dogg: Drop It Like It's Hot, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood", Bigg Snoop Dogg Presents: The Adventures of Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, Snoop Dogg: On the Record with Fuse, Snoop Dogg: On the Record with Fuse - The Lost Tapes, Doggy Dogg: Smokefest 1996 Tour Video, Hood of Horror, Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror, Gang of Horror, Bigg Snoop Dogg's Puff Puff Pass Tour, Youth Authority: California and Snoopadelic Films Presents: Welcome to tha House - The Doggumentary DVD.

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.

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Australian Pokies: Lovers VS Haters; Government, by Greg Tingle - 10th April 2011

Australian pokies reform is dominating Australian news headlines, and insiders say the right has only just began, with both the supporter and detractor sides ready for one hell of a war. Clubs Australia has a $20 million dollar public relations campaign officially commencing tomorrow, but will it work? Media Man and Gambling911 probe the pokies lovers VS haters war with this special report...

It's war on for pokies reform as the 'Tasmanian Devil' (MM satire) independent Andrew Wilkie maintains his rage on current gambling laws, aiming for pre-set gambling limits.

Negotiations between the Labor party and the powerful clubs and pubs lobby dissolved last week, after Clubs Australia rejected the government's offer to increase ATM limits at licensed venues in exchange for pre-commitments on pokies.

In an attempt to delight, some say bribe...independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, Labor was also prepared to grant small pubs and clubs a 2-year introductory period for introducing the reforms, which was also flat out refused. The Labor government has realised they need the support i.e the vote, of 4 of the 6 crossbenchers, which include the independents, to remain in power.

Wilkie has said he will withdraw his vote for the government if it does not introduce mandatory pre-set limits on pokies by 2014.

If the cunning plan goes gets implemented, devices installed on poker machines using smart-card technology will limit losses for problem gamblers. Users can set a predetermined spending limit over a fixed period. Detractors say their are many loopholes and shortcomings in the system, and gamblers will always find a way to gamble, such is the nature of the beast.

Loggerheads between the government and Clubs Australia boss Anthony Ball means the lobby group will drive forward its $20 million advertising campaign, which is set to blitz the Australian TV screens from tomorrow evening. Billboards, a website and more will also support the campaign, created by John Singleton's Banjo agency.

The claim by Clubs Australia that pre-set limits will in fact not help reduce problem gambling has the backing of a leading gambling expert, University of Sydney Professor Alex Blaszczynski.

Clubs NSW claims the introduction of pre-set limits will cost the industry $1.1 billion over four years and newly sworn in Premier Barry O'Farrell has already declared he will oppose any federal measure that gobbles up NSW state revenue.

If green lighted, every pokie down under will also need to either be updated or replaced, which could cost up to $30,000 grant for each 'one armed bandit'.

Windsor has said the legislation required "substantial changes" before he would pledge his support, while Oakeshott has promised 150 club operators in his electorate that he will protect local venues. Queensland federal independent MP Bob Katter has indicated he will vote against the plan.

Wilkie remains confident he will win over the other independents once they are briefed on the details of the plan.

"They will see that it is designed only to diminish problem gambling and does not threaten the livelihood of pubs, clubs and casinos," he said.

One Labor MP said there was a real threat that Oakeshott and Windsor would use the opportunity to halt Wilkie's legislation as "a perfect way out" of their support for Julia Gillard.

"Both (Oakeshott and Windsor) have taken a hiding in their electorates for supporting Labor and if they decide to block the reform legislation they will be doing so in the full knowledge this could mean the end of the government's term."

The MP said many backbenchers believed the poker machine reforms "should have been left to the states to dook it out".

A political strategist, who declined to be named, has told the press that the Gillard-Wilkie deal made the "concessions given to the rural independents look like chicken feed".

"Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor tinkered with parliamentary standards and tweaked the rules of question time," the strategist said. "Andrew Wilkie extracted a promise for major reform in an area that is a political landmine, and is absolutely determined he will see the deal honoured. At all costs, and yes, even the cost of the Labor government."

It's lovers VS haters - what side are you on?

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

*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.

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