Australia media, new media, gaming media and political media continues to have fun and games with the Aussie Government and election coverage. Online and offline censorship, and Australia's telecommunications sector including broadband, publishing and freedom of the press are enjoying solid coverage. Australian media companies and mums and dads keep asking themselves should they trust the Labor government with their vote, including internet and media rights, when they keep internet censorship and the web censorship filter squarely on their agenda. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to make the world aware of Australia's Big Brother censorship directive under the Labor government in their caffeine free report. Can't access it... read up on proxy or whatever...
Australian publishers, both traditional and new media, will be extremely tempted to move their businesses and assets to the United States in the wake of a new law shielding US journos and publishers from defamation from outside the country, a Sydney legal eagle says.
The rather outspoken eagle, Barrister Tim Robertson, SC, who represented US newswire Dow Jones when it was sued by Australian mining tycoon Joseph Gutnick (no, not Twiggy), said the law, signed by President Barack Obama, would be seen as "a line in the sand".
"The law simply reflects the constitutional position in the United States where there is freedom of speech, and there isn't in most other countries," Robertson told wires.
"The US courts, as a matter of public policy, have always refused to enforce defamation verdicts from countries which don't respect free speech rights, and that would include Australia."
He advised the law, which prevents US federal courts from recognising or enforcing a foreign judgment for defamation that is inconsistent with the first amendment of the American Constitution, has serious long-term implications for Australia!
"Unless Australia cleans up its act it will find publishers, such as Australian-based Crikey, relocating to the US, so that their website is published in the US and their assets are in the US," Robertson said.
Media Man, Global Gaming Directory and Casino News Media are already following this tact, and will continue to run more business out of the U.S, Canada, and Europe.
"This will be the incentive for publishers to move there because people won't be able to enforce verdicts against them. Australian "thought police"... are your reading this?
"It's the line in the sand for protection of web publishers.
"It means many web publishers who publish controversial material critical of politicians and business people are going to gravitate to the United States."
Robertson said that the long-running Gutnick case never went to trial and was settled out of court in 2004.
Gutnick had sued Dow Jones because of an article it ran with in Barron's magazine website falsely accusing him of associating with a man who had been jailed for tax evasion and money laundering.
Robertson said 99.9% of Barron's readers were in the US yet Mr Gutnick chose to sue in Victoria.
"This law is a reaction to the long-arm jurisdiction of Australia and British courts in defamation cases - the imperialistic jurisdiction asserted by Australian and UK courts over what is essentially US subject matter," he said.
Supporters of the new law said that so-called "libel tourists" were undermining free speech rights in the first amendment.
A Media Man spokesperson said "With the way the legal system is in Australia, including the freedom of the press situation and complex publishing laws, coupled by red tape and expensive web hosting, little wonder a number of Australian media companies and publishers, including us, are looking to more offshore, be it totally, or 90%. The Labor government is continuing to make it expensive to operate and be based out of Australia. The Australian online and offline censorship is also a real worry. We spoke at the Anti internet filter conference on this and make no mistake, Labor policy is costing black and white Australia jobs. We had to spend extra on legal, such is the media and internet landscape... that's money I had personally earmarked to employ people, including part of the GenerationOne initiative, headed up by Andrew Twiggy Forrest and supported by other Bondi local James Packer (gaming and media tycoon). The Liberal party seems to have better ideas than Labor on employment, technology, indigenous and business. Many Liberal party representatives have ran business's, so they know of the challenges from first hand experience. It seems too many Labor reps have been stuck behind desks and pushing pens for far too long. So, Media Man and others will send more business overseas, especially to the U.S, Canada, and Europe, and that will send a clear message to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her Labor party. We want to support the Aussie battler also, but Australian red tape is starting to turn some medium and big business folks into Aussie battlers, sending us backwards, so its time for us to take action into own own hands. If we wait any longer for Labor to make things right it could further damage our business, so we're not going to give Team Gillard that opportunity. Labor, your time is up. If Liberal win government we will move more of our business operations back to Australia as a sign of support. As leader of the opposition Tony Abbott says, Stand Up Australia... and we are. Liberal's Malcolm Turnbull, former founder of OzEmail, also understands the essence of where we are coming from. Here's to the global economy and freedom of the press".
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on the Australian media, gaming, casino and political wars.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what's your view on censorship, internet censorship and freedom of the press? Could you live without online poker? Do you enjoy adult content (that is legal)? Who are your betting on, and why? Make your voice heard. Tell us in the forum. The big wigs of Australian politics and business read and hang on every word at your beloved Gambling911. From Australia's answer to 'Casino Jack' to 'Outback Jack', they're all here folks. Keep checking daily for updated, Yes Minister, and have another cup of Full Strength Coffee (no caffeine or web filter thanks).
The Late News...
A bush tucker bag of Australian publishers are going online only and are tipped to go for offshore web hosting which is almost already cheaper and of course, the U.S laws re more in favor of traditional media and internet media than Australian laws. Yet another example of the Australian Labor Party costing more jobs for white and black Australia. Media Man continues to collaborate with community groups, GenerationOne and others to help combat Australia's rising unemployment problems. Reporters Without Boarders, Virgin Unite, the U.N and the Electronic Frontiers Foundation will be kept abreast of developments.
If your going to have a bet, please bet 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. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
PartyCasino News: There's No Business Like Snow Business
PartyCasino News: There's No Business Like Snow Business
New Slot Offering Industry's Largest Progressive Seeded Jackpot
Gibraltar - 11th August 2010 – PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, is pleased to announce the arrival of new polar themed jackpot slot ‘Snow Business’. At the start of 2010, PartyCasino.com launched the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry in the form of ‘The Big One’ and brought in classic slot Melon Madness as the slot to crack it. Now Snow Business has joined Melon Madness in offering access to ‘The Big One!’
The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry and currently stands at over $2.1 million. Snow Business is a five-reel, 30 line jackpot slot game with a Free Spins feature. When three or more scattered iceberg symbols appear anywhere in view, the feature screen is displayed where the player is required to catch a random number of fish, each of which reveals a random number of free spins or a random free spins multiplier.
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: "One great feature is Snow Business' super-cool expanding wilds. Love wild slot features but hate hitting them in the wrong place? Just hit the wild symbol and watch as it casts a frosty spell over its neighbours. The wild could expand up, down, left, right or even in all directions across the reels, triggering paylines and landing you more coins. Crack three iceberg symbols and progress to Snow Business's bonus round. hook the fish that bob through the ice to net free spins and rewarding multipliers."
For more information see PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and offers over 150 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players. This year marks the 200th Oktoberfest in Germany and what promises to be the biggest, best and most memorable edition of one of the world’s biggest parties ever! Palladium VIP’s on PartyCasino.com can secure their place there very simply: be one of the first 10 players to collect 10,000 PartyPoints by playing slots and jackpot slots between 16th and 31st August and they will win a package. Please note these packages are for the weekend of the 1st – 3rd October. See: PartyCasino.com for more information.
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New Slot Offering Industry's Largest Progressive Seeded Jackpot
Gibraltar - 11th August 2010 – PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, is pleased to announce the arrival of new polar themed jackpot slot ‘Snow Business’. At the start of 2010, PartyCasino.com launched the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry in the form of ‘The Big One’ and brought in classic slot Melon Madness as the slot to crack it. Now Snow Business has joined Melon Madness in offering access to ‘The Big One!’
The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry and currently stands at over $2.1 million. Snow Business is a five-reel, 30 line jackpot slot game with a Free Spins feature. When three or more scattered iceberg symbols appear anywhere in view, the feature screen is displayed where the player is required to catch a random number of fish, each of which reveals a random number of free spins or a random free spins multiplier.
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: "One great feature is Snow Business' super-cool expanding wilds. Love wild slot features but hate hitting them in the wrong place? Just hit the wild symbol and watch as it casts a frosty spell over its neighbours. The wild could expand up, down, left, right or even in all directions across the reels, triggering paylines and landing you more coins. Crack three iceberg symbols and progress to Snow Business's bonus round. hook the fish that bob through the ice to net free spins and rewarding multipliers."
For more information see PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and offers over 150 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players. This year marks the 200th Oktoberfest in Germany and what promises to be the biggest, best and most memorable edition of one of the world’s biggest parties ever! Palladium VIP’s on PartyCasino.com can secure their place there very simply: be one of the first 10 players to collect 10,000 PartyPoints by playing slots and jackpot slots between 16th and 31st August and they will win a package. Please note these packages are for the weekend of the 1st – 3rd October. See: PartyCasino.com for more information.
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Jockey club dreams of days at the drive-in - 15th March 2010
The Australian Jockey Club has entered the drive-in cinema business. Plans to host drive-ins in the centre of Randwick racecourse from May through to August are being thrashed out in Randwick council. ''It is an exciting new revenue stream for the club which is strategically important,'' AJC acting chief executive Darren Pearce told the Herald. ''It is a different experience going to the drive-in rather than the cinema. We'd like families to experience the fun of the drive-in and we are hoping the council will support this new initiative for the community.'' A giant inflatable screen will be used on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and sound will be broadcast to viewers' car radios. ''It is low impact on the community and low impact on the horses stabled at Randwick,'' Pearce said. (Credit: Fairfax Media)
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Gunned Down Casino Model Holly Graham Finally Faces Crazed Ex In Court, by Greg Tingle
Australian casino news remains all the rage, with crime, revamps and politics dominating the news. Today we update you on Australia's Star City Casino gunman and the ex casino model who is moving forward with her life, beating the odds. Media Man and Gambling911 give you a front row seat at the courtroom.
Star City Casino Gunman Stared Down In Court; Ex Casino Model Moves Forward With Life...
Former model Holly Graham has faced the violent and crazed ex-boyfriend who aimed a hand gun at her and opened fire at Sydney's Star City Casino.
This was the first time the 30-year-old former model and fitness instructor had seen Todd Devaney since he attempted to murder her on 5th May 2008.
She was overheard whispering to her parents that she was "scared". The still attracting and brave Holly said it was important that she was there at the District Court in Sydney when he finally pleaded guilty to the crime.
Holly had not seen the mongrel for close to 5 years on the day she was shot, having cut off their troubled relationship in August 2004.
One needs little imagine to how frightened Holly was when he suddenly emerged inside the exclusive Star City gym, accessible only by members and casino guests.
Devaney proceed to move his right hand from behind his back and revealed a gun, which he cold bloodily pointed at the middle of Holly's, "like something out of the movies", before shooting 3 rounds.
The then casino model turned and ran for her life, "never been so scared".
Round 1 passed through her ribs and a 2nd shattered a glass window. The 3rd hit Holly's lower abdomen and exited close to her right hip.
She was certain death was coming with medical records documenting she was extremely lucky to have not passed away.
Evidence emerged that a casino cleaner who witnessed the shooting advised Devaney turned towards him after opening fire "seeming confident and not afraid as he placed the pistol into his backpack and walked to the fire exit door."
On his way out of the casino he has the nerve to ask a staff member for directions, this time appearing "breathless". Soon after police cornered him in a nearby street where he was sweating profusely and had put on a fake moustache and beard attempting to hide this true identity. Needless to say it didn't work.
In the crims clothing were 3 guns, a latex face mask, a police badge and a set of rosary beads.
A police search of his backpack revealed yet another another police badge, multiple rounds of ammunition, gloves, a balaclava, a black wig and two Star City swipe cards - one to access the gym.
He had gone to some effort to plan and get away with the murder, however his devious vision had been foiled. He was known to be a dangerous and edgy individual and some people were not surprised the evil one has attempted such a crime.
Devaney pleaded guilty to shooting Holly with intent to murder her and 3 counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm.
Outside the court, with a brave smile, Holly said she was lucky to have made a full recovery and that seeing Devaney again had been "nerve-wracking".
"I'm very, very happy he has pleaded guilty. I wanted to hear the words. It means he accepted what he did. I just hope he's put away for a long time."
Happy Holly said she had to summon all of her courage to see him and was helped by her parents and a male friend.
Those close to the former model advise she is moving forward with her life in leaps and bounds.
Media Man has confirmed that security at Star City has been beefed up considerably at the premises since the shooting.
Devaney will be sentenced in red October.
Greg Tingle of Media Man Int. is a Special Contributor to the Gambling911.com Website
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Star City Casino Gunman Stared Down In Court; Ex Casino Model Moves Forward With Life...
Former model Holly Graham has faced the violent and crazed ex-boyfriend who aimed a hand gun at her and opened fire at Sydney's Star City Casino.
This was the first time the 30-year-old former model and fitness instructor had seen Todd Devaney since he attempted to murder her on 5th May 2008.
She was overheard whispering to her parents that she was "scared". The still attracting and brave Holly said it was important that she was there at the District Court in Sydney when he finally pleaded guilty to the crime.
Holly had not seen the mongrel for close to 5 years on the day she was shot, having cut off their troubled relationship in August 2004.
One needs little imagine to how frightened Holly was when he suddenly emerged inside the exclusive Star City gym, accessible only by members and casino guests.
Devaney proceed to move his right hand from behind his back and revealed a gun, which he cold bloodily pointed at the middle of Holly's, "like something out of the movies", before shooting 3 rounds.
The then casino model turned and ran for her life, "never been so scared".
Round 1 passed through her ribs and a 2nd shattered a glass window. The 3rd hit Holly's lower abdomen and exited close to her right hip.
She was certain death was coming with medical records documenting she was extremely lucky to have not passed away.
Evidence emerged that a casino cleaner who witnessed the shooting advised Devaney turned towards him after opening fire "seeming confident and not afraid as he placed the pistol into his backpack and walked to the fire exit door."
On his way out of the casino he has the nerve to ask a staff member for directions, this time appearing "breathless". Soon after police cornered him in a nearby street where he was sweating profusely and had put on a fake moustache and beard attempting to hide this true identity. Needless to say it didn't work.
In the crims clothing were 3 guns, a latex face mask, a police badge and a set of rosary beads.
A police search of his backpack revealed yet another another police badge, multiple rounds of ammunition, gloves, a balaclava, a black wig and two Star City swipe cards - one to access the gym.
He had gone to some effort to plan and get away with the murder, however his devious vision had been foiled. He was known to be a dangerous and edgy individual and some people were not surprised the evil one has attempted such a crime.
Devaney pleaded guilty to shooting Holly with intent to murder her and 3 counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm.
Outside the court, with a brave smile, Holly said she was lucky to have made a full recovery and that seeing Devaney again had been "nerve-wracking".
"I'm very, very happy he has pleaded guilty. I wanted to hear the words. It means he accepted what he did. I just hope he's put away for a long time."
Happy Holly said she had to summon all of her courage to see him and was helped by her parents and a male friend.
Those close to the former model advise she is moving forward with her life in leaps and bounds.
Media Man has confirmed that security at Star City has been beefed up considerably at the premises since the shooting.
Devaney will be sentenced in red October.
Greg Tingle of Media Man Int. is a Special Contributor to the Gambling911.com Website
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010
www.mediaman.com.au is a Hitwise Top 10 Award Winner!
Experian Hitwise Online Top 10 Awards Program
9th August 2010
Dear Greg,
Congratulations! Experian Hitwise is pleased to announce that www.mediaman.com.au is an Experian Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for January - June 2010.
During this period, www.mediaman.com.au ranked No. 8 based on market share of visits among all Australian websites in the Hitwise Entertainment - Personalities industry.
The Hitwise Top 10 Award recognises websites from over 165 industries that are leaders in their industry and brings with it the benefit of using the Hitwise Top 10 Award shield (pictured right).
If you would like to display the award shield on your website please click on the image (or this link) and follow the instructions. To ensure that the purpose of the award is clear, display of the shield is permitted on the condition that a hyperlink to its explanation is included.
If you are not the appropriate person to receive this email, please click here to enter the details of the relevant recipient in your company.
Again, congratulations on your award.
Best regards,
Robyn Anderson
Marketing Communications Manager, ANZ
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9th August 2010
Dear Greg,
Congratulations! Experian Hitwise is pleased to announce that www.mediaman.com.au is an Experian Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for January - June 2010.
During this period, www.mediaman.com.au ranked No. 8 based on market share of visits among all Australian websites in the Hitwise Entertainment - Personalities industry.
The Hitwise Top 10 Award recognises websites from over 165 industries that are leaders in their industry and brings with it the benefit of using the Hitwise Top 10 Award shield (pictured right).
If you would like to display the award shield on your website please click on the image (or this link) and follow the instructions. To ensure that the purpose of the award is clear, display of the shield is permitted on the condition that a hyperlink to its explanation is included.
If you are not the appropriate person to receive this email, please click here to enter the details of the relevant recipient in your company.
Again, congratulations on your award.
Best regards,
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Station Casinos' founding family to remain in control: report
NEW YORK - Bankrupt casino operator Station Casinos Inc. is likely to come out of bankruptcy still remaining under control of its founding family, according to media reports.
A bankruptcy judge determined that a group backed by founder Frank Fertitta's sons Frank and Lorenzo, had made the only qualified bid in an auction for part of the company, leaving them with reins while wiping out much of the company's $5.9 billion in debt, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
The Fertittas, who also own the Ultimate Fighting Championship business, had faced opposition from dissident lenders and rival casino operator Boyd Gaming Co. -- in their attempt to keep control of the casino company's assets after it filed for bankruptcy protection more than a year ago, the Journal said.
The company, started with a single casino about a mile west of the Las Vegas Strip in 1976, assumed $3.3 billion in additional debt when the two brothers took it private with Colony Capital for $8.8 billion in 2007, just as the fortunes of the casino market began to turn, according to the report. (Credit: The Wall Street Journal Digital Network)
A bankruptcy judge determined that a group backed by founder Frank Fertitta's sons Frank and Lorenzo, had made the only qualified bid in an auction for part of the company, leaving them with reins while wiping out much of the company's $5.9 billion in debt, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.
The Fertittas, who also own the Ultimate Fighting Championship business, had faced opposition from dissident lenders and rival casino operator Boyd Gaming Co. -- in their attempt to keep control of the casino company's assets after it filed for bankruptcy protection more than a year ago, the Journal said.
The company, started with a single casino about a mile west of the Las Vegas Strip in 1976, assumed $3.3 billion in additional debt when the two brothers took it private with Colony Capital for $8.8 billion in 2007, just as the fortunes of the casino market began to turn, according to the report. (Credit: The Wall Street Journal Digital Network)
Alabama's biggest casino closes as raid looms - 9th August 2010
SHORTER, Ala. — Victoryland casino closed voluntarily Monday as a court ruling loomed that could allow a raid of Alabama's largest electronic bingo operation, the last non-Indian casino doing business in the state.
Victoryland owner Milton McGregor said the casino was be closing temporarily due to the "legal shenanigans and threats" from Gov. Bob Riley and his gambling task force commander, John Tyson Jr.
Riley and Tyson contend the casino is an illegal slots operation and court rulings in Alabama have made that clear. But McGregor said no court has ruled specifically that Victoryland's machines are in violation of a constitutional amendment allowing bingo that Macon County voters approved.
"The system of government in our state has broken down," McGregor said in a statement.
Macon County's district attorney and sheriff have contended the casino is legal.
Their attorneys had a Monday afternoon deadline from the Alabama Supreme Court to respond to Tyson's request to raid Victoryland and confiscate its 6,000 bingo machines.
It was unclear if the casino's closing might keep state police from entering the building at Shorter, east of Montgomery, and seizing the machines.
Raids and the threat of raids have forced other casinos to close, including Greenetrack in Greene County, where protesters were arrested, and Country Crossing at Dothan, which investors had planned as the centerpiece of a country music-themed entertainment complex.
Indian casinos at Montgomery, Wetumpka and Atmore are under federal regulation, not state, and have continued to offer electronic bingo while Riley's task force has shuttered private operations.
The closing of Victoryland left about 600 employees without a job in a poor, mostly black county that relies heavily on the casino's tax revenues. Riley has said he is obligated to make sure the law is enforced fairly throughout the state despite attempts by "casino bosses."
McGregor said Riley is a "czar" who "should be ashamed of yourself for putting Alabamians out of work in these terrible economic times." (Credit: Google News)
Victoryland owner Milton McGregor said the casino was be closing temporarily due to the "legal shenanigans and threats" from Gov. Bob Riley and his gambling task force commander, John Tyson Jr.
Riley and Tyson contend the casino is an illegal slots operation and court rulings in Alabama have made that clear. But McGregor said no court has ruled specifically that Victoryland's machines are in violation of a constitutional amendment allowing bingo that Macon County voters approved.
"The system of government in our state has broken down," McGregor said in a statement.
Macon County's district attorney and sheriff have contended the casino is legal.
Their attorneys had a Monday afternoon deadline from the Alabama Supreme Court to respond to Tyson's request to raid Victoryland and confiscate its 6,000 bingo machines.
It was unclear if the casino's closing might keep state police from entering the building at Shorter, east of Montgomery, and seizing the machines.
Raids and the threat of raids have forced other casinos to close, including Greenetrack in Greene County, where protesters were arrested, and Country Crossing at Dothan, which investors had planned as the centerpiece of a country music-themed entertainment complex.
Indian casinos at Montgomery, Wetumpka and Atmore are under federal regulation, not state, and have continued to offer electronic bingo while Riley's task force has shuttered private operations.
The closing of Victoryland left about 600 employees without a job in a poor, mostly black county that relies heavily on the casino's tax revenues. Riley has said he is obligated to make sure the law is enforced fairly throughout the state despite attempts by "casino bosses."
McGregor said Riley is a "czar" who "should be ashamed of yourself for putting Alabamians out of work in these terrible economic times." (Credit: Google News)
Monday, August 09, 2010
Australian Casino Wars: Tabcorp No Casualty (Yet), by Greg Tingle - 9th August 2010
Australian casino wars continue on as Tabcorp defends its position to further invest into its Star City Casino based in Sydney, Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast, Conrad Treasury in Brisbane, Queensland, and whispers of another casino or two in the works. Crown Limited's casino James Packer may be sailing the high seas abroad in his Arctic P vessel, but rest assured this army generals, chief of staff, second lieutenant and the like are in the war room plotting as the 'Art Of War' continues. Media Man and Gambling911 on the battlefield... ah, incoming!...
Tabcorp Holdings told the press it is gradually becoming a casino company to take advantage of favourable regulatory conditions and boost its bottom line.
Tabcorp chief Elmer "Funky Fudd" (affectionate satire tag) Funke Kupper told ABC TV's Inside Business program on Sunday that casinos would play a larger role as a consequence of the way the business was structured.
Funke Kupper said significant investment in its New South Wales casino business was expected to generate a return of approximately 14 to 15% and eventually comprise 50% or more of the firm, while gaming would fall to roughly 22% of the company.
"In Victoria, the licence would fall away in 2012. That will make gaming a smaller part of our business and at the same time we're making very significant investments in our casinos business," he told the press.
"We're doing that because that's where we have the right conditions - long-term licences, attractive markets and opportunity for growth. So the outcome is that we'll become more of a casino business as a result of the investments that we're making."
This past Thursday, Funke Kupper attributed Tabcorp's lower normalised net profit on weak gaming market conditions in Victoria and Queensland. Competitor Crown Limited isn't talking up the "week gaming market conditions" as much as Tabcorp according to a number of Asia Pacific based analysts.
Tabcorp booked a 10% fall in reported net profit for the 2010 financial year to $469.5 million, down from $521.7 million in the prior year.
Normalised net profit, which takes into account variations in the win rate against high-rolling gamblers, was down 3.8% at $477.3 million.
Tabcorp also announced it would spend an extra $285 million on the redevelopment of Star City, boosting total capital investment on its Sydney casino to $860 million, up from $575 mill.
Funke Kupper said the addition to Star City Casino of a 3000-seat, multi-purpose entertainment venue for major events, conferences and exhibitions plus VIP customer facilities would fulfill the total potential of the market.
The entertainment venue would generate traffic (people - likely not internet) and a brand that would work for the entire casino, he said.
"It will be OK in its own right but, of course, the profitability of things like gaming is higher. What we're creating here is not an events centre; what we're creating is an entertainment destination, and if you look at the size of Sydney relative to any other market in this country, it's by far the biggest market, and if you look at what other casinos are investing, an investment of close to a billion dollars actually makes sense."
Funk Kupper said VIP investment was warranted because it was a high-growth market with untapped potential.
"With the infrastructure we're building at Star City, we have the opportunity to offer the right product to that consumer so we think the business case for that is actually the easiest one out of all the things that we're doing, given the attraction of Sydney, the property that we're building and the size of that market."
Queensland Government To Allow More Poker Machines?...
The Queensland Government is under missile attack also. Not by casinos, but by anti gambling and gaming campaigners (not again we hear you sigh). The heat...policy towards poker machines apparently.
Tabcorp is of course plotting and planning to expand its casinos in Queensland, including Brisbane City, but it the acquisition of 1,000 gaming machine licences is part of its 'Art Of War' war chest... a not so secret weapon. It involves Tabcorp purchasing existing licences from pubs and clubs. World Vision Australia (a god - religion based charity) chief exec Tim Costello has been lobbying hard against poker machines for years. The man of God says Queensland has an oversupply, with 47,000 machines compared to Victoria's 30,000. "It's because your Government has been able to slip them in under the radar rather than raising taxes ... almost certainly without telling the public that pokies, after drugs, are the second source of crime at the Victorian Justice Department report," he said. Treasurer Andrew Fraser says the Government has yet to decide whether to permit the trading of licences between the casino industry and pubs and clubs.
"By no means are we as a Government saying that that's something that we are endorsing. But it is something that we've said we'll talk to the clubs and hotels about - what does this deliver? It means no net new increases in poker machines but it does mean the potential for significant tourism redevelopment on the Gold Coast and also a brand new five-star hotel in Brisbane."
For the record team Media Man believes in God and Jesus, but is not in a bible bashing type sector.
A Media Man International spokesperson said "Media Man is spiritual and believes in God, but doesn't let it dirty the water with politics and law. MM is more into sharing wealth... sort of like a Robin Hood... from the rich, to the poor. Helping spread funds across society. The gaming industry has remained one of the most recession resistant sectors of the 12 we cover. Our friends at Crown Limited and Tabcorp are also weathering the storm better than many also. State and Federal government also appear to have seen the light. Little wonder that land based casinos are starting to integrate more igaming and online elements into their operation - its the future".
This past Friday Tabcorp shares closed 10 cents lower, or 1.5% at $6.66 (superstitious readers may note that a variation on the "devils number". Aussie Mark 'The Turkey' Webber got #6 off pole position in last weeks F1 race, but went on to win. 6 - a good or bad omen?
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Star City Casino
Australian Casinos
Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Casino War
The Late News...
Crown Casino and Burswood Entertainment Complete budgets likely to further open up, partly in response to aggressive moves and counter strike by Tabcorp. City Of Dreams, Macau, part of Packer's holistic approach. More world class events planned for City of Dreams and Crown, adding to total entertainment experience. Crown playing cards right with Australian government powers that be and further online strategy in the works. Crown aware of public's online gaming wish list. PartyGaming and IGT online games on radar of Crown Limited. PartyPoker b2b online poker satellite qualifiers likely to start again circa November 2010, ready for January 2011 'Aussie Millions'.
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. And that's an order, Sergent Slaughter. Stand at ease soldiers. Speak easy.
Shares
Tabcorp $6.66
Crown Limited $8.090
Tatts Group Ltd $2.41
Centrebet $1.375
Aristocrat Leisure Limited $3.670
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Wrap Up...
Readers, do you think Tabcorp are doing the right thing by investing so much money in their Australian casinos? Who will win in the Tabcorp VS Crown Limited war? Tell us in the forum.
More background on the Australian Casino Wars...
'Australian Casino Wars: Casualties Upcoming?'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australian-casino-wars-causalities-upcoming-080510.html
Readers, another friendly reminder...know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Tabcorp Holdings told the press it is gradually becoming a casino company to take advantage of favourable regulatory conditions and boost its bottom line.
Tabcorp chief Elmer "Funky Fudd" (affectionate satire tag) Funke Kupper told ABC TV's Inside Business program on Sunday that casinos would play a larger role as a consequence of the way the business was structured.
Funke Kupper said significant investment in its New South Wales casino business was expected to generate a return of approximately 14 to 15% and eventually comprise 50% or more of the firm, while gaming would fall to roughly 22% of the company.
"In Victoria, the licence would fall away in 2012. That will make gaming a smaller part of our business and at the same time we're making very significant investments in our casinos business," he told the press.
"We're doing that because that's where we have the right conditions - long-term licences, attractive markets and opportunity for growth. So the outcome is that we'll become more of a casino business as a result of the investments that we're making."
This past Thursday, Funke Kupper attributed Tabcorp's lower normalised net profit on weak gaming market conditions in Victoria and Queensland. Competitor Crown Limited isn't talking up the "week gaming market conditions" as much as Tabcorp according to a number of Asia Pacific based analysts.
Tabcorp booked a 10% fall in reported net profit for the 2010 financial year to $469.5 million, down from $521.7 million in the prior year.
Normalised net profit, which takes into account variations in the win rate against high-rolling gamblers, was down 3.8% at $477.3 million.
Tabcorp also announced it would spend an extra $285 million on the redevelopment of Star City, boosting total capital investment on its Sydney casino to $860 million, up from $575 mill.
Funke Kupper said the addition to Star City Casino of a 3000-seat, multi-purpose entertainment venue for major events, conferences and exhibitions plus VIP customer facilities would fulfill the total potential of the market.
The entertainment venue would generate traffic (people - likely not internet) and a brand that would work for the entire casino, he said.
"It will be OK in its own right but, of course, the profitability of things like gaming is higher. What we're creating here is not an events centre; what we're creating is an entertainment destination, and if you look at the size of Sydney relative to any other market in this country, it's by far the biggest market, and if you look at what other casinos are investing, an investment of close to a billion dollars actually makes sense."
Funk Kupper said VIP investment was warranted because it was a high-growth market with untapped potential.
"With the infrastructure we're building at Star City, we have the opportunity to offer the right product to that consumer so we think the business case for that is actually the easiest one out of all the things that we're doing, given the attraction of Sydney, the property that we're building and the size of that market."
Queensland Government To Allow More Poker Machines?...
The Queensland Government is under missile attack also. Not by casinos, but by anti gambling and gaming campaigners (not again we hear you sigh). The heat...policy towards poker machines apparently.
Tabcorp is of course plotting and planning to expand its casinos in Queensland, including Brisbane City, but it the acquisition of 1,000 gaming machine licences is part of its 'Art Of War' war chest... a not so secret weapon. It involves Tabcorp purchasing existing licences from pubs and clubs. World Vision Australia (a god - religion based charity) chief exec Tim Costello has been lobbying hard against poker machines for years. The man of God says Queensland has an oversupply, with 47,000 machines compared to Victoria's 30,000. "It's because your Government has been able to slip them in under the radar rather than raising taxes ... almost certainly without telling the public that pokies, after drugs, are the second source of crime at the Victorian Justice Department report," he said. Treasurer Andrew Fraser says the Government has yet to decide whether to permit the trading of licences between the casino industry and pubs and clubs.
"By no means are we as a Government saying that that's something that we are endorsing. But it is something that we've said we'll talk to the clubs and hotels about - what does this deliver? It means no net new increases in poker machines but it does mean the potential for significant tourism redevelopment on the Gold Coast and also a brand new five-star hotel in Brisbane."
For the record team Media Man believes in God and Jesus, but is not in a bible bashing type sector.
A Media Man International spokesperson said "Media Man is spiritual and believes in God, but doesn't let it dirty the water with politics and law. MM is more into sharing wealth... sort of like a Robin Hood... from the rich, to the poor. Helping spread funds across society. The gaming industry has remained one of the most recession resistant sectors of the 12 we cover. Our friends at Crown Limited and Tabcorp are also weathering the storm better than many also. State and Federal government also appear to have seen the light. Little wonder that land based casinos are starting to integrate more igaming and online elements into their operation - its the future".
This past Friday Tabcorp shares closed 10 cents lower, or 1.5% at $6.66 (superstitious readers may note that a variation on the "devils number". Aussie Mark 'The Turkey' Webber got #6 off pole position in last weeks F1 race, but went on to win. 6 - a good or bad omen?
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Star City Casino
Australian Casinos
Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Casino War
The Late News...
Crown Casino and Burswood Entertainment Complete budgets likely to further open up, partly in response to aggressive moves and counter strike by Tabcorp. City Of Dreams, Macau, part of Packer's holistic approach. More world class events planned for City of Dreams and Crown, adding to total entertainment experience. Crown playing cards right with Australian government powers that be and further online strategy in the works. Crown aware of public's online gaming wish list. PartyGaming and IGT online games on radar of Crown Limited. PartyPoker b2b online poker satellite qualifiers likely to start again circa November 2010, ready for January 2011 'Aussie Millions'.
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. And that's an order, Sergent Slaughter. Stand at ease soldiers. Speak easy.
Shares
Tabcorp $6.66
Crown Limited $8.090
Tatts Group Ltd $2.41
Centrebet $1.375
Aristocrat Leisure Limited $3.670
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Star City Casino
Crown Casino
Tabcorp Holdings
Australian Casinos
Aussie Millions
PartyPoker.com
PartyGaming
Wrap Up...
Readers, do you think Tabcorp are doing the right thing by investing so much money in their Australian casinos? Who will win in the Tabcorp VS Crown Limited war? Tell us in the forum.
More background on the Australian Casino Wars...
'Australian Casino Wars: Casualties Upcoming?'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australian-casino-wars-causalities-upcoming-080510.html
Readers, another friendly reminder...know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Sunday, August 08, 2010
Virgin Bingo On Fire With George and the Dragon
Virgin Bingo has just launched a hot new casino slot to tempt online bingo fans to its rooms. The eagerly awaited St. George and the Dragon video slot game is finally here - and it has caused a firey reaction!
Virgin Bingo has just released the St. George and the Dragon slots game onto its eager public. This is a traditional 5 reel 25 pay line slot with a progressive jackpot, special feature games and exploding reels!
Players steer George through his battles with the dragon in his attempt to rescue the princess. The exploding reels are triggered when a winning combination of images is displayed on the reels in consecutive order through reels one to five.
The bonus feature will be activated when the Dragon bonus symbol appears on reels one, three and five. Dress George in the correct clothing and armour to ensure he is well prepared to rescue the princess!
Players can bet up to £2 per line to a total maximum bet of £50 per spin. The minimum bet is 0.01 – so this is a slot game suitable for all bank rolls.
Virgin Bingo has also released the Multi Balls bingo game onto its awaiting public.
Multi Balls plays on Virtue Fusion software (owned by Playtech) and has six different characters to play with. In order to win, players have to get groups of five or more balls of the same character adjacent to each other either vertically or horizontally.
The Multi Balls bingo game at Virgin Bingo pays out a larger share of the community jackpot to players higher up the leader board. So this means the jackpot just keeps on growing! The stake per game is 25p but as with all bingo, players can play more than one ticket at a time.
In addition to these great new games, Virgin Bingo is also giving away some amazing prizes this summer, including a superb 42 inch flat screen television and a holiday to New York. So check out all the action - Virgin Bingo is on fire this summer!
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Virgin Bingo has just released the St. George and the Dragon slots game onto its eager public. This is a traditional 5 reel 25 pay line slot with a progressive jackpot, special feature games and exploding reels!
Players steer George through his battles with the dragon in his attempt to rescue the princess. The exploding reels are triggered when a winning combination of images is displayed on the reels in consecutive order through reels one to five.
The bonus feature will be activated when the Dragon bonus symbol appears on reels one, three and five. Dress George in the correct clothing and armour to ensure he is well prepared to rescue the princess!
Players can bet up to £2 per line to a total maximum bet of £50 per spin. The minimum bet is 0.01 – so this is a slot game suitable for all bank rolls.
Virgin Bingo has also released the Multi Balls bingo game onto its awaiting public.
Multi Balls plays on Virtue Fusion software (owned by Playtech) and has six different characters to play with. In order to win, players have to get groups of five or more balls of the same character adjacent to each other either vertically or horizontally.
The Multi Balls bingo game at Virgin Bingo pays out a larger share of the community jackpot to players higher up the leader board. So this means the jackpot just keeps on growing! The stake per game is 25p but as with all bingo, players can play more than one ticket at a time.
In addition to these great new games, Virgin Bingo is also giving away some amazing prizes this summer, including a superb 42 inch flat screen television and a holiday to New York. So check out all the action - Virgin Bingo is on fire this summer!
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Our party is united, says Abbott - 8th August 2010
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has taken to the stage at the coalition's campaign launch in Brisbane to rapturous applause from the party faithful.
Mr Abbott entered the Queensland Performing Arts Centre's main auditorium with the coalition's campaign song - "Stand up for real action" - booming in the background.
He was accompanied by his wife Margie and two of his three daughters.
"Well, isn't it great to lead a united political party with a deputy I can trust, a predecessor who's a friend and a former prime minister who's a hero," Mr Abbott began his speech.
Mr Abbott said Labor believed the election was all about them.
"They're worried about who gets the top job, while the opposition wants to create more jobs," he said.
"They're worried about their own squabbles, while we want to help you through your struggles.
"They react only to a bad poll, while we respond to your concerns.
"They will do anything to win, while we know that we must do everything to secure your future."
The coalition face a "historic challenge", Mr Abbott said.
"Our task is nothing less than to save Australia from the worst government in its history," he said.
Mr Abbott said Prime Minister Julia Gillard's attempts to fix the mining tax, stop the boats and come up with a new climate change policy had all failed.
"Its policy to deal with climate change is one of the greatest failures of nerve ever seen from an Australian government," said the man who took the Liberal leadership with the promise of opposing Labor's emissions trading scheme.
Mr Abbott said the internal divisions within Labor were a soap opera.
"It's time to end this soap opera and give Australia back a grown up government."
Mr Abbott said the coalition would reach out to voters who were tired of federal Labor behaving like a dysfunctional state Labor government.
The coalition would restore "honour and integrity" to public life, he said.
"Let's bury an era of gutless spin and give our country a fresh start where politicians say what they mean and do what they say," he said.
Mr Abbott announced a debt-reduction task force, co-chaired by treasury spokesman Joe Hockey and finance spokesman Andrew Robb, would be established in week one of a coalition government.
It would look at Labor's books and draw up a plan to start repaying the national debt.
"In month one, an economic statement will be issued, outlining Australia's risks and opportunities and the new government's response to them," he said.
(Credit: AAP)
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Mr Abbott entered the Queensland Performing Arts Centre's main auditorium with the coalition's campaign song - "Stand up for real action" - booming in the background.
He was accompanied by his wife Margie and two of his three daughters.
"Well, isn't it great to lead a united political party with a deputy I can trust, a predecessor who's a friend and a former prime minister who's a hero," Mr Abbott began his speech.
Mr Abbott said Labor believed the election was all about them.
"They're worried about who gets the top job, while the opposition wants to create more jobs," he said.
"They're worried about their own squabbles, while we want to help you through your struggles.
"They react only to a bad poll, while we respond to your concerns.
"They will do anything to win, while we know that we must do everything to secure your future."
The coalition face a "historic challenge", Mr Abbott said.
"Our task is nothing less than to save Australia from the worst government in its history," he said.
Mr Abbott said Prime Minister Julia Gillard's attempts to fix the mining tax, stop the boats and come up with a new climate change policy had all failed.
"Its policy to deal with climate change is one of the greatest failures of nerve ever seen from an Australian government," said the man who took the Liberal leadership with the promise of opposing Labor's emissions trading scheme.
Mr Abbott said the internal divisions within Labor were a soap opera.
"It's time to end this soap opera and give Australia back a grown up government."
Mr Abbott said the coalition would reach out to voters who were tired of federal Labor behaving like a dysfunctional state Labor government.
The coalition would restore "honour and integrity" to public life, he said.
"Let's bury an era of gutless spin and give our country a fresh start where politicians say what they mean and do what they say," he said.
Mr Abbott announced a debt-reduction task force, co-chaired by treasury spokesman Joe Hockey and finance spokesman Andrew Robb, would be established in week one of a coalition government.
It would look at Labor's books and draw up a plan to start repaying the national debt.
"In month one, an economic statement will be issued, outlining Australia's risks and opportunities and the new government's response to them," he said.
(Credit: AAP)
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Media Man Team Cheers On City 2 Surf At Bondi Beach; Friendly Ambush Marketing - 8th August 2010
Media Man Team Cheers On City 2 Surf At Bondi Beach; Friendly Ambush Marketing
The annual City 2 Surf fun run took place today.
Celebrating its 40th year, over 80,000 runners participated in perfect Sydney weather.
The race was won by Ben St Lawrence upsetting race favourite Micheal Shelley at the post to snatch Sydney's 14km City 2 Surf run in an official time of 41:05mins.
The first woman to cross was the line was Lara Tamsett, the favourite for the race, who completed the course in just under 47 minutes.
Olympic swimming champion Grant Hackett fired the starting gun at 8.30am AEST. Hackett then joined the race after climbing down from his cherry picker perch.
Seems news media was all over the event, from ABC, SBS, 7, 9, Ten, OneHD, Fox Sports, and Bondi's own Media Man.
A bit of an ambush marketing effort dominated Bondi Beach, reminiscent of the World Cup "Buxom Barvaria Beer Babes", but a sea of giant hand-like fingers waved in their air.
Team Media Man cheers on from the finish line at Bondi Beach, represented by Greg Tingle, Su Fenn and an "undercover operative" with attention grabbing giant hands / fingers in their hands sporting a Media Man mates' company logo - Messages On Hold. The commentator on the mix roared "Wave Your Hands In The Air", and the crowd followed to cue. A number of Malcolm Turnbull and Nova96.5 flyer's and promos were also spotted.
The finish has already been broadcast on a state, national and international scale, and yes, you can see the giant hands in some of the replays. Keep an eye out for Dave "Hughsy" Hughes, regular 7PM project personality and comedian, who slaps the giant hands. Superman and Jesus were also in the mix of celebrity runners.
A Media Man spokesperson advised "Any exposure generated from us and our Messages On Hold Mate, Kym Illman, will help fuel awareness of worthy causes and campaigns we assist including GenerationOne, The Salvation Army, beyondblue, The Rough Edges, The Exodus Foundation, and Sea Shepherd. Our business model often has the effect where the more exposure, online or offline, we muster, the more business and revenue comes in, thus allowing us to keep supporting worthy social causes."
Bondi Beach based mega entrepreneur, James Packer, may be out sailing the high seas abroad, but team Media Man was out in force celebrating and participating in Bondi's most famous annual happening.
Well done to everyone involved, be it racers, medical, media, volunteers, charity, police and so it goes on.
To participate or even to attend was to win. Certainly the Sydney and Bondi Beach economy won today, and of course its all good fodder for newspapers, magazines and newspapers.
See you all there again next year champions.
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The annual City 2 Surf fun run took place today.
Celebrating its 40th year, over 80,000 runners participated in perfect Sydney weather.
The race was won by Ben St Lawrence upsetting race favourite Micheal Shelley at the post to snatch Sydney's 14km City 2 Surf run in an official time of 41:05mins.
The first woman to cross was the line was Lara Tamsett, the favourite for the race, who completed the course in just under 47 minutes.
Olympic swimming champion Grant Hackett fired the starting gun at 8.30am AEST. Hackett then joined the race after climbing down from his cherry picker perch.
Seems news media was all over the event, from ABC, SBS, 7, 9, Ten, OneHD, Fox Sports, and Bondi's own Media Man.
A bit of an ambush marketing effort dominated Bondi Beach, reminiscent of the World Cup "Buxom Barvaria Beer Babes", but a sea of giant hand-like fingers waved in their air.
Team Media Man cheers on from the finish line at Bondi Beach, represented by Greg Tingle, Su Fenn and an "undercover operative" with attention grabbing giant hands / fingers in their hands sporting a Media Man mates' company logo - Messages On Hold. The commentator on the mix roared "Wave Your Hands In The Air", and the crowd followed to cue. A number of Malcolm Turnbull and Nova96.5 flyer's and promos were also spotted.
The finish has already been broadcast on a state, national and international scale, and yes, you can see the giant hands in some of the replays. Keep an eye out for Dave "Hughsy" Hughes, regular 7PM project personality and comedian, who slaps the giant hands. Superman and Jesus were also in the mix of celebrity runners.
A Media Man spokesperson advised "Any exposure generated from us and our Messages On Hold Mate, Kym Illman, will help fuel awareness of worthy causes and campaigns we assist including GenerationOne, The Salvation Army, beyondblue, The Rough Edges, The Exodus Foundation, and Sea Shepherd. Our business model often has the effect where the more exposure, online or offline, we muster, the more business and revenue comes in, thus allowing us to keep supporting worthy social causes."
Bondi Beach based mega entrepreneur, James Packer, may be out sailing the high seas abroad, but team Media Man was out in force celebrating and participating in Bondi's most famous annual happening.
Well done to everyone involved, be it racers, medical, media, volunteers, charity, police and so it goes on.
To participate or even to attend was to win. Certainly the Sydney and Bondi Beach economy won today, and of course its all good fodder for newspapers, magazines and newspapers.
See you all there again next year champions.
Media Man Profiles
Media Man
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City 2 Surf
Ambush Marketing
Bondi Beach
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Saturday, August 07, 2010
Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion
Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion
Never completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his ever growing "war chest", even while sailing the high seas in his Artic P, with both Melbourne based Crown Casino and Perth's Burswood to get major boosts, adding to the giant chess board in the world renown Aussie casino wars.
Crown Casino is in advanced stages of planning a significant redevelopment of the Southbank promenade that will further increase the casino's floor space, including extra gaming areas. Punters, be it whales, dolphins, tuna or other will be pleased.
The strategic chess move is in fact the biggest redevelopment of the promenade since Crown relocated to the banks of the scenic Yarra River in 1997. At least 6 restaurants along Southbank will either be redeveloped or replaced and planter boxes will be replaced by new landscaping along the waterfront.
These moves will bring new life to the promenade, making the casino complex more relaxing, accessible and providing more room for gambling and dining (including drinking).
Fairfax Media advise that revamp plans show a new gambling area above the Lucky Chan restaurant. The Waterfront and Cafe Greco restaurants will be replaced by a giant 300-seat Atlantic seafood restaurant.
The casino has lodged a planning application with the state government called the 'Crown Promenade Masterplan' to rework the Southbank precinct between Spencer St and Queens Bridge St.
The massive project is forecast to take 2 to 3 years to complete, should it get the green light from the state government.
Crown could not (or would not - speculation only) say how much the refurbishment would cost or how much larger the famed casino would be in the aftermath.
In a very sweet and smart deal, er... agreement, it remunerates the state government $1 a year rent on its Southbank location under a deal which lasts until 2034. Yes, you read correctly folks - $1 per year rent. Pluck a duck... we're paying too much for our Bondi Beach digs.
Casinos spokesman, Gary O'Neill, advised some of the expansion of the gaming floor was linked to the casino's deal with the state government last year to provide an additional 150 gambling tables. Shuffle up and deal with red hot poker, war and more. Cool.
O'Neill said the Southbank refurbishment was "part of our strategy to grow the number of international tourists visiting Crown and Melbourne. Under the terms of the legislation setting up the casino in the first instance, Crown is charged with maintaining a world-class and internationally competitive facility,".
He said the new Atlantic restaurant was expected to open early next year but no date had been set.
Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told reporters last year after the new tables were approved "If people ultimately want to have the boiled-sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled-gold, dark chocolate experience, they're going to keep coming to Melbourne, and we're going to ensure that."
Crown executives have now met Department of Planning officials to discuss the master plan and a duplicate copy has been whipped away pronto to the Melbourne City Council for kind consideration.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello, always up for a quote or wise crack, criticised the casino expansion plans. "Again it proves that 'ministers of the crown' has a particular meaning in Victoria. They (Crown) get whatever they want as the first citizen," he said. Tim, we understand your passion and being a man of God and all, but mate, its getting very long in the tooth. It's about tourism, jobs (and business).
The man of God (we believe too ok) said the expansion failed the "commonsense test" as the community was opposed to more gambling in Victoria? Who said... did you do your own survey?
Gamblers lost $1.2 billion at Crown in the 2008-09 financial year and the state government collected $136 million in taxes. How much gamblers won has proved to be a challenge to find out, even for the Media Man group.
Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for the Gaming Minister, went on record with "In December last year there was bipartisan approval so the casino could expand its gaming operations." Nuff said.
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Numbers...
Return On Investment - circa 2013.
450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).
Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.
"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.
Never completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his ever growing "war chest", even while sailing the high seas in his Artic P, with both Melbourne based Crown Casino and Perth's Burswood to get major boosts, adding to the giant chess board in the world renown Aussie casino wars.
Crown Casino is in advanced stages of planning a significant redevelopment of the Southbank promenade that will further increase the casino's floor space, including extra gaming areas. Punters, be it whales, dolphins, tuna or other will be pleased.
The strategic chess move is in fact the biggest redevelopment of the promenade since Crown relocated to the banks of the scenic Yarra River in 1997. At least 6 restaurants along Southbank will either be redeveloped or replaced and planter boxes will be replaced by new landscaping along the waterfront.
These moves will bring new life to the promenade, making the casino complex more relaxing, accessible and providing more room for gambling and dining (including drinking).
Fairfax Media advise that revamp plans show a new gambling area above the Lucky Chan restaurant. The Waterfront and Cafe Greco restaurants will be replaced by a giant 300-seat Atlantic seafood restaurant.
The casino has lodged a planning application with the state government called the 'Crown Promenade Masterplan' to rework the Southbank precinct between Spencer St and Queens Bridge St.
The massive project is forecast to take 2 to 3 years to complete, should it get the green light from the state government.
Crown could not (or would not - speculation only) say how much the refurbishment would cost or how much larger the famed casino would be in the aftermath.
In a very sweet and smart deal, er... agreement, it remunerates the state government $1 a year rent on its Southbank location under a deal which lasts until 2034. Yes, you read correctly folks - $1 per year rent. Pluck a duck... we're paying too much for our Bondi Beach digs.
Casinos spokesman, Gary O'Neill, advised some of the expansion of the gaming floor was linked to the casino's deal with the state government last year to provide an additional 150 gambling tables. Shuffle up and deal with red hot poker, war and more. Cool.
O'Neill said the Southbank refurbishment was "part of our strategy to grow the number of international tourists visiting Crown and Melbourne. Under the terms of the legislation setting up the casino in the first instance, Crown is charged with maintaining a world-class and internationally competitive facility,".
He said the new Atlantic restaurant was expected to open early next year but no date had been set.
Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told reporters last year after the new tables were approved "If people ultimately want to have the boiled-sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled-gold, dark chocolate experience, they're going to keep coming to Melbourne, and we're going to ensure that."
Crown executives have now met Department of Planning officials to discuss the master plan and a duplicate copy has been whipped away pronto to the Melbourne City Council for kind consideration.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello, always up for a quote or wise crack, criticised the casino expansion plans. "Again it proves that 'ministers of the crown' has a particular meaning in Victoria. They (Crown) get whatever they want as the first citizen," he said. Tim, we understand your passion and being a man of God and all, but mate, its getting very long in the tooth. It's about tourism, jobs (and business).
The man of God (we believe too ok) said the expansion failed the "commonsense test" as the community was opposed to more gambling in Victoria? Who said... did you do your own survey?
Gamblers lost $1.2 billion at Crown in the 2008-09 financial year and the state government collected $136 million in taxes. How much gamblers won has proved to be a challenge to find out, even for the Media Man group.
Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for the Gaming Minister, went on record with "In December last year there was bipartisan approval so the casino could expand its gaming operations." Nuff said.
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Numbers...
Return On Investment - circa 2013.
450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).
Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.
"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.
PartyCasino Offers 10 Packages To Landmark Oktoberfest
PartyCasino Offers 10 Packages To Landmark Oktoberfest
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6th August 2010 – This year marks the 200th Oktoberfest and what promises to be the biggest, best and most memorable edition of one of the world’s biggest parties ever! Palladium VIP’s on PartyCasino.com can secure their place there very simply: be one of the first 10 players to collect 10,000 PartyPoints by playing slots and jackpot slots between 16th and 31st August and they will win a package.
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: “Once all 10 packages have been claimed the promotion is over, so it is first come first served! The Palladium VIP hospitality at Oktoberfest is already legendary and with the big beer party celebrating its 200th birthday this year promises to be even bigger. PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry so customers are spoiled for choice for games through which to earn the points needed to secure the trip to Germany’s biggest party.”
The package is from 24th – 26th September and includes:
·Two night’s accommodation, with breakfast, at a five-star hotel in Munich for the winner and a guest.
·Dinner with an open bar followed by a poker tournament in the Davidoff Lounge at the Allianz Arena.
·Activity or Spa treatment.
·Two passes to the Oktoberfest on Saturday night.
·Entry to a VIP party at Pacha nightclub.
·Exclusive VIP hospitality provided by Palladium VIP’s expert events team, on hand and available to you throughout your trip.
Please note that customers have to opt-in to this promotion.
PartyPoker.com also has 35 Oktoberfest prize packages available through a promotion that is running now until the 29th August. See: PartyPoker.com
Palladium VIP’s had a memorable trip to the Oktoberfest last year. See: Palladium Lounge
PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Governments of Gibraltar, Italy and France and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. The Group is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.
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6th August 2010 – This year marks the 200th Oktoberfest and what promises to be the biggest, best and most memorable edition of one of the world’s biggest parties ever! Palladium VIP’s on PartyCasino.com can secure their place there very simply: be one of the first 10 players to collect 10,000 PartyPoints by playing slots and jackpot slots between 16th and 31st August and they will win a package.
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: “Once all 10 packages have been claimed the promotion is over, so it is first come first served! The Palladium VIP hospitality at Oktoberfest is already legendary and with the big beer party celebrating its 200th birthday this year promises to be even bigger. PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry so customers are spoiled for choice for games through which to earn the points needed to secure the trip to Germany’s biggest party.”
The package is from 24th – 26th September and includes:
·Two night’s accommodation, with breakfast, at a five-star hotel in Munich for the winner and a guest.
·Dinner with an open bar followed by a poker tournament in the Davidoff Lounge at the Allianz Arena.
·Activity or Spa treatment.
·Two passes to the Oktoberfest on Saturday night.
·Entry to a VIP party at Pacha nightclub.
·Exclusive VIP hospitality provided by Palladium VIP’s expert events team, on hand and available to you throughout your trip.
Please note that customers have to opt-in to this promotion.
PartyPoker.com also has 35 Oktoberfest prize packages available through a promotion that is running now until the 29th August. See: PartyPoker.com
Palladium VIP’s had a memorable trip to the Oktoberfest last year. See: Palladium Lounge
PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Governments of Gibraltar, Italy and France and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. The Group is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.
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Friday, August 06, 2010
PartyGaming News: Half year report for the six months ended 30 June 2010
PartyGaming News: Half year report for the six months ended 30 June 2010
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Total revenue up 30% to €181.2m (2009: €139.9m) driven by acquisitions and strong growth in casino and sports betting
Continuing Clean EBITDA* up 14% to €48.1m (2009: €42.3m)
Continuing Basic Clean EPS* of 6.0 € cents (2009: 6.7 € cents); Total Basic Clean EPS of 6.0 € cents (2009: 6.6 € cents)
Transformational Proposed Merger with bwin expected to complete in first quarter 2011
Solid progress in newly regulated markets (France and Italy); Denmark is on-track to open early in 2011
Net cashflow from Continuing operations up 65% to €55.3m (2009: €33.5m) with net cash at 30 June 2010 of €146.8m (2009: €166.7m)
* EBITDA/EPS before the provision for costs associated with the Group’s Non-Prosecution Agreement, reorganisation costs, and before non-cash charges relating to share-based payments (see reconciliation of Clean EBITDA to operating profit (loss) below).
# Operations located physically outside of the US but which relate to US customers that were no longer accepted following the enactment of the UIGEA.
Commenting on today’s results announcement, Jim Ryan, PartyGaming Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We delivered another robust financial performance in the first half and also made great progress in executing our strategy. While poker was impacted by the football World Cup and remained difficult from a competitive perspective, our other verticals continued to perform strongly. Total revenue was up 30% and Clean EBITDA from Continuing Operations was up 14% versus the prior year. As previously announced, Clean EBITDA margins in the first half were slightly lower than expected due to the delayed launch of cash game poker in Italy but we retain our previous full year guidance of approximately 28%, subject to the returns achieved on planned marketing spend in both France and Italy where we are continuing to expand the share of our respective poker networks.
‘‘Our proposed merger with bwin is a transformational opportunity for the Group and we expect that it will provide significant strategic, operational and financial benefits for the shareholders of both companies. Whilst there is much work to do ahead of completion in early 2011, we are excited about the prospects for what will then be the clear market leader in online gaming with strong positions in all key product verticals and territories.”
On current trading and outlook Jim Ryan added:
“Since 30 June 2010, the Group has continued to perform in-line with the Board’s expectations. Seizing a strong position in newly regulated markets is a key focus for us. Our strategy of combining a strong B2C franchise with significant local brands is already proving to be a powerful force as evidenced by our network’s position in French poker. As other markets follow Italy and France, we expect that a limited number of large networks and brands will emerge to become market leaders – we are determined that together PartyGaming/bwin will be one of them. This natural consolidation of the marketplace will accelerate through corporate mergers and acquisitions and as one of the largest players in the sector we remain committed to continue playing an active role. Whilst the macroeconomic and competitive environments remain challenging, we remain confident about the Group’s prospects for the rest of the year and beyond.”
Contacts:
PartyGaming Plc +44 (0) 207 337 0100
Peter Reynolds, Director of Corporate Affairs
John Shepherd, Director of Corporate Communications
Interview with Jim Ryan and Martin Weigold
An interview with Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, and Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director, in video/audio and text will be available from 7.00am BST on 6 August 2010 on: http://www.partygaming.com and on http://www.cantos.com.
Analyst meeting, webcast, dial-in and conference call details: 6 August 2010
There will be an analyst meeting for invited UK-based analysts at Numis Securities, The London Stock Exchange Building, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LT starting at 9.30am BST. There will be a simultaneous webcast and dial-in broadcast of the meeting. To register for the live webcast, please pre-register for access by visiting the Group website (www.partygaming.com). Details for the dial-in facility are given below. A copy of the webcast and slide presentation given at the meeting will be available on the Group’s website later today.
Dial-in details to listen to the analyst presentation: 6 August 2010
9.20 am Please call +44 (0) 20 3003 2666
Title PartyGaming Interim Results
9.30 am Meeting starts
A recording of the meeting will be available for a period of seven days from 6 August 2010. To access the recording please dial the following replay telephone number:
Replay telephone number +44 (0) 208 196 1988
Replay passcode: 9050397#
About PartyGaming Plc
The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year ended 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of €310.1m and Clean EBITDA of €93.8m.
PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Governments of Gibraltar, Italy and France and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. The Group is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.
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Total revenue up 30% to €181.2m (2009: €139.9m) driven by acquisitions and strong growth in casino and sports betting
Continuing Clean EBITDA* up 14% to €48.1m (2009: €42.3m)
Continuing Basic Clean EPS* of 6.0 € cents (2009: 6.7 € cents); Total Basic Clean EPS of 6.0 € cents (2009: 6.6 € cents)
Transformational Proposed Merger with bwin expected to complete in first quarter 2011
Solid progress in newly regulated markets (France and Italy); Denmark is on-track to open early in 2011
Net cashflow from Continuing operations up 65% to €55.3m (2009: €33.5m) with net cash at 30 June 2010 of €146.8m (2009: €166.7m)
* EBITDA/EPS before the provision for costs associated with the Group’s Non-Prosecution Agreement, reorganisation costs, and before non-cash charges relating to share-based payments (see reconciliation of Clean EBITDA to operating profit (loss) below).
# Operations located physically outside of the US but which relate to US customers that were no longer accepted following the enactment of the UIGEA.
Commenting on today’s results announcement, Jim Ryan, PartyGaming Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We delivered another robust financial performance in the first half and also made great progress in executing our strategy. While poker was impacted by the football World Cup and remained difficult from a competitive perspective, our other verticals continued to perform strongly. Total revenue was up 30% and Clean EBITDA from Continuing Operations was up 14% versus the prior year. As previously announced, Clean EBITDA margins in the first half were slightly lower than expected due to the delayed launch of cash game poker in Italy but we retain our previous full year guidance of approximately 28%, subject to the returns achieved on planned marketing spend in both France and Italy where we are continuing to expand the share of our respective poker networks.
‘‘Our proposed merger with bwin is a transformational opportunity for the Group and we expect that it will provide significant strategic, operational and financial benefits for the shareholders of both companies. Whilst there is much work to do ahead of completion in early 2011, we are excited about the prospects for what will then be the clear market leader in online gaming with strong positions in all key product verticals and territories.”
On current trading and outlook Jim Ryan added:
“Since 30 June 2010, the Group has continued to perform in-line with the Board’s expectations. Seizing a strong position in newly regulated markets is a key focus for us. Our strategy of combining a strong B2C franchise with significant local brands is already proving to be a powerful force as evidenced by our network’s position in French poker. As other markets follow Italy and France, we expect that a limited number of large networks and brands will emerge to become market leaders – we are determined that together PartyGaming/bwin will be one of them. This natural consolidation of the marketplace will accelerate through corporate mergers and acquisitions and as one of the largest players in the sector we remain committed to continue playing an active role. Whilst the macroeconomic and competitive environments remain challenging, we remain confident about the Group’s prospects for the rest of the year and beyond.”
Contacts:
PartyGaming Plc +44 (0) 207 337 0100
Peter Reynolds, Director of Corporate Affairs
John Shepherd, Director of Corporate Communications
Interview with Jim Ryan and Martin Weigold
An interview with Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, and Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director, in video/audio and text will be available from 7.00am BST on 6 August 2010 on: http://www.partygaming.com and on http://www.cantos.com.
Analyst meeting, webcast, dial-in and conference call details: 6 August 2010
There will be an analyst meeting for invited UK-based analysts at Numis Securities, The London Stock Exchange Building, 10 Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7LT starting at 9.30am BST. There will be a simultaneous webcast and dial-in broadcast of the meeting. To register for the live webcast, please pre-register for access by visiting the Group website (www.partygaming.com). Details for the dial-in facility are given below. A copy of the webcast and slide presentation given at the meeting will be available on the Group’s website later today.
Dial-in details to listen to the analyst presentation: 6 August 2010
9.20 am Please call +44 (0) 20 3003 2666
Title PartyGaming Interim Results
9.30 am Meeting starts
A recording of the meeting will be available for a period of seven days from 6 August 2010. To access the recording please dial the following replay telephone number:
Replay telephone number +44 (0) 208 196 1988
Replay passcode: 9050397#
About PartyGaming Plc
The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year ended 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of €310.1m and Clean EBITDA of €93.8m.
PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Governments of Gibraltar, Italy and France and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission. The Group is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.
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Australian Casino Wars: Casualties Upcoming?, by Greg Tingle - 6th August 2010
The famed Australian casino wars continue to evolved with Tabcorp's Star City Casino in 'Sin City' spending an additional $285 million in upgrades including Lear jets, answering James Packer's Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Entertainment Complex) who are also upgrading with Crown focusing on a full entertainment and lifestyle experience. Star City (Tabcorp) remaining the main players on the giant casino chess board down under. Jupiters on the Gold Coast continues to remain a relative minor player but recently made headlines for its crime rate. Cairns in Northern Queensland still wants to make a major strike into the action with political fun and games a plenty. Expect a rally of missile exchanges from Star City and Crown Casino forecast to play out for months, even over a year, as rumours persist that Packer will eventually buy Star out. Media Man and Gambling911 fire up the rocket launchers and play a serious session of Star Wars and Battle Star Galactica with this special report from the war zone down under...
Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion...
Never completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his ever growing "war chest", even while sailing the high seas in his Artic P, with both Melbourne based Crown Casino and Perth's Burswood to get major boosts, adding to the giant chess board in the world renown Aussie casino wars.
Crown Casino is in advanced stages of planning a significant redevelopment of the Southbank promenade that will further increase the casino's floor space, including extra gaming areas. Punters, be it whales, dolphins, tuna or other will be pleased.
The strategic chess move is in fact the biggest redevelopment of the promenade since Crown relocated to the banks of the scenic Yarra River in 1997. At least 6 restaurants along Southbank will either be redeveloped or replaced and planter boxes will be replaced by new landscaping along the waterfront.
These moves will bring new life to the promenade, making the casino complex more relaxing, accessible and providing more room for gambling and dining (including drinking).
Fairfax Media advise that revamp plans show a new gambling area above the Lucky Chan restaurant. The Waterfront and Cafe Greco restaurants will be replaced by a giant 300-seat Atlantic seafood restaurant.
The casino has lodged a planning application with the state government called the 'Crown Promenade Masterplan' to rework the Southbank precinct between Spencer St and Queens Bridge St.
The massive project is forecast to take 2 to 3 years to complete, should it get the green light from the state government.
Crown could not (or would not - speculation only) say how much the refurbishment would cost or how much larger the famed casino would be in the aftermath.
In a very sweet and smart deal, er... agreement, it remunerates the state government $1 a year rent on its Southbank location under a deal which lasts until 2034. Yes, you read correctly folks - $1 per year rent. Pluck a duck... we're paying too much for our Bondi Beach digs.
Casinos spokesman, Gary O'Neill, advised some of the expansion of the gaming floor was linked to the casino's deal with the state government last year to provide an additional 150 gambling tables. Shuffle up and deal with red hot poker, war and more. Cool.
O'Neill said the Southbank refurbishment was "part of our strategy to grow the number of international tourists visiting Crown and Melbourne. Under the terms of the legislation setting up the casino in the first instance, Crown is charged with maintaining a world-class and internationally competitive facility,".
He said the new Atlantic restaurant was expected to open early next year but no date had been set.
Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told reporters last year after the new tables were approved "If people ultimately want to have the boiled-sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled-gold, dark chocolate experience, they're going to keep coming to Melbourne, and we're going to ensure that."
Crown executives have now met Department of Planning officials to discuss the master plan and a duplicate copy has been whipped away pronto to the Melbourne City Council for kind consideration.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello, always up for a quote or wise crack, criticised the casino expansion plans. "Again it proves that 'ministers of the crown' has a particular meaning in Victoria. They (Crown) get whatever they want as the first citizen," he said. Tim, we understand your passion and being a man of God and all, but mate, its getting very long in the tooth. It's about tourism, jobs (and business).
The man of God (we believe too ok) said the expansion failed the "commonsense test" as the community was opposed to more gambling in Victoria? Who said... did you do your own survey?
Gamblers lost $1.2 billion at Crown in the 2008-09 financial year and the state government collected $136 million in taxes. How much gamblers won has proved to be a challenge to find out, even for the Media Man group.
Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for the Gaming Minister, went on record with "In December last year there was bipartisan approval so the casino could expand its gaming operations." Nuff said.
Star City Casino In Sydney Seeking Whales, VIPs With Upgrades, Lear Jets...
Tabcorp, Australia’s biggest (but less famous than Crown) casino owner, will spend at least $160 million in attempt to woo high-stakes VIP's aka "whales" to Star City in Sydney with new luxury suites, private gambling rooms and its first couple of jet fighters... sorry, planes. No, they are not retired F1 11's from the Australian Air Force.
The plan is to win back big gamblers from rival Crown, and Asian hot spots like Macau and Singapore, Chief Executive Elmer "Fudd" (affectionate) Funke Kupper said in a press interview less than 24 hours ago.
It's all part of a $860 million "facelift" for Star City, Sydney’s first and only (legal) casino, which makes about 50% as Crown’s Melbourne money maker while being in a city 30% larger! What's up doc? Time to shake things up and they are, at a price. Tabcorp has lost market share among high rollers as its domestic rival is investing A$212 million upgrading VIP facilities, including adding its third "fighter" (satire) plane for high rollers - whales, whatever you wish to be addresses as kind sirs.
"It makes sense to go after that segment because it’s so lucrative but it’s going to be very hard to close the gap," advised Theo Maas, who helps manage $5 billion of equities at Arnhem Investment Management in Sydney. "Star City has the potential to do much better."
Tabcorp shares fell 2.2% to A$6.76 yesterday after reporting a 10% drop in annual earnings. The stock has declined 2.7% this year, compared with a 6.2% fall in the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index. Experts are divided as to when the stock will see a real recovery.
Tabcorp Boss Speaks On Record...
Tabcorp’s full-year financial results demonstrate earnings from its casino division were $260 million - 29% below the past financial year.
Chairman John Story advised gaming markets in Victoria, where Tabcorp owns half the state’s poker machines, and Queensland, where it holds 3 casinos, had declined in the past financial year, "reflecting the economic circumstances".
Media Man should use that fantastic one liner more often.
As the government stimulus money ran out, this decline amplified, he went on.
The company attributed its drop in overall profits to its VIP casino gamblers being "luckier" this year than last. Not more skillful?
In the previous year, the win rate for Tabcorp was above its theoretical level by $25.5 million, while in 2010 the win rate was only $7.7 million below the theoretical level. Online pokie returns to players are frequently about 95%.
Revenue from all activities was unchanged at $4.2 billion, driven by growth in wagering and at Star City. Tabcorp’s expenses were up 2.9%.
Tabcorp is going to battle extra race fields charges in wagering and higher gaming taxes in Queensland casinos. These were offset by a lower effective income tax rate, due to one-off tax credits and the resolution of a long-running dispute with the Australian Taxation Office. Net profit for Tabcorp was $470 million, compared to $522 million last year. The investment at Star City, where renovations are already underway, will include a 3000-seat events centre that overlooks Sydney Harbour. The project will require state government approval. It will also fund two private aircraft to bring VIPs from Asia and improvements to VIP facilities and the like. Ask around town for where the ladies are or rush for the phone book or internet. Tabcorp announced a final dividend of 25 cents. So, in summary, Tabcorp is spending big, has massive expenses, is battling a bad economy, and is betting on a big result. Good luck. That's the casino economy!
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Numbers...
Return On Investment - circa 2013.
450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).
Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.
"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.
Mildura Jewel Casino: Victoria Update...
The Mildura casino development proposal is still alive. Developer Mr Haddad met with Premier John Brumby, Nationals leader Peter Ryan and Liberal leader Ted Baillieu on the proposed riverfront based casino and entertainment complex. He advised Mr Brumby was happy to receive letters of in-principle support from Mildura Council and tourism and development boards, however he still requires "bipartisan" support. "It is legislation for a casino, which is something that is a bit more sensitive," he said. "It would be foolish for the Government to come out with some sort of direction if they know that issue is not going to have at least any indication of support. I have to step back and just hope the National Party and the Liberal Party ... have no objection to a second casino being issued in Victoria."
The Late News...
Major Australian and Asia Pacific based media and new media companies continue to ramp up their online and offline coverage of the Australian gaming, igaming, casino and sports betting sector. Major media and non casino players include Fairfax Media, News Limited, NineMSN, Yahoo! and Google (Search, AdWords and other) and of course Media Man, now sporting Media Man Games and Media Man Poker, adding to Global Gaming Directory and Casino News Media.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Many major Australian and Asia Pacific based media companies, agencies and internet giants are continuing to increase their coverage and sometimes involvement in the casino, igaming, poker and sports betting world. From Google (search engine results), NineMSN (articles and multimedia) to News Limited and Fairfax, both carrying in-house sports betting brands, to us who cover the sector in a holistic fashion with news, pr, campaigns, articles, content, multimedia and portal development, its all happening. Many of these companies like us target the world and have a global strategy, marketing and media plan, but the Australian region remains on the radar and is an important part of the master plan. Of course, the internet is a global medium and not restricted to any one part of the world, so it ideally covers coverage of the casino and gaming sector, be it content, journalism, publicity of other. Different brands are also handing out casino and gaming awards and commendations following in the eGaming Review path, like Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award which PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino have both won over the years. It's an extremely exciting time to be covering the casino and gaming sector, something our friends at Gambling911, CAP, GPWA and eGaming Review can vouch for. Expect Crown Limited, Tabcorp, Centrebet, PartyGaming and Virgin to make waves, and Media Man and Gambling911 to remain in the thick of the action."
Media Man Profiles
Australian Casinos
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html
Crown Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/crown_casino.html
Burswood Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/burswood.html
Star City Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/star_city.html
Jupiter's Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/jupiters_hotel.html
Aus Vegas
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/aus_vegas.html
Mildura Jewel
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/mildura_jewel.html
Gaming
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/gaming.html
Portals
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/portals.html
Google
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/google.html
Media Companies
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Folks, we hope you enjoyed this special follow up 'Australian Casino Wars - Casualties Upcoming?' edition. Know something we don't? Tell us in the forum which has been red hot of late. Stay tuned and in the coming days and weeks we will also expand on the coverage with New Zealand and Asia Pacific - Macau land based and online components of the ongoing war, along with special igaming reports which remain important chess pieces in the war zone, as as Yankee property developer friends Donald Trump and Hugh Hefner can vouch for, unlike their foe of sorts Steve Wynn, sticking with land based battles while expanding into the Asia Pacific region. Check or cheque mate? Bombs Away captain.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown, PartyGaming, Virgin, Fairfax Media, News Limited and Betfair
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Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion...
Never completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his ever growing "war chest", even while sailing the high seas in his Artic P, with both Melbourne based Crown Casino and Perth's Burswood to get major boosts, adding to the giant chess board in the world renown Aussie casino wars.
Crown Casino is in advanced stages of planning a significant redevelopment of the Southbank promenade that will further increase the casino's floor space, including extra gaming areas. Punters, be it whales, dolphins, tuna or other will be pleased.
The strategic chess move is in fact the biggest redevelopment of the promenade since Crown relocated to the banks of the scenic Yarra River in 1997. At least 6 restaurants along Southbank will either be redeveloped or replaced and planter boxes will be replaced by new landscaping along the waterfront.
These moves will bring new life to the promenade, making the casino complex more relaxing, accessible and providing more room for gambling and dining (including drinking).
Fairfax Media advise that revamp plans show a new gambling area above the Lucky Chan restaurant. The Waterfront and Cafe Greco restaurants will be replaced by a giant 300-seat Atlantic seafood restaurant.
The casino has lodged a planning application with the state government called the 'Crown Promenade Masterplan' to rework the Southbank precinct between Spencer St and Queens Bridge St.
The massive project is forecast to take 2 to 3 years to complete, should it get the green light from the state government.
Crown could not (or would not - speculation only) say how much the refurbishment would cost or how much larger the famed casino would be in the aftermath.
In a very sweet and smart deal, er... agreement, it remunerates the state government $1 a year rent on its Southbank location under a deal which lasts until 2034. Yes, you read correctly folks - $1 per year rent. Pluck a duck... we're paying too much for our Bondi Beach digs.
Casinos spokesman, Gary O'Neill, advised some of the expansion of the gaming floor was linked to the casino's deal with the state government last year to provide an additional 150 gambling tables. Shuffle up and deal with red hot poker, war and more. Cool.
O'Neill said the Southbank refurbishment was "part of our strategy to grow the number of international tourists visiting Crown and Melbourne. Under the terms of the legislation setting up the casino in the first instance, Crown is charged with maintaining a world-class and internationally competitive facility,".
He said the new Atlantic restaurant was expected to open early next year but no date had been set.
Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told reporters last year after the new tables were approved "If people ultimately want to have the boiled-sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled-gold, dark chocolate experience, they're going to keep coming to Melbourne, and we're going to ensure that."
Crown executives have now met Department of Planning officials to discuss the master plan and a duplicate copy has been whipped away pronto to the Melbourne City Council for kind consideration.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello, always up for a quote or wise crack, criticised the casino expansion plans. "Again it proves that 'ministers of the crown' has a particular meaning in Victoria. They (Crown) get whatever they want as the first citizen," he said. Tim, we understand your passion and being a man of God and all, but mate, its getting very long in the tooth. It's about tourism, jobs (and business).
The man of God (we believe too ok) said the expansion failed the "commonsense test" as the community was opposed to more gambling in Victoria? Who said... did you do your own survey?
Gamblers lost $1.2 billion at Crown in the 2008-09 financial year and the state government collected $136 million in taxes. How much gamblers won has proved to be a challenge to find out, even for the Media Man group.
Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for the Gaming Minister, went on record with "In December last year there was bipartisan approval so the casino could expand its gaming operations." Nuff said.
Star City Casino In Sydney Seeking Whales, VIPs With Upgrades, Lear Jets...
Tabcorp, Australia’s biggest (but less famous than Crown) casino owner, will spend at least $160 million in attempt to woo high-stakes VIP's aka "whales" to Star City in Sydney with new luxury suites, private gambling rooms and its first couple of jet fighters... sorry, planes. No, they are not retired F1 11's from the Australian Air Force.
The plan is to win back big gamblers from rival Crown, and Asian hot spots like Macau and Singapore, Chief Executive Elmer "Fudd" (affectionate) Funke Kupper said in a press interview less than 24 hours ago.
It's all part of a $860 million "facelift" for Star City, Sydney’s first and only (legal) casino, which makes about 50% as Crown’s Melbourne money maker while being in a city 30% larger! What's up doc? Time to shake things up and they are, at a price. Tabcorp has lost market share among high rollers as its domestic rival is investing A$212 million upgrading VIP facilities, including adding its third "fighter" (satire) plane for high rollers - whales, whatever you wish to be addresses as kind sirs.
"It makes sense to go after that segment because it’s so lucrative but it’s going to be very hard to close the gap," advised Theo Maas, who helps manage $5 billion of equities at Arnhem Investment Management in Sydney. "Star City has the potential to do much better."
Tabcorp shares fell 2.2% to A$6.76 yesterday after reporting a 10% drop in annual earnings. The stock has declined 2.7% this year, compared with a 6.2% fall in the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index. Experts are divided as to when the stock will see a real recovery.
Tabcorp Boss Speaks On Record...
Tabcorp’s full-year financial results demonstrate earnings from its casino division were $260 million - 29% below the past financial year.
Chairman John Story advised gaming markets in Victoria, where Tabcorp owns half the state’s poker machines, and Queensland, where it holds 3 casinos, had declined in the past financial year, "reflecting the economic circumstances".
Media Man should use that fantastic one liner more often.
As the government stimulus money ran out, this decline amplified, he went on.
The company attributed its drop in overall profits to its VIP casino gamblers being "luckier" this year than last. Not more skillful?
In the previous year, the win rate for Tabcorp was above its theoretical level by $25.5 million, while in 2010 the win rate was only $7.7 million below the theoretical level. Online pokie returns to players are frequently about 95%.
Revenue from all activities was unchanged at $4.2 billion, driven by growth in wagering and at Star City. Tabcorp’s expenses were up 2.9%.
Tabcorp is going to battle extra race fields charges in wagering and higher gaming taxes in Queensland casinos. These were offset by a lower effective income tax rate, due to one-off tax credits and the resolution of a long-running dispute with the Australian Taxation Office. Net profit for Tabcorp was $470 million, compared to $522 million last year. The investment at Star City, where renovations are already underway, will include a 3000-seat events centre that overlooks Sydney Harbour. The project will require state government approval. It will also fund two private aircraft to bring VIPs from Asia and improvements to VIP facilities and the like. Ask around town for where the ladies are or rush for the phone book or internet. Tabcorp announced a final dividend of 25 cents. So, in summary, Tabcorp is spending big, has massive expenses, is battling a bad economy, and is betting on a big result. Good luck. That's the casino economy!
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Numbers...
Return On Investment - circa 2013.
450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).
Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.
"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.
Mildura Jewel Casino: Victoria Update...
The Mildura casino development proposal is still alive. Developer Mr Haddad met with Premier John Brumby, Nationals leader Peter Ryan and Liberal leader Ted Baillieu on the proposed riverfront based casino and entertainment complex. He advised Mr Brumby was happy to receive letters of in-principle support from Mildura Council and tourism and development boards, however he still requires "bipartisan" support. "It is legislation for a casino, which is something that is a bit more sensitive," he said. "It would be foolish for the Government to come out with some sort of direction if they know that issue is not going to have at least any indication of support. I have to step back and just hope the National Party and the Liberal Party ... have no objection to a second casino being issued in Victoria."
The Late News...
Major Australian and Asia Pacific based media and new media companies continue to ramp up their online and offline coverage of the Australian gaming, igaming, casino and sports betting sector. Major media and non casino players include Fairfax Media, News Limited, NineMSN, Yahoo! and Google (Search, AdWords and other) and of course Media Man, now sporting Media Man Games and Media Man Poker, adding to Global Gaming Directory and Casino News Media.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Many major Australian and Asia Pacific based media companies, agencies and internet giants are continuing to increase their coverage and sometimes involvement in the casino, igaming, poker and sports betting world. From Google (search engine results), NineMSN (articles and multimedia) to News Limited and Fairfax, both carrying in-house sports betting brands, to us who cover the sector in a holistic fashion with news, pr, campaigns, articles, content, multimedia and portal development, its all happening. Many of these companies like us target the world and have a global strategy, marketing and media plan, but the Australian region remains on the radar and is an important part of the master plan. Of course, the internet is a global medium and not restricted to any one part of the world, so it ideally covers coverage of the casino and gaming sector, be it content, journalism, publicity of other. Different brands are also handing out casino and gaming awards and commendations following in the eGaming Review path, like Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award which PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino have both won over the years. It's an extremely exciting time to be covering the casino and gaming sector, something our friends at Gambling911, CAP, GPWA and eGaming Review can vouch for. Expect Crown Limited, Tabcorp, Centrebet, PartyGaming and Virgin to make waves, and Media Man and Gambling911 to remain in the thick of the action."
Media Man Profiles
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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html
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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/crown_casino.html
Burswood Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/burswood.html
Star City Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/star_city.html
Jupiter's Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/jupiters_hotel.html
Aus Vegas
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/aus_vegas.html
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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/mildura_jewel.html
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Folks, we hope you enjoyed this special follow up 'Australian Casino Wars - Casualties Upcoming?' edition. Know something we don't? Tell us in the forum which has been red hot of late. Stay tuned and in the coming days and weeks we will also expand on the coverage with New Zealand and Asia Pacific - Macau land based and online components of the ongoing war, along with special igaming reports which remain important chess pieces in the war zone, as as Yankee property developer friends Donald Trump and Hugh Hefner can vouch for, unlike their foe of sorts Steve Wynn, sticking with land based battles while expanding into the Asia Pacific region. Check or cheque mate? Bombs Away captain.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown, PartyGaming, Virgin, Fairfax Media, News Limited and Betfair
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Media Man Games
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Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Australian Gambling And Political News, by Greg Tingle - 5th August 2010
Australia is currently enjoying a boon in interesting and colourful gambling, gaming and political news, thanks in part to the upcoming federal election and the bush tucker bag or pro and anti casino, gaming and internet filter campaigners. Media Man and Gambling911 pound the pavement gauging the vibe of the Australian gambling and political landscape even bumping into a couple of billionaires and political legends in the process...
Casino Casino Expansion Raises Ire Of Anti Gaming Campaigners Once Again...
Aussie Anti-gambling campaigners have criticised a proposed expansion of Melbourne's Crown Casino. The casino wants to redevelop or replace 6 waterside restaurants and introduce new landscaping. The project would also make more room, paving the way for 150 new gambling tables approved by the Victorian Government last year. Anti-gambling campaigner, the Reverend Tim Costello told the media the extra tables are effectively expanding the casino by half. "No-one objects to extra restaurants. But the extra restaurants are only there not because they subsidise themselves. They are massively subsidised by this increase in gambling which is really driving this refurbishment," he advsised.
Regulator Endorses Poker Machine Licences...
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has endorsed licences for more than 650 poker machines across the Wimmera-Mallee. The State Government held an auction in May to allow pubs and clubs across Victoria to bid for 10 year pokie licences. Licences were approved for venues in Mildura, Merbein, Red Cliffs, Horsham, Swan Hill, Ouyen, Kerang, Stawell and St Arnaud. The biggest spender was the Horsham Sports and Community Club, with $6.8 million for 78 licences. Licences will not be finalised until locals council give their approval. The pokies auction was a major happening in the history of the Australian gambling industry.
Gambling Addict Won't Get Jail...
A South Australian gambling addict who nicked more than $170,000 from her boss has been given a suspended jail sentence by the Adelaide District Court. Susan Jayne Sykes, aged an even 50, stole the money over a 17 month period while working as an accounts clerk for the Midway Tavern at Elizabeth Downs. Judge Julie McIntyre said the woman had not been a gambler until she began playing poker machines in 2005. The jail sentence was suspended in favour of a 2-year bond and Sykes was ordered to do 120 hours of community service. Sykes is paying back the money at $60 per week. She is understood to be very pleased with the outcome.
Bally Technology (BYI) Returns To Australia...
Bally Technologies announced this week that they are a few months ahead of scheduled plans, originally announced in January, to re-enter the Australian gaming market by 2011. Bally Technologies Chief Operating Officer Gavin Isaacs said they would use the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) at the Sydney Convention and Expo Centre on August 8 through August 10 to bring “years of innovation back to the Australian market.”
The Expo will be used to showcase Bally’s award winning portfolio of slot machines, player-tracking and marketing systems. Since the original announcement Bally has established a sales and service office in Sydney and staffed it with gaming industry experts that can oversee daily operations and help lead their re-entrance into the countries casino market. Bally Australia will be led by Michael McNee as Managing Director and Ron Jeffrey as Sales Manager. “This experienced team’s understanding of the gaming market in Australia and New Zealand ensures that we will hit the ground running as we introduce our award-winning portfolio of industry-leading games and systems technology to Australia.” commented Isaacs.
Aristocrat Commands Strong Presence at Australasian Gaming Expo...
Australia's leading gaming machine provider, Aristocrat, will display new games tailored for the Australian market and the latest innovations in gaming from around its global operations at this year's Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE), to be held in Sydney from August 8 to 10, 2010. Trevor Croker, Aristocrat's Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, said, "For more than 50 years, Aristocrat has been leading the gaming industry in Australia with innovative games that players love and powerful management systems that help increase the bottom line for our customers. "We plan to enhance our position by becoming more responsive to customer feedback, making market-specific games and introducing more customer-focused sales model -- all of which will be on display at the AGE," he added. Aristocrat will debut new titles for the Australian hotel market at AGE, including Rose Tattoo™ and Player's Choice™ Class Act. The new Rose Tattoo™ game is themed around the iconic Australian cult rock band, Rose Tattoo™, featuring rock legend Angry Anderson. Mr. Croker said, "We are confident that our Rose Tattoo™ game will be a hit in pubs across Australia. The striking red and black colour scheme will make a real statement on the gaming floor while patrons will enjoy the experience of playing along with some Rose Tattoo™ classics." The number one performing multigame product in New South Wales, Player's Choice™ by Demand(1), will be joined at AGE by the new Player's Choice™ Class Act, which contains the popular games 5 Dragons™, Lucky 88™, Dollar Bear™ and Top Banana™.
Also being introduced at AGE is Beat the Bandits™, an innovative new hyperlink with a central wild western theme supported by two exciting base games. Each jackpot feature involves player interaction, giving players a chance to win one of the four jackpot levels. Operators can also expect to see Fa Fa Fa™, a leading one cent link product in NSW, and Hit The Heights™ series (four games), both of which are proving very popular in overseas markets. Aristocrat will also provide operators with a glimpse of the exciting future innovations, with the VERVE hd™ cabinet. Developed in the United States, the VERVE hd™ features better ergonomics for player comfort, a wider screen and improved sound, providing greater levels of player entertainment. Mr. Croker concluded, "AGE is one of the key opportunities we have to showcase our product and we looking forward to meeting hoteliers and discussing how we can grow their business through innovative product and services." The Aristocrat display will be at stand 320. Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading global provider of gaming solutions. The Company is licensed by more than 200 regulators and its products and services are available in over 90 countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video terminal systems and casino management systems.
Aussie Scratchies Scam Warning Issued...
Punters who think they have scratched their way to a a lottery prize could be duped by overseas scammers. The police Major Fraud Section has received "a number of reports from members of the public" about the scam. The scratch tickets are mailed with a glossy travel brochure. One ticket reveals the punter as winning a "substantial monetary prize" and they must contact the promoter via international phone. "The victims are then advised of the need to cover legal fees and are required to make a payment via a money transfer agent to enable the prize to be released," police said. However, after the initial funds are sent there are further demands for cash payments, then personal information including bank details for prize payment.
"Once these requests are complied with the victims are unable to re-establish contact with the company. No prize winnings have been paid."Police said the tickets and brochure link back to a website which is "professional in appearance and provides significant credibility to the company". However, they warn punters to be "wary" of any lotteries which require "winners" to send funds or provide bank account details.
Australia has a long history of gambling scams and crime. Read the Gambling911 classic...
'Australia Lotto Goose Doesn’t Lay Golden Gambling Egg'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australia-lotto-goose-doesn%E2%80%99t-lay-golden-gambling-egg-040210.html
and
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
Tabcorp increases investment at Star City...
Tabcorp Holdings Limited today announced plans to invest an additional $285 million on the redevelopment of Star City, including a 3,000-seat multi-purpose entertainment venue and new VIP customer facilities.
Australian Politics: 'No Bull' Turnbull To Host Anti-Filter Forum...
Former Opposition leader and Federal member of Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull, is hosting an Internet filtering forum in Sydney this Saturday. The panel members will include former Telstra BigPond group manager, Justin Milne, Getup! national director, Simon Sheikh, and Mr Turnbull himself! Internet projects of Mr Turnbull helped make him a millionaire including the famed OzEmail. "The proposed filter is a hot issue in Wentworth, with many voters expressing concerns over the Government’s plans," the Facebook events page said. "… Informed discussion among forum participants will ensure community views on the filter are heard. The internet forum will consider adopting community resolutions to capture the views. The event will be held on August 7 at Paddington RSL Club. Go the diggers! "If adopted, these resolutions will be presented to Senator Steven Conroy and Prime Minister Gillard as a reminder of the community’s determination to fight the proposal," the events page outlaid. Mr Turnbull is widely regarded as Australia's most internet savvy member of Parliament.
He was dumped by as Liberal Leader in December 2009, with his views on climate change seen to be a key factor. Mr Turnbull was replaced by Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, however Media Man street surveys indicated many Australian's think the "No Bull" man will be a future Australian Prime Minister if he wants to be. He remains one of Australia's most respected and financially wealthy politicians and is seen as quite the 'Peoples Champion'.
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on the Australian casino and political wars.
Gambling911 Politics
http://www.gambling911.com/politics.html
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Australia
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Portals
Wrap Up...
Some online poker and online casino brands are understand to have made secret Australian internet blacklist. The Gillard Government is staying on messages that its mainly about protecting children, however the vast majority of media companies and the population at large now firmly believes its more about attempting to censor the news, filter out negative political commentary (as done in China) and banning things that don't fit their political agenda. The government is trying to get Australian ISP's to agree to enforcing its laws. Overall the current government trying to control the population and this is documented on various Australian newspaper reports. The reader could be forgiven for having flashbacks to movies such as 'They Live', '1984', 'Clockwork Orange' and 'The Net'. Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull is the representative for Wentworth, a Liberal Party member, and many people believe is a future Australian Prime Minister. Liberal's Tony Abbott is the current leader of the Liberal party and Lib's are now favored to become the new government of Australia is a few short weeks, with political betting trends at Centrebet and elsewhere backing this up. Mr Turnbull enjoys a colourful history with Australia's original casino and gambling tycoon, Kerry Packer, and has spoken highly of James Packer friend and associate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, who spearheads GenerationOne which is focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of Indigenous Australians. Packer has already employed hundreds and Turnbull has been encouraged, some say even inspired, by the Forrest - Packer collaboration. Packer is a resident in Turnbull's political electorate which includes Bondi Beach. Turnbull, being a team player, fully supports Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott in his quest to become the new Aussie Prime Minister. The smart money says Liberal will win the election and that this weekends Anti-Filter forum will be a rip snorter.
The Late News...
Aussie casino players rejoice in the release of the new PartyGaming - PartyCasino 3D online slot game: Heist. As reported by Gambling911 earlier in the week, PartyGaming is to merge with bwin forming the world's undisputed biggest igaming company. Maybe Australia might get the Kerry Packer and Underbelly online slot games now hey. Party have also just released the Rocky online slot with Pink Panther on the way (good timing after the Crown Casino 'Shaft Man' incident).
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Global Gaming Directory
Casino Casino Expansion Raises Ire Of Anti Gaming Campaigners Once Again...
Aussie Anti-gambling campaigners have criticised a proposed expansion of Melbourne's Crown Casino. The casino wants to redevelop or replace 6 waterside restaurants and introduce new landscaping. The project would also make more room, paving the way for 150 new gambling tables approved by the Victorian Government last year. Anti-gambling campaigner, the Reverend Tim Costello told the media the extra tables are effectively expanding the casino by half. "No-one objects to extra restaurants. But the extra restaurants are only there not because they subsidise themselves. They are massively subsidised by this increase in gambling which is really driving this refurbishment," he advsised.
Regulator Endorses Poker Machine Licences...
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has endorsed licences for more than 650 poker machines across the Wimmera-Mallee. The State Government held an auction in May to allow pubs and clubs across Victoria to bid for 10 year pokie licences. Licences were approved for venues in Mildura, Merbein, Red Cliffs, Horsham, Swan Hill, Ouyen, Kerang, Stawell and St Arnaud. The biggest spender was the Horsham Sports and Community Club, with $6.8 million for 78 licences. Licences will not be finalised until locals council give their approval. The pokies auction was a major happening in the history of the Australian gambling industry.
Gambling Addict Won't Get Jail...
A South Australian gambling addict who nicked more than $170,000 from her boss has been given a suspended jail sentence by the Adelaide District Court. Susan Jayne Sykes, aged an even 50, stole the money over a 17 month period while working as an accounts clerk for the Midway Tavern at Elizabeth Downs. Judge Julie McIntyre said the woman had not been a gambler until she began playing poker machines in 2005. The jail sentence was suspended in favour of a 2-year bond and Sykes was ordered to do 120 hours of community service. Sykes is paying back the money at $60 per week. She is understood to be very pleased with the outcome.
Bally Technology (BYI) Returns To Australia...
Bally Technologies announced this week that they are a few months ahead of scheduled plans, originally announced in January, to re-enter the Australian gaming market by 2011. Bally Technologies Chief Operating Officer Gavin Isaacs said they would use the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) at the Sydney Convention and Expo Centre on August 8 through August 10 to bring “years of innovation back to the Australian market.”
The Expo will be used to showcase Bally’s award winning portfolio of slot machines, player-tracking and marketing systems. Since the original announcement Bally has established a sales and service office in Sydney and staffed it with gaming industry experts that can oversee daily operations and help lead their re-entrance into the countries casino market. Bally Australia will be led by Michael McNee as Managing Director and Ron Jeffrey as Sales Manager. “This experienced team’s understanding of the gaming market in Australia and New Zealand ensures that we will hit the ground running as we introduce our award-winning portfolio of industry-leading games and systems technology to Australia.” commented Isaacs.
Aristocrat Commands Strong Presence at Australasian Gaming Expo...
Australia's leading gaming machine provider, Aristocrat, will display new games tailored for the Australian market and the latest innovations in gaming from around its global operations at this year's Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE), to be held in Sydney from August 8 to 10, 2010. Trevor Croker, Aristocrat's Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, said, "For more than 50 years, Aristocrat has been leading the gaming industry in Australia with innovative games that players love and powerful management systems that help increase the bottom line for our customers. "We plan to enhance our position by becoming more responsive to customer feedback, making market-specific games and introducing more customer-focused sales model -- all of which will be on display at the AGE," he added. Aristocrat will debut new titles for the Australian hotel market at AGE, including Rose Tattoo™ and Player's Choice™ Class Act. The new Rose Tattoo™ game is themed around the iconic Australian cult rock band, Rose Tattoo™, featuring rock legend Angry Anderson. Mr. Croker said, "We are confident that our Rose Tattoo™ game will be a hit in pubs across Australia. The striking red and black colour scheme will make a real statement on the gaming floor while patrons will enjoy the experience of playing along with some Rose Tattoo™ classics." The number one performing multigame product in New South Wales, Player's Choice™ by Demand(1), will be joined at AGE by the new Player's Choice™ Class Act, which contains the popular games 5 Dragons™, Lucky 88™, Dollar Bear™ and Top Banana™.
Also being introduced at AGE is Beat the Bandits™, an innovative new hyperlink with a central wild western theme supported by two exciting base games. Each jackpot feature involves player interaction, giving players a chance to win one of the four jackpot levels. Operators can also expect to see Fa Fa Fa™, a leading one cent link product in NSW, and Hit The Heights™ series (four games), both of which are proving very popular in overseas markets. Aristocrat will also provide operators with a glimpse of the exciting future innovations, with the VERVE hd™ cabinet. Developed in the United States, the VERVE hd™ features better ergonomics for player comfort, a wider screen and improved sound, providing greater levels of player entertainment. Mr. Croker concluded, "AGE is one of the key opportunities we have to showcase our product and we looking forward to meeting hoteliers and discussing how we can grow their business through innovative product and services." The Aristocrat display will be at stand 320. Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading global provider of gaming solutions. The Company is licensed by more than 200 regulators and its products and services are available in over 90 countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video terminal systems and casino management systems.
Aussie Scratchies Scam Warning Issued...
Punters who think they have scratched their way to a a lottery prize could be duped by overseas scammers. The police Major Fraud Section has received "a number of reports from members of the public" about the scam. The scratch tickets are mailed with a glossy travel brochure. One ticket reveals the punter as winning a "substantial monetary prize" and they must contact the promoter via international phone. "The victims are then advised of the need to cover legal fees and are required to make a payment via a money transfer agent to enable the prize to be released," police said. However, after the initial funds are sent there are further demands for cash payments, then personal information including bank details for prize payment.
"Once these requests are complied with the victims are unable to re-establish contact with the company. No prize winnings have been paid."Police said the tickets and brochure link back to a website which is "professional in appearance and provides significant credibility to the company". However, they warn punters to be "wary" of any lotteries which require "winners" to send funds or provide bank account details.
Australia has a long history of gambling scams and crime. Read the Gambling911 classic...
'Australia Lotto Goose Doesn’t Lay Golden Gambling Egg'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australia-lotto-goose-doesn%E2%80%99t-lay-golden-gambling-egg-040210.html
and
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
Tabcorp increases investment at Star City...
Tabcorp Holdings Limited today announced plans to invest an additional $285 million on the redevelopment of Star City, including a 3,000-seat multi-purpose entertainment venue and new VIP customer facilities.
Australian Politics: 'No Bull' Turnbull To Host Anti-Filter Forum...
Former Opposition leader and Federal member of Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull, is hosting an Internet filtering forum in Sydney this Saturday. The panel members will include former Telstra BigPond group manager, Justin Milne, Getup! national director, Simon Sheikh, and Mr Turnbull himself! Internet projects of Mr Turnbull helped make him a millionaire including the famed OzEmail. "The proposed filter is a hot issue in Wentworth, with many voters expressing concerns over the Government’s plans," the Facebook events page said. "… Informed discussion among forum participants will ensure community views on the filter are heard. The internet forum will consider adopting community resolutions to capture the views. The event will be held on August 7 at Paddington RSL Club. Go the diggers! "If adopted, these resolutions will be presented to Senator Steven Conroy and Prime Minister Gillard as a reminder of the community’s determination to fight the proposal," the events page outlaid. Mr Turnbull is widely regarded as Australia's most internet savvy member of Parliament.
He was dumped by as Liberal Leader in December 2009, with his views on climate change seen to be a key factor. Mr Turnbull was replaced by Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, however Media Man street surveys indicated many Australian's think the "No Bull" man will be a future Australian Prime Minister if he wants to be. He remains one of Australia's most respected and financially wealthy politicians and is seen as quite the 'Peoples Champion'.
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on the Australian casino and political wars.
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Some online poker and online casino brands are understand to have made secret Australian internet blacklist. The Gillard Government is staying on messages that its mainly about protecting children, however the vast majority of media companies and the population at large now firmly believes its more about attempting to censor the news, filter out negative political commentary (as done in China) and banning things that don't fit their political agenda. The government is trying to get Australian ISP's to agree to enforcing its laws. Overall the current government trying to control the population and this is documented on various Australian newspaper reports. The reader could be forgiven for having flashbacks to movies such as 'They Live', '1984', 'Clockwork Orange' and 'The Net'. Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull is the representative for Wentworth, a Liberal Party member, and many people believe is a future Australian Prime Minister. Liberal's Tony Abbott is the current leader of the Liberal party and Lib's are now favored to become the new government of Australia is a few short weeks, with political betting trends at Centrebet and elsewhere backing this up. Mr Turnbull enjoys a colourful history with Australia's original casino and gambling tycoon, Kerry Packer, and has spoken highly of James Packer friend and associate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, who spearheads GenerationOne which is focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of Indigenous Australians. Packer has already employed hundreds and Turnbull has been encouraged, some say even inspired, by the Forrest - Packer collaboration. Packer is a resident in Turnbull's political electorate which includes Bondi Beach. Turnbull, being a team player, fully supports Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott in his quest to become the new Aussie Prime Minister. The smart money says Liberal will win the election and that this weekends Anti-Filter forum will be a rip snorter.
The Late News...
Aussie casino players rejoice in the release of the new PartyGaming - PartyCasino 3D online slot game: Heist. As reported by Gambling911 earlier in the week, PartyGaming is to merge with bwin forming the world's undisputed biggest igaming company. Maybe Australia might get the Kerry Packer and Underbelly online slot games now hey. Party have also just released the Rocky online slot with Pink Panther on the way (good timing after the Crown Casino 'Shaft Man' incident).
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win (Mahatma Gandhi)
Internet is like electricity (James Packer)
Big will not beat small any more. It will be the fast beating the slow (Rupert Murdoch)
In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed (Charles Darwin)
You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing (Dale Carnegie)
Eighty percent of success is showing up (Woody Allen)
I make a positive difference because I can (Greg Tingle)
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