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Saturday, September 18, 2010

Local body paint artist turning dreams into reality, by Greg Tingle – 15th September 2010

Local body paint artist turning dreams into reality

Body painting and human statues are back in vogue according to world-renowned body painter, educator and social and community entrepreneur, Eva Rinaldi.

Rinaldi from Abbotsford, is taking on the world by storm, sharing her knowledge and passion for all.

Like many dynamic Australian business people she was quick to notice the pending arrival to our shores of Oprah Winfrey, and has bold, yet achievable plans to body paint Oprah and / or some of her audience and celebrity guests.

Australia’s undisputed body painting goddess is riding a wave of positive momentum at the moment, fresh off a highly regarded photo shoot project with acclaimed photographer Roberto Duran. The impressive results of the local shoot ‘La Catrina’ will be available for public exhibition at the Pine Arts Australian Gallery from the 24th – 30th October.

The expo feature will include some of the areas most diverse cultural and Mexican entities, including models Elkatrina, Analise Greco, 4 (Strathfield), Lui Cantali, 5 (Five Dock), Victoria Gordetts, Arianna Starr and Phoenix (Sydney).

Gordetts said, "Getting body painted feels like a second skin and a light massage. It feels good”.

They will be all in good company with Rinaldi recently having also completed collaborations with Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Shannon Noll.

Rinaldi said "It’s a really exciting time for all of us at the moment. We do a lot community work and nurturing young talent. Now, with a number of celebrated business entrepreneurs coming to Australia, we all think it’s a wonderful chance to get everything to the next level and help out worthy causes. My ‘wish list’, which is actually more of a ‘to do’ list includes Oprah, Richard ‘Virgin’ Branson, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley (KISS), Blondie, Cher, John Trovolta and Russell Crowe. We have come up with a way for the celebrities to champion their favorites causes, so money raised will be put to good use. We think Oprah will see merit in this, and I’m certain a number of the range of celebrities will agree to be painted. A couple of them are friends, so I think they will be happy to do this for sure. We just hope Oprah will join the party."

Some may be a little skeptical of Rinaldi’s grand plans, however, based upon her almost decade of arts meets corporate work experience, the scales appear to be tipped in her favor. Just a couple of Human Statue BodyArts’ bigger campaigns include World Vision, Tourism Australia, Sydney Body Art Bike Ride, and famous Sydney Opera Bar!

Rinaldi and her world class team believe in making a positive difference when possible, and they’ve been able to do plenty of this over the years. Now with the likes of Oprah, Branson and Blondie about to grace our shores once again, the timing couldn’t be better.

To help create further buzz, awareness, and all important local employment opportunities, Rinaldi is now searching for an Oprah look-a-like to compliment the campaign. The model must be open to having African fruit, themes and Sydney icons painted on their body. In addition, there’s some golden opportunities for children (3 – 5) who appear to be from African descent.

It’s easy to see why Rinaldi and her team are so excited about Oprah and other celebrated entrepreneurs coming to Australia, and we think that there’s a good chance more of her dreams will indeed become reality.

For more information on Rinaldi’s amazing creations be certain to have a look at her website http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/eva.rinaldi2

Potential models, please e-mail bodyartist@bigpond.com with recent head shot.

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Friday, September 17, 2010

WPT Legends of Poker Attracts 462 Players - Aug 22nd, 2010

WPT Legends of Poker Attracts 462 Players

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After its buy-in was slashed from $10,000 to $5,000, the 2010 installment of the World Poker Tour (WPT) Legends of Poker attracted 462 players. Last year, a total of 279 entered, meaning that the field grew by 66%. However, the total prize pool of the marquee WPT event dipped from $2.63 million to $2.15 million, a fall of 18%.

The top 45 poker players will finish in the money, with the top spot scheduled to pay out $750,000. Last year, poker rapper Prahlad Friedman banked a little over $1 million after besting World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event November Niner Kevin Schaffel heads-up. Todd Terry, Toto Leonidas, Sam “KingKobeMVP” Stein, and Mike Krescanko also made the final table in 2009.

Nearly 300 players – including 16 former WPT champs – took to the felts on Saturday for the second of two starting days in the Legends of Poker, which emanates from the Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles. The day began with WPT officials honoring Kathy Liebert, who was playing in her 100th WPT tournament. According to the WPT’s website, Liebert is the female record-holder for most final tables made with six, most cashes logged with 15, and most money won with $1.75 million. However, she lacks a WPT title.

Despite the fanfare, Liebert was eliminated late in the day, as was Lock Poker’s Matt “All In At 420” Stout. The internet player dropped his stack with A-J of diamonds against Shawn Buchanan’s pocket sevens to hit the rails. UB.com pro Phil Hellmuth, meanwhile, took a three-hour dinner break on Saturday and returned to chat it up with fans rather than play cards. He finished the day with a stack of 66,850, or 167 big blinds, good for the 50th largest tally in the room entering Day 2.

PokerStars pro Daniel Negreanu lodged a particularly memorable Day 1B. Negreanu dropped to 10,000 in chips after running into a royal flush and eventually hit the rails after his A-J fell to 8-2. On the latter hand, the flop came A-2-3, giving his opponent bottom pair, but another deuce on the turn and an eight on the river didn’t help matters.

Joe Sebok and stepfather Barry Greenstein have both made waves in the WPT Legends of Poker, entering Day 2 in 17th and 19th places, respectively. Also vaulting up the leaderboard on Saturday was Allen Cunningham, who tripled up to 90,000 after cracking pocket aces and pocket kings by flopping a boat. Cunningham candidly Tweeted following the monster pot, “Holy Macintosh, I just flopped a full house vs AA and KK to triple from 30K to 90K.”

Here are the top 10 players in the WPT Legends of Poker entering Day 2 on Sunday:

1. Manuel Reyes – 205,350
2. Vinny Vinh – 180,000
3. Raymond Dolan – 165,500
4. Justin Young – 138,950
5. Max Casal – 138,500
6. Micah Raskin – 135,000
7. Philip Stark – 132,575
8. Ari Goott – 129,000
9. Ken Michelman – 125,200
10. C. Zadfar – 125,000

Other players remaining in the top 50, including their chip counts, include:

17. Joe Sebok – 108,650
19. Barry Greenstein – 100,675
32. Jonathan “FatalError” Aguiar – 78,125
33. Soi Nguyen – 77,250
36. Allen Cunningham – 76,500
37. Tom “Kingsofcards” Marchese – 76,350
39. Marco “CrazyMarco” Johnson – 75,225
45. Jeff Madsen – 70,800
47. J.J. Liu – 70,700
50. Phil Hellmuth – 66,850

Day 2 kicks off at 1:00pm PT on Sunday from The Bike, with 241 players remaining in the hunt for the WPT title. The Legends of Poker will crown a winner on Wednesday. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Go-in a goanna…

Goanna Pulling must be one of the weirdest sports around. Two people get down on all fours, strike a pose like a goanna and put a leather belt around their necks. They use all their upper body strength to pull their opponent over the line.

Prize money for the day totals $5300 and the biggest win is $500 for the heavyweight goanna pulling champion. All divisions of goanna pulling, brick carrying and foot races attract big cash prizes on 3rd October, the Sunday of the long weekend at the Wooli Sports Ground, Wooli (seaside town, 40k east of Grafton on the north coast of NSW).

It’s our 25th anniversary this year and all the prize belts will be in silver. We hope this year will be our biggest and most fun event ever.

The unspoilt fishing village of Wooli will swell with visitors to join the fun of the National Goanna Pulling championships. Wayne “Tank” Phillips, the retiring champion will judge the winner of the various categories (heavyweight, middle weight and lightweight men’s and women’s) of Goanna Pulling.

From 9am on Sunday 3rd October, visitors can see the fierce battle of the goanna pullers, watch the wood chopping, Tug-of-War, foot races for all ages, brick carrying and climb a rock wall. There will be lots of market stalls and a variety of food and drink available.

It’s a fun day for all.

At 10.30am on Saturday 18th September in Grafton Shopping World, Luke Hartsuyker, Nationals Federal Member for Cowper will Goanna Pull against Steve Cansdell, Nationals State Member for Clarence. Sue Hughes, Clarence Valley Councilor will pull against Cathy McCaughey from Wooli. Wayne “Tank” Phillips, long time heavy weight champion, will adjudicate.

Brad Milne from Tucabia won the heavyweight championship last year, after Wayne ‘Tank’ Phillips retired. Brad had previously won the light weight and was runner-up in the middle weight division.

Everyone will be watching John Reynolds of Coffs Harbour who won the middleweight division last year – will he challenge Brad this year, Wooli wants to know!

Clarence Valley Council is the major sponsor and our website is now live and active with many thanks for development assistance from the Clarence Valley Council and Yoohoo webdesign www.goannapulling.com.au

Stallholders are welcome – please contact Claire on 66498255

For further information contact Margy Hewetson on 66 49 7750 or Wayne “Tank” Phillips on 0404 380 801

Please feel free to use any photo from our website www.goannapulling.com.au

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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Australia's Queen Of BodyPaint, MakeUp and Human Statues Invites Oprah And Other Dynamic Brave Business Leaders To Get Painted For Worthy Cause

Press Release: Australia's Queen Of BodyPaint, MakeUp and Human Statues Invites Oprah And Other Dynamic Brave Business Leaders To Get Painted For Worthy Cause (And Kicks)

In a clever, sexy and creative plan, Eva Rinaldi, considered by many to be Australia's queen of bodypaint, makeup and human statues, has kindly offered to bodypaint news media and entertainment queen bee of the world, Oprah Winfrey, now that she is to come "down under".

Not one to have her spirit and dreams deterred easily, the bodypainting goddess has also comprised a 'Wish List', which she sees more of a 'To Do' list, combining together her decade plus years in the industry and that of her in-house (and very good friend) Media Man, Greg Tingle.

The names on the list include rock gods KISS (starting with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley), maturing and gorgeous, Cher (also linked to Gene), the queen of sass, Bessie Bardot, Alice Cooper, Blondie (Deborah Harry), Tony Abbott, Austin Tayshus, king of publicity stunts and big business Richard "Virgin" Branson, and even the Media Man himself - Greg Tingle (also known for his frolicking with goddesses of Australia's burlesque and after dark scene), and loud website network.

The lucky and brave celebrated business icons will also be able to nominate their favorite worthy cause to Eva, so if your Richard Branson that likely means Virgin Unite, which is also the top pick of Eva's media man.

Before dismissing Eva's 'Wish List' and 'To Do' list, consider this:

Eva created her Human Statue BodyArt empire in the late 1990's, before there was a ready market and the bodypaint become in vogue, now tied into world famous events like the Sydney Body Art Bike Ride and World Naked Bike Ride.

Has worked with and collaborated with such as amazing talents such as Lady Gaga, Robeto Duran and Katy Perry.

Has created works for such strong brands such as Coca-Cola, Eclipse, Australasian Gaming Expo, World Vision and Sydney Opera Bar!

Eva's prior media appearances include Channel Seven 'Today', ABC News, Inner West Courier, The Glebe, The Southern Courier, The Wentworth Courier, LA Confidential, Where I Live, Radio, 2SER, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Cleo and Media Man.

Created and operates one of the world's most popular body painting websites and Facebook groups

Testimonials from the whose who, including former Australian Prime Minster John Howard.

So, Oprah, we think that your team would have noticed the dozens upon dozens of 'Eva Wants To Body Paint Oprah' Facebook fan comments by now, so the ball is in 'O's court.

Regardless of what gods and goddesses on Eva's list take up her complimentary offer, one can't dispute her enormous talent, generosity of heart and spirit, and ability to create positive buzz and stand out from the pack, be it at a children's charity event, high profile happening with a Prime Minister, or collaborating with Australia's leading photographers and entertainment icons.

For those who have yet to be amazed, tantalised and titillated by Eva's creations be sure to examine her website and colourful Facebooks @

http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

http://www.facebook.com/eva.rinaldi2

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sydney-Australia/Makeup-and-bodypainting/106735366024483

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For more information contact:

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m: 0413 797 993
e: bodyartist@bigpond.com

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e: greg@mediamanint.com

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

WWE Pro Wrestling Company Ramps Up Gambling Themes, by Greg Tingle - 14th September 2010

WWE Pro Wrestling Company Dancing With Gambling Again - Enter RAW Roulette

Gambling - online poker and now a roulette theme, has invaded the WWE Universe, and Media Man and Gambling911 are centre ring to bodyslam, suplex and clothesline our way to the facts.

The World Wrestling Entertainment company, headed up by Vince McMahon, just off an Aussie and China tour, is ramping up gambling. Last week in case you blinked and missed it, WWE Poker, promoted on the official WWE website was all the rage, and today we learn of WWE RAW Roulette!

Just good, clean WWE family entertainment and fun, or something more sinister?

Years ago McMahon rival Eric Bischoff dabbled in mixing wrestling and gaming together with mixed results.

Vince McMahon, WWE top brass looks to be taking it to the next level, but ironically a few years ago it was Ric Flair's involvement with the N.C Education Lottery that was given as a reason to distance themselves from 'The Nature Boy' and gambling full stop. A bit more history...About 15 years ago living legend Kevin Nash was known as 'Vinnie Vegas' when he entered the old World Championship Wrestling ring, but by the time he got to the then WWF he was Diesel. Today Nash is with WWE rival, TNA Wrestling, performing under his real name.

From the official WWE Facebook...

CINCINNATI – With just six days until Night of Champions, several competitors in that night’s Six Pack Elimination Challenge pushed their luck with Raw’s Roulette Wheel. Some hit the jackpot in their matches, while others saw their fortunes dwindle at the tables.... and

TONIGHT ON WWE Monday Night Raw: It's John Cena - WWE Universe vs. Randy Orton - WWE Universe, with their match type decided by the RAW ROULETTE wheel. Plus, NFL superstar Chad Ochocinco is our guest star in his hometown. Join WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel - WWE for a special Raw Live Chat TONIGHT at this link, starting at 8:30 PM ET

Last Week...

WWE Does WWE Poker: WTF - Grooming Kids For Poker?...

http://www.gambling911.com/poker/wwe-grooming-kids-poker-090510.html

WWE Social Media...

It took a few years of convincing, but WWE management and wrestlers are now some of the most powerful, impressive, popular and entertaining folks in the world of social networking.

McMahon has joined Facebook, plugging himself into the social media phenom, but thus far seems to have resisted his own official Twitter account, but his company and wrestlers are Twitter maniacs (in a good way).

Mrs Linda McMcMahon, now running for U.S senate is winning her wrestling match with American politics. Linda is still standing despite taking some incredible chair shots from her bully opponents and detractors. Way to go Linda.

Side note, Hulk Hogan finds himself having numerous fake Facebook and Twitter accounts springing up on an almost weekly basis. Fakes are one of the main dangers of the internet world, but thank god there's only one Gambling911 and one Media Man. Often imitated, never, ever, duplicated!

*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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Australian Gambling Entrepreneur Daniel Tzvetkoff Bailed From Jail, by Greg Tingle - 14th September 2010

The Australian gambling, gaming and casino sector remains on red alert with the release from jail of Aussie gambling and technology sector tycoon, Daniel 'Transactions' (Media Man tag) Tzvetkoff. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to keep you informed with the news you need to know...

The once ultra successful Australian gambling and tech tycoon Daniel Tzvetkoff has been released on bail from a New York remand centre in a deal those close are calling "secret".

The whiz kid wunderkind Gold Coast entrepreneur was freed post closed hearing before a federal magistrate.

Rupert Murdoch's News Limited papers learned he entered a plea deal to a serious criminal charge back on on 23rd August. Time flies when your having fun - not.

The ugly details do not appear on official public records, which could very well suggest he is co-operating with prosecutors who are enjoying their "crackdown" on "illegal online gambling".

Specialist legal eagles have been busy in and around the sector for a number of years with clients including names such as PartyGaming, Virgin Games, PokerStars, World Poker Tour, Harrah's Entertainment, Station Casinos, Full Tilt Poker, 888 and even Media Man.

The now bankrupt Tzvetkoff, who once amassed a $82 million or so fortune, had been charged with money laundering, conspiracy to launder, fraud and conspiracy to defraud. No readers, no murder or manslaughter chargers. We're just checking if your still awake and with us on this.

The numerous charges relate to more than half a billion dollars worth of "transactions" he processed from allegedly illegal online gaming sites in the US. The rumour mill says those sites include PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, with some suggestion Bodog may be linked into the Pandora's box. On the other hand, world's leading igaming company, PartyGaming, came to terms with the United States Department of Justice in a multi million dollar deal, and is currently looking to re enter the lucrative U.S market.

The 27-year-old was known to be quite the showoff - look at me type, with fancy and loud cars, boats, waterfront mansion at Surfers' Paradise, an interest in motorsport and all sorts of other big boys toys.

His fiancee had a child in Australia, which Daniel was not able to watch mature, due to his incarceration.

Tzvetkoff was arrested in down town Las Vegas back in April, thanks to a tip off from pissed off folks owned big money, and later denied bail by a New York federal judge who thought he had hidden lots of moolah to finance an escape from the US once free. Sort of like 'Catch Me If You Can', but in real life.

The US Bureau of Prisons advised he was no longer locked up and probation officials confirmed he had been bailed leading up to his trial, which is scheduled for June next year. The trail will be must watch material for anyone who has an interest in the igaming, gambling or larger technology sector.

"He was released on bail on that date (August 23)," said a spokesman, though the US Department of Justice would not confirm the development.

Tzvetkoff's bail terms are likely to involve GPS monitoring and house arrest, restrictions his lawyers suggested in his prior bail application. He likely has an unwanted anklet - chain around his ankle, and if not there, wrist or neck.

The once wunderkind who used to fly by private jet... understood without alerting US Customs officials as required by law...is also extremely likely to have forfeited his passport.

The US Attorney's Office is cracking down on some online gaming firms in the US, but appears to be picking its targets strategically.

In other legal news, Canadian Douglas 'Rip Off' (MM tag) Rennick, of Vancouver, is to be sentenced this month for assisting illegal gaming operations by moving $US350 million ($375 million) into the US from gambling hub Cyprus.

UK's BetonSports chief David Carruthers was arrested as he tried to leave the US for Costa Rica in 2006. Yep, his winning streak came to an abrupt halt. He was locked up for 33 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to violate anti-racketeering laws.

At the time of publication Tzvetkoff's lawyer had not return calls.

Tzvetkoff's apprenticeship in the tech sector included processing large amounts of money via transactions that were riding off the back of the lucrative porn industry.

Media Man and Gambling911 have thought up a new theme song for 'Our Daniels' upcoming media appearances' - JAILBREAK, by legendary Aussie rockers AD/CD. After further discussion a back up track was selected - JOHNNY B. GOOD. Punters, a friendly reminder - If betting, bet with your head, not over it, keep it legal, 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.

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Australian Gambling And Casino News, by Greg Tingle - 14th September 2010

The Australian gambling and gaming sector has never been hotter. Today we're got casino tycoon James Packer and friends news, political fodder pertaining to the Aussie gambling sector, a death following a visit to a casino party in the Asia Pacific, industry trends in land based venues and the online gaming sector and more. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to deliver the hard hitting news in an uncensored, unfiltered, caffeine free way... just the way you like it...

Gambling King James Packer And Media King Lachlan Murdoch Celebrate Together...

James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch, both ultra successful - business, gorgeous wives, fantastic lifestyles, you name it, shared a birthday celebration together on the 8th of September Media Man has learned. The tycoons Packer, 43, Murdoch, 39, joined with their better halves Erica and Sarah in 'Sin City' Sydney - the Surry Hills Restaurant and Bar The Winery, to be exact. The couples grabbed a quick bit, then birthday cake of course, and water, maybe on a heath kick...and swapped pressies. Packer gave Murdoch a little something from Cartier... we know, as a little red bag was seen entering and exiting the premises. The new week sees both gents contemplating what action to take regarding that messy One.Tel JV situation from the past. There's Jodee Rich, facing a Wednesday deadline to decide whether to serve a damages claim he has filed against Murdoch, Packer, News Ltd and Consolidated Media Holdings. Should the claim be served, it will most likely join the $244 million damages claim lodged in August by One.Tel's special purpose liquidator Paul Weston. More on this developing situation in the coming days, but it will take a lot to spoil Packer's fun and success at the moment, with his Australian and international ventures going from strength to strength. Can't wait to Aussie Millions at Crown Casino this January.

PartyGaming VS Virgin Games VS MicroGaming Powered Online Casino Wars Continue...

PartyGaming's brands including their mega popular PartyCasino and PartyPoker continue to maintain most popular online gaming website status in Australia for casino and poker. Richard Branson's Virgin Games is looking to move forward in the Australia Pacific, and is understood to also be in touch with Australian authorities. Microgaming powered Captain Cooks has lost a bit of steam, with newer challenger Roxy Casino now offering Aussies The Lord Of The Rings - Fellowship of the Ring slot. Party's Sinatra, Cleopatra, The Godfather, Mission: Impossible, Monopoly, Wheel of Fortune, Rambo, The Terminator, King Kong and Heist are some of the most popular online slots of all for the Aussies, with their sign up bonus of $500 all told being very attractive to most punters. Many of Party's online slot games are in fact very good versions of the land based casino equivalents. In fact, IGT has its own online arm, WagerWorks, which often supplies games to both PartyCasino and Virgin Casino. Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider: Secret of the Sword is still widely regarded as the most popular Microgaming powered game, but again, PartyGaming rules for branded slots in Australia. The play for free or play for money option has also proved to be a winning formula, as are the multi currency options, and the set betting limits option. All these brands have impressive security in place, and have been established for almost 30 years between them. Aussie's have been begging for a 'Kerry Packer', 'Underbelly' and 'Andre The Giant' slot game, but it still hasn't happened, but Christmas is coming. PKR is the most popular place still for 3D poker games and now also offer sport betting, taking a little chuck out of the likes of Betfair and Centrebet. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is considered the world's most successful online gambling company, and that was even before the bwin deal being announced. Movie and TV show themes remain very appealing to players, with the games being an extension of the greater entertainment industry. PartyCasino won last months Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award, with Virgin in 2nd and Captain Cooks grabbing 3rd. Congrats PartyGaming, and all others for their spirited competition.

Aussie Casino King James Packer And Friends Party In Melbourne...

'The King' was making the most of his return to down under, Melbourne last week, having cruised in from his high seas voyage of discovery. He joined mates, grabbing a feed at Crown Casino with Network Nine connection buddies David Gyngell, Eddie McGuire, Jeffrey Browne, Shane Warne. Media Man has named the foursome as some of the key players in what has been come to be known around town as the 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia'. JP was also spotted at Hemmesphere with sister Gretel, who we understand was celebrating a birthday. Yep, another party, so let's celebrate. More good fodder for the press.

Australian Clubs Might Follow Norwegian Pokie System Despite Problems; Punters Tipped To Bet More Via Online Pokies In Show Of Defiance...

A few years ago, way up north, Norwegian authorities reckon thet saw a rise in "problem gambling" (whatever exactly that is) in the pokie player mix, so they ripped out all the 15,000 one armed bandits from every pokie palace in the nation. Some punters went underground playing at illegal dens, others hit the internet pokies, some both. This scenario might just be on the cards for Australia. You know, see no evil, hear no evil! Out of sight, and out of mind. We all know banning things doesn't work. What happens when a book or music video, movie... whatever gets banned? They become more popular of course. Anyway, on with the tale and fast forward a year later, in 2008, and Norway reintroduced electronic gambling but with a piss weak system that some Australian thought police...the ones know know what is best for you, and are trying to protect you from yourself! Under a written agreement between PM Julia Gillard and the new Tasmanian independent MP Andrew 'Witty and Wild' (MM tag) Wilkie), the federal government has pledged to introduce a national "pre-commitment system" for Australia's 198,000 poker machines by 2012. The pitch is that this will "force" players to set spending limits in advance, and looks likely to shut them out for a period, once they reach their maximum. Of course in reality it will force gambling underground, be it to Kings Cross, Surry Hills, Bondi Beach, the internet or wherever. Banning trying to stop people doing X has never worked. Just look at the recent sackings of MP's from the Australian government - and they were looking at porn and gambling websites. Then there was a ABC TV presenter who collected kiddie porn - he still did it. Gambling regulation is the responsibility of the state governments, which new in billions of dollars, or about 10% of their annual revenue from gambling tax... pokies being the best, the federal government is now seeking legal advice on how it can enforce a pre-commitment system if the states refuse, which is quite likely. The Wilkie "deal" was struck on September 2 and clubs and others in the industry have been determined to point out its injustice and futility. Note, the Aussie Labor government has also been to known to break "deals" - go back on their word, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out. The Aussie Productivity Commission recommended the pre-commitment system after stating that about 41% (in dispute by all clubs) of the $11.9 billion Aussies spend on pokies each year came from "problem gamblers". It also questioned the community benefits that clubs claim to offer. The commission also dismissed concerns about job losses. Many clubs now believe the commission report was rigged and bias, and had an agenda in place from day dot, and was a way to push the bias of a couple of Australian anti gambling campaigners, despite data being corrupted. Andrew Wilkie is the MP now making the most noise, and he's quickly making a number of enemies in the pub and hospitality industry, and even a few underworld figures have their eyes and minds on Wilkie it is understood. A price is not know, but club whispers indicate its substantial. Wilkie is understood to have had to boost his security at work and home in fear of "what if" type scenarios. Wilkie and friend, the South Australian anti-pokies independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (MM tag) Xenophon, say the intention and sentiment of the "deal" is for a mandatory system. Gaming firms, pubs and hotel associations give a lot of money to Labor, and lobbying against a mandatory system is tipped to be massive. When the deal was announced, shares in pokie manufacturer Aristocrat dropped. Tabcorp and Tatts Group were only slightly affected, since the share market knows that neither of the firms own pokies after 2012, under licensing changes down south in Victoria. It is understood Tabcorp plans to manage some gaming rooms for a fee for some venues, but its real future is in casinos and wagering. Tatts could stand to win from a pre-commitment system. Through its Maxgaming arm, it runs monitoring for pokies in Queensland, NSW and the Northern Territory and is considered a most likely contender to win the same licence in Victoria. Maxgaming, which delivered a cool $42.6 million in earnings last year, already offers a pre-commitment system. One of the country's biggest poker machine operators, Woolworths, runs just over 12,000 machines through its 75% stake in ALH Group. It is running a trial of a voluntary pre-commitment system in a Queensland venues. ALH spokesman David Curry declined to say what effect this system has had on revenue or how many players have taken it up. "It's relatively early days. We do support voluntary pre-commitment and by voluntary, I mean opt-in." He argues mandatory pre-commitment would deter the group of friends having a few drinks on a Friday night who decide to play a few dollars on the pokies, and says they make up a significant portion of punters. "The productivity commission said that between 0.5 and 1 per cent of Australians are problem gamblers. So that leaves an awful number of recreational gamblers," Curry says. That figure is quoted often by those opposed to a mandatory system, who say it will punish the vast majority of recreational players, thus unfairly punishing venues. The commish found that there were between 80,000 and 160,000 Aussie adults suffering significant problems from gambling, or 0.5 to 1% of all adults. 230,000 to 350,000 adults experience "moderate risks" that may make them vulnerable to "problem gambling". Problem gamblers contribute up to 60% of total gaming machine spending, says the commission, but clubs and many industry expects say the report went out to inflate the numbers in order to try to push their own personal beliefs. Some of the crusaders said a punter could loose about $50,000 - $70,000 per hour playing a pokie, which is scientifically - mathematically impossible. A study by Scandinavian research group SINTEF found no change in the proportion of people with gambling problems in Norway in 2008, compared with 2007, even though all slot machines were removed from the market. The problem apparently shifted - online! A large proportion of problem gamblers "reported that internet gambling was their most important form of gambling," the researchers found. Aussies are spending about $850 million a year on overseas gambling websites according to insiders and leakers. Only time will tell for sure as to what will work, and what won't, but clubs are hear to stay, as is the internet, including games of skill, games of chance, and everything else, and we all know that having a punt is one of strongest attributes of Australian culture. Australians are also some of the world's highest users of the internet for work or play, so expect a lot more to be written about this political hot fodder. Gambling911 and Media Man will be proving frequent news updates, and also the odd game review on their world famous website portals, which happen to cover about a dozen different news and entertainment sectors, gaming and gambling just being one main group, albeit just about the most popular. Funny that! Work hard and play harder - its the Australian way maties.

Australians Gambling With Dangerous Websites?...

Australians tend to believe that all websites and website portals carry an equal security risk, be it gambling, sex - adult, news, mobile games and ringtones, entertainment or other content. It's a subject some news media and new media companies try to sidestep at times... just how safe or dangerous is the internet, and how do gambling and adult websites fit into the landscape. The majority of the loyal readership would be aware that both Media Man and Gambling911 are well established media website portals that cover news, sports, gaming, gambling, entertainment and more. We've learned that approximately 13% see gambling websites as most dangerous. A recent survey of computer users has found that 1 in 3 believe that all websites pose a security threat! Quizzed 'Where do you suspect is the greatest danger of malware infection on the internet', 34% said that when it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous. Websites that offer illegal software were deemed to be dangerous to 27%, 22% believed that visitors to adult sites are exposed to dangers, while 13% saw online gambling sites as the most treacherous. Only 4% per cent believed that big website portals (like Media Man, Google, Yahoo, NineMSN, Wikipedia) are particularly vulnerable due to their massive popularity. Sorin Mustaca, data security expert at Avira, who kindly conducted the said survey, said "On one hand, it's encouraging to see that over 33% of our user base has learned that security threats can come from any website, but it's also a statement on our society at large when 1 out of every 3 people can't trust any of the websites they visit." Carl Leonard, senior threat research manager at Websense, believes that the results underline the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the risks when browsing the internet. He said "While 34% is a positive increase in awareness, it clearly shows that two-thirds of users still lack awareness of online security threats. Businesses are also suffering from the same problem and many do not adequately protect themselves online. "Threats can come from anywhere: cyber criminals are known to target Web 2.0 websites, the most popular 100 websites, legitimate business websites and brand new sites; and they specifically look for places to host zero-day attacks. Today's sophisticated threats are increasingly blended attacks which hit all these channels and if a business has not got the right protection it can be hugely damaging." Christopher Boyd, senior threat researcher at GFI Labs, said "Personally I'd be more worried by browser games and social networking applications than pornographic websites - adult entertainment websites realised a long time ago that they won't maximise their profits while peddling infections and malicious code hijacks. In contrast, so many applications are untested and unverified by the platforms they operate on that spam, malicious links and compromised profiles are increasingly the order of the day. Warez sites can be lethal, as the code you're downloading could contain absolutely anything." Matthew Bruun, security expert at VeriSign, said "It's great to see that consumers are thinking about their online security, but as long as users are prudent and cautious when they are operating online there is no need to distrust every website. In order to get the best from the web, consumers need to know what to look for so that they can make the best judgement on whether or not to give a site their custom. Always look for visible security cues such as trust marks, or the green address bar, to guarantee that the website is authentic and online transactions are being secured. "It's these security factors, and not the type of website, that indicate to consumers which sites are safe to deal with. Conversely, if a site looks poorly built, has a strange URL address and contains lots of spelling or typographical errors, the user is right to be nervous."

A Media Man spokesperson said "For reasons stated in this report we are very mindful of who and what we associated ourselves with. As a world leading internet portal we need to be. We have every confidence in our friends at internet giants, Google, Gambling911, PartyGaming, Wikipedia, Virgin Games, Virgin, Playtech and Microgaming. Based on our decade in media publishing we have found Google to be a much safer company and website portal than Yahoo! and the Microsoft suite, but that's based off our own experience and the feedback we have been sent in. For gaming and gambling PartyGaming and Virgin are our current Top picks, and we offer detailed reviews on them to help boost consumer confidence. We also like poker brands World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker and Aussie Millions. WPT and WSOP sometimes get shown on Foxtel and other sports and entertainment TV shows. Tech news sites such as CNet and ZDNet are also excellent sources to get tech and web reviews. Ourselves and Gambling911 have developed quite in a niche in gaming, gambling and sports betting, and only deal with the best and most trusted company brands. We recommend that website visitors minimize risks when possible and dealing with big firms with positive reviews is a great way to do this".

Australian Man Dead After Asia Pacific Casino Party...

The surviving family of an Australian citizen found hanged in his Solomon Islands villa are now demanding that Aussie authorities fully investigate the death, which local police say was a suicide. Joanne Meiners believes the death last month of her former loving husband Wolfgang, who came to Sydney in 1961 after fleeing the then Iron Curtain nation of East Germany, was actually made to look like he took his own life. As time goes by, other people are starting to side with her belief. Mr Meiners, 69, who operated a successful fishing charter business in Honiara after relocating to the Solomon Islands 20 years ago, was found dead in his apartment on 26th August by a person identified as a former lover, who telephoned police. Speaking from her Gold Coast home, Mrs Meiners said a copy of the autopsy sent to her by friends living in Honiara revealed Mr Meiners had suffered a blow to the right eye, what appear to be defensive type wounds to his wrists, some bruising to his legs and injuries to his genitalia. "We have been told that the night prior, Wolfgang attended a party at the Pacific Casino Hotel held to celebrate the election of a new prime minister in the Solomon Islands," Mrs Meiners said. "Two of his friends walked him back to his hotel later that night and stated that he was paralytic but was OK when they left him there. Other people who were at the party said he appeared happy at the function and he had no injuries on his arms." She said her former husband was a "larger-than-life character" who made headlines five years ago when he and his fishing boat crew survived 18 days at sea after their vessel broke down. Mrs Meiners said her husband had had many affairs with other women, and was too vain to take his own life. "It is incredibly suspicious. There was no toxicology done in the post mortem. The autopsy report on the cause of death said 'probably hanging'. It doesn't explain how he came to suffer the injuries to his crotch and the massive blood loss." She rightly wants a complete review of the autopsy and said Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers based in the Solomon Islands should investigate the case as a matter of urgency.

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Australian Casinos

Asia Pacific

Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, what's your view on casino parties? Have you ever had a dangerous experience or very "close call" at a land based or online casino? What's your favorite slot game? Tell us in the forum.

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Australian Casinos

Casino Reviews

Wrap Up...

Readers... have you visited any dangerous websites or websites lately? What's more dangerous... gambling websites, porn websites or Australian government 'Big Brother' websites, or are they equal? Tell us in the forum.

When visiting a website or website portal be on the look out for any suspicious pop ups, adverts or any other elements that look like trouble. If betting, 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.

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australians Gambling With Dangerous Websites?, by Greg Tingle - 13th September 2010

Australians tend to believe that all websites and website portals carry an equal security risk, be it gambling, sex - adult, news, mobile games and ringtones, entertainment or other content. Media Man and Gambling911 play Superman and Clark Kent with this special report... just the way you like it...

It's a subject some news media and new media companies try to sidestep at times... just how safe or dangerous is the internet, and how do gambling and adult websites fit into the landscape.

The majority of the loyal readership would be aware that both Media Man and Gambling911 are well established media website portals that cover news, sports, gaming, gambling, entertainment and more.

We've learned that approximately 13% see gambling websites as most dangerous.

A recent survey of computer users has found that 1 in 3 believe that all websites pose a security threat!

Quizzed 'Where do you suspect is the greatest danger of malware infection on the internet', 34% said that when it comes to security, all websites are equally dangerous.

Websites that offer illegal software were deemed to be dangerous to 27%, 22% believed that visitors to adult sites are exposed to dangers, while 13% saw online gambling sites as the most treacherous. Only 4% per cent believed that big website portals (like Media Man, Google, Yahoo, NineMSN, Wikipedia) are particularly vulnerable due to their massive popularity.

Sorin Mustaca, data security expert at Avira, who kindly conducted the said survey, said "On one hand, it's encouraging to see that over 33% of our user base has learned that security threats can come from any website, but it's also a statement on our society at large when 1 out of every 3 people can't trust any of the websites they visit."

Carl Leonard, senior threat research manager at Websense, believes that the results underline the fact that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the risks when browsing the internet.

He said "While 34% is a positive increase in awareness, it clearly shows that two-thirds of users still lack awareness of online security threats. Businesses are also suffering from the same problem and many do not adequately protect themselves online.

"Threats can come from anywhere: cyber criminals are known to target Web 2.0 websites, the most popular 100 websites, legitimate business websites and brand new sites; and they specifically look for places to host zero-day attacks. Today's sophisticated threats are increasingly blended attacks which hit all these channels and if a business has not got the right protection it can be hugely damaging."

Christopher Boyd, senior threat researcher at GFI Labs, said "Personally I'd be more worried by browser games and social networking applications than pornographic websites - adult entertainment websites realised a long time ago that they won't maximise their profits while peddling infections and malicious code hijacks. In contrast, so many applications are untested and unverified by the platforms they operate on that spam, malicious links and compromised profiles are increasingly the order of the day. Warez sites can be lethal, as the code you're downloading could contain absolutely anything."

Matthew Bruun, security expert at VeriSign, said "It's great to see that consumers are thinking about their online security, but as long as users are prudent and cautious when they are operating online there is no need to distrust every website. In order to get the best from the web, consumers need to know what to look for so that they can make the best judgement on whether or not to give a site their custom. Always look for visible security cues such as trust marks, or the green address bar, to guarantee that the website is authentic and online transactions are being secured.

"It's these security factors, and not the type of website, that indicate to consumers which sites are safe to deal with. Conversely, if a site looks poorly built, has a strange URL address and contains lots of spelling or typographical errors, the user is right to be nervous."

A Media Man spokesperson said "For reasons stated in this report we are very mindful of who and what we associated ourselves with. As a world leading internet portal we need to be. We have every confidence in our friends at internet giants, Google, Gambling911, PartyGaming, Wikipedia, Virgin Games, Virgin, Playtech and Microgaming. Based on our decade in media publishing we have found Google to be a much safer company and website portal than Yahoo! and the Microsoft suite, but that's based off our own experience and the feedback we have been sent in. For gaming and gambling PartyGaming and Virgin are our current top picks, and we offer detailed reviews on them to help boost consumer confidence. Tech news sites such as CNet and ZDNet are also excellent sources to get tech and web reviews. Ourselves and Gambling911 have developed quite in a niche in gaming, gambling and sports betting, and only deal with the best and most trusted company brands. We recommend that website visitors minimize risks when possible and dealing with big firms with positive reviews is a great way to do this".

Media Man Profiles

Australia

Australian Casinos

Casino Reviews

Wrap Up...

Readers... have you visited any dangerous websites or websites lately? What's more dangerous... gambling websites, porn websites or Australian government 'Big Brother' websites, or are they equal? Tell us in the forum.

When visiting a website or website portal be on the look out for any suspicious pop ups, adverts or any other elements that look like trouble. If betting, 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.

Website Network

Media Man International

Media Man

Media Man Australia

Media Man Asia

Media Man Canada

Media Man Games

Media Man Brand

Media Man Network

Casino News Media

Poker News Media

Global Gaming Directory