G'day punters, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, poker high rollers, politicians and one and all. You've waited patiently for some serious and colourful news relating to Crown Casino for months now, and now finally, here it is in all is non spin glory. Media Man and Gambling911 deliver Crown Casino hardcore news...
As Crown Casino they don't like to discuss sackings, which is fair enough. We like to focus on positive, not negative, when possible, but folks, this is big news.
The sacked Crown Casino chief executive officer David Courtney is now suing his former employer for refusing to honour provisions in his fat $1.25 million contract.
Courtney's position was terminated last month, following a company "restructure" that the James 'Casino King' Packer casino claimed was part of Crown's continuing strategy to reduce overheads. Some saw it as "trimming the fat", and "culling fat cats", but no one will go on record with those descriptions. Funny that.
Documents filed in Victoria's Supreme Court just this week demonstrate that while the company was within its rights to terminate his 5-year contract on a year's written notice, if it did so Courtney could receive his remaining pay over 24 months or less, much like a monthly salary. You know, horses for courses, but its hard to keep all of the people happy, all of the time.
The fascinating legal writ claims the company is now refusing to honour this clause, which he argues is a breach of the employment agreement he signed back in 2007.
The contract includes cash salary, superannuation contributions, cars and other goodies and benefits. The writ states Courtney is suing for damages, interest, costs and "such further or other relief as the court considers just".
Media Man, Gambling911 and much of the media and gaming community is hopeful that the differences can be settled amicably.
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our hard core Crown Casino report? Tell us in the forum. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. 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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Saturday, November 06, 2010
James Packer Casino King Tribute To Alan Jones Media King, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2010
In a very special getting together in Sydney, Australia's gambling king, and up and coming media tycoon, James Packer, has paid tribute to Australian radio broadcasting legend Alan Jones, in a powerful and emotional speech. Media Man and Gambling911 cross now to the action...
Australian media and gambling business champion, James Packer, gave a powerful, emotional and heartfelt address overnight in tribute to talkback radio king and racing identity Alan Jones.
For the uninitiated, Jones is every part the living legend of media, racing and people power circles. Jones and the guest were celebrating his 25 years as a broadcaster in a glitz event at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Media Man favorite gambling tycoon, Packer headlined the impressive event.
Let's go through some of the highlights...
Packer's voice got croaky after describing how Jones had assisted thousands of people, many totally anonymously, showing just how giving of heart and spirit the great man was.
"Alan, no one will ever take your place. You are without peer my friend," Packer said, looking to get touch teary eyed.
Earlier in the evening he told the story of how his late father, Kerry Packer, has encouraged and then persuaded Jones to give up politics for life as a media commentator on Network Nine and then onto Radio 2UE, and before then representing competitor 2GB Radio.
"What do you want to be son...the Prime Minister or a millionaire," KP (Kerry Packer) said to Jones.
"Alan took the money, not the box."
The magical night, which was hosted by advertising and media legend John Singleton and attended by the whose who of politics, media, and arts, also featured tributes from people as diverse as Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger and pop icons Human Nature.
Jones's long-time colleague at 2UE and a veteran of more than 6 decades in radio, John Brennan said Jones was the best broadcaster he had ever heard because of his ability to connect with listeners and his efficiency of description.
"I think that Alan Jones is the Roger Federer of radio," he wasn't afraid to share with the audience.
Even former Aussie prime minister John Howard touched on a remark from Packer that Jones would "pick and stick" by his mates and friends, describing the legend as "an Australian who never let his cobbers down".
He said Jones, more than anyone else, understood the power of talkback radio to influence politics.
"Alan has understood the temperament and the nature of the Australian people They don't like being told by self-appointed cultural dietitians that we should be ashamed of our past - Alan understood that", Howard shared.
He said he had appreciated Jones's support while in office and paid tribute to the broadcaster's record of winning a massive 155 radio ratings surveys.
Jones, who went on to speak last, said Howard was in his mind "the best prime minister Australia has had".
He thanked the people who attended - friends, family and other guests, including some of his listeners, as well as generously paying tribute to his support team at Radio 2GB.
Jones advised his main campaign would be against opencut mining which he thinks turns too much rich pastoral land into wastelands for profit. He elaborated and said he was hopeful he would be able to continue to make people feel better as a result of his work, both broadcasting, community and more.
"The aim of power in this world is to lift people, not crush them," he shared.
Jones has also greatly contributed to the Australia gaming and horse racing industry, with speaking on what's best for Australian racing being one of his passions. It was Jones who basically told Australian racing to lift its game or see more competition knocking on the door of Australia. Jones and his team are aware of the PartyGaming - PMU deal inked earlier this year, and Jones has also offered commentary in the past on Packer's Betfair and the like. Jones is understood to be a supported of regulated gaming and racing, and a believer in responsible gaming, as is Gambling911 and Media Man.
Well done to everyone involved, and Alan, thank you for assisting some of my mates over the years also, which in turn assisted me, and James, thank you also for the opportunity to offer commentary on you, your company, initiatives like GenerationOne, and to offer some b2b to some of your companies showcase events like Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship. It is truly appreciated and never taken for granted. Long live the Jones, Packer and 'Singo' (Singleton) legends. All Aussie champions of business, community and people power.
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It was wonderful to hear about the good deeds of media tycoons wasn't it We salute both Packer, Jones, and the good folks who helped put together such a fantastic happening. It was also a nice change to read about big time Australian media players without all the agro and such. Stay tuned for more of the best on gambling, media, entertainment and sports right here at Gambling911.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. Media Man also publish Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com
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Australian media and gambling business champion, James Packer, gave a powerful, emotional and heartfelt address overnight in tribute to talkback radio king and racing identity Alan Jones.
For the uninitiated, Jones is every part the living legend of media, racing and people power circles. Jones and the guest were celebrating his 25 years as a broadcaster in a glitz event at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Media Man favorite gambling tycoon, Packer headlined the impressive event.
Let's go through some of the highlights...
Packer's voice got croaky after describing how Jones had assisted thousands of people, many totally anonymously, showing just how giving of heart and spirit the great man was.
"Alan, no one will ever take your place. You are without peer my friend," Packer said, looking to get touch teary eyed.
Earlier in the evening he told the story of how his late father, Kerry Packer, has encouraged and then persuaded Jones to give up politics for life as a media commentator on Network Nine and then onto Radio 2UE, and before then representing competitor 2GB Radio.
"What do you want to be son...the Prime Minister or a millionaire," KP (Kerry Packer) said to Jones.
"Alan took the money, not the box."
The magical night, which was hosted by advertising and media legend John Singleton and attended by the whose who of politics, media, and arts, also featured tributes from people as diverse as Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger and pop icons Human Nature.
Jones's long-time colleague at 2UE and a veteran of more than 6 decades in radio, John Brennan said Jones was the best broadcaster he had ever heard because of his ability to connect with listeners and his efficiency of description.
"I think that Alan Jones is the Roger Federer of radio," he wasn't afraid to share with the audience.
Even former Aussie prime minister John Howard touched on a remark from Packer that Jones would "pick and stick" by his mates and friends, describing the legend as "an Australian who never let his cobbers down".
He said Jones, more than anyone else, understood the power of talkback radio to influence politics.
"Alan has understood the temperament and the nature of the Australian people They don't like being told by self-appointed cultural dietitians that we should be ashamed of our past - Alan understood that", Howard shared.
He said he had appreciated Jones's support while in office and paid tribute to the broadcaster's record of winning a massive 155 radio ratings surveys.
Jones, who went on to speak last, said Howard was in his mind "the best prime minister Australia has had".
He thanked the people who attended - friends, family and other guests, including some of his listeners, as well as generously paying tribute to his support team at Radio 2GB.
Jones advised his main campaign would be against opencut mining which he thinks turns too much rich pastoral land into wastelands for profit. He elaborated and said he was hopeful he would be able to continue to make people feel better as a result of his work, both broadcasting, community and more.
"The aim of power in this world is to lift people, not crush them," he shared.
Jones has also greatly contributed to the Australia gaming and horse racing industry, with speaking on what's best for Australian racing being one of his passions. It was Jones who basically told Australian racing to lift its game or see more competition knocking on the door of Australia. Jones and his team are aware of the PartyGaming - PMU deal inked earlier this year, and Jones has also offered commentary in the past on Packer's Betfair and the like. Jones is understood to be a supported of regulated gaming and racing, and a believer in responsible gaming, as is Gambling911 and Media Man.
Well done to everyone involved, and Alan, thank you for assisting some of my mates over the years also, which in turn assisted me, and James, thank you also for the opportunity to offer commentary on you, your company, initiatives like GenerationOne, and to offer some b2b to some of your companies showcase events like Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship. It is truly appreciated and never taken for granted. Long live the Jones, Packer and 'Singo' (Singleton) legends. All Aussie champions of business, community and people power.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Radio
Television
James Packer
Alan Jones
John Singleton
Entertainment News
Wrap Up...
It was wonderful to hear about the good deeds of media tycoons wasn't it We salute both Packer, Jones, and the good folks who helped put together such a fantastic happening. It was also a nice change to read about big time Australian media players without all the agro and such. Stay tuned for more of the best on gambling, media, entertainment and sports right here at Gambling911.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. Media Man also publish Media Man News http://www.mediamannews.com
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Friday, November 05, 2010
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Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
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Start your casino adventure in the best way possible: with extra cash to take to your favourite games
Choose between two great welcome bonuses and kick things off in style, whether you’re a slots fan or you love the classics like roulette and blackjack. Here’s what you could get when you join us:
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Get 100% extra on your first four deposits, up to $/£/€ 750 on each. You’ll get the first bonus automatically - no bonus code required. Then just use bonus code 750SLOTS on your next three deposits to pick up your cash.
OR
100% extra, up to $200**: recommended for all casino games players
If you enjoy our other games more than our slots and jackpot slots, pick up 100% extra on your first deposit, up to $200, by using bonus code 200ALLGAMES.
PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, 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. The new instant casino is now live. Play direct from the website in 14 languages with the improved user interface. ‘The Big One’ at PartyCasino.com, the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry, is now over $2,500,000, while the Gold Mega Jackpot currently exceeds $1,300,000! In total PartyCasino.com’s jackpots total over $4,000,000!
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
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Thursday, November 04, 2010
Australian Media Wars Explained, by Greg Tingle - 4th November 2010
Punters, entertainment and media news junkies, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, and one and all. With all the talk of the Australian media wars, we thought we would explain a little more about what they are today. The main "war" at the moment concerns the Australian television landscape, with James Packer buying up big in Network Ten shares. Some insiders say Packer's but into Ten has more to do with online gaming and gambling than one might otherwise think. Packer historically was much closer aligned with Network Nine Australia, of which his late father owned and run, and where his long time mate and associate, David Gyngell works. Media Man and Gambling911 offer up the latest on Packer VS Gyngell, and much much more on the famed 'Australian Media Wars'...incoming!
In simply terms the Australian mainstream news media landscape consists of the following mains groups:
Television, print (newspapers and magazines), radio, new media, internet / new media, and the "what will they think of next"? / others sector.
In this feature we will mainly focus on television (commercial TV), to a lesser extent pay TV (Foxtel, Fox Sports - Premier Media Group etc), and the internet, which is part of the convergent media sector. Media Man is more a convergent media company, having a number of website portals (but not owning a TV station, radio station or print publication) to help give you an idea.
David Gyngell, Packer Mate And Rival Running Things At Network Nine and PBL Media
Gyngell's rise from the Network Nine Network to running its parent, PBL Media, tells us a few telling lessons. He's extremely well-regarded by its owners (private equity firm CVC especially, which is understood to be looking to float the company on the stock market, but that date is speculation. It confirms that he's not going to be poached to run Network Ten once the share raid on its share register has settled. It once again is a wake up call for everyone what a turbulent media world is in Australia. Gyngell is a long time friend of Packer. Packer used to be his boss at Nine but now holds 18% of Network Ten, and a half share of Consolidated Media, alongside Kerry Stokes' Seven Media Group, which has a quarter. ConsMedia has a small stake in PBL Media, a quarter stake in Foxtel and half of Fox Sports, as does Packer's other business mate, Lachlan Murdoch, in his capacity as a director of News Corp, which also just happens to own one of this down unders' 2 major newspaper groups. Murdoch's private company holds 9% of Prime television, and he is now its deputy chairman, and half of Nova's holding company, DMG Radio. As well as his responsibilities in running Nine, as chief of PBL Media, Gyngell also runs NBN Television, ACP Magazines and has a say in NineMSN, Ticketek and Sky News...which is a joint venture between PBL, Seven and British Sky Broadcasting, which is controlled by ... News Corp, now making a bid for full ownership. Are you following? Should Murdoch buy half of Packer's stake in Ten, its register will be dominated by a trio of two billionaire media moguls...Packer and Win Television's Bruce Gordon...and the son of one. Gyngell's elevation also shows us how competitive commercial television might be next year. Cricket tests - 20 / 20s, football codes and Aussie drama are just some of what's on the Aussie TV menu. PBL chief executive Tim Parker, who's also a partner at its private equity owner CVC, thinks Gyngell is the man to take the moguls on! Last night's statement said: "We are thrilled to have the best media executive in the country to lead the business. The Nine Network, including Channel Nine and the Go and GEM multi-channels, are in the ascendancy in an enormously competitive environment. The performance of Nine is a credit to David and his team."
Television is about to get even more competitive if Ten's news strategy weathers the storm of the Packer-Murdoch attack and it wins at least some of the audience who have traditionally switched off Ten at 5.59pm once its news is over, to watch some more on Channels Seven and Nine. With the departure of current PBL chief executive Ian Law, Gyngell's elevation is also a reminder of how critical television is to PBL's performance.
Australian TV Industry On Fire Thanks To Packer, Murdoch Jr And Gyngell...
In the fast paced tech changes affecting how news and entertainment is delivered to your television, computer and wireless watsy, there is clearly a threat to the old way of doing business. But generational change is also happening now. David Gyngell, 44, now takes the lead of one of Australia's biggest media concerns, PBL Media, owner of the Nine Network. No longer in the hands of the powerful Packer family, PBL Media was acquired from 2006 to 2008 by private equity company CVC Asia Pacific. Its board has elevated Gyngell to chief exec because it sees him as the best man to help sell the company to investors in an expected $5 billion stockmarket float next year. Gyngell's best mate, James Packer, 43, last month spent $280 million buying an 18% cent stake in Ten and wants to revamp the network's internet strategy to make better use of the opportunities emerging. He has been keen to install Paul Bassat, 42, who co-founded the successful job search firm Seek. Bassat and his brother, Andrew, have built a $2.4bn online employment and education empire in the past decade. Lachlan Murdoch, 39, is also eyeing a co-investment in Ten. The investments are a sure sign of confidence in traditional media that was not thought of a year back. The changes are rapid. Packer has said privately to friends he has been surprised by the success of the new multichannels Australians can access on their TVs and that have attracted new advertising. Newspapers, such as The Australian, are launching across new platforms such as the iPad and new revenue streams are opening up. The last great boom of technology in media and communication companies was in swing a decade ago. How was that for a bit of a history lesson.
Network Ten Loves Internet; Visa Versa...
Packer is thinking about Ten's news and online strategy, but Ten exec are also considering a strategy when it comes to the web. The network, which recently inked a deal to use MCM Entertainment's video platform movideo to play video on its website, typically divides full-length programs into 6 parts, which enables it to show an advertisement, dubbed a pre-roll, before each part. Yahoo7 and Ninemsn show fewer ads on their full-length catch-up TV content on their Plus7 and FixPlay services respectively. Ten's chief digital media officer Nick Spooner said movideo technology would enable the network to experiment with new ad formats and recommend similar programs to visitors who have watched a video on the site. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said movideo technology would allow Ten to serve videos across all digital platforms, including internet-delivered TV, or IPTV. Ten's video views were up 31% year on year to 60 million views of premium content within 12 months, Mr Spooner said. "It provides a better experience for the audience in a range of ways," he said. "These include supporting much closer links to social networking engagement around our programs. "From a client perspective, we currently run pre-roll advertising, and movideo allows us to trial new advertising formats." Online video advertising is a small but burgeoning market in Australia, estimated at $25 million for the 2010 financial year, although that figure does not include video-sharing website YouTube. According to eMarketer, US online advertising revenues will grow at more than 30% a year until at least 2013, when they will be worth $US4 billion. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said the online video platform market was worth about $480 million worldwide.
MCM group, which also operates a music and media syndication business and a digital design agency, began marketing its video player to third parties in March, and is now expanding into Asia. Media Man is part of the wave of new media, will you be?
Lachlan Murdoch Prime Media Group Sells Assets...
Prime Media Group Ltd has sold its non-core outside broadcast assets amid reports its deputy chairman Lachlan Murdoch is in talks to buy half of James Packer's new stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Prime said it had sold OSB Australia to UK-based Gearhouse Broadcast Pty Ltd for $8.5 million in cash and $3 million in instalments between December 2012 and December 2014. OSB Australia provides outside broadcast facilities and services for professional sporting events. Prime will hold a 15 per cent interest in the merged OSB/Gearhouse business, which has extended its agreement with Fox Sports for rugby union coverage through to 2015. "The sale of OSB Australia continues our program of divesting non-core assets to re-focus on maximising earnings from television and radio," Prime chief executive Ian Audsley said in a statement.
Prime in July sold its New Zealand outside broadcast operator, OSB New Zealand, to Sky Television Ltd and also announced the sale of Moonlight Cinema to Amalgamated Holdings Ltd. Prime will incur a $1 million impairment on the sale of OSB, but will avoid $13 million of capital expenditure that is required for OSB Australia. The proceeds of the sale will be used by Prime to pay down debt, which stood at $96 million at the end of June when the company recorded a $54.5 million full-year net loss, a widening of its $45.5 million net loss for the previous financial year. Separately on Thursday, Fairfax reported Mr Murdoch's company Illyria Pty Ltd was likely to buy 50 per cent of Mr Packer's 17.88 per cent stake in Ten acquired last week. Mr Packer's surprise $280 million purchase marked his return to free-to-air television after years of focusing on the gambling sector. The Fairfax reports, citing "a well-placed Murdoch source familiar with the discussions", said Mr Murdoch saw the possible deal as a "turnaround" story. A price had not been agreed upon, the report said. Ten declined to comment, while Prime was being sought for comment. Comment was also being sought from Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd, where Mr Packer is deputy chair. Shares in Prime closed steady at 65 cents, Ten shares dipped almost two per cent to $1.50 - the same price Mr Packer paid for his shares in the broadcaster - and Consolidated Media shares were two cents softer at $3.35.
James Packer Media News...
Ten Network chairman Nick Falloon may be getting ready to leave as media moguls James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch join forces on the network and we ponder could Falloon’s loss end up as Murdoch’s gain? Meanwhile, BHP Billiton moves to squash talk that its PotashCorp bid is set to crash and burn in Ottawa. Elsewhere, as the political offensive against the ASX-SGX merger intensifies investors may be losing faith with the exchange operators and AXA SA seals a heavyweight China deal with the world’s most valuable lender ICBC. With Ten Network Holdings reportedly set to welcome two heavyweight media moguls as its major shareholders the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with reports that James Packer’s planned overhaul of the network may have claimed its first victim. Unsurprisingly, the unfortunate victim is reportedly the network’s executive chairman Nick Falloon. According to The Australian, Falloon has agreed to relinquish his position after a meeting with Packer. Rumblings that Falloon’s head was on the block took hold pretty much as soon as Packer pulled of his share raid last week and The Australian reports that his departure is yet to be formalised. The news comes as media scion Lachlan Murdoch looks set to take a board seat at the network with confirmation that his Illyria Private Limited was in talks with Packer’s Prime Capital to buy 50 per cent of its 17.88% stake in Ten for around $155 million. The deal between the two moguls is expected to be finalised in a month or so and interestingly there is talk that Murdoch will not only push for a board seat but could possibly be a candidate to become Ten’s chairman. Packer has reportedly set his sights on culling Ten’s planned foray into news and current affairs and return the focus on the low-cost 16 to 39 demographic. While the plans seem to have been broadly welcomed by Ten’s major shareholders there are detractors out there especially analysts who point out that a return to youth-friendly programming could actually end up costing the network more money and with the inception of multi-channel offerings from Seven and Nine cutting into the market the new approach may not be as successful as first thought. Either way its great reading for the the Gambling911 and Media Man loyal following. All we can say is don't bet against Packer.
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Entertainment News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our special Australian Media Wars Explained feature? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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In simply terms the Australian mainstream news media landscape consists of the following mains groups:
Television, print (newspapers and magazines), radio, new media, internet / new media, and the "what will they think of next"? / others sector.
In this feature we will mainly focus on television (commercial TV), to a lesser extent pay TV (Foxtel, Fox Sports - Premier Media Group etc), and the internet, which is part of the convergent media sector. Media Man is more a convergent media company, having a number of website portals (but not owning a TV station, radio station or print publication) to help give you an idea.
David Gyngell, Packer Mate And Rival Running Things At Network Nine and PBL Media
Gyngell's rise from the Network Nine Network to running its parent, PBL Media, tells us a few telling lessons. He's extremely well-regarded by its owners (private equity firm CVC especially, which is understood to be looking to float the company on the stock market, but that date is speculation. It confirms that he's not going to be poached to run Network Ten once the share raid on its share register has settled. It once again is a wake up call for everyone what a turbulent media world is in Australia. Gyngell is a long time friend of Packer. Packer used to be his boss at Nine but now holds 18% of Network Ten, and a half share of Consolidated Media, alongside Kerry Stokes' Seven Media Group, which has a quarter. ConsMedia has a small stake in PBL Media, a quarter stake in Foxtel and half of Fox Sports, as does Packer's other business mate, Lachlan Murdoch, in his capacity as a director of News Corp, which also just happens to own one of this down unders' 2 major newspaper groups. Murdoch's private company holds 9% of Prime television, and he is now its deputy chairman, and half of Nova's holding company, DMG Radio. As well as his responsibilities in running Nine, as chief of PBL Media, Gyngell also runs NBN Television, ACP Magazines and has a say in NineMSN, Ticketek and Sky News...which is a joint venture between PBL, Seven and British Sky Broadcasting, which is controlled by ... News Corp, now making a bid for full ownership. Are you following? Should Murdoch buy half of Packer's stake in Ten, its register will be dominated by a trio of two billionaire media moguls...Packer and Win Television's Bruce Gordon...and the son of one. Gyngell's elevation also shows us how competitive commercial television might be next year. Cricket tests - 20 / 20s, football codes and Aussie drama are just some of what's on the Aussie TV menu. PBL chief executive Tim Parker, who's also a partner at its private equity owner CVC, thinks Gyngell is the man to take the moguls on! Last night's statement said: "We are thrilled to have the best media executive in the country to lead the business. The Nine Network, including Channel Nine and the Go and GEM multi-channels, are in the ascendancy in an enormously competitive environment. The performance of Nine is a credit to David and his team."
Television is about to get even more competitive if Ten's news strategy weathers the storm of the Packer-Murdoch attack and it wins at least some of the audience who have traditionally switched off Ten at 5.59pm once its news is over, to watch some more on Channels Seven and Nine. With the departure of current PBL chief executive Ian Law, Gyngell's elevation is also a reminder of how critical television is to PBL's performance.
Australian TV Industry On Fire Thanks To Packer, Murdoch Jr And Gyngell...
In the fast paced tech changes affecting how news and entertainment is delivered to your television, computer and wireless watsy, there is clearly a threat to the old way of doing business. But generational change is also happening now. David Gyngell, 44, now takes the lead of one of Australia's biggest media concerns, PBL Media, owner of the Nine Network. No longer in the hands of the powerful Packer family, PBL Media was acquired from 2006 to 2008 by private equity company CVC Asia Pacific. Its board has elevated Gyngell to chief exec because it sees him as the best man to help sell the company to investors in an expected $5 billion stockmarket float next year. Gyngell's best mate, James Packer, 43, last month spent $280 million buying an 18% cent stake in Ten and wants to revamp the network's internet strategy to make better use of the opportunities emerging. He has been keen to install Paul Bassat, 42, who co-founded the successful job search firm Seek. Bassat and his brother, Andrew, have built a $2.4bn online employment and education empire in the past decade. Lachlan Murdoch, 39, is also eyeing a co-investment in Ten. The investments are a sure sign of confidence in traditional media that was not thought of a year back. The changes are rapid. Packer has said privately to friends he has been surprised by the success of the new multichannels Australians can access on their TVs and that have attracted new advertising. Newspapers, such as The Australian, are launching across new platforms such as the iPad and new revenue streams are opening up. The last great boom of technology in media and communication companies was in swing a decade ago. How was that for a bit of a history lesson.
Network Ten Loves Internet; Visa Versa...
Packer is thinking about Ten's news and online strategy, but Ten exec are also considering a strategy when it comes to the web. The network, which recently inked a deal to use MCM Entertainment's video platform movideo to play video on its website, typically divides full-length programs into 6 parts, which enables it to show an advertisement, dubbed a pre-roll, before each part. Yahoo7 and Ninemsn show fewer ads on their full-length catch-up TV content on their Plus7 and FixPlay services respectively. Ten's chief digital media officer Nick Spooner said movideo technology would enable the network to experiment with new ad formats and recommend similar programs to visitors who have watched a video on the site. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said movideo technology would allow Ten to serve videos across all digital platforms, including internet-delivered TV, or IPTV. Ten's video views were up 31% year on year to 60 million views of premium content within 12 months, Mr Spooner said. "It provides a better experience for the audience in a range of ways," he said. "These include supporting much closer links to social networking engagement around our programs. "From a client perspective, we currently run pre-roll advertising, and movideo allows us to trial new advertising formats." Online video advertising is a small but burgeoning market in Australia, estimated at $25 million for the 2010 financial year, although that figure does not include video-sharing website YouTube. According to eMarketer, US online advertising revenues will grow at more than 30% a year until at least 2013, when they will be worth $US4 billion. MCM group CEO Tony McGinn said the online video platform market was worth about $480 million worldwide.
MCM group, which also operates a music and media syndication business and a digital design agency, began marketing its video player to third parties in March, and is now expanding into Asia. Media Man is part of the wave of new media, will you be?
Lachlan Murdoch Prime Media Group Sells Assets...
Prime Media Group Ltd has sold its non-core outside broadcast assets amid reports its deputy chairman Lachlan Murdoch is in talks to buy half of James Packer's new stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Prime said it had sold OSB Australia to UK-based Gearhouse Broadcast Pty Ltd for $8.5 million in cash and $3 million in instalments between December 2012 and December 2014. OSB Australia provides outside broadcast facilities and services for professional sporting events. Prime will hold a 15 per cent interest in the merged OSB/Gearhouse business, which has extended its agreement with Fox Sports for rugby union coverage through to 2015. "The sale of OSB Australia continues our program of divesting non-core assets to re-focus on maximising earnings from television and radio," Prime chief executive Ian Audsley said in a statement.
Prime in July sold its New Zealand outside broadcast operator, OSB New Zealand, to Sky Television Ltd and also announced the sale of Moonlight Cinema to Amalgamated Holdings Ltd. Prime will incur a $1 million impairment on the sale of OSB, but will avoid $13 million of capital expenditure that is required for OSB Australia. The proceeds of the sale will be used by Prime to pay down debt, which stood at $96 million at the end of June when the company recorded a $54.5 million full-year net loss, a widening of its $45.5 million net loss for the previous financial year. Separately on Thursday, Fairfax reported Mr Murdoch's company Illyria Pty Ltd was likely to buy 50 per cent of Mr Packer's 17.88 per cent stake in Ten acquired last week. Mr Packer's surprise $280 million purchase marked his return to free-to-air television after years of focusing on the gambling sector. The Fairfax reports, citing "a well-placed Murdoch source familiar with the discussions", said Mr Murdoch saw the possible deal as a "turnaround" story. A price had not been agreed upon, the report said. Ten declined to comment, while Prime was being sought for comment. Comment was also being sought from Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd, where Mr Packer is deputy chair. Shares in Prime closed steady at 65 cents, Ten shares dipped almost two per cent to $1.50 - the same price Mr Packer paid for his shares in the broadcaster - and Consolidated Media shares were two cents softer at $3.35.
James Packer Media News...
Ten Network chairman Nick Falloon may be getting ready to leave as media moguls James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch join forces on the network and we ponder could Falloon’s loss end up as Murdoch’s gain? Meanwhile, BHP Billiton moves to squash talk that its PotashCorp bid is set to crash and burn in Ottawa. Elsewhere, as the political offensive against the ASX-SGX merger intensifies investors may be losing faith with the exchange operators and AXA SA seals a heavyweight China deal with the world’s most valuable lender ICBC. With Ten Network Holdings reportedly set to welcome two heavyweight media moguls as its major shareholders the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with reports that James Packer’s planned overhaul of the network may have claimed its first victim. Unsurprisingly, the unfortunate victim is reportedly the network’s executive chairman Nick Falloon. According to The Australian, Falloon has agreed to relinquish his position after a meeting with Packer. Rumblings that Falloon’s head was on the block took hold pretty much as soon as Packer pulled of his share raid last week and The Australian reports that his departure is yet to be formalised. The news comes as media scion Lachlan Murdoch looks set to take a board seat at the network with confirmation that his Illyria Private Limited was in talks with Packer’s Prime Capital to buy 50 per cent of its 17.88% stake in Ten for around $155 million. The deal between the two moguls is expected to be finalised in a month or so and interestingly there is talk that Murdoch will not only push for a board seat but could possibly be a candidate to become Ten’s chairman. Packer has reportedly set his sights on culling Ten’s planned foray into news and current affairs and return the focus on the low-cost 16 to 39 demographic. While the plans seem to have been broadly welcomed by Ten’s major shareholders there are detractors out there especially analysts who point out that a return to youth-friendly programming could actually end up costing the network more money and with the inception of multi-channel offerings from Seven and Nine cutting into the market the new approach may not be as successful as first thought. Either way its great reading for the the Gambling911 and Media Man loyal following. All we can say is don't bet against Packer.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our special Australian Media Wars Explained feature? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Of The Month, by Greg Tingle
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
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World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
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PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
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Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Conn. Wrestling Fans: Not Totally Sold On Linda McMahon Ex WWE Boss, by Greg Tingle - 3rd November 2010
Linda McMahon wasn't the first pro wrestling aka sports entertainment personality to enter mainstream politics, nor will she the last, but tipsters say she might end up being the most talked about, perhaps even to eclipse legendary Jesse "The Body" Ventura, now host of cable's 'Conspiracy Theory'.
To stake the obvious, being talked about doesn't automatically equal votes.
I'm an Aussie (Australian) so I can't vote for Linda, but you bet, I would if I could. She's likable, intelligent and has a proven track record in running a business - a business that she helped turn into a multi billion dollar concern, and has employed thousands of people over the years. That business - The World Wrestling Entertainment "sports entertainment" powerhouse is one of the world's most well known brands and provides millions, perhaps even billions of people with family friendly (these days) entertainment. A lot has changed since the smoke filled arena and bodybuilder - steroid era.
Wrestling fans or not, it is not fair to blame Linda or Vince McMahon on the steroids found in wrestling, or the ultra high level of early deaths found in the wrestling profession. No one forces wrestlers to take steroids or any drugs, but it is acknowledged that in the past - circa 1990 "monster" (big) wrestlers were usually pushed to the top of the card, and that was linked to earning capacity. The life of a pro wrestler can be presented as glamorous, but it is also one that doesn't come without high risks, injuries and the body encountering frequent pain over the years. The WWE has hundreds of wrestlers on their rooster which helps in given the talent a break when they need, as there is always another wrestler available to fill up the card.
Let's now swing forward to the here and now, with an upcoming election upon us...
Connecticut fans of World Wrestling Entertainment have advised Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon's ties to the wrestling aka "sports entertainment" company won't guarantee their votes come the Election.
Pro wrestling fanatics in Hartford on Saturday said the former WWE CEO's political - media campaign has "no bearing" on their enjoyment of the WWE. The company was in Hartford's XL Center for Fan Appreciation Day, which as you can imagine was a fantastic event and quite the moral booster for WWE management and "independent contractors" (wrestlers).
McMahon is running against Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for the seat of retiring Democratic U.S Sen. Christopher Dodd. A recent poll obtained by Media Man showed Blumenthal leading McMahon at the time of this publication.
WWE representatives say the weekend show wasn't so much about rallying voters. They say it was held to thank fans for supporting the company despite what they have named as unfair attacks on its image from state Democrats and sections of the media. For the record let it be known that Media Man has given fair and balanced coverage to the WWE over the years, even back to when it wasn't afraid to call itself World Wrestling Federation and "pro wrastling". Sometimes we even ran some negative based articles, when they were in order, based on the company's actions.
Only a few weeks ago current WWE top brass Vince McMahon started his own campaign: 'Stand Up For WWE', which by all accounts has been a global phenomenal success.
The global news media should be fair to WWE and Linda McMahon. A quick snapshot shows:
Linda McMahon has a proven track record in business
Politically savvy candidate
Strong community ties
Built leading global brand
WWE is family friendly entertainment (usually)
WWE Wellness Policy (which has proven to be a serious policy, unlike in some other sports and fields of endeavor)
So, wrestling fans or not, when you vote in the upcoming election, vote with your head. Don't be deterred by media beat ups or bias articles.
Will Linda McMahon and her tag team partner of sorts, Vince "Mr McMahon", lay the smack down on their political opponents? You can bet it will be a fight to the finish. Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for the aftermath of 'Celebrity Death Match' Connecticut style.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The also offer political analysis
*Media Man conducts some b2b business with World Wrestling Entertainment and publishes Wrestling News Media http://www.wrestlingnewsmedia.com
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To stake the obvious, being talked about doesn't automatically equal votes.
I'm an Aussie (Australian) so I can't vote for Linda, but you bet, I would if I could. She's likable, intelligent and has a proven track record in running a business - a business that she helped turn into a multi billion dollar concern, and has employed thousands of people over the years. That business - The World Wrestling Entertainment "sports entertainment" powerhouse is one of the world's most well known brands and provides millions, perhaps even billions of people with family friendly (these days) entertainment. A lot has changed since the smoke filled arena and bodybuilder - steroid era.
Wrestling fans or not, it is not fair to blame Linda or Vince McMahon on the steroids found in wrestling, or the ultra high level of early deaths found in the wrestling profession. No one forces wrestlers to take steroids or any drugs, but it is acknowledged that in the past - circa 1990 "monster" (big) wrestlers were usually pushed to the top of the card, and that was linked to earning capacity. The life of a pro wrestler can be presented as glamorous, but it is also one that doesn't come without high risks, injuries and the body encountering frequent pain over the years. The WWE has hundreds of wrestlers on their rooster which helps in given the talent a break when they need, as there is always another wrestler available to fill up the card.
Let's now swing forward to the here and now, with an upcoming election upon us...
Connecticut fans of World Wrestling Entertainment have advised Republican U.S. Senate candidate Linda McMahon's ties to the wrestling aka "sports entertainment" company won't guarantee their votes come the Election.
Pro wrestling fanatics in Hartford on Saturday said the former WWE CEO's political - media campaign has "no bearing" on their enjoyment of the WWE. The company was in Hartford's XL Center for Fan Appreciation Day, which as you can imagine was a fantastic event and quite the moral booster for WWE management and "independent contractors" (wrestlers).
McMahon is running against Democratic state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for the seat of retiring Democratic U.S Sen. Christopher Dodd. A recent poll obtained by Media Man showed Blumenthal leading McMahon at the time of this publication.
WWE representatives say the weekend show wasn't so much about rallying voters. They say it was held to thank fans for supporting the company despite what they have named as unfair attacks on its image from state Democrats and sections of the media. For the record let it be known that Media Man has given fair and balanced coverage to the WWE over the years, even back to when it wasn't afraid to call itself World Wrestling Federation and "pro wrastling". Sometimes we even ran some negative based articles, when they were in order, based on the company's actions.
Only a few weeks ago current WWE top brass Vince McMahon started his own campaign: 'Stand Up For WWE', which by all accounts has been a global phenomenal success.
The global news media should be fair to WWE and Linda McMahon. A quick snapshot shows:
Linda McMahon has a proven track record in business
Politically savvy candidate
Strong community ties
Built leading global brand
WWE is family friendly entertainment (usually)
WWE Wellness Policy (which has proven to be a serious policy, unlike in some other sports and fields of endeavor)
So, wrestling fans or not, when you vote in the upcoming election, vote with your head. Don't be deterred by media beat ups or bias articles.
Will Linda McMahon and her tag team partner of sorts, Vince "Mr McMahon", lay the smack down on their political opponents? You can bet it will be a fight to the finish. Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for the aftermath of 'Celebrity Death Match' Connecticut style.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The also offer political analysis
*Media Man conducts some b2b business with World Wrestling Entertainment and publishes Wrestling News Media http://www.wrestlingnewsmedia.com
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James Bond Casino Icon: Move Over Daniel Craig, by Greg Tingle - 3rd November 2010
G'day to James Bond 007 enthusiasts the world over. The James Bond franchise continues to be a favorite with the casino and poker crowd across the globe, and now Media Man and Gambling911 can reveal thanks to our spies, Bond is about to get a face lift, and Daniel Craig nor Angela Jolie are in the script. This news follows the sale of the Bond DB5 Aston Martin in London last week for about $3 million pound. Media Man and Gambling911 don the spy jackets with this special report...
James Bond... casino icon fans, you asked for it, and we've delivered.
We can now reveal that Daniel Craig's run as James Bond 007 could soon be over, man kisser or not, and Angelia Jolie won't be getting a look in any time soon either.
Talented crime author Jeffery Deaver has been commissioned to pen the next 007 epic adventure and has gone on record advising he plans to make his superspy a 30-year-old Afghanistan veteran.
The new Bond novel is due for release in May 2011, and he's whispered there are some significant changes in store for your favorite spy.
"The novel is set in the present day, in 2011," Deaver says.
"Bond is a young agent for the British secret service. He's 29 or 30 years old, and he's an Afghan war vet."
Craig, the current Bond, is aged 42, and the original 007, created by legend Ian Fleming in the 1950s, would be close about 90.
Deaver is one of many renowned writers to take on Bond over the years - Kingsley Amis, John Gardner and Sebastian Faulks have each had a crack at it, following on from Fleming, who sadly died in 1964.
But Deaver says his 007 will be a very different superspy.
"I want to stay true to the original James Bond, who many people don't know much about. People know Daniel Craig, they know Pierce Brosnan, they know Roger Moore and Sean Connery, all of whom brought a great deal to the stories of 007. But the original Bond was a very dark, edgy character."
Gambling911 and the Media Man are also currently chasing deals of if or when MGM will be doing the next Bond film and if it will be shot in 3D or not. Gambling fans are also screaming out for a James Bond online slot to be released and our spies reckon PartyGaming, IGT and NextGem Gaming are in the running.
Casino buffs also take note...favorite casino games of Bond include Baccarat Chemin de Fer, Texas Hold'em Poker and Roulette.
Media Man and Bond fans...you may be interested to learn that Media Man is the manager and agent for Aussie - Fijian actor - pro wrestler, John "Vulcan" Seru. Johnno played 'Gabor' in James Bond 'The World Is Not Enough'. Seru also featured in an 'Underbelly' episode alongside up and coming Aussie actor, Firass Dirani.
Stay glued to Gambling911 for more on motorsport, including Aussie legend Mark "The Turkey" Webber. Folks, the names' Tingle, Greg Tingle. Putting the "I" in Bond I Beach!
Media Man Profiles
James Bond
Aston Martin
Hollywood
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what do you think of the new Bond? Tell us in the forum. As always, if you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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James Bond... casino icon fans, you asked for it, and we've delivered.
We can now reveal that Daniel Craig's run as James Bond 007 could soon be over, man kisser or not, and Angelia Jolie won't be getting a look in any time soon either.
Talented crime author Jeffery Deaver has been commissioned to pen the next 007 epic adventure and has gone on record advising he plans to make his superspy a 30-year-old Afghanistan veteran.
The new Bond novel is due for release in May 2011, and he's whispered there are some significant changes in store for your favorite spy.
"The novel is set in the present day, in 2011," Deaver says.
"Bond is a young agent for the British secret service. He's 29 or 30 years old, and he's an Afghan war vet."
Craig, the current Bond, is aged 42, and the original 007, created by legend Ian Fleming in the 1950s, would be close about 90.
Deaver is one of many renowned writers to take on Bond over the years - Kingsley Amis, John Gardner and Sebastian Faulks have each had a crack at it, following on from Fleming, who sadly died in 1964.
But Deaver says his 007 will be a very different superspy.
"I want to stay true to the original James Bond, who many people don't know much about. People know Daniel Craig, they know Pierce Brosnan, they know Roger Moore and Sean Connery, all of whom brought a great deal to the stories of 007. But the original Bond was a very dark, edgy character."
Gambling911 and the Media Man are also currently chasing deals of if or when MGM will be doing the next Bond film and if it will be shot in 3D or not. Gambling fans are also screaming out for a James Bond online slot to be released and our spies reckon PartyGaming, IGT and NextGem Gaming are in the running.
Casino buffs also take note...favorite casino games of Bond include Baccarat Chemin de Fer, Texas Hold'em Poker and Roulette.
Media Man and Bond fans...you may be interested to learn that Media Man is the manager and agent for Aussie - Fijian actor - pro wrestler, John "Vulcan" Seru. Johnno played 'Gabor' in James Bond 'The World Is Not Enough'. Seru also featured in an 'Underbelly' episode alongside up and coming Aussie actor, Firass Dirani.
Stay glued to Gambling911 for more on motorsport, including Aussie legend Mark "The Turkey" Webber. Folks, the names' Tingle, Greg Tingle. Putting the "I" in Bond I Beach!
Media Man Profiles
James Bond
Aston Martin
Hollywood
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, what do you think of the new Bond? Tell us in the forum. As always, if you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
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Australian Pensioners Tell Govt Big Brother Stay Away From Pokie Winnings, by Greg Tingle - 3rd November 2010
Australian punters, young and old, are telling the Australian Labor government to but out of their business be it gambling, sex or otherwise. In the latest chapter of People Power VS Big Brother, Australian golden oldies have told the government to mind their own business when it comes to their gambling habit - be it wins or losses. Media Man and Gambling911 with this special People Power report...
'Big Brother' Australian government cunning plans to track pokies - one armed bandit winnings received a crappy reception up the NSW coast at Port Macquarie yesterday, where oldie punters raised serious concerns about the impact on their pensions.
As Australia stopped to gamble millions of dollars on a single horserace, The Melbourne Cup, the country’s poker machine players were under attack by the federal government! How dare they.
A so called "agreement" between independent MP Andrew Wilkie and the Julie "Jungle Girl" (MM satire) Gillard government could see the introduction of a smartcard (to act as a spying device) to track people’s gambling habits.
And wait for it, any wins could be deemed as "income" for Centrelink’s payment assessment.
Port Macquarie Panthers club general manager Russell Cooper said Wilkie had demanded that “every single person who wanted access to a gaming machine would be issued with a smartcard or a fingerprint encoded USB stick”.
Critics to the smart technology say it reminds them of movies and themes of New World Order, Clockwork Orange and 1984, with some even remembering Gambling911's 'Conroy Youth Reminiscent Of Hitler Youth'!
The new tracking devices would be required for the gaming machine to actually work.
Casual gambling June Crook, a 74-year-old pensioner from Port Macquarie said yesterday the government should “butt out”.
“What we do with our money is up to us. The government should stay well away,” Crook said.
“If I have a win on the pokies it shouldn’t affect my pension.”
The sci-fi like devices identifying each user on a national poker machine network are set to be introduced from 2012 under the agreement.
Cooper said there was no proof the measure would reduce problem gambling. He would rather see a voluntary scheme introduced where people can set their own limits. It was hinted it would see more and more Australian become less trusting of the Australian government, which is already reeling from a number of high profile scandals.
Crook said people will find other forms of gambling if the government reduces Centrelink payments because of a win on the pokies.
“They will just bet on the Keno, or even the football,” she said.
Experts also say more illegal gambling dens would be set up an also even more Aussie punters will turn to the internet and website portals like Gambling911, Media Man, Casino News Media, Marvel Entertainment, Google Games and the like.
Cooper said he didn’t think it was necessary to make the measures compulsory for anyone wanting to "throw a quick tenner in the poker machines with their mates. It will take the fun out of it for the 99.6% of people who are not problem gamblers."
The Australian government is also called the "Fun Police" as well as being known widely as "Big Brother".
A Media Man spokesperson said "All power to Australia's purple haired brigade. Australians young and old and so sick and tied of the Australian government's big brother policy. Yesterday Port Macquarie punters sure told them where to go. Great to see people power in full flight and wonderful to see folks stand up for their human rights and freedom to choose".
Don't know about you but I think we're with the "Golden Oldies" and clubs on this one folks. We will be following up on this human rights related news story as a matter of priority, so don't change your dial or website. Media Man and Gambling911 have you covered. Remember, spin to win, and tell your local MP what's important to you, and keep up the good fight.
Double Dose Exposure Of Australian Government Thought Police...
Big Brother To Spy On Aussie Pensioners Pokie Wins And Losses...
Up to a million of elderly Australians playing poker machines might see their pensions cut after wins as smartcards are introduced to track oldies gambling habits. Yes, they are tracking humans, not rats. Centrelink has previously used data tracked from pensioners using swipe cards at major casinos to count wins and losses as earnings, and demanded repayment, but that's only the tip of the iceberg as to what will come experts say. Thus far Centrelink has refused to tell welfare legal services whether or not other regular gambling wins need to be declared as income, despite the Tax Office not deeming them to be. Until now, it was impossible to track one armed bandit wins. Smartcards that identify each user on a national poker machine network will be introduced from 2012, recording how much has been won and lost, under a deal struck by the federal government with the independent MP Andrew Wilkie. National Welfare Rights Network director Maree O'Halloran said: "We are very concerned that a major problem for pensioners that arose at casinos, where their gambling losses were treated by Centrelink as evidence of earnings, may start to arise in a whole lot of communities now where people gamble on poker machines and they have the new card.'' More than a dozen cases of pensioners whose gambling habit was tracked through swipe cards at casinos and were assessed to owe Centrelink money are awaiting a ruling in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Welfare Rights Network has now contacted South Australian senator Nick Xenophon and Mr Wilkie, saying a "biometric card" to limit gambling losses could reduce high levels of problem gambling, but also had the potential for large numbers of pensioners to be caught by unclear rules on the reporting of income, partly because pensions are means-tested. ''The Welfare Rights Centre supports methods to stop excessive gambling and we know gambling can destroy lives,'' said Ms O'Halloran. ''We are alerting the government to this issue so they can protect, and Centrelink can tell people clearly what income do they have to declare if they gamble.'' Austrac provides data gathered from banks and casinos to Centrelink. Gambling services must monitor and record customer identities and transactions, including the reporting of big payouts to Austrac, under anti-money laundering laws. An Austrac spokeswoman said pubs and clubs with poker machines were not complying with these rules, and it was already in discussions with the sector on how to improve "intelligence gathering". Ms O'Halloran said the use of the swipe card data on gambling as evidence of pensioner income was misleading. ''People sometimes win $100, and lose $400. They can do that within one day … Centrelink would see that as you had $500 worth of income,'' she said. Centrelink has told the centre it assessed gambling wins depending on each customer's individual circumstances.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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'Big Brother' Australian government cunning plans to track pokies - one armed bandit winnings received a crappy reception up the NSW coast at Port Macquarie yesterday, where oldie punters raised serious concerns about the impact on their pensions.
As Australia stopped to gamble millions of dollars on a single horserace, The Melbourne Cup, the country’s poker machine players were under attack by the federal government! How dare they.
A so called "agreement" between independent MP Andrew Wilkie and the Julie "Jungle Girl" (MM satire) Gillard government could see the introduction of a smartcard (to act as a spying device) to track people’s gambling habits.
And wait for it, any wins could be deemed as "income" for Centrelink’s payment assessment.
Port Macquarie Panthers club general manager Russell Cooper said Wilkie had demanded that “every single person who wanted access to a gaming machine would be issued with a smartcard or a fingerprint encoded USB stick”.
Critics to the smart technology say it reminds them of movies and themes of New World Order, Clockwork Orange and 1984, with some even remembering Gambling911's 'Conroy Youth Reminiscent Of Hitler Youth'!
The new tracking devices would be required for the gaming machine to actually work.
Casual gambling June Crook, a 74-year-old pensioner from Port Macquarie said yesterday the government should “butt out”.
“What we do with our money is up to us. The government should stay well away,” Crook said.
“If I have a win on the pokies it shouldn’t affect my pension.”
The sci-fi like devices identifying each user on a national poker machine network are set to be introduced from 2012 under the agreement.
Cooper said there was no proof the measure would reduce problem gambling. He would rather see a voluntary scheme introduced where people can set their own limits. It was hinted it would see more and more Australian become less trusting of the Australian government, which is already reeling from a number of high profile scandals.
Crook said people will find other forms of gambling if the government reduces Centrelink payments because of a win on the pokies.
“They will just bet on the Keno, or even the football,” she said.
Experts also say more illegal gambling dens would be set up an also even more Aussie punters will turn to the internet and website portals like Gambling911, Media Man, Casino News Media, Marvel Entertainment, Google Games and the like.
Cooper said he didn’t think it was necessary to make the measures compulsory for anyone wanting to "throw a quick tenner in the poker machines with their mates. It will take the fun out of it for the 99.6% of people who are not problem gamblers."
The Australian government is also called the "Fun Police" as well as being known widely as "Big Brother".
A Media Man spokesperson said "All power to Australia's purple haired brigade. Australians young and old and so sick and tied of the Australian government's big brother policy. Yesterday Port Macquarie punters sure told them where to go. Great to see people power in full flight and wonderful to see folks stand up for their human rights and freedom to choose".
Don't know about you but I think we're with the "Golden Oldies" and clubs on this one folks. We will be following up on this human rights related news story as a matter of priority, so don't change your dial or website. Media Man and Gambling911 have you covered. Remember, spin to win, and tell your local MP what's important to you, and keep up the good fight.
Double Dose Exposure Of Australian Government Thought Police...
Big Brother To Spy On Aussie Pensioners Pokie Wins And Losses...
Up to a million of elderly Australians playing poker machines might see their pensions cut after wins as smartcards are introduced to track oldies gambling habits. Yes, they are tracking humans, not rats. Centrelink has previously used data tracked from pensioners using swipe cards at major casinos to count wins and losses as earnings, and demanded repayment, but that's only the tip of the iceberg as to what will come experts say. Thus far Centrelink has refused to tell welfare legal services whether or not other regular gambling wins need to be declared as income, despite the Tax Office not deeming them to be. Until now, it was impossible to track one armed bandit wins. Smartcards that identify each user on a national poker machine network will be introduced from 2012, recording how much has been won and lost, under a deal struck by the federal government with the independent MP Andrew Wilkie. National Welfare Rights Network director Maree O'Halloran said: "We are very concerned that a major problem for pensioners that arose at casinos, where their gambling losses were treated by Centrelink as evidence of earnings, may start to arise in a whole lot of communities now where people gamble on poker machines and they have the new card.'' More than a dozen cases of pensioners whose gambling habit was tracked through swipe cards at casinos and were assessed to owe Centrelink money are awaiting a ruling in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Welfare Rights Network has now contacted South Australian senator Nick Xenophon and Mr Wilkie, saying a "biometric card" to limit gambling losses could reduce high levels of problem gambling, but also had the potential for large numbers of pensioners to be caught by unclear rules on the reporting of income, partly because pensions are means-tested. ''The Welfare Rights Centre supports methods to stop excessive gambling and we know gambling can destroy lives,'' said Ms O'Halloran. ''We are alerting the government to this issue so they can protect, and Centrelink can tell people clearly what income do they have to declare if they gamble.'' Austrac provides data gathered from banks and casinos to Centrelink. Gambling services must monitor and record customer identities and transactions, including the reporting of big payouts to Austrac, under anti-money laundering laws. An Austrac spokeswoman said pubs and clubs with poker machines were not complying with these rules, and it was already in discussions with the sector on how to improve "intelligence gathering". Ms O'Halloran said the use of the swipe card data on gambling as evidence of pensioner income was misleading. ''People sometimes win $100, and lose $400. They can do that within one day … Centrelink would see that as you had $500 worth of income,'' she said. Centrelink has told the centre it assessed gambling wins depending on each customer's individual circumstances.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Media Man News: PartyGaming Quarterly revenue rise
Casino News Media: PartyGaming Quarterly revenue rise
Websites: PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com WPT Casino WPT Poker PartyBingo.com
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PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker World Poker Tour Noble Casino PartyBingo PartyBets Gamebookers Live Dealer PartyCasino Marvel Slots
World's leading listed online gaming operator PartyGaming has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2010 showing a 9 percent year-on-year increase in total revenues to €85.3 million.
The Gibraltar-based firm operates popular online poker domains PartyPoker.com and World Poker Tour. They also own and operate leading online bingo websites Foxy Bingo, Mirror Bingo, Think Bingo and Cheeky Bingo and revealed that revenues from its casino businesses grew two percent year-on-year to reach €34.9 million.
It's premier online casino brand is PartyCasino.com and they also own and operate Noble Casino, Casino Las Vegas, Swiss Casino, and a number of others.
Although revenues from poker decreased five percent when compared to the same period in 2009 to €29.6 million, PartyGaming revealed that bingo improved by 36% year-on-year to hit €13.1 million while sportsbetting grew by a massive 86% for the three-month period to reach €5.4 million.
“Total revenues were up by nine percent year-on-year with growth in all products except poker despite the impact of having closed our French casino business at the end of June,” said Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer for PartyGaming.
“Excluding our French casino, total revenues would have been up by 12% year-on-year driven by casino growth in other markets, acquisitions and a strong performance in sportsbetting.
“We have been encouraged by the strong start from our nascent French poker network that went live on July 1. A strong performance by PartyPoker.fr in France has been further boosted by the launch of PMU’s poker business in France as well as services for AB Groupe and Aviation Club De France.
“In respect of current trading since the end of September, we have begun to see the normal seasonal upturn in-line with the board’s expectations and we remain confident about the full-year outlook.”
*New PartyCasino.com players get up to $3000 sign up bonus
*Media Man conducts some b2b activities with PartyGaming brands, as they do with dozens of companies in the entertainment, news and gaming sector.
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World's leading listed online gaming operator PartyGaming has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2010 showing a 9 percent year-on-year increase in total revenues to €85.3 million.
The Gibraltar-based firm operates popular online poker domains PartyPoker.com and World Poker Tour. They also own and operate leading online bingo websites Foxy Bingo, Mirror Bingo, Think Bingo and Cheeky Bingo and revealed that revenues from its casino businesses grew two percent year-on-year to reach €34.9 million.
It's premier online casino brand is PartyCasino.com and they also own and operate Noble Casino, Casino Las Vegas, Swiss Casino, and a number of others.
Although revenues from poker decreased five percent when compared to the same period in 2009 to €29.6 million, PartyGaming revealed that bingo improved by 36% year-on-year to hit €13.1 million while sportsbetting grew by a massive 86% for the three-month period to reach €5.4 million.
“Total revenues were up by nine percent year-on-year with growth in all products except poker despite the impact of having closed our French casino business at the end of June,” said Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer for PartyGaming.
“Excluding our French casino, total revenues would have been up by 12% year-on-year driven by casino growth in other markets, acquisitions and a strong performance in sportsbetting.
“We have been encouraged by the strong start from our nascent French poker network that went live on July 1. A strong performance by PartyPoker.fr in France has been further boosted by the launch of PMU’s poker business in France as well as services for AB Groupe and Aviation Club De France.
“In respect of current trading since the end of September, we have begun to see the normal seasonal upturn in-line with the board’s expectations and we remain confident about the full-year outlook.”
*New PartyCasino.com players get up to $3000 sign up bonus
*Media Man conducts some b2b activities with PartyGaming brands, as they do with dozens of companies in the entertainment, news and gaming sector.
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Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Virgin Games Launches TV Advertising Campaign
Virgin Games Launches TV Advertising Campaign
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 1st November 2010 - Virgin Games, the leading online gaming company, has launched its first ever television advertising campaign for its casino site, Virgin Casino. The advert aims to cement Virgin Casino's position as the home of online slots by promoting the wide range of games that the Company now offers, and the fact that it launches at least one new game every week.
The 20 second advert, which is part of a £500,000 campaign, uses a space theme to introduce viewers to the world of Virgin Casino and features well know online game titles such as Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds and Monopoly Multiplier. It was produced by ABF Pictures with MGOMD acting as media planners and buyers.
Oliver Wilson, Casino Acquisition Manager, commented: "We had such a fantastic response from our first Virgin Bingo ad launched last year that we decided that this was the right way to go for Virgin Casino. Bingo received a 100 per cent increase in player registrations on the back of the first adverts aired late last year and this evidence suggests it makes absolute sense for TV to play a significant part in the marketing mix for the casino product.
"TV advertising is a new strategy for Virgin Casino and we believe a natural fit. Consumers like the familiarity and security of knowing they are playing with a trusted and reputable company. Being part of the Virgin brand helps this, while TV raises awareness of the casino product and the range of slot games we offer."
The advert premieres on 1st November and will run for two weeks. It is a test campaign covering two UK regions that will test Direct Response TV prior to a national heavyweight rollout in the future. The two week campaign will run mainly on ITV and Channel 4.
The TV advertising will be supported by a range of direct response activity including PPC and Display Media. Affiliate marketing will also play a significant role in the campaign and will run through Virgin Games' in-house affiliate system.
Launched in 2004, Virgin Games is one of the UK's leading online gaming sites. To visit Virgin Games go to www.virgingames.com
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry.
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Press Release
The Purr-fect Game Arrives at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 27th October 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today announced the launch of Cats™, a new slot from online game developer, WagerWorks. Cats™ is a content rich slot filled with wild cats that can double the users playing experience and winnings.
Cats™ has a Split Symbols feature that counts for two symbols, and a winning payline will have between three and 10 matching symbols. The game features a fantastic twist, with every wild symbol counting as a split symbol to maximise a player's win. The Free Spins Bonus is triggered when a player gets five or six paw prints on reels two, three or four.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Cats™ has proven to be a massive hit in land based casinos and we expect its success to be replicated online. With the great Split Symbols feature players have the potential to not only have lots of wins, but to win big too."
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
Press Release
Win Mega Moolah at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 28th October 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, is pleased to announce the launch of Mega Moolah, a wild African themed slot by game developer, Microgaming.
Mega Moolah offers multiple opportunities for rewards in an innovative and unique combination of 5 reels and 25 pay-lines plus a Wheel of Fortune style four-tiered progressive jackpot. There are wild African animals, safari and jungle, that are all cleverly combined with the action from Free Spins, Scatter and Wild rewards.
The most exciting feature of Mega Moolah is the spinning of the Jackpot Wheel, with a top prize of at least 1 million ($/£/€) in the Mega level, and there is no limit to how high the jackpot can go - it will keep on going up until someone wins. In 2008, Finnish casino player, Klaus, became an overnight millionaire when he won the Mega Moolah jackpot of $5.5 million from a 0.50c deposit! The current jackpot stands at over £2.1 million.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Mega Moolah is a fantastic safari themed game, but the real draw of it is the four tier progressive jackpot, which basically means that there are four progressive jackpots to be one. The biggest of these is the Mega Progressive which has such a high minimum level that it guarantees the winner will become a millionaire!"
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, CryptoLogic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
Press Release
Hang Out With the Osbournes at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 14th Oct 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, is pleased to announce the launch of a new slot, The Osbournes, by Microgaming. The branded slot game is based on the TV series and features all the members of the unconventional family of aging rocker, Ozzy Osbourne, and offers additional opportunities to win with an innovative on-screen trail feature that unfolds above the reels.
The Osbournes is a 5 reel 20 pay-line slot with great graphics that captures the outrageous spirit and humour of the famously dysfunctional family and creates an engrossing new slot that is jam-packed with great opportunities to score free spins, multiplier boosts and solid cash prizes.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Just as the TV show of this dysfunctional family provides hours of entertainment, The Osbournes slot does not fail to deliver in the entertainment stakes whilst also providing fantastic rewards. With free spins, multiplier boosts and great cash prizes, players don't have to be a fan of the show to enjoy playing this great new game".
Players can choose their currency - GBP, $, € - and win up to 75,000.00 in the base game and 150,000.00 in Free Spins. Whilst in the new Door Knocker bonus a further 50,000.00 is available and additional bonuses can bring in another 3,000.00. The betting range is anything from 0.01 to 0.50 and up to ten coins a line, making a maximum bet of 100.00 possible.
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, CryptoLogic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.
Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Press Release
Thunderstruck II Arrives at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -8th Oct 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, is pleased to announce the launch of Thunderstruck II by top game developer, Microgaming. The game's predecessor, Thunderstruck, which launched in 2003, is one of the most successful and entertaining video slots in online gaming; a feature-rich game which has achieved iconic stature over the years with a wide player demographic.
This latest game promises to be a big hit with fans of Thunderstruck and offers even more features and opportunities to win big rewards. Based on the innovative 5 reel, 243 ways to win concept, this slot offers the player a range of benefits that includes Wilds and Expanding Wilds, four different Bonuses, Scatter action, four different Free Spins rewards, Multipliers ranging from 2x to 6x and absorbing free games.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Given the success of its predecessor, Thunderstruck II is set to become a firm favourite with our customers. It offers players hours of entertaining gaming with the real possibility of great rewards. Thunderstruck II truly enhances our games portfolio and helps deliver on our promise to provide the best online casino experience available."
All the mystical Nordic gods are present in Thunderstruck II, depicted in high quality graphics along with theme-setting symbols like long ships, kings and Asgard, a rainbow city from the great Nordic sagas.
The gods of Thunderstruck II offers players new features, such as the randomly triggered WildStorm award with its held Wild reels, and the introduction of a Player Achievements structure. The achievements concept is a new feature for online slots, empowering players to achieve gold status by winning the range of payouts of each symbol.
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Press Release
Virgin Casino Premieres Brand New Online Slot Game - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring(TM) Win a Luxury 10-Night Break to New Zealand With Virgin Casino
Virgin Casino Premieres Brand New Online Slot Game - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring(TM) Win a Luxury 10-Night Break to New Zealand With Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 09/03/10 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, is proud to announce that it is one of the first online casinos to introduce Microgaming's eagerly awaited five reel cinematic online slot game, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The game, which promises to be one of the biggest launched this year, offers players a massive 243 ways to win and will be one of the most graphically rich, innovative and exciting online slot games to date.
To celebrate the launch of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Virgin Casino is offering a fantastic prize for one very lucky customer and a partner of their choice - a luxury 10 night break to New Zealand. The winner will be flown to New Zealand where they will stay in the 5(i) Rees Hotel which has amazing views of both Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountains. This picturesque setting is the perfect place to relax before the exciting Lord of the Rings mini tours begin. For every GBP 50 wagered customers will receive a ticket for the prize draw.
In the online slot game, players follow the Hobbit "Frodo Baggins" as he sets out to ensure the destruction of the Dark Lord Sauron. The five reel online slot will have unrivalled game graphics and include beloved characters from the film, such as Frodo, Aragorn, Saruman and the deadly Black Riders; along with some of the film's iconic footage, featuring Ringwraiths during the attack at Weathertop, Balrog in the Mines of Moria, and Uruk-hai in the woods of Middle-earth.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "This is truly a fantastic game and we are incredibly proud to be one of the first casinos to launch what is sure to become one of the biggest online gaming hits of the year. At the beginning of the year we stated our vision for Virgin Casino was to offer more choice to our customers and expand on the titles we offered. We are now doing this in spades."
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
© 2010 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino: offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over GBP 2,500,000
- Virgin Poker: part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
- Virgin Bingo: part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -(Sept. 2, 2010) - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching nine new games in September from four leading games producers – Microgaming, WagerWorks, Virtue Fusion and Ash Gaming. Amongst the new games are some big titles, including, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring™ and Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword.
Virgin Casino now has over 130 slot games from 11 games producers on its site. The wide range of leading gaming operators with which Virgin Casino has partnered allows the Company to select the best games available on the market, and as such it has become the natural home for players that want instant play (non download) online slot games.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "We're really thrilled to be offering such great titles from these leading online game developers as they greatly enhance both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, making it one of the most exciting online casinos around.
"We launch at least one new game a week, and with our multiple partnerships allowing us to cherry pick the best of breed games we now offer unrivalled entertainment for players wanting instant play."
Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword is the first game to be launched in September. Presented in a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package, this game offers hours of interactive entertainment and the chance to hit major rewards through a variety of free spins, bonuses, wild and scatter awards and free games.
Also to be launched in September are The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Loaded and Tally Ho, all by Microgaming, Bitten by WagerWorks, Challenge Roulette, Fruity Burst, Sacred 7's all by Virtue Fusion, and Alice's Wonderland by Ash Gaming.
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Virgin Casino Introduces Major New Games in September
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -(Sept. 2, 2010) - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching nine new games in September from four leading games producers – Microgaming, WagerWorks, Virtue Fusion and Ash Gaming. Amongst the new games are some big titles, including, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring™ and Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword.
Virgin Casino now has over 130 slot games from 11 games producers on its site. The wide range of leading gaming operators with which Virgin Casino has partnered allows the Company to select the best games available on the market, and as such it has become the natural home for players that want instant play (non download) online slot games.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "We're really thrilled to be offering such great titles from these leading online game developers as they greatly enhance both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, making it one of the most exciting online casinos around.
"We launch at least one new game a week, and with our multiple partnerships allowing us to cherry pick the best of breed games we now offer unrivalled entertainment for players wanting instant play."
Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword is the first game to be launched in September. Presented in a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package, this game offers hours of interactive entertainment and the chance to hit major rewards through a variety of free spins, bonuses, wild and scatter awards and free games.
Also to be launched in September are The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Loaded and Tally Ho, all by Microgaming, Bitten by WagerWorks, Challenge Roulette, Fruity Burst, Sacred 7's all by Virtue Fusion, and Alice's Wonderland by Ash Gaming.
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 1st November 2010 - Virgin Games, the leading online gaming company, has launched its first ever television advertising campaign for its casino site, Virgin Casino. The advert aims to cement Virgin Casino's position as the home of online slots by promoting the wide range of games that the Company now offers, and the fact that it launches at least one new game every week.
The 20 second advert, which is part of a £500,000 campaign, uses a space theme to introduce viewers to the world of Virgin Casino and features well know online game titles such as Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds and Monopoly Multiplier. It was produced by ABF Pictures with MGOMD acting as media planners and buyers.
Oliver Wilson, Casino Acquisition Manager, commented: "We had such a fantastic response from our first Virgin Bingo ad launched last year that we decided that this was the right way to go for Virgin Casino. Bingo received a 100 per cent increase in player registrations on the back of the first adverts aired late last year and this evidence suggests it makes absolute sense for TV to play a significant part in the marketing mix for the casino product.
"TV advertising is a new strategy for Virgin Casino and we believe a natural fit. Consumers like the familiarity and security of knowing they are playing with a trusted and reputable company. Being part of the Virgin brand helps this, while TV raises awareness of the casino product and the range of slot games we offer."
The advert premieres on 1st November and will run for two weeks. It is a test campaign covering two UK regions that will test Direct Response TV prior to a national heavyweight rollout in the future. The two week campaign will run mainly on ITV and Channel 4.
The TV advertising will be supported by a range of direct response activity including PPC and Display Media. Affiliate marketing will also play a significant role in the campaign and will run through Virgin Games' in-house affiliate system.
Launched in 2004, Virgin Games is one of the UK's leading online gaming sites. To visit Virgin Games go to www.virgingames.com
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry.
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Press Release
The Purr-fect Game Arrives at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 27th October 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today announced the launch of Cats™, a new slot from online game developer, WagerWorks. Cats™ is a content rich slot filled with wild cats that can double the users playing experience and winnings.
Cats™ has a Split Symbols feature that counts for two symbols, and a winning payline will have between three and 10 matching symbols. The game features a fantastic twist, with every wild symbol counting as a split symbol to maximise a player's win. The Free Spins Bonus is triggered when a player gets five or six paw prints on reels two, three or four.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Cats™ has proven to be a massive hit in land based casinos and we expect its success to be replicated online. With the great Split Symbols feature players have the potential to not only have lots of wins, but to win big too."
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
Press Release
Win Mega Moolah at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 28th October 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, is pleased to announce the launch of Mega Moolah, a wild African themed slot by game developer, Microgaming.
Mega Moolah offers multiple opportunities for rewards in an innovative and unique combination of 5 reels and 25 pay-lines plus a Wheel of Fortune style four-tiered progressive jackpot. There are wild African animals, safari and jungle, that are all cleverly combined with the action from Free Spins, Scatter and Wild rewards.
The most exciting feature of Mega Moolah is the spinning of the Jackpot Wheel, with a top prize of at least 1 million ($/£/€) in the Mega level, and there is no limit to how high the jackpot can go - it will keep on going up until someone wins. In 2008, Finnish casino player, Klaus, became an overnight millionaire when he won the Mega Moolah jackpot of $5.5 million from a 0.50c deposit! The current jackpot stands at over £2.1 million.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Mega Moolah is a fantastic safari themed game, but the real draw of it is the four tier progressive jackpot, which basically means that there are four progressive jackpots to be one. The biggest of these is the Mega Progressive which has such a high minimum level that it guarantees the winner will become a millionaire!"
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, CryptoLogic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
Press Release
Hang Out With the Osbournes at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 14th Oct 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, is pleased to announce the launch of a new slot, The Osbournes, by Microgaming. The branded slot game is based on the TV series and features all the members of the unconventional family of aging rocker, Ozzy Osbourne, and offers additional opportunities to win with an innovative on-screen trail feature that unfolds above the reels.
The Osbournes is a 5 reel 20 pay-line slot with great graphics that captures the outrageous spirit and humour of the famously dysfunctional family and creates an engrossing new slot that is jam-packed with great opportunities to score free spins, multiplier boosts and solid cash prizes.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Just as the TV show of this dysfunctional family provides hours of entertainment, The Osbournes slot does not fail to deliver in the entertainment stakes whilst also providing fantastic rewards. With free spins, multiplier boosts and great cash prizes, players don't have to be a fan of the show to enjoy playing this great new game".
Players can choose their currency - GBP, $, € - and win up to 75,000.00 in the base game and 150,000.00 in Free Spins. Whilst in the new Door Knocker bonus a further 50,000.00 is available and additional bonuses can bring in another 3,000.00. The betting range is anything from 0.01 to 0.50 and up to ten coins a line, making a maximum bet of 100.00 possible.
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, CryptoLogic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.
Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Press Release
Thunderstruck II Arrives at Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -8th Oct 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, is pleased to announce the launch of Thunderstruck II by top game developer, Microgaming. The game's predecessor, Thunderstruck, which launched in 2003, is one of the most successful and entertaining video slots in online gaming; a feature-rich game which has achieved iconic stature over the years with a wide player demographic.
This latest game promises to be a big hit with fans of Thunderstruck and offers even more features and opportunities to win big rewards. Based on the innovative 5 reel, 243 ways to win concept, this slot offers the player a range of benefits that includes Wilds and Expanding Wilds, four different Bonuses, Scatter action, four different Free Spins rewards, Multipliers ranging from 2x to 6x and absorbing free games.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Given the success of its predecessor, Thunderstruck II is set to become a firm favourite with our customers. It offers players hours of entertaining gaming with the real possibility of great rewards. Thunderstruck II truly enhances our games portfolio and helps deliver on our promise to provide the best online casino experience available."
All the mystical Nordic gods are present in Thunderstruck II, depicted in high quality graphics along with theme-setting symbols like long ships, kings and Asgard, a rainbow city from the great Nordic sagas.
The gods of Thunderstruck II offers players new features, such as the randomly triggered WildStorm award with its held Wild reels, and the introduction of a Player Achievements structure. The achievements concept is a new feature for online slots, empowering players to achieve gold status by winning the range of payouts of each symbol.
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Press Release
Virgin Casino Premieres Brand New Online Slot Game - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring(TM) Win a Luxury 10-Night Break to New Zealand With Virgin Casino
Virgin Casino Premieres Brand New Online Slot Game - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring(TM) Win a Luxury 10-Night Break to New Zealand With Virgin Casino
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 09/03/10 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, is proud to announce that it is one of the first online casinos to introduce Microgaming's eagerly awaited five reel cinematic online slot game, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The game, which promises to be one of the biggest launched this year, offers players a massive 243 ways to win and will be one of the most graphically rich, innovative and exciting online slot games to date.
To celebrate the launch of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Virgin Casino is offering a fantastic prize for one very lucky customer and a partner of their choice - a luxury 10 night break to New Zealand. The winner will be flown to New Zealand where they will stay in the 5(i) Rees Hotel which has amazing views of both Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountains. This picturesque setting is the perfect place to relax before the exciting Lord of the Rings mini tours begin. For every GBP 50 wagered customers will receive a ticket for the prize draw.
In the online slot game, players follow the Hobbit "Frodo Baggins" as he sets out to ensure the destruction of the Dark Lord Sauron. The five reel online slot will have unrivalled game graphics and include beloved characters from the film, such as Frodo, Aragorn, Saruman and the deadly Black Riders; along with some of the film's iconic footage, featuring Ringwraiths during the attack at Weathertop, Balrog in the Mines of Moria, and Uruk-hai in the woods of Middle-earth.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "This is truly a fantastic game and we are incredibly proud to be one of the first casinos to launch what is sure to become one of the biggest online gaming hits of the year. At the beginning of the year we stated our vision for Virgin Casino was to offer more choice to our customers and expand on the titles we offered. We are now doing this in spades."
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
© 2010 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino: offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over GBP 2,500,000
- Virgin Poker: part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
- Virgin Bingo: part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -(Sept. 2, 2010) - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching nine new games in September from four leading games producers – Microgaming, WagerWorks, Virtue Fusion and Ash Gaming. Amongst the new games are some big titles, including, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring™ and Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword.
Virgin Casino now has over 130 slot games from 11 games producers on its site. The wide range of leading gaming operators with which Virgin Casino has partnered allows the Company to select the best games available on the market, and as such it has become the natural home for players that want instant play (non download) online slot games.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "We're really thrilled to be offering such great titles from these leading online game developers as they greatly enhance both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, making it one of the most exciting online casinos around.
"We launch at least one new game a week, and with our multiple partnerships allowing us to cherry pick the best of breed games we now offer unrivalled entertainment for players wanting instant play."
Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword is the first game to be launched in September. Presented in a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package, this game offers hours of interactive entertainment and the chance to hit major rewards through a variety of free spins, bonuses, wild and scatter awards and free games.
Also to be launched in September are The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Loaded and Tally Ho, all by Microgaming, Bitten by WagerWorks, Challenge Roulette, Fruity Burst, Sacred 7's all by Virtue Fusion, and Alice's Wonderland by Ash Gaming.
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Virgin Casino Introduces Major New Games in September
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -(Sept. 2, 2010) - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching nine new games in September from four leading games producers – Microgaming, WagerWorks, Virtue Fusion and Ash Gaming. Amongst the new games are some big titles, including, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring™ and Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword.
Virgin Casino now has over 130 slot games from 11 games producers on its site. The wide range of leading gaming operators with which Virgin Casino has partnered allows the Company to select the best games available on the market, and as such it has become the natural home for players that want instant play (non download) online slot games.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "We're really thrilled to be offering such great titles from these leading online game developers as they greatly enhance both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, making it one of the most exciting online casinos around.
"We launch at least one new game a week, and with our multiple partnerships allowing us to cherry pick the best of breed games we now offer unrivalled entertainment for players wanting instant play."
Tomb Raider - The Secret of the Sword is the first game to be launched in September. Presented in a glossy 5 reel 30 pay-line multi-faceted package, this game offers hours of interactive entertainment and the chance to hit major rewards through a variety of free spins, bonuses, wild and scatter awards and free games.
Also to be launched in September are The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Loaded and Tally Ho, all by Microgaming, Bitten by WagerWorks, Challenge Roulette, Fruity Burst, Sacred 7's all by Virtue Fusion, and Alice's Wonderland by Ash Gaming.
Notes to editors:
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Virgin Casino
Aussie Gambling And Entertainment News, by Greg Tingle - 2nd November 2010
Punters, entertainment and celebrity news junkies, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, and one and all. Another huge news update for you for one of the biggest Aussie gambling and entertainment weeks on record. Big brother to watch Aussie pensioners in pokie palaces, yet another Burswood casino attack, Cricket TV rights - Packer VS Gyngell, Melbourne Cup Day and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 satisfy your habit for the best gambling and entertainment news available anywhere...
Big Brother To Spy On Aussie Pensioners Pokie Wins And Losses...
Up to a million of elderly Australians playing poker machines might see their pensions cut after wins as smartcards are introduced to track oldies gambling habits. Yes, they are tracking humans, not rats. Centrelink has previously used data tracked from pensioners using swipe cards at major casinos to count wins and losses as earnings, and demanded repayment, but that's only the tip of the iceberg as to what will come experts say. Thus far Centrelink has refused to tell welfare legal services whether or not other regular gambling wins need to be declared as income, despite the Tax Office not deeming them to be. Until now, it was impossible to track one armed bandit wins. Smartcards that identify each user on a national poker machine network will be introduced from 2012, recording how much has been won and lost, under a deal struck by the federal government with the independent MP Andrew Wilkie. National Welfare Rights Network director Maree O'Halloran said: "We are very concerned that a major problem for pensioners that arose at casinos, where their gambling losses were treated by Centrelink as evidence of earnings, may start to arise in a whole lot of communities now where people gamble on poker machines and they have the new card.''
More than a dozen cases of pensioners whose gambling habit was tracked through swipe cards at casinos and were assessed to owe Centrelink money are awaiting a ruling in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Welfare Rights Network has now contacted South Australian senator Nick Xenophon and Mr Wilkie, saying a "biometric card" to limit gambling losses could reduce high levels of problem gambling, but also had the potential for large numbers of pensioners to be caught by unclear rules on the reporting of income, partly because pensions are means-tested. ''The Welfare Rights Centre supports methods to stop excessive gambling and we know gambling can destroy lives,'' said Ms O'Halloran. ''We are alerting the government to this issue so they can protect, and Centrelink can tell people clearly what income do they have to declare if they gamble.'' Austrac provides data gathered from banks and casinos to Centrelink. Gambling services must monitor and record customer identities and transactions, including the reporting of big payouts to Austrac, under anti-money laundering laws. An Austrac spokeswoman said pubs and clubs with poker machines were not complying with these rules, and it was already in discussions with the sector on how to improve "intelligence gathering". Ms O'Halloran said the use of the swipe card data on gambling as evidence of pensioner income was misleading. ''People sometimes win $100, and lose $400. They can do that within one day … Centrelink would see that as you had $500 worth of income,'' she said. Centrelink has told the centre it assessed gambling wins depending on each customer's individual circumstances.
Tatts CEO Eyes Tabcorp...
Australian gaming and wagering company Tatts Group may consider bidding for the gaming and wagering business of Tabcorp after the rival firm's planned split in 2011, Chief Executive Dick McIlwain said. "We have always been interested, there are a lot of similarities between their businesses," Chief Executive Chief Executive Dick McIlwain told Reuters ahead of the firm's annual general meeting. "In any discussions we have had before, there is quite a difference of opinion on value," he said, adding Tatts would wait for the demerger before making any move. Tabcorp Holdings announced plans this month to spin off its casinos into a separately listed company in 2011, which has spawned talk it is paving the way for its two arms to be taken over. Tatts has long been seen as a potential suitor for Tabcorp's gaming and wagering business.
Coalition Will Help Gamblers...
A coalition government would fit "pre-commitment devices" to all Victorian poker machines so gamblers could how much money they spend. The technology would signal to gamblers to stop once a designated limit was reached and limit losses and damage that problem gamblers do to themselves, Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said on Monday. "Pre-commitment respects the right of individuals to make their own decisions and directly tackle their gambling problem," he said in a statement. "The technology helps gamblers to stick to the limits they have set once they start playing pokies." Last month. the gaming industry opposed the introduction of the technology on existing pokies, when the federal government pledged to look at introducing it in exchange for anti-pokies independent MP Andrew Wilkie's support. The Victorian Opposition says gaming venues will have to accept and implement it. Premier John Brumby has said he supports mandatory pre-commitment devices but Mr Baillieu said the Coalition would introduce them from 2012 instead of 2016, under Labor plans. Baillieu said that, if elected, he would also ban lobbyists exerting improper influence over government processes to award gaming and wagering licences. "Victorians have been alarmed by revelations of inappropriate access to sensitive licensing documents by lobbyists during the lottery licence bid and secret negotiations over the expansion of the Crown Casino and a potential second casino," he said. A Coalition government would amend the Gambling Regulation Act to ban such lobbying activities for awarding gaming and wagering licences, he said.
Hey, Hey, It's Saturday Bottom Shots Causes Stir!...
Network Nine has now admitted it made a mistake to show close-ups of the bottoms of young girls in shorts performing on Hey Hey It's Saturday. The shots on the live show were described by celeb singer Ella Hooper as "pedophilic", causing a stir in the studio audience and a storm on Twitter and Facebook, Murdoch media firm News Limited.
"Hey Hey It’s Saturday is a live program, with hundreds of directorial decisions made in rapid succession," a Nine spokeswoman told the News Limited. "The camera angle in question was ill-chosen. However, any offence caused was completely unintentional.”
Hooper, a celebrity judge on Red Faces, commented after a singing and dancing performance by three young girls dressed in a country and western style that the camera angles were inappropriate. In a later judging segment she went further, saying the shots of the young girls were "pedophilic", in response to being quizzed by host Daryl Somers, who asked if she approved of the direction. It is the second time the Red Faces segment on the show has come under the blowtorch since the return of the iconic show. A black faces segment was criticised by another celebrity judge, American crooner Harry Connick Jnr, last year. The subject of the close-ups was widely debated on Hey Hey's Facebook page, where some viewers defended the show and criticised Hooper for exaggerating. Plucka-Duck would not comment on the bottom shots!
Gyngell VS Packer For Cricket Broadcast Rights...
James Packer and Network Nine Chief Executive David Gyngell are set for a cricket war with rights renewals up for grabs in the next year. Australian cricket officials expect Packer, now a part of the Ten Network as a major shareholder, to target the lucrative rights to shore up Ten's summer broadcasting slate and add to the list of sports for niche digital channel One HD. Confusion however over the future of One reigns with speculation it could be dropped completely or retooled as a male sports and lifestyle channel. Like his famous father Kerry, Packer has been a fan of cricket since childhood and the newer form of the game, Twenty20, is aimed at Ten's younger audience demographics. It is also a major ratings force for Nine, often pulling figures higher than the showcase Rugby League State of Origin series. Cricket in Australia might be in strife, with front-page headlines today outlining declines in audience, spectators, children playing the game and marketing issues, but indications are that Nine and Ten will fight hard for the rights. Nine has been the home of cricket in Australia since the elder Packer transformed the game around the world with World Series Cricket in the late 1970s. "James loves cricket - there's no question about that," Gyngell told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper. "But I'm running a business and Channel Nine is the home of cricket. It is the backbone of our station over summer and it has been for a very long time." There is mounting speculation that Ten could team with Fox Sports, of which Packer is a major shareholder, to jointly bid for the cricket rights, similar to the Nine and Fox Sports joint deal in place for the National Rugby League. Whatever happens, the broadcast future of the game in Australia appears secure. The current broadcast rights expires in May 2013. Let's just hope there's no more cricket betting scandals.
Another Attack Outside Burswood Casino...
An elderly woman who fought back against a handbag snatcher in Perth has suffered a cut lip, broken teeth dentures and bruising as she and her daughter were robbed. The 73-year-old mother and her 37-year-old daughter were returning to their car in the car park of the Burswood Casino about 10.20pm on Sunday when a car full of 5 teenage boys pulled up beside them. Police said one teen asked the daughter for $10 for petrol but when she refused he asked her the time then grabbed her handbag. Another of the youths then grabbed the mother's handbag, Sergeant Gerry Cassidy said. "The mother put up more of a struggle and was pulled to the ground and she's got a cut lip, broken dentures and bruising to her arm and leg." Police are searching for the mongrels, aged between 16 and 18, who escaped with both women's' handbags.
Melbourne Cup Day...
Happy Melbourne Cup Day. Here's the tip. Punters, media and and insiders have backed So You Think to do today what no horse has done in the 150-year history of the Melbourne Cup. Trainer Bart Cummings' latest champion will start the warmest Cup favourite in 39 years and is entitled to start odds-on according to two of Australia's most respected form experts. The Melbourne Cup is regarded as the main event on the Australian racing calender, and is also thought to be the hardest to pick a winner!
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Who's looking good for the Melbourne Cup? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Big Brother To Spy On Aussie Pensioners Pokie Wins And Losses...
Up to a million of elderly Australians playing poker machines might see their pensions cut after wins as smartcards are introduced to track oldies gambling habits. Yes, they are tracking humans, not rats. Centrelink has previously used data tracked from pensioners using swipe cards at major casinos to count wins and losses as earnings, and demanded repayment, but that's only the tip of the iceberg as to what will come experts say. Thus far Centrelink has refused to tell welfare legal services whether or not other regular gambling wins need to be declared as income, despite the Tax Office not deeming them to be. Until now, it was impossible to track one armed bandit wins. Smartcards that identify each user on a national poker machine network will be introduced from 2012, recording how much has been won and lost, under a deal struck by the federal government with the independent MP Andrew Wilkie. National Welfare Rights Network director Maree O'Halloran said: "We are very concerned that a major problem for pensioners that arose at casinos, where their gambling losses were treated by Centrelink as evidence of earnings, may start to arise in a whole lot of communities now where people gamble on poker machines and they have the new card.''
More than a dozen cases of pensioners whose gambling habit was tracked through swipe cards at casinos and were assessed to owe Centrelink money are awaiting a ruling in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Welfare Rights Network has now contacted South Australian senator Nick Xenophon and Mr Wilkie, saying a "biometric card" to limit gambling losses could reduce high levels of problem gambling, but also had the potential for large numbers of pensioners to be caught by unclear rules on the reporting of income, partly because pensions are means-tested. ''The Welfare Rights Centre supports methods to stop excessive gambling and we know gambling can destroy lives,'' said Ms O'Halloran. ''We are alerting the government to this issue so they can protect, and Centrelink can tell people clearly what income do they have to declare if they gamble.'' Austrac provides data gathered from banks and casinos to Centrelink. Gambling services must monitor and record customer identities and transactions, including the reporting of big payouts to Austrac, under anti-money laundering laws. An Austrac spokeswoman said pubs and clubs with poker machines were not complying with these rules, and it was already in discussions with the sector on how to improve "intelligence gathering". Ms O'Halloran said the use of the swipe card data on gambling as evidence of pensioner income was misleading. ''People sometimes win $100, and lose $400. They can do that within one day … Centrelink would see that as you had $500 worth of income,'' she said. Centrelink has told the centre it assessed gambling wins depending on each customer's individual circumstances.
Tatts CEO Eyes Tabcorp...
Australian gaming and wagering company Tatts Group may consider bidding for the gaming and wagering business of Tabcorp after the rival firm's planned split in 2011, Chief Executive Dick McIlwain said. "We have always been interested, there are a lot of similarities between their businesses," Chief Executive Chief Executive Dick McIlwain told Reuters ahead of the firm's annual general meeting. "In any discussions we have had before, there is quite a difference of opinion on value," he said, adding Tatts would wait for the demerger before making any move. Tabcorp Holdings announced plans this month to spin off its casinos into a separately listed company in 2011, which has spawned talk it is paving the way for its two arms to be taken over. Tatts has long been seen as a potential suitor for Tabcorp's gaming and wagering business.
Coalition Will Help Gamblers...
A coalition government would fit "pre-commitment devices" to all Victorian poker machines so gamblers could how much money they spend. The technology would signal to gamblers to stop once a designated limit was reached and limit losses and damage that problem gamblers do to themselves, Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said on Monday. "Pre-commitment respects the right of individuals to make their own decisions and directly tackle their gambling problem," he said in a statement. "The technology helps gamblers to stick to the limits they have set once they start playing pokies." Last month. the gaming industry opposed the introduction of the technology on existing pokies, when the federal government pledged to look at introducing it in exchange for anti-pokies independent MP Andrew Wilkie's support. The Victorian Opposition says gaming venues will have to accept and implement it. Premier John Brumby has said he supports mandatory pre-commitment devices but Mr Baillieu said the Coalition would introduce them from 2012 instead of 2016, under Labor plans. Baillieu said that, if elected, he would also ban lobbyists exerting improper influence over government processes to award gaming and wagering licences. "Victorians have been alarmed by revelations of inappropriate access to sensitive licensing documents by lobbyists during the lottery licence bid and secret negotiations over the expansion of the Crown Casino and a potential second casino," he said. A Coalition government would amend the Gambling Regulation Act to ban such lobbying activities for awarding gaming and wagering licences, he said.
Hey, Hey, It's Saturday Bottom Shots Causes Stir!...
Network Nine has now admitted it made a mistake to show close-ups of the bottoms of young girls in shorts performing on Hey Hey It's Saturday. The shots on the live show were described by celeb singer Ella Hooper as "pedophilic", causing a stir in the studio audience and a storm on Twitter and Facebook, Murdoch media firm News Limited.
"Hey Hey It’s Saturday is a live program, with hundreds of directorial decisions made in rapid succession," a Nine spokeswoman told the News Limited. "The camera angle in question was ill-chosen. However, any offence caused was completely unintentional.”
Hooper, a celebrity judge on Red Faces, commented after a singing and dancing performance by three young girls dressed in a country and western style that the camera angles were inappropriate. In a later judging segment she went further, saying the shots of the young girls were "pedophilic", in response to being quizzed by host Daryl Somers, who asked if she approved of the direction. It is the second time the Red Faces segment on the show has come under the blowtorch since the return of the iconic show. A black faces segment was criticised by another celebrity judge, American crooner Harry Connick Jnr, last year. The subject of the close-ups was widely debated on Hey Hey's Facebook page, where some viewers defended the show and criticised Hooper for exaggerating. Plucka-Duck would not comment on the bottom shots!
Gyngell VS Packer For Cricket Broadcast Rights...
James Packer and Network Nine Chief Executive David Gyngell are set for a cricket war with rights renewals up for grabs in the next year. Australian cricket officials expect Packer, now a part of the Ten Network as a major shareholder, to target the lucrative rights to shore up Ten's summer broadcasting slate and add to the list of sports for niche digital channel One HD. Confusion however over the future of One reigns with speculation it could be dropped completely or retooled as a male sports and lifestyle channel. Like his famous father Kerry, Packer has been a fan of cricket since childhood and the newer form of the game, Twenty20, is aimed at Ten's younger audience demographics. It is also a major ratings force for Nine, often pulling figures higher than the showcase Rugby League State of Origin series. Cricket in Australia might be in strife, with front-page headlines today outlining declines in audience, spectators, children playing the game and marketing issues, but indications are that Nine and Ten will fight hard for the rights. Nine has been the home of cricket in Australia since the elder Packer transformed the game around the world with World Series Cricket in the late 1970s. "James loves cricket - there's no question about that," Gyngell told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper. "But I'm running a business and Channel Nine is the home of cricket. It is the backbone of our station over summer and it has been for a very long time." There is mounting speculation that Ten could team with Fox Sports, of which Packer is a major shareholder, to jointly bid for the cricket rights, similar to the Nine and Fox Sports joint deal in place for the National Rugby League. Whatever happens, the broadcast future of the game in Australia appears secure. The current broadcast rights expires in May 2013. Let's just hope there's no more cricket betting scandals.
Another Attack Outside Burswood Casino...
An elderly woman who fought back against a handbag snatcher in Perth has suffered a cut lip, broken teeth dentures and bruising as she and her daughter were robbed. The 73-year-old mother and her 37-year-old daughter were returning to their car in the car park of the Burswood Casino about 10.20pm on Sunday when a car full of 5 teenage boys pulled up beside them. Police said one teen asked the daughter for $10 for petrol but when she refused he asked her the time then grabbed her handbag. Another of the youths then grabbed the mother's handbag, Sergeant Gerry Cassidy said. "The mother put up more of a struggle and was pulled to the ground and she's got a cut lip, broken dentures and bruising to her arm and leg." Police are searching for the mongrels, aged between 16 and 18, who escaped with both women's' handbags.
Melbourne Cup Day...
Happy Melbourne Cup Day. Here's the tip. Punters, media and and insiders have backed So You Think to do today what no horse has done in the 150-year history of the Melbourne Cup. Trainer Bart Cummings' latest champion will start the warmest Cup favourite in 39 years and is entitled to start odds-on according to two of Australia's most respected form experts. The Melbourne Cup is regarded as the main event on the Australian racing calender, and is also thought to be the hardest to pick a winner!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australia Casinos
Horse Racing
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News
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Who's looking good for the Melbourne Cup? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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