What might a gambling mogul, media king and big cheese of Australian politics and communications chat about over dinner at Crown Casino? Sports rights and media law of course. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to work our contacts at Crown Casino and in government corridors to get you some of the hottest news from down under...
What will happen to the Australian sports media and television landscape now that James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch have it squarely in their sights.
Old Packer mate and boss of PBL Media and Network Nine Australia, David Gyngell has let it be known he's not about to walk away from the 20 - 20 cricket or NRL football.
This media game however is much more complex that just a couple of key sports. There's even strong ties to sports betting and online casino offerings ala Cleopatra, Sinatra, online poker like Aussie Millions and FIFA gaming may also be linked in via interactive TV services, there's 2 way TV and more.
Conroy, 'Our James' and Murdoch enjoyed a bite and chat at Koko in Melbourne's Crown Casino on Thursday. Sports media talk was on the menu.
The Communications Minister's office was quite on detail of what exactly was discussed, but they were not focused on how well the meat was cooked!
The power dinner comes Aussie media rules protecting sports from pay TV is all the rage in media and legal circles. Those in gaming and gambling are also all ears, as with technology advancements the industry is becoming one, as PartyGaming chief Jim Ryan pointed out almost two years ago from his Gibraltar head office and while touring egaming seminars globally. Ryan didn't have to visit Australia in person for Packer, Murdoch and Conroy to pick up the message.
Conroy wants to change some TV - media laws as much of the "protected" sport intended for free TV is on pay TV already, in some way, shape or form.
Each pitch that their proposal is in the public interest in some way, which also seems to also add value to each one's financial affairs. Funny that.
Let's take a peek at the Aussie TV commercial channels. You have Seven, Nine and Ten, whose costs for the sports rights are reduced by the anti-siphoning rules limiting competition for them...pay TV cannot bid first. Being free to watch, they have the easier public policy argument. All however have enabled some of those rights to be sold on to Australian pay TV like Foxtel, Optus TV and Austar.
The deal helps defray costs and because they don't in fact have the capacity or inclination to screen, say, all the AFL games or every Olympic event. That will almost certainly change if they're allowed to air protected sport on their digital channels, but still the public interest in screening protected sport comes second to their bottom lines.
Foxtel, part-owned by Telstra, News Ltd and the James Packer-controlled Consolidated Media. Sport is key to Foxtel's business of encouraging people to pay for TV, and its public interest case is one for sports fanatics. Sport goes live and doesn't cut away to news which upsets viewers.
The key sports codes all want to make more money. The AFL for example is looking for a $1 billion rights deal for 2012 - 2016. All sports codes pitch the more bucks they get for rights, the more they can fork out on sport, and their public interest pitch has "grassroots", meaning community support, nurturing the sport, and all of that good hearted stuff, being the warm folks they are.
Senator Conroy has his hands full and relationships to nurture, as well as looking out for the Government bottom line and reputation, which has taken a battering in the past few years thanks largely to the internet and media censorship debates. Aussie's don't like 'Big Brother', but you likely knew that already.
He is playing the nothing-will-change one liner. "What people need to understand is that four [AFL] games are currently shown on free-to-air and four games are shown on pay TV," he told ABC Radio in Adelaide this week. "I can't imagine any change to that." Should he try more imagination?
Foxtel purchased those TV rights from Seven and Ten after a year of negotiations, and paid a cool $315 million for them, less than 50% of the total $780 million deal. That might hint free TV is willing to pay more for sports rights than Foxtel, except free TV gets the best games.
Conroy, how do you build a regulation that says the big games each round go to free TV and the rest can go to Foxtel, when it is in fact the codes that determine which games are played when and, as free TV fears, the schedule could be changed depending on the size of the broadcaster's payment?
Add the volatile and high stakes game of politics to the public policy, and its a bit of a mess, but good fun and pay days for lawyers.
The Coalition government is keeping its options open but Greens leader, Bob Brown, wants more information. He's Not Happy John and reckons he will disallow it in the Senate, or introduce legislation to "defend the public interest".
With all the complex matters its little wonder all the excitement and high stakes continuities to be known the world over as the 'Australian Casino Wars' and 'Australian Media Wars'.
Who will be the last man or army standing? Father time is ticking away, and Packer and Murdoch are pushing forward at a solid pace, and will not want to wait forever in what is now a very global media and gaming landscape, one that other power players like Richard Branson, Rupert Murdoch, Dana White, Vince McMahon, Frank Fertitta III and Lorenzo Fertitta and Ted Turner also continuing to keep a close eye on. Will the Aussie media and casino wars lead to a new giant in the industry. That's anyone's guess, but don't change your dial so you will amongst the first to know as the war continues.
Aussie Mark Webber Will Not Quit F1 Win Or Lose...
Mark Webber has squashed small talk he will quit Formula One if he wins or loses the world championship this Sunday. Webber, 34, is under a1 year contract with the mighty Red Bull and says he plans to race on in 2011 and beyond. "Yes, pretty much I'm taking on a year by year basis," Webber said. Webber strongly hinted he was looking forward to another stoush with young German teammate Sebastian Vettel, as well as proving he still had the speed to match it with the best. "The youngsters' eyes are really big when they arrive but I've been so proud of what I've done this year. "I'm not an old guy but to take Fernando (Alonso) and Lewis (Hamilton) and Seb on week-in week-out I feel proud I've been able to do that. "I've had to lift the bar up and I think next year I can still drive very well. "Timing is very important. To drive at 85-90% in this category - forget it, you need to be on top of your game." Webber advised he was confident Red Bull had not committed all their resources to this year's car and would again be competitive in 2011. "Time will tell but we've had a lot of god cars in the last two years," he said. "Last year was very, very taxing for us but the team responded for this year really well and produced another cracker. "Next year we'll find out in the next few races. There are a lot of big new changes and the pedal's going in one direction for this team. Much has been said of the tactics Red Bull will adopt in this season-ending race, but Webber said it was "too hard to call" whether Vettel should help him if in position to do so. "I think it is a question for Seb. What he does is going to be very dependent on how the race unfolds and there are so many scenarios that can happen," Webber said. "I can win this championship by finishing fifth and I can lose it by winning it (if Fernando Alonso finishes second). "Let's just see how things evolve. It actually is very, very tough to make a call at the moment and we know the team's position. "The team's position is that the gloves are off between Sebastian and I. They want us to race, which we've done all year." Webber will take an eight-point deficit into the race, trailing Alonso's Ferrari after the Spaniard took over the running when Webber spun out in Korea recently.
ACMA Rules Against Gambling Adverts On Network Nine And Ten...
Network Nine and Ten have both been found to have breached their license for running interactive gambling advertisements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority found that both networks ran several promotions for PokerStars.net, an interactive gambling service which contravenes the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). .net means that it was a play for free websites "These are the ACMA’s first investigations into advertisements prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act," said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, "All providers of television, radio and datacasting services need to ensure sure they are fully aware of and comply with their obligations under the IGA.” Network Nine ran ads for PokerStars during its Wimbledon broadcast in July 2009 while TEN ran similar ads in November 2009 in conjunction with its reality series on ONE, The Poker Star. ACMA says these are the first investigations relating to the broadcast of prohibited advertisements under the IGA. Both networks have agreed to measures intended to increase awareness of the IGA, with staff training, education and periodic reports to ACMA.
Aussie Tony Hachem Wins Player Of The Year...
Tony Hachem has scored a second consecutive victory as Player of the Year in the premier local event, the poker tour designed to reward ongoing strong performances, the PokerStars.net Australian New Zealand Poker Tour.
Gambling And Selling Arms: Not Cardinal Sins...
Gambling is not so bad says Australia's most senior Catholic cleric. Don't get him started on selling arms and smoking!
We kind of like this guy already.
Pell spoke at a an ethics in business lunch hosted by Notre Dame University, Cardinal George Pell hinting it might be hypocritical for the Catholic Church to totally condemn gambling, since poker machines are such a prominent attraction in New South Wales Catholic clubs.
"I must confess I do feel a bit uneasy about that, but only a bit uneasy," he admitted. "Because culturally I'm an Irish Australian and we grew up gambling."
Gambling in itself was not intrinsically wrong, he said. Only when it became an addiction, threatening the well-being of oneself and one's family, did it become a sin.
Warming to the forum's theme "God and Mammon: need or greed in the big end of town", Cardinal Pell said as far as the ethics of selling tobacco went, supplying the drug to adults who were aware of the risks and still chose to smoke was nothing to rush to the confessional sin box about. And when probed about the ethics of selling arms, he hypothesised that global military contractors may in fact be acting on a moral imperative.
"I think you can produce arms morally...You might say in some cases it is necessary. We are a peaceful country. If we were unarmed that would be an enticement to evil people. The best way to stay as we are is to be strong and effectively armed so I think you could make the case," he said.
Another question re Telstra's $10 million-a-year chief executive caught involved a comparison of his nice-guy reputation to that of his predecessor, Sol Trujillo, and its possible relationship to Telstra's all-time low of $2.58 a share. So can nice guys succeed in business?
"It's not about being nice or not nice," said Thodey, with a passing reference to the latest round of Telstra redundancies. "It's about doing things in an ethical and considerate way … in the best interests of our shareholders - which of course include customers and employees."
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How's things looking for Packer and Murdoch? Is having a punt a sin? 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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Friday, November 12, 2010
Australian Casino News: Burswood Casino Patrons Targets For Crime, by Greg Tingle - 12th November 2010
Australia, namely Perth, and its Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex is the subject of today's extremely disturbing news report. The Western Australian Police Force, the casino and patrons are looking for solutions on how to stop an apparent crime wave that is seeing criminals target Burswood patrons. Media Man and Gambling911 with not what you want to hear, but what you need to know...
Police in Perth, West Australia are confident that criminals appear to be targeting people as they leave the James Packer - Crown Limited owned Burswood Casino.
West Australian Police are investigating a number of attacks on women who were apparently followed home from the casino in the wee hours of yesterday morning and had their handbags and contents stolen.
Sergeant Graham Clifford advised that in both cases the women were about to open the front door at their homes in Fremantle and Cannington when they had their handbags nabbed from their person.
"We don't believe the two incidents are connected with the victims but by the same token it would appear that some of the criminals out there are taking advantage of people when they leave the casino and attacking them when they are by themselves just about to enter their home," he said.
Police are now also investigating a third incident where a woman was targeted by the thieves.
The woman has contacted WA police saying she was attacked just outside her home in Warnbro this morning after returning from the casino.
It is understood she had several thousand dollars in her bag.
Gaming industry insiders strongly believe that the latest string on attacks in Perth will see more people stay at home and play slots, poker and other games online, such is the current perceived risk of a visit to Burswood. Media Man and Gambling911 both feature and review some online casinos available for Australians.
Police say further information about the thieves will be released soon.
WA Police, Media Man and Gambling911 encourage Burswood Casino patrons to please take precautions at the casino and on your journey back home.
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Readers, what would you do with the situation at Burswood Casino? Will this news see you more likely to play casino games on the internet? 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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Police in Perth, West Australia are confident that criminals appear to be targeting people as they leave the James Packer - Crown Limited owned Burswood Casino.
West Australian Police are investigating a number of attacks on women who were apparently followed home from the casino in the wee hours of yesterday morning and had their handbags and contents stolen.
Sergeant Graham Clifford advised that in both cases the women were about to open the front door at their homes in Fremantle and Cannington when they had their handbags nabbed from their person.
"We don't believe the two incidents are connected with the victims but by the same token it would appear that some of the criminals out there are taking advantage of people when they leave the casino and attacking them when they are by themselves just about to enter their home," he said.
Police are now also investigating a third incident where a woman was targeted by the thieves.
The woman has contacted WA police saying she was attacked just outside her home in Warnbro this morning after returning from the casino.
It is understood she had several thousand dollars in her bag.
Gaming industry insiders strongly believe that the latest string on attacks in Perth will see more people stay at home and play slots, poker and other games online, such is the current perceived risk of a visit to Burswood. Media Man and Gambling911 both feature and review some online casinos available for Australians.
Police say further information about the thieves will be released soon.
WA Police, Media Man and Gambling911 encourage Burswood Casino patrons to please take precautions at the casino and on your journey back home.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Burswood Casino
News
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Wrap Up...
Readers, what would you do with the situation at Burswood Casino? Will this news see you more likely to play casino games on the internet? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
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Australian Gambling And Entertainment News, by Greg Tingle - 12th November 2010
Punters, entertainment and celebrity news junkies, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, and one and all. Another huge news update for you. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to satisfy your habit for the best gambling and entertainment news available anywhere...
Aussie Mark Webber Will Not Quit F1 Win Or Lose...
Mark Webber has squashed small talk he will quit Formula One if he wins or loses the world championship this Sunday. Webber, 34, is under a1 year contract with the mighty Red Bull and says he plans to race on in 2011 and beyond. "Yes, pretty much I'm taking on a year by year basis," Webber said. Webber strongly hinted he was looking forward to another stoush with young German teammate Sebastian Vettel, as well as proving he still had the speed to match it with the best. "The youngsters' eyes are really big when they arrive but I've been so proud of what I've done this year. "I'm not an old guy but to take Fernando (Alonso) and Lewis (Hamilton) and Seb on week-in week-out I feel proud I've been able to do that. "I've had to lift the bar up and I think next year I can still drive very well. "Timing is very important. To drive at 85-90% in this category - forget it, you need to be on top of your game." Webber advised he was confident Red Bull had not committed all their resources to this year's car and would again be competitive in 2011. "Time will tell but we've had a lot of god cars in the last two years," he said. "Last year was very, very taxing for us but the team responded for this year really well and produced another cracker. "Next year we'll find out in the next few races. There are a lot of big new changes and the pedal's going in one direction for this team. Much has been said of the tactics Red Bull will adopt in this season-ending race, but Webber said it was "too hard to call" whether Vettel should help him if in position to do so. "I think it is a question for Seb. What he does is going to be very dependent on how the race unfolds and there are so many scenarios that can happen," Webber said. "I can win this championship by finishing fifth and I can lose it by winning it (if Fernando Alonso finishes second). "Let's just see how things evolve. It actually is very, very tough to make a call at the moment and we know the team's position. "The team's position is that the gloves are off between Sebastian and I. They want us to race, which we've done all year." Webber will take an eight-point deficit into the race, trailing Alonso's Ferrari after the Spaniard took over the running when Webber spun out in Korea recently.
ACMA Rules Against Gambling Adverts On Network Nine And Ten...
Network Nine and Ten have both been found to have breached their license for running interactive gambling advertisements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority found that both networks ran several promotions for PokerStars.net, an interactive gambling service which contravenes the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). .net means that it was a play for free websites "These are the ACMA’s first investigations into advertisements prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act," said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, "All providers of television, radio and datacasting services need to ensure sure they are fully aware of and comply with their obligations under the IGA.” Network Nine ran ads for PokerStars during its Wimbledon broadcast in July 2009 while TEN ran similar ads in November 2009 in conjunction with its reality series on ONE, The Poker Star. ACMA says these are the first investigations relating to the broadcast of prohibited advertisements under the IGA. Both networks have agreed to measures intended to increase awareness of the IGA, with staff training, education and periodic reports to ACMA.
Centrebet Plans To Double Market Share...
Centrebet's 2011 financial year profit would be halved, but this news comes as the online wagering group unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at doubling its market share. Dubbed the "Rocket Plan", Centrebet has earmarked "tens of millions of dollars" to be invested in the five-year plan, which it is betting on to boost future profits and double its share of the Australian corporate bookmaker market to 20 per cent by the 2015 financial year. But management warned that its 2011 financial year profit would take a hit as a result of that investment and its net profit after tax would now be about $8 million, compared with $16m under a business as usual scenario. "The strategic plan is aiming to provide a step change in growth and a significant and substantial increase in earnings," Centrebet managing director and majority shareholder Con Kafataris advised.
Tabcorp Keen On Cloud Computing...
Tabcorp has harnessed the Cloud and iPads to help it address the massive increase in demand on Tabcorp's IT systems surged by the Spring Racing Carnival and the Melbourne Cup. Tabcorp's wagering division CIO, Kim Wenn, advised multiple load tests needed to be done to ensure Tabcorp’s IT systems could handle the huge influx of bets generated throughout the nearly three month long racing season. "Tabcorp’s preparations for the 2010 Spring Racing Carnival ensured we were ready for the significantly increased load,” she said. “As a guide, a typical Saturday sees our infrastructure usage at about 9 per cent of the load we see on Cup day. Our systems have to work a lot harder on the big days.” Combined with this increased load was Tabcorp’s introduction of iPad’s on the racetrack, a new iPhone app and live betting used for the first time during the racing season that stops the nation. “Tabcorp aims to be at the forefront of wagering technology,” Wenn said. “We introduced the TAB iPhone Betting App in time for the Spring Racing Carnival and more than 100,000 Australians have now downloaded it. “Tabcorp’s focus at the future is to continue to be at the forefront of wagering technology,” she said. “We are exploring new ways to allow our customers to transact with us such as Android technology, T-box and IP-TV.” In October, Tabcorp managing director and chief executive, Elmer Funke Kupper, flagged mobile and online gambling as a major source of future profitability.
Sky Falling On SkyCity In New Zealand...
Shares in casino operator SkyCity fell 3c early to 319 in trading on the New Zealand stock exchange, after the company said it had been unsuccessful in moves to buy the 50 per cent of Christchurch Casino it does not own. SkyCity said it had advised Skyline Enterprises of a cash offer it was willing to make, but Skyline had rejected the approach.
Call of Duty: Black Ops #360m First Day...
Video game Call of Duty: Black Ops has destroyed entertainment records by raking in $US360 million in its first 24 hours on sale. The result is a dramatic and lucrative indication that games have cemented their place on a par with movies, books and music. Activision Blizzard sold 5.6 million units the day Call of Duty went on sale, according to the company. Its predecessor, Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, sold 4.7 million copies in 24 hours to reap $US310 million on its first day of sale last year and it made $US550 million within a week. “Not too many years back it would have been unfathomable that the biggest entertainment launch would be a video game two years in a row,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. No longer. Today, such games as Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and Halo all fit into the blockbuster category, and with each sequel they only get bigger. Production budgets for these games rival those of big-screen movies, as does the marketing push behind them. “You are delivering not just a gaming experience but a cinematic experience as well,” Hirshberg said. “The characters are emerging as the protagonists of the story.” The video game audience has expanded considerably in the last five years, reaching women, young children and even senior centres. But the people who flock to Call of Duty and other shooters are still primarily young men, just not as young as some would think. The average US game player is 34 years old, according to the Entertainment Software Association. Black Ops went on sale on Tuesday in North America and Britain for $US60, and works on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gaming consoles. Across two years, with a budget well in the tens of millions of dollars, the developers of Black Ops created a world that immerses players in Cold War-era battles with settings ranging from 1960s Cuba to Vietnam and the Soviet Union. Its intricate graphics and details - down to the gruesome sound a knife makes when pulled from an enemy's neck - are amplified in players' homes through big-screen TV sets and powerful speakers. In one mission, which takes place with John F. Kennedy in the White House before the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, players must shoot their way through Havana to assassinate a young Fidel Castro. Cuba state-run media has levelled harsh criticism at the game, calling it “doubly perverse” by glorifying assassination and stimulating “sociopathic attitudes in North American children and adolescents.” “What the United States couldn't accomplish in more than 50 years, they are now trying to do virtually,” said an article on Cubadebate, a state-run news website. A big part of the appeal of Call of Duty is its multiplayer feature, meaning gamers can fight against someone across the country or on the other side of the world. The game is rated M for mature - meaning it's not meant for kids under 17. It's bloody, to be sure, but new media professor Charles Palmer says that's not the main appeal. “It's the challenge,” said Palmer, who teaches at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. “It's one of those areas that thrills and excites people.” Sports games, such as Madden, from Electronic Arts, are also popular, as are music simulators such as Guitar Hero. But shooters in the style of Call of Duty continue to be the most popular. “There is a DNA-level curiosity about and attraction to battle,” Hirshberg said. “That has been a staple of the entertainment industry - movies, television, books and fiction - forever. And the same is true for video games. Call of Duty has delivered perhaps the gold standard experience of battle.”
Aussie Tony Hachem Wins Player Of The Year...
Tony Hachem has scored a second consecutive victory as Player of the Year in the premier local event, the poker tour designed to reward ongoing strong performances, the PokerStars.net Australian New Zealand Poker Tour.
Gambling And Selling Arms: Not Cardinal Sins...
Gambling is not so bad says Australia's most senior Catholic cleric. Don't get him started on selling arms and smoking!
We kind of like this guy already.
Pell spoke at a an ethics in business lunch hosted by Notre Dame University, Cardinal George Pell hinting it might be hypocritical for the Catholic Church to totally condemn gambling, since poker machines are such a prominent attraction in New South Wales Catholic clubs.
"I must confess I do feel a bit uneasy about that, but only a bit uneasy," he admitted. "Because culturally I'm an Irish Australian and we grew up gambling."
Gambling in itself was not intrinsically wrong, he said. Only when it became an addiction, threatening the well-being of oneself and one's family, did it become a sin.
Warming to the forum's theme "God and Mammon: need or greed in the big end of town", Cardinal Pell said as far as the ethics of selling tobacco went, supplying the drug to adults who were aware of the risks and still chose to smoke was nothing to rush to the confessional sin box about. And when probed about the ethics of selling arms, he hypothesised that global military contractors may in fact be acting on a moral imperative.
"I think you can produce arms morally...You might say in some cases it is necessary. We are a peaceful country. If we were unarmed that would be an enticement to evil people. The best way to stay as we are is to be strong and effectively armed so I think you could make the case," he said.
Another question re Telstra's $10 million-a-year chief executive caught involved a comparison of his nice-guy reputation to that of his predecessor, Sol Trujillo, and its possible relationship to Telstra's all-time low of $2.58 a share. So can nice guys succeed in business?
"It's not about being nice or not nice," said Thodey, with a passing reference to the latest round of Telstra redundancies. "It's about doing things in an ethical and considerate way … in the best interests of our shareholders - which of course include customers and employees."
Media Man Profiles
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Is having a punt a sin? 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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Aussie Mark Webber Will Not Quit F1 Win Or Lose...
Mark Webber has squashed small talk he will quit Formula One if he wins or loses the world championship this Sunday. Webber, 34, is under a1 year contract with the mighty Red Bull and says he plans to race on in 2011 and beyond. "Yes, pretty much I'm taking on a year by year basis," Webber said. Webber strongly hinted he was looking forward to another stoush with young German teammate Sebastian Vettel, as well as proving he still had the speed to match it with the best. "The youngsters' eyes are really big when they arrive but I've been so proud of what I've done this year. "I'm not an old guy but to take Fernando (Alonso) and Lewis (Hamilton) and Seb on week-in week-out I feel proud I've been able to do that. "I've had to lift the bar up and I think next year I can still drive very well. "Timing is very important. To drive at 85-90% in this category - forget it, you need to be on top of your game." Webber advised he was confident Red Bull had not committed all their resources to this year's car and would again be competitive in 2011. "Time will tell but we've had a lot of god cars in the last two years," he said. "Last year was very, very taxing for us but the team responded for this year really well and produced another cracker. "Next year we'll find out in the next few races. There are a lot of big new changes and the pedal's going in one direction for this team. Much has been said of the tactics Red Bull will adopt in this season-ending race, but Webber said it was "too hard to call" whether Vettel should help him if in position to do so. "I think it is a question for Seb. What he does is going to be very dependent on how the race unfolds and there are so many scenarios that can happen," Webber said. "I can win this championship by finishing fifth and I can lose it by winning it (if Fernando Alonso finishes second). "Let's just see how things evolve. It actually is very, very tough to make a call at the moment and we know the team's position. "The team's position is that the gloves are off between Sebastian and I. They want us to race, which we've done all year." Webber will take an eight-point deficit into the race, trailing Alonso's Ferrari after the Spaniard took over the running when Webber spun out in Korea recently.
ACMA Rules Against Gambling Adverts On Network Nine And Ten...
Network Nine and Ten have both been found to have breached their license for running interactive gambling advertisements. The Australian Communications and Media Authority found that both networks ran several promotions for PokerStars.net, an interactive gambling service which contravenes the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (IGA). .net means that it was a play for free websites "These are the ACMA’s first investigations into advertisements prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act," said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman, "All providers of television, radio and datacasting services need to ensure sure they are fully aware of and comply with their obligations under the IGA.” Network Nine ran ads for PokerStars during its Wimbledon broadcast in July 2009 while TEN ran similar ads in November 2009 in conjunction with its reality series on ONE, The Poker Star. ACMA says these are the first investigations relating to the broadcast of prohibited advertisements under the IGA. Both networks have agreed to measures intended to increase awareness of the IGA, with staff training, education and periodic reports to ACMA.
Centrebet Plans To Double Market Share...
Centrebet's 2011 financial year profit would be halved, but this news comes as the online wagering group unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at doubling its market share. Dubbed the "Rocket Plan", Centrebet has earmarked "tens of millions of dollars" to be invested in the five-year plan, which it is betting on to boost future profits and double its share of the Australian corporate bookmaker market to 20 per cent by the 2015 financial year. But management warned that its 2011 financial year profit would take a hit as a result of that investment and its net profit after tax would now be about $8 million, compared with $16m under a business as usual scenario. "The strategic plan is aiming to provide a step change in growth and a significant and substantial increase in earnings," Centrebet managing director and majority shareholder Con Kafataris advised.
Tabcorp Keen On Cloud Computing...
Tabcorp has harnessed the Cloud and iPads to help it address the massive increase in demand on Tabcorp's IT systems surged by the Spring Racing Carnival and the Melbourne Cup. Tabcorp's wagering division CIO, Kim Wenn, advised multiple load tests needed to be done to ensure Tabcorp’s IT systems could handle the huge influx of bets generated throughout the nearly three month long racing season. "Tabcorp’s preparations for the 2010 Spring Racing Carnival ensured we were ready for the significantly increased load,” she said. “As a guide, a typical Saturday sees our infrastructure usage at about 9 per cent of the load we see on Cup day. Our systems have to work a lot harder on the big days.” Combined with this increased load was Tabcorp’s introduction of iPad’s on the racetrack, a new iPhone app and live betting used for the first time during the racing season that stops the nation. “Tabcorp aims to be at the forefront of wagering technology,” Wenn said. “We introduced the TAB iPhone Betting App in time for the Spring Racing Carnival and more than 100,000 Australians have now downloaded it. “Tabcorp’s focus at the future is to continue to be at the forefront of wagering technology,” she said. “We are exploring new ways to allow our customers to transact with us such as Android technology, T-box and IP-TV.” In October, Tabcorp managing director and chief executive, Elmer Funke Kupper, flagged mobile and online gambling as a major source of future profitability.
Sky Falling On SkyCity In New Zealand...
Shares in casino operator SkyCity fell 3c early to 319 in trading on the New Zealand stock exchange, after the company said it had been unsuccessful in moves to buy the 50 per cent of Christchurch Casino it does not own. SkyCity said it had advised Skyline Enterprises of a cash offer it was willing to make, but Skyline had rejected the approach.
Call of Duty: Black Ops #360m First Day...
Video game Call of Duty: Black Ops has destroyed entertainment records by raking in $US360 million in its first 24 hours on sale. The result is a dramatic and lucrative indication that games have cemented their place on a par with movies, books and music. Activision Blizzard sold 5.6 million units the day Call of Duty went on sale, according to the company. Its predecessor, Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, sold 4.7 million copies in 24 hours to reap $US310 million on its first day of sale last year and it made $US550 million within a week. “Not too many years back it would have been unfathomable that the biggest entertainment launch would be a video game two years in a row,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. No longer. Today, such games as Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and Halo all fit into the blockbuster category, and with each sequel they only get bigger. Production budgets for these games rival those of big-screen movies, as does the marketing push behind them. “You are delivering not just a gaming experience but a cinematic experience as well,” Hirshberg said. “The characters are emerging as the protagonists of the story.” The video game audience has expanded considerably in the last five years, reaching women, young children and even senior centres. But the people who flock to Call of Duty and other shooters are still primarily young men, just not as young as some would think. The average US game player is 34 years old, according to the Entertainment Software Association. Black Ops went on sale on Tuesday in North America and Britain for $US60, and works on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 gaming consoles. Across two years, with a budget well in the tens of millions of dollars, the developers of Black Ops created a world that immerses players in Cold War-era battles with settings ranging from 1960s Cuba to Vietnam and the Soviet Union. Its intricate graphics and details - down to the gruesome sound a knife makes when pulled from an enemy's neck - are amplified in players' homes through big-screen TV sets and powerful speakers. In one mission, which takes place with John F. Kennedy in the White House before the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, players must shoot their way through Havana to assassinate a young Fidel Castro. Cuba state-run media has levelled harsh criticism at the game, calling it “doubly perverse” by glorifying assassination and stimulating “sociopathic attitudes in North American children and adolescents.” “What the United States couldn't accomplish in more than 50 years, they are now trying to do virtually,” said an article on Cubadebate, a state-run news website. A big part of the appeal of Call of Duty is its multiplayer feature, meaning gamers can fight against someone across the country or on the other side of the world. The game is rated M for mature - meaning it's not meant for kids under 17. It's bloody, to be sure, but new media professor Charles Palmer says that's not the main appeal. “It's the challenge,” said Palmer, who teaches at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. “It's one of those areas that thrills and excites people.” Sports games, such as Madden, from Electronic Arts, are also popular, as are music simulators such as Guitar Hero. But shooters in the style of Call of Duty continue to be the most popular. “There is a DNA-level curiosity about and attraction to battle,” Hirshberg said. “That has been a staple of the entertainment industry - movies, television, books and fiction - forever. And the same is true for video games. Call of Duty has delivered perhaps the gold standard experience of battle.”
Aussie Tony Hachem Wins Player Of The Year...
Tony Hachem has scored a second consecutive victory as Player of the Year in the premier local event, the poker tour designed to reward ongoing strong performances, the PokerStars.net Australian New Zealand Poker Tour.
Gambling And Selling Arms: Not Cardinal Sins...
Gambling is not so bad says Australia's most senior Catholic cleric. Don't get him started on selling arms and smoking!
We kind of like this guy already.
Pell spoke at a an ethics in business lunch hosted by Notre Dame University, Cardinal George Pell hinting it might be hypocritical for the Catholic Church to totally condemn gambling, since poker machines are such a prominent attraction in New South Wales Catholic clubs.
"I must confess I do feel a bit uneasy about that, but only a bit uneasy," he admitted. "Because culturally I'm an Irish Australian and we grew up gambling."
Gambling in itself was not intrinsically wrong, he said. Only when it became an addiction, threatening the well-being of oneself and one's family, did it become a sin.
Warming to the forum's theme "God and Mammon: need or greed in the big end of town", Cardinal Pell said as far as the ethics of selling tobacco went, supplying the drug to adults who were aware of the risks and still chose to smoke was nothing to rush to the confessional sin box about. And when probed about the ethics of selling arms, he hypothesised that global military contractors may in fact be acting on a moral imperative.
"I think you can produce arms morally...You might say in some cases it is necessary. We are a peaceful country. If we were unarmed that would be an enticement to evil people. The best way to stay as we are is to be strong and effectively armed so I think you could make the case," he said.
Another question re Telstra's $10 million-a-year chief executive caught involved a comparison of his nice-guy reputation to that of his predecessor, Sol Trujillo, and its possible relationship to Telstra's all-time low of $2.58 a share. So can nice guys succeed in business?
"It's not about being nice or not nice," said Thodey, with a passing reference to the latest round of Telstra redundancies. "It's about doing things in an ethical and considerate way … in the best interests of our shareholders - which of course include customers and employees."
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Is having a punt a sin? 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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Shane Warne, Tiger Woods Sex Scandals Center Stage at Aussie Casino, by Greg Tingle - 11th November 2010
G'day punters, gamers, journalists, politicians...one and all. It's another huge week for Australian casino and gambling news. We're got Tiger Woods hanging out with Shane Warne and James Packer at Crown Casino, politics meets gambling, pokie palaces doing the wrong thing by patrons, Tote news and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 continue their world famous new wrap ups from the land down under in Australia...
Sex Scandal Joke Bonds Tiger Woods And Shane Warne At Crown Casino Press Conference...
The risque scandals that threatened to ruin the careers of sporting greats Tiger Woods and Shane Warne became comedians fodder in front of an enthralled Crown Casino audience last night. Interviewing Woods and Warne live on stage at the Australian Masters dinner, commentator Mark Nicholas stunned the duo when he suggested they shared the "same nocturnal habits". When asked if the pair had met before, Warne said he'd only met Woods that night but had "heard a lot about him".
Warne joked: "I think we have a little bit in common ... I love golf." It wasn't until the sporting duo both smiled that the audience erupted into laughter. "Everything was said without anything needing to be," one surprised onlooker said. "It was a remarkable moment between the sports stars." The situation didn't seem to faze a clearly relaxed Woods, who said he had admired Warne's cricketing career and was amazed by how the Spin King could bowl a ball out of the back of his hand. Woods flew back to Melbourne yesterday and into a political storm over his $3 million appearance fee.
The superstar's private jet had barely touched down when Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu declared that a Coalition government would not be spending taxpayer money to bring him back for future events. "He's welcome here and I'm sure he'll be a great asset to the tournament, but I don't think taxpayers need to fund him in a commercial tournament," he said. The Government hit back, warning Sydney was poised to swoop on our major events if Victoria was not prepared to pay stars. Woods got straight down to business after arriving just after 7am, checking into his palatial Crown casino villa before hitting the hotel gym. He gets his first glimpse of the Victoria Golf Club layout early this morning when he tees off in a pro-am event with three lucky hackers associated with tournament sponsor JBWere.
Woods will hold a press conference this afternoon where he is likely to be grilled about his dramatic fall from grace immediately after winning last year's Australian Masters. Within days of leaving Melbourne last year, a US newspaper revealed Woods had secretly entertained New York party girl Rachel Uchitel in his Crown Towers hotel room. A string of mistresses later came forward admitting to affairs with the golfing superstar, who has since divorced. Fans who heckle Tiger or any other player during the Masters will be booted out under long-standing crowd behaviour rules.
Tiger Woods Comes Down Under To Play In Australian Masters, Stays At Crown Towers...
Woods' was and still is a wild boy. News media and your truly can tell you its becoming hard to catch tiger by the tail, if you follow. Who will every forget his steamy affair with New York party queen Rachel Uchitel, and do you remember she was spotted at Crown Towers the same time that Tiger was there! Naughty Tiger. That was an expensive root. Uchitel was photographed by a Yankee pap photographer and subsequent worldwide news headlines followed, then the divorce from his wife. As we go to print Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players and also Aussie sporting great and keen poker player, Shane Warne. Now we have learned by well informed leaks that spectators who heckle golfing superstar Tiger Woods over his private life face being ejected from the Australian Masters. Fans (and anti fans) will be given 1 warning before being thrown out from the Victoria Golf Club.
Some insiders joked "make it a good heckle if you do it, 'cause you only get one chance!" Woods has flown into Melbourne where his career and personal life began to get extremely rocky last year, to defend his Masters championship. Woods has not won a tournament since the Masters win at Melbourne's Kingston Heath course last November.
The presence of "RU" at his Melbourne hotel room triggered an ongoing sex scandal that shadowed his career and led to his divorce from blonde bombshell Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two offspring. Woods is understood to be hungry for victory, having last week lost his world #1 ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood. He had been number one for 281 weeks. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday morning. Woods' $3 million appearance fee is partly funded by the Victorian government. Hometown star Robert Allenby and West Australian pro Brett Rumford have been chosen to play alongside Woods in the first two rounds at the Masters.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey. Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts. Crowds of up to 100,000 are expected over the five days of action at the Cheltenham sandbelt course. Let's now cross to the man of the moment...
"Overall, I felt like I've been hitting it well and it's just a matter of being patient," Woods said. Victorian taxpayers have got mixed feelings about chipping in half the bill for Woods' $3 million Melbourne appearance fee, with sponsors paying the rest, and its been discussed heavily in newspapers and Australian talk back radio stations. Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northerly wind over the weekend, so folks, you've been warned.
Tigers have a mixed record in rain, but its understood not to slow them down for indoor activities at Crown! Aussie bookies last night put Woods $3.50 favourite ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy at $6.50. Woods will tee off at 7.27am this Thursday with Australian star Robert Allenby and journeyman Brett Rumford. Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form, allowing his to sink a few holes. May the best man sink the most holes (and win).
Labor Party Gives Up On Mildura Jewel Casino Says Nationals Party...
The Labor Party Branch President appears to have deserted the Labor candidate for the seat of Mildura by joining forces with the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino campaign. ALP stalwart Ken Carr has been reported as providing advice to the pro-casino candidate Mr Tonge in the area of Social Justice and Welfare. He has even agreed to join Mr Tonge’s so-called community cabinet. “The local ALP Branch President has thrown his weight behind the Carrazza Irwin Independent candidate,” says Member for Mildura Peter Crisp. “The Labor candidate must feel betrayed and abandoned. “Mr Carr has been heavily involved in the Labor Party in this region for many years and is close to people in ALP headquarters. “Does his support for the Independent candidate mean that the Labor party machine has switched support to the pro self-interest, pro-casino Carazza Irwin forces? “The Premier, John Brumby, has been evading the casino issue by saying that bi-partisan support was necessary before his government would consider a second casino licence for Victoria. “It’s clear that bi-partisan isn’t possible given that the Liberal Nationals Coalition hasruled out support for a second casino licence. “Past statements from the Premier should therefore mean the issue of a Mildura casino is dead, but now the main office bearer for the Labor party in Mildura has thrown his support behind the pro-casino Independent candidate. “Is Labor now gambling on the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino Independent candidate winning the seat of Mildura? “John Brumby should declare his hand.”
Robbers Carry Cash Machine Past Pokie Players!...
A cash vending machine has been stolen from the wall of a southside Brisbane hotel right under the nose of pokie players. Coppers said two "confident" hooded offenders simply walked into the Cannon Hill Tavern around 6.30pm yesterday, prised the machine off the wall with jemmying tools and carried it out - all within about 15 seconds. "It was rather blatant. I think everyone just stood there a little bit in shock," said an officer. No words were spoken during the daring crime, and no-one was threatened or injured. Police said the machine converted notes into coins and was in the area near the pokies. Detectives from Dutton Park CIB have seized CCTV footage from the hotel and will be speaking to a couple of witnesses, police said. The men made their getaway in a silver sedan. Both were wearing long-sleeved hoodies, and gloves. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Adelaide Pokies Palace Blamed For Not Removing Punter From Marathon Gambling Session...
An Adelaide pokie palace has been criticised by the Independent Gambling Authority for allegedly allowing an addict to lose $10,500 on one machine over a marathon 13-hour duration. The Grand Junction Tavern boasts the "best gaming room in the Port Adelaide region" but one customer complained the venue allowed her to gamble $4500 in cash she arrived with, a $5000 withdrawal from an ATM and five further withdrawals of $200 each. The woman, who did not want to be named, spoke to the press through South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, who she has asked to act on her behalf in legal action against the venue because she was not happy with two investigations since 2009. Senator Xenophon said legislation and rules governing pokie venues meant the woman should have been barred from the venue and the machine should not have been turned off to stop other people using it while she went to get more cash six times.
The State Government's Liquor and Gambling Commissioner found the venue should not be the subject of action but this had provoked a rebuke from the sister Independent Gambling Authority. The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Paul White, in a letter to the IGA obtained by The Advertiser, stated: "I am satisfied that the circumstances of this matter have been a learning experience for all involved and that the licensee and approved persons are clearly on notice about their obligation to respond to their legal obligations and the ever-present issue of problem gambling". A spokesman for Coles supermarkets, which owns the tavern, said the company conducted extensive training of staff to prevent problem gambling, and that the machine was turned off due to breakdown.
"The hotel manager attempted to speak with the patron about gambling help services and was initially rebuffed by the patron, with a later offer of gambling counselling telephone service accepted," he said. But in a review of the commissioner's inquiry the IGA said it was clear the woman could not control her behaviour. The authority believes the woman should have been removed.
"There could not have been a clearer example of a person demonstrating difficulties controlling her gambling expenditure," IGA director Robert Chappell said, in a letter to Senator Xenophon.
Punters, who is right and who is wrong? You be the judge, and please know you're limits when on the punt.
National Leisure & Gaming Facing Tough Times...
National Leisure & Gaming faces an uncertain future. Chair Peter Dransfield told shareholders that the struggling pub operator is persevering in the hope that trading conditions improve or it receives an offer for its pub portfolio.
Tasmanian Gambles On Asian Markets...
Tote Tasmania is building relationships in Asian markets to strengthen its position in the world betting market. The state betting company's annual report reveals a before tax profit of almost $10 million for the past financial year, with dividends of more than $6 million paid to the Government. Tote Tasmania's chief executive officer Craig Coleman says Asian markets represent more than 40% of the world's online gambling business. Coleman says TOTE is already building contacts to develop tailored betting products. "The chairman Michael Kent was one of three international individuals invited to join the Centre for Chinese Lottery Studies, which is the principal advisory board to the Chinese Government on the future of gambling in that country," he said.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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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Sex Scandal Joke Bonds Tiger Woods And Shane Warne At Crown Casino Press Conference...
The risque scandals that threatened to ruin the careers of sporting greats Tiger Woods and Shane Warne became comedians fodder in front of an enthralled Crown Casino audience last night. Interviewing Woods and Warne live on stage at the Australian Masters dinner, commentator Mark Nicholas stunned the duo when he suggested they shared the "same nocturnal habits". When asked if the pair had met before, Warne said he'd only met Woods that night but had "heard a lot about him".
Warne joked: "I think we have a little bit in common ... I love golf." It wasn't until the sporting duo both smiled that the audience erupted into laughter. "Everything was said without anything needing to be," one surprised onlooker said. "It was a remarkable moment between the sports stars." The situation didn't seem to faze a clearly relaxed Woods, who said he had admired Warne's cricketing career and was amazed by how the Spin King could bowl a ball out of the back of his hand. Woods flew back to Melbourne yesterday and into a political storm over his $3 million appearance fee.
The superstar's private jet had barely touched down when Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu declared that a Coalition government would not be spending taxpayer money to bring him back for future events. "He's welcome here and I'm sure he'll be a great asset to the tournament, but I don't think taxpayers need to fund him in a commercial tournament," he said. The Government hit back, warning Sydney was poised to swoop on our major events if Victoria was not prepared to pay stars. Woods got straight down to business after arriving just after 7am, checking into his palatial Crown casino villa before hitting the hotel gym. He gets his first glimpse of the Victoria Golf Club layout early this morning when he tees off in a pro-am event with three lucky hackers associated with tournament sponsor JBWere.
Woods will hold a press conference this afternoon where he is likely to be grilled about his dramatic fall from grace immediately after winning last year's Australian Masters. Within days of leaving Melbourne last year, a US newspaper revealed Woods had secretly entertained New York party girl Rachel Uchitel in his Crown Towers hotel room. A string of mistresses later came forward admitting to affairs with the golfing superstar, who has since divorced. Fans who heckle Tiger or any other player during the Masters will be booted out under long-standing crowd behaviour rules.
Tiger Woods Comes Down Under To Play In Australian Masters, Stays At Crown Towers...
Woods' was and still is a wild boy. News media and your truly can tell you its becoming hard to catch tiger by the tail, if you follow. Who will every forget his steamy affair with New York party queen Rachel Uchitel, and do you remember she was spotted at Crown Towers the same time that Tiger was there! Naughty Tiger. That was an expensive root. Uchitel was photographed by a Yankee pap photographer and subsequent worldwide news headlines followed, then the divorce from his wife. As we go to print Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players and also Aussie sporting great and keen poker player, Shane Warne. Now we have learned by well informed leaks that spectators who heckle golfing superstar Tiger Woods over his private life face being ejected from the Australian Masters. Fans (and anti fans) will be given 1 warning before being thrown out from the Victoria Golf Club.
Some insiders joked "make it a good heckle if you do it, 'cause you only get one chance!" Woods has flown into Melbourne where his career and personal life began to get extremely rocky last year, to defend his Masters championship. Woods has not won a tournament since the Masters win at Melbourne's Kingston Heath course last November.
The presence of "RU" at his Melbourne hotel room triggered an ongoing sex scandal that shadowed his career and led to his divorce from blonde bombshell Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two offspring. Woods is understood to be hungry for victory, having last week lost his world #1 ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood. He had been number one for 281 weeks. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday morning. Woods' $3 million appearance fee is partly funded by the Victorian government. Hometown star Robert Allenby and West Australian pro Brett Rumford have been chosen to play alongside Woods in the first two rounds at the Masters.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey. Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts. Crowds of up to 100,000 are expected over the five days of action at the Cheltenham sandbelt course. Let's now cross to the man of the moment...
"Overall, I felt like I've been hitting it well and it's just a matter of being patient," Woods said. Victorian taxpayers have got mixed feelings about chipping in half the bill for Woods' $3 million Melbourne appearance fee, with sponsors paying the rest, and its been discussed heavily in newspapers and Australian talk back radio stations. Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northerly wind over the weekend, so folks, you've been warned.
Tigers have a mixed record in rain, but its understood not to slow them down for indoor activities at Crown! Aussie bookies last night put Woods $3.50 favourite ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy at $6.50. Woods will tee off at 7.27am this Thursday with Australian star Robert Allenby and journeyman Brett Rumford. Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form, allowing his to sink a few holes. May the best man sink the most holes (and win).
Labor Party Gives Up On Mildura Jewel Casino Says Nationals Party...
The Labor Party Branch President appears to have deserted the Labor candidate for the seat of Mildura by joining forces with the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino campaign. ALP stalwart Ken Carr has been reported as providing advice to the pro-casino candidate Mr Tonge in the area of Social Justice and Welfare. He has even agreed to join Mr Tonge’s so-called community cabinet. “The local ALP Branch President has thrown his weight behind the Carrazza Irwin Independent candidate,” says Member for Mildura Peter Crisp. “The Labor candidate must feel betrayed and abandoned. “Mr Carr has been heavily involved in the Labor Party in this region for many years and is close to people in ALP headquarters. “Does his support for the Independent candidate mean that the Labor party machine has switched support to the pro self-interest, pro-casino Carazza Irwin forces? “The Premier, John Brumby, has been evading the casino issue by saying that bi-partisan support was necessary before his government would consider a second casino licence for Victoria. “It’s clear that bi-partisan isn’t possible given that the Liberal Nationals Coalition hasruled out support for a second casino licence. “Past statements from the Premier should therefore mean the issue of a Mildura casino is dead, but now the main office bearer for the Labor party in Mildura has thrown his support behind the pro-casino Independent candidate. “Is Labor now gambling on the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino Independent candidate winning the seat of Mildura? “John Brumby should declare his hand.”
Robbers Carry Cash Machine Past Pokie Players!...
A cash vending machine has been stolen from the wall of a southside Brisbane hotel right under the nose of pokie players. Coppers said two "confident" hooded offenders simply walked into the Cannon Hill Tavern around 6.30pm yesterday, prised the machine off the wall with jemmying tools and carried it out - all within about 15 seconds. "It was rather blatant. I think everyone just stood there a little bit in shock," said an officer. No words were spoken during the daring crime, and no-one was threatened or injured. Police said the machine converted notes into coins and was in the area near the pokies. Detectives from Dutton Park CIB have seized CCTV footage from the hotel and will be speaking to a couple of witnesses, police said. The men made their getaway in a silver sedan. Both were wearing long-sleeved hoodies, and gloves. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Adelaide Pokies Palace Blamed For Not Removing Punter From Marathon Gambling Session...
An Adelaide pokie palace has been criticised by the Independent Gambling Authority for allegedly allowing an addict to lose $10,500 on one machine over a marathon 13-hour duration. The Grand Junction Tavern boasts the "best gaming room in the Port Adelaide region" but one customer complained the venue allowed her to gamble $4500 in cash she arrived with, a $5000 withdrawal from an ATM and five further withdrawals of $200 each. The woman, who did not want to be named, spoke to the press through South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, who she has asked to act on her behalf in legal action against the venue because she was not happy with two investigations since 2009. Senator Xenophon said legislation and rules governing pokie venues meant the woman should have been barred from the venue and the machine should not have been turned off to stop other people using it while she went to get more cash six times.
The State Government's Liquor and Gambling Commissioner found the venue should not be the subject of action but this had provoked a rebuke from the sister Independent Gambling Authority. The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Paul White, in a letter to the IGA obtained by The Advertiser, stated: "I am satisfied that the circumstances of this matter have been a learning experience for all involved and that the licensee and approved persons are clearly on notice about their obligation to respond to their legal obligations and the ever-present issue of problem gambling". A spokesman for Coles supermarkets, which owns the tavern, said the company conducted extensive training of staff to prevent problem gambling, and that the machine was turned off due to breakdown.
"The hotel manager attempted to speak with the patron about gambling help services and was initially rebuffed by the patron, with a later offer of gambling counselling telephone service accepted," he said. But in a review of the commissioner's inquiry the IGA said it was clear the woman could not control her behaviour. The authority believes the woman should have been removed.
"There could not have been a clearer example of a person demonstrating difficulties controlling her gambling expenditure," IGA director Robert Chappell said, in a letter to Senator Xenophon.
Punters, who is right and who is wrong? You be the judge, and please know you're limits when on the punt.
National Leisure & Gaming Facing Tough Times...
National Leisure & Gaming faces an uncertain future. Chair Peter Dransfield told shareholders that the struggling pub operator is persevering in the hope that trading conditions improve or it receives an offer for its pub portfolio.
Tasmanian Gambles On Asian Markets...
Tote Tasmania is building relationships in Asian markets to strengthen its position in the world betting market. The state betting company's annual report reveals a before tax profit of almost $10 million for the past financial year, with dividends of more than $6 million paid to the Government. Tote Tasmania's chief executive officer Craig Coleman says Asian markets represent more than 40% of the world's online gambling business. Coleman says TOTE is already building contacts to develop tailored betting products. "The chairman Michael Kent was one of three international individuals invited to join the Centre for Chinese Lottery Studies, which is the principal advisory board to the Chinese Government on the future of gambling in that country," he said.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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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Thursday, November 11, 2010
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Movies, Games, Politics And Pot Talk, by Greg Tingle - 11th November 2010
G'day Hollywood, Aussiewood and internet entertainment news tragics. We're back with a huge entertainment and political news update on the The Governator - Terminator Arnold Schwarzenegger. As tipped last week he will be back (in the movies). The rumors and hints have been around for over a year now, with Arnie often seen in public with action hero mate and Gambling911 - Media Man favorite, Sylvester Stallone, and who can forget his awesome performance in The Expendables. The Expendables 2 is on the cards and guess who is likely in store for more screen time. Media Man and Gambling911 one again take on the machines and even check out the "green stuff" in order to bring you this very special report...
The world is awaiting Arnie to make a full time-ish return to the movies. That's the buzz down under in Australia, be it at Bondi Beach, Fox Studios or out west, and from a growing number of the American public and Hollywood movie executives. Some passionate Arnie fans are even having bets with their mates on if he will return, how soon, and in what movies!
"I'll be back". Yeah, we know, you've heard it before, but this time it's on the cards and looking like a safe bet from all angles. Those close advise he's got the fire in the belly, much like the type Aussie gambling tycoon James Packer is enjoying now he's back in the television game.
Politically and in a business and all round timing aspect in makes good sense. Let's see, Arnie has recently embarked on his 'Farewell Tour' with a focus on the California valley region and he is quick to emphasise local focus and consultation.
Arnie is understood to be privately entertaining a number of Hollywood movie opportunities that has come his way, some of which also incorporate gaming deals, following The Terminator mindset of movie - game and other merchandise.
Schwarzenegger, now a great looking 63, doesn't appear to be after the job of U.S President. We mean, who the heck would want that job these days. His bio and CV is world class all the way and sports titles and attributes such as Mr Universe body builder champion, politician, environmental campaigner, movie star and philanthropist.
Hollywood types and political analysts say Arnie is about to lay his cards on the table and make another movie - a big movie deal announcement.
Long time mate and associate Stallone is understood to be assisting him with strategy (and sourcing the right opportunities), like The Expendables 2!
Veteran Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman was happy to go on record with "People still love Arnold. He can choose whatever he wants. He's got nothing left to prove, all the money in the world and the world of choices available to him".
He teased us be announcing that he recently met with Terminator and Avatar director James Cameron, and would make some sort of an announcement soon!!!
Political Animal Unleashed...
The Republican "Governator" concluding his lucky 7 years in office with only a 22% popularity rating among Californians. Sounds like the sort of numbers Australia's Senator Stephen Conroy gets for popularity (Not - Borat speak). His star power and money making potential appears not damaged by his time in politics, which included some impressive and not so impressive happenings.
Schwarzenegger said on that he is glad Proposition 19, which would have legalized recreational marijuana use in his state, was defeated - even though "no one cares if you smoke a joint or not."
Appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Schwarzenegger said "Proposition 19 went a little bit too far, I think."
"Propositions don't die because the idea is bad, it just dies because it is written wrong," he added.
Schwarzenegger said his decision to sign a bill last month that reduces the charge for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction hurt Prop. 19's chances.
"It makes possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction, which is like a speeding ticket. And no one cares if you smoke a joint or not," he told TV talk show host Leno.
Voters defeated Prop. 19 by a 54% to 46% margin.
Schwarzenegger endorsed the decisions of California voters on all the propositions, in fact, saying they did "an extraordinary job" on all of them.
Quizzed why he chose not to endorse either Meg Whitman or Jerry Brown for governor, Schwarzenegger, a Republican, joked that he "couldn't understand the accent," before adding: "I just wanted to stay out of it."
He politely declined to tell Leno who he voted for.
"I think that's private," he said. "This is between myself and the person Maria tells me to vote for.", which got a bit of a chuckle from the live audience.
Schwarzenegger said he would have fond memories of governing the state.
"I wish it wasn't over," he said. "It was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. Working for the people of California really was a great pleasure for me, it was a great honor."
Does Not Want To Become President Of USA...
It's been understood that his Austrian birth rules out a go as US president, not that he would want it anymore, but one political analyst Allan Hoffenblum actually sees a possible appointment in the Obama administration, perhaps on an environmental front.
"I think that is a very viable possibility, especially if Obama does badly in the November congressional elections, he may want to reach out to moderate Republicans," Hoffenblum said.
Elective politics is likely not on his horizon, pundits said. The highest Schwarzenegger can go now is the US Senate, but an opening may be two years away, assuming California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein decides to step down.
Games And Casinos...
In an interesting huge moneymaker, Arnie also features in The Terminator online slot game released by PartyGaming - PartyCasino.com which has being trying to get back into the U.S market for almost as long as Arnold has been in political office in the hotbed of California. Arnold was apparently unable to get legal casino igaming green lighted in CA while in office, but few are willing to put the blame on him.
Schwarzenegger would have no trouble being hired by Hollywood, be it part time, full time or other. He is still fit and resuming action roles would be "like riding a bike", industry leaks whispered.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Its amazing. There has been a massive upswell in support of Arnie returning to Hollywood, namely for his action movie genre many grew up on. The rebirth of Arnie came around the same time word leaked that he would be teaming up with Stallone in The Expendables, and as they say, the rest is history. Another Expendables movie is being planned, more Expendables games, and Arnie is sounding more and more like he wants more of the action. Most of the public and Hollywood want him back in the action too."
After seeing Arnie's latest appearance on Jay Leno another Media Man staffer leaked "Arnie is just so likable and honest isn't he. He still has the common touch. The audience and Leno was hanging on every word. As Arnie said, he is living the American dream. Arnold also seems to make American more likable to the rest of the world after taking a political and diplomatic battering, mainly under the George W administration. More politicians like Arnold and America's popularity abroad would skyrocket. Having said that, the world now awaits Arnold's official returning to Hollywood. Good on Stallone to also assisting him with his return. Virgin's Richard Branson is also understood to be throwing him a few ideas for consideration and Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures are also rumoured to be keen to do a deal or two with Arnie. There's no turning back now."
Media Man Profiles
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Terminator
The Expendables
Sylvester Stallone
Hollywood
Politics
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters and movie buffs, what's your view on a return of Arnie to Hollywood? 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. Oh, we'll be back!
*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
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
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Global Gaming Directory
The world is awaiting Arnie to make a full time-ish return to the movies. That's the buzz down under in Australia, be it at Bondi Beach, Fox Studios or out west, and from a growing number of the American public and Hollywood movie executives. Some passionate Arnie fans are even having bets with their mates on if he will return, how soon, and in what movies!
"I'll be back". Yeah, we know, you've heard it before, but this time it's on the cards and looking like a safe bet from all angles. Those close advise he's got the fire in the belly, much like the type Aussie gambling tycoon James Packer is enjoying now he's back in the television game.
Politically and in a business and all round timing aspect in makes good sense. Let's see, Arnie has recently embarked on his 'Farewell Tour' with a focus on the California valley region and he is quick to emphasise local focus and consultation.
Arnie is understood to be privately entertaining a number of Hollywood movie opportunities that has come his way, some of which also incorporate gaming deals, following The Terminator mindset of movie - game and other merchandise.
Schwarzenegger, now a great looking 63, doesn't appear to be after the job of U.S President. We mean, who the heck would want that job these days. His bio and CV is world class all the way and sports titles and attributes such as Mr Universe body builder champion, politician, environmental campaigner, movie star and philanthropist.
Hollywood types and political analysts say Arnie is about to lay his cards on the table and make another movie - a big movie deal announcement.
Long time mate and associate Stallone is understood to be assisting him with strategy (and sourcing the right opportunities), like The Expendables 2!
Veteran Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman was happy to go on record with "People still love Arnold. He can choose whatever he wants. He's got nothing left to prove, all the money in the world and the world of choices available to him".
He teased us be announcing that he recently met with Terminator and Avatar director James Cameron, and would make some sort of an announcement soon!!!
Political Animal Unleashed...
The Republican "Governator" concluding his lucky 7 years in office with only a 22% popularity rating among Californians. Sounds like the sort of numbers Australia's Senator Stephen Conroy gets for popularity (Not - Borat speak). His star power and money making potential appears not damaged by his time in politics, which included some impressive and not so impressive happenings.
Schwarzenegger said on that he is glad Proposition 19, which would have legalized recreational marijuana use in his state, was defeated - even though "no one cares if you smoke a joint or not."
Appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Schwarzenegger said "Proposition 19 went a little bit too far, I think."
"Propositions don't die because the idea is bad, it just dies because it is written wrong," he added.
Schwarzenegger said his decision to sign a bill last month that reduces the charge for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction hurt Prop. 19's chances.
"It makes possession from a misdemeanor to an infraction, which is like a speeding ticket. And no one cares if you smoke a joint or not," he told TV talk show host Leno.
Voters defeated Prop. 19 by a 54% to 46% margin.
Schwarzenegger endorsed the decisions of California voters on all the propositions, in fact, saying they did "an extraordinary job" on all of them.
Quizzed why he chose not to endorse either Meg Whitman or Jerry Brown for governor, Schwarzenegger, a Republican, joked that he "couldn't understand the accent," before adding: "I just wanted to stay out of it."
He politely declined to tell Leno who he voted for.
"I think that's private," he said. "This is between myself and the person Maria tells me to vote for.", which got a bit of a chuckle from the live audience.
Schwarzenegger said he would have fond memories of governing the state.
"I wish it wasn't over," he said. "It was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. Working for the people of California really was a great pleasure for me, it was a great honor."
Does Not Want To Become President Of USA...
It's been understood that his Austrian birth rules out a go as US president, not that he would want it anymore, but one political analyst Allan Hoffenblum actually sees a possible appointment in the Obama administration, perhaps on an environmental front.
"I think that is a very viable possibility, especially if Obama does badly in the November congressional elections, he may want to reach out to moderate Republicans," Hoffenblum said.
Elective politics is likely not on his horizon, pundits said. The highest Schwarzenegger can go now is the US Senate, but an opening may be two years away, assuming California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein decides to step down.
Games And Casinos...
In an interesting huge moneymaker, Arnie also features in The Terminator online slot game released by PartyGaming - PartyCasino.com which has being trying to get back into the U.S market for almost as long as Arnold has been in political office in the hotbed of California. Arnold was apparently unable to get legal casino igaming green lighted in CA while in office, but few are willing to put the blame on him.
Schwarzenegger would have no trouble being hired by Hollywood, be it part time, full time or other. He is still fit and resuming action roles would be "like riding a bike", industry leaks whispered.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Its amazing. There has been a massive upswell in support of Arnie returning to Hollywood, namely for his action movie genre many grew up on. The rebirth of Arnie came around the same time word leaked that he would be teaming up with Stallone in The Expendables, and as they say, the rest is history. Another Expendables movie is being planned, more Expendables games, and Arnie is sounding more and more like he wants more of the action. Most of the public and Hollywood want him back in the action too."
After seeing Arnie's latest appearance on Jay Leno another Media Man staffer leaked "Arnie is just so likable and honest isn't he. He still has the common touch. The audience and Leno was hanging on every word. As Arnie said, he is living the American dream. Arnold also seems to make American more likable to the rest of the world after taking a political and diplomatic battering, mainly under the George W administration. More politicians like Arnold and America's popularity abroad would skyrocket. Having said that, the world now awaits Arnold's official returning to Hollywood. Good on Stallone to also assisting him with his return. Virgin's Richard Branson is also understood to be throwing him a few ideas for consideration and Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures are also rumoured to be keen to do a deal or two with Arnie. There's no turning back now."
Media Man Profiles
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Terminator
The Expendables
Sylvester Stallone
Hollywood
Politics
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters and movie buffs, what's your view on a return of Arnie to Hollywood? 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. Oh, we'll be back!
*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
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Australian Lottery, Gaming And Tote News, by Greg Tingle - 10th November 2010
G'day punters, gamers, journalists, politicians...one and all. Let's swing into it hey. Aussie lottery, gaming and tote news to help keep you at the top of your game. Media Man and Gambling911 with the latest and the greatest...
World Lottery Association Convention News...
Over 800 participants showed up, mostly involved in the lottery business around the world.
It also coincided with the Australia's famous Melbourne Cup.
In 2010, the global gaming market attracted revenues of between US$350bil and US$400bil, with casinos, lotteries and gaming machines accounting for close to 85%. The online component is beginning to edge up to 10%. Here, the big push is led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) group, representing three-quarters of this business. The world-wide lottery business is worth about US$200bil-US$240bil, growing at below 5% a year lately. Growth is, however, uneven... 20% in Latin America & Africa; 10% in Asia (23% in China, where revenues in the first eight months of 2010 amounted to US$16bil); flat in Europe and the United States.
And, global casino and other regulated gaming had revenues in the region of US$150bil in 2010, with 45% in the United States, 30% in Asia-Pacific and 20% in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). But growth is fastest in Asia-Pacific, up about 20% per year in 2008-2012; while US growth is expected at 4% and EMEA, 5%. Casino gaming accounted for 90%. In Asia-Pacific, business in China (Macau) is growing the fastest, rising by 59% in the first 10 months of 2010 from a year earlier, with revenues passing US$21bil for the entire year, while Asean-5 expanded just as fast with revenues of US$7bil. Australia and South Korea have revenues of US$2bil-US$3bil each – growing much slower annually.
Gaming being recession proof is a myth. Recession resistant...Yes. During the recent great recession, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch HY Gaming Index declined 56% from early 2008 to its trough in March 2009. However, since then the index has risen 136%.
Despite growing risks, Asia will lead economic growth this year and the next. The World Bank has upgraded China’s 2010 GDP growth to 10%. Meanwhile, the OECD cut growth estimates for its 33 members to 2-2½% in 2011, downgrading the United States to 1.75-2.25%.
Growth in Asian disposable income will continue to expand; so will growth in Asian household consumption of goods and services. Since the beginning of this decade, Asia’s gaming revenues have been the fastest growing...especially in Macau and Singapore.
Circa 2007, most analysts figured the Macau market to be worth US$13bil in 2010. Today, based on recent results, it’s worth US$21bil. I am told that in the United States, every available table and slot machine serves 250 people. In South-East Asia and India, the number is as many as 45,000-50,000. So, Asian gamers are underserved.
It is estimated that Asians spend almost twice as much on gaming as Americans do. Singapore has gone from zero to near US$5b just this year alone. By 2012, Morgan Stanley estimates that Singapore could generate revenues of US$7-US$10bil. Macau took about the same time to hit US$6bil.
Undoubtedly, Asia provides the best prospects in gaming and betting. It will utilise advances in technology to enhance its innovative and creative potential to lead in contemporary interactive gaming entertainment, in a socially responsible way. For this vibrant, exciting and colourful industry, a bright future lies ahead.
Having said that, virtually no industry is an up and down roller coaster ride as much as gaming and gambling, so strap in tight. The wild journey continues.
Tasmanian Gambles On Asian Markets...
Tote Tasmania is building relationships in Asian markets to strengthen its position in the world betting market. The state betting company's annual report reveals a before tax profit of almost $10 million for the past financial year, with dividends of more than $6 million paid to the Government. Tote Tasmania's chief executive officer Craig Coleman says Asian markets represent more than 40% of the world's online gambling business. Coleman says TOTE is already building contacts to develop tailored betting products. "The chairman Michael Kent was one of three international individuals invited to join the Centre for Chinese Lottery Studies, which is the principal advisory board to the Chinese Government on the future of gambling in that country," he said.
Australian Tote History...
Most punters take the Tote for granted and will not know that this machine was invented in Australia. Matthew Connell is the Curator of Computing and Mathematics at the Powerhouse Museum and shows us where the Tote began. The Powerhouse has a concept model at their Discovery Centre at Castle Hill that was created in the early 1900s by a famous Australian engineer called George Julius. The totalisator successfully demonstrated how gambling statistics could be collated. He also shows us one of the last, and much larger, mechanical Tote machines designed in 1948. Matthew explains that it was really the first multi-user, real time computing systems in the world. Punters could bet simultaneously on the same horse from various parts of the race track and this machine never lost a bet. It has a special place in the heart of this curator not only because it is a beautiful piece of engineering, but also because it tells the story of an industry in Australia that has become a national pastime. By 1940 the Tote was perfect. It was a marvel of engineering and dominated the sport for 67 years before the advent of computers. Special thanks and full credit to ABC 'The Collectors'.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/segments/s3051822.htm
Centrebet Expansion Gamble...
Online gaming firm Centrebet International says it expects to suffer a halving in net profit in 2010-11 as it moves to implement a new strategic plan.
But the plan would see the wagering company achieve a 20% market share of Australian corporate bookmaking by 2014-15, Centrebet said.
The five-year strategic plan, released to the market on Tuesday and called "Project Rocket", hopes to double Centrebet's market share from the current 10 per cent.
"The strategic plan is designed to take advantage of the market share momentum that Centrebet and other top tier corporate bookmakers have achieved over recent years,'' Centrebet said in a statement.
"The strategic plan is predicated on significantly increased brand marketing investment, a change in advertising spend and mix, and a step up in new product development in Australia."
Centrebet said there would be a focus on new racing products, some of which were already in development.
But Centrebet expected to suffer reduced profitability in 2010-11 as a result of the implementation of the strategic plan, the company said.
Full year net profit (NPAT) was expected to be about $8 million in 2010-11, Centrebet said, compared with $16 million under a business-as-usual scenario.
"A significant proportion of FY11 NPAT is estimated to be generated in (H211) given the timing of expenditure and customer acquisition,'' Centrebet said.
Net profit was expected to exceed "status quo'' by 2012-13, Centrebet said, and be about 50 per cent higher than by 2014-15, "generating NPAT in excess of $32 million.
Company chairman Graham Kelly said the Australian wagering market was very favourable for corporate bookmakers, "particularly top tier companies like Centrebet''.
"While we will continue to explore appropriate value adding consolidation opportunities, the strategy announced today lays out our plan to realise Centrebet's substantial opportunity shareholder value through organic growth," Mr Kelly said in the statement.
Mr Kelly said Centrebet intended to pay dividends as the strategic plan was implemented, but "given the short-term impact on NPAT as we invest for higher growth, the payout ratio will be increased compared to prior periods''.
Centrebet managing director Con Kafataris said the plan aimed to provide a "step change in growth and a significant and sustainable increase in earnings''.
"Achievement of our objectives will create a business which has a much stronger market position, higher level of earnings and a growth profile even higher than it has today,'' Mr Kafataris said.
Centrebet said the plan will be mostly funded from surplus cash and operational cash flow, with the balance from debt if required.
The company said current trading remained strong.
Centrebet said it was continuing to consider consolidation opportunities.
"In particular, Centrebet has agreed to facilitate discussions with prospective parties to determine whether a proposal could be developed that is in the best interests of Centrebet shareholders and capable of being put to Centrebet shareholders,'' the company said.
"Discussions are ongoing."
Sunshine Coast QLD Gambling Mum Jailed For $60,000 Theft...
A mum of four was jailed this week for stealing nearly $60,000 from her Yandina employer to feed a gambling addiction.
Angela Kylie Warner, 35, made 68 fraudulent transactions between September 13, 2007, and February 17 last year while at Valdora Earthmoving.
Her duties included paying staff wages, including her own, taking care of company accounts and general bookkeeping.
Warner’s stealing came to light when the Australian Tax Office contacted the owner about late tax returns in March last year.
The owner reviewed the business accounts, noted discrepancies and called police.
Crown prosecutor Donna Semmens said Warner was transferring money from company accounts directly into her own account.
Ms Semmens said Warner tried to cover her actions by not lodging tax returns.
“Her method was unsophisticated and doomed to fail,” Ms Semmens said.
“Her dishonesty was persistent and prolonged.”
Barrister Phillip Rennick said his client was using the money for other expenses, too.
Mr Rennick said Warner thought she was just borrowing money but soon realised she could not repay it.
Judge Keith Dodds sentenced Warner to three years in jail with parole in November next year.
Warner must repay the $57,292 grand.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Golf
Tote
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like the news round up? What else would you like to see? 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.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
World Lottery Association Convention News...
Over 800 participants showed up, mostly involved in the lottery business around the world.
It also coincided with the Australia's famous Melbourne Cup.
In 2010, the global gaming market attracted revenues of between US$350bil and US$400bil, with casinos, lotteries and gaming machines accounting for close to 85%. The online component is beginning to edge up to 10%. Here, the big push is led by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) group, representing three-quarters of this business. The world-wide lottery business is worth about US$200bil-US$240bil, growing at below 5% a year lately. Growth is, however, uneven... 20% in Latin America & Africa; 10% in Asia (23% in China, where revenues in the first eight months of 2010 amounted to US$16bil); flat in Europe and the United States.
And, global casino and other regulated gaming had revenues in the region of US$150bil in 2010, with 45% in the United States, 30% in Asia-Pacific and 20% in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). But growth is fastest in Asia-Pacific, up about 20% per year in 2008-2012; while US growth is expected at 4% and EMEA, 5%. Casino gaming accounted for 90%. In Asia-Pacific, business in China (Macau) is growing the fastest, rising by 59% in the first 10 months of 2010 from a year earlier, with revenues passing US$21bil for the entire year, while Asean-5 expanded just as fast with revenues of US$7bil. Australia and South Korea have revenues of US$2bil-US$3bil each – growing much slower annually.
Gaming being recession proof is a myth. Recession resistant...Yes. During the recent great recession, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch HY Gaming Index declined 56% from early 2008 to its trough in March 2009. However, since then the index has risen 136%.
Despite growing risks, Asia will lead economic growth this year and the next. The World Bank has upgraded China’s 2010 GDP growth to 10%. Meanwhile, the OECD cut growth estimates for its 33 members to 2-2½% in 2011, downgrading the United States to 1.75-2.25%.
Growth in Asian disposable income will continue to expand; so will growth in Asian household consumption of goods and services. Since the beginning of this decade, Asia’s gaming revenues have been the fastest growing...especially in Macau and Singapore.
Circa 2007, most analysts figured the Macau market to be worth US$13bil in 2010. Today, based on recent results, it’s worth US$21bil. I am told that in the United States, every available table and slot machine serves 250 people. In South-East Asia and India, the number is as many as 45,000-50,000. So, Asian gamers are underserved.
It is estimated that Asians spend almost twice as much on gaming as Americans do. Singapore has gone from zero to near US$5b just this year alone. By 2012, Morgan Stanley estimates that Singapore could generate revenues of US$7-US$10bil. Macau took about the same time to hit US$6bil.
Undoubtedly, Asia provides the best prospects in gaming and betting. It will utilise advances in technology to enhance its innovative and creative potential to lead in contemporary interactive gaming entertainment, in a socially responsible way. For this vibrant, exciting and colourful industry, a bright future lies ahead.
Having said that, virtually no industry is an up and down roller coaster ride as much as gaming and gambling, so strap in tight. The wild journey continues.
Tasmanian Gambles On Asian Markets...
Tote Tasmania is building relationships in Asian markets to strengthen its position in the world betting market. The state betting company's annual report reveals a before tax profit of almost $10 million for the past financial year, with dividends of more than $6 million paid to the Government. Tote Tasmania's chief executive officer Craig Coleman says Asian markets represent more than 40% of the world's online gambling business. Coleman says TOTE is already building contacts to develop tailored betting products. "The chairman Michael Kent was one of three international individuals invited to join the Centre for Chinese Lottery Studies, which is the principal advisory board to the Chinese Government on the future of gambling in that country," he said.
Australian Tote History...
Most punters take the Tote for granted and will not know that this machine was invented in Australia. Matthew Connell is the Curator of Computing and Mathematics at the Powerhouse Museum and shows us where the Tote began. The Powerhouse has a concept model at their Discovery Centre at Castle Hill that was created in the early 1900s by a famous Australian engineer called George Julius. The totalisator successfully demonstrated how gambling statistics could be collated. He also shows us one of the last, and much larger, mechanical Tote machines designed in 1948. Matthew explains that it was really the first multi-user, real time computing systems in the world. Punters could bet simultaneously on the same horse from various parts of the race track and this machine never lost a bet. It has a special place in the heart of this curator not only because it is a beautiful piece of engineering, but also because it tells the story of an industry in Australia that has become a national pastime. By 1940 the Tote was perfect. It was a marvel of engineering and dominated the sport for 67 years before the advent of computers. Special thanks and full credit to ABC 'The Collectors'.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/collectors/segments/s3051822.htm
Centrebet Expansion Gamble...
Online gaming firm Centrebet International says it expects to suffer a halving in net profit in 2010-11 as it moves to implement a new strategic plan.
But the plan would see the wagering company achieve a 20% market share of Australian corporate bookmaking by 2014-15, Centrebet said.
The five-year strategic plan, released to the market on Tuesday and called "Project Rocket", hopes to double Centrebet's market share from the current 10 per cent.
"The strategic plan is designed to take advantage of the market share momentum that Centrebet and other top tier corporate bookmakers have achieved over recent years,'' Centrebet said in a statement.
"The strategic plan is predicated on significantly increased brand marketing investment, a change in advertising spend and mix, and a step up in new product development in Australia."
Centrebet said there would be a focus on new racing products, some of which were already in development.
But Centrebet expected to suffer reduced profitability in 2010-11 as a result of the implementation of the strategic plan, the company said.
Full year net profit (NPAT) was expected to be about $8 million in 2010-11, Centrebet said, compared with $16 million under a business-as-usual scenario.
"A significant proportion of FY11 NPAT is estimated to be generated in (H211) given the timing of expenditure and customer acquisition,'' Centrebet said.
Net profit was expected to exceed "status quo'' by 2012-13, Centrebet said, and be about 50 per cent higher than by 2014-15, "generating NPAT in excess of $32 million.
Company chairman Graham Kelly said the Australian wagering market was very favourable for corporate bookmakers, "particularly top tier companies like Centrebet''.
"While we will continue to explore appropriate value adding consolidation opportunities, the strategy announced today lays out our plan to realise Centrebet's substantial opportunity shareholder value through organic growth," Mr Kelly said in the statement.
Mr Kelly said Centrebet intended to pay dividends as the strategic plan was implemented, but "given the short-term impact on NPAT as we invest for higher growth, the payout ratio will be increased compared to prior periods''.
Centrebet managing director Con Kafataris said the plan aimed to provide a "step change in growth and a significant and sustainable increase in earnings''.
"Achievement of our objectives will create a business which has a much stronger market position, higher level of earnings and a growth profile even higher than it has today,'' Mr Kafataris said.
Centrebet said the plan will be mostly funded from surplus cash and operational cash flow, with the balance from debt if required.
The company said current trading remained strong.
Centrebet said it was continuing to consider consolidation opportunities.
"In particular, Centrebet has agreed to facilitate discussions with prospective parties to determine whether a proposal could be developed that is in the best interests of Centrebet shareholders and capable of being put to Centrebet shareholders,'' the company said.
"Discussions are ongoing."
Sunshine Coast QLD Gambling Mum Jailed For $60,000 Theft...
A mum of four was jailed this week for stealing nearly $60,000 from her Yandina employer to feed a gambling addiction.
Angela Kylie Warner, 35, made 68 fraudulent transactions between September 13, 2007, and February 17 last year while at Valdora Earthmoving.
Her duties included paying staff wages, including her own, taking care of company accounts and general bookkeeping.
Warner’s stealing came to light when the Australian Tax Office contacted the owner about late tax returns in March last year.
The owner reviewed the business accounts, noted discrepancies and called police.
Crown prosecutor Donna Semmens said Warner was transferring money from company accounts directly into her own account.
Ms Semmens said Warner tried to cover her actions by not lodging tax returns.
“Her method was unsophisticated and doomed to fail,” Ms Semmens said.
“Her dishonesty was persistent and prolonged.”
Barrister Phillip Rennick said his client was using the money for other expenses, too.
Mr Rennick said Warner thought she was just borrowing money but soon realised she could not repay it.
Judge Keith Dodds sentenced Warner to three years in jail with parole in November next year.
Warner must repay the $57,292 grand.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like the news round up? What else would you like to see? 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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Australian Casino And Gambling News, by Greg Tingle - 10th November 2010
G'day punters, gamers, journalists, politicians...one and all. It's another huge week for Australian casino and gambling news. We're got Tiger Woods hanging out with Shane Warne and James Packer at Crown Casino, politics meets gambling, pokie palaces doing the wrong thing by patrons and munch more. Media Man and Gambling911 continue their world famous new wrap ups from the land down under in Australia...
Sex Scandal Joke Bonds Tiger Woods And Shane Warne At Crown Casino Press Conference...
The risque scandals that threatened to ruin the careers of sporting greats Tiger Woods and Shane Warne became comedians fodder in front of an enthralled Crown Casino audience last night. Interviewing Woods and Warne live on stage at the Australian Masters dinner, commentator Mark Nicholas stunned the duo when he suggested they shared the "same nocturnal habits". When asked if the pair had met before, Warne said he'd only met Woods that night but had "heard a lot about him". Warne joked: "I think we have a little bit in common ... I love golf." It wasn't until the sporting duo both smiled that the audience erupted into laughter. "Everything was said without anything needing to be," one surprised onlooker said. "It was a remarkable moment between the sports stars." The situation didn't seem to faze a clearly relaxed Woods, who said he had admired Warne's cricketing career and was amazed by how the Spin King could bowl a ball out of the back of his hand. Woods flew back to Melbourne yesterday and into a political storm over his $3 million appearance fee. The superstar's private jet had barely touched down when Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu declared that a Coalition government would not be spending taxpayer money to bring him back for future events. "He's welcome here and I'm sure he'll be a great asset to the tournament, but I don't think taxpayers need to fund him in a commercial tournament," he said. The Government hit back, warning Sydney was poised to swoop on our major events if Victoria was not prepared to pay stars. Woods got straight down to business after arriving just after 7am, checking into his palatial Crown casino villa before hitting the hotel gym. He gets his first glimpse of the Victoria Golf Club layout early this morning when he tees off in a pro-am event with three lucky hackers associated with tournament sponsor JBWere. Woods will hold a press conference this afternoon where he is likely to be grilled about his dramatic fall from grace immediately after winning last year's Australian Masters. Within days of leaving Melbourne last year, a US newspaper revealed Woods had secretly entertained New York party girl Rachel Uchitel in his Crown Towers hotel room. A string of mistresses later came forward admitting to affairs with the golfing superstar, who has since divorced. Fans who heckle Tiger or any other player during the Masters will be booted out under long-standing crowd behaviour rules.
Tiger Woods Comes Down Under To Play In Australian Masters, Stays At Crown Towers...
Woods' was and still is a wild boy. News media and your truly can tell you its becoming hard to catch tiger by the tail, if you follow. Who will every forget his steamy affair with New York party queen Rachel Uchitel, and do you remember she was spotted at Crown Towers the same time that Tiger was there! Naughty Tiger. That was an expensive root. Uchitel was photographed by a Yankee pap photographer and subsequent worldwide news headlines followed, then the divorce from his wife. As we go to print Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players and also Aussie sporting great and keen poker player, Shane Warne. Now we have learned by well informed leaks that spectators who heckle golfing superstar Tiger Woods over his private life face being ejected from the Australian Masters. Fans (and anti fans) will be given 1 warning before being thrown out from the Victoria Golf Club. Some insiders joked "make it a good heckle if you do it, 'cause you only get one chance!" Woods has flown into Melbourne where his career and personal life began to get extremely rocky last year, to defend his Masters championship. Woods has not won a tournament since the Masters win at Melbourne's Kingston Heath course last November. The presence of "RU" at his Melbourne hotel room triggered an ongoing sex scandal that shadowed his career and led to his divorce from blonde bombshell Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two offspring. Woods is understood to be hungry for victory, having last week lost his world #1 ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood. He had been number one for 281 weeks. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday morning. Woods' $3 million appearance fee is partly funded by the Victorian government. Hometown star Robert Allenby and West Australian pro Brett Rumford have been chosen to play alongside Woods in the first two rounds at the Masters. Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey. Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts. Crowds of up to 100,000 are expected over the five days of action at the Cheltenham sandbelt course. Let's now cross to the man of the moment... "Overall, I felt like I've been hitting it well and it's just a matter of being patient," Woods said. Victorian taxpayers have got mixed feelings about chipping in half the bill for Woods' $3 million Melbourne appearance fee, with sponsors paying the rest, and its been discussed heavily in newspapers and Australian talk back radio stations. Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northerly wind over the weekend, so folks, you've been warned. Tigers have a mixed record in rain, but its understood not to slow them down for indoor activities at Crown! Aussie bookies last night put Woods $3.50 favourite ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy at $6.50. Woods will tee off at 7.27am this Thursday with Australian star Robert Allenby and journeyman Brett Rumford. Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form, allowing his to sink a few holes. May the best man sink the most holes (and win).
Labor Party Gives Up On Mildura Jewel Casino Says Nationals Party...
The Labor Party Branch President appears to have deserted the Labor candidate for the seat of Mildura by joining forces with the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino campaign. ALP stalwart Ken Carr has been reported as providing advice to the pro-casino candidate Mr Tonge in the area of Social Justice and Welfare. He has even agreed to join Mr Tonge’s so-called community cabinet. “The local ALP Branch President has thrown his weight behind the Carrazza Irwin Independent candidate,” says Member for Mildura Peter Crisp. “The Labor candidate must feel betrayed and abandoned. “Mr Carr has been heavily involved in the Labor Party in this region for many years and is close to people in ALP headquarters. “Does his support for the Independent candidate mean that the Labor party machine has switched support to the pro self-interest, pro-casino Carazza Irwin forces? “The Premier, John Brumby, has been evading the casino issue by saying that bi-partisan support was necessary before his government would consider a second casino licence for Victoria. “It’s clear that bi-partisan isn’t possible given that the Liberal Nationals Coalition has ruled out support for a second casino licence. “Past statements from the Premier should therefore mean the issue of a Mildura casino is dead, but now the main office bearer for the Labor party in Mildura has thrown his support behind the pro-casino Independent candidate. “Is Labor now gambling on the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino Independent candidate winning the seat of Mildura? “John Brumby should declare his hand.”
Robbers Carry Cash Machine Past Pokie Players!...
A cash vending machine has been stolen from the wall of a southside Brisbane hotel right under the nose of pokie players. Coppers said two "confident" hooded offenders simply walked into the Cannon Hill Tavern around 6.30pm yesterday, prised the machine off the wall with jemmying tools and carried it out - all within about 15 seconds. "It was rather blatant. I think everyone just stood there a little bit in shock," said an officer. No words were spoken during the daring crime, and no-one was threatened or injured. Police said the machine converted notes into coins and was in the area near the pokies. Detectives from Dutton Park CIB have seized CCTV footage from the hotel and will be speaking to a couple of witnesses, police said. The men made their getaway in a silver sedan. Both were wearing long-sleeved hoodies, and gloves. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Adelaide Pokies Palace Blamed For Not Removing Punter From Marathon Gambling Session...
An Adelaide pokie palace has been criticised by the Independent Gambling Authority for allegedly allowing an addict to lose $10,500 on one machine over a marathon 13-hour duration. The Grand Junction Tavern boasts the "best gaming room in the Port Adelaide region" but one customer complained the venue allowed her to gamble $4500 in cash she arrived with, a $5000 withdrawal from an ATM and five further withdrawals of $200 each. The woman, who did not want to be named, spoke to the press through South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, who she has asked to act on her behalf in legal action against the venue because she was not happy with two investigations since 2009. Senator Xenophon said legislation and rules governing pokie venues meant the woman should have been barred from the venue and the machine should not have been turned off to stop other people using it while she went to get more cash six times.
The State Government's Liquor and Gambling Commissioner found the venue should not be the subject of action but this had provoked a rebuke from the sister Independent Gambling Authority. The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Paul White, in a letter to the IGA obtained by The Advertiser, stated: "I am satisfied that the circumstances of this matter have been a learning experience for all involved and that the licensee and approved persons are clearly on notice about their obligation to respond to their legal obligations and the ever-present issue of problem gambling". A spokesman for Coles supermarkets, which owns the tavern, said the company conducted extensive training of staff to prevent problem gambling, and that the machine was turned off due to breakdown. "The hotel manager attempted to speak with the patron about gambling help services and was initially rebuffed by the patron, with a later offer of gambling counselling telephone service accepted," he said. But in a review of the commissioner's inquiry the IGA said it was clear the woman could not control her behaviour. The authority believes the woman should have been removed. "There could not have been a clearer example of a person demonstrating difficulties controlling her gambling expenditure," IGA director Robert Chappell said, in a letter to Senator Xenophon. Punters, who is right and who is wrong? You be the judge, and please know you're limits when on the punt.
National Leisure & Gaming Facing Tough Times...
National Leisure & Gaming faces an uncertain future. Chair Peter Dransfield told shareholders that the struggling pub operator is persevering in the hope that trading conditions improve or it receives an offer for its pub portfolio.
Tasmanian Gambles On Asian Markets...
Tote Tasmania is building relationships in Asian markets to strengthen its position in the world betting market. The state betting company's annual report reveals a before tax profit of almost $10 million for the past financial year, with dividends of more than $6 million paid to the Government. Tote Tasmania's chief executive officer Craig Coleman says Asian markets represent more than 40% of the world's online gambling business. Coleman says TOTE is already building contacts to develop tailored betting products. "The chairman Michael Kent was one of three international individuals invited to join the Centre for Chinese Lottery Studies, which is the principal advisory board to the Chinese Government on the future of gambling in that country," he said.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Tote
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like today's Australian casino and gambling news wrap up? What else would you like to see? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Sex Scandal Joke Bonds Tiger Woods And Shane Warne At Crown Casino Press Conference...
The risque scandals that threatened to ruin the careers of sporting greats Tiger Woods and Shane Warne became comedians fodder in front of an enthralled Crown Casino audience last night. Interviewing Woods and Warne live on stage at the Australian Masters dinner, commentator Mark Nicholas stunned the duo when he suggested they shared the "same nocturnal habits". When asked if the pair had met before, Warne said he'd only met Woods that night but had "heard a lot about him". Warne joked: "I think we have a little bit in common ... I love golf." It wasn't until the sporting duo both smiled that the audience erupted into laughter. "Everything was said without anything needing to be," one surprised onlooker said. "It was a remarkable moment between the sports stars." The situation didn't seem to faze a clearly relaxed Woods, who said he had admired Warne's cricketing career and was amazed by how the Spin King could bowl a ball out of the back of his hand. Woods flew back to Melbourne yesterday and into a political storm over his $3 million appearance fee. The superstar's private jet had barely touched down when Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu declared that a Coalition government would not be spending taxpayer money to bring him back for future events. "He's welcome here and I'm sure he'll be a great asset to the tournament, but I don't think taxpayers need to fund him in a commercial tournament," he said. The Government hit back, warning Sydney was poised to swoop on our major events if Victoria was not prepared to pay stars. Woods got straight down to business after arriving just after 7am, checking into his palatial Crown casino villa before hitting the hotel gym. He gets his first glimpse of the Victoria Golf Club layout early this morning when he tees off in a pro-am event with three lucky hackers associated with tournament sponsor JBWere. Woods will hold a press conference this afternoon where he is likely to be grilled about his dramatic fall from grace immediately after winning last year's Australian Masters. Within days of leaving Melbourne last year, a US newspaper revealed Woods had secretly entertained New York party girl Rachel Uchitel in his Crown Towers hotel room. A string of mistresses later came forward admitting to affairs with the golfing superstar, who has since divorced. Fans who heckle Tiger or any other player during the Masters will be booted out under long-standing crowd behaviour rules.
Tiger Woods Comes Down Under To Play In Australian Masters, Stays At Crown Towers...
Woods' was and still is a wild boy. News media and your truly can tell you its becoming hard to catch tiger by the tail, if you follow. Who will every forget his steamy affair with New York party queen Rachel Uchitel, and do you remember she was spotted at Crown Towers the same time that Tiger was there! Naughty Tiger. That was an expensive root. Uchitel was photographed by a Yankee pap photographer and subsequent worldwide news headlines followed, then the divorce from his wife. As we go to print Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players and also Aussie sporting great and keen poker player, Shane Warne. Now we have learned by well informed leaks that spectators who heckle golfing superstar Tiger Woods over his private life face being ejected from the Australian Masters. Fans (and anti fans) will be given 1 warning before being thrown out from the Victoria Golf Club. Some insiders joked "make it a good heckle if you do it, 'cause you only get one chance!" Woods has flown into Melbourne where his career and personal life began to get extremely rocky last year, to defend his Masters championship. Woods has not won a tournament since the Masters win at Melbourne's Kingston Heath course last November. The presence of "RU" at his Melbourne hotel room triggered an ongoing sex scandal that shadowed his career and led to his divorce from blonde bombshell Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two offspring. Woods is understood to be hungry for victory, having last week lost his world #1 ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood. He had been number one for 281 weeks. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday morning. Woods' $3 million appearance fee is partly funded by the Victorian government. Hometown star Robert Allenby and West Australian pro Brett Rumford have been chosen to play alongside Woods in the first two rounds at the Masters. Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey. Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts. Crowds of up to 100,000 are expected over the five days of action at the Cheltenham sandbelt course. Let's now cross to the man of the moment... "Overall, I felt like I've been hitting it well and it's just a matter of being patient," Woods said. Victorian taxpayers have got mixed feelings about chipping in half the bill for Woods' $3 million Melbourne appearance fee, with sponsors paying the rest, and its been discussed heavily in newspapers and Australian talk back radio stations. Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northerly wind over the weekend, so folks, you've been warned. Tigers have a mixed record in rain, but its understood not to slow them down for indoor activities at Crown! Aussie bookies last night put Woods $3.50 favourite ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy at $6.50. Woods will tee off at 7.27am this Thursday with Australian star Robert Allenby and journeyman Brett Rumford. Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form, allowing his to sink a few holes. May the best man sink the most holes (and win).
Labor Party Gives Up On Mildura Jewel Casino Says Nationals Party...
The Labor Party Branch President appears to have deserted the Labor candidate for the seat of Mildura by joining forces with the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino campaign. ALP stalwart Ken Carr has been reported as providing advice to the pro-casino candidate Mr Tonge in the area of Social Justice and Welfare. He has even agreed to join Mr Tonge’s so-called community cabinet. “The local ALP Branch President has thrown his weight behind the Carrazza Irwin Independent candidate,” says Member for Mildura Peter Crisp. “The Labor candidate must feel betrayed and abandoned. “Mr Carr has been heavily involved in the Labor Party in this region for many years and is close to people in ALP headquarters. “Does his support for the Independent candidate mean that the Labor party machine has switched support to the pro self-interest, pro-casino Carazza Irwin forces? “The Premier, John Brumby, has been evading the casino issue by saying that bi-partisan support was necessary before his government would consider a second casino licence for Victoria. “It’s clear that bi-partisan isn’t possible given that the Liberal Nationals Coalition has ruled out support for a second casino licence. “Past statements from the Premier should therefore mean the issue of a Mildura casino is dead, but now the main office bearer for the Labor party in Mildura has thrown his support behind the pro-casino Independent candidate. “Is Labor now gambling on the Carrazza Irwin pro-casino Independent candidate winning the seat of Mildura? “John Brumby should declare his hand.”
Robbers Carry Cash Machine Past Pokie Players!...
A cash vending machine has been stolen from the wall of a southside Brisbane hotel right under the nose of pokie players. Coppers said two "confident" hooded offenders simply walked into the Cannon Hill Tavern around 6.30pm yesterday, prised the machine off the wall with jemmying tools and carried it out - all within about 15 seconds. "It was rather blatant. I think everyone just stood there a little bit in shock," said an officer. No words were spoken during the daring crime, and no-one was threatened or injured. Police said the machine converted notes into coins and was in the area near the pokies. Detectives from Dutton Park CIB have seized CCTV footage from the hotel and will be speaking to a couple of witnesses, police said. The men made their getaway in a silver sedan. Both were wearing long-sleeved hoodies, and gloves. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Adelaide Pokies Palace Blamed For Not Removing Punter From Marathon Gambling Session...
An Adelaide pokie palace has been criticised by the Independent Gambling Authority for allegedly allowing an addict to lose $10,500 on one machine over a marathon 13-hour duration. The Grand Junction Tavern boasts the "best gaming room in the Port Adelaide region" but one customer complained the venue allowed her to gamble $4500 in cash she arrived with, a $5000 withdrawal from an ATM and five further withdrawals of $200 each. The woman, who did not want to be named, spoke to the press through South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon, who she has asked to act on her behalf in legal action against the venue because she was not happy with two investigations since 2009. Senator Xenophon said legislation and rules governing pokie venues meant the woman should have been barred from the venue and the machine should not have been turned off to stop other people using it while she went to get more cash six times.
The State Government's Liquor and Gambling Commissioner found the venue should not be the subject of action but this had provoked a rebuke from the sister Independent Gambling Authority. The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner, Paul White, in a letter to the IGA obtained by The Advertiser, stated: "I am satisfied that the circumstances of this matter have been a learning experience for all involved and that the licensee and approved persons are clearly on notice about their obligation to respond to their legal obligations and the ever-present issue of problem gambling". A spokesman for Coles supermarkets, which owns the tavern, said the company conducted extensive training of staff to prevent problem gambling, and that the machine was turned off due to breakdown. "The hotel manager attempted to speak with the patron about gambling help services and was initially rebuffed by the patron, with a later offer of gambling counselling telephone service accepted," he said. But in a review of the commissioner's inquiry the IGA said it was clear the woman could not control her behaviour. The authority believes the woman should have been removed. "There could not have been a clearer example of a person demonstrating difficulties controlling her gambling expenditure," IGA director Robert Chappell said, in a letter to Senator Xenophon. Punters, who is right and who is wrong? You be the judge, and please know you're limits when on the punt.
National Leisure & Gaming Facing Tough Times...
National Leisure & Gaming faces an uncertain future. Chair Peter Dransfield told shareholders that the struggling pub operator is persevering in the hope that trading conditions improve or it receives an offer for its pub portfolio.
Tasmanian Gambles On Asian Markets...
Tote Tasmania is building relationships in Asian markets to strengthen its position in the world betting market. The state betting company's annual report reveals a before tax profit of almost $10 million for the past financial year, with dividends of more than $6 million paid to the Government. Tote Tasmania's chief executive officer Craig Coleman says Asian markets represent more than 40% of the world's online gambling business. Coleman says TOTE is already building contacts to develop tailored betting products. "The chairman Michael Kent was one of three international individuals invited to join the Centre for Chinese Lottery Studies, which is the principal advisory board to the Chinese Government on the future of gambling in that country," he said.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Tote
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like today's Australian casino and gambling news wrap up? What else would you like to see? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Tiger Woods Stays Crown Casino; Fans Told Don't Heckle, by Greg Tingle - 9th November 2010
The word is out that golfing great Tiger Woods has been lured down under by the Australian Open, and will be staying at Crown Casino again. Now we learn that any hecklers will be ejected from the golf course and we suspect from Crown Towers also. Media Man and Gambling911 continue our Tiger hunt...
Woods' was and still is a wild boy. News media and your truly can tell you its becoming hard to catch tiger by the tail, if you follow. Who will every forget his steamy affair with New York party queen Rachel Uchitel, and do you remember she was spotted at Crown Towers the same time that Tiger was there! Naughty Tiger. That was an expensive root. Uchitel was photographed by a Yankee pap photographer and subsequent worldwide news headlines followed, then the divorce from his wife.
As we go to print Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players and also Aussie sporting great and keen poker player, Shane Warne.
Now we have learned by well informed leaks that spectators who heckle golfing superstar Tiger Woods over his private life face being ejected from the Australian Masters.
Fans (and anti fans) will be given 1 warning before being thrown out from the Victoria Golf Club. Some insiders joked "make it a good heckle if you do it, 'cause you only get one chance!"
Woods has flown into Melbourne where his career and personal life began to get extremely rocky last year, to defend his Masters championship.
Woods has not won a tournament since the Masters win at Melbourne's Kingston Heath course last November.
The presence of "RU" at his Melbourne hotel room triggered an ongoing sex scandal that shadowed his career and led to his divorce from blonde bombshell Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two offspring.
Woods is understood to be hungry for victory, having last week lost his world #1 ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood. He had been number one for 281 weeks.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday morning.
Woods' $3 million appearance fee is partly funded by the Victorian government.
Hometown star Robert Allenby and West Australian pro Brett Rumford have been chosen to play alongside Woods in the first two rounds at the Masters.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey.
Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts.
Crowds of up to 100,000 are expected over the five days of action at the Cheltenham sandbelt course.
Let's now cross to the man of the moment...
"Overall, I felt like I've been hitting it well and it's just a matter of being patient," Woods said.
Victorian taxpayers have got mixed feelings about chipping in half the bill for Woods' $3 million Melbourne appearance fee, with sponsors paying the rest, and its been discussed heavily in newspapers and Australian talk back radio stations.
Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northerly wind over the weekend, so folks, you've been warned. Tigers have a mixed record in rain, but its understood not to slow them down for indoor activities at Crown!
Aussie bookies last night put Woods $3.50 favourite ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy at $6.50.
Woods will tee off at 7.27am this Thursday with Australian star Robert Allenby and journeyman Brett Rumford.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form, allowing his to sink a few holes. May the best man sink the most holes (and win).
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Woods' was and still is a wild boy. News media and your truly can tell you its becoming hard to catch tiger by the tail, if you follow. Who will every forget his steamy affair with New York party queen Rachel Uchitel, and do you remember she was spotted at Crown Towers the same time that Tiger was there! Naughty Tiger. That was an expensive root. Uchitel was photographed by a Yankee pap photographer and subsequent worldwide news headlines followed, then the divorce from his wife.
As we go to print Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players and also Aussie sporting great and keen poker player, Shane Warne.
Now we have learned by well informed leaks that spectators who heckle golfing superstar Tiger Woods over his private life face being ejected from the Australian Masters.
Fans (and anti fans) will be given 1 warning before being thrown out from the Victoria Golf Club. Some insiders joked "make it a good heckle if you do it, 'cause you only get one chance!"
Woods has flown into Melbourne where his career and personal life began to get extremely rocky last year, to defend his Masters championship.
Woods has not won a tournament since the Masters win at Melbourne's Kingston Heath course last November.
The presence of "RU" at his Melbourne hotel room triggered an ongoing sex scandal that shadowed his career and led to his divorce from blonde bombshell Elin Nordegren, with whom he has two offspring.
Woods is understood to be hungry for victory, having last week lost his world #1 ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood. He had been number one for 281 weeks.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday morning.
Woods' $3 million appearance fee is partly funded by the Victorian government.
Hometown star Robert Allenby and West Australian pro Brett Rumford have been chosen to play alongside Woods in the first two rounds at the Masters.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey.
Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts.
Crowds of up to 100,000 are expected over the five days of action at the Cheltenham sandbelt course.
Let's now cross to the man of the moment...
"Overall, I felt like I've been hitting it well and it's just a matter of being patient," Woods said.
Victorian taxpayers have got mixed feelings about chipping in half the bill for Woods' $3 million Melbourne appearance fee, with sponsors paying the rest, and its been discussed heavily in newspapers and Australian talk back radio stations.
Forecasters are predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northerly wind over the weekend, so folks, you've been warned. Tigers have a mixed record in rain, but its understood not to slow them down for indoor activities at Crown!
Aussie bookies last night put Woods $3.50 favourite ahead of Australian Geoff Ogilvy at $6.50.
Woods will tee off at 7.27am this Thursday with Australian star Robert Allenby and journeyman Brett Rumford.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form, allowing his to sink a few holes. May the best man sink the most holes (and win).
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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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Crown Casino Catches Tiger Woods By Tail Again, by Greg Tingle - 9th November 2010
Tiger Woods has been successful lured by the Australian Open, and more impressively, Crown Casino again. James Packer and his team just keep working the magic that will see 'The Tiger' return to the scene of the crime er action at Crown Towers, that was a significant part of the 'Tiger' scandal that made worldwide headlines last year. Media Man and Gambling911 go Tiger hunting, in a good way. Go get 'em tiger...
Woods' family friendly image was wrecked after his stay at Packer's Crown Towers last year when it came to light that New York party queen Rachel Uchitel was his very special guest.
Uchitel was photographed by a US newspaper pap in the hotel foyer, igniting a scandal that destroyed his marriage and made worldwide headlines, with Tiger jokes still all the rage.
Woods, whose $3 million appearance fee will once again be partly paid for by Victorian taxpayers, was a massive fan of the casino's ultra exclusive riverside restaurant Koko, where he dined up to three times, and hit the gaming tables in private gaming suites.
The world #2 ranked player enjoyed a dream working holiday in Melbourne last year, winning the Australian Masters and picking up some new fans in the process.
Aussie mum Kultida joined Tiger at Crown. After being wined, dined and maybe romanced, at Crown Casino and enjoying a CBD shopping spree, the happy mum told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited she was "loving Melbourne".
Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey.
Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
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Casino News Media
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Woods' family friendly image was wrecked after his stay at Packer's Crown Towers last year when it came to light that New York party queen Rachel Uchitel was his very special guest.
Uchitel was photographed by a US newspaper pap in the hotel foyer, igniting a scandal that destroyed his marriage and made worldwide headlines, with Tiger jokes still all the rage.
Woods, whose $3 million appearance fee will once again be partly paid for by Victorian taxpayers, was a massive fan of the casino's ultra exclusive riverside restaurant Koko, where he dined up to three times, and hit the gaming tables in private gaming suites.
The world #2 ranked player enjoyed a dream working holiday in Melbourne last year, winning the Australian Masters and picking up some new fans in the process.
Aussie mum Kultida joined Tiger at Crown. After being wined, dined and maybe romanced, at Crown Casino and enjoying a CBD shopping spree, the happy mum told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited she was "loving Melbourne".
Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey.
Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
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