Australia had been looking forward to the return of Rihanna, and tonight she didn't disappoint with her 'Last Girl On Earth' tour.
Seven hours earlier she tweated 'Sydney U ready to play?' Seems were certainly were.
Her hottest current hit is 'Only Girl' (In The World), but most major music press predict that it won't be long before she soon finds another number to eclipse it.
Sydney's Acer Arena looked to be near capacity and the crowd was pumped, as screams of joy were heard well before it was announced Rihanna was heading to the stage. The excited fans reached out forming a sea of hands.
For those of you still getting more familiar with Rihanna, let's groove into a bit of background.
Robyn Rihanna Fenty is known to the world as just Rihanna, joining that first name only required club.
R is a Barbadian R&B recording artist and songwriter. Born in Barbados, Rihanna moved to the U.S at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the tutelage of record producer Evan Rogers. She went on to sign a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-Z.
It was in 2005 that Rihanna released her debut studio album entitled Music of the Sun, which reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart and features the Billboard Hot 100 hit single "Pon de Replay." Less than a year later, she released her second studio album, A Girl Like Me (2006), which peaked within the top five of the Billboard albums chart, and produced her first US number one hit single, "SOS", as well as Billboard Hot 100 top ten entries "Unfaithful" and "Break It Off".
Rihanna's third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007), peaking at number two on the Billboard 200, featured five top ten hits including three US number one hit singles—"Umbrella", "Take a Bow" and "Disturbia"—and the worldwide hit "Don't Stop the Music". The album was nominated for nine Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Umbrella," which features Jay-Z.
Rihanna has sold more than 25 million albums and 45 million singles worldwide. She has achieved nine number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since first appearing on the chart on June 11, 2005, which is the most by any artist during that duration.
Rihanna has sold over 5,564,000 album units in the US. She has sold over 10 million records in the UK. Billboard named Rihanna the Digital Songs Artist of the 2000s decade. She has received dozens of industry awards and commendations including the 2007 World Music Awards for World's Best-Selling Pop Female Artist and Female Entertainer of the Year, as well as the 2008 American Music Awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.
I was pleased to learn the she proudly serves as one of Barbados's honorary cultural ambassadors. In January 2010, Rihanna received two Grammy Awards for Jay-Z's 2009 single "Run This Town". In February 2011, Rihanna snatched a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, as well as receiving a Brit Award for Best International Female Solo Artist.
Back to tonight, unfortunately as a photographer, I was only permitted to stay and shoot for 3 songs. I didn't get to hear my favorite 'Unaithful', but I must say I loved her colourful and floral dress and her vocals. Her energy is also so radiant and just makes your want to dance along with her.
Rihanna's current release is entitled Loud, but the diva has a soft spot for Rated R, which went down well with fans and industry insiders. She says on her albums "I'm gonna miss the Rated R era too, but nothing compares to the album I just made," Rihanna said, adding, "I made sure not to let you down with my music. You guys are always defending me, so now you’ve got some great songs to justify it. I didn’t want to go backward and remake Good Girl Gone Bad. I wanted the next step in the evolution of Rihanna, and it’s perfect for us".
She's strongly rumoured to be appearing tomorrow night at the Sydney Mardi Gras but in what capacity I don't know. Mind you, she was spotted leaving a sex shop in Sydney earlier today, so she's should be well prepared.
Sexy, sassy, amazing talented and all diva... that's Rihanna, and boy can she move, groove and sing up a storm. The gods and goddesses above must have tipped her off about Mardi Gras, or was it some of the cleaver dicks at Frontier Touring and MG Promotions, that tied her into Sydney's sexiest event of the year. Rihanna and Mardi Gras less than 24 hours later. Now that's a sexy daily double if there ever was. Rumour is she's already planning another tour down under next year. Yes, the love (or lust) affair in mutual. Thanks Rihanna, and I will be looking out for you tomorrow. Something tells me that you will be wearing either a bit or alot of pink, and a dash of colourful flowers, matching one the dresses you wore tonight. Go girl.
Websites
Rihanna official website
Michael Coppel Presents
Acer Arena
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man News
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Friday, March 04, 2011
NRL Match Fixers Face 10 Years Jail; Pokies Law Could Kill Clubs, by Greg Tingle - 4th March 2011
G'day punters, sports fans, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, player agents, politicians...one and all. Today we can revel that two NRL football identities have been arrested in Australia and that the Australian legal system has in mind up to ten years jail time for those found guilty of match fixing in the league. Media Man and Gambling911 crash tackle and clothesline the situation.
Two Aussie NRL Identities Charged Over Match Fixing...
Two Australian blokey blokes arrested in relation to an NRL betting scandal have been charged with attempting to defraud a number of betting agencies. A 48-year-old man was arrested about 9.45am today at a home in south western Punchbowl in Sin Sydney and a 49-year-old bloke was arrested when he dropped by Campsie police station at 11am today. Police did not name the two men, but some news media have named them as player agent Sam Ayoub and former first-grade player John Elias. Rupert Murdoch's News Limited said both had denied involvement in the alleged betting scandal. "We will be alleging these individuals dishonestly placed bets," Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said today. "These are serious allegations that go to the heart of the game." Dees from the New South Wales Crime Command's Casino and Racing Investigation Unit have been examining suspicious betting on an NRL match up between the Canterbury Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys last year. Some say the "dogs" and "cowboys" are named rather appropriately. The incident involved a betting plunge on an option that the first points of the game would come from a penalty goal. Doggies player Ryan Tandy was penalised two minutes into the game for impeding Cowboys playmaker Grant Rovelli right in front of the posts. The Cowboys were awarded a penalty, but did not go for a kick at goal and instead scored a try from a quick tap. In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court today, Tandy pleaded not guilty to 4 charges of giving false evidence to police investigating betting on 2 NRL games...the Cowboys match in August last year and a Doggies - Gold Coast Titans game in June last year. His bail was continued with the case adjourned for mention on April 7, when Tandy won't have to attend the court. The two Aussies arrested today have been granted conditional bail by police and are due to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on April 7. NRL chief executive David Gallop said the rugby league would survive the scandal. "It's a seriously alarming development. I can't comment on the guilt or innocence of those that have been charged. What I can say is the game is strong in its resolve to investigate these types of issues, make sure that it's placed in the hands of the police quickly. We've done that on this occasion and we now need to let them and the court process play out."
Player Agent Sam Ayoub And John Elias Charged For NRL Betting Look At 10 Years Hard Time...
The NRL's betting scandal gets white hot with just over a week before the new footy season with the arrests of high-profile identities Sam Ayoub and John Elias and the laying of more charges against Canterbury-Bankstown forward Ryan Tandy. Tandy appeared in court and officers from Taskforce Suburb nabbed player agent Ayoub and confessed match-fixer Elias, later charging the pair with attempting to defraud betting agencies. Ayoub's business premises in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt aka "Little Italy" were also raided. They have been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on April 7 and could face a decade in jail if found guilty. Both men though have denied any involvement in the alleged betting scandal. "We will be alleging these individuals dishonestly placed bets," Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said. "These are serious allegations that go to the heart of the game." Ayoub's lawyer Danny Eid refused to comment on whether his client would defend the charges, going with "I'll speak to the court on the seventh (of April)." The widening of the scandal over a round 24 match between Canterbury-Bankstown and North Queensland Cowboys last August came a day after the NRL had launched their new season and as Dally M medallist Todd Carney was being fined for his latest alcohol-related saga. "It's a seriously alarming development," NRL boss David Gallop said. "I can't comment on the guilt or innocence of those that have been charged. What I can say is the game is strong in its resolve to investigate these types of issues (and) make sure that it's placed in the hands of the police quickly.
"We've done that on this occasion and we now need to let them and the court process play out." A second NRL game could also come under scrutiny with one of Tandy's 3 new charges of providing false or misleading evidence relating to a game between the Bulldogs and Gold Coast on June 18 last year. Ayoub also represents some of the biggest names in the game, including Johnathan Thurston, Robbie Farah and Jamal Idris. There is absolutely no suggestion that any of these players are involved. Elias has been jailed 3 times and admitted to trying to fix a game in the 1990s in his recent hot selling book. Detectives from the NSW Crime Command's Casino and Racing Investigation Unit have been examining a plunge on a betting option that the first points in the Bulldogs-Cowboys game would come from a penalty goal. Tandy was penalised just 2 minutes into the game near the goalposts but the Cowboys did not opt for a kick at goal and instead scored a try. In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, the Bulldogs prop pleaded not guilty to 4 charges of giving false evidence. His bail was extended and the case adjourned for mention, also on April 7.
Coppers say the investigation is ongoing but refused to speculate whether there would be more arrests. Media Man and Gambling911 think that that the stiff jail terms should prove to be a deterrent to others who wish to engage in match fixing activities in Australia, but time will tell, and there's usually one or two other gooses willing to try their luck.
New Aussie Pokies Law Would Hurt NRL Bottom Line And Community Initiatives...
A large number of NRL clubs including St George Illawarra and the Brisbane Broncos reckon they will be dealt a deadly hit by the Gillard Government's proposed poker machine money caps. Numbers obtained by News Limited reveal leagues clubs will lose more than $200 million if the mandatory pre-commitment scheme is enforced. Yep, $2000 million bucks. This would rape $25 mil from 11 NRL teams...the Dragons, the Eels, the Broncos and the Bulldogs. Another $15 mil would be ripped out of from junior clubs. Souths Juniors at Kingford, a stones throw from Maroubra Bra Boy territory, gives $3 million to their up-and-comers, and has been doing so for years...that would be slashed. It would also impact more than 400,000 members and 2000 staff at leagues clubs. The only teams that survive without funding from leagues clubs are the Newcastle Knights, NZ Warriors, Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Families Minister Jenny Macklin responded to the club's claims as "a total overreaction". "Rugby league and every rugby league team will be completely safe under the Government's gambling reforms," she said. "We want to stop people getting hooked on pokies. "When tobacco sponsorship was banned, footy clubs said they'd go under. They were wrong and they're wrong about this too." St George Leagues Club CEO Danny Robinson said he would tell his board to shut the club if the scheme comes in, cutting off $3 million a year in funding to the Dragons and surrounding district clubs. "Wait until the last day that we were able to and then close the doors," he said. "Wait for it, close the doors, all our staff are out of a job, I'm out of a job. Don't ask me what happens to the football club." In a submission to the joint select committee on gambling reform, Broncos general manager Geoff Kuehner advised the scheme would rape revenue by 40% "which would significantly jeopardise our future". Souths Juniors CEO Geoff Knight said the $3 million his club gave to children's teams would be gone, as would the club itself. "It basically means the end of the club as we know it," he said. NRL CEO David Gallop said junior clubs would be decimated, stealing lower-income children of a chance to play sport. It would also slashing funding to top level clubs, he said.
"Time will tell, but we're told this is not a media beat up, and the damage to the NRL and feeder clubs is real. It's also well know that many people who don't like gambling also are not big fans of sport, including football. Many footy fans like to have a bet on the outcome of games, and some like to try their luck on the pokies also, as well as sinking a couple of cold ones on game day", a Media Man staffer - team player said.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs
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
Two Aussie NRL Identities Charged Over Match Fixing...
Two Australian blokey blokes arrested in relation to an NRL betting scandal have been charged with attempting to defraud a number of betting agencies. A 48-year-old man was arrested about 9.45am today at a home in south western Punchbowl in Sin Sydney and a 49-year-old bloke was arrested when he dropped by Campsie police station at 11am today. Police did not name the two men, but some news media have named them as player agent Sam Ayoub and former first-grade player John Elias. Rupert Murdoch's News Limited said both had denied involvement in the alleged betting scandal. "We will be alleging these individuals dishonestly placed bets," Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said today. "These are serious allegations that go to the heart of the game." Dees from the New South Wales Crime Command's Casino and Racing Investigation Unit have been examining suspicious betting on an NRL match up between the Canterbury Bulldogs and North Queensland Cowboys last year. Some say the "dogs" and "cowboys" are named rather appropriately. The incident involved a betting plunge on an option that the first points of the game would come from a penalty goal. Doggies player Ryan Tandy was penalised two minutes into the game for impeding Cowboys playmaker Grant Rovelli right in front of the posts. The Cowboys were awarded a penalty, but did not go for a kick at goal and instead scored a try from a quick tap. In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court today, Tandy pleaded not guilty to 4 charges of giving false evidence to police investigating betting on 2 NRL games...the Cowboys match in August last year and a Doggies - Gold Coast Titans game in June last year. His bail was continued with the case adjourned for mention on April 7, when Tandy won't have to attend the court. The two Aussies arrested today have been granted conditional bail by police and are due to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on April 7. NRL chief executive David Gallop said the rugby league would survive the scandal. "It's a seriously alarming development. I can't comment on the guilt or innocence of those that have been charged. What I can say is the game is strong in its resolve to investigate these types of issues, make sure that it's placed in the hands of the police quickly. We've done that on this occasion and we now need to let them and the court process play out."
Player Agent Sam Ayoub And John Elias Charged For NRL Betting Look At 10 Years Hard Time...
The NRL's betting scandal gets white hot with just over a week before the new footy season with the arrests of high-profile identities Sam Ayoub and John Elias and the laying of more charges against Canterbury-Bankstown forward Ryan Tandy. Tandy appeared in court and officers from Taskforce Suburb nabbed player agent Ayoub and confessed match-fixer Elias, later charging the pair with attempting to defraud betting agencies. Ayoub's business premises in the Sydney suburb of Leichhardt aka "Little Italy" were also raided. They have been granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on April 7 and could face a decade in jail if found guilty. Both men though have denied any involvement in the alleged betting scandal. "We will be alleging these individuals dishonestly placed bets," Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said. "These are serious allegations that go to the heart of the game." Ayoub's lawyer Danny Eid refused to comment on whether his client would defend the charges, going with "I'll speak to the court on the seventh (of April)." The widening of the scandal over a round 24 match between Canterbury-Bankstown and North Queensland Cowboys last August came a day after the NRL had launched their new season and as Dally M medallist Todd Carney was being fined for his latest alcohol-related saga. "It's a seriously alarming development," NRL boss David Gallop said. "I can't comment on the guilt or innocence of those that have been charged. What I can say is the game is strong in its resolve to investigate these types of issues (and) make sure that it's placed in the hands of the police quickly.
"We've done that on this occasion and we now need to let them and the court process play out." A second NRL game could also come under scrutiny with one of Tandy's 3 new charges of providing false or misleading evidence relating to a game between the Bulldogs and Gold Coast on June 18 last year. Ayoub also represents some of the biggest names in the game, including Johnathan Thurston, Robbie Farah and Jamal Idris. There is absolutely no suggestion that any of these players are involved. Elias has been jailed 3 times and admitted to trying to fix a game in the 1990s in his recent hot selling book. Detectives from the NSW Crime Command's Casino and Racing Investigation Unit have been examining a plunge on a betting option that the first points in the Bulldogs-Cowboys game would come from a penalty goal. Tandy was penalised just 2 minutes into the game near the goalposts but the Cowboys did not opt for a kick at goal and instead scored a try. In Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday, the Bulldogs prop pleaded not guilty to 4 charges of giving false evidence. His bail was extended and the case adjourned for mention, also on April 7.
Coppers say the investigation is ongoing but refused to speculate whether there would be more arrests. Media Man and Gambling911 think that that the stiff jail terms should prove to be a deterrent to others who wish to engage in match fixing activities in Australia, but time will tell, and there's usually one or two other gooses willing to try their luck.
New Aussie Pokies Law Would Hurt NRL Bottom Line And Community Initiatives...
A large number of NRL clubs including St George Illawarra and the Brisbane Broncos reckon they will be dealt a deadly hit by the Gillard Government's proposed poker machine money caps. Numbers obtained by News Limited reveal leagues clubs will lose more than $200 million if the mandatory pre-commitment scheme is enforced. Yep, $2000 million bucks. This would rape $25 mil from 11 NRL teams...the Dragons, the Eels, the Broncos and the Bulldogs. Another $15 mil would be ripped out of from junior clubs. Souths Juniors at Kingford, a stones throw from Maroubra Bra Boy territory, gives $3 million to their up-and-comers, and has been doing so for years...that would be slashed. It would also impact more than 400,000 members and 2000 staff at leagues clubs. The only teams that survive without funding from leagues clubs are the Newcastle Knights, NZ Warriors, Melbourne Storm and South Sydney Rabbitohs. Families Minister Jenny Macklin responded to the club's claims as "a total overreaction". "Rugby league and every rugby league team will be completely safe under the Government's gambling reforms," she said. "We want to stop people getting hooked on pokies. "When tobacco sponsorship was banned, footy clubs said they'd go under. They were wrong and they're wrong about this too." St George Leagues Club CEO Danny Robinson said he would tell his board to shut the club if the scheme comes in, cutting off $3 million a year in funding to the Dragons and surrounding district clubs. "Wait until the last day that we were able to and then close the doors," he said. "Wait for it, close the doors, all our staff are out of a job, I'm out of a job. Don't ask me what happens to the football club." In a submission to the joint select committee on gambling reform, Broncos general manager Geoff Kuehner advised the scheme would rape revenue by 40% "which would significantly jeopardise our future". Souths Juniors CEO Geoff Knight said the $3 million his club gave to children's teams would be gone, as would the club itself. "It basically means the end of the club as we know it," he said. NRL CEO David Gallop said junior clubs would be decimated, stealing lower-income children of a chance to play sport. It would also slashing funding to top level clubs, he said.
"Time will tell, but we're told this is not a media beat up, and the damage to the NRL and feeder clubs is real. It's also well know that many people who don't like gambling also are not big fans of sport, including football. Many footy fans like to have a bet on the outcome of games, and some like to try their luck on the pokies also, as well as sinking a couple of cold ones on game day", a Media Man staffer - team player said.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs
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
Casino News Media: PartyGaming, Casino, Sports Betting, Bingo up, by Greg Tingle - 3rd March 2011
PartyGaming is on a financial and innovation role, impressing players, the stock market, partners such as Bwin, and media associates including yours truly - Media Man.
The London Stock Exchange listing igaming firm posted final results before it merges with Bwin on 31 March.
It needs to be noted that the world's leading igaming company is in good shares with its online casino, bingo and sports betting arms all up and popular with players and partners.
Developing regulated markets remains a prime strategic focus of PartyGaming, and news media opportunities such as televised events, media portal deals and even stadium or venue naming rights are all understood to be of considerable interest to the firm.
Party's across the board revenue was up 15% to €357m with EBITDA up 7% on 2009, just overtaking the €100m mark. Online casino revenue rose €15m from €136.8m in 2009 to €151.4m last year, understood to be driven forward by its 'The Games Studio' slot game offerings; online bingo was up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m with both arts getting positive spin off via its Cashcade acquisition back in 2009, not to mention its international expansion across Europe; while its modest sports wagering arm was up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m. Online poker revenues are down, dipping €11m from €136.8m in 2009 to €124.8m last year. It's PartyPoker and World Poker Tour brands are expected to bounce back as news media and website portal - b2b deals develop in the coming months.
Party's World Poker Tour brand brought home €6.5m, while its B2B network services customers generated in the region of €2.4m. Taking a look at its social media, the WPT's Facebook app is Facebook’s fourth largest poker application, according to Party, and its WPT Hold ‘em III mobile poker application has been generated 16m million downloads, which is big in anyones language. Little wonder established company brands such as Media Man, Virgin, Google, News Limited, Fairfax Media, UFC and WWE keep pushing forward with the social media strategy, since that's where many punters and potential customers are located.
Journey across to France. The bottom line is looking good. Second half pre-tax revenue for 2010 is up 220% and post-tax revenue up 77%. PartyGaming continues to be placed in #3 slot in the .coms poker sector.
Party at present holds a 14% market share in France. Experts forecast the Bwin merger will see this double.
With its online casino arm, Party advised of its 10 best revenue generating slots were developed in-house. Sinatra, The Godfather, Rambo, Saturday Night Fever, Top Gun and Mission: Impossible are in the mix of their most popular and profitable. It's 4 Marvel Entertainment branded slots were not developed in-house, but also remain very popular, and some new 3D themed slots are in the works via b2b2 following the success of Heist. It's classic bread and butter slots via the likes of WagerWorks (Cleopatra, Wheel Of Fortune, Monopoly and Cluedo) also continue to bring home the bacon for the company, and remain favs for players.
PartyGaming advised the merger with Bwin is well on track to finalise by the conclusion of this month and that this year would present great opportunities in newly regulated US and European markets. Australia and New Zealand also remain of great interest, where the company already enjoys a solid player base.
Party’s chief exec advised the company had achieved its 2010 objectives growing its player base by a solid 16% over the previous year catapulted primarily by its acquisition of Cashcade and its expansion into newly regulated markets that traditionally increase player volumes. The new markets also get the word out to the masses as PartyGaming can push the message via advertising without any legal consequences, be it .com or .net. CEO Jim Ryan warmly welcomed more regulation and advised the firm was in a strong position to make the most of new markets including Spain, Greece, Denmark and the United States when it opens. Canada continues to perform very well for the company, but they keep the Canadian numbers closely under wraps.
Ryan noted he expected New Jersey governor Chris Christie to veto the state’s egaming bill, but that this "wouldn't be bad news" as several other US states were building strong momentum to regulate online gambling.
"UIGEA has failed, the market already exists and the market has grown since it was enforced. Legislation is being driven by US companies who are tired of seeing revenues flow offshore. Combine this with the need to generate tax revenue and create jobs and this will create the perfect storm. The passage of online gambling laws will happen at some point soon."
Media Man advised that Party and a range of other igaming companies remain in close contact with a number of leading Australian and New Zealand media companies and brands, and that the Australian print, online publishing and television sector remains extremely interested in exploring b2b with Party, having become aware of Party's success with leading website portals that are available in the region, plus the popularity of Hollywood brands down under like Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Media moguls with strong ties to Australia such as James Packer, mate Lachlan Murdoch, and News Corp old guard, Rupert Murdoch, were all aware of Party's success in the Asia Pacific, pushed along by internet commerce, and are open to exploring business possibilities with the Gibraltar igaming powerhouse.
The PartyCasino.com website remains the most popular of the Party branded gaming sites.
By The Numbers
Overall revenue up 15% to €357m
Casino revenue up €15m from €136.8m to €151.4m
Bingo up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m
Sports betting up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m
Poker down €11m from €136.8m to €124.8m
World Poker Tour contributes €6.5m
B2B network services customers generate €2.4m
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
The London Stock Exchange listing igaming firm posted final results before it merges with Bwin on 31 March.
It needs to be noted that the world's leading igaming company is in good shares with its online casino, bingo and sports betting arms all up and popular with players and partners.
Developing regulated markets remains a prime strategic focus of PartyGaming, and news media opportunities such as televised events, media portal deals and even stadium or venue naming rights are all understood to be of considerable interest to the firm.
Party's across the board revenue was up 15% to €357m with EBITDA up 7% on 2009, just overtaking the €100m mark. Online casino revenue rose €15m from €136.8m in 2009 to €151.4m last year, understood to be driven forward by its 'The Games Studio' slot game offerings; online bingo was up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m with both arts getting positive spin off via its Cashcade acquisition back in 2009, not to mention its international expansion across Europe; while its modest sports wagering arm was up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m. Online poker revenues are down, dipping €11m from €136.8m in 2009 to €124.8m last year. It's PartyPoker and World Poker Tour brands are expected to bounce back as news media and website portal - b2b deals develop in the coming months.
Party's World Poker Tour brand brought home €6.5m, while its B2B network services customers generated in the region of €2.4m. Taking a look at its social media, the WPT's Facebook app is Facebook’s fourth largest poker application, according to Party, and its WPT Hold ‘em III mobile poker application has been generated 16m million downloads, which is big in anyones language. Little wonder established company brands such as Media Man, Virgin, Google, News Limited, Fairfax Media, UFC and WWE keep pushing forward with the social media strategy, since that's where many punters and potential customers are located.
Journey across to France. The bottom line is looking good. Second half pre-tax revenue for 2010 is up 220% and post-tax revenue up 77%. PartyGaming continues to be placed in #3 slot in the .coms poker sector.
Party at present holds a 14% market share in France. Experts forecast the Bwin merger will see this double.
With its online casino arm, Party advised of its 10 best revenue generating slots were developed in-house. Sinatra, The Godfather, Rambo, Saturday Night Fever, Top Gun and Mission: Impossible are in the mix of their most popular and profitable. It's 4 Marvel Entertainment branded slots were not developed in-house, but also remain very popular, and some new 3D themed slots are in the works via b2b2 following the success of Heist. It's classic bread and butter slots via the likes of WagerWorks (Cleopatra, Wheel Of Fortune, Monopoly and Cluedo) also continue to bring home the bacon for the company, and remain favs for players.
PartyGaming advised the merger with Bwin is well on track to finalise by the conclusion of this month and that this year would present great opportunities in newly regulated US and European markets. Australia and New Zealand also remain of great interest, where the company already enjoys a solid player base.
Party’s chief exec advised the company had achieved its 2010 objectives growing its player base by a solid 16% over the previous year catapulted primarily by its acquisition of Cashcade and its expansion into newly regulated markets that traditionally increase player volumes. The new markets also get the word out to the masses as PartyGaming can push the message via advertising without any legal consequences, be it .com or .net. CEO Jim Ryan warmly welcomed more regulation and advised the firm was in a strong position to make the most of new markets including Spain, Greece, Denmark and the United States when it opens. Canada continues to perform very well for the company, but they keep the Canadian numbers closely under wraps.
Ryan noted he expected New Jersey governor Chris Christie to veto the state’s egaming bill, but that this "wouldn't be bad news" as several other US states were building strong momentum to regulate online gambling.
"UIGEA has failed, the market already exists and the market has grown since it was enforced. Legislation is being driven by US companies who are tired of seeing revenues flow offshore. Combine this with the need to generate tax revenue and create jobs and this will create the perfect storm. The passage of online gambling laws will happen at some point soon."
Media Man advised that Party and a range of other igaming companies remain in close contact with a number of leading Australian and New Zealand media companies and brands, and that the Australian print, online publishing and television sector remains extremely interested in exploring b2b with Party, having become aware of Party's success with leading website portals that are available in the region, plus the popularity of Hollywood brands down under like Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Media moguls with strong ties to Australia such as James Packer, mate Lachlan Murdoch, and News Corp old guard, Rupert Murdoch, were all aware of Party's success in the Asia Pacific, pushed along by internet commerce, and are open to exploring business possibilities with the Gibraltar igaming powerhouse.
The PartyCasino.com website remains the most popular of the Party branded gaming sites.
By The Numbers
Overall revenue up 15% to €357m
Casino revenue up €15m from €136.8m to €151.4m
Bingo up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m
Sports betting up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m
Poker down €11m from €136.8m to €124.8m
World Poker Tour contributes €6.5m
B2B network services customers generate €2.4m
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
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Aussie Media: Network Ten Musical Chairs, Packer...by Greg Tingle - 4th March 2011
G'day punters, media, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, legal eagles, politicians and everyone else. Today we learn if yet more musical chairs at Network Ten, but as we learn, its for good reason, and no one should hit the emergency button... not quite yet anyway. Media Man and Gambling911 dance around with the Aussie media in a few rounds of the childhood favorite, Musical Chairs...
James Packer Aussie Media And Gambling King Quits Ten For Good Of Team; New Blood And Holistic Plan...
In a surprise move, James Packer resigned his directorship of Ten Network as a matter of principle, so the story goes, after his mate and co-investor Lachlan Murdoch's raid on a Seven executive breached a truce with Kerry Stokes, so the story goes...
It was circa September 2009, Packer and the Seven Network top dog made a truce in which they split up the offerings of what is described as the the new media landscape. This past Wednesday's announcement that Ten had successfully lured a Seven executive, James Warburton, to come on over and head up the network was a crystal clear breach of that arrangement. It's good to hear that some people are still as good as their word, billionaire or not. While there was speculation Packer's resignation reflected a fresh falling-out between him and Mr Murdoch, the move satisfies both Murdoch and, more importantly, Stokes, who is said to be "Vesuvian" at Warburton's defection. Murdoch still gets the main man to run Ten and Stokes can see 'Our James' is a man of his word. For the best part of a year, Stokes had been eyeing off Packer's then sole remaining media asset, Consolidated Media Holdings, the company that owns a 25% share in Foxtel and a half-share in Fox Sports. The Perth media magnate had snatched a 19.9% stake in CMH and appeared poised to make a takeover bid for the pay TV investment platform. However at the 11th hour a deal was cut, thus giving Stokes 2 seats on the CMH board so long as he backed off from buying more shares for 12 months. Its also understood that a further reaching deal was also put in place...both gents agreed to not undercut each other or tread on each other's media turf. The Network Seven boss actually kept his end of the bargain, surprising some, and since has been rewarded in an indirect fashion by a share buyback scheme at CMH under which Packer has moved up to 49.87% and Stokes to 24.4% Note that Packer put forward $285 million for a 10% stake in Ten towards the conclusion of year. Stokes and Packer met up in the U.S - the Colorado ski fields to be precise back in January and it is believed Stokes has been keen to keep things pleasant, or at least not piss off, the Murdoch family and friends after his substantial $200 million legal eagle court action against the Packers and Murdochs some five years ago. Time may help heal old wounds, and he doesn't wish to aggravate the situation in the slightest. Mind you, moods can change quickly, depending upon "art of war" strategy. Within the last 48 hours it was Murdoch, who appointed acting chief executive just last week, who recruited Warburton from Channel Seven. "We're sorry to lose him" was the official company line from Seven boss David Leckie, wishing Warburton "well in his new role". Industry exec hinted Seven had taken their eyes off the game re staff and management, apparently failing to lock in tight Warburton. Warburton will start at Network Ten this July. Murdoch and Packer remain mates despite ups and downs over the years, and no one will ever forget One.Tel, the telephone company which was a major bomb of the worst kind. Packer's push for control since last year has seen the exec chairman Nick Falloon, a former Packer family exec at the Nine Network, get the 'Don't come Monday', but in a more diplomatic fashion. Before Packer and Murdoch could take their seats on the Ten board, Grant Blackley was named as the chief executive. He was swiftly removed of his duties last month, linked to his criticism of the network's costly news programming strategy. Ten's new shareholders had been keen to snatch a new man into the role and it is understood Murdoch approached Warburton less than a fortnight ago, leading to his defection and Packer's surprise response Wednesday. Warburton has sphere headed Seven's sales and digital businesses arm since 2008. He's in line to snatch up a cool base salary of $2.2 million that could be boosted towards $4.4 million a year should bonuses kick in. Warburton had previously gone on the record via press that he had a goal to lead a company. Following the latest corporate moves at Seven, in which its long-term boss, Leckie, was promoted to head the proposed merger between West Australian Newspapers and Seven Media Group, Warburton was seen to be being forced to wait a tad longer to assume the top job at Seven. The chairman of Ten, Brian Long, said Warburton was "a high-calibre media executive with an enviable track record in television and digital media sales'. He has forged an exemplary reputation in the media sector in Australia and has strong relationships within the media and advertising community". The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is already examining the move on the Ten register, declined comment.
Packer Step Down From Ten Board Linked To Gents Deal With Seven's Stokes...
James Packer resigned from the board of Ten Network Holdings in order to honour an agreement he had with Seven's boss Kerry Stokes. A deal was made with history going back to September 2009, after Stokes had built up a 19.9 percent stake in Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings (CMH). Had Stokes added to his holding, he would have been required to launch a formal takeover bid. Packer headed off that possibility by offering Stokes two seats on the CMH board, in return for an assurance that the Seven chairman would not buy any further shares for 12 months. The gents had reportedly agreed on a further truce, under which the pair would agree not to undercut each other or tread on each other's patch. That agreement was breached when Ten Network Holdings poached James Warburton to serve as its chief executive. News Limited's The Australian had reported that Packer voted against Warburton's appointment. Packer's resignation from the Ten board yesterday was announced abruptly to the stock exchange in a one-sentence statement. No reason was given for his exit. Warburton had not tried to hide that he had higher ambitions in the corporate world, advising media journal AdNews last year that he desired to run a company. His leadership aspirations were highlighted by a report last November that Seven had been constructing a "succession plan" that would see the sales chief take over from David Leckie, Seven Media Group's current chief exec. Ten appears back on track, and we don't expect world war III between Ten and Seven anytime soon.
James Packer Awesome Family Gifts; Best Money Can Buy...
Erica Packer's mum, Sheelah, celebrated a birthday, and 'Our James' delivered an awesome gift...American country singer legend Kris Kristofferson, for some good old ho down with the clan. Our friends at News Limited secured "Sheelah is a huge Kristofferson fan so all her children sang his biggest hits and then the man himself stepped on to the stage". Packer Grandchildren Indigo and Jackson, young members of the tribe, were understood to have really enjoyed the celebration.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Ten Network and 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
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
James Packer Aussie Media And Gambling King Quits Ten For Good Of Team; New Blood And Holistic Plan...
In a surprise move, James Packer resigned his directorship of Ten Network as a matter of principle, so the story goes, after his mate and co-investor Lachlan Murdoch's raid on a Seven executive breached a truce with Kerry Stokes, so the story goes...
It was circa September 2009, Packer and the Seven Network top dog made a truce in which they split up the offerings of what is described as the the new media landscape. This past Wednesday's announcement that Ten had successfully lured a Seven executive, James Warburton, to come on over and head up the network was a crystal clear breach of that arrangement. It's good to hear that some people are still as good as their word, billionaire or not. While there was speculation Packer's resignation reflected a fresh falling-out between him and Mr Murdoch, the move satisfies both Murdoch and, more importantly, Stokes, who is said to be "Vesuvian" at Warburton's defection. Murdoch still gets the main man to run Ten and Stokes can see 'Our James' is a man of his word. For the best part of a year, Stokes had been eyeing off Packer's then sole remaining media asset, Consolidated Media Holdings, the company that owns a 25% share in Foxtel and a half-share in Fox Sports. The Perth media magnate had snatched a 19.9% stake in CMH and appeared poised to make a takeover bid for the pay TV investment platform. However at the 11th hour a deal was cut, thus giving Stokes 2 seats on the CMH board so long as he backed off from buying more shares for 12 months. Its also understood that a further reaching deal was also put in place...both gents agreed to not undercut each other or tread on each other's media turf. The Network Seven boss actually kept his end of the bargain, surprising some, and since has been rewarded in an indirect fashion by a share buyback scheme at CMH under which Packer has moved up to 49.87% and Stokes to 24.4% Note that Packer put forward $285 million for a 10% stake in Ten towards the conclusion of year. Stokes and Packer met up in the U.S - the Colorado ski fields to be precise back in January and it is believed Stokes has been keen to keep things pleasant, or at least not piss off, the Murdoch family and friends after his substantial $200 million legal eagle court action against the Packers and Murdochs some five years ago. Time may help heal old wounds, and he doesn't wish to aggravate the situation in the slightest. Mind you, moods can change quickly, depending upon "art of war" strategy. Within the last 48 hours it was Murdoch, who appointed acting chief executive just last week, who recruited Warburton from Channel Seven. "We're sorry to lose him" was the official company line from Seven boss David Leckie, wishing Warburton "well in his new role". Industry exec hinted Seven had taken their eyes off the game re staff and management, apparently failing to lock in tight Warburton. Warburton will start at Network Ten this July. Murdoch and Packer remain mates despite ups and downs over the years, and no one will ever forget One.Tel, the telephone company which was a major bomb of the worst kind. Packer's push for control since last year has seen the exec chairman Nick Falloon, a former Packer family exec at the Nine Network, get the 'Don't come Monday', but in a more diplomatic fashion. Before Packer and Murdoch could take their seats on the Ten board, Grant Blackley was named as the chief executive. He was swiftly removed of his duties last month, linked to his criticism of the network's costly news programming strategy. Ten's new shareholders had been keen to snatch a new man into the role and it is understood Murdoch approached Warburton less than a fortnight ago, leading to his defection and Packer's surprise response Wednesday. Warburton has sphere headed Seven's sales and digital businesses arm since 2008. He's in line to snatch up a cool base salary of $2.2 million that could be boosted towards $4.4 million a year should bonuses kick in. Warburton had previously gone on the record via press that he had a goal to lead a company. Following the latest corporate moves at Seven, in which its long-term boss, Leckie, was promoted to head the proposed merger between West Australian Newspapers and Seven Media Group, Warburton was seen to be being forced to wait a tad longer to assume the top job at Seven. The chairman of Ten, Brian Long, said Warburton was "a high-calibre media executive with an enviable track record in television and digital media sales'. He has forged an exemplary reputation in the media sector in Australia and has strong relationships within the media and advertising community". The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is already examining the move on the Ten register, declined comment.
Packer Step Down From Ten Board Linked To Gents Deal With Seven's Stokes...
James Packer resigned from the board of Ten Network Holdings in order to honour an agreement he had with Seven's boss Kerry Stokes. A deal was made with history going back to September 2009, after Stokes had built up a 19.9 percent stake in Packer's Consolidated Media Holdings (CMH). Had Stokes added to his holding, he would have been required to launch a formal takeover bid. Packer headed off that possibility by offering Stokes two seats on the CMH board, in return for an assurance that the Seven chairman would not buy any further shares for 12 months. The gents had reportedly agreed on a further truce, under which the pair would agree not to undercut each other or tread on each other's patch. That agreement was breached when Ten Network Holdings poached James Warburton to serve as its chief executive. News Limited's The Australian had reported that Packer voted against Warburton's appointment. Packer's resignation from the Ten board yesterday was announced abruptly to the stock exchange in a one-sentence statement. No reason was given for his exit. Warburton had not tried to hide that he had higher ambitions in the corporate world, advising media journal AdNews last year that he desired to run a company. His leadership aspirations were highlighted by a report last November that Seven had been constructing a "succession plan" that would see the sales chief take over from David Leckie, Seven Media Group's current chief exec. Ten appears back on track, and we don't expect world war III between Ten and Seven anytime soon.
James Packer Awesome Family Gifts; Best Money Can Buy...
Erica Packer's mum, Sheelah, celebrated a birthday, and 'Our James' delivered an awesome gift...American country singer legend Kris Kristofferson, for some good old ho down with the clan. Our friends at News Limited secured "Sheelah is a huge Kristofferson fan so all her children sang his biggest hits and then the man himself stepped on to the stage". Packer Grandchildren Indigo and Jackson, young members of the tribe, were understood to have really enjoyed the celebration.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Ten Network and 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
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Cruise Ships Gamble On Western Australia, by Greg Tingle - 3rd March 2011
Ahoy and G'day punters, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, politicians and everyone else. Today we sail the high seas with cruise ships off Western Australia where gambling is permitted. Media Man and Gambling911 with your daily dose of Australian news.
Cruise Ships In Western Australia Allowed Floating Casinos...
Cruiseliners aka cruise ships or cruisers, visiting WA are now able to operate on-board casinos, following an agreement between the State Government and Burswood Casino. High regarded Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron yesterday announced the signing of a formal agreement with the operators of the Burswood Casino to lift the long-standing prohibition on cruise ships conducting casino gaming while in WA waters.
"Under the previous Casino Agreement, cruise ships were required to close down their casino when they entered WA waters," Waldron went on the record with.
"This restriction was more about preventing so called ‘cruises to nowhere’, a Media Man and friends favorite, where the principal aim of the cruise was to sail out behind Rottnest and conduct gaming for two or three days to avoid the State’s tough stance on gaming machines in the community."
He said with the surged interest in cruise ship travel, Fremantle and other WA ports had become extremely regular stops on the cruise ship calendar and the gaming restriction was proving quite a drawback for local tourism.
"Burswood Casino has agreed to the restriction being lifted provided gambling cruises to nowhere could still be prevented. This has been achieved by the new agreement," he said.
The terms of the agreement provide that gaming - gambling may occur as long as the vessel has a minimum capacity of 100 passengers, is conducting a scheduled deepwater cruise, is transiting through WA ports from and to locations overseas or interstate, and gaming takes place outside a distance of 12 nautical miles from the WA baseline.
The actual amendment to the Casino Agreement will be submitted to State Parliament for ratification later on this year, however with the consent of Packer's Burswood Casino, the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor is advising cruise ship operators of the revised gaming restrictions which will apply almost immediately.
Gambling on the water and getting lost in the excitement of it all. For some its heaven, while others may think its hell. Us, sounds like paradise, just as long as we have enough on us to keep feeding the tables and favorite slots like Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Gone Fishing, Shipwreck, Treasures Of The Deep, Metropolis, 20,000 Leagues, Octopus's Garden, Coral Cash, Cash Cruise and Queen Of The Nile. Some passionate gamblers will also be looking to bring aboard their smartphones and satellite computers where they can access igaming sites like those from PartyGaming, Centrebet and Betfair. Party is still our top pick, in case you were wondering and you were looking out to the sunset, while taking in the ocean breeze.
Richard Branson's Virgin Cruises also made a splash in Australia a few years ago, but its understood that gaming facilities were not provide by them at that time, but if anyone hears any different, please let us know. We think PartyGaming's online casino might be having more luck that Branson's big boats down under, but let us know ocean and gambling lovers, and if you run into Paul The Octopus' cousin, known for being savvy with betting odds and such, say G'day.
Fair winds sailors, passengers and boat babes, and let us know how lady luck treats you out on the water.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
Cruise Ships In Western Australia Allowed Floating Casinos...
Cruiseliners aka cruise ships or cruisers, visiting WA are now able to operate on-board casinos, following an agreement between the State Government and Burswood Casino. High regarded Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron yesterday announced the signing of a formal agreement with the operators of the Burswood Casino to lift the long-standing prohibition on cruise ships conducting casino gaming while in WA waters.
"Under the previous Casino Agreement, cruise ships were required to close down their casino when they entered WA waters," Waldron went on the record with.
"This restriction was more about preventing so called ‘cruises to nowhere’, a Media Man and friends favorite, where the principal aim of the cruise was to sail out behind Rottnest and conduct gaming for two or three days to avoid the State’s tough stance on gaming machines in the community."
He said with the surged interest in cruise ship travel, Fremantle and other WA ports had become extremely regular stops on the cruise ship calendar and the gaming restriction was proving quite a drawback for local tourism.
"Burswood Casino has agreed to the restriction being lifted provided gambling cruises to nowhere could still be prevented. This has been achieved by the new agreement," he said.
The terms of the agreement provide that gaming - gambling may occur as long as the vessel has a minimum capacity of 100 passengers, is conducting a scheduled deepwater cruise, is transiting through WA ports from and to locations overseas or interstate, and gaming takes place outside a distance of 12 nautical miles from the WA baseline.
The actual amendment to the Casino Agreement will be submitted to State Parliament for ratification later on this year, however with the consent of Packer's Burswood Casino, the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor is advising cruise ship operators of the revised gaming restrictions which will apply almost immediately.
Gambling on the water and getting lost in the excitement of it all. For some its heaven, while others may think its hell. Us, sounds like paradise, just as long as we have enough on us to keep feeding the tables and favorite slots like Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Gone Fishing, Shipwreck, Treasures Of The Deep, Metropolis, 20,000 Leagues, Octopus's Garden, Coral Cash, Cash Cruise and Queen Of The Nile. Some passionate gamblers will also be looking to bring aboard their smartphones and satellite computers where they can access igaming sites like those from PartyGaming, Centrebet and Betfair. Party is still our top pick, in case you were wondering and you were looking out to the sunset, while taking in the ocean breeze.
Richard Branson's Virgin Cruises also made a splash in Australia a few years ago, but its understood that gaming facilities were not provide by them at that time, but if anyone hears any different, please let us know. We think PartyGaming's online casino might be having more luck that Branson's big boats down under, but let us know ocean and gambling lovers, and if you run into Paul The Octopus' cousin, known for being savvy with betting odds and such, say G'day.
Fair winds sailors, passengers and boat babes, and let us know how lady luck treats you out on the water.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Australia Gambling With Legal Eagles And Politics, by Greg Tingle - 1st March 2011
G'day punters, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, politicians and everyone else. Today we look at a curious situation with a gambler who dropped a heap of money at Crown Casino in Melbourne, pokie lovers and haters in the political scene and a whole lot more. Media Man and Gambling911 with your daily dose of Australian news. Just what the doctor ordered...
High Rolling Aussie Whale Harry Kakavas Avoids Bankruptcy...
Crown casino has not been successful in its attempt send 'High Rolling Harry K' into bankruptcy. The major win for Mr Kakavas at a Collins St creditors meeting means he is now free to chase his $30 mil battle against Crown in the Victorian Court of Appeal. A hearing of his appeal against a Supreme Court judge's dismissal of his $35 million claim against the gaming company for gambling losses is set for June. Kakavas, who owes more than $50 mil, yesterday won the backing of 22 out of 31 creditors, headed by Challenger Bank and all 8 of his legal reps, including top silk Allan Myers, QC. The Gold Coast property tycoon (of sorts) has pledged to pay $555,000 to his creditors over a 10-month period and another $5 million if he wins the appeal against Crown. On Friday, Crown issued an application in the Federal Court attempting to prevent the creditors meeting going ahead. The application was later abandoned. Kakavas, a fully diagnosed "pathological gambler", lost roughly $30 million bucks at Crown circa 2005-06. At the pinnacle of his gambling he was betting up to $300,000 grand on the flip of a single card, once losing a whopping $2.4 million in 43 minutes if you believe the yarn. He has boldly accused the casino of devising a plot to lure him back to the casino with cash incentives and use of a luxury jet. His legal eagles will argue Justice David Harper made 36 errors in his 2009 judgment in favour of James Packer's casino. The appeal will be based on Justice Harper's finding that Kakavas's gambling addiction did not disadvantage him in his dealings with Crown. Kakavas has already paid $210,000 in security costs in order for the appeal to proceed. We're hopeful that things may get resolved amicably, but word is there's bit of bad blood, so stay tuned.
Tattersalls Targets Melbourne Housing Estate For Pokie Palace Fun And Games...
A poker machine venue in a new housing estate in Melbourne's north would be part of a safe and friendly "boutique hotel", gaming giant Tattersalls claims. Tattersalls says in a submission to VCAT that the development would result in many jobs and a big financial investment in Doreen's Laurimar estate. "The benefits are many and should not be lightly treated," it says. The City of Whittlesea and a residents' group led by a local Baptist minister claim a poker machine venue would have a negative impact on the growing community's welfare. The council has gone to VCAT in a bid to overturn a decision by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation to approve the venue. Tattersalls wants to install 40 "one armed bandits" at the planned Laurimar tavern, with annual gaming revenue expected to reach up to $4.2 million. The VCGR has also given the green light to the Bridge Inn hotel, 5km from Laurimar, to put in 40 machines. In its submission, Tattersalls says Laurimar's boutique venue would be safe and friendly and could be managed responsibly. "The proposal would deliver a range of social and recreational opportunities for the community which would facilitate community interaction and sense of place," it says. "The evidence is very much to the effect that this community is advantaged in terms of social cohesion and values to accommodate licensed premises and gaming." The VCGR says in its submission that the City of Whittlesea is one of Melbourne's fastest growing municipalities and there is increasing demand for modern, family friendly sporting, entertainment, dining and social facilities. "The Whittlesea community will benefit from a modern tavern with a range of entertainment options," it says. The commission says it is satisfied that the tavern would be operated by people experienced in electronic gaming machines. The hearing before Judge Felicity Hampel and town planner Anthony Liston continues today. Good or bad idea? The judge will tell us soon enough.
Man Rips Off Employer Of $600,000 To Feed Gambling Addiction...
A problem gambler recruited a Victorian based mate to help with a false invoice scam to rip off nearly $600,000 from his Brisbane based employer, a court heard yesterday. Prosecutor Julie Aylward told the District Court in Brisbane that Leslie Jones had used a persistent and calculated fraud to pinch $583,339 from his employer B and R Enclosures. Ms Aylward said there were 221 false invoices issued of which money was paid on 220. She said no restitution was made and the company had to bear the loss while its profit margin had gone up since Jones had been caught. Judge Kerry O'Brien said there was some complexity about Jones's offending and he had to impose a sentence of seven years' jail. He said, however, after taking into account the mitigating circumstances he would set a parole eligibility date at February 28, 2013.
Jones, 50, pleaded to aggravated fraud between July 24, 1998 and October 5, 2005. Earlier, Aylward outlined how Jones and a man named Kevin Tidball became mates when working for Ford Australia in Victoria and they remained in contact after they both resigned. She said Jones came to Brisbane to work for B and R Enclosures while Tidball opened his own engineering company. B and R Enclosures, a steel fabrication business, outsourced some its work to overseas companies and relied on them to ship goods to Australia in a "timely and cost effective way". Aylward advised Jones was responsible to ensure the goods were shipped to Australia and Jones was aware there was regularly a surplus between the budgeted cost of freight and the actual cost. "It is alleged Jones put in place a process using the services of Tidball to defraud the company of this surplus," she added. Aylward said Jones got Tidball's company to submit invoices which were paid by B and R Enclosures although no actual work had been done. Tidball kept a modest 10% of what was paid and deposited the rest in Jones's bank account. She said Tidball was sentenced to a wholly suspended 12 months' jail in relation to the cunning scam when he appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court last year. Barrister James Godbolt, for Jones, said his client had a good work history in England before coming to Australia where he worked at the Ford company in Victoria and then in Brisbane. He said Jones had developed a gambling addiction after a relationship breakdown and a family illness placed him under stress. Godbolt said Jones had since sought assistance to overcome his addiction. Gambling addiction has been linked to dozens of fraud cases that Gambling911 and Media Man have covered over the last number of years.
Terri Irwin's Australia Zoo; Some Financial Challenges But Las Vegas Deal Part Of 10 Year Business Plan...
Steve Irwin made the the globe aware about Australia and its wildlife. He attracted millions of tourists to our great land. Now, five years after his death Australia Zoo numbers are down in a big way. Zoo boss Terri Irwin this week has rejected claims her husband's legacy was at risk, but admitted the zoo had been forced to go through the painful process of shedding 22 employees to cut costs. Mrs Irwin declared the showpiece "had survived for 40 years and would thrive for another 40". She said times were tough for many tourism businesses because of recent devastating weather events. This could not have come at a worse time with official figures showing the numbers of international tourists already were on the slide because of the strong Australian dollar. Ironically, the challenge for Australia Zoo is to engender more support from Australians, especially Queenslanders. Mrs Irwin, whose leadership brought her recognition as Owner Manager of the Year at the Queensland Management Excellence Awards in November, believes local support holds the key to their future success. She urged people to look to their own back yard for amazing holiday experiences instead of heading overseas. "Australians are famous for sticking up for their mates. This is what they do best. We really need them to do this now," she said, adding she would step up her hands-on leadership of the operation and strive to make it even better. Bindi, 12, and Robert, 7, also would continue to help develop the dream, which began when their grandfather Bob founded the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park in 1970. Australia Zoo and was propelled to stardom by their parents Steve and Terri, after they took over in 1992. Their passion and vision ensured it grew into a world-class facility and conservation icon, taking out Major Tourist Attraction at the Queensland and Australian Tourism Awards and being inducted into the Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame. Mrs Irwin said that people continued to be just as generous in donating funds towards helping animals and vowed that the zoo's conservation activities would charge ahead. A new Africa exhibit, with giraffes and rhinos, soon would make a spectacular appearance. Mrs Irwin would not rule out having to sell some of the Beerwah attraction's property holdings and indicated the roll-out of a $300 million plan to replicate Australia Zoo in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas may be put back. "It remains on our 10-year business plan but our immediate focus is here," she said. The world, it seems, can wait while challenges continue at home. Mrs Irwin said a renewed focus on "our core business" was the only way forward. "I want people to spend a day with us and be able to say 'that was an amazing experience'," Mrs Irwin said. "I will make sure everything Steve stood for and his legacy will continue." "We continue with our core business - the animals are OK, that we maintain as many of our team as we can and that we move forward in the future," she said. "I'm not looking at consolidating to stop, I'm looking at consolidating so that we can plan on growing again in the future. "I have absolutely no intention of closing Australia Zoo - again our wildlife hospital is running, our wildlife experiences are continuing and we fund our conservation projects with people who come into Australia Zoo. "We have conservation projects, both throughout Australia and the world, and while the projects are not seeing the influx of cash that they have in the past, none of them have stopped. "Nothing has closed. Nothing will close." She says she intends to honour a promise to her late husband Steve Irwin to keep Australia Zoo operating successfully. Ms Irwin says the zoo's problems are similar to those being experienced by many Australian businesses. She says expansion plans locally and in the United States, most likely via the Las Vegas strip, have slowed but will not be axed. "Certainly I haven't shelved Steve's 10-year business plan," she said. "I don't think it's a matter of if, it's a matter of when - so I wouldn't shelve anything. "Certainly I'm not going to be going ahead full speed at this time, but we are going ahead." Business analysts believe that a Terri Irwin crocodile themed venture such a a fun part in Las Vegas would likely be a success and would plug into a captive audience keen to spend their money on quality entertainment.
Anti Gambling Independents Nick Xenophon And Andrew Wilkie Continue To Battle On...
A couple of folk who are wary of the Australian Labor Club donations are the anti-gambling independents Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie. "It is a very dramatic example of how big business and big money corrupts the policies of the political parties," Wilkie tells me. He describes Labor's acceptance of the donations as "a significant conflict of interest" between the ALP and poker machine reform. "It's one of the many reasons why nothing has been done about poker machine reform before I came along," he says. Xenophon and Wilkie are insisting on reforms to try to curtail problem gambling, including the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment. Precommitment involves gamblers compulsorily signing up to a system which will, at a nominated limit, shut off their ability to play the machines like Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Derby Day, Where's The Gold and so on. It would involve the use of smart card tech, although not with fingerprint or biometric ID, that would either turn off the machine, or enable the player to keep playing without paying. To be somewhat effective, the card would have to work at every machine in every club. The clubs are not keen on the concept, stating it will cost thousands of jobs and slash revenue, and are ready for a massive brawl, already being played out in the press and at various venues where the two pokie hating "independent MP" show their face and run their spin. Under the terms of Wilkie's agreement to support Gillard, the government has until May 31 to secure an agreement on precommitment with the states, and if it does not, then it must legislate unilaterally by budget 2012 to impose it. In view of the link between the pokies venues run by Labor clubs and the coffers of the Labor Party, Xenophon wants Gillard to step up now and get the Labor clubs to introduce mandatory precommitment as an example to other clubs. "It would be the responsible thing," he says. "I think it would have enormous moral authority for Julia Gillard to do this." Wilkie says this is a top idea and would trigger the ALP to claim the moral high ground. But so arrogant is he of winning government and parliamentary support for the measures he has put forward that he believes they will be in force in every pub, club and casino in Australia, with the exception the very smallest in the same time duration. The states are so far refusing to play ball and a meeting of state gaming ministers with the federal minister responsible, Jenny Macklin, on Friday made very little progress. Wilkie was not present but was hanging over the discussion with Macklin repeatedly referring to the government's deal with him. "He was like Banquo's ghost," one leaker spoke. NSW premier-in-waiting Barry O'Farrell has signed an agreement with Clubs NSW to support a system of precommitment that is "voluntary for the player, venue-based and cost-effective". Victorian Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien argues his state is already ahead of the game, pardon the pub, with plans to remove ATMs from gaming venues by July next year, and the rollout of mandatory precommitment for all machines with voluntary sign up for players by 2015-16. "We won't want to see those policies compromised by the Wilkie agreement," he says. He insists precommitment has to be mandatory for both machines and all regular gamblers. Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are not saying yet which way they will go on the issue, but Wilkie is confident he will get enough support to get his measures through the lower house. Word on the street is that Wilkie is a "dead man walking" and may end up being a key reason that Labour is going down for the count. Many Aussies think Labour is out of touch with the people. If the government reneges on the agreement, Wilkie is adamant he will withdraw his support for the government. "Whether that brings her (Gillard) down or not is a separate issue," he says. "I might withdraw my support from her and give it to Abbott or not give it to anyone." Australian are some of the most passionate gamblers in the world and have been so ever since Captain Cook discovered Australia in 1788. PartyGaming, Betfair, and Centrebet are understood to be the most popular online gaming brands in Australia. Crown Limited, Tabcorp and Tatts Group are the big 3 of land based gaming and gambling in Australia. Rumours persist that James Packer's Crown Limited may look to buy out Tabcorp in the coming years, but that is speculation. Australia is forecast to remain in the world's top 10 gaming countries for the foreseeable future.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
High Rolling Aussie Whale Harry Kakavas Avoids Bankruptcy...
Crown casino has not been successful in its attempt send 'High Rolling Harry K' into bankruptcy. The major win for Mr Kakavas at a Collins St creditors meeting means he is now free to chase his $30 mil battle against Crown in the Victorian Court of Appeal. A hearing of his appeal against a Supreme Court judge's dismissal of his $35 million claim against the gaming company for gambling losses is set for June. Kakavas, who owes more than $50 mil, yesterday won the backing of 22 out of 31 creditors, headed by Challenger Bank and all 8 of his legal reps, including top silk Allan Myers, QC. The Gold Coast property tycoon (of sorts) has pledged to pay $555,000 to his creditors over a 10-month period and another $5 million if he wins the appeal against Crown. On Friday, Crown issued an application in the Federal Court attempting to prevent the creditors meeting going ahead. The application was later abandoned. Kakavas, a fully diagnosed "pathological gambler", lost roughly $30 million bucks at Crown circa 2005-06. At the pinnacle of his gambling he was betting up to $300,000 grand on the flip of a single card, once losing a whopping $2.4 million in 43 minutes if you believe the yarn. He has boldly accused the casino of devising a plot to lure him back to the casino with cash incentives and use of a luxury jet. His legal eagles will argue Justice David Harper made 36 errors in his 2009 judgment in favour of James Packer's casino. The appeal will be based on Justice Harper's finding that Kakavas's gambling addiction did not disadvantage him in his dealings with Crown. Kakavas has already paid $210,000 in security costs in order for the appeal to proceed. We're hopeful that things may get resolved amicably, but word is there's bit of bad blood, so stay tuned.
Tattersalls Targets Melbourne Housing Estate For Pokie Palace Fun And Games...
A poker machine venue in a new housing estate in Melbourne's north would be part of a safe and friendly "boutique hotel", gaming giant Tattersalls claims. Tattersalls says in a submission to VCAT that the development would result in many jobs and a big financial investment in Doreen's Laurimar estate. "The benefits are many and should not be lightly treated," it says. The City of Whittlesea and a residents' group led by a local Baptist minister claim a poker machine venue would have a negative impact on the growing community's welfare. The council has gone to VCAT in a bid to overturn a decision by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation to approve the venue. Tattersalls wants to install 40 "one armed bandits" at the planned Laurimar tavern, with annual gaming revenue expected to reach up to $4.2 million. The VCGR has also given the green light to the Bridge Inn hotel, 5km from Laurimar, to put in 40 machines. In its submission, Tattersalls says Laurimar's boutique venue would be safe and friendly and could be managed responsibly. "The proposal would deliver a range of social and recreational opportunities for the community which would facilitate community interaction and sense of place," it says. "The evidence is very much to the effect that this community is advantaged in terms of social cohesion and values to accommodate licensed premises and gaming." The VCGR says in its submission that the City of Whittlesea is one of Melbourne's fastest growing municipalities and there is increasing demand for modern, family friendly sporting, entertainment, dining and social facilities. "The Whittlesea community will benefit from a modern tavern with a range of entertainment options," it says. The commission says it is satisfied that the tavern would be operated by people experienced in electronic gaming machines. The hearing before Judge Felicity Hampel and town planner Anthony Liston continues today. Good or bad idea? The judge will tell us soon enough.
Man Rips Off Employer Of $600,000 To Feed Gambling Addiction...
A problem gambler recruited a Victorian based mate to help with a false invoice scam to rip off nearly $600,000 from his Brisbane based employer, a court heard yesterday. Prosecutor Julie Aylward told the District Court in Brisbane that Leslie Jones had used a persistent and calculated fraud to pinch $583,339 from his employer B and R Enclosures. Ms Aylward said there were 221 false invoices issued of which money was paid on 220. She said no restitution was made and the company had to bear the loss while its profit margin had gone up since Jones had been caught. Judge Kerry O'Brien said there was some complexity about Jones's offending and he had to impose a sentence of seven years' jail. He said, however, after taking into account the mitigating circumstances he would set a parole eligibility date at February 28, 2013.
Jones, 50, pleaded to aggravated fraud between July 24, 1998 and October 5, 2005. Earlier, Aylward outlined how Jones and a man named Kevin Tidball became mates when working for Ford Australia in Victoria and they remained in contact after they both resigned. She said Jones came to Brisbane to work for B and R Enclosures while Tidball opened his own engineering company. B and R Enclosures, a steel fabrication business, outsourced some its work to overseas companies and relied on them to ship goods to Australia in a "timely and cost effective way". Aylward advised Jones was responsible to ensure the goods were shipped to Australia and Jones was aware there was regularly a surplus between the budgeted cost of freight and the actual cost. "It is alleged Jones put in place a process using the services of Tidball to defraud the company of this surplus," she added. Aylward said Jones got Tidball's company to submit invoices which were paid by B and R Enclosures although no actual work had been done. Tidball kept a modest 10% of what was paid and deposited the rest in Jones's bank account. She said Tidball was sentenced to a wholly suspended 12 months' jail in relation to the cunning scam when he appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court last year. Barrister James Godbolt, for Jones, said his client had a good work history in England before coming to Australia where he worked at the Ford company in Victoria and then in Brisbane. He said Jones had developed a gambling addiction after a relationship breakdown and a family illness placed him under stress. Godbolt said Jones had since sought assistance to overcome his addiction. Gambling addiction has been linked to dozens of fraud cases that Gambling911 and Media Man have covered over the last number of years.
Terri Irwin's Australia Zoo; Some Financial Challenges But Las Vegas Deal Part Of 10 Year Business Plan...
Steve Irwin made the the globe aware about Australia and its wildlife. He attracted millions of tourists to our great land. Now, five years after his death Australia Zoo numbers are down in a big way. Zoo boss Terri Irwin this week has rejected claims her husband's legacy was at risk, but admitted the zoo had been forced to go through the painful process of shedding 22 employees to cut costs. Mrs Irwin declared the showpiece "had survived for 40 years and would thrive for another 40". She said times were tough for many tourism businesses because of recent devastating weather events. This could not have come at a worse time with official figures showing the numbers of international tourists already were on the slide because of the strong Australian dollar. Ironically, the challenge for Australia Zoo is to engender more support from Australians, especially Queenslanders. Mrs Irwin, whose leadership brought her recognition as Owner Manager of the Year at the Queensland Management Excellence Awards in November, believes local support holds the key to their future success. She urged people to look to their own back yard for amazing holiday experiences instead of heading overseas. "Australians are famous for sticking up for their mates. This is what they do best. We really need them to do this now," she said, adding she would step up her hands-on leadership of the operation and strive to make it even better. Bindi, 12, and Robert, 7, also would continue to help develop the dream, which began when their grandfather Bob founded the Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park in 1970. Australia Zoo and was propelled to stardom by their parents Steve and Terri, after they took over in 1992. Their passion and vision ensured it grew into a world-class facility and conservation icon, taking out Major Tourist Attraction at the Queensland and Australian Tourism Awards and being inducted into the Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame. Mrs Irwin said that people continued to be just as generous in donating funds towards helping animals and vowed that the zoo's conservation activities would charge ahead. A new Africa exhibit, with giraffes and rhinos, soon would make a spectacular appearance. Mrs Irwin would not rule out having to sell some of the Beerwah attraction's property holdings and indicated the roll-out of a $300 million plan to replicate Australia Zoo in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas may be put back. "It remains on our 10-year business plan but our immediate focus is here," she said. The world, it seems, can wait while challenges continue at home. Mrs Irwin said a renewed focus on "our core business" was the only way forward. "I want people to spend a day with us and be able to say 'that was an amazing experience'," Mrs Irwin said. "I will make sure everything Steve stood for and his legacy will continue." "We continue with our core business - the animals are OK, that we maintain as many of our team as we can and that we move forward in the future," she said. "I'm not looking at consolidating to stop, I'm looking at consolidating so that we can plan on growing again in the future. "I have absolutely no intention of closing Australia Zoo - again our wildlife hospital is running, our wildlife experiences are continuing and we fund our conservation projects with people who come into Australia Zoo. "We have conservation projects, both throughout Australia and the world, and while the projects are not seeing the influx of cash that they have in the past, none of them have stopped. "Nothing has closed. Nothing will close." She says she intends to honour a promise to her late husband Steve Irwin to keep Australia Zoo operating successfully. Ms Irwin says the zoo's problems are similar to those being experienced by many Australian businesses. She says expansion plans locally and in the United States, most likely via the Las Vegas strip, have slowed but will not be axed. "Certainly I haven't shelved Steve's 10-year business plan," she said. "I don't think it's a matter of if, it's a matter of when - so I wouldn't shelve anything. "Certainly I'm not going to be going ahead full speed at this time, but we are going ahead." Business analysts believe that a Terri Irwin crocodile themed venture such a a fun part in Las Vegas would likely be a success and would plug into a captive audience keen to spend their money on quality entertainment.
Anti Gambling Independents Nick Xenophon And Andrew Wilkie Continue To Battle On...
A couple of folk who are wary of the Australian Labor Club donations are the anti-gambling independents Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie. "It is a very dramatic example of how big business and big money corrupts the policies of the political parties," Wilkie tells me. He describes Labor's acceptance of the donations as "a significant conflict of interest" between the ALP and poker machine reform. "It's one of the many reasons why nothing has been done about poker machine reform before I came along," he says. Xenophon and Wilkie are insisting on reforms to try to curtail problem gambling, including the introduction of mandatory pre-commitment. Precommitment involves gamblers compulsorily signing up to a system which will, at a nominated limit, shut off their ability to play the machines like Cleopatra, Black Rhino, Derby Day, Where's The Gold and so on. It would involve the use of smart card tech, although not with fingerprint or biometric ID, that would either turn off the machine, or enable the player to keep playing without paying. To be somewhat effective, the card would have to work at every machine in every club. The clubs are not keen on the concept, stating it will cost thousands of jobs and slash revenue, and are ready for a massive brawl, already being played out in the press and at various venues where the two pokie hating "independent MP" show their face and run their spin. Under the terms of Wilkie's agreement to support Gillard, the government has until May 31 to secure an agreement on precommitment with the states, and if it does not, then it must legislate unilaterally by budget 2012 to impose it. In view of the link between the pokies venues run by Labor clubs and the coffers of the Labor Party, Xenophon wants Gillard to step up now and get the Labor clubs to introduce mandatory precommitment as an example to other clubs. "It would be the responsible thing," he says. "I think it would have enormous moral authority for Julia Gillard to do this." Wilkie says this is a top idea and would trigger the ALP to claim the moral high ground. But so arrogant is he of winning government and parliamentary support for the measures he has put forward that he believes they will be in force in every pub, club and casino in Australia, with the exception the very smallest in the same time duration. The states are so far refusing to play ball and a meeting of state gaming ministers with the federal minister responsible, Jenny Macklin, on Friday made very little progress. Wilkie was not present but was hanging over the discussion with Macklin repeatedly referring to the government's deal with him. "He was like Banquo's ghost," one leaker spoke. NSW premier-in-waiting Barry O'Farrell has signed an agreement with Clubs NSW to support a system of precommitment that is "voluntary for the player, venue-based and cost-effective". Victorian Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien argues his state is already ahead of the game, pardon the pub, with plans to remove ATMs from gaming venues by July next year, and the rollout of mandatory precommitment for all machines with voluntary sign up for players by 2015-16. "We won't want to see those policies compromised by the Wilkie agreement," he says. He insists precommitment has to be mandatory for both machines and all regular gamblers. Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott are not saying yet which way they will go on the issue, but Wilkie is confident he will get enough support to get his measures through the lower house. Word on the street is that Wilkie is a "dead man walking" and may end up being a key reason that Labour is going down for the count. Many Aussies think Labour is out of touch with the people. If the government reneges on the agreement, Wilkie is adamant he will withdraw his support for the government. "Whether that brings her (Gillard) down or not is a separate issue," he says. "I might withdraw my support from her and give it to Abbott or not give it to anyone." Australian are some of the most passionate gamblers in the world and have been so ever since Captain Cook discovered Australia in 1788. PartyGaming, Betfair, and Centrebet are understood to be the most popular online gaming brands in Australia. Crown Limited, Tabcorp and Tatts Group are the big 3 of land based gaming and gambling in Australia. Rumours persist that James Packer's Crown Limited may look to buy out Tabcorp in the coming years, but that is speculation. Australia is forecast to remain in the world's top 10 gaming countries for the foreseeable future.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
Sydney News Media Power Team Comment On Zeta Jones - Photography Scrap Via Channel Seven 'The Morning Show', by Eva Rinaldi - 28th February 2011
Today was a significant day in our professional and personal lives.
As some of you know, my background includes bodypainting, creative arts and education.
I've been a passionate photographer for over a decade, however today I was recognised as a professional photographer by both the mainstream news media in Australia and in the U.S.
The subject at hand was the relationship between photographers and paparazzi, celebrities, agents and other news media entities.
I was joined in the Channel Seven 'The Morning Show' studio with my agent and very good friend, Greg Tingle, plus Hollywood media expert and correspondent, Tomm Taylor. Hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies conducted the interview in forum style, and I was impressed how they covered the case in a fair and balanced capacity. I could tell how not only Greg but also Kylie was quite concerned for me, as I had decided to go public about getting roughed up at various press events including the Hall Pass red carpet that took place at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, just yesterday.
As various people have told me, "just another day in the office", but it shouldn't be that way. It's just wrong. Physical and verbal assault in the workplace should not be tolerated. It's not in most other industries. Granted, there's quite a few cowboys in the pro photography business including right here in Sydney, Australia, and I don't plan on being a "cowgirl", even if we do sometimes get treated like cattle at events.
The trigger point to the broadcast discussion was the recent altercation that Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglas suffered at the hands of the paparazzi while visiting London.
It reminded of an incident that happened quite a months back when the photographers crossed the line and disrespected me. I'm also familiar with some of the unsavory and unethical "art of war" tactics that some photographers use to try to get bad shots of celebrities. They sometimes swear at them and even use obscene body language gestures towards them. Sometimes I may suggest to some celebrities that they do something interesting on the red carpet (like kiss), which is a loving thing to share. I go out of my way to try to capture beautiful, warm and complimentary photographs. Sure, sometimes an Aussiewood or Hollywood goddess might wear a partly see-through dress or low cut top, with a good eyeful of cleavage, but that's their business. "Upskirts" are a no go zone, as are swearing, pushing, shoving and punching.
Back to the Zeta-Jones - Douglas story at hand... the lovely couple were visiting London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening. When returned from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Michael had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on. For those of you who don't know, the award winning actor has been winning his battle with cancer, and extra stress facilitated by unethical members of the press is the last thing they want or need. It reminded me somewhat of the way the late Princess Diana was treated by the press at times, and who can forget the terrible circumstances in which she died. Yes, some paps chased her and her partner on the road at high speed which increased the level of danger.
I don't preach or suggest that I have all of the solutions to the problem, however, any reasonable person could see that there's room for a ton of improvement as far as ethics and behavior go in and around the pro photography - celebrity spectrum. It appears that the only practical way to find some solutions to the issues are to build photography - press guidelines into law, which would be enforced by the likes of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and law courts of Australia. It's a business where money talks, and clearly proposed regulations will need to have more bite than bark.
I'm pleased to say that I still enjoy photography as much as ever, and I do not want or need special treatment just because I am a women. I just think all people should be treated with respect.
A big thank you to the Channel Seven team for making this possible.
Multimedia
Channel Seven 'The Morning Show': Greg Tingle, Eva Rinaldi and Tomm Taylor
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/24340132/zeta-jones-paparazzi-punch-up
Other
Fox 8
http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
Websites
The Morning Show
Michael Douglas (IMDB)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000140
Catherine Zeta-Jones (IMDB)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001876
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance
Media Man Int
Profiles
Channel Seven
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/ch7.html
Photography
Paparazzi
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man
As some of you know, my background includes bodypainting, creative arts and education.
I've been a passionate photographer for over a decade, however today I was recognised as a professional photographer by both the mainstream news media in Australia and in the U.S.
The subject at hand was the relationship between photographers and paparazzi, celebrities, agents and other news media entities.
I was joined in the Channel Seven 'The Morning Show' studio with my agent and very good friend, Greg Tingle, plus Hollywood media expert and correspondent, Tomm Taylor. Hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies conducted the interview in forum style, and I was impressed how they covered the case in a fair and balanced capacity. I could tell how not only Greg but also Kylie was quite concerned for me, as I had decided to go public about getting roughed up at various press events including the Hall Pass red carpet that took place at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, just yesterday.
As various people have told me, "just another day in the office", but it shouldn't be that way. It's just wrong. Physical and verbal assault in the workplace should not be tolerated. It's not in most other industries. Granted, there's quite a few cowboys in the pro photography business including right here in Sydney, Australia, and I don't plan on being a "cowgirl", even if we do sometimes get treated like cattle at events.
The trigger point to the broadcast discussion was the recent altercation that Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglas suffered at the hands of the paparazzi while visiting London.
It reminded of an incident that happened quite a months back when the photographers crossed the line and disrespected me. I'm also familiar with some of the unsavory and unethical "art of war" tactics that some photographers use to try to get bad shots of celebrities. They sometimes swear at them and even use obscene body language gestures towards them. Sometimes I may suggest to some celebrities that they do something interesting on the red carpet (like kiss), which is a loving thing to share. I go out of my way to try to capture beautiful, warm and complimentary photographs. Sure, sometimes an Aussiewood or Hollywood goddess might wear a partly see-through dress or low cut top, with a good eyeful of cleavage, but that's their business. "Upskirts" are a no go zone, as are swearing, pushing, shoving and punching.
Back to the Zeta-Jones - Douglas story at hand... the lovely couple were visiting London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening. When returned from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Michael had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on. For those of you who don't know, the award winning actor has been winning his battle with cancer, and extra stress facilitated by unethical members of the press is the last thing they want or need. It reminded me somewhat of the way the late Princess Diana was treated by the press at times, and who can forget the terrible circumstances in which she died. Yes, some paps chased her and her partner on the road at high speed which increased the level of danger.
I don't preach or suggest that I have all of the solutions to the problem, however, any reasonable person could see that there's room for a ton of improvement as far as ethics and behavior go in and around the pro photography - celebrity spectrum. It appears that the only practical way to find some solutions to the issues are to build photography - press guidelines into law, which would be enforced by the likes of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and law courts of Australia. It's a business where money talks, and clearly proposed regulations will need to have more bite than bark.
I'm pleased to say that I still enjoy photography as much as ever, and I do not want or need special treatment just because I am a women. I just think all people should be treated with respect.
A big thank you to the Channel Seven team for making this possible.
Multimedia
Channel Seven 'The Morning Show': Greg Tingle, Eva Rinaldi and Tomm Taylor
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/24340132/zeta-jones-paparazzi-punch-up
Other
Fox 8
http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
Websites
The Morning Show
Michael Douglas (IMDB)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000140
Catherine Zeta-Jones (IMDB)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001876
Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance
Media Man Int
Profiles
Channel Seven
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/ch7.html
Photography
Paparazzi
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Hall Pass Red Carpet Does Entertainment Quarter With Owen Wilson, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th February 2011
It was a bit of a case of crawl, walk and run today at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, for the Hall Pass red carpet event.
An insider growing inpatient with Owen Wilson's arrival joked when he finally arrived "He's doing the quarter mile sprint", he being not particularly keen to stop and speak with photographers.
A number of other celebs did the red carpet also including Nicky Whelan, the Farrelly Brothers, and my old friend Salvatore Coco from 'Heartbreak High' and 'Underbelly' fame.
Ok, I hear you want to know about the movie too...
Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best mates with lots of common ground, including both having been married for many years. Both men decide they want to "sex up" things and it isn't long before both of their respective wives (Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate) get dragged into the action and their fantasies. Each guys gets a "hall pass," which is in essence 1 week of freedom to do whatever they want...fantasies, including sex, with absolutely no questions asked. Rick and Fred lap and lick up the wonderful opportunity, but as things develop the fantasy and titillation starts to turn into a nightmare.
The film has received mix reviews, but maybe it might be just the thing to add a bit of spice and / of fantasy into your love life. No, I'm not endorsing it, but there is some entertainment value to be found here. Guys, not sure you would want to take your female friend on a first date to this flick, but if you want to test the emotions and open mind factor soon into your new liaison, maybe this is just the medicine. I'm in a generous mood so I'm going to give it 5 out of 10, and sorry, before you ask, thank you but I'm taken and not up for a 'Hall Pass'.
Websites
Hall Pass
The Entertainment Quarter
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man Int
An insider growing inpatient with Owen Wilson's arrival joked when he finally arrived "He's doing the quarter mile sprint", he being not particularly keen to stop and speak with photographers.
A number of other celebs did the red carpet also including Nicky Whelan, the Farrelly Brothers, and my old friend Salvatore Coco from 'Heartbreak High' and 'Underbelly' fame.
Ok, I hear you want to know about the movie too...
Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best mates with lots of common ground, including both having been married for many years. Both men decide they want to "sex up" things and it isn't long before both of their respective wives (Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate) get dragged into the action and their fantasies. Each guys gets a "hall pass," which is in essence 1 week of freedom to do whatever they want...fantasies, including sex, with absolutely no questions asked. Rick and Fred lap and lick up the wonderful opportunity, but as things develop the fantasy and titillation starts to turn into a nightmare.
The film has received mix reviews, but maybe it might be just the thing to add a bit of spice and / of fantasy into your love life. No, I'm not endorsing it, but there is some entertainment value to be found here. Guys, not sure you would want to take your female friend on a first date to this flick, but if you want to test the emotions and open mind factor soon into your new liaison, maybe this is just the medicine. I'm in a generous mood so I'm going to give it 5 out of 10, and sorry, before you ask, thank you but I'm taken and not up for a 'Hall Pass'.
Websites
Hall Pass
The Entertainment Quarter
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man Int
Catherine Zeta Jones And Michael Douglas Involved In Paparazzi Scuffle - 26th February 2011
Catherine Zeta Jones and her husband Michael Douglas were recently involved in a scuffle with paparazzi while in London.
The couple were in London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening.
When they came back from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Douglas had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on.
Catherine Zeta-Jones in Paparazzi Swarm: He Punched Me!...
A hushed crowd, poised to strike, waited as a sleek vehicle pulled up to a London hotel Thursday.
As the rear door cracked, camera shutters chattered and lights flashed, capturing Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas emerging.
Exclusive video from ET shows the pair slipping past the swarm to their hotel just feet away. Suddenly, angry shouts paint the picture of a paparazzi scuffle.
"He punched me!" Zeta-Jones exclaims from somewhere beyond the crowd.
ET's video continues with Douglas storming back at the photographers, demanding an explanation.
Watch below to see how it all pans out...
Credit: Fox 8 http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
Profiles
Photography
Paparazzi
Media Man
The couple were in London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening.
When they came back from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Douglas had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on.
Catherine Zeta-Jones in Paparazzi Swarm: He Punched Me!...
A hushed crowd, poised to strike, waited as a sleek vehicle pulled up to a London hotel Thursday.
As the rear door cracked, camera shutters chattered and lights flashed, capturing Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas emerging.
Exclusive video from ET shows the pair slipping past the swarm to their hotel just feet away. Suddenly, angry shouts paint the picture of a paparazzi scuffle.
"He punched me!" Zeta-Jones exclaims from somewhere beyond the crowd.
ET's video continues with Douglas storming back at the photographers, demanding an explanation.
Watch below to see how it all pans out...
Credit: Fox 8 http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
Profiles
Photography
Paparazzi
Media Man
PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
Media Man News Blog: News articles
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News articles
Hollywood And AussieWood Celebrity News, Wrestling, WWE Et Al - 13th March 2012
Hollywood And AussieWood Movie And Celebrity News
'Ocean's Eleven' voted greatest ever remake, Hollywood Celebrity News, Pro Wrestling Connection
Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis arm wrestle
Wrestling Legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper In Fancypants Movie
The Four Horsemen Including Ric Flair To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame 2012; Jim Ross Tweets
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Continues His Journey Towards WrestleMania Match With John Cena
What the Media has said about wrestling over the years
Hollywood And AussieWood Celebrity News, Wrestling, WWE Et Al - 13th March 2012
Hollywood And AussieWood Movie And Celebrity News
'Ocean's Eleven' voted greatest ever remake, Hollywood Celebrity News, Pro Wrestling Connection
Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis arm wrestle
Wrestling Legend "Rowdy" Roddy Piper In Fancypants Movie
The Four Horsemen Including Ric Flair To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall Of Fame 2012; Jim Ross Tweets
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Continues His Journey Towards WrestleMania Match With John Cena
What the Media has said about wrestling over the years
Australia And New Zealand Gaming Stocks; Beancounter Special, by Greg Tingle - 27th February 2011
G'day punters, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, beancounters and everyone else. Today we look at whose numbers are up, down and steady Media Man and Gambling911 with your beancounter special for the weekend...
Crown Limited Profit Up 33%...
James Packer’s Crown Ltd (ASX:CWN) has reported a 33% lift in its first half net profit. The casino, hotel and gaming operator says net profit increased to $153 million while revenue lifted just 0.8% to $1.2 billion in the 6 months to 31 December, 2010. Crown says growth in non-gaming and main floor gaming revenues at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne offset a weaker performance from VIPs. An interim dividend of 18 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Crown fell 1.79 per cent to close at $8.23.
SkyCity Entertainment: New Zealand Based Media Darling Attracting High Rollers; Boosting Profits...
High rolling VIP's greatly assisted a lift to NZ based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s revenue since New Year but its traditional gaming machine revenue is also growing strongly. SkyCity advised revenue in the first 6 weeks of the calendar year was up more than 9%. Chief exec Nigel 'Money Man' Morrison told the press stripping out its international, or VIP, business, revenue was up 6% or 7%. "International adds a bit of cream to that. Auckland, Hamilton, Darwin have all been good for us – Adelaide’s been flat." The Auckland casino, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of first-half operating earnings, had a rotten first quarter. Its first-half revenue was down slightly and operating earnings fell 3.6% to $96.9 million. The company said Auckland’s second-quarter gaming revenue was up 5% and that momentum has continued since. Operating earnings from its next biggest asset, its Darwin land based casino, fell 13.4% in Australian dollar terms, understood to reflect the impact of the smoking ban introduced in January last year. Morrison said historically it's taken between 18 months to 2 years for casinos to recover from the imposition of smoking bans. "If we can do it with 18 months we would be pretty pleased," he said. The modest Auckland and Darwin results contributed to a 5.5% fall in overall net profit to $67.1 million in the six months ended Dec. 31. The October increase in GST added nearly $3 million in costs while the year-on-year comparison was also damaged by earnings from the cinemas business, sold in February last year, being included in the year-earlier result. On a normalised basis, profit was up 2% while revenue rose 2.6% to $447.7 million. The latest results were more or less in line with analysts’ expectations and the company reiterated previous guidance that "we would be disappointed if we did not achieve normalised NPAT (net profit after tax) of $127.4 million for the 2011 financial year." Consensus forecasts are currently about $130 million for the full-year. Experts and industry analysts advise more time is needed to get the full picture of what's in store. In addition, the Chinese New Year period x factor and Oriental high roller whales and larger dolphins are in the mix of Sky City patrons. While the share market reacted negatively to begin with, marking down the shares 8 cents to $3.25, they gradually recovered and are currently 2 cents higher at $3.35. The shares have traded between $2.79 and $3.45 during the last 12 months. One of the firms smaller casinos, the Adelaide land based found its revenue up just 0.7% but its operating earnings were up 5.9%, boosted by strong 12% bar and restaurant sales growth which offset a 2.9% in revenue generated from gambling - gaming machines. Morrison advised the retail environment in Australia has softened and is especially weak in Adelaide. "It’s going to be pretty tough for the next six months at least." SkyCity’s Hamilton casino jumped earnings 3.1% while the contribution from its Queenstown and Christchurch operations was flat. The outfit is well advanced on a number of projects which will be completed in time for the expected flow of 85,000 plus visitors for the Rugby World Cup, Morrison said. SkyCity will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents per share, unchanged from last year, at the upper spectrum of the company’s policy to distribute between 60% and 70% of net profit. The company has introduced a dividend reinvestment plan allowing shareholders to take shares at either the market price or a discount up to 5% at the company’s discretion.
Sportingbet: Aussie - British Connection Serving Bottom Line Well...
We are not big fans of them, but you have to give the devil's their due. They are performing well, both in the UK and down under. Pommie online gambling co Sportingbet (SBT.L) reported an increase in second-quarter earnings on Thursday and said strong growth in Australia, Turkey and its emerging markets had offset weakness in Europe. The company said EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose to 14.5 million pounds ($23.5 million) in the three months to end January from 13.6 million the year before. "Strong growth in Australia, Emerging Markets and Turkey more than offset the recessionary weakness of Europe, particularly notable in our larger markets of Greece and Spain. This demonstrates the attractiveness of a geographically diverse operation," said chief executive Andy McIver. Sportingbet is paying an interim dividend of 0.6 pence, up from 0.5 pence the year before. Shares in Sportingbet closed on Thursday at 45 pence, valuing the business at 228 million pounds.
Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming Company Comeback Of The Decade?...
Go Aussie Go, who they have so quickly recovered from being down in the dumps (share price and image) over the past year or so is anyones guess (unless you might be too close for your own good), but you have to hand it to these guys. They even got the IGT (International Game Technology) legal case sorted (or stopped the leaks). Aristocrat Leisure has announced profits of $54.6 million for the 2010 full year and says its turnaround program is on-track to deliver growth in 2011. The operating profit was down from the $116.4 recorded for 2009 but in-line with its November guidance to the market. Aristocrat revealed that 2010 had been a challenging year for the group but added that the business was only 18 months into a 5-year turnaround program to deliver a much sustained improvement in performance. Significant headwinds, including the generally weak market conditions and ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, dampened reported results for 2010. CEO and managing director Jamie Odell said he was encouraged by the progress the company had seen in these markets where it has delivered new generation games and more competitive products with state of the art technology. "Our impressive widescreen innovation in North America helped the group achieve value and share growth in the outright sale segment in 2010, despite a double-digit fall in overall demand," he said. "The fee per day performance of our new gaming operations products is also very encouraging, and significantly ahead of the average fee per day performance of our legacy products. "Portfolio quality is key to performance improvement. As a result, we expect to continue to see faster progress in those markets such as North America where our turnaround program is more advanced, than Australia and Japan." Shares in Aristocrat have rallied since the announcement and were trading at $3.26 at 1pm today (Feb 25), up from $3.04 a full week days ago. The firm is looking good.
Other International Stocks (17th Feb): Credit Google News, Wires / Agencies...
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) slid 0.40% to $15. The stock has a 52-week range of $8.92-$16.94. The stock has average daily volume of 26.20 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $7.33 billion.
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ:MPEL) is down 0.48% to $7.30. Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and, through its subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The stock opened at $7.26 and is trading within the range of $7.25-$7.33.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) added 0.19% to $48.36. The stock has a 52-week range of $15.50-$55.47. The stock has average daily volume of 26.80 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $33.11 billion.
Boyd Gaming Corporation
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is up 0.69% to $11.70. The stock opened at $11.61 and is trading within the range of $11.55-$11.74.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Crown Limited Profit Up 33%...
James Packer’s Crown Ltd (ASX:CWN) has reported a 33% lift in its first half net profit. The casino, hotel and gaming operator says net profit increased to $153 million while revenue lifted just 0.8% to $1.2 billion in the 6 months to 31 December, 2010. Crown says growth in non-gaming and main floor gaming revenues at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne offset a weaker performance from VIPs. An interim dividend of 18 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Crown fell 1.79 per cent to close at $8.23.
SkyCity Entertainment: New Zealand Based Media Darling Attracting High Rollers; Boosting Profits...
High rolling VIP's greatly assisted a lift to NZ based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s revenue since New Year but its traditional gaming machine revenue is also growing strongly. SkyCity advised revenue in the first 6 weeks of the calendar year was up more than 9%. Chief exec Nigel 'Money Man' Morrison told the press stripping out its international, or VIP, business, revenue was up 6% or 7%. "International adds a bit of cream to that. Auckland, Hamilton, Darwin have all been good for us – Adelaide’s been flat." The Auckland casino, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of first-half operating earnings, had a rotten first quarter. Its first-half revenue was down slightly and operating earnings fell 3.6% to $96.9 million. The company said Auckland’s second-quarter gaming revenue was up 5% and that momentum has continued since. Operating earnings from its next biggest asset, its Darwin land based casino, fell 13.4% in Australian dollar terms, understood to reflect the impact of the smoking ban introduced in January last year. Morrison said historically it's taken between 18 months to 2 years for casinos to recover from the imposition of smoking bans. "If we can do it with 18 months we would be pretty pleased," he said. The modest Auckland and Darwin results contributed to a 5.5% fall in overall net profit to $67.1 million in the six months ended Dec. 31. The October increase in GST added nearly $3 million in costs while the year-on-year comparison was also damaged by earnings from the cinemas business, sold in February last year, being included in the year-earlier result. On a normalised basis, profit was up 2% while revenue rose 2.6% to $447.7 million. The latest results were more or less in line with analysts’ expectations and the company reiterated previous guidance that "we would be disappointed if we did not achieve normalised NPAT (net profit after tax) of $127.4 million for the 2011 financial year." Consensus forecasts are currently about $130 million for the full-year. Experts and industry analysts advise more time is needed to get the full picture of what's in store. In addition, the Chinese New Year period x factor and Oriental high roller whales and larger dolphins are in the mix of Sky City patrons. While the share market reacted negatively to begin with, marking down the shares 8 cents to $3.25, they gradually recovered and are currently 2 cents higher at $3.35. The shares have traded between $2.79 and $3.45 during the last 12 months. One of the firms smaller casinos, the Adelaide land based found its revenue up just 0.7% but its operating earnings were up 5.9%, boosted by strong 12% bar and restaurant sales growth which offset a 2.9% in revenue generated from gambling - gaming machines. Morrison advised the retail environment in Australia has softened and is especially weak in Adelaide. "It’s going to be pretty tough for the next six months at least." SkyCity’s Hamilton casino jumped earnings 3.1% while the contribution from its Queenstown and Christchurch operations was flat. The outfit is well advanced on a number of projects which will be completed in time for the expected flow of 85,000 plus visitors for the Rugby World Cup, Morrison said. SkyCity will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents per share, unchanged from last year, at the upper spectrum of the company’s policy to distribute between 60% and 70% of net profit. The company has introduced a dividend reinvestment plan allowing shareholders to take shares at either the market price or a discount up to 5% at the company’s discretion.
Sportingbet: Aussie - British Connection Serving Bottom Line Well...
We are not big fans of them, but you have to give the devil's their due. They are performing well, both in the UK and down under. Pommie online gambling co Sportingbet (SBT.L) reported an increase in second-quarter earnings on Thursday and said strong growth in Australia, Turkey and its emerging markets had offset weakness in Europe. The company said EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose to 14.5 million pounds ($23.5 million) in the three months to end January from 13.6 million the year before. "Strong growth in Australia, Emerging Markets and Turkey more than offset the recessionary weakness of Europe, particularly notable in our larger markets of Greece and Spain. This demonstrates the attractiveness of a geographically diverse operation," said chief executive Andy McIver. Sportingbet is paying an interim dividend of 0.6 pence, up from 0.5 pence the year before. Shares in Sportingbet closed on Thursday at 45 pence, valuing the business at 228 million pounds.
Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming Company Comeback Of The Decade?...
Go Aussie Go, who they have so quickly recovered from being down in the dumps (share price and image) over the past year or so is anyones guess (unless you might be too close for your own good), but you have to hand it to these guys. They even got the IGT (International Game Technology) legal case sorted (or stopped the leaks). Aristocrat Leisure has announced profits of $54.6 million for the 2010 full year and says its turnaround program is on-track to deliver growth in 2011. The operating profit was down from the $116.4 recorded for 2009 but in-line with its November guidance to the market. Aristocrat revealed that 2010 had been a challenging year for the group but added that the business was only 18 months into a 5-year turnaround program to deliver a much sustained improvement in performance. Significant headwinds, including the generally weak market conditions and ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, dampened reported results for 2010. CEO and managing director Jamie Odell said he was encouraged by the progress the company had seen in these markets where it has delivered new generation games and more competitive products with state of the art technology. "Our impressive widescreen innovation in North America helped the group achieve value and share growth in the outright sale segment in 2010, despite a double-digit fall in overall demand," he said. "The fee per day performance of our new gaming operations products is also very encouraging, and significantly ahead of the average fee per day performance of our legacy products. "Portfolio quality is key to performance improvement. As a result, we expect to continue to see faster progress in those markets such as North America where our turnaround program is more advanced, than Australia and Japan." Shares in Aristocrat have rallied since the announcement and were trading at $3.26 at 1pm today (Feb 25), up from $3.04 a full week days ago. The firm is looking good.
Other International Stocks (17th Feb): Credit Google News, Wires / Agencies...
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) slid 0.40% to $15. The stock has a 52-week range of $8.92-$16.94. The stock has average daily volume of 26.20 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $7.33 billion.
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ:MPEL) is down 0.48% to $7.30. Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and, through its subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The stock opened at $7.26 and is trading within the range of $7.25-$7.33.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) added 0.19% to $48.36. The stock has a 52-week range of $15.50-$55.47. The stock has average daily volume of 26.80 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $33.11 billion.
Boyd Gaming Corporation
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is up 0.69% to $11.70. The stock opened at $11.61 and is trading within the range of $11.55-$11.74.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
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