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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Financial Heads Up...
Wednesday could be one for the gamblers with online gaming operators Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment and 888 Holdings both reporting.
888 has already revealed its revenue figure for the first half – it made $153.m, an improvement of 18.1% on a year earlier. Panmure Gordon thinks earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will be up 52% from last year at $19.1m, giving earnings per share of 4.5 cents.
“With the strong start to Q3 and, despite the planned increased investment, we believe the risk to our forecasts is on the upside,” the broker added.
As for Bwin.Party, UBS thinks the company will report a drab set of figures, with first half revenues of €425m. Even that is better than Panmure Gordon is expecting; the latter is predicting revenue of €410m.
Bwin.Party And 888 Update - 31st August 2011...
888’s rival bwin.party digital saw its shares rally 15.3p to 125.3p, as investors warmed to its first set of results since it was created by the merger of PartyGaming and Austria’s bwin earlier this year.
The numbers revealed cost savings from the deal would be £8.9m more than expected and recent trading had been strong.
But it plunged to a half-year loss of £27m from profits of £53m after a £54.4m accounting charge.
The half-year dividend is 1.56p. Bwin.party said it was benefiting from the suspension of rival Full Tilt Poker’s license.
It hopes the US may one day reopen its doors. In the meantime, it is grappling with increased regulation in some European markets and the higher taxes this brings.
Bwin blames poker for drop in profits...
Online gaming firm Bwin.party revealed a drop in profits after it was dealt a blow from greater competition in poker markets.
The owner of PartyCasino, Foxy Bingo and PartyPoker said like-for-like revenues dropped three per cent to 398 million euros (£352.2 million) in the six months to June 30.
In its first set of results since the merger of Bwin and PartyGaming in March, the group said it came up against stronger comparatives with the previous year, which was boosted by the World Cup.
Revenues at its poker business declined 10 per cent to 104.9 million euros (£92.8 million) amid greater competition, including a campaign from rival 888 fronted by former Australian cricketer Shane Warne.
Underlying profits fell 21 per cent to 72.4 million euros (£64.1 million) after the group, which generates a quarter of its income in Germany, was hit by increased gaming duties as it launched in newly regulated markets.
Bwin said the number of new poker players signing up to its brands increased six per cent to 373,700 in the period, but active player days were down 11 per cent.
Revenues at its bingo arm were down eight per cent to 33 million euros (£29.2 million) amid intense competition in the UK, while sports betting revenues were down two per cent. But its casino and poker division saw revenues increase two per cent to 124.3 million euros.
*The writer has conducted b2 with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment
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Friday, September 02, 2011
THQ Announces Release of Casino Chaos
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One of the world’s leading developers of interactive entertainment software, THQ Inc., confirmed the release of Casino Chaos this week.
This time management game is set to give players a taste of what it is like to manage the floor of a Las Vegas casino. The player will take on the challenging job of turning around the fortunes of casinos and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The overall objective of the game is to earn the casinos more money and you can do that by getting the guests to gamble more and spend more.
Casino Chaos will include some fantastic features such as:
- 10 different types of customers to interact with.
- 10 levels of difficulty.
- 5 hotel themes to choose from including Caribbean, Egyptian, Medieval, Rock n Roll and Roman.
- Bonus Games such as Blackjack at the end of every level.
- 5 Mini-Games including Roulette, Slots and Craps.
THQ Inc. are the developers responsible for such classic console smash hits as Red Faction, Company of Heroes and the long-running successful World Wrestling Entertainment franchise.
This latest release is set to give players the chance to take a hands-on role in the day-to-day running of a Las Vegas casino floor. It will give players the opportunity to understand how the casinos work and will also offer players an insight into what makes a casino tick.
Casino Chaos is available to purchase from retails outlets now.
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One of the world’s leading developers of interactive entertainment software, THQ Inc., confirmed the release of Casino Chaos this week.
This time management game is set to give players a taste of what it is like to manage the floor of a Las Vegas casino. The player will take on the challenging job of turning around the fortunes of casinos and hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The overall objective of the game is to earn the casinos more money and you can do that by getting the guests to gamble more and spend more.
Casino Chaos will include some fantastic features such as:
- 10 different types of customers to interact with.
- 10 levels of difficulty.
- 5 hotel themes to choose from including Caribbean, Egyptian, Medieval, Rock n Roll and Roman.
- Bonus Games such as Blackjack at the end of every level.
- 5 Mini-Games including Roulette, Slots and Craps.
THQ Inc. are the developers responsible for such classic console smash hits as Red Faction, Company of Heroes and the long-running successful World Wrestling Entertainment franchise.
This latest release is set to give players the chance to take a hands-on role in the day-to-day running of a Las Vegas casino floor. It will give players the opportunity to understand how the casinos work and will also offer players an insight into what makes a casino tick.
Casino Chaos is available to purchase from retails outlets now.
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Virgin Casino Launches New Retro Reels Game
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This week, Virgin Casino has launched a new slots game, Retro Reels, Diamond Glitz and to celebrate this launch it is offering its ever-popular slots wagering promotions. Players you wish to win huge amounts should try their luck on this game. All the players who do so this week will receive a bonus worth GBP650.
This Retro Ritz, Diamond Glitz promotion has started on 30th of August and will continue until 2nd of September. You can also win cash bonus, but for that, you have to wager at least GBP500 on any of the featured slots games. Higher the wager bigger will be the bonus you can win.
Slots games that are featured for this promotion include some of the very popular slots games such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Bejeweled 2 and the new Retro Reels, Diamond Glitz. For any other detail, visit Virgin Casino today.
Virgin Casino has become one of the most popular online gambling venues today. You will be satisfied with their supreme casino games and innovative bonus offers.
*Sorry, no US, Canadian or Australian players. See World Casino Directory.
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This week, Virgin Casino has launched a new slots game, Retro Reels, Diamond Glitz and to celebrate this launch it is offering its ever-popular slots wagering promotions. Players you wish to win huge amounts should try their luck on this game. All the players who do so this week will receive a bonus worth GBP650.
This Retro Ritz, Diamond Glitz promotion has started on 30th of August and will continue until 2nd of September. You can also win cash bonus, but for that, you have to wager at least GBP500 on any of the featured slots games. Higher the wager bigger will be the bonus you can win.
Slots games that are featured for this promotion include some of the very popular slots games such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Bejeweled 2 and the new Retro Reels, Diamond Glitz. For any other detail, visit Virgin Casino today.
Virgin Casino has become one of the most popular online gambling venues today. You will be satisfied with their supreme casino games and innovative bonus offers.
*Sorry, no US, Canadian or Australian players. See World Casino Directory.
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Thursday, September 01, 2011
www.mediaman.com.au is a Hitwise Top 10 Award Winner! Experian Hitwise Online Top 10 Awards Program
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Dear Greg,
Congratulations! Experian Hitwise is pleased to announce that www.mediaman.com.au is an Experian Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for January - June.
During this period, www.mediaman.com.au ranked No. 8 based on market share of visits among all Australian websites in the Hitwise Entertainment - Personalities industry.
The Hitwise Top 10 Award recognises websites from over 165 industries that are leaders in their industry and brings with it the benefit of using the Hitwise Top 10 Award shield (pictured right).
If you would like to display the award shield on your website please click on the image (or this link) and follow the instructions. To ensure that the purpose of the award is clear, display of the shield is permitted on the condition that a hyperlink to its explanation is included.
If you are not the appropriate person to receive this email, please click here to enter the details of the relevant recipient in your company.
Again, congratulations on your award.
Best regards,
Robyn Anderson
Marketing Communications Manager, ANZ
Experian
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Experian Hitwise Online Top 10 Awards Program
Dear Greg,
Congratulations! Experian Hitwise is pleased to announce that www.mediaman.com.au is an Experian Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for January - June.
During this period, www.mediaman.com.au ranked No. 8 based on market share of visits among all Australian websites in the Hitwise Entertainment - Personalities industry.
The Hitwise Top 10 Award recognises websites from over 165 industries that are leaders in their industry and brings with it the benefit of using the Hitwise Top 10 Award shield (pictured right).
If you would like to display the award shield on your website please click on the image (or this link) and follow the instructions. To ensure that the purpose of the award is clear, display of the shield is permitted on the condition that a hyperlink to its explanation is included.
If you are not the appropriate person to receive this email, please click here to enter the details of the relevant recipient in your company.
Again, congratulations on your award.
Best regards,
Robyn Anderson
Marketing Communications Manager, ANZ
Experian
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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Making Friends In United States: California, New Jersey, Florida, by Greg Tingle - 1st September 2011
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Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award'...
PartyCasino.com has once again won the Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award. Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com picked up 2nd place, while new entrant into the Asia Pacific Region, Grand Reef Online Casino picks up 3rd. Well done to all brands.
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Continues To Make Friends In U.S Market; Talks Well Developed...
In a recent interview with eGaming Review, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Co-CEO, Jim Ryan, advised re his firm's goal to enter the lucrative US market: “We have made the decision to target strategic partners. At federal level, we are finalising agreements with a couple of parties positioned nicely to operate in that market. In California, we are well advanced with a particular party. The same in New Jersey, consistent with where we are at a federal level.”
California’s legislator announced it will not be pursuing the issue until the start of next year, quite possibly after federal legislation is enacted.
New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak introduced new draft legislation earlier month. His previous proposal made it all the way to Governor Chris Christie’s desk before Christie announced he would not be signing off in the final minutes of a deadline. The Governor cited specifics in the bill that Lesniak believes the latest incarnation addresses.
Media Man is following up the situation.
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Talk Of The Town...
Earlier this year, PartyGaming and bwin merged to create Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, which is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol BPTY. In an news article that appeared in The Independent last Tuesday, it was noted that since the two online gaming giants merged, the combined company’s share price has dipped by nearly half. While part of the drop might be due to a slowing economic environment worldwide and so no action might be needed, other entities felt that an infusion could be in the offing. The news outlet cautioned, however, that investors might wait for the gaming environment in the United States to be sorted out first: "Not everyone agreed with the chatter, however, with one trader saying acquisitions in the sector were unlikely until there was further clarification over the potential regulation of online gambling in the U.S."
Despite the merger, PartyPoker.com remains the flagship site of its own network, while bwin makes its home on the Ongame Network alongside rooms such as Betfair.
Caesars Entertainment, one of the principal competitors of Wynn Resorts, has partnered with 888, also a publicly traded company in London. Prior to Black Friday, Full Tilt Poker teamed up with Fertitta Interactive, whose ownership group has strong ties to Station Casinos. Along with the PokerStars - Wynn deal, the latter fell by the wayside once the U.S. Department of Justice took action in April. Other members of TwoPlusTwo continued to cast doubt on the validity of The Independent’s report. One player wrote, "Party has never had any interest in selling. This feels like an absolute recycle of the previous such rumor that they were going to be bought out by Harrah’s. Unsurprisingly, it turns out there was never such a thing on the table and the only connection was former Party CEO Mitch Garber moving to Caesars Interactive." Rumors have also persisted that the Ongame Network could be sold outright. To that end, Sharecast.com noted in a recent article, "Bwin.Party, the world's largest online gaming group, already has its poker network, Ongame, on the auction block. The sale is expected to generate between 20M and 30M Euros ($28.5m to $42.7m), a modest figure reflecting the loss of players the network will incur through the sale." But could a deal between Wynn and Bwin.Party be finalized before online poker is legalized in the United States? And will it matter? This week, the New York Post published an article stating that online poker legislation could be coming sooner rather than later. One source told the Post, "I think there is becoming a feeling in Congress that this is something that needs to be regulated and be done. I believe there is a possibility a bill will pass towards the end of the year." Media Man will be following the story with weekly reports.
FTSE 250 Movers: Bwin.party bid may be on the cards...
Bwin.party Digital Entertainment saw its share price head north as rumours persist that a US company has it in its sights.
Casinos operator Wynn Resorts is one name in the frame, with a take-out price of 170p per share being talked about.
Bwin.party, the world's largest online gaming group, already has its US poker network, OnGame, on the auction block.
The sale is expected to generate between 20m and 30m euros ($28.5m to $42.7m), a modest figure reflecting the loss of players the network will encur through the sale.
Irish mining company Kenmare Resources was rapidly heading back down following a rally of 7.5% on Monday on the back of a tip in the Daily Telegraph which declared Kenmare a "bargain share".
FTSE 250 - Risers
Bwin.party Digital Entertainment (BPTY) 112.50p +6.43%
Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award'...
PartyCasino.com has once again won the Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award. Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com picked up 2nd place, while new entrant into the Asia Pacific Region, Grand Reef Online Casino picks up 3rd. Well done to all brands.
Betfair Poaches Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Executive...
A talent war of sorts has broken out between Bwin.Party and Betfair, with Betfair scoring the most recent strike.
Betfair has by all accounts poached bwin.party’s central marketing director Matt Robinson to become the firm's emerging markets director, a new role created for the top notch gaming executive.
Robinson, who has been at PartyGaming, today known as bwin.party, for two years and was previously at 888 for six years launching the brand in the UK, will join the betting exchange in September reporting to chief commercial officer Niall Wass.
Media Man wishes him well, and holds both Bwin.Party and Betfair in high regard.
*The writer has conducted b2 with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment and Betfair.
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Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award'...
PartyCasino.com has once again won the Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award. Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com picked up 2nd place, while new entrant into the Asia Pacific Region, Grand Reef Online Casino picks up 3rd. Well done to all brands.
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Continues To Make Friends In U.S Market; Talks Well Developed...
In a recent interview with eGaming Review, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Co-CEO, Jim Ryan, advised re his firm's goal to enter the lucrative US market: “We have made the decision to target strategic partners. At federal level, we are finalising agreements with a couple of parties positioned nicely to operate in that market. In California, we are well advanced with a particular party. The same in New Jersey, consistent with where we are at a federal level.”
California’s legislator announced it will not be pursuing the issue until the start of next year, quite possibly after federal legislation is enacted.
New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak introduced new draft legislation earlier month. His previous proposal made it all the way to Governor Chris Christie’s desk before Christie announced he would not be signing off in the final minutes of a deadline. The Governor cited specifics in the bill that Lesniak believes the latest incarnation addresses.
Media Man is following up the situation.
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Talk Of The Town...
Earlier this year, PartyGaming and bwin merged to create Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, which is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol BPTY. In an news article that appeared in The Independent last Tuesday, it was noted that since the two online gaming giants merged, the combined company’s share price has dipped by nearly half. While part of the drop might be due to a slowing economic environment worldwide and so no action might be needed, other entities felt that an infusion could be in the offing. The news outlet cautioned, however, that investors might wait for the gaming environment in the United States to be sorted out first: "Not everyone agreed with the chatter, however, with one trader saying acquisitions in the sector were unlikely until there was further clarification over the potential regulation of online gambling in the U.S."
Despite the merger, PartyPoker.com remains the flagship site of its own network, while bwin makes its home on the Ongame Network alongside rooms such as Betfair.
Caesars Entertainment, one of the principal competitors of Wynn Resorts, has partnered with 888, also a publicly traded company in London. Prior to Black Friday, Full Tilt Poker teamed up with Fertitta Interactive, whose ownership group has strong ties to Station Casinos. Along with the PokerStars - Wynn deal, the latter fell by the wayside once the U.S. Department of Justice took action in April. Other members of TwoPlusTwo continued to cast doubt on the validity of The Independent’s report. One player wrote, "Party has never had any interest in selling. This feels like an absolute recycle of the previous such rumor that they were going to be bought out by Harrah’s. Unsurprisingly, it turns out there was never such a thing on the table and the only connection was former Party CEO Mitch Garber moving to Caesars Interactive." Rumors have also persisted that the Ongame Network could be sold outright. To that end, Sharecast.com noted in a recent article, "Bwin.Party, the world's largest online gaming group, already has its poker network, Ongame, on the auction block. The sale is expected to generate between 20M and 30M Euros ($28.5m to $42.7m), a modest figure reflecting the loss of players the network will incur through the sale." But could a deal between Wynn and Bwin.Party be finalized before online poker is legalized in the United States? And will it matter? This week, the New York Post published an article stating that online poker legislation could be coming sooner rather than later. One source told the Post, "I think there is becoming a feeling in Congress that this is something that needs to be regulated and be done. I believe there is a possibility a bill will pass towards the end of the year." Media Man will be following the story with weekly reports.
FTSE 250 Movers: Bwin.party bid may be on the cards...
Bwin.party Digital Entertainment saw its share price head north as rumours persist that a US company has it in its sights.
Casinos operator Wynn Resorts is one name in the frame, with a take-out price of 170p per share being talked about.
Bwin.party, the world's largest online gaming group, already has its US poker network, OnGame, on the auction block.
The sale is expected to generate between 20m and 30m euros ($28.5m to $42.7m), a modest figure reflecting the loss of players the network will encur through the sale.
Irish mining company Kenmare Resources was rapidly heading back down following a rally of 7.5% on Monday on the back of a tip in the Daily Telegraph which declared Kenmare a "bargain share".
FTSE 250 - Risers
Bwin.party Digital Entertainment (BPTY) 112.50p +6.43%
Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award'...
PartyCasino.com has once again won the Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award. Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com picked up 2nd place, while new entrant into the Asia Pacific Region, Grand Reef Online Casino picks up 3rd. Well done to all brands.
Betfair Poaches Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Executive...
A talent war of sorts has broken out between Bwin.Party and Betfair, with Betfair scoring the most recent strike.
Betfair has by all accounts poached bwin.party’s central marketing director Matt Robinson to become the firm's emerging markets director, a new role created for the top notch gaming executive.
Robinson, who has been at PartyGaming, today known as bwin.party, for two years and was previously at 888 for six years launching the brand in the UK, will join the betting exchange in September reporting to chief commercial officer Niall Wass.
Media Man wishes him well, and holds both Bwin.Party and Betfair in high regard.
*The writer has conducted b2 with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment and Betfair.
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Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Crown Casino - Crown Limited punts $1.5bn to fend off competition, by Greg Tingle - 26th August 2011
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Crown is counting on on a $1.5 billion capital expenditure program at its Australian land based casinos to help lift earnings in the second half of 2012 and beyond to help offset the impact of increased competition on Australian soil and offshore.
The James Packer-backed company reported a 15 per cent increase in annual net profit to $335.9 million, struck on a 3 per cent increase in revenue to $2.41bn.
It declared a final dividend of 19c a share, 50 per cent franked.
However, the profit increase was largely underpinned by a better-than-expected result from the Macau-based Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL) joint venture, in which Crown holds a 33.4 per cent stake.
Crown's actual share of MPEL's bumper earnings was $34.9m for 2011, normalised to $19.2m when taking into account the win rate on VIP program play, compared with Crown's $69.5m share of MPEL's loss last year.
Macau's year-on-year gaming revenue growth in the seven months to July was 45.2 per cent.
But results at Crown's Australian casinos - Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth - were largely flat in 2011 as they battled increased competition from new casinos in Singapore, softening consumer sentiment and refurbishment disruptions.
"We expect the impact of Singapore, we will continue to feel that, and obviously it is a question of how we can replace that business with new business out of China and new business out of Singapore," Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie said yesterday.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation at Burswood was $176.2m in 2011, down from $183.5m a year earlier. Mr Craigie said Burswood's earnings would remain under pressure until the completion of the refurbishment program of the casino's VIP facilities, which is due by Christmas. "Burswood is playing in this game with one hand tied behind its back, given Macau and Singapore have largely completed their cap-ex programs. Burswood is yet to complete theirs," Mr Craigie said.
Analysts yesterday were generally happy with the group's result.
"We view Crown's FY11 slightly ahead of consensus result as sound," Deutsche Bank told clients. However, Crown shares closed 2.7 per cent lower at $7.87.
Mr Craigie said main gaming floor revenue growth for the start of the new financial year to date in the group's Australian casinos was 3.8 per cent, and non-gaming revenue was up 7.4 per cent.
This is in contrast to Echo Entertainment, owner of Sydney's Star City casino and Jupiters casino on the Gold Coast, which last week reported revenue growth of 8 per cent in the year to date. Echo is confident a landmark $1bn facelift for Star City will significantly boost revenues in the second half of next year, but Mr Craigie played down the competitive threat to Crown.
Crown also revealed it would buy back up to 30 million shares or 4 per cent of its issued equity.
The buyback is expected to lift Mr Packer's 43 per cent stake in Crown.
Crown continues to hold a 4.9 per cent stake in both Echo Entertainment and Tabcorp.
The stakes were acquired before the Tabcorp demerger.
Analysts said the announcement of a buyback indicated Crown had no intention to move on either company.
"Crown has stated it has no intention of increasing its holding in either, and the announcement on the buyback would seem to confirm this," Citi analysts said.
Crown says it intends to appoint former Howard government minister Helen Coonan as an additional independent non-executive director.
Crown feels heat from Singapore...
Casinos operator Crown Ltd says it is feeling the effect of competition from new casinos in Singapore.
But the company may be in a better position when extensive refurbishments of its Melbourne and Perth casinos are completed.
"We expect to continue to feel the impact of Singapore, and it's a question as to how we can replace that business with new business out of China and also new business out of Singapore,'' Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie said yesterday.
"We have programs in place to pursue both those objectives."
Crown yesterday reported a 14.9 per cent rise in annual net profit to $335.9 million for the 12 months to June 30, boosted by a $34.9 million gain from its 33 per cent stake in casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment in Macau.
The Crown casino in Melbourne and Burswood casino in Perth had a mixed performance as operations continued to be disrupted by renovations.
Crown has spent about $1.5 billion in capital expenditure from 2007 to 2011 and will spend about $540 million on Crown and Burswood in the 2012 financial year.
Crown also said that in the second half of the 2010-11 financial year, a few areas of its Australian operations had been affected by a softening in consumer sentiment.
Both casinos were affected by competition from two new casino-resorts that opened in Singapore.
Burswood casino experienced a 32.3 per cent fall in revenue from VIP gamblers as Burswood's new VIP facilities were not yet finished, and Asian high-rollers decided to carry out their betting in Singapore.
Mr Craigie said Singaporean gamblers now had options of close-to-home casinos and did not have to travel to Macau or Australia to gamble.
"That needs to be factored into the business, going forward, but the good news is the VIP market continues to grow strongly, courtesy of China," Mr Craigie said.
He said that it had to borne in mind that the refurbishments in Melbourne and Perth were still to be completed.
"So Perth is playing in this game with one hand tied behind its back," Mr Craigie said.
He declined to provide estimates of Burswood's future VIP revenue but said: "I think you could say we're looking forward to the Burswood VIP (refurbishment) program to be completed.
"If the Burswood VIP assets are completed by Christmas, and we think they will be, I probably wouldn't have to be Einstein to suggest that Burswood, going forward, is probably going to do better than Burswood has in the last 12 months."
Mr Craigie said the 2011 results reflected a "reasonable" performance from the Australian casinos in the non-VIP businesses.
Main-floor gaming generated revenue growth of 5.6 per cent.
Non-gaming revenue grew by 10.6 per cent, benefiting from the first full year of operation if the Crown Metropol hotel in Melbourne.
Mr Craigie said the Melco Crown Entertainment joint venture in Macau continued to improve its performance and was the major contributor to the profit growth of the group.
Crown said that in trading across both its casinos from July 1 to August 18, main-floor gaming revenue had grown by 3.8 per cent and non-gaming revenue was up 7.4 per cent.
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Crown is counting on on a $1.5 billion capital expenditure program at its Australian land based casinos to help lift earnings in the second half of 2012 and beyond to help offset the impact of increased competition on Australian soil and offshore.
The James Packer-backed company reported a 15 per cent increase in annual net profit to $335.9 million, struck on a 3 per cent increase in revenue to $2.41bn.
It declared a final dividend of 19c a share, 50 per cent franked.
However, the profit increase was largely underpinned by a better-than-expected result from the Macau-based Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL) joint venture, in which Crown holds a 33.4 per cent stake.
Crown's actual share of MPEL's bumper earnings was $34.9m for 2011, normalised to $19.2m when taking into account the win rate on VIP program play, compared with Crown's $69.5m share of MPEL's loss last year.
Macau's year-on-year gaming revenue growth in the seven months to July was 45.2 per cent.
But results at Crown's Australian casinos - Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth - were largely flat in 2011 as they battled increased competition from new casinos in Singapore, softening consumer sentiment and refurbishment disruptions.
"We expect the impact of Singapore, we will continue to feel that, and obviously it is a question of how we can replace that business with new business out of China and new business out of Singapore," Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie said yesterday.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation at Burswood was $176.2m in 2011, down from $183.5m a year earlier. Mr Craigie said Burswood's earnings would remain under pressure until the completion of the refurbishment program of the casino's VIP facilities, which is due by Christmas. "Burswood is playing in this game with one hand tied behind its back, given Macau and Singapore have largely completed their cap-ex programs. Burswood is yet to complete theirs," Mr Craigie said.
Analysts yesterday were generally happy with the group's result.
"We view Crown's FY11 slightly ahead of consensus result as sound," Deutsche Bank told clients. However, Crown shares closed 2.7 per cent lower at $7.87.
Mr Craigie said main gaming floor revenue growth for the start of the new financial year to date in the group's Australian casinos was 3.8 per cent, and non-gaming revenue was up 7.4 per cent.
This is in contrast to Echo Entertainment, owner of Sydney's Star City casino and Jupiters casino on the Gold Coast, which last week reported revenue growth of 8 per cent in the year to date. Echo is confident a landmark $1bn facelift for Star City will significantly boost revenues in the second half of next year, but Mr Craigie played down the competitive threat to Crown.
Crown also revealed it would buy back up to 30 million shares or 4 per cent of its issued equity.
The buyback is expected to lift Mr Packer's 43 per cent stake in Crown.
Crown continues to hold a 4.9 per cent stake in both Echo Entertainment and Tabcorp.
The stakes were acquired before the Tabcorp demerger.
Analysts said the announcement of a buyback indicated Crown had no intention to move on either company.
"Crown has stated it has no intention of increasing its holding in either, and the announcement on the buyback would seem to confirm this," Citi analysts said.
Crown says it intends to appoint former Howard government minister Helen Coonan as an additional independent non-executive director.
Crown feels heat from Singapore...
Casinos operator Crown Ltd says it is feeling the effect of competition from new casinos in Singapore.
But the company may be in a better position when extensive refurbishments of its Melbourne and Perth casinos are completed.
"We expect to continue to feel the impact of Singapore, and it's a question as to how we can replace that business with new business out of China and also new business out of Singapore,'' Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie said yesterday.
"We have programs in place to pursue both those objectives."
Crown yesterday reported a 14.9 per cent rise in annual net profit to $335.9 million for the 12 months to June 30, boosted by a $34.9 million gain from its 33 per cent stake in casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment in Macau.
The Crown casino in Melbourne and Burswood casino in Perth had a mixed performance as operations continued to be disrupted by renovations.
Crown has spent about $1.5 billion in capital expenditure from 2007 to 2011 and will spend about $540 million on Crown and Burswood in the 2012 financial year.
Crown also said that in the second half of the 2010-11 financial year, a few areas of its Australian operations had been affected by a softening in consumer sentiment.
Both casinos were affected by competition from two new casino-resorts that opened in Singapore.
Burswood casino experienced a 32.3 per cent fall in revenue from VIP gamblers as Burswood's new VIP facilities were not yet finished, and Asian high-rollers decided to carry out their betting in Singapore.
Mr Craigie said Singaporean gamblers now had options of close-to-home casinos and did not have to travel to Macau or Australia to gamble.
"That needs to be factored into the business, going forward, but the good news is the VIP market continues to grow strongly, courtesy of China," Mr Craigie said.
He said that it had to borne in mind that the refurbishments in Melbourne and Perth were still to be completed.
"So Perth is playing in this game with one hand tied behind its back," Mr Craigie said.
He declined to provide estimates of Burswood's future VIP revenue but said: "I think you could say we're looking forward to the Burswood VIP (refurbishment) program to be completed.
"If the Burswood VIP assets are completed by Christmas, and we think they will be, I probably wouldn't have to be Einstein to suggest that Burswood, going forward, is probably going to do better than Burswood has in the last 12 months."
Mr Craigie said the 2011 results reflected a "reasonable" performance from the Australian casinos in the non-VIP businesses.
Main-floor gaming generated revenue growth of 5.6 per cent.
Non-gaming revenue grew by 10.6 per cent, benefiting from the first full year of operation if the Crown Metropol hotel in Melbourne.
Mr Craigie said the Melco Crown Entertainment joint venture in Macau continued to improve its performance and was the major contributor to the profit growth of the group.
Crown said that in trading across both its casinos from July 1 to August 18, main-floor gaming revenue had grown by 3.8 per cent and non-gaming revenue was up 7.4 per cent.
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Sydney Reveals Its New Darling: The Star
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The Darling, Sydney's newest hotel, will breathe new life into the Sydney hotel landscape when it opens in October 2011. Nestled on the edge of Sydney harbour, The Darling will exemplify attention to detail, making this imaginative gem an indulgent and relaxing experience. The boutique accommodation will boast panoramic views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and out to the Blue Mountains.
The Darling will include 171 stylish rooms and suites, with the top floors dedicated to the ultimate in luxury, featuring two bedroom penthouse suites. The suites, uniquely designed by renowned LA designer, Lawrence Lee, feature floor-to-ceiling Sydney harbour views, bespoke furniture, fireplaces, media rooms, butler service and a private VIP arrival.
The Darling is a key feature in the $860 million refurbishment and extension of The Star, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination and a strong addition to Sydney’s overall leisure landscape. The entire complex will be re-orientated to face Darling Harbour, plus will introduce over 20 new bars, cafes and restaurants, a shopping area and a fully refurbished casino when it re-opens towards the end of the year.
The Darling has been designed as a stand-alone hotel, with its own arrival experience, amenities and alluring personality. It is the first five-star new build hotel in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games. Built in addition to the existing hotel and apartments, The Darling will bring the total rooms and suites at The Star to over 650 across three towers.
Introducing Drew Schlesinger
The new hotel General Manager, Drew Schlesinger, was hand-picked to manage the new hotel, based on his experience and success of opening and managing landmark hotels around the globe including the InterContinental at New York Times Square, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City and the Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles.
“Our philosophy of The Darling is to take every aspect, whether it is a water glass or a coat hanger, and pay close attention to its form and function. From the coloured, soft coat hangers, to the hand-made drinking glasses in guest rooms. From the Egyptian cotton thread count bed sheets to the quality of the mattresses,” Drew explained.
“The architecture and design is sleek with subdued hues, yet the ambiance is warm and inviting – and there's certainly nothing modest about our plush comforts. The spa will round out the experience and be a welcome addition to Sydney,” he added.
Spa and Restaurant
A luxurious day spa with 16 private rooms is set to deliver pampering to the highest levels. An extensive array of Asian and European inspired treatments will feature at the spa, including an indulgent hamam, which is a Turkish variant of a steam bath, sauna or Russian Bath, distinguished by a focus on water.
The spa will be run by experienced international spa operator, Jeanette Haua. Jeanette’s experience includes managing Shangri La CHI spas in Mactan, Boracay and Manila in the Phillipines, plus spa experience in Fiji and Turkey.
The hotel will also be home to a stunning, contemporary Japanese restaurant called Sokyo, from Chase Kojima, formerly with Nobu restaurants, delivering an exciting and unexpected menu.
Luxury Retail Offering
A sophisticated new retail area will feature some of the leading luxury brands, including Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Gucci and Bottega Veneta. Boasting 5,500m2 of floor space, the upscale retail space will be conveniently located between the hotel, refurbished casino, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Other features of The Darling include:
· An outdoor custom designed pool area with a deck, cabanas and bar.
· Access to the 20 new restaurants, bars and cafes featuring renowned Australian and international chefs including David Chang, Teage Ezard, Stefano Manfredi, Adriano Zumbo, Flying Fish & Chips and Golden Century.
· Access to the new retail collection including the following brands:
o G Star Raw, Calvin Klein Jeans, IM lingerie, Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Salvatore Ferragamo , LK Jewellery, Gucci, Bottega Veneta , Moda Emporio
Reservations for The Darling will start from August 2011, on 1800 800 830. The Star will open its new bars, restaurants and retail collection from September whilst The Darling opens in late October 2011.
For further information, please visit www.thedarling.com.au
Notes to Editors
Room features:
- King and double/double size beds plus pillows designed exclusively for The Darling
- Kitchens located in penthouse suites and spa tubs in selected suites
- Sheets – 400 thread count Egyptian long-staple cotton throughout
- High Definition HD LED TVs and cable TV with on demand features
- Latest in-room entertainment centre (iPod, radio etc)
- State of the art telecommunications systems with conference and speaker capability with fibre optics and IP TV’s.
- Private/direct line access availability to specific rooms and data port connections for modem/fax hook ups
Drew Schlesinger- Bio
With 34 years of experience, Drew has served as General Manager and Director of Operations in major metropolitan cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. Most recently he was the General Manager for the InterContinental at New York Times Square.
Drew has also managed operations of the The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City; managed the pre-opening and grand opening of 70 Park Avenue Hotel, The Kimpton Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in New York City; and served as General Manager of Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles, an Ian Schrager Hotel.
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The Star Star City Casino Echo Entertainment Tabcorp Holdings World Casino Directory Casinos Media Man
The Darling, Sydney's newest hotel, will breathe new life into the Sydney hotel landscape when it opens in October 2011. Nestled on the edge of Sydney harbour, The Darling will exemplify attention to detail, making this imaginative gem an indulgent and relaxing experience. The boutique accommodation will boast panoramic views of the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and out to the Blue Mountains.
The Darling will include 171 stylish rooms and suites, with the top floors dedicated to the ultimate in luxury, featuring two bedroom penthouse suites. The suites, uniquely designed by renowned LA designer, Lawrence Lee, feature floor-to-ceiling Sydney harbour views, bespoke furniture, fireplaces, media rooms, butler service and a private VIP arrival.
The Darling is a key feature in the $860 million refurbishment and extension of The Star, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination and a strong addition to Sydney’s overall leisure landscape. The entire complex will be re-orientated to face Darling Harbour, plus will introduce over 20 new bars, cafes and restaurants, a shopping area and a fully refurbished casino when it re-opens towards the end of the year.
The Darling has been designed as a stand-alone hotel, with its own arrival experience, amenities and alluring personality. It is the first five-star new build hotel in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games. Built in addition to the existing hotel and apartments, The Darling will bring the total rooms and suites at The Star to over 650 across three towers.
Introducing Drew Schlesinger
The new hotel General Manager, Drew Schlesinger, was hand-picked to manage the new hotel, based on his experience and success of opening and managing landmark hotels around the globe including the InterContinental at New York Times Square, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City and the Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles.
“Our philosophy of The Darling is to take every aspect, whether it is a water glass or a coat hanger, and pay close attention to its form and function. From the coloured, soft coat hangers, to the hand-made drinking glasses in guest rooms. From the Egyptian cotton thread count bed sheets to the quality of the mattresses,” Drew explained.
“The architecture and design is sleek with subdued hues, yet the ambiance is warm and inviting – and there's certainly nothing modest about our plush comforts. The spa will round out the experience and be a welcome addition to Sydney,” he added.
Spa and Restaurant
A luxurious day spa with 16 private rooms is set to deliver pampering to the highest levels. An extensive array of Asian and European inspired treatments will feature at the spa, including an indulgent hamam, which is a Turkish variant of a steam bath, sauna or Russian Bath, distinguished by a focus on water.
The spa will be run by experienced international spa operator, Jeanette Haua. Jeanette’s experience includes managing Shangri La CHI spas in Mactan, Boracay and Manila in the Phillipines, plus spa experience in Fiji and Turkey.
The hotel will also be home to a stunning, contemporary Japanese restaurant called Sokyo, from Chase Kojima, formerly with Nobu restaurants, delivering an exciting and unexpected menu.
Luxury Retail Offering
A sophisticated new retail area will feature some of the leading luxury brands, including Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Gucci and Bottega Veneta. Boasting 5,500m2 of floor space, the upscale retail space will be conveniently located between the hotel, refurbished casino, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Other features of The Darling include:
· An outdoor custom designed pool area with a deck, cabanas and bar.
· Access to the 20 new restaurants, bars and cafes featuring renowned Australian and international chefs including David Chang, Teage Ezard, Stefano Manfredi, Adriano Zumbo, Flying Fish & Chips and Golden Century.
· Access to the new retail collection including the following brands:
o G Star Raw, Calvin Klein Jeans, IM lingerie, Chanel Fragrance and Beauty Boutique, Salvatore Ferragamo , LK Jewellery, Gucci, Bottega Veneta , Moda Emporio
Reservations for The Darling will start from August 2011, on 1800 800 830. The Star will open its new bars, restaurants and retail collection from September whilst The Darling opens in late October 2011.
For further information, please visit www.thedarling.com.au
Notes to Editors
Room features:
- King and double/double size beds plus pillows designed exclusively for The Darling
- Kitchens located in penthouse suites and spa tubs in selected suites
- Sheets – 400 thread count Egyptian long-staple cotton throughout
- High Definition HD LED TVs and cable TV with on demand features
- Latest in-room entertainment centre (iPod, radio etc)
- State of the art telecommunications systems with conference and speaker capability with fibre optics and IP TV’s.
- Private/direct line access availability to specific rooms and data port connections for modem/fax hook ups
Drew Schlesinger- Bio
With 34 years of experience, Drew has served as General Manager and Director of Operations in major metropolitan cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. Most recently he was the General Manager for the InterContinental at New York Times Square.
Drew has also managed operations of the The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City; managed the pre-opening and grand opening of 70 Park Avenue Hotel, The Kimpton Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in New York City; and served as General Manager of Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles, an Ian Schrager Hotel.
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Media Man News Blog: Casinos Of The World
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Casinos Of The World
Gaming, Casino, Hotels and Resorts
Media Man And Casino News Media Awards
Media Man and Casino News Media have awarded their casino award winners and finalists for August 2011.
*Online casino awards are based on a combination of gameplay, trustworthiness, ethics, customer feedback, affiliate program offerings, word of mouth, customer experience and overall offerings
*Media Man and Casino News Media have been awarding the 'Casino Of The Month' accolade for the land based and online sector since 2009.
Punters, here's 10 of the world's top land based casinos for you to mark down in your travel plans.
Monte Carlo, Monaco: Perched above the Mediterranean and bounded by the French
and Italian coastlines on either side, Monaco provides a spectacular and luxurious setting for the wealthy and the wannabees. Home to the Monaco Grand Prix and the legendary Casino de Monte Carlo, this isn't the place for those on a tight budget. The magnificent Casino hosts the annual European Poker Tour and was also the scene of several James Bond Films, including the original "Casino Royale" and "Golden Eye".
Paradise Island, Bahamas: Located just off the shore of the city of Nassau, Paradise
Island is best known for its sprawling 'Vegas-by-the-sea' resort, Atlantis. The resort spans seven acres along a lagoon, where guests can soak up the Caribbean sun and choose from a variety of outdoor gaming areas. When in need of a break from the tables, guests can enjoy the private beach or one of the resorts 20 sunlit pools.
Melbourne, Australia: As Australia's sporting and entertainment capital, Melbourne
offers the perfect option for high rollers looking for a local break. Aussies need look no further than Crown Casino on the southern bank of the Yarra River, which is one of the largest casino complexes in the southern hemisphere. The main gambling floor stretches more than half a kilometre and the casino was the first to introduce the new game Rapid Roulette, which allows players to place bets on a personal electronic touch screen connected to a central roulette wheel.
Macau, China: Known as the 'Monte Carlo of the Orient,' and the gambling capital of Asia, Macau now rivals Monaco and Las Vegas as one of the premier gambling destinations in the world. With no less than 33 casinos, in addition to local horse and greyhound racing venues, Macau is perfect for the betting junkie. The Wynn Macau casino is a standout, highlighted by 24-carat gold 'Tree of Prosperity' at the entrance, extravagant water displays and Moon Jellyfish Aquarium at reception.
Baden-Baden, Germany: Situated on the western foothills of the Black Forest and on
the banks of the Oos River, Baden-Baden is not your typical casino town. However, in addition to its hot springs and picturesque countryside, the town is also known for its 200-year-old 'Spielbank' casino - the oldest of its type in Germany. With French chateau-style salons rooms named after historical figures such as Madame Pompadour and Louis XV's mistress, the quirky casino provides visitors with a very unique gaming experience.
Las Vegas, United States: With over 1700 licensed casinos in operation, Las Vegas offers the ultimate package for travellers who fancy a flutter. A visit to the famous 'Strip' is a must for any player, whether they're looking for a spin on the roulette table or a game of blackjack - this city has it all. The iconic Caesar's Palace hotel and casino offers 129,000 square feet of casino space plus an endless smorgasbord of entertainment, shopping and fine dining options, including Cleopatra's barge, a floating lounge perfect for a relaxing drink after a jam-packed night on the casino floor.
Manila, The Philippines: With a favourable exchange rate, Manila provides great value
for Aussies wanting to live the high-life overseas. The city offers a range of shopping and entertainment options, along with a world-class casino at the Hyatt Hotel. Spread across three levels, the sparkling casino offers the newest in gaming facilities for both hotel guests and visitors, and is just a short distance from Manila's tourist hub.
Sun City, South Africa: Known as 'Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure,' this luxury resort and casino complex, just two hours from Johannesburg, boasts two large casinos, two 18-hole golf courses and a wildlife reserve. At the extravagant yet picturesque Palace of the Lost City, guests are treated to stunning valley views from the guestrooms, along with exclusive access to the Grand Pool. The nearby Sun City Casino is the entertainment Mecca of the resort, featuring a myriad of gaming options as well as an indoor jungle of native foliage and water fountains.
Atlantic City, United States: Regarded as the US's 'Las Vegas of the East', Atlantic City in New Jersey is renowned for its gambling, shopping and fine dining. Towering above the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, the Trump Taj Mahal casino is an icon of the city, with an on-site shopping district and an abundance of restaurants and bars. The 157,000 square-foot casino is also hard to miss, with 3,500 slot machines and 200 table games. Unveiled in 1990 by a number of celebrities, including the late Michael Jackson, the casino is the second-largest in Atlantic City and well worth a visit.
Genting Highlands, Malaysia: Nestled on the Titiwangsa mountain range, just an hour's
drive from Kuala Lumpur and 6,000 feet above sea level, the Resorts World Genting offers 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. This spectacular resort has first-class accommodation, dining and entertainment, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of a capital city. The on-site casino, which covers 200,000 square feet, is Malaysia's sole gaming venue and is divided into separate themed areas, such as Hollywood and Monte Carlo, for the ultimate gambling experience.
Casino News Flashback
Wagering firms take fee case to High Court...
A legal battle between two wagering firms and NSW racing authorities has begun in the High Court.
Betfair says a 1.5 per cent turnover fee levied by Racing NSW reduces competition and discriminates against interstate operators.
Counsel for Betfair, Neil Young QC, on Tuesday told the court the fee was not uniform but in fact was discriminatory.
He said Betfair participated in a national market.
Betfair argues the turnover fee will affect its ability to operate because the company is a low-margin operation that matches punters against each other.
The company then takes its commission from winning bets.
In March, both Betfair and Sportsbet were granted leave to appeal against a decision by the Federal Court that they tender the fee as legislated.
Both firms say paying the fee on gross profit is a fairer way to operate.
Overseas based firms are watching the case closely/
Paddy Power Active Customers Already Exceeds All of 2010 Figures...
Ireland’s biggest online bookmaker, Paddy Power, is attributing mobile gaming to its massive surge in active customers. This year’s numbers already exceed that of the entire 2010.
Just over a third of its active customers made transactions via mobile devices. Online products are now contributing 81% of the group’s operating profit, according to the Financial Times of London.
Paddy Power CEO Patrick Kennedy told the Financial Times: "We invested in a very good product and backed it up with TV advertising and online marketing."
The online business generated €45.3m in operating profit, a rise of 25% compared to the same period in 2010. Its land-based shops continue to suffer, however.
Playtech Signs Gala Coral Contract, Acquires Mobile-Bet Company...
Playtech Ltd, the Internet gambling software maker and content developer which has a joint venture with William Hill Plc (WMH), said it signed a long-term contract with Gala Coral Group Ltd., and acquired Mobenga AB, a mobile-phone sports-betting company.
Playtech will pay as much as 15.8 million euros ($22.4 million) for Mobenga, the Isle of Man-based company said in a statement. Playtech also said second-quarter revenue rose 7 percent to 39.6 million euros over the same period a year earlier, led by online casino games.
Gala Coral, which has 2,000 betting shops in the U.K. and Italy, should become one of Playtech’s top three clients within a year after its software is transferred, in 2012, Playtech’s Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer said in a telephone interview. Mobenga will help Playtech expand in mobile telephone gambling, which generates 30 percent of bets for some companies, he said.
“This is a very important win for us,” Weizer said. “We already have most of the established operators in the U.K., and Gala Coral we were after for a long time.”
Playtech gained 18.25 pence, or 5.4 percent, to 356.75 pence at 8:47 a.m. in London, after earlier rising as much as 6.3 percent. The shares have fallen 16 percent so far this year, giving the company a market value of 866.3 million pounds.
Stockholm-based Mobenga will give Playtech the ability to combine sports-betting, casino and poker games in one mobile- phone application, Weizer said.
Playtech generates more than 10 million pounds ($16.1 million) from its biggest client, Imperial E-Club Ltd., Weizer said.
‘Players’
Most of the company’s clients attract players through sports, though they make most of their money through games, so they’re always seeking to convert sports betters to game players, he said.
Second-quarter casino revenue gained 9 percent to 27.3 million euros, and bingo sales increased 32 percent to 3.6 million euros, the company said.
Poker sales dropped 32 percent to 5 million euros, the company said. The poker business declined even though the U.S. charged founders of online poker companies still accepting games in the country with money laundering in April.
Weizer said the companies still had cash to lure poker players. Poker numbers have been “picking up” since the end of June, when one of the companies stopped play, he said. Full Tilt Poker, then the world’s second-biggest poker site, lost its license from Alderney on June 29.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Marvel Entertainment: Don't just read the comics and watch the movies; Play the games!
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Andre The Giant Slot Game Developed By NextGen Gaming
Scoop: PartyCasino.com By Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment To Get Andre The Giant Online Slot Game
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Andre The Giant Slot Game Developed By NextGen Gaming
Legendary wrestler Andre The Giant now has his own slot game. The game was developed by developer NextGen Gaming. The slot game is expected to go live before the conclusion of this year and is tipped to be added to the portfolio of PartyCasino.com Media Man reports.
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Andre The Giant Slot Game Developed By NextGen Gaming
Legendary wrestler Andre The Giant now has his own slot game. The game was developed by developer NextGen Gaming. The slot game is expected to go live before the conclusion of this year and is tipped to be added to the portfolio of PartyCasino.com Media Man reports.
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Wrestling News Media: Dwayne Johnson aka "The Rock" Bringing Hulk Hogan And Roddy Piper’s Legendary Stories To TV / Movies; NBC Talk, by Greg Tingle
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Dwayne Johnson and Jerry Bruckheimer are teaming up for a new TV project, set in the world of competitive wrestling in the ’80s. The NBC offering hails from Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Bros. Television; Johnson (“Fast Five”) will be an EP on the project but no word on whether he’ll actually appear in the series. Deadline says it will be written by Brent Fletcher and Seamus Kevin Fahey (”Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”), who will co-executive produce alongside KristieAnne Reed. Johnson will next be seen in the Uni tentpole “G.I Joe : Retalliation”.
NBC Buys Dwayne Johnson-Bruckheimer Wrestling Drama Set In 1980s...
NBC is getting in the ring with a put pilot commitment to a drama about the 1980s professional wrestling boom that is executive produced by one of the biggest ’90s wrestling stars, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock. The fictional drama set in the world of wrestling in the ’80s hails from Bruckheimer TV, marking a departure from the company’s signature brand of procedurals. It will be written by Brent Fletcher and Seamus Kevin Fahey (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena), who will co-executive produce alongside KristieAnne Reed. Johnson, Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman are executive producing.
The ’80s, often called “the golden age of wrestling”, marked a surge in the popularity of professional wrestling in the U.S. fueled by the growth of cable television and pay-per-view and the efforts of hot-shot promoters like Vince McMahon. During that period, pro wrestling shifted from a system controlled by numerous regional companies to a system dominated by two nationwide companies: Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling and McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation. It featured the launch of WrestleMania and the emergence of wrestling’s first crop of superstars led by Hulk Hugan. The project extends the popularity of period dramas among the broadcast networks, which have two such series, the 1960s-set Pan Am on ABC and The Playboy Club on NBC, premiering this fall. It also expands wrestling’s presence at NBCUniversal. NBC’s sibling network USA carries WWE Raw as well as the revival of WWE Tough Enough. This is the third sale and third put pilot commitment for Bruckheimer TV so far this development season. The company recently set up a Navy SEALs drama at ABC and a procedural about a mom-turned-New York State Trooper at CBS. Fahey, repped by UTA and Underground Films & Management, previously worked with Bruckheimer TV as a writer on the ABC series The Forgotten. Fletcher is with CAA.
Bruce Willis is on board for New Orleans-shot 'G.I. Joe 2,' co-star Dwayne Johnson confirms...
Rumors have been swirling for weeks involving Bruce Willis' reported negotiations to join the New Orleans cast of Paramount Pictures' big-budget, high-octane "G.I. Joe" sequel. This weekend, confirmation finally came -- from none other than "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" co-star Dwayne Johnson.
Johnson, who has been generous with the Twitter updates since arriving in town last month to begin prepping for the film, let the cat out of the bag Saturday (Aug. 20) with the following tweet:
"Welcome brother Bruce Willis to the cast of GI Joe! What an honor. #HeavyArtillery."
Paramount hasn't issued an official announcement yet, but Willis reportedly had been in talks to play Gen. Joe Colton, the character who started the G.I. strike team in the 1980s comic books and who is referred to by many as the "original" G.I. Joe.
He joins a cast that includes Johnson, as Roadblock; Adrienne Palicki, as Lady Jaye; and Channing Tatum, reprising his role as Capt. Duke Hauser from 2009's "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra."
Jon M. Chu ("Step Up 3D," "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") is directing.
It's only the latest in a string of recent New Orleans-shot projects for Willis, including "RED," "Looper," "Lay the Favorite" and "Fire with Fire."
The big-budget "G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation" started filming last week as part of an extended shoot that is expected to see it continue to Thanksgiving. The film is scheduled for a July 29, 2012, release.
Andre The Giant Slot Game Developed By NextGen Gaming
Legendary wrestler Andre The Giant now has his own slot game. The game was developed by developer NextGen Gaming. The slot game is expected to go live before the conclusion of this year and is tipped to be added to the portfolio of PartyCasino.com Media Man reports.
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Dwayne Johnson and Jerry Bruckheimer are teaming up for a new TV project, set in the world of competitive wrestling in the ’80s. The NBC offering hails from Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Bros. Television; Johnson (“Fast Five”) will be an EP on the project but no word on whether he’ll actually appear in the series. Deadline says it will be written by Brent Fletcher and Seamus Kevin Fahey (”Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”), who will co-executive produce alongside KristieAnne Reed. Johnson will next be seen in the Uni tentpole “G.I Joe : Retalliation”.
NBC Buys Dwayne Johnson-Bruckheimer Wrestling Drama Set In 1980s...
NBC is getting in the ring with a put pilot commitment to a drama about the 1980s professional wrestling boom that is executive produced by one of the biggest ’90s wrestling stars, Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock. The fictional drama set in the world of wrestling in the ’80s hails from Bruckheimer TV, marking a departure from the company’s signature brand of procedurals. It will be written by Brent Fletcher and Seamus Kevin Fahey (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena), who will co-executive produce alongside KristieAnne Reed. Johnson, Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman are executive producing.
The ’80s, often called “the golden age of wrestling”, marked a surge in the popularity of professional wrestling in the U.S. fueled by the growth of cable television and pay-per-view and the efforts of hot-shot promoters like Vince McMahon. During that period, pro wrestling shifted from a system controlled by numerous regional companies to a system dominated by two nationwide companies: Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling and McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation. It featured the launch of WrestleMania and the emergence of wrestling’s first crop of superstars led by Hulk Hugan. The project extends the popularity of period dramas among the broadcast networks, which have two such series, the 1960s-set Pan Am on ABC and The Playboy Club on NBC, premiering this fall. It also expands wrestling’s presence at NBCUniversal. NBC’s sibling network USA carries WWE Raw as well as the revival of WWE Tough Enough. This is the third sale and third put pilot commitment for Bruckheimer TV so far this development season. The company recently set up a Navy SEALs drama at ABC and a procedural about a mom-turned-New York State Trooper at CBS. Fahey, repped by UTA and Underground Films & Management, previously worked with Bruckheimer TV as a writer on the ABC series The Forgotten. Fletcher is with CAA.
Bruce Willis is on board for New Orleans-shot 'G.I. Joe 2,' co-star Dwayne Johnson confirms...
Rumors have been swirling for weeks involving Bruce Willis' reported negotiations to join the New Orleans cast of Paramount Pictures' big-budget, high-octane "G.I. Joe" sequel. This weekend, confirmation finally came -- from none other than "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" co-star Dwayne Johnson.
Johnson, who has been generous with the Twitter updates since arriving in town last month to begin prepping for the film, let the cat out of the bag Saturday (Aug. 20) with the following tweet:
"Welcome brother Bruce Willis to the cast of GI Joe! What an honor. #HeavyArtillery."
Paramount hasn't issued an official announcement yet, but Willis reportedly had been in talks to play Gen. Joe Colton, the character who started the G.I. strike team in the 1980s comic books and who is referred to by many as the "original" G.I. Joe.
He joins a cast that includes Johnson, as Roadblock; Adrienne Palicki, as Lady Jaye; and Channing Tatum, reprising his role as Capt. Duke Hauser from 2009's "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra."
Jon M. Chu ("Step Up 3D," "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never") is directing.
It's only the latest in a string of recent New Orleans-shot projects for Willis, including "RED," "Looper," "Lay the Favorite" and "Fire with Fire."
The big-budget "G.I. Joe 2: Retaliation" started filming last week as part of an extended shoot that is expected to see it continue to Thanksgiving. The film is scheduled for a July 29, 2012, release.
Andre The Giant Slot Game Developed By NextGen Gaming
Legendary wrestler Andre The Giant now has his own slot game. The game was developed by developer NextGen Gaming. The slot game is expected to go live before the conclusion of this year and is tipped to be added to the portfolio of PartyCasino.com Media Man reports.
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Monday, August 29, 2011
Casino News Media: Australian And International Gaming And Casino News, by Greg Tingle
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Crown wants special deal for high rollers - 26th August 2011...
A deluxe arrivals suite at Melbourne airport to give priority service to foreign high rollers is at the top of a Crown casino wish list.
The casino has approached airport management and the Government over setting up a private facility in which high rollers would get personal service from Customs and Immigration officials to speed them on their way.
Crown says Melbourne is at a disadvantage because its airport did not properly cater for VIP clients, who were increasingly being lured to Singapore's two new casino resorts.
The casino's chief executive officer, Rowen Craigie, said yesterday that Singapore airport had a special area where high rollers could be taken directly from their first-class airline seats to be processed so they would be on their way quickly to casino hotels.
Customs and Immigration officers came to the area to deal with the high rollers, who did not have to mix with the public during the process.
Arrangements were also made to clear their luggage quickly.
Unveiling a 14.9 per cent rise in Crown Ltd's annual net profit to $335 million, Mr Craigie said the company's strategy was to attract more gamblers from mainland China because South-East Asian high rollers increasingly preferred their own regions.
Crown's Burswood casino in Perth lost 32 per cent of its take from VIP gamblers in the past year, partly because of the lure of the casinos in Singapore, which had fast airport processing.
Melbourne airport and the State Government confirmed yesterday that Crown had raised the issue.
Airlines have the option of giving priority to passengers who can be processed through an express queue in Customs and Immigration.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon slammed the proposal as "smacking of elitism".
"This just shows how out of touch Crown is - we're not talking about diplomats or heads of state, we're talking about people who've just got lots of money," he said.
"Just because Singapore does it doesn't mean we should do it.
"Does this mean we'll trade passports for casino chips?"
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor last night said the Federal Government would not change the law to grant Crown's wish.
Club worker kidnapped by gang...
A masked gang has tied up workers at a licensed club in western NSW before ransacking the premises.
The gang of three abducted one of the employees, a 59-year-old man, from his home in Madden Street, Cobar, on Sunday night.
They bundled him into his car and drove to the club in nearby Bloxham Street, bursting in just after closing time and tying up two female workers.
With the three employees bound and helpless in an office, the gang ransacked the venue, stealing cash from a safe and the pokies and taking sporting memorabilia, police said.
They drove off in the 59-year-old man's Ford Falcon, later found abandoned and torched on Prince Street.
Anyone with info information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Singapore resorts a threat to Burswood Casino revenue - 25th August 2011...
Competition from Singapore and ongoing renovations has hampered VIP gaming at Burswood Casino, with revenue slumping more than 32 per cent over the past year.
James Packer’s Crown Ltd - which owns Burswood, Crown Casino in Melbourne and holds a joint venture in Macau – today released its financial results for the 2011 financial year.
Net profit for the entire group rose 15 per cent on the previous year’s $292.3 million to $335.9 million, the company said today.
Revenue increased by 3 per cent from a year earlier to $2.41 billion.
Chief executive Rowen Craigie said the performance of Crown's Melbourne and Burswood casinos were mixed, while the Macau joint venture continues to get stronger.
``In the second half of the year we have seen some evidence in a few areas of our Australian operations of a softening in consumer sentiment and both properties continue to be impacted by complex-wide renovations,'' he said.
Competition from two Singapore resorts led to a reduction in VIP play at Burswood casino, he said.
Revenue from that stream dropped 32.3 per cent to $116.8 million, while main floor gaming revenue grew 4.4 per cent to $413.8 million. Non-gaming revenue grew 3.3 per cent to $169.7 million.
Hotel occupancy was 70.9 per cent at an average room rate of $246 per night at the Intercontinental, while at the Holiday Inn occupancy was at 91.4 per cent at $201 per night.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at Burswood were $176.2 million, down from $183.5 million a year earlier.
Crown Melbourne generated EBITDA of $511.1 million, down from $540.7 million in the prior year.
In the period since July 1, main floor gaming revenue at both Australian casinos was up 3.8 per cent, and non-gaming revenue was up 7.4 per cent, Crown said.
``Crown remains cautious given the general softening in consumer sentiment and recognises the need to carefully manage the continuing disruption to its customers from the redevelopment and refurbishment programs at the two casinos,'' it said.
The Melco Crown Entertainment joint venture in Macau, in which Crown holds a 33.4 per cent stake, delivered a gain of $34.9 million in the year for Crown.
A final dividend of 19c was declared, half franked.
Shares in Crown closed down 19c, or 2.35 per cent, at $7.90 today.
----------------
CROWN WANTS MORE MIDDLE EAST GAMBLERS...
Casinos operator Crown Ltd wants more high-rolling gamblers from the Middle East to come to Australia.
Crown wants to improve links between the VIP gaming operations at the Aspinall's Club in London and its Australian casinos: Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth.
Crown completed the acquisition of Aspinall's in May 2011.
``Aspinall's offers the group the opportunity probably to tap into the market that Aspinall's has traditionally serviced, which is the Middle East market,'' Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie told reporters today.
``It is not a source of business that Australian casinos have typically seen.
``But we think in better integrating the two operations (Australia and the UK), we would be hopeful to get some new business out of the Middle East to Australia.''
Mr Craigie said there were also many wealthy Chinese who did business in London and had family connections there.
``So, again I think that the idea that we might get some new business from Chinese visitors to London has potential,'' Mr Craigie said.
``Coming back the other way, we can refer some of our customers (at the Australian casinos) to London.''
Mr Craigie said Aspinall's needed a minor make-over to bring it up to speed, but nothing ``outrageous''.
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Crown wants special deal for high rollers - 26th August 2011...
A deluxe arrivals suite at Melbourne airport to give priority service to foreign high rollers is at the top of a Crown casino wish list.
The casino has approached airport management and the Government over setting up a private facility in which high rollers would get personal service from Customs and Immigration officials to speed them on their way.
Crown says Melbourne is at a disadvantage because its airport did not properly cater for VIP clients, who were increasingly being lured to Singapore's two new casino resorts.
The casino's chief executive officer, Rowen Craigie, said yesterday that Singapore airport had a special area where high rollers could be taken directly from their first-class airline seats to be processed so they would be on their way quickly to casino hotels.
Customs and Immigration officers came to the area to deal with the high rollers, who did not have to mix with the public during the process.
Arrangements were also made to clear their luggage quickly.
Unveiling a 14.9 per cent rise in Crown Ltd's annual net profit to $335 million, Mr Craigie said the company's strategy was to attract more gamblers from mainland China because South-East Asian high rollers increasingly preferred their own regions.
Crown's Burswood casino in Perth lost 32 per cent of its take from VIP gamblers in the past year, partly because of the lure of the casinos in Singapore, which had fast airport processing.
Melbourne airport and the State Government confirmed yesterday that Crown had raised the issue.
Airlines have the option of giving priority to passengers who can be processed through an express queue in Customs and Immigration.
Independent senator Nick Xenophon slammed the proposal as "smacking of elitism".
"This just shows how out of touch Crown is - we're not talking about diplomats or heads of state, we're talking about people who've just got lots of money," he said.
"Just because Singapore does it doesn't mean we should do it.
"Does this mean we'll trade passports for casino chips?"
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor last night said the Federal Government would not change the law to grant Crown's wish.
Club worker kidnapped by gang...
A masked gang has tied up workers at a licensed club in western NSW before ransacking the premises.
The gang of three abducted one of the employees, a 59-year-old man, from his home in Madden Street, Cobar, on Sunday night.
They bundled him into his car and drove to the club in nearby Bloxham Street, bursting in just after closing time and tying up two female workers.
With the three employees bound and helpless in an office, the gang ransacked the venue, stealing cash from a safe and the pokies and taking sporting memorabilia, police said.
They drove off in the 59-year-old man's Ford Falcon, later found abandoned and torched on Prince Street.
Anyone with info information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Singapore resorts a threat to Burswood Casino revenue - 25th August 2011...
Competition from Singapore and ongoing renovations has hampered VIP gaming at Burswood Casino, with revenue slumping more than 32 per cent over the past year.
James Packer’s Crown Ltd - which owns Burswood, Crown Casino in Melbourne and holds a joint venture in Macau – today released its financial results for the 2011 financial year.
Net profit for the entire group rose 15 per cent on the previous year’s $292.3 million to $335.9 million, the company said today.
Revenue increased by 3 per cent from a year earlier to $2.41 billion.
Chief executive Rowen Craigie said the performance of Crown's Melbourne and Burswood casinos were mixed, while the Macau joint venture continues to get stronger.
``In the second half of the year we have seen some evidence in a few areas of our Australian operations of a softening in consumer sentiment and both properties continue to be impacted by complex-wide renovations,'' he said.
Competition from two Singapore resorts led to a reduction in VIP play at Burswood casino, he said.
Revenue from that stream dropped 32.3 per cent to $116.8 million, while main floor gaming revenue grew 4.4 per cent to $413.8 million. Non-gaming revenue grew 3.3 per cent to $169.7 million.
Hotel occupancy was 70.9 per cent at an average room rate of $246 per night at the Intercontinental, while at the Holiday Inn occupancy was at 91.4 per cent at $201 per night.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) at Burswood were $176.2 million, down from $183.5 million a year earlier.
Crown Melbourne generated EBITDA of $511.1 million, down from $540.7 million in the prior year.
In the period since July 1, main floor gaming revenue at both Australian casinos was up 3.8 per cent, and non-gaming revenue was up 7.4 per cent, Crown said.
``Crown remains cautious given the general softening in consumer sentiment and recognises the need to carefully manage the continuing disruption to its customers from the redevelopment and refurbishment programs at the two casinos,'' it said.
The Melco Crown Entertainment joint venture in Macau, in which Crown holds a 33.4 per cent stake, delivered a gain of $34.9 million in the year for Crown.
A final dividend of 19c was declared, half franked.
Shares in Crown closed down 19c, or 2.35 per cent, at $7.90 today.
----------------
CROWN WANTS MORE MIDDLE EAST GAMBLERS...
Casinos operator Crown Ltd wants more high-rolling gamblers from the Middle East to come to Australia.
Crown wants to improve links between the VIP gaming operations at the Aspinall's Club in London and its Australian casinos: Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth.
Crown completed the acquisition of Aspinall's in May 2011.
``Aspinall's offers the group the opportunity probably to tap into the market that Aspinall's has traditionally serviced, which is the Middle East market,'' Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie told reporters today.
``It is not a source of business that Australian casinos have typically seen.
``But we think in better integrating the two operations (Australia and the UK), we would be hopeful to get some new business out of the Middle East to Australia.''
Mr Craigie said there were also many wealthy Chinese who did business in London and had family connections there.
``So, again I think that the idea that we might get some new business from Chinese visitors to London has potential,'' Mr Craigie said.
``Coming back the other way, we can refer some of our customers (at the Australian casinos) to London.''
Mr Craigie said Aspinall's needed a minor make-over to bring it up to speed, but nothing ``outrageous''.
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Leonardo DiCaprio to Star in The Gambler Remake, by Greg Tingle - 28th August 2011
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Paramount Pictures are revisiting the 1974 movie with Martin Scorsese in the director's chair and recently landed Leonardo DiCaprio in the leading role. The script about a literature professor with a gambling addiction is being written by William Monahan, who also wrote The Departed, another Scorsese-DiCaprio film. It wouldn't even be the first remake DiCaprio will have worked on this year — he recently finished work on Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. Nor would it be the first or even second time he'll have worked with Scorsese. In fact, this would be the fifth time, with their joint titles including last year's Shutter Island and the Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator, for which DiCaprio won a Golden Globe in 2004.
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Paramount Pictures are revisiting the 1974 movie with Martin Scorsese in the director's chair and recently landed Leonardo DiCaprio in the leading role. The script about a literature professor with a gambling addiction is being written by William Monahan, who also wrote The Departed, another Scorsese-DiCaprio film. It wouldn't even be the first remake DiCaprio will have worked on this year — he recently finished work on Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby. Nor would it be the first or even second time he'll have worked with Scorsese. In fact, this would be the fifth time, with their joint titles including last year's Shutter Island and the Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator, for which DiCaprio won a Golden Globe in 2004.
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