Media Man News

Sunday, September 04, 2022

Media Man News: Las Vegas' Circa Sports Expands to Northern Nevada with Launch of New Sportsbook at Legends Bay Casino

Las Vegas' Circa Sports Expands to Northern Nevada with Launch of New Sportsbook at Legends Bay Casino

SPARKS, NEV. – Las Vegas-based sports betting brand Circa Sports has continued its rapid expansion with the launch of a new Circa Sports sportsbook at Olympia Gaming’s Legends Bay Casino in Sparks, Nev. The new book officially opened its doors Tuesday, Aug. 30, marking the sports betting brand’s first northern Nevada venture. Circa Sports at Legends Bay delivers an ultramodern and technology-forward sportsbook to the region and now offers northern Nevada residents the opportunity to participate in its record-breaking pro-football contests Circa Million IV and Circa Survivor, promising its largest guaranteed payout ever of $12 million, no rake.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to our Circa Sports sportsbook at Legends Bay and expand our offerings to northern Nevada,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports. “Our team has brought some of the industry’s top oddsmakers and a menu featuring some of the best odds in the country. We are excited to kick off the new book with the Circa Sports contests and for northern Nevada residents to be able to join the fun.”

Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens and Olympia Gaming’s Chairman and CEO Garry Goett welcomed the new sportsbook to the property with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting followed by remarks from executives.

Garry Goett, Chairman and CEO of Olympia Companies, said, “This is a momentous occasion for northern Nevada. Derek Stevens and his team at Circa Sports have been an excellent partner in helping us deliver a sports betting offering worthy of this property. We look forward to ushering in a new era for Sparks together.”

Circa Sports at Legends Bay

Circa Sports at Legends Bay is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and boasts a 10-by-15-foot Daktronics video board displaying live odds and six of the day’s hottest games. The biggest events in sports are always be broadcast, including the full Sunday football lineup.

With a capacity of nearly 140, the venue features multiple 60-inch TVs and a variety of seating options. Each seat includes USB and power outlets for guests’ convenience. During their visit, guests can order a variety of gameday bites or libations. Three ticket counters and an ADA window are open for bettors to place bets, register for the sports betting app, make deposits/withdrawals and more.

Circa Million IV & Circa Survivor

Circa Million IV and Circa Survivor are taking entries through September 10 at Legends Bay, either in person or via proxy beginning the opening day of the book. Details are as follows:

Circa Million IV will deliver $6 million in guaranteed total prizes, with a $1 million first place prize that comes with a coveted, handmade Circa Sports blue jacket. The contest includes no rake, and any extra fees go into the quarter and full-season prize pools.

$3.65 million will be allocated amongst places two through 100 and $300,000 of prizes per quarter will be awarded every four to five weeks. The last place booby prize winner will receive $100,000 and second to last place booby prize winner will receive $50,000.

Each player will make five professional football picks against the spread each week. One point will be awarded for each correct selection and one-half point for each push. Each entry for Circa Million IV is $1,000, with a maximum of three entries per person.

Circa Survivor will offer a $6 million payout for the last entry standing. A $1 million undefeated bonus prize will be gifted for any entry that goes 20-0. To be eligible for this bonus prize, an entrant must not choose either of the teams that played in the 2022 Big Game.

Circa Survivor will consist of up to 20 legs throughout the year, one for every week of the football season plus two special weeks. Each week, participants will choose one different team to win straight up, but the player cannot pick the same team twice for the duration of the season. Thanksgiving and Christmas will each be considered their own contest weeks. Entries are $1,000 each, with a maximum of six entries per participant. An entrant can purchase up to six additional entries if they lose their original entries on the opening Thursday Night Football game. An entrant cannot go into the Saturday deadline with more than six active entries.

Entries are eliminated from the contest by selecting a team that subsequently loses or ties its game that week. If more than one entry remains after 20 legs, the pool will be split equally amongst all the entries that successfully submitted a selection during the leg. If an entry wins before the 20th leg of the contest, the winner will have the opportunity to continue making selections each week to try and achieve the 20-0 record.

Promising guests one of the most approachable betting scenes, Circa Sports is defined by incredible customer service, as well as an unrivaled team of experts leading the charge. This includes a diverse menu of wagering options and the option to take custom bets from the public. In addition to its new Legends Bay location, the betting brand is available to bettors in five properties across Southern Nevada – including the brand’s flagship location: the world’s largest sportsbook at Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas – via mobile betting offerings in Colorado and Iowa, and soon in a temporary book in Waukegan, Ill.

# # #

About Circa Sports

Helmed by casino owner and downtown Las Vegas developer Derek Stevens, Circa Sports is blazing a new trail in the gaming industry by combining customer-first approach to business with a team of the country's top oddsmakers. Circa Sports boasts one of the most competitive wagering menus in Las Vegas and is a leader in the city for sports futures. The venture currently operates in the world’s largest sportsbook at Circa Resort & Casino, as well as sister properties Golden Gate Hotel & Casino and the D Las Vegas. Stevens launched his first Las Vegas books outside of his downtown properties at Tuscany Suites & Casino and The Pass Casino in Henderson. Additionally, Circa Sports’ mobile app is available in Colorado and Iowa. This summer, the brand launched a sportsbook at the new Legends Bay Casino in Sparks, Nev.

About Olympia Gaming

Olympia Gaming is the gaming development division of Olympia Companies, whose subsidiaries and related entities include Casino Fandango in Carson City and Legends Bay Casino in Sparks, opening in summer 2022. In addition, through its affiliated companies, Olympia owns the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Carson City and co-owns the Hampton Inn and Suites, and Residence Inn hotels in Sparks. For more information, visit Olympia Gaming.

About Legends Bay Casino

Building upon Olympia’s success in Carson City, Legends Bay Casino will feature the latest slots and table games, northern Nevada’s only Circa Sports | Sportsbook, several original dining and bar concepts, as well as seamless access to the open-air shopping and dining at The Outlets at Legends and the adjacent Sparks Marina. For more information, visit Legends Bay Casino.

Media Man News: Coach John Wooden on Succeeding with Integrity (Success Magazine)

Coach John Wooden on Succeeding with Integrity (Success Magazine)

You are standing at a critical crossroads in history.

Scroll through any news app and you’ll find slander, dishonesty and filth coming from the mouths of our current and future leaders. Take a look at the role models your children look up to and you’ll quickly notice patterns of loose standards, unrealistic expectations and unworthy pursuits. When your co-worker does something that violates your personal code of right versus wrong, you feel compelled to remain silent because of the pressure of office politics.

All this leaves you asking: Is success even possible in today’s world without sacrificing integrity or morals?

Yes. But you have to decide to take the path less traveled, and that can be tough. It’s rare to see those who develop and demonstrate integrity, self-discipline, loyalty and character because these qualities go against the crumbling decay of our current societal landscape.

Have you ever felt the pressure of knowing what was right but felt unable to stand up for what you believe? Have you ever had the desire to discover a better, more wholesome approach to success without having to sacrifice your integrity to do it? Have you ever wanted a mentor who could guide you along a more humble path to personal and professional achievement? Coach John Wooden, who led the UCLA men’s basketball team to 10 national championships, had answers to all of these quandaries.

Discover a framework responsible for building championship journeys—not just on the basketball court, where Wooden and his teams set numerous records, but in the game of life.

Sports legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bobby Bowden, Joe Torre, Bill Walton, Dick Vitale and others called Wooden their teacher, mentor and friend. But even they knew his legacy as a teacher wasn’t limited to basketball or athletics.

Wooden taught what he called the Pyramid of Success, a road map for individual and team excellence you can use to set goals, take action, overcome obstacles and achieve more in life. The Pyramid of Success was the core of the framework and success philosophy Wooden taught for more than 50 years.

Social Media

Greg Tingle

A brilliant and fascinated read about a great man.. Coach Wooden. There's a few expressions that come to find for me... Integrity is everything, and If you want to know the truth worth of a man look at his character and integrity. To that effect. I also say in my business endeavors, Media For Good (one of our business arms) and business as a force for good. Success meets inspiration, perspiration and integrity. He scores, K.O or Touchdown! ...or whatever your favorite sporting code for good sports.

Media Man News Blog: Betting Controversy on ESPN During Serena Match (Gambling911)

Betting Controversy on ESPN During Serena Match (Gambling911)

"Holy s*** Caesars is paying a lot of money to sponsor the U.S. Open Tennis telecast and this doofus says let’s not encourage Gambling," Gambling911.com's own Thomas Somach reported Friday night while watching Serena Williams take on Ajla Tomljanovic.

ESPN had the odds up on Serena provided by Caesars to win the title and those odds were being slashed. Commentator John McEnroe was mentioning this when the other announcer, Pat McEnroe, chimed in and said "let's not encourage gambling."

Huh?

"I’m sure he’s going to be in big trouble for that I’m listening closely now waiting for the apology waiting for him to say it’s OK to gamble," Somach said.

"(This) reminds me of the time a few years ago when Miss America contestants in Atlantic City were instructed not to smoke, drink or gamble in public lest it hurt the image of Miss America.

"The casinos complained and the restriction on gambling was lifted."

Soach questioned how ESPN could show an ad for Caesars and then say don’t use the product.

"It’s like advertising dishwashing detergent but then at the end of the commercial telling people it’s a bad product, don’t buy it."

- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com

Social Media

Greg Tingle

So the odds are that ESPN has a solid sports betting deal, and the odds are that not all the ESPN commentators are big fans of the arrangement! That's sports business. Odds are hundreds of folks will read this. You can bet on it sport! Ha.

Media Man News Blog: Why Netflix's New Ad Hires Are Another Blow To Snap (AdAge) LinkedIn News

Why Netflix's New Ad Hires Are Another Blow To Snap (AdAge) LinkedIn News

Jeremi Gorman and Peter Naylor were powerhouses for Snap's ads team, but are now batting for Netflix

Netflix gets Peter Naylor and Jeremi Gorman, and Snap gets ... players to be named later. Gorman and Naylor going to Netflix from Snap is a real-life example of how advertising interest is moving from mobile devices to connected TV. Snap was once the "must-try" new social media ad offering, with some of the most innovative formats—vertical video, AR. Now, Snap is trying to build a subscription business because ad markets are tight on mobile. Meanwhile, Netflix used to only be subscription-based, but now sees the potential for big TV money in ads.

I spoke with Matt Barash about why Naylor is the ad sales exec Netflix wants walking into holding companies and top brands, and why Gorman is coming off a good run at Snap. But the tide has shifted from the excitement of mobile and social media to connected TVs, as it once shifted from traditional TV to mobile and social.

Also, spoke with advertising leaders who said Snap is losing two top leaders at a crucial time. “It’s a brilliant move by Netflix, they are getting the best in commercial strategy and video advertising,” a senior agency executive tells Ad Age. “It’s a huge loss for Snap. Snap needs to urgently hire great people and focus or they risk becoming irrelevant.”

Social Media

Greg Tingle

Great get by all accounts. There's what I call a friendly streaming war going on for end/consumer customers, and the same can be said for staff including executives and management at the streaming firms also. I'm happy Netflix customer also.. In Australia I worked for over 4 years for Optus Vision and the switched almost seamlessly to Telstra, Fox and then ID Media/Wavecam. Good people will always be sought after. The Google Chromecast that I purchased for $55AUD continues to work a charm with all the services in Australia. Watching this space with interest.

Happiness Is… a New Career Path (Success Magazine)

Amber Slone was on a mission. It was early May, a couple of months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and her coworkers had been working from home for 10 weeks. They were bored. She was bored. And the last thing anyone wanted was another Zoom call. Nevertheless, she wanted to engage her colleagues. So the 33-year-old found herself driving around Dallas, darting from one coworker’s home to the next with dozens of soda bottles and ice cream pints in tow.

It took Slone three days, but she delivered all of her colleagues their own ingredients and guides for making an ice cream float. Under normal circumstances, this mission would have made Slone a strong contender for “Employee of the Year” at her software company, VMware. But for her, it’s just another day on the job.

“My title says ‘happiness director,’ but really I’m a people connector,” she says. “However I can make people love their work, that’s what I do.”

Slone is just one of a growing number of people whose job titles literally include the word “happiness.” Whether they are directors of happiness or chief happiness officers, their biggest priority is making people look forward to work every single day—regardless of their industry.

Jobs with “happiness” in the title are a relatively new development. They’re most common in startups or the tech world, and they’re sometimes part of the Human Resources department. But according to Slone’s colleague Lisa Berg, “happiness” jobs have little to no overlap with HR.

Berg is a happiness director at VMware in Chicago, and she sees herself as a resource for her coworkers.

“I’m always asking, ‘What burden are you experiencing and how can I help?’” she says. “If people are upset, it’s important to let them know they can be upset. It’s my job to understand why, so I can try to fix it.”

Her first week on the job, Berg saw a coworker storm out of the office, clearly upset. Berg didn’t know the coworker, and was still settling into her own role. But she still followed him out of the office to ask him if he was okay.

“He explained he was having an incredibly hard time, and asked if I [had] five minutes,” Berg says. “I said, ‘Yes! I have all the time you need!’”

Over the next several days, she and the coworker continued to talk regularly. She checked in with all of her other colleagues, too. Berg and the other happiness practitioners interviewed for this story talked about how crucial it is to simply be there for the people in their offices. That can impact more than the office; it can boost the company’s bottom line via employee retention and performance.

“We have people that could work for Google, Twitter, Facebook, wherever,” says Slone’s supervisor Jenn Donahue. “But they stayed here, and I honestly think she’s the reason.”

* * *

Happiness practitioners come from all walks of life. Slone came from sales. Berg came from the nonprofit world. Lauren Johnson worked in hospitality before her happiness director role with the Denver company JLL, and she echoes Berg’s idea that providing happiness means being a resource.

“A lot of what I do is finding answers for people so their days can be a little easier,” she says. “Sometimes that means preempting the questions and concerns before they come.” When her company moved locations, Johnson helped the brass design an office that gave each employee ample space.

“We work in the details,” she says. “It’s just the little things.”

Slone agrees: “It’s not always about bringing everyone ice cream floats or planning that one appreciation event that knocks everyone’s socks off,” she says. “Sometimes it’s just about remembering that someone’s family is going through a rough time, or knowing that they have a big sales meeting coming up and making sure they know they’re going to crush it.”

At the Florida-based company Presence, Chief Happiness Officer Holly Kickliter spends a lot of time focused on the little things. Kickliter’s role is unique: She is primarily focused on customer happiness. Imagine a customer service team on steroids. Her company provides software to universities hoping to lower the number of dropouts and transfers, and Kickliter leads the happiness team. Every day, she and a cadre of “happiness experts” and “happiness allies” review every iota of customer feedback, proactively searching for ways to improve their clients’ experience with the company’s software. It might be as simple as reimagining a user portal, but her overall strategy is pretty simple: The fewer steps, the better.

“I’m in the business of making work pretty easy for people,” Kickliter says.

Sometimes, clients’ tempers can run hot. Kickliter is never more stressed than when a client calls and says that they’re unhappy.

“That’s like my bat signal,” she says. “That’s a sign I have to leap into action.”

In those instances, Kickliter gets on the phone, listens to everything the client has to say, then figures out what she and her team have to do to solve the problem. She stresses that the listening might be the most important part, and even though her role differs from that of other happiness directors, each practitioner said the exact same thing: “Everybody just wants to be heard.”

“That’s what we do,” Berg elaborated. “We hear, then we figure out how to make people happy.”

Social Media

Greg Tingle

Interesting and thought provoking article. Happiness is also a state of mind, but if it's also listed in the job title, or even in the job and business spec, it can further amplify the importance of it. The Covid era certainly got people thinking about their lives, jobs, mission, purpose and so on. My industry, media and online media, had already been disrupted many times over the past 5 - 10 years, so the Covid era was just another disruption. I was more concerned for many associates and friends, as I have already mad significant life and business changes a few decades earlier. Life and business is not a sprint, it's a marathon. As Charles Darwin often gets referenced, adaption of the species. Again, happiness is a state of mind and other aspects of life can slot around that foundation. I hope the readership found this helpful. Good health and success.

Friday, September 02, 2022

Media Man News: LinkedIn Wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award

LinkedIn Wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award

Thursday, September 01, 2022

Media Man News Blog: News, Pop Culture, Entertainment, Sports, Gaming, Creative, Social Media and more

News, Pop Culture, Entertainment, Sports, Gaming, Creative, Social Media and more

Hitwise Australia award finalist Media Man Australia website and network available for advertising, media and publicity campaigns

Buy and Sell advertising, text links, banners, product / brand placement, social media inclusion, editorial, buzz and more via Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

Website network available for media, advertising and publicity campaigns via Media Man website network: Australia-wide and global opportunity

Pop Culture websites that we love: Media Man Int and Media Man Australia list

SMH Media & Marketing continues to impress

LinkedIn Wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award

Search engine war just about over; Google vs Bing vs Yahoo! vs Web Wombat vs Altavista - Who or what was that?

Search Engine Directory - Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

Search Engine Journal wins Media Man 'Website Of The Month' and 'Search Website Of The Month' award

Podcast Of The Month: Marketers That Matter® Releases Podcast, "MTM Visionaries"

Karrion Kross wins Media Man 'Wrestler Of The Month' (Men's Division)

Wrestling Promotion Friendly Wars

BJ Penn wins Media Man 'Martial Artist Of The Month' and 'Combat Sports Website Of The Month' awards

Combat sports online portfolio: Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

News, Politics, Art, Illustrations, Creative, Content and more showcased via Media Man Facebook and social media; Art and news do mix

Creative Arts: Media Man Instagram and Facebook Top Picks; Photography is Photo Art

Art goes online in the new world situation

Gambling Movies List via Media Man

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Interviews with leading Australian and international business leaders and entrepreneurs via Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

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Media Man News Blog: Wrestling Multimedia via Media Man

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Media Man News: Social Media and Social Causes themed Media Man Facebook shines a light on both traditional media campaigns and brands as well as social justice and humanitarian news

Social Media and Social Causes themed Media Man Facebook shines a light on both traditional media campaigns and brands as well as social justice and humanitarian news

Media Man News Blog: Lachlan Murdoch sues Australian website alleging it claimed he was complicit in Jan 6 riots - 24th August 2022

Lachlan Murdoch sues Australian website alleging it claimed he was complicit in Jan 6 riots - 24th August 2022

Crikey’s original article was removed when Murdoch’s lawyer wrote to the news outlet in June but was republished last week.

Rupert Murdoch’s son is suing an Australian website for defamation in a Sydney court over an opinion piece about last year’s Jan 6 Jan insurrection in the US Capitol building.

Fox Corp chief executive Lachlan Murdoch accused Crikey of defamation after the website, he said, accused him of being complicit in the riots last year.

Meanwhile, Crikey publisher Private Media on Wednesday “welcomed” Federal Court proceedings filed this week by Mr Murdoch.

Mr Murdoch’s lawyers claim Crikey published an article in June this year that implied he “illegally conspired with Donald Trump to incite an armed mob to march on the Capitol to physically prevent confirmation of the outcome of the 2020 presidential election”.

In the article that ran on 29 June, lawyers claimed it described Mr Murdoch as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the effort by Trump supporters to overturn his 2020 election loss to president Joe Biden, stated the lawsuit.

“Murdoch has been gravely injured in his character, his personal reputation, and his professional reputation,” the lawsuit added.

Crikey’s editor Peter Fray, and Eric Beecher, the chairman of its publisher Private Media, said, “we are determined to fight for the integrity and importance of diverse independent media in Australian democracy”.

This week, Crikey’s Murdoch letters series revealed how media power works in the country. Private Media chief Will Hayward said: “We welcome Lachlan Murdoch’s writ. We believe that coverage of the events of 6 January at the US Capitol, and the role of Fox News in those events, is absolutely legitimate.”

Sydney Morning Herald quoted Mr Hayward as saying that “the best way to support our case is to subscribe to Crikey”.

He posted a series of tweets with a link to subscribe and said: “Here in Australia, if we lose the case in court, the cost to Crikey could be millions in damages and legal costs.”

Crikey’s original article was removed from the website along with a Facebook post and tweet when Mr Murdoch’s lawyer John Churchill wrote to the news outlet in June. Local media reported it was republished last week, triggering moves to file proceedings.

Media Man News: Sports Culture, Surf Culture and Beach Culture promotions, photography and photo art via Media Man

Sports Culture, Surf Culture and Beach Culture promotions, photography and photo art via Media Man

Media Man News: News from Las Vegas, Canada, Australia and across the globe

Media Man News: News from Las Vegas, Canada, Australia and across the globe

Nevada records fourth highest July gaming win in history and second highest on the Strip

Nevada gaming surpassed $1 billion in revenue for the 17th consecutive month in July, marking the fourth highest monthly total in history at $1.31 billion and the second highest ever on the Las Vegas Strip. It took a record July 2021 to keep last month from surpassing that total. July 2022’s revenue decreased $43 million, a drop of 3.2%, from the $1.35 billion in July 2021, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

IGT to pay $270 million to settle social gaming lawsuit

Global gaming giant IGT says it will pay almost US$270 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought against it by customers of its former social gaming subsidiary DoubleDown Interactive Co Ltd (DDI). The company said this week that it has reached an agreement in principle in the case of Benson v DoubleDown Interactive LLC, which was first launched in 2017 just a few months after IGT disposed of DDI in a hefty US$825 million deal.

Ontarians wager $4 billion (CAD), market produces $162 million gaming revenue in first quarter

The public can finally see numbers indicating how Ontario‘s new regulated iGaming and online sports betting market is performing since its launch on April 4. Ontarians wagered more than $4 billion (CAD) and the market produced $162 million total gaming revenue — from iCasino, online sports betting, and online poker — for the period of April 4-June 30, according to the first revenue report released by iGaming Ontario. (As of Aug. 30, $1 CAD is equal to $0.76 USD.)

California: Top elected officials voice opposition to Proposition 27

Though California Gov. Gavin Newsom deems himself neutral on Proposition 27, the digital sports betting ballot initiative with funding earmarked for homelessness and mental health programs, several other key elected officials voiced strong opposition to the measure Monday in describing it as a sham. “Proposition 27 exploits California’s tribes and our resources while making no real investments in California,” Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said in a press release shared by the No on 27 campaign.

VSiN’s announces new fall lineup featuring Broadcast Hall of Famer Brent Musburger

VSiN’s new fall schedule that launches today will be headlined by a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. “Countdown to Kickoff with Brent Musburger,” is the centerpiece of NFL football coverage on Sundays by the Las Vegas-based sports betting network owned by DraftKings. “The addition of this new programming and its industry leading talent will position VSiN to provide the growing number of sports bettors in the U.S. with expert betting insights and premium content,” said VSiN General Manager Len Mead in a statement.

Las Vegas: Circa, Able Baker Brewing partner to create ‘Vegas Vickie Neon Blonde’ beer

Las Vegas’ famous neon kicking cowgirl now has her own beer. Able Baker Brewing Company and Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas have teamed up to create a custom blonde lager beer – the Vegas Vickie Neon Blonde. The new brew pays homage to the iconic kicking neon cowgirl, Vegas Vickie. According to a news release, the the 4.5% ABV beverage, which is only available at Circa, will be served in a 16 oz. can. The drink is described as a crisp and clean lager with more character and depth of flavor than the standard light beer.

Ainsworth returns to profit in FY22 as American markets boost recovery

Australian slot machine supplier Ainsworth Game Technology Limited (AGT) returned to profit in the financial year ended 30 June 2022, aided by improved performance in Latin America and the global-wide recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Profit After Tax reached AU$11.8 million (US$8.2 million), reversing an AU$53.4 million (US$37.1 million) loss in FY21 on the back of a 38% year-on-year increase in revenue to AU$220.2 million (US$152.9 million). This included revenue of AU$100.7 million (US$69.9 million) in the first six months of the financial year and AU$119.5 million (US$83.0 million) in the second half.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Media Man News Blog: Casino News Media and Media Man Group: News from Las Vegas, Canada, Australia and across the globe

Casino News Media and Media Man Group: News from Las Vegas, Canada, Australia and across the globe

Nevada records fourth highest July gaming win in history and second highest on the Strip

IGT to pay $270 million to settle social gaming lawsuit

Ontarians wager $4 billion (CAD), market produces $162 million gaming revenue in first quarter

California: Top elected officials voice opposition to Proposition 27

VSiN’s announces new fall lineup featuring Broadcast Hall of Famer Brent Musburger

Las Vegas: Circa, Able Baker Brewing partner to create ‘Vegas Vickie Neon Blonde’ beer

Ainsworth returns to profit in FY22 as American markets boost recovery

Media Man News: Gonzo Journalism profiled via Media Man network and dedicated social media channel

Gonzo Journalism profiled via Media Man network and dedicated social media channel

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Media Man News Blog: FITE TV Sports Streaming: Boxing, All Elite Wrestling, Bare Knuckle

FITE TV Sports Streaming: Boxing, All Elite Wrestling, Bare Knuckle

Media Man News: Probe into Star's Qld operations wraps

Probe into Star's Qld operations wraps

Star Entertainment must wait a month for the outcome of damning public hearings into the gambling giant's Queensland operations.

After three days of testimony in Brisbane, public hearings into Star's suitability to hold a casino licence have concluded.

Counsel assisting Jonathan Horton QC told the final day of submissions on Monday the casino operator had committed a raft of questionable operational errors.

The inquiry was told that the casino repeatedly allowed banned high rollers to gamble at Queensland venues in breach of its exclusion policies.

Star also 'pursued' high rollers to visit its Queensland operations, playing for them to travel by private jet and stay in luxury accommodation for free as banned southern players hit the tables in Queensland.

Case studies outlined in the hearing revealed Star allowed patrons banned from casinos in NSW and Victoria, and linked to the Italian mafia, to gamble in its Queensland venues for years.

One man became one of the top 10 players at the Star Gold Coast after being banned from Crown Melbourne in 2014 and The Star, Sydney, by NSW police seven months later.

Another case study, Person 1, was banned from The Star Sydney in 2007 due to alleged involvement in criminal activities but gambled millions of dollars at the Gold Coast's Star casino.

Mr Horton said that of the 768 people banned from NSW casinos, 36 were later allowed to play the tables in Queensland.

"On that topic, we say the errors placed in serious jeopardy the integrity of Queensland casino operations," Mr Horton said.

"The errors place in serious jeopardy the integrity of Queensland's casino operations," Mr Horton said.

Counsel for Star Entertainment argued the company's advice was it did not have grounds to ban interstate gamblers.

"The understanding, based on legal advice at the time ... was we could not use the NSW exclusion to justify a Queensland exclusion," Gareth Beachem said.

"The failure to immediately exclude somebody in Queensland was not based on some perception that there might have been better information around, but on the fact that the lawyers would say that that piece of evidence wasn't admissible in court to use in Queensland to justify an exclusion."

Mr Beachem said that because the interstate ban was inadmissible, the onus fell on Star to "find some other evidence" to exclude patrons.

Star's anti-money laundering general manager says that person would have been banned under the company's current policies.

The probe also heard the casino operator allowed China UnionPay cardholders to withdraw cash to bet at its Brisbane and Gold Coast casinos but recorded those transactions as "hotel purchases" with National Australia Bank.

Using debit cards for gambling isn't illegal in Queensland, but the Chinese lender prohibits the practice.

Judge Robert Gotterson will report to the attorney-general by September 30.

Monday, August 29, 2022

Media Man News: Podcast Of The Month: Marketers That Matter® Releases Podcast, "MTM Visionaries"

Podcast Of The Month: Marketers That Matter® Releases Podcast, "MTM Visionaries"

Sunday, August 28, 2022

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Media Man News Blog: Tim Ferriss wins Media Man 'MBS Podcast Of The Month' award: When to Quit – Lessons from World-Class Entrepreneurs, Investors, Authors, and More (#254) and Why (and How) Creative People Need to Say "No"

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Tim Ferriss wins Media Man 'MBS Podcast Of The Month' award: When to Quit – Lessons from World-Class Entrepreneurs, Investors, Authors, and More (#254) and

Why (and How) Creative People Need to Say "No"

Social Media

Greg Tingle

Absolute gold as usual from you Tim. As a concept, I'm not into quitting, but I do believe in pausing, assessing, regroup, adjust, and continue to move forward. I'm interested to learn what you and your readership thinks of my approach! "It's impossible to beat a man who never gives up" - Greg Tingle, Media Man.

Why (and How) Creative People Need to Say "No"

Greg Tingle

This is gold. Having been in and around media for over two years one big thing I learned is that the more I said "no" to so many things, the more successful and less stressed I was. Decision on what to focus on, sticking to the plan, and still finding time to smell the roses. Doing what you love and you will never work a day in your live, as the universe days.

Websites

Tim Ferriss Official Podcast

Friday, August 26, 2022

News is Everywhere says Media Man News

News Is Everywhere says Media Man News

Media Man News Blog: Billy Corgan’s music fame helped his NWA return to the Chase in St. Louis. NWA 74 is there next (Miami Herald)

Billy Corgan’s music fame helped his NWA return to the Chase in St. Louis. NWA 74 is there next (Miami Herald)

NWA president Billy Corgan continues to make history thanks to his alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins.

Last year the NWA presented its 73rd anniversary show (NWA 73) at the Chase, becoming the first pro wrestling group to utilize the historic venue in St. Louis, since 1984.

How?

Because, as Corgan noted, someone working in a key position at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel is a fan of The Smashing Pumpkins. Take advantage of it and rightfully so. The NWA will do it again with NWA 74 on Saturday and Sunday via FITE TV from that Chase Khorassan Ballroom.

Plenty of talent and fan interaction during the two-day extravaganza.

Here is my video interview with Corgan.

“Wrestling at the Chase” was a weekly program during the territory days of professional wrestling. The brainchild of legendary promoter and hall of famer Sam Muchnick, the weekly pro wrestling series aired from May 23, 1959, to September 10, 1983. The show was promoted by the St. Louis Wrestling Club, a member of the National Wrestling Alliance.

Click here for full article and multimedia

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Greg Tingle

NWA...the name on the marquee says Wrestling. Well written and explained article that the majority of readers will get. We've always enjoyed the wrestling and music connection, that the WWE started pushing circa 1984 with Hulk Hogan and friends, which was known as the Rock N Wrestling connection, and that was part of the bridge that some wrestling later became known as "sports entertainment". Michael P.S Hayes may have been the original wrestler that did the whole rock star - wrestler thing, with music videos (Bradstreet U S.A), and the like, and also 'Exotic' Adrian Street with Miss Linda did a couple of music videos so. Then the late Randy "Macho Man". Savage followed suit and the Road Warriors would come out to the ring to 'Iron Man' by Black Sabbath! Back to the NWA, great to see 'The National Treasure' Nick Aldis back on the NWA 74 card, even if he's not in the official main event. The fans are a big part of who is a star and is "over" per kayfabe industry banter. Hopefully at the upcoming NWA event it's a Win-Win-Win (for the wrestlers / promoters / business associates, the fans and the industry). Here's to great action and a quality and enjoyable experience for all. Cheers from Sydney, Australia.

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News: PM Malcolm Turnbull addresses Google presented conference: Let's Put Our Businesses On The Map with Google. (Question by Greg Tingle - Media Man Australia and Media Man Int) video

PM Malcolm Turnbull addresses Google presented conference: Let's Put Our Businesses On The Map with Google. (Question by Greg Tingle - Media Man Australia and Media Man Int) video

Thursday, August 25, 2022

They Put the Grateful Dead Bear on Lettuce. Why Did I Want It So Much? Everything is branded now, including produce. And it’s working. (Bon Appetit)

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Greg Tingle

Great. Almost fits in with gonzo journalism. Flashback to Kevin Nash 'Oz' to NWO or Ryan Reynolds 'Green Lantern" transformation to 'Grey Man' etc..Or the rebirth of WWE's Karrion Kross..Cult classics and niche trends and sectors can become mainstream and worldwide news given the right amount of time, fanbase and Media support.. Amazing the transformation that WWE achieved over the decades, from "smoke filed arena's"..to the rest is history.. Nostalgia still sells,.and sometimes controversy creates cash (as per Easy E B). Loved this scribe. WWE powers that be plugging into pop culture. Big thumbs up: )

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Star posts FY loss after Sydney casino hit

Star posts FY loss after Sydney casino hit

Casino operator Star Entertainment Group has swung to an annual loss, weighed down by extended COVID-related closures and a hefty writedown at its flagship Sydney casino amid regulatory troubles.

Australia's second-biggest casino operator on Monday posted a full year loss of $198.6 million for the year to June 30, compared to a $57.9 million profit a year earlier.

The company said it took a financial hit after its three properties on the east coast were collectively closed for 125 days in the first half of the year due to pandemic restrictions.

It also slashed the value of goodwill for its main Star Sydney property by $162.5 million "due to regulatory and other uncertainties".

Star said normalised net loss, excluding the significant items, was $32 million. Revenue for the year to June 30 dipped 1.2 per cent to $1.53 billion.

"Clearly, in the regulatory environment we're working our way through it was appropriate to consider a higher level of risk and so we effected that through the weighted average cost of capital. The consequence of that was an impairment on the Sydney property," interim Chairman Ben Heap told AAP.

By 1415 AEST, shares in the company were down 1.7 per cent to $2.86, adding to the nearly 20 per cent drop in value so far in 2022.

Star's fortunes have sagged in recent months amid regulatory scrutiny after hearings at an NSW inquiry unearthed allegations about money laundering, fraud and links to organised crime at its Sydney casino.

The company is now awaiting the outcome of that review into its suitability to hold a NSW casino licence by the end of this month.

It faces a separate investigation from the financial crimes regulator, as well as an inquiry on its suitability to hold a casino licence in Queensland, which is set to hear from witnesses from Tuesday.

Star is also facing competition from bigger rival Crown, which opened the doors of its Sydney casino earlier this month following the long-delayed green light from the NSW watchdog, after recently emerging from its own regulatory troubles.

Star, currently the dominant casino operator in Sydney, says it's too early to form a view on the impact of Crown, but added that "it recognises that it will be operating in a competitive marketplace".

While domestic gaming demand has picked up, international business is still down significantly as Australian casinos steer clear of junket operators, which previously contributed significant numbers.

They have also been affected by the slow recovery of the international tourism market, which is likely to rebound to pre-COVID levels only over the next couple of years.

Still, the group says it's seeing the positive revenue trends from the fourth quarter of FY22 continuing into the current financial year.

Domestic revenue for the period from July 1 to August 18 rose 9 per cent on the comparative pre-COVID period of 2019, largely thanks to a 26 per cent recovery in the Gold Coast's domestic revenue.

Domestic revenue at the Star Sydney was in line with pre-COVID levels.

"That sort of run rate is very encouraging. It indicates our growth sits above pre-COVID numbers, and given all the factors that we're facing at the moment, the underlying performance of the business has been terrific," Mr Heap said.

Star will not pay any final dividend, meaning it has not paid any dividend for the FY22 year.

Hard Rock International Announces Key Leadership Appointments for Las Vegas and Atlantic City Properties

Hard Rock International Announces Key Leadership Appointments for Las Vegas and Atlantic City Properties

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe Lupo has been named President of the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, subject to regulatory approval of Hard Rock International's previously announced plans to purchase The Mirage Hotel & Casino from MGM Resorts International. Lupo will take over the role once the Nevada Gaming Commission licensing process has concluded. An Ohio native, Lupo has more than three decades of casino gaming experience. He was named President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in November 2018, after spending two successful years at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Lupo's new position in Las Vegas was announced today by Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen, who is the driving force and vision behind Hard Rock International's purchase of The Mirage Hotel & Casino and the company's plan to construct an iconic Guitar Hotel on the Las Vegas strip. Allen said Lupo is uniquely qualified to become the President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

"As president of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for the past four years, Joe Lupo has achieved amazing results," said Allen. "Thanks to his dedication and expertise, financial results continue to outperform expectations, while our team members share an unmatched commitment to guest service and satisfaction. I am confident Joe Lupo will achieve even greater success at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas."

Lupo is no stranger to Las Vegas, having worked at various Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas and in Laughlin, Nevada, including the former Stardust Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, where he was the Director of Race and Sportsbook. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In Atlantic City, Anthony Faranca will be promoted to property President, subject to regulatory approval, effective September 1. A Philadelphia native, Faranca is a seasoned casino executive with extensive experience managing large gaming properties in several states including Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

"Anthony's deep knowledge of the Atlantic City and Northeast region is an invaluable asset to the company," said Jim Allen. "We are confident that Anthony will continue Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City's legacy of success and impactful leadership in the community."

Faranca began his casino career in Atlantic City as a Guest Services Manager and was promoted through the ranks to Regional Vice President of National Casino Marketing at the four Caesars Atlantic City properties. Faranca eventually relocated to Philadelphia and was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Parx Casino in 2009. Faranca then moved to Las Vegas to join Station Casinos and served as Vice President and General Manager for the Palms Casino Resort while also managing the company's enterprise-wide strategy for Table Game operations.

Faranca returned to the east coast in 2019 and joined the Cordish Companies as Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino in Hanover, MD. In this role Faranca navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a FanDuel Sportsbook, and opened a 5,000-seat event center.

About Hard Rock®:

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 265 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored with Outstanding Guest Satisfaction and above for four consecutive years among Upper Upscale Hotels in J.D. Power's North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study and in 2022, the iconic brand was ranked as the number one brand for the second year in a row. HRI is the first privately-owned gaming company designated U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal for the second year. Hard Rock was also honored as one of Forbes' Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com

SOURCE Hard Rock International

Blog: Media Man Australia website updated

Media Man Australia website updated

Media Man 'Digital Business Tips Of The Week': Have helpful content that Google and your audience will like and see value in. Be Google Friendly...

Media Man 'Digital Business Tips Of The Week':

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