Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com Bwin PartyBingo.com World Poker Tour
Websites
PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com PartyBingo.com PartyGammon.com World Poker Tour
In recent days, PartyGaming and bwin announced merger plans to form a giant gambling group that could become effective toward the end of the first quarter of 2011. The merger, which had long been rumored before the companies signed an implementation agreement in July, is expected to create the world’s largest listed online gambling business.
The new company will operate worldwide with its existing brands under the name of bwin.party Digital Entertainment plc in which current bwin shareholders will hold a 51.6% stake, while current PartyGaming shareholders will hold 48.4%. Both bwin and PartyGaming will retain most of the core of their brands, but will be operated under the new umbrella company, which will be based in Gibraltar and listed on the London Stock Exchange. PartyGaming will keep its main headquarters in Gibraltar, while bwin will continue to operate from Austria.
The companies issued a 478-page document to shareholders on Thursday giving a detailed outline of the planned merger. Shareholders will vote on the merger at a joint annual general meeting on January 28th. Should the general meetings of both bwin and PartyGaming approve the merger, all shareholders holding bwin stock when the merger is effective will receive 12.23 PartyGaming shares denominated in GBP for each bwin share.
“The online gaming industry is going through a phase of consolidation, making market players’ size and geographic diversification more crucial than ever,” said Norbert Teufelberger, Co-CEO of bwin. “Our products and target markets complement one another perfectly, and we can continue to expand our technology lead in all key product segments: sports betting, poker, casino, bingo, and games.”
According to the document, the merger would create a business with unaudited net revenues of €696.2 million, unaudited clean EBITDA of €193.7 million, unaudited profit after tax of €99.4 million, and unaudited net assets of €1.27 billion after consolidation adjustments for the year 2009.
Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Office of Party Gaming, will join Teufelberger to become Co-Chief Executives of the merged company. Current bwin Co-Chief Executive Manfred Bodner will become a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the enlarged group. Said Ryan, “This is a transformational opportunity for both our companies to create the world’s largest listed online gaming business. With market-leading positions in poker, sports betting, casino, and games, the enlarged group will have a winning formula to exploit the growing online gaming market, supported by a strong balance sheet, significant cash flow generation, and a highly experienced management team.”
The merged company will continue to focus on business-to-consumer products, an area in which it enjoys considerable strength. However, because of the financial gains added through the merger, the company will also encroach into business-to-business and business-to-government endeavors. Teufelberger explained, “Our many years of online know-how, healthy balance sheet, and one of the largest pools of poker liquidity in any regulated market will make us an attractive business partner.”
There will also be focus on regulated and newly opened markets, as the company intends to make plans to enter the U.S. market if and when the current situation changes for the better. In 2006, bwin stopped taking bets from U.S. residents due to the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). PartyGaming, which operates the popular online poker room PartyPoker, followed shortly thereafter. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com
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PartyGammon.com
PartyBets.com
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FoxyBingo.com
Bwin
Cashcade
World Poker Tour
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Virgin Casino Introduces Crocodopolis and The 100,000 Pyramid
Virgin Casino Introduces Crocodopolis and The 100,000 Pyramid
Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games - have launched two new games this week, Crocodopolis by NextGen and The 100,000 Pyramid by Wagerworks.
Featuring on Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo is Crocodopolis, a 5-reel, 25-payline slot. The Ancient Egypt themed game features the Croc pharaoh, whose realm is Crocodopolis. Crocodopolis brings a new concept to slots with its unique Slide a Wild feature. Slide a Wild allows the player to choose how volatile the game is, as they position and determine in which reels they want the wild symbols to appear. The more a player moves the slider away from reel one, the more powerful the wild symbols become and the bigger the wins.
The 100,000 Pyramid features on Virgin Casino. This new game, based on the hit TV game show in the US, follows on from its successful predecessor, The 50,000 Pyramid. The game features 15-paylines of fantastic game show fun where players can win up to 100,000x their bet. Score three or more Winner's Circle symbols to climb the Pyramid, earning free spins or multipliers with every pick.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "It's great to be introducing these new titles this week. The 50,000 Pyramid has been a huge hit with our players so we have high hopes for its successor. The variety we provide our customers is a key priority of Virgin Games, and adding these new games enhances the great choice we offer, making ours one of the most exciting online casinos around."
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
*Sorry, no U.S, Australian or Canadian players. Please see World Casino Directory
Websites
Virgin Casino
Virgin Games
Virgin Bingo
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.
- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry.
- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com conducts b2b with Virgin Games, as they do with dozen of companies in the entertainment, gaming and media sector.
Profiles
Crocodopolis The 100,000 Pyramid The 50,000 Pyramid NextGen Gaming WagerWorks
Richard Branson Virgin Games Virgin Casino Virgin Bingo V*Points Virgin Enterprises Limited Casino Games iGaming World Casino Directory Global Gaming Directory
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Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games - have launched two new games this week, Crocodopolis by NextGen and The 100,000 Pyramid by Wagerworks.
Featuring on Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo is Crocodopolis, a 5-reel, 25-payline slot. The Ancient Egypt themed game features the Croc pharaoh, whose realm is Crocodopolis. Crocodopolis brings a new concept to slots with its unique Slide a Wild feature. Slide a Wild allows the player to choose how volatile the game is, as they position and determine in which reels they want the wild symbols to appear. The more a player moves the slider away from reel one, the more powerful the wild symbols become and the bigger the wins.
The 100,000 Pyramid features on Virgin Casino. This new game, based on the hit TV game show in the US, follows on from its successful predecessor, The 50,000 Pyramid. The game features 15-paylines of fantastic game show fun where players can win up to 100,000x their bet. Score three or more Winner's Circle symbols to climb the Pyramid, earning free spins or multipliers with every pick.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "It's great to be introducing these new titles this week. The 50,000 Pyramid has been a huge hit with our players so we have high hopes for its successor. The variety we provide our customers is a key priority of Virgin Games, and adding these new games enhances the great choice we offer, making ours one of the most exciting online casinos around."
Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.
*Sorry, no U.S, Australian or Canadian players. Please see World Casino Directory
Websites
Virgin Casino
Virgin Games
Virgin Bingo
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.
- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry.
- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com conducts b2b with Virgin Games, as they do with dozen of companies in the entertainment, gaming and media sector.
Profiles
Crocodopolis The 100,000 Pyramid The 50,000 Pyramid NextGen Gaming WagerWorks
Richard Branson Virgin Games Virgin Casino Virgin Bingo V*Points Virgin Enterprises Limited Casino Games iGaming World Casino Directory Global Gaming Directory
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Gambling, Sports Betting Ads, Promos Cop Heat, by Greg Tingle - 18th December 2010
G'day casino and gambling millionaires, billionaires, media moguls, sports nuts, entertainment news junkies, insiders, outsiders, politicians, journalists and everyone else. Today we probe the proliferation of sports betting, casino and gambling mentions and themes in the Australian media, sports and entertainment business. Network Nine and the cricket were quick off the mark via television, followed by the likes of Fox Sports, Centrebet, and now OneHD and Network Ten, the 'Warnie' show and a bush tucker bag of website portals are picking up the ball and running with it, in a way we think WikiLeaks would be proud of. Even News Limited and Fairfax Media newspapers are running tons of ads, promos and news stories are a plenty. Media Man and Gambling911 play media monitor and trace route investigator, and hit 'em for six with this very special and rather clever report...
How's the cricket been treating you recently? The Ashes has sure been good to media companies and punters who like to... well, get on the punt. Australia's fantastic sports coverage is helping get the word out on sports betting and gambling.
A number of special interests groups, campaigners, bible bashers and even a couple of medical types are jumping on the anti gambling bandwagon, and the strong gambling coverage tied in with cricket and other sports well positioned in the Australian media seems to be adding fuel to the fire, as we head towards a perfect storm.
One group, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, advised it has been "alarmed" at the rise in gambling ads, promos, as well as frequent references to sports betting odds, in televised sport and particularly the cricket that us Aussies love so much. The cricket is something both Nine boss David Gyngell and Ten and Crown Limited bigwig James Packer, are both fighting over, and we think the sports betting aspect is something that keeps the cricket so appealing to media tycoons - and its not just the modest TV ratings that go with the game if you follow our lead.
It's been debated that any cases of sports betting odds come with a warning to emphasise and make the potential punters aware of the dangers of excessive gambling as well as a helpline for existing addicts to call.
RANZCP president Dr Maria Tomasic was prepared to go on record with "Problem gambling is a real concern in our community. (Yet) there has been little public debate about the introduction of gambling advertising on sports programs, particularly during the day when children may be watching. Frequent exposure to gambling promotion, gambling's association with sport, and the use of commentators and sporting role models to promote gambling and discuss betting odds, can normalise gambling and influence vulnerable people and children."
This particular college has advised sports betting problems were on the rise and reform was needed to promote more "responsible levels of gambling activity" to help minimise its harmful impact on the community. Their list includes: Showing helpline phone numbers whenever gambling odds are broadcast during live sporting events, providing clear warnings at all gambling venues which explain the possible harms that flow from excessive gambling, advice containing details on where to seek help, while more counselling services and other forms of help and the mathematical odds of winning in luck-of-the-draw style gambling should also be on clear display at gambling venues
A Media Man spokesperson said "We think some of the groups proposals do have some merit, but at the same time we need to help ensure proposals and guidelines don't contain overkill. All gambling and sports betting services have some sort of warning about the dangers of gambling. Do we really need the fun police everywhere. People know sports betting and gambling is just that, and not what you would call a business model for one's life financial planning or regular income. Granted, some people are very successful at making sports betting and gambling their main income, but that is the rare exception to the rule. It's hard to protect people from themselves. People need to just enjoy the experience and keep it fun, and not bet over their head".
Dr Clive Allcock, Member of RANZCP's Section of Addiction Psychiatry said "Problem gambling can result in divorce, suicidal thoughts and acts, illegal acts and bankruptcy. Those with gambling problems often also have other concerns, such as depression, hazardous alcohol use and smoking, and personality disorders."
The good doctor also said more research was also needed to develop evidence-based treatments for gambling addiction, as there was currently "not one treatment which is considered to be the best for problem gambling".
Gambing industry bigwigs like Aristocrat's Len Ainsworth said in regarding to problem gambling "A problem gambler is like a problem drinker or a serial killer; you've got to get to the cause".
Ainsworth's comments do have merit, but as is often the case with bright ideas, easier said than done. How do you get inside someone's head, how do you force them to change their ways. Oh, that's right. Let's see what Australia's 'Big Brother' Gillard Labor government can do. Perhaps that's why they are looking closely at biometrics. But, are such solutions the tip of the iceberg for something a whole lot more similar with previous Australian government proposals containing the likes of the 'Australia Card'.
Some of the most popular sports betting and gambling brands for Australia include:
Betfair, Centrebet, Gamebookers and BetUS (sports betting brands)
PartyGaming, PartyCasino, PartyPoker, Captain Cooks Casino, 888, PKR and World Poker Tour (gambling and poker brands)
Some sports that are currently seeing an increase in betting interest include motorsport (F1 and V8 SuperCars), professional surfing, boxing, wrestling and UFC. The AFL, NRL, tennis and soccer continue to maintain their incredible popularity.
Australian media and gambling tycoon, James Packer, appears to be best positioned to lead Australia into the future of sports betting and gambling, with his 50% ownership in Betfair, ruling Crown Limited - Crown Casino (home to the Aussie Millions) and stake in OneHD...an offshoot of Ten Network Holdings, commonly known to punters are Channel Ten. PartyGaming, listed on the London Stock Exchange, have also enjoyed strong success in Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region, teaming up with mainstream media and entertainment industry brands such as Marvel Entertainment, Sony, Fremantle Media and Paramount Pictures. News Corp's 20th Century Fox is also understood to be wanting to become heavily involved in the Australian gambling landscape, as they are in the United Kingdom. Media and entertainment portals such as Google, Media Man and Yahoo! all appear to be continuing to ramping up their coverage of gambling and sports betting, catering to an international audience via the internet...ideally suited to covering the dynamic nature of the gambling sector.
Whatever the final outcome aka Australian government 'The Final Solution' is, don't get too used to the current Australian gambling and sports betting landscape, and significant changes are just around the corner.
If you enjoy a bet, please do so in a responsible matter, and if you think your gambling may be getting out of hand, please seek professional assistance.
Awards...
Last month was a big month for casino awards. Let's have a look...
PartyGaming's PartyCasino has also come back with seconds, picking up another Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award' for November, and also the parent company, PartyGaming, picked up the prestigious EGR Slots Operator Of The Year Award ...Some other top picks of ours who picked up awards at the EGR night of nights were:
Virgin Games (Affiliate Programme)
Betfair (Innovation, Mobile Operator and UK Sports Betting Operator)
Bwin (European Sports Betting Operator
PKR (Poker Operator)
Oh, we almost forgot...Media Man and Casino News Media 'Casino Babe Of The Month': Jenny Woo, 'Poker Babe': Kara Scott, 'Gambling Babe Personality': Pamela Anderson.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australia Casinos
Cricket
Movies
Crown Casino
Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Tabcorp Holdings
Politics
Broadcasting
Television
Media Companies
Australian Sports
News
Casino News
Entertainment News
Media News
Technology News
Sports News
News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report on gambling in the Australian media? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. They also publish Australian Sports Entertainment http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Ten Network Holdings and Virgin
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How's the cricket been treating you recently? The Ashes has sure been good to media companies and punters who like to... well, get on the punt. Australia's fantastic sports coverage is helping get the word out on sports betting and gambling.
A number of special interests groups, campaigners, bible bashers and even a couple of medical types are jumping on the anti gambling bandwagon, and the strong gambling coverage tied in with cricket and other sports well positioned in the Australian media seems to be adding fuel to the fire, as we head towards a perfect storm.
One group, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, advised it has been "alarmed" at the rise in gambling ads, promos, as well as frequent references to sports betting odds, in televised sport and particularly the cricket that us Aussies love so much. The cricket is something both Nine boss David Gyngell and Ten and Crown Limited bigwig James Packer, are both fighting over, and we think the sports betting aspect is something that keeps the cricket so appealing to media tycoons - and its not just the modest TV ratings that go with the game if you follow our lead.
It's been debated that any cases of sports betting odds come with a warning to emphasise and make the potential punters aware of the dangers of excessive gambling as well as a helpline for existing addicts to call.
RANZCP president Dr Maria Tomasic was prepared to go on record with "Problem gambling is a real concern in our community. (Yet) there has been little public debate about the introduction of gambling advertising on sports programs, particularly during the day when children may be watching. Frequent exposure to gambling promotion, gambling's association with sport, and the use of commentators and sporting role models to promote gambling and discuss betting odds, can normalise gambling and influence vulnerable people and children."
This particular college has advised sports betting problems were on the rise and reform was needed to promote more "responsible levels of gambling activity" to help minimise its harmful impact on the community. Their list includes: Showing helpline phone numbers whenever gambling odds are broadcast during live sporting events, providing clear warnings at all gambling venues which explain the possible harms that flow from excessive gambling, advice containing details on where to seek help, while more counselling services and other forms of help and the mathematical odds of winning in luck-of-the-draw style gambling should also be on clear display at gambling venues
A Media Man spokesperson said "We think some of the groups proposals do have some merit, but at the same time we need to help ensure proposals and guidelines don't contain overkill. All gambling and sports betting services have some sort of warning about the dangers of gambling. Do we really need the fun police everywhere. People know sports betting and gambling is just that, and not what you would call a business model for one's life financial planning or regular income. Granted, some people are very successful at making sports betting and gambling their main income, but that is the rare exception to the rule. It's hard to protect people from themselves. People need to just enjoy the experience and keep it fun, and not bet over their head".
Dr Clive Allcock, Member of RANZCP's Section of Addiction Psychiatry said "Problem gambling can result in divorce, suicidal thoughts and acts, illegal acts and bankruptcy. Those with gambling problems often also have other concerns, such as depression, hazardous alcohol use and smoking, and personality disorders."
The good doctor also said more research was also needed to develop evidence-based treatments for gambling addiction, as there was currently "not one treatment which is considered to be the best for problem gambling".
Gambing industry bigwigs like Aristocrat's Len Ainsworth said in regarding to problem gambling "A problem gambler is like a problem drinker or a serial killer; you've got to get to the cause".
Ainsworth's comments do have merit, but as is often the case with bright ideas, easier said than done. How do you get inside someone's head, how do you force them to change their ways. Oh, that's right. Let's see what Australia's 'Big Brother' Gillard Labor government can do. Perhaps that's why they are looking closely at biometrics. But, are such solutions the tip of the iceberg for something a whole lot more similar with previous Australian government proposals containing the likes of the 'Australia Card'.
Some of the most popular sports betting and gambling brands for Australia include:
Betfair, Centrebet, Gamebookers and BetUS (sports betting brands)
PartyGaming, PartyCasino, PartyPoker, Captain Cooks Casino, 888, PKR and World Poker Tour (gambling and poker brands)
Some sports that are currently seeing an increase in betting interest include motorsport (F1 and V8 SuperCars), professional surfing, boxing, wrestling and UFC. The AFL, NRL, tennis and soccer continue to maintain their incredible popularity.
Australian media and gambling tycoon, James Packer, appears to be best positioned to lead Australia into the future of sports betting and gambling, with his 50% ownership in Betfair, ruling Crown Limited - Crown Casino (home to the Aussie Millions) and stake in OneHD...an offshoot of Ten Network Holdings, commonly known to punters are Channel Ten. PartyGaming, listed on the London Stock Exchange, have also enjoyed strong success in Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region, teaming up with mainstream media and entertainment industry brands such as Marvel Entertainment, Sony, Fremantle Media and Paramount Pictures. News Corp's 20th Century Fox is also understood to be wanting to become heavily involved in the Australian gambling landscape, as they are in the United Kingdom. Media and entertainment portals such as Google, Media Man and Yahoo! all appear to be continuing to ramping up their coverage of gambling and sports betting, catering to an international audience via the internet...ideally suited to covering the dynamic nature of the gambling sector.
Whatever the final outcome aka Australian government 'The Final Solution' is, don't get too used to the current Australian gambling and sports betting landscape, and significant changes are just around the corner.
If you enjoy a bet, please do so in a responsible matter, and if you think your gambling may be getting out of hand, please seek professional assistance.
Awards...
Last month was a big month for casino awards. Let's have a look...
PartyGaming's PartyCasino has also come back with seconds, picking up another Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award' for November, and also the parent company, PartyGaming, picked up the prestigious EGR Slots Operator Of The Year Award ...Some other top picks of ours who picked up awards at the EGR night of nights were:
Virgin Games (Affiliate Programme)
Betfair (Innovation, Mobile Operator and UK Sports Betting Operator)
Bwin (European Sports Betting Operator
PKR (Poker Operator)
Oh, we almost forgot...Media Man and Casino News Media 'Casino Babe Of The Month': Jenny Woo, 'Poker Babe': Kara Scott, 'Gambling Babe Personality': Pamela Anderson.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australia Casinos
Cricket
Movies
Crown Casino
Jupiters Hotel and Casino
Tabcorp Holdings
Politics
Broadcasting
Television
Media Companies
Australian Sports
News
Casino News
Entertainment News
Media News
Technology News
Sports News
News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report on gambling in the Australian media? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis. They also publish Australian Sports Entertainment http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Ten Network Holdings and Virgin
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Casino News Media: PartyGaming's casino keeps year on track, by Greg Tingle - 17th December 2010
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com Bwin PartyBingo.com World Poker Tour
Websites
PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com PartyBingo.com PartyGammon.com World Poker Tour
PartyGaming, the internet gambling firm that's merging with rival bwin, has traded in line with expectations during the fourth quarter, with a stronger casino business offsetting weakness in poker and bingo.
The company said trading since the end of September has been "solid" overall, thanks mainly to casino’s double-digit growth in average daily gross revenue versus the third quarter.
There was also growth at the poker business quarter on quarter, but the usual seasonal pickup has been "less pronounced" due to the euro’s strength against the dollar. Both bingo and sports are down on Q3.
But clean earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margins for 2010 remain in-line with previous guidance of 27-28%.
And the company is excited about the possibility of online gaming being regulated in the US both at the Federal and State level. If it goes through, the group is "well advanced" in talks with licensed companies in the US that could create "substantial" value.
"The proposed merger with bwin remains on-track to complete at the end of the first quarter and should place the combined group in a strong position to take advantage of the changing regulatory landscape in Europe given its leadership positions across all key product verticals," boss Jim Ryan said.
Press Release
PartyGaming Plc ("PartyGaming" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") Pre-Close Trading Update
Revenue overall has been in-line with expectations with a strong performance in casino mitigated by a softer seasonal performance in poker and bingo
Clean EBITDA margins for 2010 expected to be in-line with previous guidance
Prospective regulation in new markets offers exciting medium to long-term revenue potential that may require additional investment
Merger with bwin remains on track
Trading since the end of September 2010 has been solid overall with a particularly strong performance in casino that has enjoyed double-digit growth in average daily gross revenue versus the third quarter, driven by growth in both turnover and hold. Poker has also seen growth in average daily gross revenue over the third quarter, although the usual seasonal pickup has been less pronounced than in previous years due to the strengthening of the euro against the US dollar. In bingo, average gross daily revenue has grown versus the current trading data reported at the time of our Q3 KPIs, but remains lower than the third quarter. This is due to the strengthening of the euro against sterling and seasonality, as UK-based bingo players typically reduce their spend in the run-up to Christmas. While sports betting has continued to deliver a solid performance in the period, the benefit of the World Cup during the third quarter as well as a favourable series of results for punters has meant that average daily gross revenue in sports is down versus the third quarter.
In respect of margins, we expect that full year Clean EBITDA margins for 2010 will remain in-line with our previous guidance of between 27% and 28%.
An increasing number of territories are now actively exploring the merits of a regulatory framework for online gaming. In Europe, the Group is continuing to monitor closely Germany, Greece, Holland, Denmark and Spain as well as other countries. Whilst the shape and scope of any such regulations is not yet known, should some of these markets move to regulate, additional gaming taxes and investment may be required to ensure that the Group’s long-term revenue potential is maximised.
There continues to be much movement in the US towards regulating online gaming both at the Federal and State level. Should the requisite legislation be enacted, the Group is well advanced in discussions with licensed companies in the US that could create substantial value for the Group’s shareholders.
Proposed Merger with bwin
It is expected that the shareholder documents associated with the proposed merger will be issued shortly with an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders expected to be convened for late January 2011. The proposed merger remains on course to complete during March 2011.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Revenues in the fourth quarter have enjoyed their usual seasonal upturn. Casino has performed particularly strongly with double-digit revenue growth over the third quarter, although currency movements meant that the uplift in poker has been less pronounced than usual. Clean EBITDA margins are expected to be in line with our previous guidance for 2010.
"The proposed merger with bwin remains on-track to complete at the end of the first quarter and should place the combined group in a strong position to take advantage of the changing regulatory landscape in Europe given its leadership positions across all key product verticals."
Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyGammon.com
PartyBets.com
GameBookers.com
FoxyBingo.com
Bwin
Cashcade
World Poker Tour
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
PartyGaming PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com Bwin PartyBingo.com World Poker Tour
Websites
PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com PartyBingo.com PartyGammon.com World Poker Tour
PartyGaming, the internet gambling firm that's merging with rival bwin, has traded in line with expectations during the fourth quarter, with a stronger casino business offsetting weakness in poker and bingo.
The company said trading since the end of September has been "solid" overall, thanks mainly to casino’s double-digit growth in average daily gross revenue versus the third quarter.
There was also growth at the poker business quarter on quarter, but the usual seasonal pickup has been "less pronounced" due to the euro’s strength against the dollar. Both bingo and sports are down on Q3.
But clean earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margins for 2010 remain in-line with previous guidance of 27-28%.
And the company is excited about the possibility of online gaming being regulated in the US both at the Federal and State level. If it goes through, the group is "well advanced" in talks with licensed companies in the US that could create "substantial" value.
"The proposed merger with bwin remains on-track to complete at the end of the first quarter and should place the combined group in a strong position to take advantage of the changing regulatory landscape in Europe given its leadership positions across all key product verticals," boss Jim Ryan said.
Press Release
PartyGaming Plc ("PartyGaming" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") Pre-Close Trading Update
Revenue overall has been in-line with expectations with a strong performance in casino mitigated by a softer seasonal performance in poker and bingo
Clean EBITDA margins for 2010 expected to be in-line with previous guidance
Prospective regulation in new markets offers exciting medium to long-term revenue potential that may require additional investment
Merger with bwin remains on track
Trading since the end of September 2010 has been solid overall with a particularly strong performance in casino that has enjoyed double-digit growth in average daily gross revenue versus the third quarter, driven by growth in both turnover and hold. Poker has also seen growth in average daily gross revenue over the third quarter, although the usual seasonal pickup has been less pronounced than in previous years due to the strengthening of the euro against the US dollar. In bingo, average gross daily revenue has grown versus the current trading data reported at the time of our Q3 KPIs, but remains lower than the third quarter. This is due to the strengthening of the euro against sterling and seasonality, as UK-based bingo players typically reduce their spend in the run-up to Christmas. While sports betting has continued to deliver a solid performance in the period, the benefit of the World Cup during the third quarter as well as a favourable series of results for punters has meant that average daily gross revenue in sports is down versus the third quarter.
In respect of margins, we expect that full year Clean EBITDA margins for 2010 will remain in-line with our previous guidance of between 27% and 28%.
An increasing number of territories are now actively exploring the merits of a regulatory framework for online gaming. In Europe, the Group is continuing to monitor closely Germany, Greece, Holland, Denmark and Spain as well as other countries. Whilst the shape and scope of any such regulations is not yet known, should some of these markets move to regulate, additional gaming taxes and investment may be required to ensure that the Group’s long-term revenue potential is maximised.
There continues to be much movement in the US towards regulating online gaming both at the Federal and State level. Should the requisite legislation be enacted, the Group is well advanced in discussions with licensed companies in the US that could create substantial value for the Group’s shareholders.
Proposed Merger with bwin
It is expected that the shareholder documents associated with the proposed merger will be issued shortly with an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders expected to be convened for late January 2011. The proposed merger remains on course to complete during March 2011.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, said:
"Revenues in the fourth quarter have enjoyed their usual seasonal upturn. Casino has performed particularly strongly with double-digit revenue growth over the third quarter, although currency movements meant that the uplift in poker has been less pronounced than usual. Clean EBITDA margins are expected to be in line with our previous guidance for 2010.
"The proposed merger with bwin remains on-track to complete at the end of the first quarter and should place the combined group in a strong position to take advantage of the changing regulatory landscape in Europe given its leadership positions across all key product verticals."
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Casino News Media: PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
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PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
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Monday, December 13, 2010
Casino News Media - Media Man: News Update
PartyGaming Claims Bwin Deal Still Going Ahead
PartyGaming - Collins Stewart takes a gamble on PartyGaming: Collins Stewart has a buy and 320p target for PartyGaming
Playtech - Collins Stewart takes a gamble on Playtech: Has a buy 552p target for Playtech
PartyCasino Gets New Slot Games
Virgin Casino Remains Strong In Europe; Still No Accepting Australians, Americans or Canadians
Media Man Buys Shares In Ten Network Holdings; Sparked By James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch, Quality Programing And Ten Gaming Business Aspirations
Crown Casino Not So Hot For Tabcorp's Casino Business: Star City
Tabcorp's Treasury Heritage Hotel in Brisbane named as top independent hotel. According to Worldhotels, the hotel is one of the world's top hotels that provide guests with a luxury experience and could provide ideal accommodation for travellers planning to take flights to Brisbane. The hotel is part of the Treasury Casino resort and is located in a heritage building which has been revamped into a top quality hotel
Macau gaming revenue to double in four years saws PwC; Estimates casino gross gaming revenue will top US$45.1 billion (MOP361 billion) in 2014
Mobile Gaming Continues In Popularity
SBS wins three 2010 Walkley Awards for Journalistic Excellence, including its first for the broadcaster’s Radio News and Current Affairs division and two for Dateline. The awards were announced last night at Melbourne’s Crown Casino
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Again
Virgin Casino Runner Up For Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month'
Playtech's Casino Las Vegas And Noble Casino Proving Big Hit For Mobile Gaming Fans
Hitwise Stats Showing Gambling And Gaming Remain Super Hot On Internet
World Casino Directory format a big hit with punters says Media Man
Betfair Wins Media Man 'Sports Betting Website Of The Month' Award
PartyPoker Wins Media Man 'Online Poker Website Of The Month' Award
PKR Casino Gets New Games
Centrebet Remains #1 In Australia For Political Betting
Star City In 'Sin City' Sydney Focused On Becoming #1 Land Based Casino In Australia
Cleopatra game maintaining popularity in land based and online casinos
Sinatra Slot Game Massive Success Story For PartyCasino; Company Aiming To Have Similar Successes With New Game Releases
Online gaming companies in for huge 2011
Gambling911 News And Entertainment Website Portal Remains Big Hit With Australians, Americans, Canadians, despite not showing up in Google News at present
Gambling911 News
Tingle: Tabcorp Casino Chips Center of Drug Investigation
Wikileaks: Gambling With Australian Laws?
Tingle: Casino And Pokie Palace Attacks Continue Down Under
Australian NRL Footy Star Brad Murray Recorded Placing Bet
Kerry Packer Aussie Legend Live On Via Art And TV
Tingle: Australian Clubs, Pubs, Gaming Biz At War With Gvt
Tingle: Mildura Jewel Casino: Impossible Dream?
Tingle: Australians Betting Over $1bn Online Gaming
Australian Casino Wars: Star City Official Opening
Crown Casino Hammered: 24-Hour Gambling Binges, Machine Urination Alleged
Asia Pacific, Aussie Gambling And Entertainment News (11/27/10)
James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch And Stephen Conroy Talk Sports Media
Shane Warne, Tiger Woods Sex Scandals Center Stage at Aussie Casino
Crown Casino Catches Tiger Woods By Tail Again At Australian Open
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PartyGaming - Collins Stewart takes a gamble on PartyGaming: Collins Stewart has a buy and 320p target for PartyGaming
Playtech - Collins Stewart takes a gamble on Playtech: Has a buy 552p target for Playtech
PartyCasino Gets New Slot Games
Virgin Casino Remains Strong In Europe; Still No Accepting Australians, Americans or Canadians
Media Man Buys Shares In Ten Network Holdings; Sparked By James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch, Quality Programing And Ten Gaming Business Aspirations
Crown Casino Not So Hot For Tabcorp's Casino Business: Star City
Tabcorp's Treasury Heritage Hotel in Brisbane named as top independent hotel. According to Worldhotels, the hotel is one of the world's top hotels that provide guests with a luxury experience and could provide ideal accommodation for travellers planning to take flights to Brisbane. The hotel is part of the Treasury Casino resort and is located in a heritage building which has been revamped into a top quality hotel
Macau gaming revenue to double in four years saws PwC; Estimates casino gross gaming revenue will top US$45.1 billion (MOP361 billion) in 2014
Mobile Gaming Continues In Popularity
SBS wins three 2010 Walkley Awards for Journalistic Excellence, including its first for the broadcaster’s Radio News and Current Affairs division and two for Dateline. The awards were announced last night at Melbourne’s Crown Casino
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Again
Virgin Casino Runner Up For Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month'
Playtech's Casino Las Vegas And Noble Casino Proving Big Hit For Mobile Gaming Fans
Hitwise Stats Showing Gambling And Gaming Remain Super Hot On Internet
World Casino Directory format a big hit with punters says Media Man
Betfair Wins Media Man 'Sports Betting Website Of The Month' Award
PartyPoker Wins Media Man 'Online Poker Website Of The Month' Award
PKR Casino Gets New Games
Centrebet Remains #1 In Australia For Political Betting
Star City In 'Sin City' Sydney Focused On Becoming #1 Land Based Casino In Australia
Cleopatra game maintaining popularity in land based and online casinos
Sinatra Slot Game Massive Success Story For PartyCasino; Company Aiming To Have Similar Successes With New Game Releases
Online gaming companies in for huge 2011
Gambling911 News And Entertainment Website Portal Remains Big Hit With Australians, Americans, Canadians, despite not showing up in Google News at present
Gambling911 News
Tingle: Tabcorp Casino Chips Center of Drug Investigation
Wikileaks: Gambling With Australian Laws?
Tingle: Casino And Pokie Palace Attacks Continue Down Under
Australian NRL Footy Star Brad Murray Recorded Placing Bet
Kerry Packer Aussie Legend Live On Via Art And TV
Tingle: Australian Clubs, Pubs, Gaming Biz At War With Gvt
Tingle: Mildura Jewel Casino: Impossible Dream?
Tingle: Australians Betting Over $1bn Online Gaming
Australian Casino Wars: Star City Official Opening
Crown Casino Hammered: 24-Hour Gambling Binges, Machine Urination Alleged
Asia Pacific, Aussie Gambling And Entertainment News (11/27/10)
James Packer, Lachlan Murdoch And Stephen Conroy Talk Sports Media
Shane Warne, Tiger Woods Sex Scandals Center Stage at Aussie Casino
Crown Casino Catches Tiger Woods By Tail Again At Australian Open
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Online Casino News
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Casino News Media: PartyCasino Players Celebrate The Best Game Releases of 2010, by Greg Tingle - 7th December 2010
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PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
PartyCasino.com is preparing to celebrating a massive year of awesome game releases with a 'Games of the Year' promotion scheduled to take place from December 16th to the 22nd. Opt-in to the promotion and you will be able to take advantage of a special money back guarantee on 10% of any losses made while playing any of the casino's 'Games of the Year' collection.
Only bets made during the promotional period will count towards a cashback bonus. Players can opt-in at any time during the promotion and regardless of when you register for the event all of your game play from the beginning of the promotion will count towards the cash back amount. Regular players can earn up to $300 cashback and VIP players can earn up to $500. All cash-back bonuses will be awarded as a cash bonus and requires no deposit.
Only bets on the 'Games of the Year' titles will count towards your bonus. The full list of games eligible for this prom is Festive Fortune$, Snow Business, Kung Food, Glamour Puss, Safari Soccer, Circus, Jail Break, Slotblox, Rubik's Cube, Amazon Wild, Alice's Wonderland, Heist, Shaaark Super Bet, Crocodopolis, Unicorn Legend, Chain Reactors, Super Cubes, Cash Drop, Final Score, Midas Millions, Chest of Plenty, Once upon a time, and Melon Madness.
PartyCasino has been providing players with world class online entertainment for more than decade. New players can get a 100% welcome bonus of up to $3,000 to play slots, and PartyGaming has some of the world's best including many exclusives.
PartyCasino has a number of awards and commendations to its name including Media Man and Casino News Media 'Online Casino Of The Month' and EGR 'Slots Operator Of The Year'. PartyGaming was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Festive Fortunes Snow Business Kung Food Jail Break Slotbox Media Man Casino News Media Global Gaming Directory
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Heist Glamour Puss Safari Soccer Rubiks Slot Amazon Wild Media Man Casino News Media Global Gaming Directory
PartyCasino.com
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
PartyCasino.com is preparing to celebrating a massive year of awesome game releases with a 'Games of the Year' promotion scheduled to take place from December 16th to the 22nd. Opt-in to the promotion and you will be able to take advantage of a special money back guarantee on 10% of any losses made while playing any of the casino's 'Games of the Year' collection.
Only bets made during the promotional period will count towards a cashback bonus. Players can opt-in at any time during the promotion and regardless of when you register for the event all of your game play from the beginning of the promotion will count towards the cash back amount. Regular players can earn up to $300 cashback and VIP players can earn up to $500. All cash-back bonuses will be awarded as a cash bonus and requires no deposit.
Only bets on the 'Games of the Year' titles will count towards your bonus. The full list of games eligible for this prom is Festive Fortune$, Snow Business, Kung Food, Glamour Puss, Safari Soccer, Circus, Jail Break, Slotblox, Rubik's Cube, Amazon Wild, Alice's Wonderland, Heist, Shaaark Super Bet, Crocodopolis, Unicorn Legend, Chain Reactors, Super Cubes, Cash Drop, Final Score, Midas Millions, Chest of Plenty, Once upon a time, and Melon Madness.
PartyCasino has been providing players with world class online entertainment for more than decade. New players can get a 100% welcome bonus of up to $3,000 to play slots, and PartyGaming has some of the world's best including many exclusives.
PartyCasino has a number of awards and commendations to its name including Media Man and Casino News Media 'Online Casino Of The Month' and EGR 'Slots Operator Of The Year'. PartyGaming was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Festive Fortunes Snow Business Kung Food Jail Break Slotbox Media Man Casino News Media Global Gaming Directory
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Saturday, December 4, 2010
Online gaming companies in for huge 2011, by Greg Tingle
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Could online gaming firms be in the mix of the top stockmarket investments to make in 2011?
The listing of Betfair (BET) at the conclusion of October on a fancy multiple and the $3.3 billion megamerger between PartyGaming and Bwin (PRTY), due to complete in the first quarter of 2011, appears to have added spark to the industry of late.
Then there is the prospect, albeit slight, of the liberalisation of the US igaming market which has put the industry firmly on investors' watch list, including ours, for next year.
It is understandable, as even a snapshot look at the stockmarket gains of the world’s biggest online gaming companies between circa 2004-2006 reveals just how quickly fortunes were made and lost.
The iGaming Global Top 30 Index, an index of the stockmarket performance of the biggest 30 online gaming companies, surged 40% between July 2004 and August 2005. This was followed by 12 months of extreme volatility before sinking thanks to a controversial piece of legislation in the US.
Since 2006, online gaming’s real story has been dominated by America’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
The multibillion-pound global industry virtually collapsed in a heap after its biggest market - the US - was closed down overnight when Congress introduced a surprise clause to legislation in September 2006, in effect making internet betting illegal. Not only was that a blow for investors - it was a hugely expensive one.
British-based companies were among the biggest casualties.
As soon as the London Stock Exchange opened the following Monday morning, shares in PartyGaming - then a FTSE 100 member - dived by 58%, while rivals 888 Holdings (888) and Sportingbet saw their shares slide by 26% and 64% respectively, wiping an estimated £4 billion off the sector's value.
The companies were forced to focus on opportunities in other parts of the world, but the businesses have never fully recovered from the impact of losing their most lucrative market. Last year, online gambling was worth an estimated $5.4 billion (£3.5 billion) overall, a figure that could rise to $12-$16 billion if the market was opened up, analysts say.
Despite the recent loss of a sympathetic Democrat majority in Congress last month, there is renewed hope of floated gambling companies being dealt a good hand on both sides of the Pond.
The new Republican chairman of the House financial services committee is likely to be an old-style Alabaman named Spencer Bachus.
Yet he is likely to listen to the prospects of a reinvigorated gambling sector for the ailing US economy. The Federal government’s non-partisan accountants, the Joint Committee on Taxation, have estimated online gambling could generate between $10 billion and $42 billion in new revenue by 2019, depending on the number of states that opt into a federal regulatory programme.
Yet he is likely to listen to the prospects of a reinvigorated gambling sector for the ailing US economy.
The Federal government’s non-partisan accountants, the Joint Committee on Taxation, have estimated online gambling could generate between $10 billion and $42 billion in new revenue by 2019, depending on the number of states that opt into a Federal regulatory programme.
And you can see why if you glance at the forecast numbers.
With the US nationwide unemployment rate at 10%, 48 of 50 states facing budget shortfalls and a Federal deficit approaching $1.3 trillion, the economic backdrop against which to promote regulation and taxation of internet gambling has arguably never been more favourable.
Yet those companies poised to get a real boost should America legalise online gambling, such as the impressive PartyGaming/Bwin combine, are getting excited about the future.
"We are seeing things from a legislative perspective that are quite exciting for us," says Jim Ryan, chief executive of PartyGaming, whose comments undoubtedly reflect the mood of a growing contingent of gambling operators on both sides of the Atlantic.
There has been speculation that PartyGaming and Bwin have decided to merge at this time precisely because they will be better placed than any other operator to seize a huge market share should the US decide to legalise online gambling. You only have to look at the market share that Party was able to capture by becoming one of the first operators into the online poker market back in 2001.
Analysts agree the enlarged company is in a strong position to exploit the opening up of the US market.
In a note to investors recently, the Morgan Stanley leisure analyst Vaughan Lewis said: "The overall political tide is moving firmly in favour of regulation, rather than prohibition.
"With its expertise... market-leading technology, strong marketing capability and good brands, we think the combined entity of PartyGaming and Bwin would be extremely well positioned to benefit from any market opening in the US. We include nothing in our forecasts for the US, so any new market here is pure upside."
And in a recent Barclays Capital research note, the investment bank said: "In the event of Federal regulation, we believe PartyGaming would be the likely key beneficiary.
"Under this hypothetical scenario, we estimate the potential [underlying profits] uplift could be 94% for PartyGaming and 58% for Bwin and 888. On a state-by-state hypothetical scenario, we estimate the uplift for the group would be considerably lower, but still meaningful."
Meanwhile, at the end of October analysts at Numis published a note saying there is 50% upside potential at Party when the merger with Bwin completes in March 2011. With the shares trading at around 230p at the beginning of November Numis have put a price target of 400p on the stock.
The PartyGaming/Bwin merger has got the other big companies in the sector scurrying around to do similar deals. They don't want to be left behind in what will become a gold rush should the US legalise online gaming.
888 and Sportingbet are also possible future takeover targets as the industry consolidates, but only once their legal liabilities in the US market are cleared. Serious negotiations in the PartyGaming/Bwin merger were only concluded once Party had secured a $105 million settlement with US authorities.
Analysts say a resolution would clear the way for 888 and Sportingbet to re-enter the lucrative US market should moves to overturn the 2006 legislation succeed.
Sportingbet has already acted telling shareholders at its latest results meeting that it had made a £22.8 million settlement with the US Department of Justice over an investigation into illegal internet gambling. The agreement means the firm will avoid being prosecuted in the US for accepting online bets made by Americans between 1998 and 2006.
Sportingbet would hold the most appeal to potential bidders, analysts reckon, pointing to its very strong market positioning in Australia and commenting that Ladbrokes (LAD) and William Hill (WMH) could be interested in a takeover.
Liberum Capital analyst Richard Taylor recently highlighted the strength of Sportingbet’s sports betting business, which he said had one of the best gross margins in the sector at around 10%. In addition, he said Sportingbet’s management was open to a bid, having previously stated up to 55% of their cost base could be removed.
Another former giant of the sector, now somewhat depleted thanks to the UIGEA, is 888.
Analysts say 888's attraction would be the potential for cost savings in a tie-up with a rival online gaming operator, and that Party/Bwin might be a possible buyer. What would make it attractive is that both Party and Bwin use 888 as a supplier.
However, the Shaked family who founded the company, and who control over 50% of the shares, would be looking for a price significantly above the 40p at which the company currently trades.
There have been whispers among London traders in the last few weeks that a £262 million, or 76p a share, cash bid from a much bigger industry player, possibly US entertainment giant Harrah's, which already has close business links with 888 could be on the cards.
Certainly 888 chief executive Gigi Levy has said recently that he looks at consolidation as one of the possible routes to realising shareholder value.
Another giant of the industry looking to become bigger still is the mighty Betfair. Having listed on the LSE at the end of October at 1,300p, the shares soon touched 1,600p-plus, as tracker funds piled in confident it will canter into the FTSE 250 index at the December review with a market value above £1.6 billion.
If things are hotting up at the Federal level for the online gaming industry there are also some exciting developments at state level.
So far in 2010, four states have considered whether or not to legalise some combination of online poker, casino gaming and sports betting: Iowa, Florida, California and New Jersey.
The state making most headway is New Jersey, where internet gambling has been under consideration by lawmakers since 2001. It is finally receiving serious consideration in the state Senate where two bills, which would legalise internet sports betting and casino gaming respectively, have already passed the committee stage this year.
From California to New Jersey to Florida, more state and federal congressmen are taking the reality of a legal online gambling regime a lot more seriously.
Whoever wins the race, state or federal, one thing is clear: more and more stakeholders in the US are finally coming around to understand the risks and implication of a ‘do nothing’ strategy. This is an opportunity cost and gambling companies are getting their bets on regardless.
But ongoing political deadlock clearly poses a real threat to regulatory efforts at all levels of American government. But even as gambling industry stakeholders duke it out in the halls of legislatures around the country, as well as on Capitol Hill in Washington, the very fact that the conflict between them is intensifying signals that interest and investment in pushing for online gaming regulation is rising.
With billions of dollars out there to harvest and market share to win, the entire online gaming sector looks ripe for an upturn in coming months. Investing in online gaming companies has always been a white knuckle ride - and there looks to be every sign this particular circus is once again rolling back into town.
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Could online gaming firms be in the mix of the top stockmarket investments to make in 2011?
The listing of Betfair (BET) at the conclusion of October on a fancy multiple and the $3.3 billion megamerger between PartyGaming and Bwin (PRTY), due to complete in the first quarter of 2011, appears to have added spark to the industry of late.
Then there is the prospect, albeit slight, of the liberalisation of the US igaming market which has put the industry firmly on investors' watch list, including ours, for next year.
It is understandable, as even a snapshot look at the stockmarket gains of the world’s biggest online gaming companies between circa 2004-2006 reveals just how quickly fortunes were made and lost.
The iGaming Global Top 30 Index, an index of the stockmarket performance of the biggest 30 online gaming companies, surged 40% between July 2004 and August 2005. This was followed by 12 months of extreme volatility before sinking thanks to a controversial piece of legislation in the US.
Since 2006, online gaming’s real story has been dominated by America’s Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
The multibillion-pound global industry virtually collapsed in a heap after its biggest market - the US - was closed down overnight when Congress introduced a surprise clause to legislation in September 2006, in effect making internet betting illegal. Not only was that a blow for investors - it was a hugely expensive one.
British-based companies were among the biggest casualties.
As soon as the London Stock Exchange opened the following Monday morning, shares in PartyGaming - then a FTSE 100 member - dived by 58%, while rivals 888 Holdings (888) and Sportingbet saw their shares slide by 26% and 64% respectively, wiping an estimated £4 billion off the sector's value.
The companies were forced to focus on opportunities in other parts of the world, but the businesses have never fully recovered from the impact of losing their most lucrative market. Last year, online gambling was worth an estimated $5.4 billion (£3.5 billion) overall, a figure that could rise to $12-$16 billion if the market was opened up, analysts say.
Despite the recent loss of a sympathetic Democrat majority in Congress last month, there is renewed hope of floated gambling companies being dealt a good hand on both sides of the Pond.
The new Republican chairman of the House financial services committee is likely to be an old-style Alabaman named Spencer Bachus.
Yet he is likely to listen to the prospects of a reinvigorated gambling sector for the ailing US economy. The Federal government’s non-partisan accountants, the Joint Committee on Taxation, have estimated online gambling could generate between $10 billion and $42 billion in new revenue by 2019, depending on the number of states that opt into a federal regulatory programme.
Yet he is likely to listen to the prospects of a reinvigorated gambling sector for the ailing US economy.
The Federal government’s non-partisan accountants, the Joint Committee on Taxation, have estimated online gambling could generate between $10 billion and $42 billion in new revenue by 2019, depending on the number of states that opt into a Federal regulatory programme.
And you can see why if you glance at the forecast numbers.
With the US nationwide unemployment rate at 10%, 48 of 50 states facing budget shortfalls and a Federal deficit approaching $1.3 trillion, the economic backdrop against which to promote regulation and taxation of internet gambling has arguably never been more favourable.
Yet those companies poised to get a real boost should America legalise online gambling, such as the impressive PartyGaming/Bwin combine, are getting excited about the future.
"We are seeing things from a legislative perspective that are quite exciting for us," says Jim Ryan, chief executive of PartyGaming, whose comments undoubtedly reflect the mood of a growing contingent of gambling operators on both sides of the Atlantic.
There has been speculation that PartyGaming and Bwin have decided to merge at this time precisely because they will be better placed than any other operator to seize a huge market share should the US decide to legalise online gambling. You only have to look at the market share that Party was able to capture by becoming one of the first operators into the online poker market back in 2001.
Analysts agree the enlarged company is in a strong position to exploit the opening up of the US market.
In a note to investors recently, the Morgan Stanley leisure analyst Vaughan Lewis said: "The overall political tide is moving firmly in favour of regulation, rather than prohibition.
"With its expertise... market-leading technology, strong marketing capability and good brands, we think the combined entity of PartyGaming and Bwin would be extremely well positioned to benefit from any market opening in the US. We include nothing in our forecasts for the US, so any new market here is pure upside."
And in a recent Barclays Capital research note, the investment bank said: "In the event of Federal regulation, we believe PartyGaming would be the likely key beneficiary.
"Under this hypothetical scenario, we estimate the potential [underlying profits] uplift could be 94% for PartyGaming and 58% for Bwin and 888. On a state-by-state hypothetical scenario, we estimate the uplift for the group would be considerably lower, but still meaningful."
Meanwhile, at the end of October analysts at Numis published a note saying there is 50% upside potential at Party when the merger with Bwin completes in March 2011. With the shares trading at around 230p at the beginning of November Numis have put a price target of 400p on the stock.
The PartyGaming/Bwin merger has got the other big companies in the sector scurrying around to do similar deals. They don't want to be left behind in what will become a gold rush should the US legalise online gaming.
888 and Sportingbet are also possible future takeover targets as the industry consolidates, but only once their legal liabilities in the US market are cleared. Serious negotiations in the PartyGaming/Bwin merger were only concluded once Party had secured a $105 million settlement with US authorities.
Analysts say a resolution would clear the way for 888 and Sportingbet to re-enter the lucrative US market should moves to overturn the 2006 legislation succeed.
Sportingbet has already acted telling shareholders at its latest results meeting that it had made a £22.8 million settlement with the US Department of Justice over an investigation into illegal internet gambling. The agreement means the firm will avoid being prosecuted in the US for accepting online bets made by Americans between 1998 and 2006.
Sportingbet would hold the most appeal to potential bidders, analysts reckon, pointing to its very strong market positioning in Australia and commenting that Ladbrokes (LAD) and William Hill (WMH) could be interested in a takeover.
Liberum Capital analyst Richard Taylor recently highlighted the strength of Sportingbet’s sports betting business, which he said had one of the best gross margins in the sector at around 10%. In addition, he said Sportingbet’s management was open to a bid, having previously stated up to 55% of their cost base could be removed.
Another former giant of the sector, now somewhat depleted thanks to the UIGEA, is 888.
Analysts say 888's attraction would be the potential for cost savings in a tie-up with a rival online gaming operator, and that Party/Bwin might be a possible buyer. What would make it attractive is that both Party and Bwin use 888 as a supplier.
However, the Shaked family who founded the company, and who control over 50% of the shares, would be looking for a price significantly above the 40p at which the company currently trades.
There have been whispers among London traders in the last few weeks that a £262 million, or 76p a share, cash bid from a much bigger industry player, possibly US entertainment giant Harrah's, which already has close business links with 888 could be on the cards.
Certainly 888 chief executive Gigi Levy has said recently that he looks at consolidation as one of the possible routes to realising shareholder value.
Another giant of the industry looking to become bigger still is the mighty Betfair. Having listed on the LSE at the end of October at 1,300p, the shares soon touched 1,600p-plus, as tracker funds piled in confident it will canter into the FTSE 250 index at the December review with a market value above £1.6 billion.
If things are hotting up at the Federal level for the online gaming industry there are also some exciting developments at state level.
So far in 2010, four states have considered whether or not to legalise some combination of online poker, casino gaming and sports betting: Iowa, Florida, California and New Jersey.
The state making most headway is New Jersey, where internet gambling has been under consideration by lawmakers since 2001. It is finally receiving serious consideration in the state Senate where two bills, which would legalise internet sports betting and casino gaming respectively, have already passed the committee stage this year.
From California to New Jersey to Florida, more state and federal congressmen are taking the reality of a legal online gambling regime a lot more seriously.
Whoever wins the race, state or federal, one thing is clear: more and more stakeholders in the US are finally coming around to understand the risks and implication of a ‘do nothing’ strategy. This is an opportunity cost and gambling companies are getting their bets on regardless.
But ongoing political deadlock clearly poses a real threat to regulatory efforts at all levels of American government. But even as gambling industry stakeholders duke it out in the halls of legislatures around the country, as well as on Capitol Hill in Washington, the very fact that the conflict between them is intensifying signals that interest and investment in pushing for online gaming regulation is rising.
With billions of dollars out there to harvest and market share to win, the entire online gaming sector looks ripe for an upturn in coming months. Investing in online gaming companies has always been a white knuckle ride - and there looks to be every sign this particular circus is once again rolling back into town.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Australians Betting Over $1bn Online Gaming, by Greg Tingle - 3rd December 2010
G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, poker nuts, politicians, super whales, journalists, politicians... one and all. Today we have an extremely important update on the state of online gambling and online casinos from down under in Australia. It's regulated VS unregulated, legal or illegal, political fun and games and more. Media Man and Gambling911 spin to win and take bets on the situation for the loyal and vast readership...
Australian's are betting in the region of $1 billion each year on online gambling websites and this trend is set to continue, as the gambling and new media sectors continues to grow, and more mainstream entertainment brands like Marvel and Paramount Pictures jump on board.
A large number of Australian and Asia Pacific media, publicity - pr, website portal and technology agencies have also jumped on board the online gaming express, helping push forward campaigns in win - win scenarios.
The Australian Federal Police have been giving dozens of tip offs, however no companies have been charged as we go to press.
Some ethical media and new media operators such as Media Man has provided a number of leads to the Australian Hi Tech Crime Centre, an arm of the AFP, as to a number of igaming scams and suspected customer database lists for sale on the online black market.
The current Australian Productivity Commission report recommends that internet gambling be fully legalised and regulated, but not all parties agree, with bible bashers and casino haters saying it will make things worse. Aw well, you can't please all of the people, all of the time.
Australians getting turned off buy some pub and hotel game offerings have turned to the internet in droves and have discovered betting for sports, horse racing poker, bingo, blackjack, online slot games and more. Website portals like Media Man Int and Global Gaming Directory, and casino affiliate program and gaming articles and reviews are often how punters find the wide variety of games. Aussie Punters who play these games are doing nothing illegal, but some experts say there is "grey area". Website portals are a global mediums, and many companies target the world, so its a legally complex scenario.
The Australian federal government will be releasing the commission's report in the coming weeks we have learned.
The big gaming brands which appear to be onside with the Australian government according to leaks include PartyGaming, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, Virgin Games (not currently available in Australia) and PKR. Betfair and Centrebet are a couple of the brands most established in Australia.
Brands attracting some heat and a bit of an "evil eye" and microscope include Full Tilt, 888 and PokerStars. Some of the poker websites are now sponsoring NRL teams, using a .net, not a .com, and celebs such as James Packer mate, Shane 'Warnie' Warne have jumped on the bandwagon to riches, pushing legal "grey areas".
One of Media Man's legal advisers, lawyer Jamie Nettleton, rightly points out that fully legalising internet gambling... across the board, would bring tax revenue onshore and was "inevitable because it's generally recognised that any form of prohibition is not going to work". Nettleton has spoke on gaming at a number of conferences in Australia, including the popular iGaming Down Under, ironically held at Tabcorp owned Star City Casino last year.
Betfair's CEO Andrew Twaits advises it would be easier to minimise harmful online betting if the sites were 100% legal, as owner - operators could track the patterns.
The casino haters, bible bashers, and MP's with an anti gambling agenda say full legalising online casinos, poker, slots and the like further encourages internet betting, and might mean people become addicted.
Australian political parties, Liberal, Labor, The Greens, The Sex Party and others, have both supporters and detractors of full regulation on the sector down under.
Online casino sites often feature almost exact replica online slot games like Cleopatra, Top Gun, Sinatra, Monopoly, Wheel Of Fortune and dozens more, as well as 'Live Dealers' for other games. Punters like it so they don't have to leave home, saving money, not having to put up with smoke and noise at the pub, not worry about getting into fights with pub patrons.
Some Australia Independent senators event want to ban Australian credit card companies from processing payments to offshore gambling websites, put punters are known to get creative when need be, such is their passion for the punt. igaming companies are also offering new players attractive sign up bonus to get them on board in the ultra competitive, high stakes sector.
Figures obtained by Media Man show Aussies spending $968 million this year via online casinos found on the net.
Many of the firms offering the games are based in tax havens like the British channel islands, Gibraltar, or native Indian reservations in Canada. Some like igaming leader, PartyGaming, are listed on the London Stock Exchange, as Britain has fully legalised interactive gaming.
The Productivity Commission's draft report released last year stated that in 2008, roughly 700,000 Aussies played online casino games. That was double the amount back in 2004.
Online poker and slots is understood to be pushing forward the growth, with sports betting not far behind. Poker websites are up 20% a year. Walk into an internet cafe, and just see how many folks are playing online poker. Exerts tip over $300 million will go offshore this year from Australian online poker players alone.
In the complex world of igaming, most legal eagles have an opinion. Many igaming firms have both .com and .net websites. .net are "play for free", and these often link to "play for money". The legal sector sometimes refers to factors such as this as "legally untested" or "grey area".
So, as the online casino wars heat up, who will win? The casino lovers or the casino haters? We've got igaming companies, MP's, firms like PartyGaming, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, PKR and a host of others all jocking for position. Punter's, don't forget Crown Casino's 'Aussie Millions' comes up in January, and be sure to read up on articles and reviews to help find the best games for you, should you desire. Punters, please always bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
Awards...
November was a big month for casino awards.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino has also come back with seconds, picking up another Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award' for November, and also the parent company, PartyGaming, picked up the prestigious EGR Slots Operator Of The Year Award ...Some other top picks of ours who picked up awards at the EGR night of nights were:
Virgin Games (Affiliate Programme)
Betfair (Innovation, Mobile Operator and UK Sports Betting Operator)
Bwin (European Sports Betting Operator
PKR (Poker Operator)
Oh, we almost forgot...Media Man and Casino News Media 'Casino Babe Of The Month': Jenny Woo, 'Poker Babe': Kara Scott, 'Gambling Babe Personality': Pamela Anderson.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
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Cricket
Star City
Crown Casino
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Television
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News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Who will eventually win the Australian online gaming and casino wars? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Global Gaming Directory
Australian's are betting in the region of $1 billion each year on online gambling websites and this trend is set to continue, as the gambling and new media sectors continues to grow, and more mainstream entertainment brands like Marvel and Paramount Pictures jump on board.
A large number of Australian and Asia Pacific media, publicity - pr, website portal and technology agencies have also jumped on board the online gaming express, helping push forward campaigns in win - win scenarios.
The Australian Federal Police have been giving dozens of tip offs, however no companies have been charged as we go to press.
Some ethical media and new media operators such as Media Man has provided a number of leads to the Australian Hi Tech Crime Centre, an arm of the AFP, as to a number of igaming scams and suspected customer database lists for sale on the online black market.
The current Australian Productivity Commission report recommends that internet gambling be fully legalised and regulated, but not all parties agree, with bible bashers and casino haters saying it will make things worse. Aw well, you can't please all of the people, all of the time.
Australians getting turned off buy some pub and hotel game offerings have turned to the internet in droves and have discovered betting for sports, horse racing poker, bingo, blackjack, online slot games and more. Website portals like Media Man Int and Global Gaming Directory, and casino affiliate program and gaming articles and reviews are often how punters find the wide variety of games. Aussie Punters who play these games are doing nothing illegal, but some experts say there is "grey area". Website portals are a global mediums, and many companies target the world, so its a legally complex scenario.
The Australian federal government will be releasing the commission's report in the coming weeks we have learned.
The big gaming brands which appear to be onside with the Australian government according to leaks include PartyGaming, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, Virgin Games (not currently available in Australia) and PKR. Betfair and Centrebet are a couple of the brands most established in Australia.
Brands attracting some heat and a bit of an "evil eye" and microscope include Full Tilt, 888 and PokerStars. Some of the poker websites are now sponsoring NRL teams, using a .net, not a .com, and celebs such as James Packer mate, Shane 'Warnie' Warne have jumped on the bandwagon to riches, pushing legal "grey areas".
One of Media Man's legal advisers, lawyer Jamie Nettleton, rightly points out that fully legalising internet gambling... across the board, would bring tax revenue onshore and was "inevitable because it's generally recognised that any form of prohibition is not going to work". Nettleton has spoke on gaming at a number of conferences in Australia, including the popular iGaming Down Under, ironically held at Tabcorp owned Star City Casino last year.
Betfair's CEO Andrew Twaits advises it would be easier to minimise harmful online betting if the sites were 100% legal, as owner - operators could track the patterns.
The casino haters, bible bashers, and MP's with an anti gambling agenda say full legalising online casinos, poker, slots and the like further encourages internet betting, and might mean people become addicted.
Australian political parties, Liberal, Labor, The Greens, The Sex Party and others, have both supporters and detractors of full regulation on the sector down under.
Online casino sites often feature almost exact replica online slot games like Cleopatra, Top Gun, Sinatra, Monopoly, Wheel Of Fortune and dozens more, as well as 'Live Dealers' for other games. Punters like it so they don't have to leave home, saving money, not having to put up with smoke and noise at the pub, not worry about getting into fights with pub patrons.
Some Australia Independent senators event want to ban Australian credit card companies from processing payments to offshore gambling websites, put punters are known to get creative when need be, such is their passion for the punt. igaming companies are also offering new players attractive sign up bonus to get them on board in the ultra competitive, high stakes sector.
Figures obtained by Media Man show Aussies spending $968 million this year via online casinos found on the net.
Many of the firms offering the games are based in tax havens like the British channel islands, Gibraltar, or native Indian reservations in Canada. Some like igaming leader, PartyGaming, are listed on the London Stock Exchange, as Britain has fully legalised interactive gaming.
The Productivity Commission's draft report released last year stated that in 2008, roughly 700,000 Aussies played online casino games. That was double the amount back in 2004.
Online poker and slots is understood to be pushing forward the growth, with sports betting not far behind. Poker websites are up 20% a year. Walk into an internet cafe, and just see how many folks are playing online poker. Exerts tip over $300 million will go offshore this year from Australian online poker players alone.
In the complex world of igaming, most legal eagles have an opinion. Many igaming firms have both .com and .net websites. .net are "play for free", and these often link to "play for money". The legal sector sometimes refers to factors such as this as "legally untested" or "grey area".
So, as the online casino wars heat up, who will win? The casino lovers or the casino haters? We've got igaming companies, MP's, firms like PartyGaming, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, PKR and a host of others all jocking for position. Punter's, don't forget Crown Casino's 'Aussie Millions' comes up in January, and be sure to read up on articles and reviews to help find the best games for you, should you desire. Punters, please always bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
Awards...
November was a big month for casino awards.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino has also come back with seconds, picking up another Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month Award' for November, and also the parent company, PartyGaming, picked up the prestigious EGR Slots Operator Of The Year Award ...Some other top picks of ours who picked up awards at the EGR night of nights were:
Virgin Games (Affiliate Programme)
Betfair (Innovation, Mobile Operator and UK Sports Betting Operator)
Bwin (European Sports Betting Operator
PKR (Poker Operator)
Oh, we almost forgot...Media Man and Casino News Media 'Casino Babe Of The Month': Jenny Woo, 'Poker Babe': Kara Scott, 'Gambling Babe Personality': Pamela Anderson.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australia Casinos
Cricket
Star City
Crown Casino
Politics
Property
Broadcasting
Television
Media Companies
Australian Sports
News
Casino News
Entertainment News
Media News
Technology News
Sports News
News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Who will eventually win the Australian online gaming and casino wars? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
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