G'day punters, sports nuts, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, legal eagles, and politicians...one and all. Australia continues to be one of the world's hot spots for gambling and casino news. Lovers VS Haters, gambling on politics, Aussie casino wars and more. Media Man and Gambling911 pound the pavement down under with the latest and greatest...
Aussie Casinos Hit Hard By Singapore Casino Resorts...
The Australian land based gaming sector is bashed as high-rolling whales and dolphins across the region switch from the casinos there to Singapore's new integrated resorts. The competition has led to calls by Australia's casino king, James Packer, for the federal and state governments to try to lure back these high-spending orientals. Packer's two casinos, Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth, have seen turnover from high-rollers drop 8% in the six months to Dec 31. Burswood suffered more, with VIP revenue down 14.3 per cent, compared with Crown's 5.5 per cent fall. Australian casinos bring in about A$700 million (S$895 million) a year from VIP gamblers, who contribute to about 15 per cent of all casino revenue, according to a Merrill Lynch analysis. Land based casinos such as Crown tend to focus on attracting high-rollers from China and Hong Kong. Tourists from Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia also make high-spending visits to Australian casinos, according to the Australian Gaming Council, which represents the industry. Packer and the Crown brains trust are also looking at a major play to offer a wide selection of online casino games to help them match up to the offerings of the likes of PartyGaming, Microgaming and Playtech powered casinos which are serving the Australian and Asia Pacific region.
Aussie Pokie Limits Will Hit Whole Economy Down Under...
ClubsAustralia has advised the Federal Government's new controls over poker machines will hit the economy hard. The Government is trying to convince the states and territories to agree to a card-based scheme forcing poker machine players to set betting limits before they play. It still needs approval from the Parliament. ClubsAustralia chairman Peter Newell says such measures would force clubs and pubs to close. He says a study by KPMG found in New South Wales alone there would be a 30% revenue downturn. "It would result in the loss of more than 11,500 jobs, a loss of [more than] $800 million from the New South Wales economy, and the closure of clubs," he told the National Press Club. "Extrapolate it nationally with pubs and casinos included - the damaging impact would reverberate across the whole economy." But independent Senator Nick Xenophon says poker machine advocates are acting like slave owners from the past. He says gambling addiction is devastating and the pokies' lobby needs to have a campaign based on facts. "The poker machine lobby reminds me a bit like the slave owners of the 19th century in the United States, who say their whole way of life would be ruined if there were any changes bought about. That's how the industry is behaving," he said. The Government also wants to set withdrawal limits for ATMs in pokie venues. Small clubs and those in country areas are likely to get special treatment under the proposed gambling laws.
Church Group Wants Footy League To Stop Gambling Sponsorship And Deals...
Uniting Care is urging the Ballarat Football League to reconsider its decision to develop a gambling website for the competition. The league has formed a partnership with a Northern Territory online bookmaker to allow betting on local football matches. The venture is set to make the league about $100,000 over five years.
However, Dr Mark Zirnsak of Uniting Care says sporting competitions should remain separate from gambling providers. "This is very concerning about this constant expansion of this online sports betting which ... (is) currently completely unregulated and it means they are out there aggressively pushing their business, marketing in ways that other gambling providers are not permitted to," he said. Uniting Care is urging the Ballarat Football League to reconsider its decision to develop a gambling website for the competition. The league has formed a partnership with a Northern Territory online bookmaker to allow betting on local football matches. The venture is set to make the league about $100,000 over five years. However, Dr Mark Zirnsak of Uniting Care says sporting competitions should remain separate from gambling providers. "This is very concerning about this constant expansion of this online sports betting which ... (is) currently completely unregulated and it means they are out there aggressively pushing their business, marketing in ways that other gambling providers are not permitted to," he said.
Gold Coast: Stomp Musical Coming To Gold Coast's Jupiters Hotel and Casino...
A rhythmic theatre, comedy and dance spectacular that sees its cast use "everything and the kitchen sink" to entertain crowds aged from five to 95 will head to Jupiters Hotel & Casino in May for an exclusive Australian season. A slice of physical theatre, STOMP was created by co-directors Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas in Britain 20 years ago and has been touring the world ever since, playing to more than 15 million people in 48 countries. The show has become such an international success, it has been parodied on hit US TV series Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. TThe international stage phenomenon “STOMP” will be exclusive at Jupiters from 12th May and is tipped to run for 14 weeks.
Melbourne: Crown Casino Gets HIStory This Is It: Jackson Tribute Show...
The tour, entitled HIStory This Is It, is an opportunity for Jackson fans to celebrate the music, the magic and all the history! This concert is the product of twenty-five years' dedication from celebrated Las Vegas performer, Kenny Wizz, to championing MJ's genius. This is the closest you will ever get to see the King of Pop in concert... Don't miss out! DATE & SHOW TIME: Friday 3 June & Saturday 4 June 2011
Sydney: Star City To Get The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber...
25 - 29 May 2011: A new theatrical event featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most timeless songs performed by the current stars of Australian musical theatre is coming to the Lyric Theatre on 25 May for 8 shows only. He’s been described as the master of musical theatre, the maestro of musicals, and a theatrical force to be reckoned with. His musicals have been seen by hundreds of millions around the world, translated into dozens of languages and won every major entertainment award. Now – Australia is set to fall in love once more with THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER in a stunning new theatrical event that will tour Australia in 2011. After more than 40 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music continues to have the extraordinary ability to touch an audience, lifting them to new heights of exhilaration and emotion after just a few bars of music. Through state-of–the-art technology, audiences will be swept from the avenues of Broadway to the magnificence of Eva Peron’s Argentina and the speedways of Starlight Express, in a dazzling journey through the many settings of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s greatest works. All the ‘big’ moments from Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sunset Boulevard, Woman in White to the current Love Never Dies will be there.
James Packer: Casino And Media King May Like To Be Internet King...
The Sydney Morning Herald and others are reporting that Packer is looking to make a major splash in the internet world, one that would go far beyond his Betfair %50 owned stake. Past rumours have included a Packer buy into Media Man, Wikipedia, Fairfax Media and others, but exactly what entities are on his agenda are not known. Sources close say Packer has seen the impact of both gaming operators like PartyGaming, website portal operators like Media Man, and auction houses like ebay, and wants a big slice of the action.
A Media Man spokesperson said "It was Packer himself that famously said Internet is like electricity. Over the years he's seen the rise of Google, Wikipedia, ebay, and even Media Man. He's already got his foot in the the door with Betfair, and he wants to drive forward online casino games and well as further integrates his other business ventures into the web. Few have resources available like Packer, plus the political clout he wields, so expect a major impact, tipped to be later this year or early into the next. Packer knows he needs to make a major impact soon, before the internet gets further flooded with more portals, gaming and ecommerce offerings. It's almost a case or now or never for the maverick Packer".
Punter Fev Caught Still Punting; Horses, Now Slots...
Arguably Australia's most famous gambler of the modern era (with the possible exception of the late Kerry Packer) Brendan Fevola reckons he was not told to leave a pokies venue this morning, but admitted putting $50 in the machine to "muck about". Fev, attempting to restore his footy career in the VFL, journeyed to the Berwick Inn in Melbourne's southeast this morning and put money into a slot. Not a crime by any means, not good good for someone who says they are trying to get their gambling addiction under control. In an interview with the MTR radio station two days ago, he advised that playing the pokies had nothing to do with his gambling problem. He said he thought he would "pop in" after getting some money from an ATM on the way to training with the Casey Scorpions ahead of his VFL debut this weekend. "I put in 50 bucks...it obviously went, that’s why I left," he admitted. When quizzed if he should be playing the slots after entering rehab, Fevola said he went to rehab for addiction to alcohol and gambling on horses. "The horses are the problem, I don't understand what people don't get about this," Fevola said. "It's my life, I can f---ing do whatever I want. "(The rehab) was more for drinking in the end. It’s the horses mate, that’s the problem. "It’s ridiculous. I’m just a normal person now who plays VFL and I can do whatever I want and it’s my money … It’s got absolutely nothing to do with anyone." When probed if he should return to rehab, he replied: "What for? I’ve been sober since New Year's Eve." When the interview Mr King pointed out that people were worried about him, Fevola said: "They shouldn't be worried, I'm as happy as Larry." He denied being asked to leave or wearing a hoodie to help hide his identity, saying he had a jumper on instead. He said life at Casey Scorpions was "really good" and again denied being sacked from management firm Velocity Sports, insisting it was his decision to leave them. A spokesman for Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group, which operates the venue, said Fevola was wearing a hoodie when staff approached him. "Our staff, (as we request them to do), requested that the hoodie be removed," the spokesman said. "They realised it was Brendan Fevola. He realised they knew who he was at which point in time he immediately left the venue." Fev knew they knew who he was, and were in the loop with some of Fev's gambling issues. It is believed Fev played the pokies for about 20 minutes before he was recognised, but its not totally clear what games he played. Cleopatra Black Rhino, Gone Fishing and Where's The Gold are some of the most popular land based pokies found in Australian clubs.
Independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (satire) Xenophon called on the community not to judge Fevola. "I know some in the community will be tempted to shake their heads and blame Fevola for being weak or giving in, "he said. "We need to remember Brendan has an addiction and addicts aren't always able to exercise free will. Brendan has sought treatment for gambling addiction previously, and I would encourage him to seek further help to deal with this issue."
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Media Man Games
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Global Gaming Directory
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
PartyGaming Bwin merger nears completion, by Greg Tingle - 21st March 2011
The proposed merger between gaming giants PartyGaming and Bwin is set to be completed by 31 March, subject to the formal approval of the Gibraltar Supreme Court, after being formally entered into the companies' register by the Vienna Commercial Court last week.
In a statement released bwin revealed that trading in its shares on the Vienna Stock Exchange will cease at the close of business in 25 March with existing bwin shareholders receiving 12.23 bwin.party depositary interests for each bwin share free of charge on 1 April. Shareholders will then be able to trade them on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BPTY.L.
The new bwin.party depositary interests will carry a dividend entitlement with effect from 1 January 2010. The company's dividend policy will be determined by the new board of bwin.party digital entertainment plc over the next few months.
In addition to the approval of Germany's Federal Cartel Office and the Austrian Federal Competition authority the merger has also received anti-trust approval from authorities in Romania.
PartyGaming is regarded by most as the world's leading igaming company, and is currently looking to ramp up in many countries, with a re entry into the U.S as a major focus point. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour brand already enjoys strong press in the U.S, Canada, as well as other countries with a strong passion for gaming and gambling such as Australia. Pay TV, magazines and the internet are the main media platforms unitized by PartyGaming. They are also looking at sports and entertainment stadium sponsorships and naming rights opportunities, taking note of strategies used by the likes of Betfair and Centrebet in Australia.
PartyCasino.com remains the companies most popular and profitable brand, and also boasts the world's largest jackpots for the online casino sector. PartyGaming are currently taking steps to see their PartyPoker.com poker brand reclaim their number one position, and a return to the U.S would likely see that outcome within a number of months, possibly weeks. World Poker Tour continues to act as powerful media and marketing vehicle boosting awareness, thus business, across the entire PartyGaming portfolio.
Media Man advised that Party and a range of other igaming companies remain in close contact with a number of leading Australian and New Zealand media companies and brands, and that the Australian print, online publishing and television sector remains extremely interested in exploring b2b with Party, having become aware of Party's success with leading website portals that are available in the region, plus the popularity of Hollywood brands down under like Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Media moguls with strong ties to Australia such as James Packer, mate Lachlan Murdoch, and News Corp old guard, Rupert Murdoch, are all aware of Party's success in the Asia Pacific, pushed along by internet commerce, and are open to exploring business possibilities with the Gibraltar igaming powerhouse.
The PartyCasino.com website remains the most popular of the Party branded gaming sites.
By The Numbers
Overall revenue up 15% to €357m
Casino revenue up €15m from €136.8m to €151.4m
Bingo up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m
Sports betting up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m
Poker down €11m from €136.8m to €124.8m
World Poker Tour contributes €6.5m
B2B network services customers generate €2.4m
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
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Media Man
Media Man Australia
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Global Gaming Directory
In a statement released bwin revealed that trading in its shares on the Vienna Stock Exchange will cease at the close of business in 25 March with existing bwin shareholders receiving 12.23 bwin.party depositary interests for each bwin share free of charge on 1 April. Shareholders will then be able to trade them on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BPTY.L.
The new bwin.party depositary interests will carry a dividend entitlement with effect from 1 January 2010. The company's dividend policy will be determined by the new board of bwin.party digital entertainment plc over the next few months.
In addition to the approval of Germany's Federal Cartel Office and the Austrian Federal Competition authority the merger has also received anti-trust approval from authorities in Romania.
PartyGaming is regarded by most as the world's leading igaming company, and is currently looking to ramp up in many countries, with a re entry into the U.S as a major focus point. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour brand already enjoys strong press in the U.S, Canada, as well as other countries with a strong passion for gaming and gambling such as Australia. Pay TV, magazines and the internet are the main media platforms unitized by PartyGaming. They are also looking at sports and entertainment stadium sponsorships and naming rights opportunities, taking note of strategies used by the likes of Betfair and Centrebet in Australia.
PartyCasino.com remains the companies most popular and profitable brand, and also boasts the world's largest jackpots for the online casino sector. PartyGaming are currently taking steps to see their PartyPoker.com poker brand reclaim their number one position, and a return to the U.S would likely see that outcome within a number of months, possibly weeks. World Poker Tour continues to act as powerful media and marketing vehicle boosting awareness, thus business, across the entire PartyGaming portfolio.
Media Man advised that Party and a range of other igaming companies remain in close contact with a number of leading Australian and New Zealand media companies and brands, and that the Australian print, online publishing and television sector remains extremely interested in exploring b2b with Party, having become aware of Party's success with leading website portals that are available in the region, plus the popularity of Hollywood brands down under like Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures.
Media moguls with strong ties to Australia such as James Packer, mate Lachlan Murdoch, and News Corp old guard, Rupert Murdoch, are all aware of Party's success in the Asia Pacific, pushed along by internet commerce, and are open to exploring business possibilities with the Gibraltar igaming powerhouse.
The PartyCasino.com website remains the most popular of the Party branded gaming sites.
By The Numbers
Overall revenue up 15% to €357m
Casino revenue up €15m from €136.8m to €151.4m
Bingo up €29m from €22.8m to €51.4m
Sports betting up €7m from €13.2m to €20.8m
Poker down €11m from €136.8m to €124.8m
World Poker Tour contributes €6.5m
B2B network services customers generate €2.4m
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Monday, March 7, 2011
Aussie MP Seeks iGaming Crackdown; Australia In Top 10 Gambling Nations, by Greg Tingle - 7th March 2011
G'day punters, gamers, legal eagles, law enforcement officials, politicians...one and all. Today a couple more members of Australian Parliament are seeking a crackdown on igaming aka online gambling in Australia. In the meantime, Australia maintains its top 10 status as a gambling nation, thought to be currently about lucky #7 on the list. Media Man and Gambling911 with this crackdown report...
The so called "Independent" MP Andrew Wilkie is ramping up his eagle eye on online gambling, telling numerous Australian press here is strong evidence it is a significant problem and only likely to worsen. Wilkie will request the parliamentary committee to reform the "Wild West" industry, according to the report, after Australians dropped around $1 billion in online gambling last year. While betting on sports and horse racing is legal in Australia, several other online gaming websites and web portals exist, despite some being illegal. People who play the online games are not breaking the law, according to Fairfax Media, a situation Wilkie desires to reverse. "We need to get in here and nip it in the bud, and avoid getting into the situation we have with poker machines, where it's so big and entrenched," Wilkie said. Fairfax Media and competitor, News Limited, already carry a number of wagering options on their website network, mixing in news, pr, sports betting and games (play for free or play for money), a formula other media companies such as Media Man have also followed with significant success.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Offering a wide array of promotions, brands, content, even games, is a popular formula for many Australian media companies in the current landscape. Fairfax Media, News Limited, as well as our Australian and international arm, also offer a range of games, some of which can be played for free or for money. News Limited, Fairfax, nor ourselves, are casinos or sports betting agencies, but we can offer the reader access via b2b agreements. Many legal eagles in Australia believe that Australian laws pertaining to the internet, b2b, affiliates, content sharing and the like are not up to speed with the rest of the world. We believe that the Liberal Party is better equipped to embrace b2b commerce better than the Australian Labour party, but it would be great to see us proved wrong. News Limited, Fairfax Media and Media Man cover over a dozen different business sectors, and gaming, igaming and sports betting are just a couple of them. Betting enjoys a cross over with sport, and gaming also enjoys a cross over with movies themes, be it Marvel Entertainment or Paramount Pictures branded games. Poker is also popular, with big brands such as PartyGaming offering satellites on a yearly basis to the world famous Aussie Millions conducted at James Packer's Crown Casino. iGaming is a big part of the future of b2b commerce this year, and will continue to be. Legal eagles will be busy as the battle for hearts and minds continues, and that's no bluff".
Australia Remains In World's Top 10 Gambling Nations In 2011...
The dinkim Aussies are known for lots of things on the world stage... great beaches, women, beers, great boobs, wildlife, champion athletes, and now, gambling nuts. Yep, some of the world's most passionate punters still call Australia home.
Would you believe there's 1 one armed bandit for 110 people down under. That puts Aussie Land squarely in the top 10 gambling havens, right up there with Monaco (famous for James Bond casino antics) and Macau (hello our friends at James Packer's City of Dreams).
The Aussies have the 8th highest total number of gambling machines, with roughly 187,000 in pubs and clubs aka "pokie palaces", industry stats tell a story of.
Anti-gambling activists aka "gambling haters" and "casino haters" are strongly encouraging the Gillard - ALP Government to adopt a "stop, revive, survive" style approach...similar to the safe driving campaign, in order to assist poker machine reform and introduce a mandatory cut-off period to help people break their habits... if they have a habit, if you follow our lead.
"The player logs in with his or her personal code and the machine stops after, for example, two hours' playing," researcher Charlotte Fabiansson said in research provided to the Government by the Social Justice and Social Change Research Group at the University of Western Sydney.
"The player can choose to take a 15 or 30 minutes, break or take out eventual winnings and leave the machine."
Under Dr Fabiansson's prop, the pokie used by the players would be untouched during their "revive" breaks.
The player should not be able switch to a new machine without the revive break," she said.
Numbers coming from the manufactures of gaming machines show Australia ranks 7th on an worldwide list of pokies per head with one machine for every 110 people.
First place goes to "lucky winner" Monaco, which has one machine for every 16 people. Japan and the Netherlands Antilles were also in the top 10. Countries giving Australia a run for its money include New Zealand and Britain, who rates closer to one machine for every 300 people.
Don't ask us if sheep also play in New Zealand... we don't want to know, but an insider joked "some Kiwi poker machine players are a bit like sheep, even if they don't have wool and have 2 legs instead of 4". The smart ass was having a sledge, and was not at all serious.
Australia is currently 7th we understand for the total number of gaming machines with approx 187,000, but insiders say we are quickly rose to lucky 7th position in bragging rights.
Britain has roughly 217,000 machines but, but has triple the population, has far fewer per capita.
Both the current and former Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, are not big fans of poker machines, with Rudd appearing to have the most hate towards the one armed bandits.
Gillard have recently felt the wrath of the powerful Australian clubs and pubs associations like Clubs Australia and ClubsNSW. Gillards's ALP is up against strong competition from the Aussie states and territories, and the mighty gaming industry.
Last year the Australian Productivity Commission proposed cutting cash payments down to $250 from the present $2000 limit, banning ATM's from all venues and increasing the present shutdown limit for poker machines from 6 hours per day in yet another attempt to fix "problem gambling".
Some of Australia's major banks and financial institutions have also jumped on board the campaign against many of the proposed changes.
They in fact wrote to the Federal Government a few times to state that a plan to limit withdrawal amounts and move ATMs further away from gaming areas would not work.
Anti-pokies campaigner and so called independent Senator Nick Xenophon called on the Federal Government to bypass the states and take action on its own.
"It shouldn't be underestimated what a powerful vested interest the pokie machine industry is from clubs to casinos to manufacturers. Of course they are squealing," he said.
Senator Xenophon said the Federal Government should use its taxation powers to make pokie machines unprofitable.
"It's a question of political will. I believe Kevin Rudd was genuine when he said he hated the pokies and the damage they did to families. But how will those strong words translate into action? He has talked the talk and now he has to walk the walk," Senator Xenophon said. Mr X was talking of Rudd, and he's been just as vocal this year calling on Julia Gillard to step up. Xenophon always has something to say, which is good, as it helps fill up news reports on the touchy subject of gambling.
Mr X has also recently brought more attention to online gambling, which has taken off in a big way down under, with slots and sports betting leading the charge. Media Man data shows that Hollywood and entertainment themed games from the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures and FremantleMedia are some of the most popular. Even companies behind the the image of Frank Sinatra, Rambo (StudioCanal) and Tarzan (Edgar Rice Burroughs) have jumped on the gambling bandwagon, with more tipped to follow.
Recently James Packer associated media company, Ten Network Holdings, let it be known they see a place for more gambling programming, and leaks say to expect to see a gambling show or channel. Packer recently stepped down from the Ten board, but gaming and igaming remains on their agenda. Insiders say it will be much bigger than 'The Poker Star' which was fronted by former Australian poker world champion (WSOP) Joe Hachem, who these days is one of the faces of Crown Casino, the other being mate, Shane Warnie, never short of a headline or spinning yarn. Network Ten has also recently launched Channel 'Eleven' and insiders say the channel is just begging for gambling shows, adding to the promos currently being seen. Warnie and Hachem also get regular features in the Australian newspapers about their passion for poker and gambling, and both are keen to please their mate and associate, James Packer, the king of Australian gambling, who is now once again a major force in the Australian media landscape. The UK's Virgin king, Richard Branson, has also been watching the Australian gambling and gaming space closely, and has met with 'Our James' at least one time. Branson is understood to not want to do anything in Australia until "grey areas" are cleared up, while Warne's and Hachem's brands appear full speed ahead, as are PartyGaming including its World Poker Tour, PartyPoker and branded games, with more overseas firms wanting to make more of a mark down under including Paddy Power, William Hill Online, PKR and Playtech. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour continues to be broadcast into Australia via Foxtel - Fox Sports and Fox8 we understand, with Foxtel interested to broadcast more poker and casino themed content down under, pushed along by online promotions and b2b agreements, ready for the next range of interactive television developments, (which will have to be signed off by Senator Stephen Conroy and friends, we suspect). The ACMA is also closely monitoring the situation.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Many of the UK and Gibraltar based igaming and gaming companies see Australia and Tasmania are maybe just the next Gibraltar and Alderney, two regions known to be gambling friendly." They went on to clarify "Well, maybe if or when the Australian Liberal Party win the next election. I'm tipping its when, not if".
Media Man conducted a recent street research on the subject of gambling and the results showed that most Australian adults of legal age up do enjoy a punt. Only 1 person in a batch of 10 found gambling "evil", with everyone else saying it was a personal choice. 60% of those who took the survey likened the Australian government's war on pub pokies as to their battle with the Australian mining companies (which many feel left the Australian government with egg on its face).
Stay tuned daily for more on the Australian pokie, gambling and casino wars.
Gillard, Packer, Murdoch (both of you sirs), Branson, Ryan, Trump, Gyngell and Turnbull - you're throw of the dice!
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Will Australian ever get to #1 position for gambling? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Ten Network Holdings and Virgin.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
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The so called "Independent" MP Andrew Wilkie is ramping up his eagle eye on online gambling, telling numerous Australian press here is strong evidence it is a significant problem and only likely to worsen. Wilkie will request the parliamentary committee to reform the "Wild West" industry, according to the report, after Australians dropped around $1 billion in online gambling last year. While betting on sports and horse racing is legal in Australia, several other online gaming websites and web portals exist, despite some being illegal. People who play the online games are not breaking the law, according to Fairfax Media, a situation Wilkie desires to reverse. "We need to get in here and nip it in the bud, and avoid getting into the situation we have with poker machines, where it's so big and entrenched," Wilkie said. Fairfax Media and competitor, News Limited, already carry a number of wagering options on their website network, mixing in news, pr, sports betting and games (play for free or play for money), a formula other media companies such as Media Man have also followed with significant success.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Offering a wide array of promotions, brands, content, even games, is a popular formula for many Australian media companies in the current landscape. Fairfax Media, News Limited, as well as our Australian and international arm, also offer a range of games, some of which can be played for free or for money. News Limited, Fairfax, nor ourselves, are casinos or sports betting agencies, but we can offer the reader access via b2b agreements. Many legal eagles in Australia believe that Australian laws pertaining to the internet, b2b, affiliates, content sharing and the like are not up to speed with the rest of the world. We believe that the Liberal Party is better equipped to embrace b2b commerce better than the Australian Labour party, but it would be great to see us proved wrong. News Limited, Fairfax Media and Media Man cover over a dozen different business sectors, and gaming, igaming and sports betting are just a couple of them. Betting enjoys a cross over with sport, and gaming also enjoys a cross over with movies themes, be it Marvel Entertainment or Paramount Pictures branded games. Poker is also popular, with big brands such as PartyGaming offering satellites on a yearly basis to the world famous Aussie Millions conducted at James Packer's Crown Casino. iGaming is a big part of the future of b2b commerce this year, and will continue to be. Legal eagles will be busy as the battle for hearts and minds continues, and that's no bluff".
Australia Remains In World's Top 10 Gambling Nations In 2011...
The dinkim Aussies are known for lots of things on the world stage... great beaches, women, beers, great boobs, wildlife, champion athletes, and now, gambling nuts. Yep, some of the world's most passionate punters still call Australia home.
Would you believe there's 1 one armed bandit for 110 people down under. That puts Aussie Land squarely in the top 10 gambling havens, right up there with Monaco (famous for James Bond casino antics) and Macau (hello our friends at James Packer's City of Dreams).
The Aussies have the 8th highest total number of gambling machines, with roughly 187,000 in pubs and clubs aka "pokie palaces", industry stats tell a story of.
Anti-gambling activists aka "gambling haters" and "casino haters" are strongly encouraging the Gillard - ALP Government to adopt a "stop, revive, survive" style approach...similar to the safe driving campaign, in order to assist poker machine reform and introduce a mandatory cut-off period to help people break their habits... if they have a habit, if you follow our lead.
"The player logs in with his or her personal code and the machine stops after, for example, two hours' playing," researcher Charlotte Fabiansson said in research provided to the Government by the Social Justice and Social Change Research Group at the University of Western Sydney.
"The player can choose to take a 15 or 30 minutes, break or take out eventual winnings and leave the machine."
Under Dr Fabiansson's prop, the pokie used by the players would be untouched during their "revive" breaks.
The player should not be able switch to a new machine without the revive break," she said.
Numbers coming from the manufactures of gaming machines show Australia ranks 7th on an worldwide list of pokies per head with one machine for every 110 people.
First place goes to "lucky winner" Monaco, which has one machine for every 16 people. Japan and the Netherlands Antilles were also in the top 10. Countries giving Australia a run for its money include New Zealand and Britain, who rates closer to one machine for every 300 people.
Don't ask us if sheep also play in New Zealand... we don't want to know, but an insider joked "some Kiwi poker machine players are a bit like sheep, even if they don't have wool and have 2 legs instead of 4". The smart ass was having a sledge, and was not at all serious.
Australia is currently 7th we understand for the total number of gaming machines with approx 187,000, but insiders say we are quickly rose to lucky 7th position in bragging rights.
Britain has roughly 217,000 machines but, but has triple the population, has far fewer per capita.
Both the current and former Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, are not big fans of poker machines, with Rudd appearing to have the most hate towards the one armed bandits.
Gillard have recently felt the wrath of the powerful Australian clubs and pubs associations like Clubs Australia and ClubsNSW. Gillards's ALP is up against strong competition from the Aussie states and territories, and the mighty gaming industry.
Last year the Australian Productivity Commission proposed cutting cash payments down to $250 from the present $2000 limit, banning ATM's from all venues and increasing the present shutdown limit for poker machines from 6 hours per day in yet another attempt to fix "problem gambling".
Some of Australia's major banks and financial institutions have also jumped on board the campaign against many of the proposed changes.
They in fact wrote to the Federal Government a few times to state that a plan to limit withdrawal amounts and move ATMs further away from gaming areas would not work.
Anti-pokies campaigner and so called independent Senator Nick Xenophon called on the Federal Government to bypass the states and take action on its own.
"It shouldn't be underestimated what a powerful vested interest the pokie machine industry is from clubs to casinos to manufacturers. Of course they are squealing," he said.
Senator Xenophon said the Federal Government should use its taxation powers to make pokie machines unprofitable.
"It's a question of political will. I believe Kevin Rudd was genuine when he said he hated the pokies and the damage they did to families. But how will those strong words translate into action? He has talked the talk and now he has to walk the walk," Senator Xenophon said. Mr X was talking of Rudd, and he's been just as vocal this year calling on Julia Gillard to step up. Xenophon always has something to say, which is good, as it helps fill up news reports on the touchy subject of gambling.
Mr X has also recently brought more attention to online gambling, which has taken off in a big way down under, with slots and sports betting leading the charge. Media Man data shows that Hollywood and entertainment themed games from the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures and FremantleMedia are some of the most popular. Even companies behind the the image of Frank Sinatra, Rambo (StudioCanal) and Tarzan (Edgar Rice Burroughs) have jumped on the gambling bandwagon, with more tipped to follow.
Recently James Packer associated media company, Ten Network Holdings, let it be known they see a place for more gambling programming, and leaks say to expect to see a gambling show or channel. Packer recently stepped down from the Ten board, but gaming and igaming remains on their agenda. Insiders say it will be much bigger than 'The Poker Star' which was fronted by former Australian poker world champion (WSOP) Joe Hachem, who these days is one of the faces of Crown Casino, the other being mate, Shane Warnie, never short of a headline or spinning yarn. Network Ten has also recently launched Channel 'Eleven' and insiders say the channel is just begging for gambling shows, adding to the promos currently being seen. Warnie and Hachem also get regular features in the Australian newspapers about their passion for poker and gambling, and both are keen to please their mate and associate, James Packer, the king of Australian gambling, who is now once again a major force in the Australian media landscape. The UK's Virgin king, Richard Branson, has also been watching the Australian gambling and gaming space closely, and has met with 'Our James' at least one time. Branson is understood to not want to do anything in Australia until "grey areas" are cleared up, while Warne's and Hachem's brands appear full speed ahead, as are PartyGaming including its World Poker Tour, PartyPoker and branded games, with more overseas firms wanting to make more of a mark down under including Paddy Power, William Hill Online, PKR and Playtech. PartyGaming's World Poker Tour continues to be broadcast into Australia via Foxtel - Fox Sports and Fox8 we understand, with Foxtel interested to broadcast more poker and casino themed content down under, pushed along by online promotions and b2b agreements, ready for the next range of interactive television developments, (which will have to be signed off by Senator Stephen Conroy and friends, we suspect). The ACMA is also closely monitoring the situation.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Many of the UK and Gibraltar based igaming and gaming companies see Australia and Tasmania are maybe just the next Gibraltar and Alderney, two regions known to be gambling friendly." They went on to clarify "Well, maybe if or when the Australian Liberal Party win the next election. I'm tipping its when, not if".
Media Man conducted a recent street research on the subject of gambling and the results showed that most Australian adults of legal age up do enjoy a punt. Only 1 person in a batch of 10 found gambling "evil", with everyone else saying it was a personal choice. 60% of those who took the survey likened the Australian government's war on pub pokies as to their battle with the Australian mining companies (which many feel left the Australian government with egg on its face).
Stay tuned daily for more on the Australian pokie, gambling and casino wars.
Gillard, Packer, Murdoch (both of you sirs), Branson, Ryan, Trump, Gyngell and Turnbull - you're throw of the dice!
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Will Australian ever get to #1 position for gambling? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Ten Network Holdings and Virgin.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*the writer is a fan of Sydney Roosters And South Sydney Rabbitohs
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Virgin Casino Introduces Exciting New Games in March
Virgin Casino Introduces Exciting New Games in March
LONDON, March 3, 2011 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching a number of exciting new games in March, including the highly anticipated Star Trek by IGT and Who Wants to be a Millionaire by Electracade.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "We're committed to launching at least one new game every week to give our customers the best online gaming experience available. Having introduced over 100 new games in 2010, we now have one of the best online casinos in the industry - offering our players choice, excellent rewards through our unbeatable V*Points loyalty scheme and a fantastic customer community. These latest additions from leading online game developers demonstrate yet another enhancement of both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, and help cement our position as the home of online slots."
Players can beam themselves up to Virgin Casino to play IGT's Star Trek(TM). The game has 30 paylines of thrilling action and four futuristic Free Spins bonuses, each based on a Star Trek(TM) officer. Not only are there a huge number of bonus opportunities to explore, but every bonus can be retriggered multiple times.
Based on one of the most successful TV quiz shows of all time, Electracade brings Virgin Casino customers the opportunity to win the big time by playing the exciting and tension building game, Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Players can win up to 15,000 times their total stake on this 5-reel, 20-payline slot that features scatter and line based rewards, as well as multiple bonus games.
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, IGT, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Ash Gaming and Mazooma Interactive Games
Visit Virgin Casino at: www.virgincasino.com
*Sorry, No U.S, Australian or Canadian players. See World Casino Directory
Virgin Casino Launches Exhilarating New Slots in March
With its 30 paylines, Star Trek slots goes boldly where no slot has gone before, and boasts plenty of thrilling sci-fi action and four futuristic Free Spins bonuses, each based on a different Star Trek officer. There are also a vast number of bonus opportunities up-for-grabs where every bonus can be retriggered multiple times.
Based on one the popular TV quiz show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire slots is a 5-reel, 20-payline smorgasbord of excitement and lucrative features, where players can win up to 15,000 times their total bet, as well as trigger multiple bonus games.
'These latest additions from leading online game developers demonstrate yet another enhancement of both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, and help cement our position as the home of online slots,' said Eloff.
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Virgin Casino Customer Scoops Progressive Jackpot with £1 Bet
Monday 7th February, 2011: Virgin Casino is delighted to announce that one of its customers became significantly richer by scooping a progressive win when playing the online slot, Mega Moolah. Mr. W, a customer of Virgin Games for a mere six days, won £37,672.62 off a £1 bet on Microgaming’s popular progressive jackpot slot.
Virgin Casino caught up with the lucky winner, who said he was "shocked and over the moon" when the win was confirmed. When asked what his plans were for the big cash win, Mr. W commented: "I'm going to use the money to finish off my house. It’s a restoration project I've been busy with for some time."
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Virgin Casino appears to be the home of winners at the moment. We’ve seen a number of our players scoop big prizes, many of which have been from very small stakes. We are delighted for Mr. W and send him a huge congratulations and hopes he enjoys spending his riches!"
Visit Virgin Casino at: www.virgincasino.com
*Sorry, No U.S, Australian or Canadian players. See World Casino Directory
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.
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LONDON, March 3, 2011 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching a number of exciting new games in March, including the highly anticipated Star Trek by IGT and Who Wants to be a Millionaire by Electracade.
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "We're committed to launching at least one new game every week to give our customers the best online gaming experience available. Having introduced over 100 new games in 2010, we now have one of the best online casinos in the industry - offering our players choice, excellent rewards through our unbeatable V*Points loyalty scheme and a fantastic customer community. These latest additions from leading online game developers demonstrate yet another enhancement of both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, and help cement our position as the home of online slots."
Players can beam themselves up to Virgin Casino to play IGT's Star Trek(TM). The game has 30 paylines of thrilling action and four futuristic Free Spins bonuses, each based on a Star Trek(TM) officer. Not only are there a huge number of bonus opportunities to explore, but every bonus can be retriggered multiple times.
Based on one of the most successful TV quiz shows of all time, Electracade brings Virgin Casino customers the opportunity to win the big time by playing the exciting and tension building game, Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Players can win up to 15,000 times their total stake on this 5-reel, 20-payline slot that features scatter and line based rewards, as well as multiple bonus games.
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, IGT, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Ash Gaming and Mazooma Interactive Games
Visit Virgin Casino at: www.virgincasino.com
*Sorry, No U.S, Australian or Canadian players. See World Casino Directory
Virgin Casino Launches Exhilarating New Slots in March
With its 30 paylines, Star Trek slots goes boldly where no slot has gone before, and boasts plenty of thrilling sci-fi action and four futuristic Free Spins bonuses, each based on a different Star Trek officer. There are also a vast number of bonus opportunities up-for-grabs where every bonus can be retriggered multiple times.
Based on one the popular TV quiz show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire slots is a 5-reel, 20-payline smorgasbord of excitement and lucrative features, where players can win up to 15,000 times their total bet, as well as trigger multiple bonus games.
'These latest additions from leading online game developers demonstrate yet another enhancement of both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, and help cement our position as the home of online slots,' said Eloff.
Profiles
Casino Games Slots Virgin Casino Virgin Games Star Trek Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Richard Branson Media Man
Press Release
Virgin Casino Customer Scoops Progressive Jackpot with £1 Bet
Monday 7th February, 2011: Virgin Casino is delighted to announce that one of its customers became significantly richer by scooping a progressive win when playing the online slot, Mega Moolah. Mr. W, a customer of Virgin Games for a mere six days, won £37,672.62 off a £1 bet on Microgaming’s popular progressive jackpot slot.
Virgin Casino caught up with the lucky winner, who said he was "shocked and over the moon" when the win was confirmed. When asked what his plans were for the big cash win, Mr. W commented: "I'm going to use the money to finish off my house. It’s a restoration project I've been busy with for some time."
Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented: "Virgin Casino appears to be the home of winners at the moment. We’ve seen a number of our players scoop big prizes, many of which have been from very small stakes. We are delighted for Mr. W and send him a huge congratulations and hopes he enjoys spending his riches!"
Visit Virgin Casino at: www.virgincasino.com
*Sorry, No U.S, Australian or Canadian players. See World Casino Directory
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.
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