8/31/2010

PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Of The Month Award, by Greg Tingle - 31st August 2010

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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Australian And Asia Pacific Gambling News, by Greg Tingle - 30th August 2010

Australian and Asia Pacific gambling, gaming, casino and political news remains all the rage. Aussie James Packer with his Crown, Burswood and City of Dreams Macau remains king of the castle, but what is news is that another couple of Australian politicians have jumped on the anti gambling - anti pokie bandwagon, but it's pretty much a case of a very small but vocal minority. In the interest of balance and a fair go we give them some coverage, despite some of their message having all the signs of propaganda including using inflated statistics to try and boost their arguments. On a lighter note, kudos to PartyGaming and Richard Branson's Virgin Games for releasing a ton of more slot games responding to passionate punters. Aussie's still prefer PartyGaming's casino offering, with Virgin keenly awaiting a revamp of Asia Pacific online gambling laws (will it every happen?). Branson mate James Packer keeps his complete entertainment and lifestyle strategy, and we offer a snapshot of the great acts Crown has coming up. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to dominate the world of online gaming reporting, from Las Vegas, to Macau, down under to Australia and beyond. Enjoy the journey of discovery...

Crown Casino Getting More Top Line Entertainment Acts...

The Australian Bee Gees Show - 28 August 2010
Australian Hip Hop Championships 2010 - 18th September
Tommy Fleming - 1 - 2 October
Village People - 8 - 9 October
Cirque Mother Africa - 12 - 24 October
Bjorn Again - 18 - 21 October
Leo Sayer - 27 November

Crown Casino Hosts NAB Rising Star AFL Awards This Wednesday...

Mark it down. This Wednesday the best and brightest from Australia's AFL will converge at Crown Casino for the prestigious awards night. Let's pray we don't have any nasty surprises, given that footballers and Crown Casino enjoy a colourful history to say the least. Watch out for plastic handcuffs! Don't "do a Paris"...no white stuff permitted in or around the casino thank you.

Pokie One Armed Bandits Removed From Sydney - Kings Cross Night Club...

The pokies have disappeared from the World Bar in Kings Cross, the seedy part of Sydney's 'Sin City' with the removal of 15 machines this past week. They reckon the 8 live bands every Friday night will keep the crowd happy. Various news media reports the machines had called the venue home since early 90s (venue previously called the Rhino Bar), but have been thrown out to make way for a new space for "album launches and listening parties, spoken-word and book readings, possibly private functions and events". No word if they had the 'Black Rhino' slot, which is begging for an online casino version, alongside Cleopatra and soon Tomb Raider And Andre The Giant we're told. World Bar’s head of marketing and promotions Grant Barnes told the press that "Ditching the pokies is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, but their removal really just reflects what the people of Sydney want from their entertainment venues – it’s this shift in the market that should be applauded and encouraged. The pokies backlash isn’t new," says the bruising Barnes, "But venues reacting to the backlash perhaps is. Hopefully, it happens more and more in the near future. It really comes down to people not playing them, which is a trend that I think will continue – I mean, they’re not very exciting are they? I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t rather be watching a band." Media Man staffers reckon an Andre The Giant, Ric Flair and Hulkamania - Hulk Hogan machine would be very exciting, but admits some machines are a bit long in the tooth. How about an Avatar and Underbelly pokie - online and offline! Meanwhile, NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene, has flat out rejected a proposal by the Productivity Commission to restrict pokies to a crazy $1 bet limit... a move which would significantly impact on the viability of pokies in live venues. Following the federal election newly elected independent Andrew 'Wild & Witty' (MM tag) Wilkie and South Australian federal member Nick 'The' (MM tag) Champion have both launched renewed attacks on the one armed bandits. Think like 'War Of The Worlds' meets Clockwork Orange or something. Wilke has raised the issue as a concern in negotiations with the Liberals and Labor to form government, and Champion has spruiked that "We’ve got rivers of gold at the moment flowing to pubs and clubs and rivers of tears in the community and that’s not an appropriate situation, its not an ethical situation, and it is about time we had robust debate in the parliament on legislation that implements the Productivity Commission’s recommendations.' Smells all a bit like a media "beat up". Independent surveys state that only a small % of gamblers have problems with pokies - 2 to 10%. Bring a friend or don't start playing if you think your personality might make you play or bet more than you should.

Singapore Company Bans Management From Land Based Casinos...

A Singapore firm has basically banned its management from the country's two new casinos following reports a local businessman lost a small fortune at the gaming tables, its founder said last Friday. Mohamed Salleh, chief executive officer of retail and property firm Second Chance... funny name given the circumstances... said he had applied for casino exclusion orders for himself and 6 of his top personnel using a system designed to keep gambling addicts out of harms way. "A few days ago I read about this Henry Quek ... that lost 26 million (Singapore) dollars ($A21.69 million) at this casino, so I was thinking, why not I include all my top executives and my finance people?" he told the press. Media reports said Quek, a local seafood industry magnate, had squandered the amount over a 3 day gambling spree at the Resorts World Sentosa casino. Mohamed said his decision was also prompted by a case in which one of his managers stole gold items from the firm to pay off gambling debts before the local casinos opened the doors. "It's better to be safe than sorry," said Mohamed. Financial firm DBS said on Thursday that Singapore's 2 casino resorts are expected to contribute 2 billion Singapore dollars ($A1.69 billion) to the country's economy this year. After church and civic groups raised concern over the social impact of legalising casinos, Singapore is allowing individuals or their families to apply for exclusion orders on "problem gamblers", barring them from even entering the casinos. Perhaps this type of scenario will be a growing trend in the Asia Pacific region. Australian nor New Zealand casino top brass has commented on this specific situation as we go to publication.

Gambling operators favour regulation, not bans...

ELEANOR HALL: As the scandal over cricket corruption spreads, online gambling operators in Australia say the solution is not to prohibit sports betting but to regulate it better.

Betting in cricket is no longer just about who will win the game or the series. As we've seen, it extends to whether players will throw away their wicket, drop a catch or bowl an illegal delivery and information on injuries and team selections in the hands of a bookmaker or their agent can also influence betting plunges.

But Simon Santow reports that while cricket officials accept that betting is a problem for the game, they say they don't know how to put an end to it.

SIMON SANTOW: Malcolm Speed was once the chief executive of the International Cricket Council. He says he's not surprised by the recent revelations.

MALCOLM SPEED: It looks a fairly compelling case. The News of the World, they do this sort of thing very well and it is very graphic.

SIMON SANTOW: Malcolm Speed would like the ICC's anti-corruption and security unit to take a fresh look at the Sydney Test. He says dealing with corruption and sports betting is a long-term project.

MALCOLM SPEED: When I was involved Lord Condon, the former head of Scotland Yard was the head of the anti-corruption and security unit and his consistent message to the board and to me was, this hasn't gone away. The same corrupt bookmakers and gamblers are out there. We need to work very hard with the players. We need to make sure that the players are aware of the consequences because they will be back.

SIMON SANTOW: Malcolm Speed says that draconian steps, such as banning Pakistan from competing, could be next.

MALCOLM SPEED: I think that is an option. It is serious. It looks as though it is endemic, that several of the team members are involved and have been for some time so perhaps they need a rest.

SIMON SANTOW: On the other side of the world in Pakistan, there's grief, anger, and disgust about the scandal.

Shahid Hashmi is a cricket writer and commentator. He spoke to Radio National from Karachi.

SHAHID HASHMI: The people now easily believe that their cricketers are prey to all such illegal practices so they now believe and it is nothing shocking for them but still they would like this investigation to be completed and they demand that strict action be taken against all those who are involved and once and for all Pakistan cricket should be purged from all these elements.

SIMON SANTOW: Shahid Hashmi says the latest scandal is one thing but just as concerning is the lack of action from Pakistan authorities when team management expressed similar concerns after the Sydney Test in January.

SHAHID HASHMI: The then coach Intikhab Alam, assistant coach, Aaqib Javed, level serious allegations during an enquiry so why the case was swept under the carpet by Pakistan Cricket Board. Now it is up to the Pakistan Cricket Board to take a strict action and clean Pakistan cricket once and for all. If it doesn't happen people won't watch cricket anymore. *for the full story please visit ABC (Special thanks to ABC: The World Today)
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s2997143.htm


Adelaide, South Australia: SkyCity Casino To Get $250m Upgrade...

Casino chain SkyCity says a planned expansion in Adelaide will cost up to $250 million. SkyCity has told the Australian Securities Exchange the casino will be expanded towards the banks of the River Torrens as part of the South Australian Government's Adelaide exciting riverfront development. It said the expansion would include new gaming facilities, a sports bar and restaurants, plus new car parking. The company advised it remained subject to a range of approvals. GM David 'Cashed Up' (MM tag) Christian said the expansion would be a key part of the riverfront development. "Being a beautiful old heritage building, we want to keep that grandeur where we can and put some attachment to the north side of the building that links in and fits in with the whole precinct development," he said. SA Independent Senator Nick 'Mr X' (MM tag) Xenophon says any Adelaide Casino expansion would increase problem gambling and ultimately cost jobs! "The State Government needs to assure the people of South Australia that any expansion of SkyCity Casino won't lead to an increase in problem gambling or, worse still, a relaxation in regulations because SkyCity is putting this money into the state," he said. "The fact is gambling is a job killer, not a job creator, in net terms." MM and Gambling911 did tip you off that the haters were ramping up. If we may say so, thank god for an array of fair and balanced press to help present the full picture. Casinos, both land based and online help create jobs. In fact Australian casino king James Packer has created 100s of jobs via his Crown Limited group, and this is tied in with the GenerationOne project which has sustainable employment opportunities for indigenous Australians as a key part of its model. Readers will also likely be familiar with some of the successes of Native American owned and operated casinos in the U.S.

Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good punting.

*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.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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8/30/2010

Australian Gambling And Political Wars Reach New Level, by Greg Tingle - 30th August 2010

The Australian gaming, casino and political wars are reaching new heights, with at least 2 Aussie MP's seemingly making it their mission in life to take on the pokies. Some insiders say they should get a a life, with others say they are fighting the good fight. Yep, Australia's thought police are having another crack. What's interesting in that most agree that further regulation would be a good thing, but for most change isn't happening soon enough, despite the release of the Australian Productivity Report into gaming and gambling. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the relationship between politics and Aussie casinos, gaming and gambling...

Much stronger regulation of Australia's $10 billion slot machine aka "pokie" industry may become a significant issue in determining the nation's next government, after a independent lawmaker called for gambling reform this past Friday.

MP Andrew 'Wild & Witty' (MM tag) Wilkie is one of (gang of) 5 cross-bench lawmakers who will help determine which of Australia's two major political parties form a minority government after an inconclusive election.

The 'wild and witty' one called for a crackdown on slot machines, blaming them for causing addiction and misery for families.

One may pose the question, are the people or the machines this problem, or is it a combination? Or, are some MP's just looking for a point of difference and platform to stand out from the pack? Some saw a Melbourne media identity playing the anti pokies card and slogan as not much more than an elaborate media stunt.

Let's now cross for some rip snorted quotes from our learned friend...

"This in particular is one issue where I would demand reform," he told the press, joined by a sitting independent senator who has been a passionate advocate of tighter regulation. "I would not regard inaction any longer as acceptable."

Slots aka pokies are prevalent in pubs, not just casinos, and account for the majority of the gambling - gaming industry's turnover. Aussies gambled A$10.5 billion on slots in pubs and clubs in the year to June 2009, and another A$1.4 billion on machines in casinos, according to government data. Just quite how much goes to online casinos isn't as clear, and website portals such as Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory are doing well out of it, but the number is thought to be millions, perhaps billions. Let's see.. x website portals x 200 games, plus a Hitwise top ten website portal and news media... strong combo. Leading brand names such as Marvel Entertainment (Thor and Hulk etc), Paramount Pictures, Google, Sony, FremantleMedia, IGT (Cleopatra etc) and Hasbro (Monopoly) are also in on the act. The punters and casinos often prefer the branded slots, as they command a loyal audience.

Listed Aussie companies that are plugged into slot machine revenues include gaming and wagering groups Tabcorp Holdings, Tatts and Crown Limited as well as Aristocrat Leisure, which just happens to be the world's 2nd largest maker of pokies aka "one armed bandits".

Regulation of gambling sits with Australia's 6 states, but national and state governments work together, or so they say, to ensure a coordinated approach to regulatory issues.

The states currently rely heavily on taxes from slots but they also rely on Canberra for funding support, which is understood to give the national government leverage in areas of state influence. You know, 'How to win friends and influence people'. Look it up, if you haven't already. It's a great read.

Wilkie said he desired single bets limited to A$1 ($0.89) each and players prevented from spending more than A$120 an hour. Currently, players can wager as much as A$10 every time they activate the bandit. Some say the 'thought police' should but out, but others say some people need protection from themselves, so the machines need to be adjusted or replaced. Cleopatra was not open to an interview on the matter when probed... just kidding... inside joke.

"This is something that will reduce the hurt," he said. The witty one went on to add that that 40-50% of slot-machine losses were suffered by problem gamblers, but many media commentators have disputed his % claim saying its closer to 2 - 10%, and that he's going for shock value and headlines, and needs to stick to the facts, or end up looking like a goose... one without a golden egg.

Wilkie advised he would raise his plan during his meetings with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and with opposition leader Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, set for today at this stage.

Both Gillard's Labor party and Abbott's conservative coalition have been reluctant to crack down on the gambling industry because of its funding importance to the states, which are also traditionally governed by one of the major parties.

Both mainstream news media and gaming media will be watching this space with bated breath, so don't change your dial.

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Readers, what's your take on the situation? What's your favorite games? Who is your favorite politician, if you have one? Should further regulation be introduced, and why or why not.

Aussie MP's may find encouragement in this classic line... One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man (Elbert Hubbard).

We can't help wondering what would have the late, great, Kerry Packer proposed if he were still with us. Maybe there's an opportunity here for Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, to go public on this thoughts about the way the Australian traditional and internet gaming landscape should be further developed and regulated. Possible or 'Mission: Impossible'? Over to you Mr Packer, punters, one and all. Let them know you heard it on the Gambling911 and Media Man 'Bush Telegraph', just around the corner from 'Goanna Gold' and Bondi Beaches' Golden Mile. 'Casino Jack', stay on hold, we won't call unless we need to, or decide to add a surge of additional fun and games to the giant political chess board. Cheque, cash or Check Mate?

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good punting, and keep your politicians honest.

*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.

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8/29/2010

PartyCasino: The World's Leading Online Casino; A PartyGaming Company

PartyCasino: The World's Leading Online Casino

New Players get up to $500 sign up bonus at PartyCasino.com

PartyGaming also operates casinos, online poker rooms and bingo through various websites, including PartyCasino.com, PartyPoker.com, PartyBingo.com, WPTCasino.com and WPTPoker.com

PartyCasino is the Group’s most popular casino brand by far although other brands include CasinoKing and CasinoLasVegas.com The Group's casinos offer a huge variety of over 150 games including slots, blackjack, roulette, and video poker. As well as these traditional online casino games, the Group also offers virtual horse and virtual dog racing as well as multi-player blackjack.

Except for casino tournaments, all players place bets against the house, and the outcome is determined by randomly generated results. Wager limits vary from $0.01 to $1,000, depending on the game. Casino revenue represents the net win, being the amount wagered less player winnings and any change in liability of progressive prize pools. Bingo revenue represents player buy-in less prize payouts.

In 2007, the Group’s casino product was substantially improved through a series of software upgrades, the addition of a number of new slot machines and the integration of the acquisitions from EOL and IOG. Casino, which includes bingo games, is the Group’s second largest business segment and in 2007 it generated Continuing revenue of $146.7 million (2006: $51.0 million) and Continuing Clean EBITDA of $43.6 million (2006: $15.9 million).

PartyGaming's principle brands include PartyPoker.com, PartyCasino.com and World Poker Tour

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8/27/2010

Australian Casino, Gaming And Sports News, by Greg Tingle - 27th August 2010

Australian casino, gaming and sporting news continues a full warp speed. Crown Casino is powering ahead for bean counters, investors and the like. We've got the pro casino and pokies mob vs the anti casino and pokie establishment, scandal, bookies speaking out, F1 ace Mark Webber, more Aussie sports betting scandals and more. Media Man and Gambling911 give you a front row ringside seat to enjoy the no holds barred action once again, blood, guts and caffeine included (most assuredly non filtered and non censored)...

Crown Casino Back To Profit: Red Turns To Black...

The impressive casino, gaming and tourism - lifestyle operator hit paydirt as it swung back to net profit of $292.3 million, delivering a near-$1.5 billion turnaround after a net loss of $1.2bn in 2009-10. Last year's results at Crown were hit by a $1.44bn writedown on the value of the group's North American investments as the impact of the global financial crisis shook up the sector. On a normalised basis, Crown's net profit rose 2.7% to $288.4m, from $280.7m a year before. Financial and gaming industry analysts were expecting normalised earnings of $276.7m, according to a Dow Jones poll of seven brokers - market-watchers typically forecast normalised earnings because it evens out in VIP - high roller gaming. Revenue from operations rose nearly 2% to $2.34bn. Crown declared a final dividend of 19 cents. Shares in Crown were 2.91% higher in the past 24 hours, adding 24 cents to settle at $8.48, after having gained 1.6% immediately after the profit result. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was 0.7% higher. For the first 7 weeks of the current 2010-11 financial year, Crown advised main floor gaming revenue grew by roughly 4% at its Australian casinos. VIP program play volumes have started the year "encouragingly", management said. Crown's gaming venues include Burswood in Western Australia and the flagship Crown Melbourne casino. Their Macau ventures are are also performing strongly, with City of Dreams beating bean counter, public and news media expectations. Seems 'Our James' (Packer) can't put a wrong wrong lately. On ya Packer. You're doing Australia and and family name proud.

Crown Casino Gets Pro And Anti Casino Commentary...

High rolling VIP whales and a mix of dolphins have pumped a record $27 billion through Crown Casino over the past year. Latest numbers demonstrate the casino shrugged off strong competition like Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney, to retain its status as a favoured destination of some of Asia Pacific's most well to do high rollers and big spenders. Well to do whales and dolphins gambled their way through roughly $74 million every day at the Melbourne based casino in the year to June, up from the previous year's figure of "only" $67 million a day. Senator and anti-gambling crusader - campaigner Nick Xenophon aka 'Mr X' Media Man tag) said it was challenging to screen such large amounts of money. "That is a staggering amount of money and we need to ask whether the current rules can guarantee that none of that $27 billion was laundered money or embezzled money," he said. News Limited has previously revealed how Crown offers the use of VIP Lear jets, extravagant hotel rooms and an assortment of gifts on some of its most well to do international guests, who often stay weeks or months. Crown has now embarked on a $440 million program to refurbish and extend the casino with more gaming tables, restaurants and new VIP facilities. Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie advised high rollers spent less in the second half of the financial year after 2 new casinos opened in Singapore. Senator Xenophon advised there was a false perception that high-rollers were not hurt by gambling. "Just because you're a high roller, doesn't mean you are immune to having a gambling problem," he said. Throwing in her 2 cents, Anne Holland, CEO of Relationships Australia, went on record with "Rich people could have families, they could have mental health problems, they could have the same issues around gambling and problem gambling as anyone." The 10% boom in VIP turnover at Crown Melbourne came as regular punters ("tuna" and "average joes") trimmed back their gambling.
Revenue on the main floor of the famous casino jumped 2.5% over the 12 months. This is less than the 3.1 of inflation recorded in Melbourne over the same period. Tatts chief Dick 'Machine' (MM tag) McIlwain has also thrown in his 2 cents...advising the controversy surrounding pokies was making consumers reconsider the machines. The Tatts Group and Tabcorp lost their stranglehold - monopoly of sorts on the poker machine market in May when the State Government sold 10-year gaming machine entitlements to new and existing operators. "The constant controversy that poker machines generate leaves consumers and players wondering what they are doing," 'Machine' McIlwain said. Tatts' after-tax profits tumbled more than 50 per cent to about $120 million in the year to June, with revenue from its (soon to be defunct poker machine division) falling 5% to $1.22 billion. "It's been tough," 'Machine' McIlwain advised. The withdrawal of the spending stimulus, a reduction in the maximum bet per spin and regulatory changes all contributed to the decline in pokie spending, he shared. The exact impact and all round popularity of online gaming in Australia isn't exactly known, but what is known is that the online sector continues to chip away at the traditional land based casinos, hotels and clubs. Switched on traditional gaming operators are adapting to the web, with the business models of PartyGaming including the World Poker Tour, Harrah's Entertainment and Virgin Games being examined. Crown Limited is understood to be moving forward with their online gaming and gambling plans, and insiders think a deal with PartyGaming, NextGen Gaming, Virgin or a combination is on the cards. Media Man and Gambling911 will be following up with more details in the coming days and weeks.

Crown Casino Bribes 4 Jobs Accusation Raised...

A number of senior staff in Crown's food and beverage arm are accused of demanding sums of $5000 plus to help secure jobs or internal promotions for foreign workers and international students. Some alleged bribes were paid by folks hoping to increase their chance of "winning" (game or skill or chance) permanent Australian residency with a superior job. A leak said the scam had operated for many years and involved primarily Indian and Asian students. "They are employed with 'no questions asked' and no pressure until they gain their permanent residency status," the leaker whispered. Roughly a bakers dozen staff have been caught up in the scam. 2, perhaps 3 staff and a former employee are believed to be behind the evil scheme. A long-serving employee has been sacked. Alarm bells were raised by a foreign student who is understood to have been pressured by those behind the scam to work in excess of the 20 hours allowed under his student visa. "Some of them wanted a higher grading on their job or a better job description which would help them in applying for permanent residency," another leak said. Crown spokesman Gary 'Overloaded' (Media Man tag) O'Neill confirmed police had been called in to investigate. "A few months ago we became aware there were allegations that some of our staff were being exploited. "Crown spends a huge amount of money and time recruiting and training its staff who come from a very broad section of the Melbourne community, both culturally and ethnically, and we will not stand for even one of them being exploited and we are treating the matter very, very seriously." O'Neill confirmed a staff member had been dismissed as the result of an internal investigation. He said Crown was assisting staff caught in the scam. The sacked worker, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied accepting bribes and said the matter was in the hands of his lawyer. He confirmed he had been questioned by Crown management but said he had no idea why he had been accused. "I refuted (the allegations) with my solicitor when I went there," he said. The man advised he had already decided to leave Crown over an earlier matter. Police overnight said they were investigating the allegations of fraud at Crown. Crown Limited are taking a very pro active role in the investigation and embrace a fair go for all, but it for punters or employees.

NRL Investigates Betting Surge On Penalty Goal Sector...

The NRL is now investigating an extremely unusual betting plunge on what is normally a low-interest option in last Saturday's no big deal game between North Queensland and Canterbury at Dairy Farmers Stadium. The plunge on the first scoring play...in which a Cowboys penalty goal was heavily backed...convinced various bookmakers, including TAB Sportsbet, to cease betting on the option hours before the game officially kicked off. NRL media and communications director John Betman' (MM tag) Brady overnight confirmed an investigation was in progress..."We're looking into some betting activity and seeking information on any trends surrounding that. We're talking to some people about it, and we're open to receiving any further information that is around on it." The plunge did not come off however North Queensland did have the option of taking an easy shot at penalty goal to open the scoring after the Bulldogs were penalised in the 2nd minute for not getting off the tackled player (Cowboys halfback Grant Rovelli) quickly enough, following the rule book type of thing. The penalty was awarded only 9 metres out, and right in front of the posts to book, but the Cowboys elected to take a quick tap and scored a try out wide! A change of plans perhaps to cover other plans? We might never know. The NRL was first alerted to the plunge by TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie, who told the News Limited "It was unusual to see the bets that went on that option. It was an inordinate amount of money to be placed on a (North Queensland) penalty goal as the first scoring play, in what was a nothing match. "The money started coming for it on the Thursday, and kept coming until Saturday. It had been backed from $13 to $7 by the time we turned it off a few hours before the game. I contacted the league on Saturday afternoon, and handed the information to them." Gerard 'Duck' (MM tag) Daffy, understood to be the most experienced man in sports betting in Australia, said he turned the first scoring play option off at his agency...Sports Alive - shortly after a punter tried to place a bet to win $8000 on a Cowboys penalty goal. "It's extremely rare for anyone to seriously back an option like that unless it's bad weather. We took some bets, and then someone tried to have $1000 on at $8, which obviously rang alarm bells. I let him on for a reduced amount. It was still Saturday morning, so I checked around the other bookies, and could only find one still betting on it, and they had a Cowboys penalty goal at $5.50. I turned it off after that." Michael Sullivan, of Sporting Bet advised his agency had also stopped betting on the option. "Increased interest would be the best way to describe it. No doubt we did turn it off, but I don't want to make any further comment because people just think bookmakers are whingeing." Centrebet's Neil 'Even Odds' (MM tag) Evans advised the odds on a Cowboys penalty goal was cut "from $13 to $3". He went on record with "It was certainly hot property. It was an inordinate go that you would normally never get." There were allegations of a betting rort in the final round of last season. The Cowboys were heavily backed to win by 13-plus against Sydney Roosters (Eastern Suburbs), and came from well behind to win 32-16. There were suggestions the Roosters had thrown the game, but the league investigated the match and announced that it could find no evidence of anything untoward. Quizzed if this was a time of the year when the NRL was particularly alert to the possibility of something untoward happening in games, Brady went with "We're alert at all times. This can be a time of the year when results are naturally hard to pick, because we're getting to the end of a long season, and some teams are heading for the finals and others are just trying to finish the season off well." Sports betting follows are understood to be finding these times very interesting to follow or participate, and the news media business is generating more colourful stories from the fun and games, on and off the field.

South Australian Govt Missing Millions Thanks To Online Gambling; Could Be National Trend...

Online gambling is clearly understood to be diverting tax money from state coffers as punters go colder on poker machines and give online pokies from the likes of PartyGaming, Centrebet, PKR, Virgin, Roxy Palace, Captain Cooks Casino and Media Man white label type deals a go. The most recent figures show a significant dip in the amount gamblers pour into the state's pokies and a $10 million annual fall in tax revenue. State Government analysis shows punters put $729 million into pokies in the past financial year, compared with $750 million in the 12 months to June 30, 2009. The result is the lowest annual outlay on poker machines for 6 years and has resulted in a Government gaming tax revenue drop from $292 million to $282 million in the past year. Experts say mass-media advertising campaigns have driven a dramatic rise in the popularity of internet gambling, which sidesteps traditional tax regulations. South Australian pubs and clubs have also suffered an $11 million revenue hit, which comes as smoking bans look to further harm the sector. Australian Hotels Association general manager Ian Horne said competition from both sports betting and online gambling outlets was placing major pressure on the industry. "The sports betting market is expanding enormously," he said. "Just look at the betting options for the federal election. The promotion of betting odds was unprecedented. It's becoming the normal way of life to bet on anything and everything." Horne said poker machines had been unfairly "demonised" while other gambling options were considered socially acceptable. A spokeswoman for Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the decline could be attributed to reduced household expenditure for recreational activities. "This expenditure is also affected by the Reserve Bank's increasing of interest rates over the past 12 months," she said. The spokeswoman also said the Government was working to reduce the number of pokies, despite figures showing 7 more in use now than last year. "There is always some variation in the number of live machines, as gaming venues may not use all of their entitlements, for example during renovations," she said.
"The Rann Government is committed to reducing pokie machine entitlements by 3000. "So far the Government has removed more than 2200 gaming machine entitlements from SA venues." Treasurer Kevin Foley has warned the state to brace for a tough September 14 Budget, saying the lingering impact of the global financial crisis has diminished revenue. Media Man and Gambling911 have strong reason to believe that online gaming and gambling will continue to grow in the Australian - Asia Pacific region, and many land based venues will continue to be hit hard.

Tasmania: $8 Million Jump With Betfair Deal...

A taxation cut offered to James Packer 50% owned betting agency Betfair will cost Tasmania about $8 million more than first promised over the next two years, the Liberal Party claim. The deal Labor offered Betfair just before the state election is now up in the air with the Liberals holding off on giving their support to the legislation. With the Greens Party already declaring they are opposed to the deal to cut Betfair's tax rate, the legislation's success now depends on the support from the Liberals. The tax break has created a split between Labor and the Greens' Cabinet representatives, leader Nick McKim and Cassy 'O God' (MM tag) O'Connor. As part of the power-sharing arrangement between the two parties, the Greens can choose to remove themselves from a Cabinet vote if they disagree with the legislation being discussed. When the tax break was announced in February Bartlett claimed the deal would reduce state revenues by about $2 million over two years. However, in the State Budget in June that figure had jumped to about $5 million a year, reducing revenue from Betfair from $7.3 million to just $2.4 million. The Liberals and the Greens sought a clarification this week on the exact costing. Treasury yesterday confirmed the cost would be more than first thought. The tax cut, already budgeted, will put a $5.3 million dent in state coffers this year, $5.1 million in the next financial year, increasing to $6.7 million in 2012-13 and $7 million in 2013-14. Treasurer Michael Aird said the Budget clearly outlined the reduced tax revenue from Betfair. He advised the Government had been transparent about the revenue dip. "The level of fees, licences and taxes relating to that arrangement with Betfair would incur loss of revenue to the state. The figures in the Budget are a very clear indication of our estimate of the revenue we expect from Betfair," Aird said. A spokesman for the Liberals said the party would vote on whether or not to accept the legislation. The key component of the deal is Betfair's tax rate, which is to drop from between 10 and 15% of gross earnings to 5%. Labor offered Betfair tax cuts to keep the company and its 130 employees in Tasmania. Betfair continues to enjoy boom times, getting a huge urge thanks to the Australian political election and the betting feeding frenzy.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Packer's 50% owned Befair is now well and truly part of Australian culture. Having a punt is in our blood. It goes back to the convict ships, Captain Cooks crew and the like. We all used to have our favorite SP bookie, back in the good old days. Betfair identified market and gave the public a chance to get much better odds than the Government TAB, and they lapped is up. NRL and Australian political betting is powering along. It's what people discuss at home, work, cafes. I guess we all like to know who the smart money is on. Packer always wins, but in the information age, the web and all, we can all win. A lot of it gets down to where you get your information from. Not sure? Just ask horse jockeys and footy players. Hey, they were going to give them training for what constitutes insider trading. That's got to tell you a story punters".

F1 Ace Aussie Mark Webber Has World Championship In Mind This Weekend...

With only 7 races remaining, Australian Mark Webber has admitted that he will be driving with the world championship title in mind at this Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix. The 33-year-old Red Bull driver believes that the most consistent driver will win the championship and admitted that he will not be taking as many risks as he would have earlier in the season. "Finishing is certainly something that you think of," said the Aussie. "With this points system, you need to finish so consistency is important. "That's something you sign up for straight away because you don't want to win races but have non-finishes. You have to capitalise on the days when you are not potentially going to win to get the next best thing, whatever that may be. That comes down to reliability, the decisions made - when you roll the dice as a midfield team you take a gamble but for us, McLaren and Ferrari there are obviously bigger things at stake. You have to be mindful of the fact that you might not get anything out of it so you need to realise that four points is better than none and gambling." Webber denied that this weekend's race in Spa and the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix will be a case of damage limitation, despite the tracks' potentially highlighting his car's weakness at high speeds. He went on record with "Always when you are running medium downforce on these cars, it's for a reason. And that reason is long straights. We know that it's not a strength of the car and hasn't been for quite a few years and we know why. "But we work incredibly hard to make the car strong in other areas and when we go to those venues obviously we are strong. "We can still keep up at these tracks, but whether we have an advantage remains to be seen. We still weren't uncompetitive in Montreal, but we weren't the pacesetters as we were in some other venues. "I think if we had to have 17 races in a championship, we wouldn't choose Spa and Monza to have races at, but it's part of the calendar and we have to make the car quick everywhere." However, Webber added that many had assumed that his team would struggle in Valencia, but his team-mate Sebastian Vettel won the race. He said "We were worried about Valencia, and Sebastian won. "Last year were very poor in Valencia and got blown away, but this year we were quick. Let's see how the top speeds are tomorrow in sector one and sector three and see where people are pitched." Webber reclaimed the championship lead from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton when he won in Hungary four weeks ago, but his advantage is just four points. Webber is credited with helping make F1 fun and exciting again, and needless to say interest in the sport down under in Australia is running sky high. Richard Branson's Virgin Racing also created some buzz, with Branson a fave in Australia, but they have lacked the results to date that Aussies crave for sports stars and teams. Webber is now thought of as a living legend by many, but he downplays the suggestion.

A Media Man insider was overhead with "If Mark wins the world championship many close think he will then be more than happy to have the tag 'legend' but until that time, champ or just mate, will do him fine."

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Australian Casinos

F1

Mark Webber


Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? Is Mark Webber going to win the world championship? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.

Crown Limited Shares...

$8.510

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good punting.

*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.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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8/26/2010

PartyGaming News: PartyPoker - Heal The World! Make It A Better Place! Tony G Offers Diplomatic Solution To Negreanu / Duke Spat

PartyGaming News: PartyPoker - Heal The World! Make It A Better Place! Tony G Offers Diplomatic Solution To Negreanu / Duke Spat

Websites

PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino.com
WPT Poker
WPT Casino

Gibraltar – 25th August 2010 – With the controversy and war of words escalating between poker superstars Daniel Negreanu and Annie Duke, Team PartyPoker.com pro Tony G has offered to step in and mediate. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Elton John, Sabrina Johnston, Kid Creole and the Coconuts and armed with soothing lavender, aloe vera and a United Nations mandate Tony calls for peace.

The countdown is on to the biggest month of poker in UK history and it all gets underway next Monday 30th August when shuffle up and deal is called for Day 1A at the inaugural World Poker Tour® London Poker Classic Main Event, presented by PartyPoker.com, which takes place at The Palm Beach Casino, Mayfair.

The £5,000 + £300 televised Main Event starts with the first of two day ones and runs until the 4th September. The £15,000 televised high rollers tournament runs from 3rd – 5th September.


PartyGaming News: Live Satellites Underway For WPT London Poker Classic Presented By PartyPoker

WPT LONDON POKER CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY PARTYPOKER.COM - LIVE SATELLITE SCHEDULE

£300 + £30 - 16th – 26th August – WPT Shootout Satellites (Nightly at 7pm), The Palm Beach Casino, 30 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EH

£250 + £25 (rebuy) - 27th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£500 + £50 - 28th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£1,000 + £80 – 29th August – Super Satellite, 3pm, The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT

Websites

PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino.com
WPT Poker
WPT Casino

17th August 2010

The World Poker Tour is pleased to announce that live satellites for the inaugural televised World Poker Tour® London Poker Classic Main Event, presented by PartyPoker.com, which takes place at The Palm Beach Casino, Mayfair between the 30th August – 4th September 2010, are now up and running.

Every night at 7pm The Palm Beach Casino, Berkeley Street, London, hosts £300 +£30 WPT Shootout Satellites for Main Event seats. The tables are six handed with a cap of 36 players. The prize pool pays out five places with first place winning a seat into the WPT London Poker Classic Main Event.

Genting Casinos London Poker Manager Simon Tomsett said: “Our first WPT Shootout at The Palm Beach Casino was an instant sell out and rewarded one seat into the Main Event. There are plenty of good value chances to qualify for the Main Event between now and the 30th August. From the 27th August there is also additional satellites taking place at the Kingsway Hall and May Fair Hotels.”

The latest top pros to confirm their participation include Erik Seidel, Joe Beevers and Nicholas Levi. They join the likes of Phil Ivey, Tony G, Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott, Alexander Kravchenko, Annette Obrestad, Sorel Mizzi, Dragan Galic, Tyron Krost, Barry Shulman and James Akenhead. Jack McClelland is Tournament Director, while Doug Dalton is on hand to run the lively cash games expected at Crockfords.

LIVE SATELLITE SCHEDULE

£300 + £30 - 16th – 26th August – WPT Shootout Satellites (Nightly at 7pm), The Palm Beach Casino, 30 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8EH

£250 + £25 (rebuy) - 27th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£500 + £50 - 28th August – Main Event Satellite, 12pm, Kingsway Hall, 66 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BX

£1,000 + £80 – 29th August – Super Satellite, 3pm, The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, London, W1J 8LT

The £5,000 + £300 Main Event starts on 30th August with the first of two day 1A’s. The eight handed televised final table takes place on the 4th September. The £15,000 televised high rollers tournament runs from 3rd – 5th September. Coverage of the event will be presented by Kara Scott, with the influential commentary team of Mike Sexton and Jesse May combined for the very first time.

For more information, please visit

PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino.com
WPT Poker
WPT Casino

PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.

Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.

Websites

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Profiles

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PartyGaming

8/25/2010

Australian Casino, Gaming And Politics News, by Greg Tingle - 25th August 2010

Australian casino, gaming and political news remains crazy. Australia is counting the final ballots as Australia awaits the announcement of who the Prime Minister actually is! Crown casino has signed up more world class entertainment acts and online gaming and gambling moves forward down under, as the industry awaits internet laws to catch up to reality, in line with much of the rest of the world. James Packers' Crown Casino marketing, internet and legal is going to be very busy, as they updated system and websites to the evolution of the online gaming world, with a bit of Aussie Casino Wars on the side. Media Man and Gambling911 once again dominate the world of online gaming reporting, with just enough politics to keep them honest. Enjoy the ongoing journey of discovery...

Crown Casino Getting More Top Line Entertainment Acts...

The Australian Bee Gees Show returns to The Palms with a brand new show celebrating 50 years of wonderful music by the Brothers Gibb. This multimedia concert event is the only Melbourne show in the Australian leg of their 2010 world tour. Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show has played to capacity houses around the world, cementing their reputation as an exceptional live concert act and the world's leading Bee Gees show. For one night only be a part of the magic that is, The Australian Bee Gees Show. Date Saturday 28 August 2010
Time: Doors Open: 7:30pm

Australian Hip Hop Championships 2010 - 18th September
Tommy Fleming - 1 - 2 October
Village People - 8 - 9 October
Cirque Mother Africa - 12 - 24 October
Bjorn Again - 18 - 21 October
Leo Sayer - 27 November

World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...

BJORN AGAIN plus Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010

Tabcorp May Take On US Private Debt!...

Australian gaming gaint Tabcorp Holdings is looking at refinancing options as debt repayments near, and declared a preference for placing bonds in the US private debt market, its finance top brass says.. The firm would consider Australia dollars and other currencies, but the US traditional private placement market would be a natural place to revisit since the company has issued $US1 billion ($A1.11 billion) of bonds there, chief financial officer Matt Bekier told the press. "Ideally, I'd like to get 12 to 15-year money," Bekier said.
Traditional private placements in the United States have been a popular source of funds for Australian companies looking for long-dated debt. 7 Australian borrowers raised a total of $US2.2 billion so far this year. Bekier also said he was committed to keeping the firm's investment grade ratings, as Tabcorp embarks on an $860 million expansion strategy. Tabcorp is trying to fill a looming hole in its earnings from 2012 when it and Tatts Group are due to lose their duopoly on gaming machines in the Australian state of Victoria. This month, ratings agency Standard & Poor's warned it may cut Tabcorp's BBB-plus ratings due to higher debt levels after spending money on a revamp of Sydney's Star City Casino. "We want to remain investment grade, whether they are BBB flat or BBB-plus," Mr Bekier said. The lowest ratings for investment grade is BBB-minus. Bekier said his main focus was ensuring gross debt did not exceed a ratio of 2-2.5 times the firm's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. He did not say where the ratio stood currently, though it was within that range. "That is, to me, the bigger metric," Bekier said. As to whether Tabcorp would consider raising equity to protect its ratings downgrade, as suggested by a Merrill Lynch research report, Bekier is unequivocal. "The idea we would raise equity just to maintain a specific rating is a bit outlandish," Bekier said. Tabcorp has $450 million of debt maturing in just over one year and is looking at refinancing into long-term debt. Typical buyers of US traditional private placements are "buy and hold" US insurance companies keen on long-dated paper to match their liabilities. Bekier said the Australian dollar bond market would always be part of Tabcorp's funding strategy but would not be its core, mostly because of the firm's focus on long-term debt. The gaming outfit could also sell Australian dollar retail bonds, as it did last year when all other long-term funding avenues were shut in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, Bekier highlighted the high costs associated with selling retail bonds. "It was relatively expensive," Bekier said, adding that the all-in cost of issuing retail bonds was around 100 basis points above what Tabcorp could get elsewhere. Unlike Japan and New Zealand, retail bond offers are rare in Australia, where bonds are typically reserved for professional investors. The Aussie authorities introduced this year measures to to ease documentation and speed up the lengthy process to give that market a boost. Yet Tabcorp's Bekier said the regulators would have to go much further still to attract borrowers. Looks like the Aussie Casino Wars are taking on more of an international flavor. Debt anyone?

Greens Exclude Themselves From Cabinet: Betfair Fun And Games...

The two Greens members of the Tasmanian Cabinet have excluded themselves from Cabinet deliberations over Betfair. Greens leader Nick McKim and the Greens Cabinet secretary Cassy O'Connor 48 hours ago exercised their right to abstain from Cabinet deliberations on an area of policy difference. Labor members of Cabinet approved legislation to enact a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government and the online betting agency Betfair before the March state election. It includes a reduction in the company's state tax contribution, a move opposed by the Greens. McKim says it is simply a policy clash that will happen from time to time in the power-sharing Cabinet. Bartlett says it's the first time the Greens Cabinet members have abstained from deliberations under the power-sharing model. He says the difference was handled with maturity. "The spirit of cabinet is a very positive one," he said. Bartlett says the rest of Cabinet supported legislation to reduce the company's state tax contribution to secure its future in Tasmania for another 10 years. "This is a clear indication that this relationship is maturing and that the protocols that we have put in place to provide for certainty and stability are working." Liberal leader Will Hodgman says it is a split that highlights the uncertainty and instability of the Labor-Green Government. His statement did not indicate whether the Liberals would support the Betfair bill. Political analyst Richard Herr says if the Greens oppose the Betfair bill, the Government will need the support of the Liberals to pass the legislation. "Well the Government will realise that if it proceeds to present this to the House and the Greens do not support it and the Liberals don't support it then it will fall over, it'll fail," he said. "Either they're betting the Opposition will or they are manoeuvring to oppose the legislation in hopes that it will embarrass the opposition." Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for more political and gaming fun and games, and Packer's Betfair (now understood to be off the ACMA blacklist) is tipped to remain in the thick of the action.


Punters Remain Excited On Aussie Election Result...

Australian punters wagered as much as $10 million on the election poll, with 1000s taking their changes on the craze that is election betting. There's is no sign of when the bookies will pay out or even when betting markets will actually close. Many are still taking bets on the final results two major betting agencies reported a flood of money rushing back to Julia Gillard on Monday afternoon. Prime Minister Gillard is neck and neck with Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten for the top job, says many punters. Betfair insiders Daniel Hoare went on record with "By Friday afternoon we had somewhere around $2.5 million on the federal election market overall. But at that point in time about mid-afternoon Friday there was about $3,000 a minute being traded on the election. That market now is bordering on $3.5 million. In the past few hours there's been a significant move towards Labor. This morning the Coalition were red-hot favourites to find a way to form government, but for some reason in the past few hours those odds have tightened right in for Labor and it's almost pretty much a toss-of-the-coin market at the moment and it's heavily fluctuating as we speak." Analyst Neil Evans from online betting agency Centrebet also noticed an increase in the total amount gambled and advised about $5.5 million has been wagered through Centrebet. "Certainly in the main book, the prime ministerial book, the market's still powering away," he said. "Hung Parliament punters of course have been paid and those who took the Coalition with the start, they're all in the winners' queue and of course most of the seats, but the battle goes on. It's been a very big day for the Australian Labor Party, who went from being favourite for so long out to a clear outsider overnight, with negotiations continuing. "But they've been backed from as high as $2.75 right down to $1.85 equal now with the Coalition. So the momentum back with Labor, the Coalition coming a long way out from $1.40 out to $1.85.". Some academic research suggests betting trends are a more reliable indicator of a likely election result than opinion polls. Newspoll, which is published in The Australian newspaper, was the closest to predicting the result with its final poll on Saturday. "We came out with a 50.2 two-party to a 49.8 in favour of Labor, which shows that we're very likely to have a hung Parliament. It was so close to 50-50 it wasn't funny," said Newspoll chief executive Martin O'Shannessy. Most of the other national polls showed a narrow Labor win, with the party ahead of the Coalition 52 to 48 on a two-party preferred basis. Newspoll had also been predicting a 52 to 48 result for most of the campaign and Mr O'Shannessy admits to being slightly nervous about Saturday's poll. "Obviously when you see a change like that, and especially the big negative swing in Queensland, you worry. "Then you look at it and you think well, a big move like that is much more than what you'd expect from sampling error, so the odds are then hundreds to one against it actually being sampling error. "And so while your hands shake, you have to remind yourself of the rules of sampling and you know and go with it."

Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...(But Keeps Changing)!!!

Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election.

Aristocrat Not Concerned About Poker Machine Rules And Regulations...

Tougher rules and regulations on Aussie pokies are not likely to be a big ticket item of the new federal government, the gambling machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure has gone on record with. The company's half-year results went public less than 48 hours ago, and showed a 23% drop in revenue and a net profit of $49.5 million, Aristocrat's chief executive, Jamie Odell, advised he did not expect a new government would act soon on recommendations of the Productivity Commission's recent report on gambling, and did not factor it into his outlook. The report, published way back in June, proposes $1 bet limits with a maximum of $20 to be fed into a machine at any one time and recommends a pre-commitment system by 2016, for players to set a limit on the amount they are prepared to lose. The former prime minister Kevin Rudd referred the report to a council of state governments to consider. First things first...Once the election results are known, the new parliament may include the independent anti-pokie campaigner Andrew Wilkie. The Greens, who support greater restrictions on poker machines, will hold the balance of power in the Senate. 'O' told analysts earlier in the week that it was too early to know what all this might mean, and any changes would need to be managed "in an orderly manner through new product coming through. In the short term I'm not factoring anything in around the government because, like you, I don't know which government we will take or what influence that will have, but I would think with all the other issues around it wouldn't be the first cab off the block." Aristocrat's profit includes a $12.7 million sale of an asset, but also represents a turnaround from the $33 million loss the company reported this time last year, and its $157 million full-year loss. It reported encouraging results in its biggest market, North America, where profit rose 5.5% in local currency, but it made a 199 million-yen loss in Japan. Aussie revenue fell 22% and profit fell 46% to $11.8 million. Odell described the local result as unacceptable and attributed it to difficult market conditions "legacy issues" within the company. Aristocrat reported some good news with strong sales in Macau and in Singapore's 2 new casinos but Odell said he expected trading conditions to remain difficult in most markets. "We do not expect any improvement over the balance of 2010." Aristocrat declared an unfranked 3.5% dividend to be paid on September 30. Profit results were roughly in line with expectations, and shares rose 2.62% to close off at $3.52.

James Packer: Casino And Media King News Report...

James Packer's pay television investment group Consolidated Media Holdings last week said it would not seek a new standstill agreement with Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings when the current agreement expires on September 10. The 2 groups reached the agreement last year following Seven raids on Consolidated Media, which raised Seven's stake in the group to 19.9%, compared to James Packer's 40.8% holding.


Mildura Jewel Casino Prop: Up To Public...

If Mildura wants a casino now is the time for the city’s “movers and shakers” to back the proposed $400 million development. That is the view of the man behind the Mildura Jewel entertainment and convention centre plan, casino and property developer John Haddad. In an exclusive interview with the Sunraysia Daily this week, Mr Had dad said the time for him to “push” the project had lapsed – it was now up to Mildura to show it wanted the development. It was a development he labelled “a once in a lifetime opportunity” for Mildura, one he hoped people would see as critical to underpinning the city’s future. “It’s a Mildura thing now, not a John Haddad thing anymore,” he said. “I’m not pushing it now – I’m standing back. “I’ve put the project and the idea together for everybody to look at. “I’ll await the outcome. “All I will say is that it’s an extraordinary opportunity that has been handed to Mildura by the government, to be able to decide whether it wants the Jewel or not.” Casino proponents have been buoyed in recent weeks by the level of backing from various interest groups around the city. Last week, a group calling itself the Mildura Progress Action Group met for the first time, its immediate aim to gain information on the development and the processes needed to move it forward. It followed earlier backing from the newly formed Advance Northwest Association, a resident-based, pro-development lobby group.

South Australian Govt Missing Millions Thanks To Online Gambling; Could Be National Trend...

Online gambling is clearly understood to be diverting tax money from state coffers as punters go colder on poker machines and give online pokies from the likes of PartyGaming, Centrebet, PKR, Virgin, Roxy Palace, Captain Cooks Casino and Media Man white label type deals a go. The most recent figures show a significant dip in the amount gamblers pour into the state's pokies and a $10 million annual fall in tax revenue. State Government analysis shows punters put $729 million into pokies in the past financial year, compared with $750 million in the 12 months to June 30, 2009. The result is the lowest annual outlay on poker machines for 6 years and has resulted in a Government gaming tax revenue drop from $292 million to $282 million in the past year. Experts say mass-media advertising campaigns have driven a dramatic rise in the popularity of internet gambling, which sidesteps traditional tax regulations. South Australian pubs and clubs have also suffered an $11 million revenue hit, which comes as smoking bans look to further harm the sector. Australian Hotels Association general manager Ian Horne said competition from both sports betting and online gambling outlets was placing major pressure on the industry. "The sports betting market is expanding enormously," he said. "Just look at the betting options for the federal election. The promotion of betting odds was unprecedented. It's becoming the normal way of life to bet on anything and everything." Horne said poker machines had been unfairly "demonised" while other gambling options were considered socially acceptable. A spokeswoman for Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the decline could be attributed to reduced household expenditure for recreational activities. "This expenditure is also affected by the Reserve Bank's increasing of interest rates over the past 12 months," she said. The spokeswoman also said the Government was working to reduce the number of pokies, despite figures showing 7 more in use now than last year. "There is always some variation in the number of live machines, as gaming venues may not use all of their entitlements, for example during renovations," she said.
"The Rann Government is committed to reducing pokie machine entitlements by 3000. "So far the Government has removed more than 2200 gaming machine entitlements from SA venues." Treasurer Kevin Foley has warned the state to brace for a tough September 14 Budget, saying the lingering impact of the global financial crisis has diminished revenue. Media Man and Gambling911 have strong reason to believe that online gaming and gambling will continue to grow in the Australian - Asia Pacific region, and many land based venues will continue to be hit hard.

A Media Man spokesperson said "Online gambling and gaming is here to stay in Australia. The internet is of course a global medium. Website portals, affiliate programmes, and media agency deals help determine where the traffic, players, entertainment dollar and media coverage goes to. Even Fairfax Media, News Limited and Google are big industry players now. YouTube may ramp up also. Website portal developers such as us have also done well. This is all fueled by media and gaming press speculation, and remains hot fodder for news articles. PartyGaming, Virgin, World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker remain some of the biggest brands that often get major articles in mainstream press, so of which we help facilitate, be it officially or unofficially. Smart Australian casino operators such as Crown Casino are starting to plug into the action, exampled by Crown accepting PartyGaming - PartyPoker.com online poker players as part of their Aussie Millions promo last year... one by an Aussie, and will be doing the same again this year. Google is pushing forward with Google Games on the back of Pac-Man. Marvel Entertainment, Sega, DC Comics and even Harrah's are expected to ramp up. Gambling911 and Media Man will remain in the thick of the action, even though gaming and sports betting are only 2 of about a dozen of sectors covered. Many media companies are heding thier bets are offering strong coverge, while also covering many of industries like tech, politics, entertainment and the like. Some brands like Party and Virgin are in a number of sectors which is very exciting and profitable. Online variations of Cleopatra, Monopoly and Sinatra remain the top slots, with Tomb Raider enjoying a second wind, with 3D games like Heist on the upswing too. The industry is looking forward to a further improved remainder of the year, and punters will be able to benifit from great promos and deals, so its a win - win - win".

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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...

Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January.

Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.

Crown Limited Shares...

$8.350

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good punting.

*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.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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8/24/2010

PartyCasino News: PartyCasino Gets New Games, by Greg Tingle - 24th August 2010

PartyCasino Gets New Games

PartyGaming, the world's leading listed online gaming company, has just released a package of new slot games to PartyCasino.com, some in conjunction with Australian based NextGen Gaming, headquartered at tech hub North Sydney.

The new game titles with full descriptions and instructions are available to view at PartyCasino.com

Gaming innovators NextGen Gaming have announced that www.partycasino.com, the world's largest online casino, is releasing three games under their Slide-a-Wild™, SuperBet™ and Select-a-Play™ brands.

These 3 innovative brands have been specifically designed to give players control of their gameplay. Players can 'Slide their Wild' to different reels, engage in 'Super' play by adding extra symbols to reels and 'Select' their preferred volatility in feature play.

Look out for Crocodopolis Slide-a-Wild™, Shaaark! SuperBet™, and Unicorn Legend Select-a-Play™ on PartyCasino.com

Matt Davey CEO of NextGen Gaming stated "We are very proud to work with PartyCasino.com. Their efficient and focused technology team has enabled us to release market-leading innovative games in record time. Crocodopolis, Shaaark! and Unicorn Legend capture a new level of entertainment and design, providing an excellent complement to PartyCasino.com's product suite. Through these brands and future games we look forward to supporting PartyCasino.com and its talented team".

A spokesman for PartyCasino.com said: "PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and we're delighted to offer these 3 new titles from NextGen Gaming to a portfolio of over 150 games. NextGen are great partners and we look forward to the delivery of more games in the near future."

For more information see PartyCasino.com and NextGen Gaming.

Also check out new slot games Snow Business, Super Cubes, Heist, Chain Reactors and Palladium Slot.

PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches and largest jackpots in the industry and offers over 150 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players. This year marks the 200th Oktoberfest in Germany and what promises to be the biggest, best and most memorable edition of one of the world’s biggest parties ever! Palladium VIP’s on PartyCasino.com can secure their place there very simply: be one of the first 10 players to collect 10,000 PartyPoints by playing slots and jackpot slots between 16th and 31st August and they will win a package. Please note these packages are for the weekend of the 1st – 3rd October. See: PartyCasino.com for more information.

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8/23/2010

Virgin Casino Launches Mermaids Millions by Microgaming

Virgin Casino Launches Mermaids Millions by Microgaming

Leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today launched Mermaids Millions, a fantastic new addition to the Casino's extensive and varied product suite. Provided by the market leading online casino games supplier, Microgaming, Mermaids Millions is the latest 5 reel and 15 payline slot which follows on from the enormously successful Tomb Raider.

Mermaids Millions is set in an undersea fantasy world replete with richly textured, bright colour graphics of glamorous mermaids, shy lobsters, bulging treasure chests, jolly Neptunes and other sea creatures. Players are able to bet up to 5 coins on each of the 15 paylines, taking the maximum wager per spin to 75 coins. Scatter wins will trigger the Free Spins feature where all wins are Tripled. The Treasure Bonus will give players a chance to share in the sunken treasure of the ocean floor scattered with treasure filled chests, barrels and clams.

Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented:

"Following the enormous success of Tomb Raider launched a few months ago, this latest offering from Microgaming is set to be another big hit with our customers. Like Tomb Raider, Mermaids Millions offers the best online game functionality and great graphics – it really is a fantastically fun game to play and is of the quality and high standard that our customers have come to expect from Virgin Casino."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 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.

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) 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, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000

• 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.


Virgin Bingo Celebrates the Return of The X Factor

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Aug 20, 2010) - Virgin Games, a leading online gaming company, is celebrating the return of The X Factor by offering fantastic promotions this weekend and throughout the series.

This weekend Virgin Bingo is offering 30% back on £10 deposits once the deposit has been played. To claim the promotion customers simply enter the bonus code XFACTORAUG.

If customers fancy playing bingo whilst watching The X Factor, Virgin Bingo is offering free play every Saturday night between 7.30-9.30pm throughout the series. Customers can find the code at www.virginbingo.com.

For diehard X Factor fans, Virgin Casino has The X Factor slot, where players can win up to 5,000 times their stake.

Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented:

"Whether you love or hate the show, all are sure to love these fantastic promotions. If our customers can't face the excruciating sounds of some early (and late) contestants, instead of hiding behind a pillow they can distract themselves with some fantastic free bingo."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 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.


Virgin Casino Launches Two New Games‎

Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company – Virgin Games, has today launched two new slots, Pharaoh's Treasure, by online games producer, Ash Gaming, and Spring Break, by Microgaming. Pharaoh's Treasure, which has an ancient Egyptian theme, has a progressive jackpot that can only be won at Virgin Casino.

Pharaoh's Treasure is a five-reel 20-line Vegas-style slot. The game features a progressive jackpot in the Tutankhamun's Tomb bonus round, as well as a wild symbol, scatter symbol with win multipliers, and free spins.

Spring Break features five reels and nine paylines and has symbols made in the style of spring vacation, with barbeques, beer and bikini clad girls! Features include a free spin bonus and a wild symbol.

Warren Eloff, Head of Products at Virgin Games, commented:

"I anticipate that Pharaoh's Treasure will be a very tempting game for our players, as when the progressive jackpot is won it's guaranteed that it will go to a Virgin Casino customer! We are committed to offering our customers the best quality and variety of games on the market and these new additions fit the criteria.

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 200 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.

Notes to editors:

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) 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, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000

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.

*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory

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