1/30/2011

Australia Zoo Viva Crocodile Las Vegas Back On, by Greg Tingle - 30th January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, entertainment and arts news junkies, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, legal eagles and friends at Australia Zoo... one and all. You know who you are. They say never smile at a crocodile, but today we learn that some Australia Zoo management are smiling at Las Vegas opportunities, while some zoo staff are not smiling back at the zoo's management and best laid plans. Media Man and Gambling911 probe crocodiles, management, staff and the Las Vegas Strip with their ferocious report...

Australia Zoo Management Smiling At Las Vegas Trip; Some Zoo Staff Crocodile Tears...

Zoo Director Wes Mannion and General Manager Frank Muscillo recently flew business class to Las Vegas, also taking in California, two days after more than 20 employees were relieved of their services (fired or retrenched if you will) from Terri Irwin's world famous zoo last Monday.

The main goal of the trip is to secure a large business deal for Terri and the Zoo in or around the Las Vegas Strip. Think Crocodile A Mania or crocodile - wild life entertainment complex. Wayne's World meets Oprah Winfrey Show meets PT Barnum? You be the judge, but you get the idea.

Gaming and gambling are big business and a significant part of the entertainment industry. Look no further than the recent South Sydney Rabbitoh's deal with Star City casino or the Penrith Panthers deal with Centrebet. PartyGaming also inked a few deals with U.S land based casinos last week.

Yes, these deals sent gaming haters animal, but they still happened.

An Australia Zoo spokesperson said head crocodile - humans Mannion and Muscillo were in California seeking opportunities that would cement the financial future for Australia Zoo and attract international tourists back to the Coast.

"These business class flights were booked a year in advance on a travel sale," the spokesperson said.

Last June, Terri Irwin announced Australia Zoo was pushing ahead with a $300 million plan to replicate the famed Beerwah wildlife haven in the gambling mecca of Las Vegas, a story well publicised by news powerhouses Media Man and Gambling911, and picked up many wires the world over.

Terri advised the plans would employ about 900 people – about half of them Australians.

At the zoo dozens of ex workers are struggling to come to terms with the recent job losses, with a few tears been shed.

A dismissed staff member, who does not wish to be named for fear of backlash, said news of the pair’s overseas trip was "an insult".

"In the face of something like this they have just disappeared, while everyone else is left behind trying to work out how to pay the bills. It’s un-Australian – if things are so tight that they need to lay off staff, why aren’t they flying economy? It’s not just casuals that have lost their jobs either, there are full-time staff that have been there for considerable amounts of time and are now unemployed."

Retrenched zoo staff were further aggravated, if not embarrassed, this week when a mass e-mail was circulated containing an information fact sheet to help with their search for new employment.

"The email addresses of all staff members who were presumably made redundant were there for everyone to see. There has been no respect for anyone’s privacy. It’s unprofessional.", said a leaker.

Well, its all out in the open now. Who will be the next prey? Just kidding.

Las Vegas Strip or California to catch Terri's Crocodile-A-Mania? Tell us in the forum!

Media Man and Gambling911 are smiling at the Zoo's proposal. Just if or when the smiles in Vegas turns into dollars and a deal for Terri Irwin and team remains to be seen, but our spies on the strip tell us that Team Terri will be grinning ear to ear soon enough, dispute crocodile tears from some of her detractors. As fellow Aussie media and entertainment entrepreneur Russell Crowe recently covered in regards to gambling and having a punt, "Business is business. It's a reality check." Yep, having a punt in only natural. Enter the jungle!


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

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1/29/2011

bwin and PartyGaming shareholders approve merger

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bwin and PartyGaming shareholders approve merger

The legal measures specified by the merger plan can now be implemented during the next few weeks.

Vienna/Gibraltar, 28 January 2011 – bwin Interactive Entertainment AG (bwin) and PartyGaming Plc (PartyGaming) shareholders have today approved the merger of their two companies. These approvals in both extraordinary general meetings (EGM) were a condition for carrying out the proposed merger.

Commenting on the results of today’s EGMs, Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger, the proposed co-CEOs of bwin.party digital entertainment plc, said: "Today’s shareholder meetings were a key milestone in the overall process, putting the transformational merger of our two companies well on the way to completion. We are delighted that both sets of shareholders have overwhelmingly recognised the strategic, operational and financial benefits of creating the world’s largest listed online gaming company."

bwin EGM details
A total of 335 shareholders attended bwin's EGM, representing a total of 18.1 million shares. The results of voting at the general meeting in Vienna have been published at www.bwin.org. The legal measures specified by the merger plan can now be implemented during the next few weeks. bwin shareholders will receive 12.23 bwin.party shares denominated in GBP for each bwin share. This share exchange will be carried out automatically and free of charge for bwin shareholders.

PartyGaming EGM details
At PartyGaming’s EGM held in Gibraltar today, all 9 resolutions relating to the approval of the merger with bwin and associated matters, including the change of name from PartyGaming Plc to bwin.party digital entertainment plc, were approved by PartyGaming shareholders.

About bwin
The bwin Group has over 20 million registered customers in more than 25 core markets. On a number of different platforms, the Group offers sports betting, poker, casino games, soft and skill games, as well as audio and video streams of top sporting events such as the German Soccer League. The holding company bwin Interactive Entertainment AG is listed in the ATX on the Vienna Stock Exchange (ID code BWIN, Reuters ID code BWIN.VI), and as the parent company provides various services such as software development, marketing, communications, human resources and finance for its subsidiaries and associated companies. The operational business of the bwin Group is carried out by subsidiaries and associated companies on the basis of licences (e.g. Germany, Italy and Gibraltar). Full details about the Company can be found on its investor relations website.

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1/26/2011

PartyGaming stages a US comeback - 26th January 2011

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The International Gaming Exhibition, the most comprehensive and international business-to-business (b2b) gaming exhibition on the world stage, got underway in Earl's Court yesterday.

It's one of the most important dates on the calendar for any company active in the online, mobile, betting, bingo, casino and street gaming sectors.

They just have to be there to show their wares and hopefully drum up millions of pounds worth of business.

Whispers from the exhibition suggests that Gibraltar-based PartyGaming (1.8p easier at 190.6p), which is soon to merge with Austrian gaming group bwin to become the world's largest gaming group, has pulled off a coup on the first day of the three-day event.

It has signed a lucrative b2b deal with one or even two Big Daddy US casinos - Boyd Gaming, MGM, Las Vegas Sands and Caesars - to provide them with an online poker platform for the US market when it is finally regulated.

PartyGaming has often said it will be ready to re-enter the US games online market via such agreements once regulation allows, in the state or federal level.

New Jersey and California are two states that have made progress towards online gambling regulations.

Leisure analysts believe other states will follow and companies such as PartyGaming will gain some of the licences. The US is the top online gaming market in the world.

Many European players, including PartyGaming, withdrew form the market after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was created in 2006.

PartyGaming have since settled a legal dispute with the US and is raring to return to the US once regulations are installed.

Rival online gaming group 888 Holdings shed 1.75p to 47.75p. It has yet to strike a deal with US authorities to give it immunity from prosecution over its activities in America prior to the industry being outlawed in 2006. Nevertheless, it has been holding prolonged takeover talks with Britain's biggest bookmaker, Ladbrokes, 0.7p off at 130.3p.

The odds on an early rise in UK interest rates lengthened considerably following shock news of a 0.5pc contraction in fourth-quarter gross domestic product, much worse than the positive 0.5pc that the market expected. The Footsie lost an initial 20 point gain to trade 39 points lower before closing 'only' 26.14 points down at 5,917.71.

Charles Davis, economist at the Cebr, said: 'The data point to a complete loss of momentum-in the recovery at the end of the year. It is too early for the Bank of England to be thinking about interest rate rises despite inflation remaining above target. We expect rates will remain on hold at 0.5pc until 2012 and have not ruled out additional quantitative easing as fiscal tightening takes hold in earnest this year.'

Luxury goods retailer Burberry strutted its stuff with a gain of 33p to 1063p. It recently forecast full-year profits at the top end of market expectations after beating analysts' expectations with a 27pc leap in third-quarter revenue.

Finally convinced that the recent hefty share price rise has been nothing more than a mega bear squeeze ahead of next week's results, punters sold online grocer Ocado 11p lower to 227.6p. Rumoured bidder Wm Morrison dipped 2.9p to 264.7p.

Growing concern about the UK economy and continuing fears about a possible major government upheaval of the banking sector left the part-nationalised Lloyds Banking Group down a further 1.9p to 63.14p.

Despite bullish comments from broker Oriel Securities, Taylor Wimpey cheapened 1.38p to 35.89p. The broker recommends TW and is overweight on the housebuilding sector. It believes 2011 will be a more stable year for the UK housing market than 2010. Without the distractions of a General Election and a Comprehensive Spending Review it reckons a sense of normality will return to the market.

A positive trading update showing a robust order book worth £12bn and a growing new business pipeline valued at £6bn, helped Babcock International climb 8.5p to 579.5p. Investec has a sum-of-the-parts target price of 650p a share.

Forbidden Technologies added 3.5p at 33.5p after signing an agreement with global systems integrator Ericsson which will allow Ericsson to build Cloud services running Forbidden's FORscene video editing platform.

Plus-quoted Oracle Coalfields jumped 8pc to 10.625p. The coal developer and explorer has a 1.4bn tonne coal resource of lignite coal in the South Eastern desert of Singh Province, Pakistan. Interest in the stock has increased because of the potential Indonesian coal export ban and the floods in Australia.

Hand-held computer group Psion lost 5p to 94.5p after warning that it will post an operating loss for 2010 because of foreign exchange losses.

The board forecast that operating losses would be in the region of £1.5m to £2.5m but it remains confident of strong growth in the current year.

It also reported that French software services group Atos Origin had placed a €1.2m order for its rugged Workabout Pro 3. (Credit: Google News, Wires)

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1/24/2011

Gaming Giants Close To Merger

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Shareholders of Austria-based online gaming company bwin will be urged to approve a merger with Gibraltar-based PartyGaming at an Extraordinary General Meeting later this month.

The merger will create the world’s largest online gaming business, based and managed from Gibraltar but listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Assuming the merger is approved, bwin shareholders will own 51.5% of the enlarged group, with PartyGaming shareholders owning the balance.

In a presentation to analysts, the companies estimated that the merger will generate pre-tax synergies of E55m a year by removing duplication, exploiting economies of scale and share best practices.

There will also be opportunities for cross-selling of products and tapping into new markets.

The companies said the enlarged group would continue to expand internationally through the development of ring-fenced, regional networks.

Executives have their eye on both regulated markets and, markets where regulation is expected in the future.

Among the new group’s strategic aims is to position itself so that it can enter the US market, where online gaming is currently strictly curtailed and restricted.

The enlarged group would be "well-positioned to enter the US market should regulations allow."

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1/23/2011

Australian Gambling: Deals, Art, Politics And Vice, by Greg Tingle - 22nd January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, NRL sports nuts, entertainment and arts news junkies, politicians, insiders, outsiders, legal eagles... one and all. Today we have a huge news update for you. We've got the gambling tycoon in Tassie opening his art exhibit, the Centrebet Stadium deal, shady deals at a pokie palace, political fun and games, and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 with another massive report that will help keep you out of trouble this weekend (or provide just enough info to get you into trouble)...

Tassie 'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Shows Of Sex, Death, Vice Et Al Art Exhibit...

Art and gambling do mix, at least that's the experience of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, Australian artist Gina Sinozich, Media Man (bodypaint and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian gambling whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh. You will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by us later. We like you David, ok mate.

Tasmania's most famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire, David Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art exbit...the biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery in Tasmania, if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million Museum of Old and New Art is nestled on the banks of Hobart's Derwent River.

He was going to give a press announcement everyone was eagerly awaiting. A minder advised. Next thing... "No I'm not" and the formalities were done. His pink t-shirt sported the charming words - "FUCK the art, let's rock'n'roll."

His expo has been championed "Subversive Disneyland at the end of the world", and the word is that Walsh might be now challenging Sydney for the title of 'Sin City'. Maybe in your dreams Dave, but if you keep going, you might get there.

A Media Man insider shouted "Bring the freak show to Sydney David. Show em how its done in Sin City, if you are the king on Sin". Walsh didn't respond, but leakers reckon he broke into a devilish smile, perhaps the MM sparking something. Yep, this bloke likes a bit of attention, and it seems he wants to be known as #1, even if his art is "for fun".

It was the hottest (sexiest and darkest) ticket in town. A party for 1350 invited guests and ballot winners, the art collector and number cruncher, who we understand made his millions via syndicate gambling, showcased his idea of art with punters and news media lapping it up.

MONA director Mark Fraser went on the record "This museum is David's...he makes every decision and that is very, very different to most museums."

On display in the multi-level gallery - the steel structure designed by Melbourne based architect Nonda Katsalidis is built into a cliff. There's roughly 200 artworks purchased by the "devilish" Walsh over 2 decades. Insiders understand its one-tenth of his entire collection. Artefact's, traditional art, contemporary art and a good dose of what we might just call sex and death art.

Walsh has been upfront saying that MONA "explores sex and death", but that's just a fraction of the collection. Insiders say he also includes it to make sure he gets strong media attention, something he missed out on in the past, as hard as that may be to believe.

Fancy a wall of plaster casts of women's genitalia? Line up, line up. The greatest show on earth, you could imagine P.T Barnum shouting at the top of his lungs.

Walsh generously shares "I think formal curation is a form of mental masturbation."

Traditional curators and galleries, he said, threw together what works they could manage and then invented ways to categorise them in a manner that was essentially superficial and misleading.

"I'm not really that interested in a bunch of big names. Most of the works are by people most people haven't heard of and still won't have heard of because there's no wall labels."

Walsh advised he wanted MONA to become one of Tasmania's biggest tourist destinations, and judging by the response, he might just meet that goal. He's also impressively created the museum without formal government assistance, such is the health of his gambling and casino endeavors.

There is no board of directors unlike the nation's other supposed leading private museums, such as TarraWarra in Victoria, Walsh has not sought not-for-profit status.

"I don't want to lose control (or) something that ends up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery of Victoria," he said in a way that you could tell he's thought the questions and potential answers through his brain before.

Profits from the adjacent winery, restaurant, brewery and boutique hotel will help underpin annual running costs of $8m. If there's a shortfall, we think 'Our David' should be able to pick up the slack.

There's something for almost everyone here, but we suspect big Sunday church goers might be giving it a big miss. Oh, celebs and a-list types the world over dig David and his works, and substantial steps had been taken to protect the names of... wait for it...David Bowie and Mick Jagger. If they are fans, they are not saying or publicly endorsing it (yet). Sex, a bit of vice, the gambling connection. Sounds like you? Yep, that's what we thought. Have you booked your ticket yet?

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Centrebet Stadium Done Deal; Sports Nuts And Punters Rejoice; Attack Gaming Haters...

Centrebet has buried and put the hurt on critics of its media and public heat seeker naming-rights stadium deal with Penrith Panthers, stating on the record that the the anti-gambling lobby were "like cracked records" in opposing it's newest deal. Off the the record it called them a host of unspeakables! The clubs' name change to Centrebet Stadium Penrith was announced by the Panthers just yesterday after the sponsorship rumours were first announced by Fairfax Media, creating a title wave of coverage across the globe. It's a 5-year deal, worth more than $1.5 million bucks, making the western Sydney sports ground the first down under to adopt the name of a bookie.
Anti-gambling campaigner Senator Nick Xenophon last week was pissed at the NRL for permitting the Panthers to make the name change, criticism that bit 'Mr X' (satire nick name from MM) back from Centrebet when confirmation came yesterday.

Get ready for this punters. You might like the 2 cents directed at the gaming and casino haters... the thought police. "The 'anti brigade' are becoming like cracked records," Centrebet boss Neil Evans said. "Why don't they survey the blokes walking into the ground, down at the shopping mall, on the building sites, and in the pubs and see what they think? My attitude is...reality is reality. And business is business. I congratulate the Panthers board and the Penrith City Council on their forthrightness and strong-minded stance. Most clubs, especially those hardly flushed with cash, would dream about a 5-year ground deal worth around $1.5 million, and that's before we start talking about the spin-off effects for the community and all the hard-working people in and around the club." Media Man did a spot survey around the eastern suburbs of Sydney and a spokesperson said "About 90% of people in the community are fine with gambling, gaming and sports betting. They know a small percentage can get into trouble, but for many Aussies is a strong tradition and a way of live. You know, the Melbourne Cup, Two-Up, having a game of poker with your mates, or throwing a couple of bucks down the throat of a pokie just to try your luck. Most level headed people, the non extremists, see the merit in the Centrebet deal, and we understand that now the likes of PartyGaming, Betfair and others will be exploring possibilities for their firms, which might just help save the NRL for massive financial stress. It looks like a win - win win". The Federal Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib, is working diligently with reps of Australia's 7 major sporting codes on ways to wipe out match-fixing but said the Panthers' stadium deal was not a concern. A report compiled by a working party commissioned by the the Coalition of Major Professional Sports is set to be out by next month. "Sponsorship of sporting codes and stadiums is a matter for the individual stadium owners and sporting organisations. The NRL have advised the government that the sponsorship agreement between the Panthers and Centrebet meets its own gambling and sponsorship guidelines. The select council on gambling reform led by Minister (Jenny) Macklin has put the regulation of online gambling in their forward work agenda. And as sports minister I'm working with the sporting codes, including the NRL, on the issue of match-fixing and integrity in sport." Centrebet currently has sponsorships with 4 other clubs in the National Rugby League, which forces all betting agencies associated with the game to sign integrity agreements. The stadium sponsorship was called as a great boon for Penrith by the football club's chief executive, Michael Leary. "Centrebet has been a responsible corporate partner of the Panthers since coming on board with the club in 2010. Our stadium has become a centre of excellence by not only hosting high-level rugby league in the national competition but through its ability to be community-centric in accommodating several community organisations. Centbet, The Footy Show sponsored corner on Network Nine's 'The Footy show', now Centrebet Stadium, next The World. Spies continue to tell us that PartyGaming, Betfair and others are circling the wagons and won't be taking it lying down. Punters, get ready for another round of Australian gambling wars. This week: Gambling lovers and punters 1 - haters - Nil!

Newcastle; NSW - Publican In Hot Water Over Cash Loans To Punter Patrons...

An ex licensee of West Wallsend’s Museum Hotel has been fined after admitting to giving $730 in cash advancements to patrons but has defended other claims of lending pub regulars thousands of dollars to spend on alcohol and gambling. In a written decision last month the Casino, Liquor, Gaming and Control Authority fined Peter Francis Dobb $2920, after he admitted a modest $730 in payments were unlawful cash advances. However he rejected allegations from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing that a further $4455 of transactions were loans or repayments of loans from or to regular customers to spend on beer and "one armed bandits" and other items. The complaint to the authority was dated March 10, 2010, but grew legs from a complaint to the office back in 2007. Dobb was the licensee of the hotel from October 2006 to September 2008. For the record the current licensee was not the subject of any complaint. The office submitted that two inspectors visited the hotel to investigate in October 2007. They reported finding and seizing a number of TAB betting tickets and other pieces of paper with names or nicknames written on them and sums of money, what appeared to be records of payment and a deposit book. The names included the fair dinkim Aussie nicknames "Beryl", "Dapto", "Chief", "Supa" and "Vinnie". The inspectors advised they interviewed several parties including "Beryl" who said she regularly borrowed money before pension day to buy cigarettes and "a couple of beers". Another punter claimed he borrowed money to play the pokies because he sometimes exceeded his key card limit. Mnn, some folks said the pokies limit aka "mandatory" wouldn't work, and one may speculate if this is the first high profile case of proof. Or, is it a coincidence, and its just beers and ciggies"? Dobb said some records related to invoices the hotel had issued for items including an 18th birthday function and two beer kegs for a soccer final. Other records related to patrons’ money that was held in the hotel safe to mind. The office argued the invoices were handwritten and may have been drawn up after the event. It coughed up that a $55 record marked "roo chooks" was paid to Red Lea Chickens before a chook raffle. No, Pluka-Duke was not a witness to the events, nor were they called to court. The authority concluded it would need to hear from witnesses who lived out of the area to discover the truth of the $4400. It noted the "likely costs" of further investigations and the amount in dispute then opted to rule on the payments Dobb conceded. Dobb’s solicitor Paul Sullivan said yesterday his client now ran another country hotel and had not been the subject of any further matters. We challenge the readership to find us a better regional Aussie yarn that this one ok maties.

Tatts eyes bank market to refinance $US700m...

Gaming and wagering giant Tatts Group Ltd is considering refinancing its $700 million in bank debt with its existing lenders after tapping the United States private market in December, its CFO said last Wednesday. The company, which had $911 million ($US909 million) of bank loans maturing in June 2011, refinanced $US225 million in the US private placement market at the end of 2010, leaving around $700 million outstanding.
"We are contemplating an option of whether our banks wish to roll over the rest of the debt," Tatts chief financial officer Ray Gunston told the press. According to data from Thomson Reuters LPC, Tatts existing lenders are ANZ Ltd, BNP Paribas, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland and Westpac Banking Corp. There is ample liquidity in the bank market and banks are willing to lend for longer maturities for the right credit. This compared to during the financial crisis where borrowers struggled to get tenors beyond three years. "We are still working through our options. But it is my understanding five-year bank debt has become more available than previously," Gunston said. The company is also keeping an eye on the fledging retail bond market as a funding option though, but sees it as pricey. "We have not taken (retail bonds) off the agenda," Gunston said. "We are looking at where it fits into our profile. But it is still expensive and there are a number of issues." The overall costs of retail bonds still remain quite high in Australia despite measures introduced last year to reduce lengthy prospectus documents and cut costs for small bond issues. Tatts is not publicly rated but US debt investors estimate its ratings to stand between Standard & Poor's BBB-plus and BBB-minus.

Melbourne, Australia and UK: Aussie Millions Gossip: Did Poker Ace Warnie Poke Her?...

The champion spinner and reported ladies man, Shane Warne, admitted he had been "busted" spending a romantic weekend with English actress - babe Elizabeth Hurley.
The cricket legend had been trying to keep the reunion under wraps after making a last-minute dash to Los Angeles to rendezvous with the glamourous movie star. But Warne, 41, was outed by keen News Limited newspaper readers who spotted him on a flight back from Los Angeles on Sunday evening. Approached by the News Limited's Herald Sun at Crown's Aussie Millions Poker charity fundraiser on Wednesday night, Warne grinned and said: "Yeah, I know we've been busted." He declined further comment on the success of his reunion with the 45-year-old beauty. "Er, next question," he replied. But mates at the benefit later revealed Warne had confirmed his weekend had gone "very well" and he had rekindled the flame with Hurley. Their romance has slowed a touch when it was revealed Warne has apparently sent more than 100 text messages to married Brighton woman Adele Angelari. "Let's just say he was pretty happy," said a mate. Hurley made no secret of being in Los Angeles, tweeting about the weather and saying she watched the Golden Globe Awards from her hotel. Shortly after Warne boarded the plane for home, she tweeted: "A great weekend. Best in a long, long time." We think congratulations may be in order for Warnie's speculative "innings" across the water. Yeah Warnie keep row row rowing the boat, life might be such a breze. May the good fortune of Warnie rub off on you and may every hand and women bring you a champion result. Warnie is not only a solid poker players, but is a face of Crown Poker, and also a keen golf player. It's not known if he has scored a hole in one, but he sure knows how to play them birdies. You know what we mean.

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

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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

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1/21/2011

Gibraltar Raises Taxes on Online Gambling Companies

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The British territory of Gibraltar has announced that it will be drastically inflating its taxes on all online gambling firms starting in January, a decision that could prove costly for several online poker sites. Online gambling companies are currently paying just a 1% tax in Gibraltar, with a ceiling of £425,000, but starting next month, they’ll be forced into the same 10% tax rate as other Gibraltar businesses pay.

Gibraltar has been an ideal location for many online gambling sites due to the low tax rate and has become something of an “online gambling capital” as a result. Poker rooms such as PartyPoker and 888poker currently hold their headquarters in the territory and the online bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill made the move to Gibraltar in 2009 – a decision that was expected to cost the Treasury of the United Kingdom about £12 million per year.

Gibraltar’s first minister, Peter Caruana, said the tax increase has been called for by Gibraltar government’s decision to conform to European law. "To comply with EU law, we must phase out the tax exempt company in 2010," Caruana said. "However, in order to sustain our successful economic model, we must retain a commitment to a very competitive corporate tax model."

PartyGaming, which owns and operates PartyPoker from Gibraltar, recently released details concerning its long-awaited merger with online gambling giant bwin. PartyGaming said in a statement that it would keep its headquarters in Gibraltar while bwin continues to operate in Austria. Whether the news of the tax increase changes those plans remains to be seen. "We’ve known about this for some time and we’ve factored it in," said PartyGaming spokesman John Shepherd. "The tax is still going to be very low."

According to a report in The Guardian, while online companies will now pay the standard 10% tax rate paid by other businesses, they will still not be subjected to any Value Added Tax (VAT), meaning that Gibraltar will remain an attractive setting for gambling companies. VAT is a consumption tax only on the "value added" to a product, material or service – similar to the state sales tax that most U.S. residents pay.

Many experts seem confident that the tax increase won’t cause companies like PartyGaming to flee to other locations. Victor Chandler, Chairman of independent bookmaker Victor Chandler International, expressed his assurance in an interview with regional newspaper El Pais: "Nobody will leave, although we’ll all complain about the tax going up." Chandler began his U.K.-based company in 1946 that does much of its business online, including sports betting, casino games, and poker.

The decision will likely add up to big things for Gibraltar in the near future. Under the current 1% tax rate, Gibraltar collected £10.5 million in revenue from online gambling taxes in 2009. So long as online gambling firms decide to stay put, the government can expect to see that number magnify in the coming years.

Online gambling has proven to be an extremely important source of revenue for Gibraltar and it is believed that 2,000 people currently work in the sector, which is around 12% of the island’s workforce. The industry has also helped to protect the local economy against neighboring Spain’s harsh economic conditions. Of Gibraltar’s 30,000 residents, only 600 (2%) are unemployed. The bordering Spanish city of La Línea de la Concepción is estimated to have 10,000 of its 65,000 inhabitants (15%) out of work. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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1/19/2011

IGT And Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming And Casino War, by Greg Tingle - 19th January 2011

G'day Yankies, Aussies, punters, casino and gambling millionaires, billionaires, legal eagles, politicians - one and all. The Australian VS American casino wars escalate once again. While many details of America's IGT (International Gaming Technology) VS Australia's Aristocrat Leisure legal situation remain sketchy, both companies remain in the spotlight, domestically and internationally, and remarkably Aristocrat's shares have continued to climb in the past few days. 'The Crat' is also gearing up for a massive national and international gaming expo itinerary, that should see them power ahead, if they can hold off potentially very expensive legal proceedings. Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com and Gambling911 continue to apply the probe to Aristocrat and IGT, with just a dash of Party and WMS for good measure...

Background On IGT And Aristocrat Leisure...

Readers will likely be family with both companies. IGT is widely considered the original and the best, and in recent years has expanded their online gaming arm known WagerWorks. Many of the world's leading online casinos such as PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino carry the WagerWorks online games. Some of the most popular titles include Cleopatra, Monopoly, Wheel Of Fortune, Double Diamond, Elvis, Battle Ship and Da Vinci Diamonds, with Cleo holding the world's most popular online and offline slot of all time.

The gambling and gaming industry is known for its copy cats, trademark infringements and massive law suits, with "legal eagles" know to be very fond of the sector and its substantial payout jackpots!

This lawsuit situation between IGT and Aristocrat follows a long line of legal actions in gambling including PartyGaming VS WMS, Marvel Entertainment VS Cryptologic, Michael Jackson Estate VS "Michael Jackson Casino", Majestic Star Casino LLC VS "Majestic Star Casino" (online) and Vegas Pinnacle Entertainment VS Eskay SEO ("Belterra Casino Indiana")

Media Man's http://www.mediamanint.com Greg Tingle offered the following "The latest lawsuit from IGT against Australia's Aristocrat Leisure is not a surprise in my opinion. It's been a long time coming, with both parties being able to come to a mutually beneficial settlement to date. IGT is largely considered the world's most successful gaming machine manufacture, and some would say the original and best, of the modern era. Australia's Aristocrat has come under some substantial financial pressure in recent years, and this lawsuit action may very well add to this. The land based and online gambling community, legal and government sectors will be watching this one closely. My money is on IGT to win, but stranger things have happened. May the best brand win."

Press Release...

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 15, 2010

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) today announced the filing of a patent infringement lawsuit against Aristocrat Leisure Limited of Australia and its U.S. Affiliate Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., (collectively "Aristocrat") in connection with the sale and distribution of Aristocrat's gaming devices, including particularly Aristocrat's Viridian WS slot machines. The lawsuit comes after failed attempts to resolve the IP disputes between Aristocrat and IGT.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. In the suit, IGT asserts that Aristocrat has willfully infringed and continues to infringe two patents directed to fundamental capabilities for authentication of gaming software:

U.S. Patent 6,620,047 entitled "Electronic Gaming Apparatus Having Authentication Data Sets"; and U.S. Patent No. RE 39,370 entitled "Electronic Casino Gaming System with Improved Play Capacity, Authentication and Security." "We filed this case because IGT's intellectual property is being knowingly and unfairly exploited by Aristocrat," said Robert C. Melendres, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at IGT. "IGT is the world's leading innovator and creator of intellectual property in the gaming industry."

About IGT

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products, as well as online and mobile gaming solutions for regulated markets. SOURCE IGT


Share Prices: IGT VS Aristocrat (19th January 2011)...

International Gaming Technology

IGT: NYSE: IGT $18.75 USD -0.05 (-0.27%)

Aristocrat Leisure: 3.040: ASX (Australia Securities Exchange)

WMS: NYSE: $46.45; Change is 0.71 (1.51%)


Australian Gaming Shares Pick Of The Bunch: Aristocrat Leisure! (Hell Freezes Over)..

The best performing stock in the S&P/ASX200 was Aristocrat Leisure shares advanced 3.33% to close at $3.10.


Aristocrat Technologies Australia To Hit National And International Trade Show Circuit Big Time This Year; Positive Exposure May Boost Sales And Positive Buzz...

Trade Show - Date - Venue...

IGE 25 Jan 11 - 27 Jan 11 Earls Court, London, UK

Club Managers Association Australia (CMAA) Trade Show 28 Feb 11 - 02 Mar 11 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Hospitality & Gaming Australiasia (HGA) show 16 Mar 11 - 17 Mar 11 Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) 03 Apr 11 - 06 Apr 11 San Diego, CA, USA

Southern Gaming Summit 04 May 11 - 05 May 11 Biloxi, MS, USA

Great Plains Indian Gaming Show 16 May 11 - 18 May 11 Mystic Lake, Minnesota

Gaming Technology Summit 24 May 11 - 25 May 11 Henderson, NV, Las Vegas

G2E Asia 07 Jun 11 - 09 Jun 11 The Venetian, Macau

SAGSE – Panama City 22 Jun 11 - 23 Jun 11 Panama City, Panama

Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) 21 Aug 11 - 23 Aug 11 Sydney, NSW, Australia

Oasis Summit 07 Sep 11 - 09 Sep 11 Las Vegas, Nevada

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 04 Oct 11 - 06 Oct 11 Las Vegas, NV, USA

SAGSE - Buenos Aires 09 Nov 11 - 11 Nov 11 Buenos Aires, Argentina

TribalNet11 Conference 14 Nov 11 - 17 Nov 11 NV, USA


IGT Current News...

IGT to Showcase Future of Gaming at International Casino Exhibition (ICE) 2011 in London...

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), a global leader in creating the major games that players love and the casino network systems that improve the player experience, will display the latest groundbreaking casino games and network systems products, as well as innovative mobile and online offerings, at stand 3430 at the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) on Jan. 25-27, 2011. This year IGT will show how "It's a Whole New Game" by displaying a wide range of games for the casino floor and the interactive world at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

"At ICE 2011, we are excited to show ICE attendees what makes IGT a world leader in gaming," said Craig Churchill, IGT's senior vice president of International Sales. "From the latest in slot floor technology to cutting-edge mobile and online products, IGT is dedicated to providing our international customers with the very best products and end-to-end networked gaming solutions to help them meet their operating objectives and deliver unparalleled player experiences."

IGT is known for delivering the most recognizable names in popular culture to the casino floor, and this year, the Company will display some of its biggest names yet. From an amazing Premium Products lineup, also known as MegaJackpots(R), to the new Core Player Affinity Suite, the big titles at ICE will confirm IGT's dedication to bringing thrilling moments to players.

Star Wars(TM) Droid(TM) Huntis set to become the most popular Star Wars casino game ever released. A well-researched understanding of what game elements excite players and a highly creative visual experience combine to deliver lively gaming action. The game comes complete with four galactic bonus rounds and a Premium Products top award.

The new Dirty Dancing(R) Slot features the iconic characters Baby and Johnny (played by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey) in a game infused with nostalgia, famous songs and video clips. This Premium Products game includes a new Spin Magic feature that turns minor symbol outcomes into wilds.

At ICE 2011, IGT will be the center of attention with the show-stopping Center Stage Series. Offering operators the ability to refresh content with the latest high-impact games, the Center Stage Series will be on display, complete with incredible sound chairs, oversized screens, big bonuses and the biggest game titles for the casino floor.

Debuting on IGT's Center Stage lineup at ICE will be The Dark Knight(TM), which will be featured on the platform's 103-inch screen. Players can choose to play Batman or the Joker to immerse themselves in group and individual bonuses while enjoying the thematic film experience. Also joining the lineup will be American Idol(R) MultiPLAY video slots. This game delivers entertainment that is packed with action. The unique group play Audition Bonus includes memorable video clips and songs from the show.

IGT is changing the game again as it shows ICE attendees its award-winning game designs that bring skill to the casino floor. The new Reel Edge(TM) series of games was named Best Slot Product at the recent 8th Annual Gaming and Technology Awards. For the first time, spinning-reel players can stop the reels to attempt to create wins and use an arcade-style joystick to control the outcome of the 100 percent skill-based bonuses in the top box. On display from the Reel Edge(TM) series of games will be the vampire-inspired Blood Life(TM) and Red, White & Blue Falling Stars(TM).

IGT's Core games continue to offer an unmatched library of video and spinning-reel slots. And this year, the new Player Affinity Suite brings strong, recognizable brands to the casino floor that are sure to generate player interest. Among the new titles on display will be Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey(TM) 5 Reel Circus(TM) and The Greatest Show On Earth(TM) games. Also joining IGT's Core games is the top-performing favorite Siberian Storm(TM).

IGT continues to lead the industry by providing the network systems products that create the competitive edge needed in today's constantly changing gaming industry. Adding to the award-winning sbX(TM) Experience Management system, IGT will show new Service Window applications that provide players with customized gaming experiences and operators with access to the extensive IGT game library.

IGT will display the most innovative online and mobile gaming products in the industry at ICE 2011. The recent announcement of the formation of IGT's Interactive Division shows the Company's ongoing dedication to building on the strengths that IGT already enjoys in the online and mobile gaming markets. With a combined total of 18 years of experience in the online and mobile industry, IGT's WagerWorks and Million-2-1 groups have been rebranded and merged into a single global division. Since 2005, IGT has handled more than $10 billion in online wagers, with more than 1.5 billion online transactions annually.

IGT will also debut the new online game Star Trek(TM)at ICE, featuring some of the most innovative bonus rounds ever seen in an online slot game. IGT's online and mobile offerings at ICE will also include the Company's successful iPhone(R) and iPad(R) games, with popular titles such as Cleopatra(R) and Kitty Glitter(R). During the show, the free-to-play version of Cleopatra(R) will be available for download from the iPhone(R) app store at no cost.

IGT Brings Server-Based Technology to the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. (15th December 2010)...

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), a global leader in creating the major games that players love and the systems that improve the player experience, has signed an agreement with the Cannery Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., to install IGT's industry-leading server-based game management solution. This agreement marks continued momentum in the growing adoption of game-to-system (G2S) server-based technology in the industry worldwide.

"There's no doubt our server-based solutions continue to gain momentum among operators," said Ron Rivera, IGT senior vice president of North America sales. "We're delighted that the Cannery has signed on as an IGT customer. With the combined horsepower of the AVP(R) machine and the industry's largest game library, the Cannery now has a distinct competitive advantage in using these tools to create a world-class player experience."

"We're excited to share the benefits of server-based technology with our players," said Xavier Walsh, COO of Cannery Resorts. "This innovative technology makes it easier than ever to adjust the floor to keep up with the expectations of our players and to deliver the games - and the experience - they're looking for at the Cannery. It's another way to differentiate ourselves from the competition."

IGT's Tier One package is a lease-based offering that combines Floor Manager and IGT's AVP(R) machines, plus access to IGT's game library of high-performing themes, giving the Cannery the power to deploy their choice of more than 300 compelling game themes to their floor in a matter of seconds, based on market conditions. The Tier One package is designed to provide a bank-level, server-based game management solution on 40 machines, with the potential for an eventual floorwide conversion.

Upon regulatory approval of IGT's server-based management system for this property, the Cannery will join the growing roster of leading casino operators worldwide who are optimizing their business using IGT's server-based solution. More than 20 different casinos in eight states and three countries have partnered with IGT for the innovation and the technology that deliver results to the bottom line.

IGT Explains The Pokies Industry In Australia And New Zealand...

Poker machines, or the 'pokies', have been a respectable Australian and New Zealand pastime for more than 50 years. Poker machines positively contribute to these economies; they provide revenue which is poured back into local communities, provide tens of thousands of jobs locally and are responsibly enjoyed by many people. In this heavily regulated industry, IGT ensures strict cooperation and compliance with government regulators across each jurisdiction it serves. The regulation of Australia's and New Zealand's poker machine industries is regarded as the toughest in the world. All our machines operate subject to jurisdictional legislation and regulation, in addition to the Australian/New Zealand Gaming Machine National Standard, which was developed by participants from all gaming regulators in Australia and New Zealand.

Offline Casino Games Found In Online Casinos...

Many of IGT's slot games are found in PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino. PartyGaming's online casino brand can be accessed by Canadians, Australian's and New Zealanders, whereas Virgin Casino can not. Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune and Monopoly are understood to be consistently the most popular online casino games found at Party. See Media Man Int reviews and profiles for more information.

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WMS Industries Inc: A Snapshot (Of The Company Currently Going Legal On PartyGaming)...

WMS Industries Inc. was formed in 1974 and achieved great success in the pinball, video arcade and home video game markets. With a demonstrated track record as a company that could "make great games", video and software technology, and manufacturing facilities all in place, WMS' foray into gaming was a natural progression for the corporation. WMS Gaming Inc. started out in the video lottery terminal (VLT) business in 1991. The company created, manufactured and placed VLTs in jurisdictions throughout North America. Once successfully established in the video lottery market, WMS Gaming moved into the casino gaming business with the introduction of a video poker game. A year later, the Company unveiled a complete line of technically advanced upright slot machines. In 1997, the company premiered what would be, and still is, its most successful video slot machine to date, Reel 'em In®. This multi-coin, multi-line game offered tons of bells and whistles for the slot player. In an effort to produce an enhanced playing experience, WMS Gaming installed full color high-resolution screens in its games, created full color, detailed graphics, provided an entertaining game theme with many betting options, and increased the hit frequency. These features translated to tremendous player acceptance, increased play and therefore, increased earnings. Since 1998, WMS Industries has been engaged entirely in the manufacture, sale, leasing and licensing of gaming machines. WMS Industries Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: WMS). The Company's subsidiary is WMS Gaming Inc.

About Aristocrat: A Snapshot...

With over 50 years industry experience and over 2000 staff globally, Aristocrat has built on its Australian market leadership and reputation to become a premium supplier of groundbreaking technologies and services to the international gaming industry. Aristocrat enjoys a well-earned reputation for outstanding performance and strong brand equity in more than 200 jurisdictions around the world. The diverse product line-up extends from electronic gaming machines to complete gaming solutions, including systems, services, electronic tables, and ancillary equipment. Our vision is clear: Aristocrat aims to become the leading provider of gaming solutions. Imagination, focus and creativity play major roles in achieving this vision. Aristocrat is committed to working in partnership with industry, governments and regulators and our core values of integrity and respect for the individual and the communities within which the company operates underpin relationships with all stakeholders. Aristocrat offices are located in Australia, the USA, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Sweden, Argentina, Japan, and Macau. Each staff member is focused on fulfilling the needs of customers at all levels, while the global management structure drives innovation in business areas. Aristocrat’s core values of integrity and respect for the individual and the communities within which the company operates, underpin relationships with all stakeholders. Aristocrat is committed to working in partnership with industry, governments, and regulators to ensure it meets all responsibilities.

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? Who will win the poker machine manufacturer wars? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered

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1/16/2011

Casino News Media: Virgin Casino Offers High Rollers an Industry Leading Sign-Up Bonus

LONDON, January 14, 2011 - Virgin Casino part of the online gaming company - Virgin Games is now offering fantastic new sign-up offers designed uniquely for High Rollers as well as bonus offers for regular players.

Virgin Casino is offering High Rollers one of the best sign-up bonuses in the industry. There are three offers available: GBP350 for a GBP500 deposit, GBP600 for a GBP1,000 deposit, and GBP1,200 for a GBP3,000 deposit. Details of the High Roll sign-up bonuses can be found at VirginCasino.com

For regular players Virgin Casino is offering a 100% sign-up bonus up to GBP100. For details of the promotional offer go to VirginCasino.com

Oliver Wilson, Casino Acquisition Manager at Virgin Games, commented: "For bigger players looking for a better deal than the standard GBP100 sign-up bonus, our High Roller offer is seriously generous and one of the best deals to be had in the industry. We're offering up to GBP1,200 - a great gift for the New Year!"

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.

Notes to editors:

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.

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

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Iron-Man and friends join PKRCasino - 14th January 2011

Your favourite Marvel comic book superheroes have come to life at PKRCasino.com Step inside and play our 'Marvel-ous' big name new slots which include Iron-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Blade, Daredevil, Elektra and The Fantastic Four right now. Let's play!

Getting your favourite games on PKRCasino is fast, easy and free. Just click on the download button and you'll be playing in no time. Grab our hot 100% launch bonus worth up to $200 when you make your first deposit and you'll get free cash just for playing!

Click on the download button to get PKRCasino.com Once the download is complete, just click on the PKRCasino icon, choose your game and start playing just for fun or for real money. And remember, our friendly Customer Support Team is on hand 24/7 to help.

PKRCasino is part of PKR Limited, a leading online gaming operator which also brought PKR, the world's leading online poker room, to the market.

PKRCasino is licensed and regulated by The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC). The AGCC is one of only two jurisdictions to be included on the UK government's 'white list' of approved sites. PKRCasino is committed to fairness and integrity.

News

PKR Poker Sponsors Mixed Martial Arts Promoter BAMMA


The past couple of weeks has seen numerous sponsorship deals happening with several high-profile online poker websites, however the latest sponsorship deal doesn’t involve any professional players. European 3D poker site PKR.com have announced that they are teaming up with BAMMA (The British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) to be their new sponsor for the 2011 season.

BAMMA is the promoter for UK Martial Arts and has been putting on live events as well as televised events in the UK since 27th of June 2009. If you are familiar with Martial Arts you may recognise some of the high-profile fights who fight for BAMMA such as Alex ‘Reidernator’ Reid, Tom ‘Kong’ Watson, and Bob ‘The Beast’ Sapp.

Online the subject of the sponsorship deal, Erika Schwartz Poole who is the PKR.com marketing manager had this to say:

"It is with great pleasure that we announce our official partnership with BAMMA. Mixed Martial Arts is becoming hugely popular and we are very much looking forward to working with them throughout the coming year."

Meanwhile Liam Fisher who is the Vice President of Business Development for BAMMA had this to say:

"2011 is a very exciting year for MMA in the UK and to partner with such an innovative and high profile company such as PKR is a true testament as to how much this business has to offer its partners."

Poker players at PKR.com will be hoping the sponsorship deal will mean prizes rewarding seats to BAMMA events which would be something different for players who want a fun night out. Also, if you don’t currently have an account at PKR.com you will be delighted to hear that all new players will receive a 100% up to $800 bonus.

PKR: Let's Play - world leaders in online poker, online casino and sports betting. The future is now!

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1/14/2011

Australian Pokie And News Media Wars, by Greg Tingle - 14th January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers, politicians, insiders, outsiders... one and all. The battle for your hearts, minds, wallets and purses continue as Australian gambling and media companies continue to pull out all the stops in order to achieve market domination, or is it world domination? There's something for everyone here, be it casino lovers, haters, media tarts or other. Media Man and Gambling911 with rip snorter of a news roundup for you from the land of Kangaroos, Koalas, convicts and all manner of critters...

Tennis Babe Transforms Into Casino Babe At Packer's Crown; Australian Media's Next Hot Yummie Mummy To Be?

Tennis babe Maria Sharapova commenced the Australian Open Tennis in red hot fashion 2 nights ago the world's hottest and sexiest players landed in Melbourne, home of Australia's original TV 'Underbelly'. The babe of the moment showed off a sparkling engagement ring and smile. This particular Russian babe has taken quite a liking to down under and was more than happy to show off quite a bit of leg, but only a slight bit of cleavage in her new range of tennis gear showcased at a Crown casino media and PR gig. Sharapova's lucky boyfriend, Los Angeles Lakers basketballer Sasha Vujacic, popped the big and brave question to the tennis babe last red October. Her competitors did not seem to be bothered by Sharapova's "media darling" statue or expectational good looks. World #1 Rafael Nadal stripped down during a relaxed practice session on centre court and Ana Ivanovic strutted her stuff on an outside court. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray enjoyed a soccer workout with Melbourne Victory players at AAMI Park. Oh, weather was also a concern, with all the floods that hit Queensland, tipped to also catch part of Victoria. Tourney director Craig Tiley declared the Open weather-proof. "We have two roofs we can close. We also have five indoor courts, so for us rain is - unlike the US Open - easier to deal with. If we are thrown more challenges with the elements we will be able to do what we need to. We have those plans in place to help in terms of scheduling." Isolated showers across southern Victoria could affect the first few days of the event, which starts on Monday. The first week of last year's open was relatively mild but the mercury rose to the mid-30s by the second week of play. In 2009, tennis stars endured scorching conditions with at least three consecutive days above 43C. Paramedics had their work cut out with more than 100 spectators treated for heat exhausting or sunburn. Tiley said major redevelopment work at Melbourne Park would not get in the way of this year's Open. More than 600,000 spectators are expected to flood the Grand Slam venue over two weeks. Insiders reckon the latest range of Tennis babes cum Casino babes, are bound to raise temperates in more ways that one. Feel the heat.

Sin City Sydney - Star City Soccer Fans Ralley...

Sydney FC CEO Edwin Lugt has urged more interaction with supporters across the country after the successful staging of a fan forum in Sydney last night. Lugt spoke at a fan forum organised by Footy Fans Downunder held at Sydney’s Star City Casino Sports Theatre Bar. The forum which will head to Melbourne next month discussed a wide range of topics with fans being given the floor to ask any questions of the panel. Passionate debate and some lively ideas were discussed in front of almost 200 fans. The night also served as a fund-raiser for the Queensland flood tragedy. But as a forum for ideas, it was also a useful exercise, said Lugt. "The fact that we have this (fan forum) means the game is getting serious. It’s maturing". It's understood a few of the fans tried their luck on the pokies and roulette after the forum, some winning, some loosing, and others breaking even. The event was a win - win for both Star City, the fans and soccer big wigs.

Australian Gaming And Gambling Shares...

Company Name Price Change %Change
National Leisure & Gaming 0.01 +0.00 UP +16.66%
Crown Limited 8.57 +0.13 UP +1.54%
Aristocrat Leisure 2.94 +0.04 UP +1.37%
Ainsworth Game Technology 0.27 -0.04 DOWN -12.91%
Centrebet International 1.49 -0.02 DOWN -1.33%
Sky City 2.57 -0.03 DOWN -1.16%

Independent Senator Or Bias Senator; Bluffing The News Media Or Sincere?...

The South Australian based Senator Nick Xenaphon aka 'Mr X's in gambling and media circles, has basically accused Clubs New South Wales of resisting moves to implement new gambling legislation. Senator Xenaphon has backed anti-pokies campaigner Paul Bendat who has took it upon himself to place a full newspaper in the Illawarra Mercury, and is considering doing more. One of his targets is Clubs New South Wales chairman and former Mercury editor Peter Newell. Bendat has been threatened with legal action over the ads. Yep, its getting personal and legal. Senator Xenaphon says the ad calls on Newell to direct his members to "tell the truth" about the Federal Government's mandatory pre-commitment plans for poker machines. "When you consider that literally billions of dollars are lost each year by problem gamblers in this country and that could be avoidable, it could be substantially reduced by a sensible system of pre-commitment. "Then the club's propaganda on this whole issue in terms of how expensive it will be and how impractical it will be, these things need to be exposed." A spokesman for Clubs New South Wales says an earlier advertisement had implied Newell had been untruthful and the ad was overly personal. Joke for readers... How do you know when a politician is lying? Answer: When their lips are moving!

Crown Casino, Melbourne: 2011 Aussie Millions Poker Championship On The Way...

Australia's biggest, best and richest poker tournament has just got on the way. Aussie Millions commenced at James Packers' Crown Casino in beautiful Melbourne, home to the original 'Underbelly' TV series which featured gambling themes. We understand that the $10,600 AUD no-limit hold’em main event will snatch the attention of the poker players and commentators when it fires off on January 23rd. An deep field of 746 punters participated in the 2010 main event, with our own Tyron Krost being crowned champion, picking up $2 million, and soon after being signed u by PartyGaming's PartyPoker. Many other players (and brands) and keen to knock him off as you might expect. The field is expected to be one of the greatest ever, if not the best. High-stakes events include the $100,000 Challenge that commences on January 22, as well as the Aussie Millions high stakes cash game featuring a $200,000 minimum buy-in on Jan 24th. Last year the $100,000 Challenge attracted 24 players for a prize pool of $2.4 million, and it was Dan Shak who bested Phil Ivey heads up to earn a cool $1.2 million. Other substantial buy-in events this year include the $10,500 Australia no-limit hold’em heads-up championship and a $10,500 eight-game mixed event. Stay glued to this dial for more coverage, and don't be surprised if Fox Sports and or / ESPN give it a bit of TV coverage. Poker is big business in Australia and around the world, and media companies are keen to cash in too. Good luck to all players, and on James Packer for your commitment to the "sport".

Aussie Millions Media Run Down...

The Aussie Millions Poker Championship is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the Southern Hemisphere and ranked fifth largest in the world. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the Aussie Millions is poker's longest running tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, dating back to 1998.

Facts

- The Aussie Millions Poker Championship is held each January at Crown Casino, in Melbourne Australia
- The Aussie Millions ranks as the fifth largest poker tournament in the world by player number
- The championship includes over 20 tournaments culminating in the coveted AUD$10,600 No Limit Holdem ‘Main Event' on Sunday 23 January for Day 1 - Flight 1 (Mon 24 Flight 2, Tues 25 Flight 3 with Day 2 starting on Wednesday 26 January 2011)
- The 2011 Aussie Millions is expected to reach a prize pool of almost AUD$20 million with an expected first prize of AUD$2 million for the AUD$10,600 No Limit Holdem ‘Main Event'
- Over 2,500 individual entrants will participant and more than 600 international visitors are expected to attend including players from the United States, England, Ireland, South Africa, Scandinavia, Canada, Israel, Estonia, Portugal and Russia
- The Aussie Millions generated approximately 8,000 room nights across Melbourne in January 2010, including over 5,000 at Crown alone
- The 2010 Aussie Millions held the largest, cash buy in tournament ever with a $100,500 event attracting 30 players
- It is expected that there will be almost 900 individual players in the $10,600 Buy-In No Limit Holdem ‘Main Event'
What is being billed as the biggest game ever played, the ‘Million Dollar Cash Game' will see 10 of the greatest and most influential poker players of all-time stake a minimum of AUD$1 million to play. However, players can (and will) bring more than a mere million dollars to the table!

IMG Tennis Party: Tennis And Poker Celebs - Sunday 16th January

See some of the world's greatest tennis stars including David Nalbandian, Donald Young, Feliciano Lopez, James Blake, Marcos Baghdatis, Maria Sharapova, Marion Bartoli, Mark Knowles, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Venus Williams. Along with some of the world's greatest poker players in town for the Aussie Millions Poker Championship including 2005 WSOP Champion and Crown Ambassador Joe Hachem, Team Full Tilt pro's Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, John Juanda etc.

This exclusive gathering of world class tennis pro's and entertainment industry heavy weights will make this event one of the best parties of 2011. Crown's IMG Tennis Players Party has become one of the most high profile events of the year. Held on the eve of the Australian Open, the party is also a regular meeting spot for IMG's star players who are staying at Crown.

Aussie Millions Event Number 8 - $100,000 Challenge - Saturday 23rd January...

$100,000 No Limit Holdem Challenge will be for those with deep pockets! Look out for some high profile players with wallets in hand, looking for some wild action including the Phil Ivey and 2007 Aussie Millions Champion Gus Hansen. Up to 30 of the most prestigious and high profile poker players in the world will descend upon the Crown Poker Room for this event. Some of the world's greatest poker players heading the list include; Alexander Kostritsyn, Chris Ferguson, Erick Lindgren, Erik Seidel, Gus Hansen, Howard Lederer, Ivan Demidov, Jeff Lisandro, John Juanda, Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Tong G and Tony Bloom *Total Cost (Buy-In + Entry Fee) $100,500 ($100,000 +$500). *Special thanks to Crown Casino for providing our news media with the detailed information. We look forward to continuing to cover the action.

Melbourne: Gambling Research Agenda Continues At Monash University...

Researchers from Monash University's Department of Marketing are interviewing men and women, from a range of backgrounds and age groups across Victoria, to find out more about the reasons why people gamble and how it makes them feel. Study Principal Investigator Dr Samantha Thomas said research was usually focused on problem gamblers with 'next to no' research being done on people who gamble for fun or those who feel they don't have a problem with it. "Most research is fixated on problem gamblers and psychological and social impacts associated with the negative aspects of gambling. While we're not ignoring that exists we also believe that for most people who gamble, whether it's a problem or not, that gambling has, at some stage, been a social, enjoyable past-time," Dr Thomas said. "At what point does it go from being a 'bit of a harmless flutter' to an issue that consumes their lives? At what point do gamblers realize they have a problem and does public messaging warning of the dangers of gambling have any influence on their thinking or behaviour?" Dr Thomas said public messaging and support group programs specifically responded to problem gambling using poker machines. "We know that people's gambling habits are much broader than poker machines and while the 'pokies' have been portrayed as 'evil' and 'addictive', problem gambling is also evident with people who bet online, through sports betting outlets or on casino tables," Dr Thomas said. Dr Thomas said the research involves extensive interviews and participants will be compensated for their time. "Learning more about why people gamble, when they first started to gamble, and what their social sphere is like is incredibly important in being able to put into perspective behaviours and perceptions of gambling." Dr Thomas said one emerging trend in their research to date is that it appears people who bet on sporting outcomes often do so because they believe it requires skill and knowledge and that winning on 'the punt' is a sign of personal achievement rather than just financial gain. "In contrast we see people who bet on poker machines believing more in 'personal luck' and a desire to 'beat the system' with their goal being a financial reward. Dr Thomas said the team was particularly interested in the experiences of women. "Australia has high rates of gambling in women, and we are particularly interested to how women perceive their gambling activities," Dr Thomas said. Dr Thomas said it was important for government agencies, community help organisations and the industry to be provided with information about gambling behaviours that will contribute to shaping policy and community responses.

A Media Man spokesperson said of the study "Finally, a gambling study that appears fair and balanced, and not just an attack on the great Aussie tradition of having a punt. They will be interviewing a wide array of punters, not just being focused on the so called problem gamblers, which has been quite the fodder of media beat-ups and junk science research for well over a year. We are not certain the gambling hating senators of Australia will use data from this particular study. Why? Because it looks to be honest and straight up, and not just pandering to the Australian government, the like way some Aussie politicians pandered to the American government over Wikileaks. Balanced studies on gambling in Australia are such a breath of fresh air. I might just have a punt to celebrate the good news".

Foxtel Purchases ABC TV Programs; WTF...

ABC Commercial has recently finalized contracts on more than a dozen programs to Foxtel’s owned and operated channels. The deals include the first two series of THE LIBRARIANS (12 x 30’) and all three series of THE GRUEN TRANSFER (32 x 30’), to screen on Foxtel’s Comedy Channel. A further nine programs were sold to Foxtel’s History Channel, including Screen Australia documentary series KOKODA (2 x 56’) and Chinese/Australian co-production PUYI: THE LAST CHINESE EMPEROR (2 x 52’) which will be an Australian premiere for the channel. Two documentaries, GIRLS OWN WAR STORIES (1 x 55’) and ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE (1 x 55’) were also sold to the Bio Channel.
“Our business with Foxtel continues to grow and grow. We are very happy to be able to provide Foxtel with some of the best Australian content in the market,” said Natalie Lawley, ABC Commercial’s Sales Manager for Asia, Australia & NZ. If we hear of more gambling or poker programing on Foxtel or ABC, readers, we will let you know. Be on the lookout for Aussie Millions to get a few mentions on Foxtel - Fox Sports, as well as on the news, and ABC TV is rumoured to do some fair and balanced coverage on their sports reports via TV, radio and online.

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 (mainly poker and some casino 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? What's your goss for us? 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.

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