Punters, January continues to shape up as a huge news month for both Australia and our Kiwi friends in New Zealand. Media Man and Gambling911 with another non sheep like report - often imitated, never duplicated, from the Pacific to the Tasman, and all points in between...
Alice Springs - Northern Territory - Clubs, Pubs, Pokie Palaces, Lasseter's Hotel Casino Gets Tough On Violent Drunks...
Alcohol laws designed with the key objective of stop drunken violence dead on Darwin's meet streets, namely Mitchell Street, are being rolled out to Palmerston and Alice Springs. Drunk bastards can by law be banned for 48 hours from the 3nominated areas and will be staring down the loaded gun barrel of a $133 on-the-spot fine, slam bam, thank you mam. There's been 9 bans issued since the Darwin law was introduced on October 1 of last year, Acting Chief Minister Delia Lawrie shared and it was "important to give police the tool to issue on-the-spot fines and bans. It's a preventative measure to stop people who have too much alcohol in their system from carrying on like lunatics." In Palmerston, the ban precinct encompasses a 1km radius around the central business district. Mayor Robert MacLeod supports the ban. "The ones who are causing trouble are the ones that have to watch out," he said. Macleod denied the law would unfairly target itinerants and ban them from parks within Palmerston. "If we sit back and do nothing, it stays the same way...as leaders of the community, you have to make decisions. If we don't try something then why are we here?" The Alice Springs precinct boundary is Wills and Leichhardt Tce, the golf course, Lasseter's Hotel Casino and Stephens Rd to Telegraph Tce. Mayor Damien Ryan is hopeful the strong arm of the law will shift troublemakers out of the town centre. "It's everybody's right to have an evening out without being hassled by others who cause grief," he said. Banned people can enter the designated area to work but not for recreation. The NT Government plans to introduce 48-hour precinct bans in Katherine and Tennant Creek. Yep, we breed in tough in the "top end" of Australia, but mongrel bastards of the drunk variety will not be tolerated thank you.
Promoting Lottery Syndicates; Australian Newsagents Thumps Up On Sin D Catates!...
An insider leaked across the www "We continue to have good success with lottery syndicate sales, even in our small temporary location. The small A5 mini-posters which we have stuck on the pole holding the lottery terminal screens works a treat for us. It is terrific seeing a customer make a purchase and decide on a syndicate ticket as well as the items they brought to the sales counter. It costs nothing to make the A5 poster. In a one hour stint last week I saw four syndicate shares sold specifically because of this promotional placement. We change the syndicates we promote in this location regularly. Syndicates are also promoted at our lottery entry table (workbench) as well as in a display behind the counter." Ed: apparently this is pretty big news in the world of Australian newsagents who delight at selling lottery tickets, so don't blame us is it doesn't turn you on!
Elvis Presley Impersonators Coming Up For King Title At Milwaukee Casino; Australian Look And Act Alikes In The Mix At Casino In Next Round...
Elvis Mania is running wild at America's Milwakee Casino, and yep, Australians from down under at trying their luck to be 'The King'. "Tribute to The King" is the gig at Milwaukee's Potawatomi Bingo Casino. You've got all sorts of Elvis want a bees. The Elvis impersonation comp...always near Elvis Presley's birthdate enjoys a cult-like following. 500 folks fill up the seats for the first round of action. Elvis nuts arrive early to snatch the prime seats of the house. After 4our days of competition in 2010, one of these great pretenders...Matt Joyce of Arkansas...left with the $25,001 grand prize, billed as the largest in the world for this type of competition. Among the judges were three of The Imperials, a group known for backing up Elvis Presley on his albums and tours until 1971. "I don't think enough realize what a wonderful singer Elvis was," says Sherman, a friend of Elvis' who joined The Imperials as lead vocalist after their work with the music icon ended. The event began as a look-alike contest nine years ago, then morphed into much more. Now Elvis fans schedule a week of vacation around the competition, says Rachel Buelow, the theater's entertainment coordinator. Performance videos are part of the contestant screening process. Judges are told to notice and rate the appearance, costume, vocals, choreography and "overall replication of The King." Contestants supply their own background music, props (only guitars and scarves are allowed) and arrive ready to perform because of a lack of changing rooms. Next week's "Tribute to The King" contestants include Elvis impersonators from down under in Australia and the United Kingdom. Preliminary competitions start at noon Tuesday through Thursday and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is free, but seats fill quickly. Tickets are $20 to $35 to daily finals, which start at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and include a show by Elvis impersonators Ryan Pelton and Matt Joyce as Double Trouble. Tickets to Friday's grand championship, as usual, sold out soon after going on sale in late November.
Australia's Air Supply Soft Rock Legends To Perform At Casino New Brunswick in Moncton...
Aussie soft-rock band Air Supply, best known and loved for '80s ballads like 'All Out of Love' and 'Even the Nights Are Better', will perform at Casino New Brunswick in Moncton on Thursday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. Yeap, we know, love songs in a casino, but at least they are not hate songs! Tickets for the show have only just recently gone on sale today at the casino box office for $29.50, which is pretty good value to see an hear living legends. Air Supply has been doing their things since 1975, when Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock met while rehearsing for the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in 'Sin City' Sydney, Australia. They started out with one guitar and two voices, playing coffee houses and local nightclubs, building up a reputation for their harmonies and original songs. They got a break with CBS Records and went on tour in Australia and Canada with Rod Stewart. They signed with Arista Records in 1980 and began a string of hits that pulled on the heartstrings of listeners around the world. Their rise to success coincided with the boom in music videos through MTV and MuchMusic. Their biggest hits included Lost in Love, All out of Love, Even The Nights Are Better and Making Love Out of Nothing At All. Air Supply was the first western group to tour the orient - China, Taiwan and other countries that would not allow pop music across their borders. They continue to tour and record. The band has released a new album called Mumbo Jumbo. Recorded at Graham Russell's home studio in Utah and at the Odds On Records' studio in Las Vegas with top session musicians and an orchestra, Mumbo Jumbo was produced by Russell and engineered by Sean O'Dwyer (Pink Floyd, Randy Newman and Blink-182). "Because of our crazy touring schedule, Mumbo Jumbo took three years to complete," Russell says. "Hitchcock and I couldn't be happier with the results. We had been releasing projects independently for a long time. While sticking to our vow of never making an album unless we are convinced it has numerous potential hit singles, we also believe that we have emerged with our best overall collection to date." The band reckon the new album was welcome news to millions of Airheads who were waiting for the duo's latest work. Among them are Ozzy Osbourne (who has attended their shows in disguise) and Al Pacino, who recently was spotted hanging out in a dark booth in the back of Orleans in Las Vegas, one of the duo's regular venues. Hitchcock added, "We had 12 songs recorded for the album, which to me seemed like plenty, but Graham came to me with two more he wanted to record, and I had an equally positive reaction to those. When he said, OK, now we have everything we need, I knew instinctively that we had a finished project. Writing and recording new material is our lifeblood that keeps us fresh and excited. In concert, we know we raise eyebrows when we say we're going to start playing new songs, but then we start and the audience realizes how much love and care go into them. We've been around nearly 40 years and are not only holding our own out there but firmly believe, with albums like Mumbo Jumbo, that our best days are still ahead of us." Air Supply will perform at Casino New Brunswick on Thursday, Feb. 17. Tickets for the show are $29.50 (plus tax and applicable surcharge) and are available at the Casino Gift Shop (located at 21 Casino Drive in Moncton, exit #450 off the Trans-Canada Highway), by calling 1-866-9-GET-TIX/ 1-866- 943-8849. If the songs make you feel lucky for the opposite sex, or whatever tickles your fancy, you might want to have a flutter on casino games also. But, remember, bet with you head, not over it.
Victoria - New Pokies Policy Stops More Pokie Palaces In Regional Port Phillip...
Port Phillip Council will reject any and all new applications for gambling venues as part of its new gaming policy. Could that be a form of discrimination many political and gaming commentators are asking. The make on the run policy is a knee jerk response to some folks who are concerned about the number of venues in the area. Insiders say many bible basher, good two shoe types are behind it. The small but vocal minority, who like to have a whinge and a wine about all matter of things. If you're reading, you know who you are! There are at least count 18 TABs and 384 electronic gaming machines, operating from 10 licensed venues within the city. Melbourne's Crown Casino also sits just outside Port Phillip’s border. Mayor Rachel Powning said the council wanted to introduce strategies to help those at risk of problem gambling. "It comes under part of the social justice area of council business," Cr Powning said. “Local agencies are under stress in the inner-city and it is the low to middle-income earners for which gambling is a problem here. "Along with gambling comes depression, social isolation, mental health issues and substance abuse." Commission for Gambling Regulation figures show $28.2 million was put into gaming machines in Port Phillip in 2009/2010. The move is expected to drive forward the expansion of illegal home poker games, gambling dens, as well as driving more punters onto the internet sites and games and entertainment portals.
Australian Pokie Education And Political Format Website Portal In War With 'The Truth'...
Here's how it goes punters...Owing entirely to mistakes made by the Illawarra Mercury, the Truth About Pre-Commitment Reform was not published as contracted. Since the time that the ad should have run, I have been accused of actions I did not take, hung up on, indirectly threatened with legal action by ClubsNSW (again), and withstood suggestions to alter the advertisement that would destroy it's core message. Provided the Mercury make good on the commercial directors email that states: "We are good. I will book the ad into next weeks Mercury for Jan 11, 12 and 13. The attached copy is the one approved to run so please not that we will not accept any variation to this copy without it going through the same approval process." Readers, for more on the story and to make your own mind up, check out
http://blog.pokieact.org/2011/01/battle-to-publish-truth-advertisement.html
Kaitaia, New Zealand; Land Of Sheep Sees 3 Lotto Wins Born...
The word is out - Kaitaia is lucky... or at least it just was. 3 major prizes worth a cool combo of $654,456 grand were won in township in the span of past week. A Lotto Strike first division ticket sold at Kaitaia Pak'nSave won a local fella $529,456 in last Saturday's draw, and on Wednesday, the local supermarket sold a $100,000 Instant Kiwi ticket to another local. That same night, a ticket sold at Kaitaia's Paper Plus won the holder $25,000 in the Big Wednesday draw, but that prize has yet to be claimed. The $529,456 Lotto Strike prize was claimed by a local man who had made a last-minute addition to his grocery shopping. Buying a Triple Dip was a spur-of-the-moment decision. He checked his tickets online after the January 1 draw and thought it was "pretty cool" that he had 3 of the right numbers. "I then checked again and realised that I had all four of the right Strike numbers, and thought, 'Oh no, that's me'," said the man, who did not want to be named. "I'm planning a party to celebrate. I also plan some sensible investments with the money to make it last." Kaitaia Pak'nSave owner Maurice Te Brake was delighted that his store had helped put some much-needed money into the local economy. "That's just awesome. They [the two big winners] are local shoppers and it's absolutely fantastic to know we've helped put over $600,000 into the town," Te Brake said. "I'm sure some of the money will get circulated locally." A Media Man spokesperson said of the new "This is great pr for the lotto industry. It could have a few possible outcomes. More folks will but tickets at the shops or newsagents, or some may hit lotto more on the internet, possibly both. It brings some much welcome positive news to the Kiwi lottery sector. Online casino jackpot games much also experience a spike, as punters will be thinking to go after the big one".
New Zealand: Internal Affairs Loses Gambling Machine Battle, Gambling Execs And Punters Celebrate; Machine Haters VS Machine Lovers Kiwi Style...
The land of sheep' Department of Internal Affairs has lost a 3 year war to prevent passionate gamblers playing gaming machines in the smoking area of a popular Wellington tavern that acts are a pokie haven of sorts. Since 2007, the department has attempted to add a "special condition" (discrimination?) to the Kilbirnie Tavern's gambling licence that would stop people playing the machines in areas where having a puff is permitted. The department reckons smoking and playing pokies encourages problem gambling. The Gambling Commission has allowed an appeal by gaming machine operator Lion Foundation against the condition Internal Affairs wanted to impose. The Kilbirnie Tavern is one of lucky 7 pokie venues in New Zealand where gambling machines are played in smoking areas. It is common for club pokie players to enjoy a smoke while on the punt. Online pokie players are less inclined to smoke according to a Media Man spokesperson. Punters, 2 sins for the price of one! Ok, were are just lightning things up for you. If you get on the punt, please know the odds, and most of all, have fun, with or without having a puff on whatever weed takes your fancy.
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? Did you like the extra New Zealand supplement? 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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1/09/2011
Poker News Media: Win a poker trip to the Philippines with PKR - 7th January 2011
PKR.com the world's most popular 2D and 3D online poker room has done it again.
It's back and it's better than ever!
Book your seat at the APT Philippines 2011 with PKR.com and you could be soaking up the sun and winning huge cash prizes.
Qualifiers are rolling right now from just $2.08 that lead to weekly final satellites where one in every 25 entrants will win $5,000 packages to this amazing event.
PKR.com also offer a host of other world class online poker promotions and now also a wide variety of online slot games and sports betting facilities.
PKR.com have a number of awards and commendations to their name including EGR Poker Operator of the Year Award 2010 and Media Man and Casino News Media 'Online Poker Room Of The Month' - December 2010.
Press Release
PKR.com Wins EGR Poker Operator of the Year Award
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Dec 8 2010 - Next-generation poker room PKR.com celebrates another big win after picking up the highly sought after Poker Operator of the Year at the 2010 E-Gaming Review Awards ceremony that took place in London recently.
Fighting off a strong field which included household names such as PartyGaming, 888 and William Hill Online, judges praised PKR for demonstrating how originality and constant innovation could build a successful business in the face of liquidity challenges. The award also means that PKR is the holder of both major industry Poker Operator of the Year awards, having won the IGA version in January this year.
Malcolm Graham, CEO of PKR said; "The EGR Awards are very important for the online gaming industry and it is a fantastic achievement for PKR to have won this prestigious award. 2010 has been an astounding year for us and we look forward to adding this title to this year's portfolio, which also includes the top spot in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100."
The E-Gaming Review Awards ceremony took place at the Honorable Artillery Company in the heart of London on 24th November 2010. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, and was attended by over 800 people from the gaming industry.
Founded in 2004 by serial entrepreneur Jez San, PKR is headquartered in Camden, London and now employs over 100 staff. It has over 4 million registered users and has won numerous awards including 'Hotshot Operator of the Year' at the 2008 E-Gaming Review Awards, 'Poker Operator of the Year' at the 2010 International Gaming Award and the UK's fastest growing technology company in the 2010 Sunday Times Tech Track 100.
About PKR (www.pkr.com)
PKR is a revolutionary new concept in online poker that has changed the way the game is played.
Featuring stunning real-time 3D graphics and a uniquely engaging and immersive gaming system, PKR brings an unparalleled and previously unseen level of realism to online poker.
Developed by some of the brightest stars in the video games and poker industries, PKR continues to be the most innovative poker room in the world.
For more information on PKR, please visit www.pkr.com
Profiles
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PKR Poker
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It's back and it's better than ever!
Book your seat at the APT Philippines 2011 with PKR.com and you could be soaking up the sun and winning huge cash prizes.
Qualifiers are rolling right now from just $2.08 that lead to weekly final satellites where one in every 25 entrants will win $5,000 packages to this amazing event.
PKR.com also offer a host of other world class online poker promotions and now also a wide variety of online slot games and sports betting facilities.
PKR.com have a number of awards and commendations to their name including EGR Poker Operator of the Year Award 2010 and Media Man and Casino News Media 'Online Poker Room Of The Month' - December 2010.
Press Release
PKR.com Wins EGR Poker Operator of the Year Award
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - Dec 8 2010 - Next-generation poker room PKR.com celebrates another big win after picking up the highly sought after Poker Operator of the Year at the 2010 E-Gaming Review Awards ceremony that took place in London recently.
Fighting off a strong field which included household names such as PartyGaming, 888 and William Hill Online, judges praised PKR for demonstrating how originality and constant innovation could build a successful business in the face of liquidity challenges. The award also means that PKR is the holder of both major industry Poker Operator of the Year awards, having won the IGA version in January this year.
Malcolm Graham, CEO of PKR said; "The EGR Awards are very important for the online gaming industry and it is a fantastic achievement for PKR to have won this prestigious award. 2010 has been an astounding year for us and we look forward to adding this title to this year's portfolio, which also includes the top spot in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100."
The E-Gaming Review Awards ceremony took place at the Honorable Artillery Company in the heart of London on 24th November 2010. The event was hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, and was attended by over 800 people from the gaming industry.
Founded in 2004 by serial entrepreneur Jez San, PKR is headquartered in Camden, London and now employs over 100 staff. It has over 4 million registered users and has won numerous awards including 'Hotshot Operator of the Year' at the 2008 E-Gaming Review Awards, 'Poker Operator of the Year' at the 2010 International Gaming Award and the UK's fastest growing technology company in the 2010 Sunday Times Tech Track 100.
About PKR (www.pkr.com)
PKR is a revolutionary new concept in online poker that has changed the way the game is played.
Featuring stunning real-time 3D graphics and a uniquely engaging and immersive gaming system, PKR brings an unparalleled and previously unseen level of realism to online poker.
Developed by some of the brightest stars in the video games and poker industries, PKR continues to be the most innovative poker room in the world.
For more information on PKR, please visit www.pkr.com
Profiles
PKR.com
PKR Poker
PKR Casino
APT Philippines
Poker
Online Poker
Casino
Website Network
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Media Man Games
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Global Gaming Directory
1/08/2011
Casino News Media: PartyCasino New Players Get Up To $3000 Sign Up Bonus Via Media Man Network
Casino News Media: PartyCasino New Players Get Up To $3000 Sign Up Bonus Via Media Man Network
Experience the world's biggest and best online casino, PartyCasino.com, and if you're a new player get up to $3000 sign up bonus.
Slot game classics like Cleopatra, Rambo, The Terminator, Top Gun, Monopoly, Wheel Of Fortune, Call of Duty, Mission: Impossible, Marvel Slot Games like Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, and a full suite of traditional casino games like Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, and a host of 'Live Dealer' options.
Check out great PartyCasino promotions like Full Moon Mayhem, Cash Back Carnival, Festive Fortunes and Fruit Medley, and don't forget about the industries biggest jackpots via The Big One, Gold Mega Jackpot and Marvel Hero Jackpot.
Poker fans can player poker at PartyCasino's sister website, PartyPoker.com and players can compete for a chance to participate in major poker tournaments such as Crown Casino's 'Aussie Millions' Poker Championship which will be held in Melbourne later this January.
Players can also accumulate PartyPoints, the industries most competitive rewards programme.
PartyGaming's VIP players can also enjoy exclusive rewards in the Palladium Club, and all players can play the exclusive Palladium Slot for free or for money.
PartyCasino was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com has won numerous awards and commendations including both EGR 'Slots Operator Of The Year' and Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory 'Online Casino Of The Month' award.
Players from most parts of the world can access PartyGaming's casino including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, France, Germany, Britain and Italy and a range of multi language and multi currency options are available, backed up by 24/7/365 support.
The Media Man network has conducted b2b with PartyGaming brands, as they have with dozens of other brands and entities in the global media, gaming and entertainment sector.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
Live Dealer
PartyPoints
Palladium Lounge
Palladium Slot
PartyCasino.com New Games
PartyCasino.com Promotions
Gamebookers.com
World Poker Tour
Casino
Online Casino
Poker
Aussie Millions
News
Casino News
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Gambling News
Website Network
Media Man International
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Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
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Media Man Brand
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Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Experience the world's biggest and best online casino, PartyCasino.com, and if you're a new player get up to $3000 sign up bonus.
Slot game classics like Cleopatra, Rambo, The Terminator, Top Gun, Monopoly, Wheel Of Fortune, Call of Duty, Mission: Impossible, Marvel Slot Games like Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, and a full suite of traditional casino games like Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette, and a host of 'Live Dealer' options.
Check out great PartyCasino promotions like Full Moon Mayhem, Cash Back Carnival, Festive Fortunes and Fruit Medley, and don't forget about the industries biggest jackpots via The Big One, Gold Mega Jackpot and Marvel Hero Jackpot.
Poker fans can player poker at PartyCasino's sister website, PartyPoker.com and players can compete for a chance to participate in major poker tournaments such as Crown Casino's 'Aussie Millions' Poker Championship which will be held in Melbourne later this January.
Players can also accumulate PartyPoints, the industries most competitive rewards programme.
PartyGaming's VIP players can also enjoy exclusive rewards in the Palladium Club, and all players can play the exclusive Palladium Slot for free or for money.
PartyCasino was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com has won numerous awards and commendations including both EGR 'Slots Operator Of The Year' and Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory 'Online Casino Of The Month' award.
Players from most parts of the world can access PartyGaming's casino including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South America, France, Germany, Britain and Italy and a range of multi language and multi currency options are available, backed up by 24/7/365 support.
The Media Man network has conducted b2b with PartyGaming brands, as they have with dozens of other brands and entities in the global media, gaming and entertainment sector.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
Live Dealer
PartyPoints
Palladium Lounge
Palladium Slot
PartyCasino.com New Games
PartyCasino.com Promotions
Gamebookers.com
World Poker Tour
Casino
Online Casino
Poker
Aussie Millions
News
Casino News
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Gambling News
Website Network
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1/07/2011
Australian Media Man Head Talks Domain Names, by Greg Tingle - 6th January 2011
G'day punters, entrepreneurs, gambling and casino tycoons, journalists... one and all. Today we explore the world of internet domain names. We look at both generic and general domain names as well as those in the news media, entertainment, adult and gambling sector. Media Man and Gambling911 give you the heads up on domain names so you can try to make heads or tails of all the domain name news and gossip currently doing on down under in Australia and everywhere else in the internet universe.
All of this fuss about internet domain names. Well, your reading about it on either Gambling911 or Media Man Int, two very strong domain names and companies, if there ever was.
The week or so everyone's been buzzing about domain names Gambling.com and now Poker.com.au So, just how good are the names, how much is hype, speculative, and how much is of substance and lets call it "real big business", and will deliver profits and return on investment.
MediaManInt.com Says Gambling.com Is High Risk; Name Already Lost Money In Past!...
The internet domain name www.gambling.com, owned by a Pommie casino group, is up for auction and it don't come cheap.
Introducing Media Corporation, which would you believe paid a massive $US20 million ($19.8 million) for the domain in May of 2005 and earned a cool $US5.5 million from advertising on the website a year later, hopes to fetch more than $US10 million for the name.
The domain name's depreciation in value is largely due to a ban on internet gambling in the United States in October 2006. In some other counties such as Australia and New Zealand, some legal eagles talk of "grey areas" (which are legally untested).
It's worth pointing out that for the record our Media Man Int is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. We cover over a dozen different vertical markets including news, political, travel, lifestyle, technology, community, property, entertainment, a wee tad of adult (and games... both land based, video games and online).
As well informed readers might have picked up on, many industries are intertwined. Many brands such as Marvel Entertainment, Sony, News Corporation and yes, Media Man, have a number of business arms. Marvel has books, comics, lunch boxes and super hero costumes. They are pump out DVDs and even new release blockbuster movies. And, who has not heard of Marvel slot games, which can be found across the Media Man website network. Companies such as PartyGaming, Virgin, Playtech and Centrebet feature the branded Marvel games. The games from Marvel are often featured on website portals. See how it gets complicated. Back to matters at hand, no, Marvel.com is not for sale, not is Marvel - they are owned by Disney. Yes, the company famous for Mickey Mouse and friends.
Gambling, sex and the internet go head in hand, pardon the pun.
The porn friendly nation of Germany is home of tech giant and domain name firm, Sedo. It was Sedo in fact that arranged for the sale of www.sex.com for a record $US13 million last November and its now having a crack and flogging gambling.com, pushed along with a big of media buzz by Media Man and Gambling911 we might add! An ambitious reserve price of $US9 million has been set, but how many genuine takers are out there in a financial climate which is pretty depressed, or as they say in Australia, up the shit.
The actual word "gambling" is ranked No. 1 by out friends at Google via searches and the gambling.com site gets more than 300,000 hits each month which is pretty impressive.
Gambling.com yes, a great name, but what's it worth? The market will decide and your can bet your bottom dollar that the Media Man Network and Gambling911 newshounds will be following up in hot pursuit.
Australian Poker Domain Name Sells For $100,000; Good Or Bad Value Compared To CasinoNewsMedia.com and MediaMan.com.au...
The attractive Poker.com.au domain sold for $100,000 less that 24 hours ago, but experts are saying the price tag was reduced thanks to complex online gambling laws down under in Australia.
The Aussie domain name market has continued to heat up with Poker.com.au selling for $US100,000. However some industry experts reckon the names value may have been reduced because of Australia's restrictions on online gambling.
Legislation released a decade or so ago "restricts" the advertising of interactive gambling services in Australia. David Nye, who runs domain name auction house NetFleet, says the laws means Poker.com.au has sold for considerably less than it would have otherwise.
"There is a Canadian equivalent, Poker.ca, that sold for $400,000 last year. Now, Canada has one-and-a-half times the population of Australia and that site commanded a price much, much higher. One of the aspects involved in all of this is the legislation, and the legislation specifically prohibits the advertising of online interactive gambling. In theory, you cannot have an Australian website advertising these interactive gaming services, and the fines are large."
The current laws also state that it is illegal for any online gambling site to offer services to Australians located in the country...but the current law does not make it a criminal act for Australians to engage in these services.
The Australian Government has even restated last year that it would not lift the restrictions, despite a Productivity Commission report recommending the restrictions should cease.
Nye says that if interactive gambling advertising were allowed in Australia, "you might see prices that were worth 10 times the amount... the legislation has obviously deflated the price".
The poker domain name has been purchased by sports gambling company 888, which operates various gambling - (poker, casino and sports betting) websites internationally and sports Shane Warne as an ambassador. So far, the company hasn't used Poker.com.au for any new service but the website states that "a seriously exciting new poker revolution" is "coming soon".
Nye points out that online gambling is one of the most lucrative practices on the internet, and that continued government opposition to liberalised gambling laws will keep prices down.
"There is huge money in online poker. Some of these poker rooms are bringing many thousands of dollars," he said on the record.
But the Government hasn't budged from its position, with communications senator Stephen Conroy saying last year that the online aspects of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 wouldn't be changed, in fact going against the Productivity Commission's recommendations.
"The Australian Government does not agree with the Productivity Commission recommendation that the Australian Government amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to allow for a liberalisation of online gambling, starting with allowing the provision of online poker games to Australians. The existing rules will continue to apply," the senator went on record with last year.
A Media Man Int spokesperson said "The Australian government needs to get up to speed with the rest of the world. It reminds me a bit like the Wikileaks saga of which Prime Minister Julia Gillard said was illegal, which is complete B.S. The Australian punters and business folks alike are sick of all the B.S and spin coming from the government. The internet is a global industry. Most domain names are dot coms. Most companies in this space have a global presence, global marketing, business and media plan. The world is their audience, whether the founder or director of a companies is a Canadian, American, Australian, South African, Indian or New Zealand resident. It shouldn't matter. The internet is global period, as so is online casino, poker and sports betting. We even have a Casino Legal section on our websites which cover off on some of the legal and technical stuff, but its all pretty complex, and the United States seems to head up much of the confusion, followed by Europe. Someone needs to help the Australian government get with the 21st century".
Now, get this...some have even called for even stricter regulations on the industry. Australia's Independent senator Nick Xenophon said in a submission to the Productivity Commission that the recent arrival of sites such as Betfair, which "allows for an expansion of gambling by virtue of the product that is offered", highlights the need for a more "comprehensive regulatory approach".
Senator Xenophon is currently not returning the calls of Media Man.
Our switched on friend Nye advised the issue is timely given the domain name industry is heating up and approaching red hot, if not white hot levels.
Onto other industry sectors, given Media Man covers basically all of them, it was just last month that retain giant Woolworths (also involved in gambling) purchased Hardware.com.au for $33,000, and Nye expects Electricity.com.au...which just came back on the market – to sell for around $50,000!
"The theory of relaxing these laws is that you're allowing access to poker rooms, you're getting tax revenue which could be in the realms of hundreds of millions per year, and you can regulate the industry. This is one of the most lucrative areas on the internet... but the legislation means the price is lower than it would have been overseas."
For the record, Media Man International is not currently looking to sell any of their domain names in a portfolio which spans of 25 names, many of which are gold and listed on very high ranking website portals and measuring sticks like Hitwise. Media Man has done media coverage and b2b for firms such as Messages On Hold, PartyGaming, Virgin, James Packer's Betfair and Crown Casino, and also Centrebet and Betezy, DGM Affiliates, and more! Oh, readers, if you have what you think is a very attractive offer you can let us know, but don't loose any sleep if we don't get back to you overnight. Still, you have to be in it to win it, so let us know what's on your mind.
Media Man International Profile On Australia
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australia.html
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more. Media Man's Casino News Media covers casino news, reviews, games, multimedia and more.
Know the odds, set limits and 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
All of this fuss about internet domain names. Well, your reading about it on either Gambling911 or Media Man Int, two very strong domain names and companies, if there ever was.
The week or so everyone's been buzzing about domain names Gambling.com and now Poker.com.au So, just how good are the names, how much is hype, speculative, and how much is of substance and lets call it "real big business", and will deliver profits and return on investment.
MediaManInt.com Says Gambling.com Is High Risk; Name Already Lost Money In Past!...
The internet domain name www.gambling.com, owned by a Pommie casino group, is up for auction and it don't come cheap.
Introducing Media Corporation, which would you believe paid a massive $US20 million ($19.8 million) for the domain in May of 2005 and earned a cool $US5.5 million from advertising on the website a year later, hopes to fetch more than $US10 million for the name.
The domain name's depreciation in value is largely due to a ban on internet gambling in the United States in October 2006. In some other counties such as Australia and New Zealand, some legal eagles talk of "grey areas" (which are legally untested).
It's worth pointing out that for the record our Media Man Int is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. We cover over a dozen different vertical markets including news, political, travel, lifestyle, technology, community, property, entertainment, a wee tad of adult (and games... both land based, video games and online).
As well informed readers might have picked up on, many industries are intertwined. Many brands such as Marvel Entertainment, Sony, News Corporation and yes, Media Man, have a number of business arms. Marvel has books, comics, lunch boxes and super hero costumes. They are pump out DVDs and even new release blockbuster movies. And, who has not heard of Marvel slot games, which can be found across the Media Man website network. Companies such as PartyGaming, Virgin, Playtech and Centrebet feature the branded Marvel games. The games from Marvel are often featured on website portals. See how it gets complicated. Back to matters at hand, no, Marvel.com is not for sale, not is Marvel - they are owned by Disney. Yes, the company famous for Mickey Mouse and friends.
Gambling, sex and the internet go head in hand, pardon the pun.
The porn friendly nation of Germany is home of tech giant and domain name firm, Sedo. It was Sedo in fact that arranged for the sale of www.sex.com for a record $US13 million last November and its now having a crack and flogging gambling.com, pushed along with a big of media buzz by Media Man and Gambling911 we might add! An ambitious reserve price of $US9 million has been set, but how many genuine takers are out there in a financial climate which is pretty depressed, or as they say in Australia, up the shit.
The actual word "gambling" is ranked No. 1 by out friends at Google via searches and the gambling.com site gets more than 300,000 hits each month which is pretty impressive.
Gambling.com yes, a great name, but what's it worth? The market will decide and your can bet your bottom dollar that the Media Man Network and Gambling911 newshounds will be following up in hot pursuit.
Australian Poker Domain Name Sells For $100,000; Good Or Bad Value Compared To CasinoNewsMedia.com and MediaMan.com.au...
The attractive Poker.com.au domain sold for $100,000 less that 24 hours ago, but experts are saying the price tag was reduced thanks to complex online gambling laws down under in Australia.
The Aussie domain name market has continued to heat up with Poker.com.au selling for $US100,000. However some industry experts reckon the names value may have been reduced because of Australia's restrictions on online gambling.
Legislation released a decade or so ago "restricts" the advertising of interactive gambling services in Australia. David Nye, who runs domain name auction house NetFleet, says the laws means Poker.com.au has sold for considerably less than it would have otherwise.
"There is a Canadian equivalent, Poker.ca, that sold for $400,000 last year. Now, Canada has one-and-a-half times the population of Australia and that site commanded a price much, much higher. One of the aspects involved in all of this is the legislation, and the legislation specifically prohibits the advertising of online interactive gambling. In theory, you cannot have an Australian website advertising these interactive gaming services, and the fines are large."
The current laws also state that it is illegal for any online gambling site to offer services to Australians located in the country...but the current law does not make it a criminal act for Australians to engage in these services.
The Australian Government has even restated last year that it would not lift the restrictions, despite a Productivity Commission report recommending the restrictions should cease.
Nye says that if interactive gambling advertising were allowed in Australia, "you might see prices that were worth 10 times the amount... the legislation has obviously deflated the price".
The poker domain name has been purchased by sports gambling company 888, which operates various gambling - (poker, casino and sports betting) websites internationally and sports Shane Warne as an ambassador. So far, the company hasn't used Poker.com.au for any new service but the website states that "a seriously exciting new poker revolution" is "coming soon".
Nye points out that online gambling is one of the most lucrative practices on the internet, and that continued government opposition to liberalised gambling laws will keep prices down.
"There is huge money in online poker. Some of these poker rooms are bringing many thousands of dollars," he said on the record.
But the Government hasn't budged from its position, with communications senator Stephen Conroy saying last year that the online aspects of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 wouldn't be changed, in fact going against the Productivity Commission's recommendations.
"The Australian Government does not agree with the Productivity Commission recommendation that the Australian Government amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to allow for a liberalisation of online gambling, starting with allowing the provision of online poker games to Australians. The existing rules will continue to apply," the senator went on record with last year.
A Media Man Int spokesperson said "The Australian government needs to get up to speed with the rest of the world. It reminds me a bit like the Wikileaks saga of which Prime Minister Julia Gillard said was illegal, which is complete B.S. The Australian punters and business folks alike are sick of all the B.S and spin coming from the government. The internet is a global industry. Most domain names are dot coms. Most companies in this space have a global presence, global marketing, business and media plan. The world is their audience, whether the founder or director of a companies is a Canadian, American, Australian, South African, Indian or New Zealand resident. It shouldn't matter. The internet is global period, as so is online casino, poker and sports betting. We even have a Casino Legal section on our websites which cover off on some of the legal and technical stuff, but its all pretty complex, and the United States seems to head up much of the confusion, followed by Europe. Someone needs to help the Australian government get with the 21st century".
Now, get this...some have even called for even stricter regulations on the industry. Australia's Independent senator Nick Xenophon said in a submission to the Productivity Commission that the recent arrival of sites such as Betfair, which "allows for an expansion of gambling by virtue of the product that is offered", highlights the need for a more "comprehensive regulatory approach".
Senator Xenophon is currently not returning the calls of Media Man.
Our switched on friend Nye advised the issue is timely given the domain name industry is heating up and approaching red hot, if not white hot levels.
Onto other industry sectors, given Media Man covers basically all of them, it was just last month that retain giant Woolworths (also involved in gambling) purchased Hardware.com.au for $33,000, and Nye expects Electricity.com.au...which just came back on the market – to sell for around $50,000!
"The theory of relaxing these laws is that you're allowing access to poker rooms, you're getting tax revenue which could be in the realms of hundreds of millions per year, and you can regulate the industry. This is one of the most lucrative areas on the internet... but the legislation means the price is lower than it would have been overseas."
For the record, Media Man International is not currently looking to sell any of their domain names in a portfolio which spans of 25 names, many of which are gold and listed on very high ranking website portals and measuring sticks like Hitwise. Media Man has done media coverage and b2b for firms such as Messages On Hold, PartyGaming, Virgin, James Packer's Betfair and Crown Casino, and also Centrebet and Betezy, DGM Affiliates, and more! Oh, readers, if you have what you think is a very attractive offer you can let us know, but don't loose any sleep if we don't get back to you overnight. Still, you have to be in it to win it, so let us know what's on your mind.
Media Man International Profile On Australia
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australia.html
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more. Media Man's Casino News Media covers casino news, reviews, games, multimedia and more.
Know the odds, set limits and 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
1/05/2011
Australian Gambling And Entertainment: Aussie Summer Special, by Greg Tingle - 5th January 2011
Punters, January continues to be a big month for Australian casino, gaming and entertainment news. Let's swing into action down under some of the world's hottest news continues at fever pace. Media Man and Gambling911 with yet another red hot report...
Embattled Australian Aristocrat Technologies Pokie Maker To Be In The Mix At London's ICE 2011...
ICE is ebing held from January 25 to January 27, the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) this year will celebrate 21 years of high-stakes gaming at the event. Australia's embattled Aristocrat is in the mix of one armed bandit makers who will exhibit. Readers will recall from last month that there's a legal situation between Aussie Aristocrat and American made IGT (International Game Technology). IGT is claiming copyright infringement and a whole lot more, and Aristocrats shares price has not been pretty to say the least in recent months. The event will see exhibitors Aristocrat Technologies, Barcrest Group, CMS, Cummins-Allison, Eurocoin, Funworld and TCSJohnHuxley represented, according to Clarion Gaming, the organiser of the event.
As well as the big-name exhibitors, more than 400 companies will be present.
The 20,000 square metres of space will be taken up by those active in the online, casino, mobile, betting, bingo, lottery and street gaming sectors who will deliver "the most comprehensive insight to the latest gaming innovations from every corner of the world." Clarion Gaming has described ICE 2011, to take place at London's Earl Court Exhibition Centre, to be "the most comprehensive and international business-to-business gaming event on the world stage." Kate Chambers, Show Director for ICE 2011, stated that "our opening ceremony will celebrate 21 years of working in partnership to provide a source of product innovation and inspirational ideas for the international gaming industry." "Few could have thought some 21 years ago that a pioneering niche within an existing exhibition would flourish in such a way," she continued. Chambers also stated that "most, if not all, of the ground-breaking and iconic gaming products to impact the sector over the last 21 years have been launched at ICE and I'm certain that the breakthrough product of 2011 will also be found at ICE, which is why the exhibition remains the immense asset it is to the global gaming industry and a must-attend event." ICE 2011 promises to be an exciting event with plenty of exhibitions to keep visitors occupied. Aussies, Yankees, Canooks and Pommies are looking forward to downing a few drinks and inking a few details together, as the industry looking forward to seeing better days, with last year being one of the worst in history as far as many firms bottom lines went. All power to those who attend, and we hope you get your money's worth. Stand don't always come cheap!
Queensland - Gold Coast Might Get 'Sin City' Kings Cross Style Make Over; `Kings Cross Strip' Surfers Paradise Prop With City Council Powers That Be...
'Real Life Underbelly' might be coming to Surfers' Paradise. Some say is already there. Plans filed with the city council on Christmas Eve for a multi-level adult nightclub in Surfers Paradise have sparked fears it could turn into a Kings Cross-type slum. Area councillor Susie Douglas said the proposal had not been discussed with her but it was the type of development the council wanted to shut out. "The Hilton will put us on the international map and we can't afford to have visitors leaving thinking we are a sleazy city," she said. The proposal, by the Hollywood Showgirls nightclub owners Duffy Night Club No 1, wants to expand the first floor and connect it to the neighbouring nightclub 21, which has approval for a second nightclub on its first floor.
Australian Bee Gees Show Hits Las Vegas Strip...
The Australian Bee Gees Show...A Tribute to The Bee Gees, will make its exciting debut at Excalibur Hotel and Casino Tuesday, Feb. 1 when the talented tribute band brings the music of the famous Gibb brothers to the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets priced at $54.95 and $44.95, plus tax and service fees, are now on sale. Performances are Tuesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. nightly. To charge by phone call (702) 597-7600. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Excalibur box office and online. The 75-minute multi-media concert event is a contemporary perspective featuring state-of-the-art sound, superb lighting and giant screens featuring video clips, live camera images and stunning graphics. It is the definitive live celebration of five decades of memorable music written by the Brothers Gibb, one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history. Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment and producer of the show, said, "I grew up on Bee Gees music so I'm especially thrilled to bring this amazing tribute to Las Vegas. They nail their unbelievable harmonies and the show literally turns into one big sing-along!" Excalibur's President and COO Renee West said, "The legacy of The Bee Gees and their music has been incredibly enduring, appealing to generation after generation. This tribute show is sure to be a fun and energetic celebration of music and memories that visitors from around the world will relate to." Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to The Bee Gees has performed to more than 1 million people in sold-out theaters and concert halls across the globe in more than 40 countries. The group's unbelievable resemblance and sound of the legendary Bee Gees has garnered international kudos from media and show goers alike. The show has become the world's leading Bee Gees show and Terri Bridge, president of the U.S. Bee Gees Fan Club said, "In my opinion they are the best Bee Gees tribute in the world." About Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A myriad of entertainment, fine food and comfortable accommodations make for an inviting atmosphere within contemporary castle walls at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The resort offers 3,981 guest rooms, including 2,000 recently remodeled Widescreen Rooms, delightful dining experiences including Dick's Last Resort and The Steakhouse at Camelot, the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show, the all-male revue Thunder From Down Under and the hilarious comedy of the Broadway smash Defending the Caveman. Excalibur also offers dozens of shops, an expansive pool complex, a wedding chapel featuring costume ceremonies, the Royal Treatment Spa & Fitness Center and a convention area with more than 12,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Excalibur is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International. It's a good night, go on, get your ass in there!
Berg's Gaming: Bondi Icebergs Club Gaming Not On Par With Other On Site Amenities; North Bondi RSL Club Much Better Pokies Plus Poker Nights...
Don't get us wrong, we love Bondi Iceberg, but the gaming facilities are a bit lacking. Granted, the pokies are not the main attraction of the club, the pool, restaurant, bar, entertainment and view are, but if you're going to have pokies, have more up to date ones (like Sinatra and Top Gun), or don't have them at all. We couldn't even find Cleopatra Queen Of The Nile, Black Rhino or Penguin Pays. Also, how about a poker and bingo night, like the other competing club down the road, North Bondi RSL Club does. For the record Media Man is a member of both clubs, but North Bondi RSL has it all over 'The Bergs' as far as gaming and gambling goes, but The Icebergs wins in just about every other category. Gaming and business tycoon is a big fan of Bondi Iceberg's restaurant, as is U2 front man Bono (Paul Hewson), even if he did have to wait for a table, like everyone else. Hey, just sayin!
Hoff Hits Bondi Beach, Sydney; Next Beach To Hit - Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Australia...
Yeah, we know, 'The Hoff' doesn't have much to do with gaming and gambling, but its big enough entertainment news to get a run. Oh, an online Baywatch slot machine was released a number of years ago, but Aussies can't access that one any way, so on with the story... Former Knight Rider and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, fresh of his hot Bondi Beach swimming and posing with hot women a few days back, will now hit the golden sands of the Gold Coast's Main Beach to promote Streets new ice creams Splice Real Fruits. Yeah, there's the product plus. I guess someone has to do the job don't they, as who better than 'The Hoff'?! Hoff hit Bondi Beach on an inflatable rescue boat aka 'rubber ducky' wearing his famous hot red shorts, and surrounded by blonde goddesses beach babes (but no Jaime Wright - original Bondi Blonde) in Baywatch-style swimsuits. The 58-year-old's running action no longer requires editing to appear in slow motion, yet 'The Hoff' still has what it takes to draw a crowd. But if you head to check out the spectacle remember one thing: don't hassle The Hoff.
Sydney Red Hot Brother Raided By Thieves For Cold Hard Cash...
Two blokes men have robbed a Sydney brothel, clobbering the manager with an iron bar, then robbing the female working girls. Cops say the pair burst into the business in Cosgrove Road, South Strathfield, about 1.45am last last Saturday and hit the 51-year-old manager. They snatched cash from the female staff and a till, then bolted off. The manager was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition. The robbers were described as being of Pacific Islander appearance and wore blue hooded tops. Police want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity around the brothel this morning. Who will talk, that's the question.
Punter Fev On Leave After Huge New Years Eve; Into Rehab...
AFL's most notorious (and nocturnal we understand) play, bad ass Brendan 'Punter Fev' Fevola has been granted indefinite leave from the Queensland's Brisbane Lions after being arrested during drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bris Vegas (Brisbane), not be be confused with 'Sin City' Sydney! Feb might be trying to get Brissy a reputation for sin, but you will still have to try harder next time mate... just kidding. Fev was released from lockup about 11am after spending in excess of 5 hours in the watchhouse. You know, in "the can". He was bailed out on charges of public nuisance and obstructing police and will appear in a court of law on January 18. QLD police confirmed a 29-year-old Norman Park chap was arrested in the nightclub lurks of Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley aka 'The Valley' (where Underbelly 4 and perhaps 5 will be featured). In a statement yesterday, the Brisbane Lions advised Fevola had request indefinite leave "in order to receive professional assistance for a number of personal issues. The request for leave was made by Fevola following an incident in the early hours of this morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley," the statement says. "Fevola was released from police custody at around 11am and immediately sought leave from the Lions to receive professional assistance. As a result, Fevola will not be at training this Monday when the team resumes its preparations for the 2011 AFL Season. While the Brisbane Lions AFC places the well being of all its staff as a primary focus, the club will hold talks next week regarding what action may be required as a direct result of this morning’s incident." AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the Lions had told him of Fevola's latest incident, the latest in a string, with Crown Casino's antics likely being the most famous, captured on film. He advised the club was still gathering the full details and the AFL would await Brisbane's detailed report before considering any action. It’s believed Lions officials are seething about this latest incident and he now faces an uncertain future. Club officials state it’s unlikely the Lions will have an emergency board meeting to discuss Fevola’s future. However, that could change. The Lions investigated terminating Fevola’s hefty contract last year after claims he allegedly exposed himself to a mum of four at a local football club function. The club had major salary cap issues which played a major role in key midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan leaving to join the Gold Coast Suns. As was the case then, Fevola could also face action from the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute. An AFL spokesman said the league could issue a statement this afternoon. This latest incident is another black mark on Fevola’s chequered career. On New Year’s Eve Fevola tweeted: ‘‘Good bye 2010 thank god! Bring on 2011 lions will roar again :)’’. The Lions full-forward endured a turbulent 2010. He was accused of releasing nude photos of former lover and model Lara Bingle, who at the time was engaged to stand-in Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke. The AFL later said there was "insufficient evidence" to show Fevola had distributed the photograph. Queensland police were later unable to lay charges he had exposed himself to the mother of four because of a lack of evidence. He was only cleared in recent weeks by the AFL of bringing the game into disrepute. Fevola also confirmed he had major gambling debts, with some estimating these were as high as $200,000. In his first year at the club since he was dumped by Carlton, Fevola also endured a wretched on-field season because of a serious groin injury as the Lions, finalists in 2009, tumbled to the bottom wrungs of the AFL ladder.
Pokies Not The Only Answer To Aussie Pub Profits...
Pokies might not the the big drawcard for Aussie pubs that they used to be. Pokies hit the scene about 10 years ago and did a roaring trade, but they seemed to have lost at least some of their appeals in the clubs. Some publicans have revamped facilities and pokie rooms, at some media reckons drinkers and those wanting a good feed, beers and other other forms of entertainment may have suffered. A Media Man spokesperson said 'When you visit an Aussie pub these days and look around the pokie machines, they are definitely quieter than they used to be. It's got the be the recession. Let us not also forget that many punters are also hitting the pokies and other casino games on the web theses days. Some Aussies got a big worried at the violence at some Aussie pubs with glassings becoming a frequent thing. Now beer is often served in plastic cups, thanks to a few morons who spoil it for everyone. Advertising, media man and bloke of business brilliance John Singleton has not being quite hitting the jackpot with the pubs as much as predicted either. That man knows beer. Oh, a few yews ago he did 'Whale Safe Beer' at North Bondi with our friends at Sea Shepherd, followed a few years late with Bondi Blonde at Icebergs, but that's another story. If Singo isn't going that great in pubs what chance does an average Aussie bloke have hey! insiders will know he recently purchased 4 pubs with his mates and is looking for return on investment. It may take longer than at first anticipated. Is Singo next to join the online gambling biz, following the trends that sees James Packer and Richard Branson making giant ways, with 2011 set to be a year it creates a massive tidal wave effect. Catch the wave and stay tuned to Gambling911 and Media Man.
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Embattled Australian Aristocrat Technologies Pokie Maker To Be In The Mix At London's ICE 2011...
ICE is ebing held from January 25 to January 27, the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) this year will celebrate 21 years of high-stakes gaming at the event. Australia's embattled Aristocrat is in the mix of one armed bandit makers who will exhibit. Readers will recall from last month that there's a legal situation between Aussie Aristocrat and American made IGT (International Game Technology). IGT is claiming copyright infringement and a whole lot more, and Aristocrats shares price has not been pretty to say the least in recent months. The event will see exhibitors Aristocrat Technologies, Barcrest Group, CMS, Cummins-Allison, Eurocoin, Funworld and TCSJohnHuxley represented, according to Clarion Gaming, the organiser of the event.
As well as the big-name exhibitors, more than 400 companies will be present.
The 20,000 square metres of space will be taken up by those active in the online, casino, mobile, betting, bingo, lottery and street gaming sectors who will deliver "the most comprehensive insight to the latest gaming innovations from every corner of the world." Clarion Gaming has described ICE 2011, to take place at London's Earl Court Exhibition Centre, to be "the most comprehensive and international business-to-business gaming event on the world stage." Kate Chambers, Show Director for ICE 2011, stated that "our opening ceremony will celebrate 21 years of working in partnership to provide a source of product innovation and inspirational ideas for the international gaming industry." "Few could have thought some 21 years ago that a pioneering niche within an existing exhibition would flourish in such a way," she continued. Chambers also stated that "most, if not all, of the ground-breaking and iconic gaming products to impact the sector over the last 21 years have been launched at ICE and I'm certain that the breakthrough product of 2011 will also be found at ICE, which is why the exhibition remains the immense asset it is to the global gaming industry and a must-attend event." ICE 2011 promises to be an exciting event with plenty of exhibitions to keep visitors occupied. Aussies, Yankees, Canooks and Pommies are looking forward to downing a few drinks and inking a few details together, as the industry looking forward to seeing better days, with last year being one of the worst in history as far as many firms bottom lines went. All power to those who attend, and we hope you get your money's worth. Stand don't always come cheap!
Queensland - Gold Coast Might Get 'Sin City' Kings Cross Style Make Over; `Kings Cross Strip' Surfers Paradise Prop With City Council Powers That Be...
'Real Life Underbelly' might be coming to Surfers' Paradise. Some say is already there. Plans filed with the city council on Christmas Eve for a multi-level adult nightclub in Surfers Paradise have sparked fears it could turn into a Kings Cross-type slum. Area councillor Susie Douglas said the proposal had not been discussed with her but it was the type of development the council wanted to shut out. "The Hilton will put us on the international map and we can't afford to have visitors leaving thinking we are a sleazy city," she said. The proposal, by the Hollywood Showgirls nightclub owners Duffy Night Club No 1, wants to expand the first floor and connect it to the neighbouring nightclub 21, which has approval for a second nightclub on its first floor.
Australian Bee Gees Show Hits Las Vegas Strip...
The Australian Bee Gees Show...A Tribute to The Bee Gees, will make its exciting debut at Excalibur Hotel and Casino Tuesday, Feb. 1 when the talented tribute band brings the music of the famous Gibb brothers to the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets priced at $54.95 and $44.95, plus tax and service fees, are now on sale. Performances are Tuesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. nightly. To charge by phone call (702) 597-7600. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Excalibur box office and online. The 75-minute multi-media concert event is a contemporary perspective featuring state-of-the-art sound, superb lighting and giant screens featuring video clips, live camera images and stunning graphics. It is the definitive live celebration of five decades of memorable music written by the Brothers Gibb, one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history. Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment and producer of the show, said, "I grew up on Bee Gees music so I'm especially thrilled to bring this amazing tribute to Las Vegas. They nail their unbelievable harmonies and the show literally turns into one big sing-along!" Excalibur's President and COO Renee West said, "The legacy of The Bee Gees and their music has been incredibly enduring, appealing to generation after generation. This tribute show is sure to be a fun and energetic celebration of music and memories that visitors from around the world will relate to." Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to The Bee Gees has performed to more than 1 million people in sold-out theaters and concert halls across the globe in more than 40 countries. The group's unbelievable resemblance and sound of the legendary Bee Gees has garnered international kudos from media and show goers alike. The show has become the world's leading Bee Gees show and Terri Bridge, president of the U.S. Bee Gees Fan Club said, "In my opinion they are the best Bee Gees tribute in the world." About Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A myriad of entertainment, fine food and comfortable accommodations make for an inviting atmosphere within contemporary castle walls at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The resort offers 3,981 guest rooms, including 2,000 recently remodeled Widescreen Rooms, delightful dining experiences including Dick's Last Resort and The Steakhouse at Camelot, the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show, the all-male revue Thunder From Down Under and the hilarious comedy of the Broadway smash Defending the Caveman. Excalibur also offers dozens of shops, an expansive pool complex, a wedding chapel featuring costume ceremonies, the Royal Treatment Spa & Fitness Center and a convention area with more than 12,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Excalibur is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International. It's a good night, go on, get your ass in there!
Berg's Gaming: Bondi Icebergs Club Gaming Not On Par With Other On Site Amenities; North Bondi RSL Club Much Better Pokies Plus Poker Nights...
Don't get us wrong, we love Bondi Iceberg, but the gaming facilities are a bit lacking. Granted, the pokies are not the main attraction of the club, the pool, restaurant, bar, entertainment and view are, but if you're going to have pokies, have more up to date ones (like Sinatra and Top Gun), or don't have them at all. We couldn't even find Cleopatra Queen Of The Nile, Black Rhino or Penguin Pays. Also, how about a poker and bingo night, like the other competing club down the road, North Bondi RSL Club does. For the record Media Man is a member of both clubs, but North Bondi RSL has it all over 'The Bergs' as far as gaming and gambling goes, but The Icebergs wins in just about every other category. Gaming and business tycoon is a big fan of Bondi Iceberg's restaurant, as is U2 front man Bono (Paul Hewson), even if he did have to wait for a table, like everyone else. Hey, just sayin!
Hoff Hits Bondi Beach, Sydney; Next Beach To Hit - Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Australia...
Yeah, we know, 'The Hoff' doesn't have much to do with gaming and gambling, but its big enough entertainment news to get a run. Oh, an online Baywatch slot machine was released a number of years ago, but Aussies can't access that one any way, so on with the story... Former Knight Rider and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, fresh of his hot Bondi Beach swimming and posing with hot women a few days back, will now hit the golden sands of the Gold Coast's Main Beach to promote Streets new ice creams Splice Real Fruits. Yeah, there's the product plus. I guess someone has to do the job don't they, as who better than 'The Hoff'?! Hoff hit Bondi Beach on an inflatable rescue boat aka 'rubber ducky' wearing his famous hot red shorts, and surrounded by blonde goddesses beach babes (but no Jaime Wright - original Bondi Blonde) in Baywatch-style swimsuits. The 58-year-old's running action no longer requires editing to appear in slow motion, yet 'The Hoff' still has what it takes to draw a crowd. But if you head to check out the spectacle remember one thing: don't hassle The Hoff.
Sydney Red Hot Brother Raided By Thieves For Cold Hard Cash...
Two blokes men have robbed a Sydney brothel, clobbering the manager with an iron bar, then robbing the female working girls. Cops say the pair burst into the business in Cosgrove Road, South Strathfield, about 1.45am last last Saturday and hit the 51-year-old manager. They snatched cash from the female staff and a till, then bolted off. The manager was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition. The robbers were described as being of Pacific Islander appearance and wore blue hooded tops. Police want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity around the brothel this morning. Who will talk, that's the question.
Punter Fev On Leave After Huge New Years Eve; Into Rehab...
AFL's most notorious (and nocturnal we understand) play, bad ass Brendan 'Punter Fev' Fevola has been granted indefinite leave from the Queensland's Brisbane Lions after being arrested during drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bris Vegas (Brisbane), not be be confused with 'Sin City' Sydney! Feb might be trying to get Brissy a reputation for sin, but you will still have to try harder next time mate... just kidding. Fev was released from lockup about 11am after spending in excess of 5 hours in the watchhouse. You know, in "the can". He was bailed out on charges of public nuisance and obstructing police and will appear in a court of law on January 18. QLD police confirmed a 29-year-old Norman Park chap was arrested in the nightclub lurks of Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley aka 'The Valley' (where Underbelly 4 and perhaps 5 will be featured). In a statement yesterday, the Brisbane Lions advised Fevola had request indefinite leave "in order to receive professional assistance for a number of personal issues. The request for leave was made by Fevola following an incident in the early hours of this morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley," the statement says. "Fevola was released from police custody at around 11am and immediately sought leave from the Lions to receive professional assistance. As a result, Fevola will not be at training this Monday when the team resumes its preparations for the 2011 AFL Season. While the Brisbane Lions AFC places the well being of all its staff as a primary focus, the club will hold talks next week regarding what action may be required as a direct result of this morning’s incident." AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the Lions had told him of Fevola's latest incident, the latest in a string, with Crown Casino's antics likely being the most famous, captured on film. He advised the club was still gathering the full details and the AFL would await Brisbane's detailed report before considering any action. It’s believed Lions officials are seething about this latest incident and he now faces an uncertain future. Club officials state it’s unlikely the Lions will have an emergency board meeting to discuss Fevola’s future. However, that could change. The Lions investigated terminating Fevola’s hefty contract last year after claims he allegedly exposed himself to a mum of four at a local football club function. The club had major salary cap issues which played a major role in key midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan leaving to join the Gold Coast Suns. As was the case then, Fevola could also face action from the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute. An AFL spokesman said the league could issue a statement this afternoon. This latest incident is another black mark on Fevola’s chequered career. On New Year’s Eve Fevola tweeted: ‘‘Good bye 2010 thank god! Bring on 2011 lions will roar again :)’’. The Lions full-forward endured a turbulent 2010. He was accused of releasing nude photos of former lover and model Lara Bingle, who at the time was engaged to stand-in Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke. The AFL later said there was "insufficient evidence" to show Fevola had distributed the photograph. Queensland police were later unable to lay charges he had exposed himself to the mother of four because of a lack of evidence. He was only cleared in recent weeks by the AFL of bringing the game into disrepute. Fevola also confirmed he had major gambling debts, with some estimating these were as high as $200,000. In his first year at the club since he was dumped by Carlton, Fevola also endured a wretched on-field season because of a serious groin injury as the Lions, finalists in 2009, tumbled to the bottom wrungs of the AFL ladder.
Pokies Not The Only Answer To Aussie Pub Profits...
Pokies might not the the big drawcard for Aussie pubs that they used to be. Pokies hit the scene about 10 years ago and did a roaring trade, but they seemed to have lost at least some of their appeals in the clubs. Some publicans have revamped facilities and pokie rooms, at some media reckons drinkers and those wanting a good feed, beers and other other forms of entertainment may have suffered. A Media Man spokesperson said 'When you visit an Aussie pub these days and look around the pokie machines, they are definitely quieter than they used to be. It's got the be the recession. Let us not also forget that many punters are also hitting the pokies and other casino games on the web theses days. Some Aussies got a big worried at the violence at some Aussie pubs with glassings becoming a frequent thing. Now beer is often served in plastic cups, thanks to a few morons who spoil it for everyone. Advertising, media man and bloke of business brilliance John Singleton has not being quite hitting the jackpot with the pubs as much as predicted either. That man knows beer. Oh, a few yews ago he did 'Whale Safe Beer' at North Bondi with our friends at Sea Shepherd, followed a few years late with Bondi Blonde at Icebergs, but that's another story. If Singo isn't going that great in pubs what chance does an average Aussie bloke have hey! insiders will know he recently purchased 4 pubs with his mates and is looking for return on investment. It may take longer than at first anticipated. Is Singo next to join the online gambling biz, following the trends that sees James Packer and Richard Branson making giant ways, with 2011 set to be a year it creates a massive tidal wave effect. Catch the wave and stay tuned to Gambling911 and Media Man.
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
1/04/2011
Australian Gambling, Casino And Entertainment News, by Greg Tingle - 4th January 2011
Punters, continuing to start the new right on the front foot, here's our jam packed bush tucker bag Australian gambling, casino and entertainment news report. After this you're bound to want to try lady luck at some casinos or at the races, but for the moment, get ready for new year's feast of news. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to deliver the best in gambling, entertainment and sports news found anywhere on the world wide web...
Punter Fev On Leave After Huge New Years Eve; Into Rehab...
AFL's most notorious (and nocturnal we understand) play, bad ass Brendan 'Punter Fev' Fevola has been granted indefinite leave from the Queensland's Brisbane Lions after being arrested during drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bris Vegas (Brisbane), not be be confused with 'Sin City' Sydney! Feb might be trying to get Brissy a reputation for sin, but you will still have to try harder next time mate... just kidding. Fev was released from lockup about 11am after spending in excess of 5 hours in the watchhouse. You know, in "the can". He was bailed out on charges of public nuisance and obstructing police and will appear in a court of law on January 18. QLD police confirmed a 29-year-old Norman Park chap was arrested in the nightclub lurks of Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley aka 'The Valley' (where Underbelly 4 and perhaps 5 will be featured). In a statement yesterday, the Brisbane Lions advised Fevola had request indefinite leave "in order to receive professional assistance for a number of personal issues. The request for leave was made by Fevola following an incident in the early hours of this morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley," the statement says. "Fevola was released from police custody at around 11am and immediately sought leave from the Lions to receive professional assistance. As a result, Fevola will not be at training this Monday when the team resumes its preparations for the 2011 AFL Season. While the Brisbane Lions AFC places the well being of all its staff as a primary focus, the club will hold talks next week regarding what action may be required as a direct result of this morning’s incident." AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the Lions had told him of Fevola's latest incident, the latest in a string, with Crown Casino's antics likely being the most famous, captured on film. He advised the club was still gathering the full details and the AFL would await Brisbane's detailed report before considering any action. It’s believed Lions officials are seething about this latest incident and he now faces an uncertain future. Club officials state it’s unlikely the Lions will have an emergency board meeting to discuss Fevola’s future. However, that could change. The Lions investigated terminating Fevola’s hefty contract last year after claims he allegedly exposed himself to a mum of four at a local football club function. The club had major salary cap issues which played a major role in key midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan leaving to join the Gold Coast Suns. As was the case then, Fevola could also face action from the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute. An AFL spokesman said the league could issue a statement this afternoon. This latest incident is another black mark on Fevola’s chequered career. On New Year’s Eve Fevola tweeted: ‘‘Good bye 2010 thank god! Bring on 2011 lions will roar again :)’’. The Lions full-forward endured a turbulent 2010. He was accused of releasing nude photos of former lover and model Lara Bingle, who at the time was engaged to stand-in Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke. The AFL later said there was "insufficient evidence" to show Fevola had distributed the photograph. Queensland police were later unable to lay charges he had exposed himself to the mother of four because of a lack of evidence. He was only cleared in recent weeks by the AFL of bringing the game into disrepute. Fevola also confirmed he had major gambling debts, with some estimating these were as high as $200,000. In his first year at the club since he was dumped by Carlton, Fevola also endured a wretched on-field season because of a serious groin injury as the Lions, finalists in 2009, tumbled to the bottom wrungs of the AFL ladder.
South Australia: Adelaide Clubs Get Tough On Gaming And Drinking Law For 2011...
Strict pokies rules. Gaming venues will face on-the-spot fines ranging from $160 to $1200 for clear-cut licence breaches, removing the need for costly and time-consuming court action, which also makes legal eagles only more rich. Pubs and other gaming venues that don't have a copy of their licence displayed can be fined on the spot, while stronger penalties still apply for repeat or serious offences. On-the-spot fines also can be given to employees caught using gaming machines at their own venue, or without visible identification. Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the changes to gaming machine laws will put pokie venues "on notice" and that cases can then be resolved quicker and outside of court. "These changes significantly strengthen compliance and enforcement provisions under the Gaming Machines Act," he said. The changes came into effect on New Years Day! Additional changes include a 33% increase in the maximum penalty for repeat offenders.'
Canberra: Casino History Of Deals Documented In Cabinet; Fraser Razor Gang!...
Cabinet documented released by the National Archives reveal the Fraser government chose to fund a convention centre in Canberra itself, rather than approve a casino for the capital. The shame! Just kidding. Proponents of the casino plan believed it would help fund the convention centre. Supporters were very keen for the project to go ahead because they believed it would be a boost for the local building and construction industry. Submissions to the Cabinet reveal it was costed at $60 million. The Cabinet records show one of the unsuccessful submissions for the project came from Harry Seidler representing a Malaysian group, with strong ties to gambling and casinos, of course. The plan for the casino was rejected on "moralistic" grounds.
The 1980 documents also reveal details of a plan to slash government services. The review of government functions was led by minister Phillip Lynch and dubbed the "razor gang". Everything from the Reserve Bank to the Prime Minister's Office was targeted. The initial list included abolishing many government agencies, including the National Capital Development Commission. Ultimately the Commission remained in place until the ACT gained self-government in 1988. Another agency on the list was ACT TAB, which the Fraser government wanted to merge with the New South Wales agency.
1980 was also the year cabinet signed off on the final plans for the new Parliament House just as the High Court and the Black Mountain Tower were formally opened. Well, that's a bit of Aussie history for you. Aussies are still some of the biggest gamblers in the world, despite many not being happy about that rep, trying to hold back gambling, to little or no avail. Illegal gambling dens are currently understood to be springing up in Kings Cross, Surry Hills, The Valley, Perth and Canberra.
NSW Pubs On Struggle Street; Over 300 May Close; Adds To Pokies VS Music Debate...
Australian banks are preparing to seize the keys of as many as 300 pubs across New South Wales, with at dozens facing immediate foreclosure in the sweep of the industry since the 1991-92 recession. News Limited reports industry leaks said the banks had lost patience with loss-making firms and heavily indebted individuals who bought pubs at the height of the boom, only to see values dive by 40%. Australian Hotels Association secretary Colin Waller advised rumours sweeping the industry pointed towards banks seizing control of 300 troubled pubs - roughly 1 in 5 of the state's hotels - setting the scene for firesales on steroids. Leaks also claim a renowned pub identity, squarely in the sights of the big banks having amassed substantial debt, is hanging on to his portfolio by a thread. "I think the banks are only starting to realise the folly of their own lending practices,'' Waller said. They were lending to anyone and up to 90% of the value to people with no experience. The value of those hotels are now 40 per cent down. "The grapevine is saying the banks are about to move ... and the rumour is there are as much as 300 hotels, which is just under 20% (of all pubs in NSW), which could soon be placed under bank management." The majority of pubs on the chopping block are owned by firms that were heavily reliant on the poker machine dollar and which bought assets at inflated prices from 2003 and 2008. Sources said that in their pursuit of pokie revenue, they neglected their primary asset - their drinkers. When pokie revenues started to dip, suddenly the pubs realised their public bar was empty. It's also the drinks VS live music VS pub pokies lover debates. Not all parties have been satisfied. "I estimate 50 or 60 forced sales early in the new year. That's on top of the thousand odd hotels that are currently for sale in NSW," one pub owner said. "Any suggestion that pubs have turned the corner is ridiculous. There will be a tsunami of foreclosures next year. The bankers are becoming very impatient. "I play golf with the bankers, they tell me it is bad, very bad. They have had enough and are ready to move. It is frightening." The biggest collection of fire sales is tipped to come from the debt-ravaged Redcape Property Fund and ING Real Estate Entertainment Fund, with the pair having lost a combined $357 million in the last two years, while Woolworths 'The Fast Food People', who do some b2b with Bruce Mathieson's ALH Group, are poised to cull its under-performing assets. Both companies could not be reached, mind you, its still holidays for many, so fair cop. One corporation getting the evil eye from the financial sector is pub lessee National Leisure and Gaming. Its recently departed CEO Andrew Jolliffe confirmed that the banks were circling several big players, but maintained it would be difficult for the lenders to proceed with a mass clean-out. "There are simply not enough buyers," he said. There you go folks. Are you with the banks, the live music, the punters or the bands. Ok, we know your not with the banks, so who is your money on?
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Punter Fev On Leave After Huge New Years Eve; Into Rehab...
AFL's most notorious (and nocturnal we understand) play, bad ass Brendan 'Punter Fev' Fevola has been granted indefinite leave from the Queensland's Brisbane Lions after being arrested during drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bris Vegas (Brisbane), not be be confused with 'Sin City' Sydney! Feb might be trying to get Brissy a reputation for sin, but you will still have to try harder next time mate... just kidding. Fev was released from lockup about 11am after spending in excess of 5 hours in the watchhouse. You know, in "the can". He was bailed out on charges of public nuisance and obstructing police and will appear in a court of law on January 18. QLD police confirmed a 29-year-old Norman Park chap was arrested in the nightclub lurks of Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley aka 'The Valley' (where Underbelly 4 and perhaps 5 will be featured). In a statement yesterday, the Brisbane Lions advised Fevola had request indefinite leave "in order to receive professional assistance for a number of personal issues. The request for leave was made by Fevola following an incident in the early hours of this morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley," the statement says. "Fevola was released from police custody at around 11am and immediately sought leave from the Lions to receive professional assistance. As a result, Fevola will not be at training this Monday when the team resumes its preparations for the 2011 AFL Season. While the Brisbane Lions AFC places the well being of all its staff as a primary focus, the club will hold talks next week regarding what action may be required as a direct result of this morning’s incident." AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the Lions had told him of Fevola's latest incident, the latest in a string, with Crown Casino's antics likely being the most famous, captured on film. He advised the club was still gathering the full details and the AFL would await Brisbane's detailed report before considering any action. It’s believed Lions officials are seething about this latest incident and he now faces an uncertain future. Club officials state it’s unlikely the Lions will have an emergency board meeting to discuss Fevola’s future. However, that could change. The Lions investigated terminating Fevola’s hefty contract last year after claims he allegedly exposed himself to a mum of four at a local football club function. The club had major salary cap issues which played a major role in key midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan leaving to join the Gold Coast Suns. As was the case then, Fevola could also face action from the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute. An AFL spokesman said the league could issue a statement this afternoon. This latest incident is another black mark on Fevola’s chequered career. On New Year’s Eve Fevola tweeted: ‘‘Good bye 2010 thank god! Bring on 2011 lions will roar again :)’’. The Lions full-forward endured a turbulent 2010. He was accused of releasing nude photos of former lover and model Lara Bingle, who at the time was engaged to stand-in Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke. The AFL later said there was "insufficient evidence" to show Fevola had distributed the photograph. Queensland police were later unable to lay charges he had exposed himself to the mother of four because of a lack of evidence. He was only cleared in recent weeks by the AFL of bringing the game into disrepute. Fevola also confirmed he had major gambling debts, with some estimating these were as high as $200,000. In his first year at the club since he was dumped by Carlton, Fevola also endured a wretched on-field season because of a serious groin injury as the Lions, finalists in 2009, tumbled to the bottom wrungs of the AFL ladder.
South Australia: Adelaide Clubs Get Tough On Gaming And Drinking Law For 2011...
Strict pokies rules. Gaming venues will face on-the-spot fines ranging from $160 to $1200 for clear-cut licence breaches, removing the need for costly and time-consuming court action, which also makes legal eagles only more rich. Pubs and other gaming venues that don't have a copy of their licence displayed can be fined on the spot, while stronger penalties still apply for repeat or serious offences. On-the-spot fines also can be given to employees caught using gaming machines at their own venue, or without visible identification. Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the changes to gaming machine laws will put pokie venues "on notice" and that cases can then be resolved quicker and outside of court. "These changes significantly strengthen compliance and enforcement provisions under the Gaming Machines Act," he said. The changes came into effect on New Years Day! Additional changes include a 33% increase in the maximum penalty for repeat offenders.'
Canberra: Casino History Of Deals Documented In Cabinet; Fraser Razor Gang!...
Cabinet documented released by the National Archives reveal the Fraser government chose to fund a convention centre in Canberra itself, rather than approve a casino for the capital. The shame! Just kidding. Proponents of the casino plan believed it would help fund the convention centre. Supporters were very keen for the project to go ahead because they believed it would be a boost for the local building and construction industry. Submissions to the Cabinet reveal it was costed at $60 million. The Cabinet records show one of the unsuccessful submissions for the project came from Harry Seidler representing a Malaysian group, with strong ties to gambling and casinos, of course. The plan for the casino was rejected on "moralistic" grounds.
The 1980 documents also reveal details of a plan to slash government services. The review of government functions was led by minister Phillip Lynch and dubbed the "razor gang". Everything from the Reserve Bank to the Prime Minister's Office was targeted. The initial list included abolishing many government agencies, including the National Capital Development Commission. Ultimately the Commission remained in place until the ACT gained self-government in 1988. Another agency on the list was ACT TAB, which the Fraser government wanted to merge with the New South Wales agency.
1980 was also the year cabinet signed off on the final plans for the new Parliament House just as the High Court and the Black Mountain Tower were formally opened. Well, that's a bit of Aussie history for you. Aussies are still some of the biggest gamblers in the world, despite many not being happy about that rep, trying to hold back gambling, to little or no avail. Illegal gambling dens are currently understood to be springing up in Kings Cross, Surry Hills, The Valley, Perth and Canberra.
NSW Pubs On Struggle Street; Over 300 May Close; Adds To Pokies VS Music Debate...
Australian banks are preparing to seize the keys of as many as 300 pubs across New South Wales, with at dozens facing immediate foreclosure in the sweep of the industry since the 1991-92 recession. News Limited reports industry leaks said the banks had lost patience with loss-making firms and heavily indebted individuals who bought pubs at the height of the boom, only to see values dive by 40%. Australian Hotels Association secretary Colin Waller advised rumours sweeping the industry pointed towards banks seizing control of 300 troubled pubs - roughly 1 in 5 of the state's hotels - setting the scene for firesales on steroids. Leaks also claim a renowned pub identity, squarely in the sights of the big banks having amassed substantial debt, is hanging on to his portfolio by a thread. "I think the banks are only starting to realise the folly of their own lending practices,'' Waller said. They were lending to anyone and up to 90% of the value to people with no experience. The value of those hotels are now 40 per cent down. "The grapevine is saying the banks are about to move ... and the rumour is there are as much as 300 hotels, which is just under 20% (of all pubs in NSW), which could soon be placed under bank management." The majority of pubs on the chopping block are owned by firms that were heavily reliant on the poker machine dollar and which bought assets at inflated prices from 2003 and 2008. Sources said that in their pursuit of pokie revenue, they neglected their primary asset - their drinkers. When pokie revenues started to dip, suddenly the pubs realised their public bar was empty. It's also the drinks VS live music VS pub pokies lover debates. Not all parties have been satisfied. "I estimate 50 or 60 forced sales early in the new year. That's on top of the thousand odd hotels that are currently for sale in NSW," one pub owner said. "Any suggestion that pubs have turned the corner is ridiculous. There will be a tsunami of foreclosures next year. The bankers are becoming very impatient. "I play golf with the bankers, they tell me it is bad, very bad. They have had enough and are ready to move. It is frightening." The biggest collection of fire sales is tipped to come from the debt-ravaged Redcape Property Fund and ING Real Estate Entertainment Fund, with the pair having lost a combined $357 million in the last two years, while Woolworths 'The Fast Food People', who do some b2b with Bruce Mathieson's ALH Group, are poised to cull its under-performing assets. Both companies could not be reached, mind you, its still holidays for many, so fair cop. One corporation getting the evil eye from the financial sector is pub lessee National Leisure and Gaming. Its recently departed CEO Andrew Jolliffe confirmed that the banks were circling several big players, but maintained it would be difficult for the lenders to proceed with a mass clean-out. "There are simply not enough buyers," he said. There you go folks. Are you with the banks, the live music, the punters or the bands. Ok, we know your not with the banks, so who is your money on?
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? 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
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1/03/2011
Australia's Original Gambling And Media Tycoon Kerry Packer Taxing Issue, by Greg Tingle - 3rd January 2011
G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, media magnates, journalists, legal eagles, Big Brother...one and all. Yes, today we bring you a special Kerry Packer tax history special. The legend lives on, but today its not a Kerry Packer artistic endeavor. No, that was last month. We're on the hard nosed issue of tax and political 'fun and games'. There's also a tie in with the Costigan Commission. No, different "Costigan" than the one most readers will be familiar with! In the meantime 'Our James' (James Packer) continues to fly the flag and do the family legacy proud with his Crown Limited empire. Media Man and Gambling911 present The Kerry Packer taxing report...
The senior legal eagle, a barrister no less, who assisted the Costigan royal commission has now revealed that apparently a 'brief for prosecution' was at the ready to fire all guns blazing against Kerry Packer for tax evasion.
Could this all just be an attempt at positive PR for the Australian Tax Office and the Aussie government in general? Folks, you will just have to keep reading won't you, and after that you might be in the mood to spin to win on Cleo or The Godfather hey.
Three wise men...yes, three of the senior barristers aka 'wigs' recommended prosecution. Were they just trying to get even on a "rich bastard"? (KP).
Speaking to the hard core release of the said documents relating to the establishment of the Painters and Dockers royal commission some 3 decades ago, Doug Meagher QC (Queens Council) told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited "I had no doubt that the allegations against Packer called for very serious investigation. Very much so."
It was on site at KP's state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House in 2006, his son, James, described the Costigan commission as the darkest chapter in his father's life. His father had never forgiven Costigan and "nor could we".
The quite public slanging match and occasional war of worlds, with a dash of media war, has survived the death of both Packer, in December 2005, and Costigan, in April 2009.
Meagher has now disclosed that briefs for prosecution were prepared against Packer in relation to tax evasion after the commission was closed and what would have seemed to be dead and buried, so to speak.
Costigan had told him 3 "very senior counsel" based in 'Sin City' Sydney "each looked at them independently and recommended prosecution, but it didn't occur".
"Packer was a man of great influence," Meagher said. "He wasn't cleared. Not at all."
After JP (James Packer) attacked Costigan, Meagher advised him against responding. "I certainly wouldn't have. I would have just ignored the attack."
The quite sensational allegations were the gold nuggets in a report for the incoming National Crime Authority circa 1984, in which Costigan provided case summaries of many, perhaps dozens we understand, incomplete investigations, code-naming the targets!
One concerned Packer, code-named the Squirrel. It linked Australia's richest man to tax evasion, drug trafficking, pornography and a murder.
The sensational report was leaked to the now defunct Fairfax owned National Times, which published it in full in September 1984, only changing the code-name to "the Goanna" (no, not squirrel). Oh, animal lovers, do check out our feature on gambling animals, birds and other wildlife from the past few months, but on with the story at hand.
It was under massive speculation, Packer identified himself as "the Goanna" and his lawyer, a young Malcolm 'No Bull' Turnbull, wrote up an 8000-word public denial, naming the "gutter allegations" as "grotesque, ludicrous and malicious".
KP had become a prime target with neon bulls eye of the commission in October 1983 over $225,000 grand he had secured from Surfers Paradise property developer tycoon Brian 'Rich' Ray some 3 years prior.
Ray had caught a flight to 'Sin' Sydney to hand Packer a modest $50,000 grand in hold hard cash, while his biz partner Ian Beames had dropped off payments of $100,000 grand and another $75k. Pretty fantastic hey.
Packer later advised the commission he'd had a quite a bad day at the races and Ray, who at the time was in a bankruptcy arrangement with his creditors, had offered to lend him the money.
Quizzed why he wanted it in cash, Packer replied..."I wanted it in cash because I like cash. I have a squirrel-like mentality."
Ray and Beames were later charged, along with a number others, of conspiring to defraud the commonwealth of $16 mill in so called "bottom of the harbour" tax schemes, Australia's biggest tax evasion racket in history. Beames pleaded guilty. Ray, who died in a plane crash in July 2005, was acquitted in March 1987.
He celebrated and threw a hell of a party on the Gold Coast attended by the whose who...Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, businessman John 'Singo' Singleton and Kerry Packer, where Sir Joh wanted folks to know his thoughts with his announcement "I have always been proud to have Brian as a friend and to know he is on my team."
Federal attorney-general Lionel Bowen told the parliament there was no basis to justify any charges against Packer, who was "entitled to be regarded by his fellow citizens as unsullied by the allegations and insinuations which have been made against him".
A touch odd, the Fraser government established the Costigan commission after a series of articles about murders on the Sydney waterfront in Packer's now defunct ACP (Australian Consolidated Press) magazine The Bulletin aka 'The Bully', and a tad of extra coverage in Playboy. Well, they say folks buy it for the articles, and maybe they are right.
Folks, stay tuned for more on the life of times of the late, great, Kerry Packer. Hell of a nice and smart bloke our late mate Tim 'Earthquake' Bristow told me, but as they say, "dead men don't tell tales". We know you'll be glued to this dial as more of the 'Real Life Underbelly' true tales of 'Sin City' Sydney continue to be dug up.
Media Man Profiles
Kerry Packer
James Packer
Tim Bristow
Australia
Australia Casinos
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Politics
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Television
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Entertainment News
Media News
Technology News
Sports News
News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like The Kerry Packer Tax Special? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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The senior legal eagle, a barrister no less, who assisted the Costigan royal commission has now revealed that apparently a 'brief for prosecution' was at the ready to fire all guns blazing against Kerry Packer for tax evasion.
Could this all just be an attempt at positive PR for the Australian Tax Office and the Aussie government in general? Folks, you will just have to keep reading won't you, and after that you might be in the mood to spin to win on Cleo or The Godfather hey.
Three wise men...yes, three of the senior barristers aka 'wigs' recommended prosecution. Were they just trying to get even on a "rich bastard"? (KP).
Speaking to the hard core release of the said documents relating to the establishment of the Painters and Dockers royal commission some 3 decades ago, Doug Meagher QC (Queens Council) told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited "I had no doubt that the allegations against Packer called for very serious investigation. Very much so."
It was on site at KP's state memorial service at the Sydney Opera House in 2006, his son, James, described the Costigan commission as the darkest chapter in his father's life. His father had never forgiven Costigan and "nor could we".
The quite public slanging match and occasional war of worlds, with a dash of media war, has survived the death of both Packer, in December 2005, and Costigan, in April 2009.
Meagher has now disclosed that briefs for prosecution were prepared against Packer in relation to tax evasion after the commission was closed and what would have seemed to be dead and buried, so to speak.
Costigan had told him 3 "very senior counsel" based in 'Sin City' Sydney "each looked at them independently and recommended prosecution, but it didn't occur".
"Packer was a man of great influence," Meagher said. "He wasn't cleared. Not at all."
After JP (James Packer) attacked Costigan, Meagher advised him against responding. "I certainly wouldn't have. I would have just ignored the attack."
The quite sensational allegations were the gold nuggets in a report for the incoming National Crime Authority circa 1984, in which Costigan provided case summaries of many, perhaps dozens we understand, incomplete investigations, code-naming the targets!
One concerned Packer, code-named the Squirrel. It linked Australia's richest man to tax evasion, drug trafficking, pornography and a murder.
The sensational report was leaked to the now defunct Fairfax owned National Times, which published it in full in September 1984, only changing the code-name to "the Goanna" (no, not squirrel). Oh, animal lovers, do check out our feature on gambling animals, birds and other wildlife from the past few months, but on with the story at hand.
It was under massive speculation, Packer identified himself as "the Goanna" and his lawyer, a young Malcolm 'No Bull' Turnbull, wrote up an 8000-word public denial, naming the "gutter allegations" as "grotesque, ludicrous and malicious".
KP had become a prime target with neon bulls eye of the commission in October 1983 over $225,000 grand he had secured from Surfers Paradise property developer tycoon Brian 'Rich' Ray some 3 years prior.
Ray had caught a flight to 'Sin' Sydney to hand Packer a modest $50,000 grand in hold hard cash, while his biz partner Ian Beames had dropped off payments of $100,000 grand and another $75k. Pretty fantastic hey.
Packer later advised the commission he'd had a quite a bad day at the races and Ray, who at the time was in a bankruptcy arrangement with his creditors, had offered to lend him the money.
Quizzed why he wanted it in cash, Packer replied..."I wanted it in cash because I like cash. I have a squirrel-like mentality."
Ray and Beames were later charged, along with a number others, of conspiring to defraud the commonwealth of $16 mill in so called "bottom of the harbour" tax schemes, Australia's biggest tax evasion racket in history. Beames pleaded guilty. Ray, who died in a plane crash in July 2005, was acquitted in March 1987.
He celebrated and threw a hell of a party on the Gold Coast attended by the whose who...Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, businessman John 'Singo' Singleton and Kerry Packer, where Sir Joh wanted folks to know his thoughts with his announcement "I have always been proud to have Brian as a friend and to know he is on my team."
Federal attorney-general Lionel Bowen told the parliament there was no basis to justify any charges against Packer, who was "entitled to be regarded by his fellow citizens as unsullied by the allegations and insinuations which have been made against him".
A touch odd, the Fraser government established the Costigan commission after a series of articles about murders on the Sydney waterfront in Packer's now defunct ACP (Australian Consolidated Press) magazine The Bulletin aka 'The Bully', and a tad of extra coverage in Playboy. Well, they say folks buy it for the articles, and maybe they are right.
Folks, stay tuned for more on the life of times of the late, great, Kerry Packer. Hell of a nice and smart bloke our late mate Tim 'Earthquake' Bristow told me, but as they say, "dead men don't tell tales". We know you'll be glued to this dial as more of the 'Real Life Underbelly' true tales of 'Sin City' Sydney continue to be dug up.
Media Man Profiles
Kerry Packer
James Packer
Tim Bristow
Australia
Australia Casinos
Cricket
Movies
Crown Casino
Politics
Broadcasting
Television
Media Companies
Australian Sports
News
Casino News
Entertainment News
Media News
Technology News
Sports News
News
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like The Kerry Packer Tax Special? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man International
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Media Man Australia
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Media Man Games
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Global Gaming Directory
1/02/2011
Australian Land Based Casinos: Best In World?, by Greg Tingle - 2nd January 2011
Happy New Year everyone. Starting the new year off right we thought we would revisit the Australian land based casino scene. Last year the Aussie casinos were a huge source of news and gossip for us, and who can forget the world famous Australian casino wars (still raging), with James Packer's Crown Casino VS Tabcorp's Star City still being the main event. Revamps worth close to a million dollars are still a major point as the battle for high roller super whales, dolphins and the entertainment and tourism dollar continues and now security, "biometrics" and government deals are stealing some of the spotlight. Media Man and Gambling911 take you on a journey to the Australian land based casinos, 'Casino Jack' style...
Australia is still home to some of the world's great casinos, hotels and resorts (and pokie palaces).
While the land down under has over a dozen land based casinos, there's only three that both rate highly and grab the majority of headlines on a global stage. Enter James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne, Tabcorp's Star City in Sydney, and Jupiters Hotel & Casino on the Gold Coast.
Mind you, Casino Canberra, Cairns' Reef Hotel and Casino and Perth's Burswood Entertainment Complex have been making a lot of noise recently, but its really a battle between the 'big two'.
Media Man and Gambling911 have readjusted our eye in the sky and further looked at the landscape of the Aussie land based casino sector, and let us tell you maties... its a you beaut and fair dinkim!
Readers will be aware that there's quite a "casino war" in the land of kangaroos, koalas and goannas. You would have to be Blind Freddy not to know about the ultra competitive showdown (and hunt for whales and dolphins) between Packer's Crown Casino down south and Tabcorp's Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Crown Casino and Star City are following the global trend, largely driven forward from Las Vegas, Macau and the Philippines, of offering a total entertainment experience... not just gambling... you know, slots, poker, table games and the like. Whales aka high-rollers, have also demanded the changing face of the sector. Don't get us wrong, the gambling aspect remains vital to the business model and to the punters, but for a variety of reasons Australian casino kings have employed a more holistic model. The reasons include being more government friendly, legal eagle elements and complimenting the larger casino, entertainment and lifestyle sector. Crowns' James Packer won last year's Media Man 'Australian Casino Entrepreneur Of The Year' award, and his casino won the Australian land based casino award. Gossip And News: Opening Aussie batsman Phil Hughes has been slammed for attending a function hours before play on Boxing Day. Hughes, who opened the batting at the MCG and was dismissed for just 16, attended the Shane Warne Foundation breakfast at Crown casino along with vice-captain Michael Clarke. "It's one of the most disgraceful things I've ever heard," said fiery former Australian Test star Rodney Hogg. "You've got the opportunity to come back in, you're going to be in front of 80,000 people. "You should get out of bed, have your breakfast and do your normal preparation. "You don't run off to those sorts of mornings. Even though he's young, the fact is it probably makes him a little more apprehensive and a bit more nervous (about the Test match) after going and doing that sort of thing. "It's not a normal morning's preparation for him." Clarke, who is close mates with Warne, was joined by sporting stars Billy Brownless, Aaron Hamill, Mark Taylor and Ian Healy at the breakfast. The two Australian players were interviewed briefly by Warne around 7.30am before they returned to their nearby Quay West hotel.
Some of the ramped up services and offerings as part of the industry development include but are not limited to:
Entertainment complex upgrades (including securing more world class acts, more often, to attract the crowds and keep all clients and business partners happy)
Hotel suite refurbishments
Private gambling room upgrades for high rolling VIP's
Sports bar upgrades
Enhanced security - technology and more staff
Gulf Stream Jets aka Lear Jets for international high rollers in a hurry and who demand and casino afford the best
Aussie Casino News Bytes
Crown Casino: Hosted a number of players from the Australian Cricket Team recently, just as The Ashes were on the way. Packer's midis touch didn't help Clarke's and Ponting's luck on the field unfortunately. Crown Casino will host the world famous 'Aussie Millions' Poker Championship this January, and already a number of online poker rooms are holding satellite qualifiers and the like. Media Man insiders reckon that many folks want another guest or journo of Crown hosted TV Logies awards to be fired for misconduct again this year, for Twitting journos and comedians out there, be careful you hear us now. Crown Casino is continuing to upgrade their website which is a very smart move in the currently environment. Management in regular contact with sister casinos, City of Dreams Macau and Altira Macau. 100s more staff to be employed, some of which under the GenerationOne employment initiative, dedicated to helping get Indigenous Australians back into the workforce. Up to $500,000 being spent on major upgrades in the next few years.
Crown Casino Entertainment:
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
Choirboys – Never Gonna Die 30th Anniversary Tour
29 January 2011
Making their return this summer for what will be the sure-fire summer tour of 2011
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You
4 - 5 February 2011
It's Queen, sort of!
I Can’t Believe it’s not COUNTDOWN, It’s a Musical Comedy
10 – 19 February 2011
Don’t miss a night of reminiscing, laughter, music, big hair and shameless parodies.
Star City: Has expanded their budget by another $100,000 or so. Total budget for upgrade is now very close to $1 million dollars! Is ordering a few more Lear Jets to help better compete with Crown Casino. Upgraded website. Did get Oprah Winfrey, Bob Geldof and Bon Jovi late last year, so they are doing something right, or maybe just have friends in high places. World class sports bar and entertainment amenities. They are right on side with the NSW Labor government, so give the devils their due. Star City was awards last year's runner Media Man 'Australian Land Based Casino' award. Gossip And News: A beer loving poker player used his "poker face" to fool Star City Casino staff into serving him 42 beers in a single 17-hour sitting. The unnamed gambler put in a marathon innings, downing five beers every two hours. Three waiters were happy to oblige the cashed-up player with as many drinks as he requested and failed to keep track of the seriously high level of alcohol the man was ingesting as he sat at the same card table in the main gaming floor from 2.30am. It was not until the card table closed at 7am that Star City staff realised the man was wildly intoxicated. "He didn't appear to be steady on his feet. He was dozing off at the table and the manager had to help him collect his chips so he could cash them in," bar waiter Helen Mikhael-Ghanime, who was sacked for her role in serving the man 15 beers in seven hours, said. The casino will be careful to to make the same mistake again. Generally not good for PR and this sort of thing attracts heavy fines. The casino authority said the $10,000 fine had been reduced because of Star City's otherwise good record in dealing with drunken gamblers. It evicted 6717 intoxicated patrons in 2008. "[The authority] considers this matter to be a serious breach of Star City's responsible service of alcohol obligations," the authority said to Star City. "In determining the pecuniary penalty, due consideration was given to Star City's record in relation to the responsible service of alcohol and the action taken to prevent similar incidents in the future."
Entertainment At Star City:
DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
Don't miss this explosive new musical romance at the Lyric Theatre from 11 February 2011.
MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
A new theatrical event featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber's most timeless songs performed by the current stars of Australian musical theatre.
Jupiters Gold Coast: Upgraded their poker room to the tune of a few hundred thousand dollars. Is trying to live down the story that they are Australia's 'most dangerous casino', and is beefing up security. Jupiters is nearby to the beaches where major surfing competitions take place annually. Dreamworld (Hollywood On The Gold Coast) is only a short drive away from the casino. Upgraded website. Recent management shake up, all the way up to director level. Should be strong year for them.
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Upgraded security. Burswood is known to put on fantastic community fundraisers. American pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan drew a massive crowd at Burswood late last year for his charity work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Virgin's Richard Branson has also done some impressive fundraising on site. Branson's Virgin Games (not available in Australia) remains keen to expand the gaming globally, and perhaps his face to face meetings with the media and political savvy Aussie Casino king, James Packer, won't go astray. Security has been beefed up yet again and more world class acts continue to get booked.
Casino Canberra: Galaxy Nightclub - Canberra's hottest nightclub opens from 9pm every Saturday with the beats of the 70's and the best of the 80's. Come and hear the soundtrack of our lives. Galaxy has a NO GLASS policy! Is currently pushing to get 200 pokies to help kick business along.
The Reef Hotel Casino: This is like paradise. One of Australia's most beautiful and scenic casinos. Claymore, a hot Celtic band brought in the new year for our friends.
Lasseters Hotel Casino: If your in that neck of the woods checking out Outback nature, you need to step in and play Cleo, and why not stay the night to see if you "get lucky". Then enjoy a breakfast of champions as your journey continues. Oh, a Slots Tournament every Tuesday night You've got to spin to win!
Australian Casino Directory List
New South Wales
Star City Casino (Sydney)
Victoria
Crown Casino (Melbourne)
Queensland
Conrad Treasury Casino (Brisbane)
Jupiters Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Jupiters Townsville Casino (Townsville)
The Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns)
South Australia
Skycity Adelaide (Adelaide)
Western Australia
Burswood Entertainment Complex aka Burswood Casino (Perth)
Tasmania
Wrest Point Hotel Casino (Hobart)
Country Club Casino (Launceston)
Australian Capital Territory
Casino Canberra (Canberra)
Northern Territory
Lasseters Hotel Casino (Alice Springs)
Skycity Darwin (formerly MGM Grand Casino) (Darwin)
Media Man International Profile On Australia
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australia.html
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more
Know the odds, set limits and 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
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australia is still home to some of the world's great casinos, hotels and resorts (and pokie palaces).
While the land down under has over a dozen land based casinos, there's only three that both rate highly and grab the majority of headlines on a global stage. Enter James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne, Tabcorp's Star City in Sydney, and Jupiters Hotel & Casino on the Gold Coast.
Mind you, Casino Canberra, Cairns' Reef Hotel and Casino and Perth's Burswood Entertainment Complex have been making a lot of noise recently, but its really a battle between the 'big two'.
Media Man and Gambling911 have readjusted our eye in the sky and further looked at the landscape of the Aussie land based casino sector, and let us tell you maties... its a you beaut and fair dinkim!
Readers will be aware that there's quite a "casino war" in the land of kangaroos, koalas and goannas. You would have to be Blind Freddy not to know about the ultra competitive showdown (and hunt for whales and dolphins) between Packer's Crown Casino down south and Tabcorp's Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Crown Casino and Star City are following the global trend, largely driven forward from Las Vegas, Macau and the Philippines, of offering a total entertainment experience... not just gambling... you know, slots, poker, table games and the like. Whales aka high-rollers, have also demanded the changing face of the sector. Don't get us wrong, the gambling aspect remains vital to the business model and to the punters, but for a variety of reasons Australian casino kings have employed a more holistic model. The reasons include being more government friendly, legal eagle elements and complimenting the larger casino, entertainment and lifestyle sector. Crowns' James Packer won last year's Media Man 'Australian Casino Entrepreneur Of The Year' award, and his casino won the Australian land based casino award. Gossip And News: Opening Aussie batsman Phil Hughes has been slammed for attending a function hours before play on Boxing Day. Hughes, who opened the batting at the MCG and was dismissed for just 16, attended the Shane Warne Foundation breakfast at Crown casino along with vice-captain Michael Clarke. "It's one of the most disgraceful things I've ever heard," said fiery former Australian Test star Rodney Hogg. "You've got the opportunity to come back in, you're going to be in front of 80,000 people. "You should get out of bed, have your breakfast and do your normal preparation. "You don't run off to those sorts of mornings. Even though he's young, the fact is it probably makes him a little more apprehensive and a bit more nervous (about the Test match) after going and doing that sort of thing. "It's not a normal morning's preparation for him." Clarke, who is close mates with Warne, was joined by sporting stars Billy Brownless, Aaron Hamill, Mark Taylor and Ian Healy at the breakfast. The two Australian players were interviewed briefly by Warne around 7.30am before they returned to their nearby Quay West hotel.
Some of the ramped up services and offerings as part of the industry development include but are not limited to:
Entertainment complex upgrades (including securing more world class acts, more often, to attract the crowds and keep all clients and business partners happy)
Hotel suite refurbishments
Private gambling room upgrades for high rolling VIP's
Sports bar upgrades
Enhanced security - technology and more staff
Gulf Stream Jets aka Lear Jets for international high rollers in a hurry and who demand and casino afford the best
Aussie Casino News Bytes
Crown Casino: Hosted a number of players from the Australian Cricket Team recently, just as The Ashes were on the way. Packer's midis touch didn't help Clarke's and Ponting's luck on the field unfortunately. Crown Casino will host the world famous 'Aussie Millions' Poker Championship this January, and already a number of online poker rooms are holding satellite qualifiers and the like. Media Man insiders reckon that many folks want another guest or journo of Crown hosted TV Logies awards to be fired for misconduct again this year, for Twitting journos and comedians out there, be careful you hear us now. Crown Casino is continuing to upgrade their website which is a very smart move in the currently environment. Management in regular contact with sister casinos, City of Dreams Macau and Altira Macau. 100s more staff to be employed, some of which under the GenerationOne employment initiative, dedicated to helping get Indigenous Australians back into the workforce. Up to $500,000 being spent on major upgrades in the next few years.
Crown Casino Entertainment:
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
Choirboys – Never Gonna Die 30th Anniversary Tour
29 January 2011
Making their return this summer for what will be the sure-fire summer tour of 2011
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You
4 - 5 February 2011
It's Queen, sort of!
I Can’t Believe it’s not COUNTDOWN, It’s a Musical Comedy
10 – 19 February 2011
Don’t miss a night of reminiscing, laughter, music, big hair and shameless parodies.
Star City: Has expanded their budget by another $100,000 or so. Total budget for upgrade is now very close to $1 million dollars! Is ordering a few more Lear Jets to help better compete with Crown Casino. Upgraded website. Did get Oprah Winfrey, Bob Geldof and Bon Jovi late last year, so they are doing something right, or maybe just have friends in high places. World class sports bar and entertainment amenities. They are right on side with the NSW Labor government, so give the devils their due. Star City was awards last year's runner Media Man 'Australian Land Based Casino' award. Gossip And News: A beer loving poker player used his "poker face" to fool Star City Casino staff into serving him 42 beers in a single 17-hour sitting. The unnamed gambler put in a marathon innings, downing five beers every two hours. Three waiters were happy to oblige the cashed-up player with as many drinks as he requested and failed to keep track of the seriously high level of alcohol the man was ingesting as he sat at the same card table in the main gaming floor from 2.30am. It was not until the card table closed at 7am that Star City staff realised the man was wildly intoxicated. "He didn't appear to be steady on his feet. He was dozing off at the table and the manager had to help him collect his chips so he could cash them in," bar waiter Helen Mikhael-Ghanime, who was sacked for her role in serving the man 15 beers in seven hours, said. The casino will be careful to to make the same mistake again. Generally not good for PR and this sort of thing attracts heavy fines. The casino authority said the $10,000 fine had been reduced because of Star City's otherwise good record in dealing with drunken gamblers. It evicted 6717 intoxicated patrons in 2008. "[The authority] considers this matter to be a serious breach of Star City's responsible service of alcohol obligations," the authority said to Star City. "In determining the pecuniary penalty, due consideration was given to Star City's record in relation to the responsible service of alcohol and the action taken to prevent similar incidents in the future."
Entertainment At Star City:
DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
Don't miss this explosive new musical romance at the Lyric Theatre from 11 February 2011.
MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
A new theatrical event featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber's most timeless songs performed by the current stars of Australian musical theatre.
Jupiters Gold Coast: Upgraded their poker room to the tune of a few hundred thousand dollars. Is trying to live down the story that they are Australia's 'most dangerous casino', and is beefing up security. Jupiters is nearby to the beaches where major surfing competitions take place annually. Dreamworld (Hollywood On The Gold Coast) is only a short drive away from the casino. Upgraded website. Recent management shake up, all the way up to director level. Should be strong year for them.
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Upgraded security. Burswood is known to put on fantastic community fundraisers. American pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan drew a massive crowd at Burswood late last year for his charity work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Virgin's Richard Branson has also done some impressive fundraising on site. Branson's Virgin Games (not available in Australia) remains keen to expand the gaming globally, and perhaps his face to face meetings with the media and political savvy Aussie Casino king, James Packer, won't go astray. Security has been beefed up yet again and more world class acts continue to get booked.
Casino Canberra: Galaxy Nightclub - Canberra's hottest nightclub opens from 9pm every Saturday with the beats of the 70's and the best of the 80's. Come and hear the soundtrack of our lives. Galaxy has a NO GLASS policy! Is currently pushing to get 200 pokies to help kick business along.
The Reef Hotel Casino: This is like paradise. One of Australia's most beautiful and scenic casinos. Claymore, a hot Celtic band brought in the new year for our friends.
Lasseters Hotel Casino: If your in that neck of the woods checking out Outback nature, you need to step in and play Cleo, and why not stay the night to see if you "get lucky". Then enjoy a breakfast of champions as your journey continues. Oh, a Slots Tournament every Tuesday night You've got to spin to win!
Australian Casino Directory List
New South Wales
Star City Casino (Sydney)
Victoria
Crown Casino (Melbourne)
Queensland
Conrad Treasury Casino (Brisbane)
Jupiters Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Jupiters Townsville Casino (Townsville)
The Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns)
South Australia
Skycity Adelaide (Adelaide)
Western Australia
Burswood Entertainment Complex aka Burswood Casino (Perth)
Tasmania
Wrest Point Hotel Casino (Hobart)
Country Club Casino (Launceston)
Australian Capital Territory
Casino Canberra (Canberra)
Northern Territory
Lasseters Hotel Casino (Alice Springs)
Skycity Darwin (formerly MGM Grand Casino) (Darwin)
Media Man International Profile On Australia
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australia.html
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)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
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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
Know the odds, set limits and 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
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1/01/2011
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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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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