Star City Casino strike New Year's Day - 31st December 2009

Staff at Sydney's Star City casino will walk off the job for one hour on New Year's Day as part of a continuing row over pay.

The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) says workers will strike from 8pm until 9pm (AEDT) in a bid to secure a higher pay offer, but a Star City spokesman says the casino will operate as usual.

"Staff have been negotiating with Star City for a new enterprise agreement for more than eight months," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Thursday.

"Star City staff have decided to take one-hour strike action from New Year's Day because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them."

But Star City spokesman Peter Grimshaw says only a small group of employees is expected to carry out the industrial action and the casino would operate as usual.

"Only 17 per cent of employees voted to strike so it will be business as usual at Star City," he said in a statement.

A LHMU spokeswoman told AAP on Thursday that further strikes could follow through January.

Star City staff have twice voted against previous pay offers made in September and December, the LHMU union said.

The union has previously said members have been offered a two per cent pay rise.

But Mr Grimshaw said the casino had "put a very fair offer on the table including a nine per cent increase in wages over three years and increased allowances".

"However, the union is trying to retain outdated work practices including loadings on sick leave," he said.

Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent to renovate the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent. (Credit: Wires, Fairfax Media, Google News, LHMU, Media Man)

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PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Award, by Greg Tingle - 30th December 2009

PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award

PartyCasino.com has once again been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".

The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both Captain Cooks Casino and Virgin Casino, however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com

The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Last month PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".

The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.

PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.

The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Rambo, The Godfather, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Hulk, Monopoly, Resident Evil and Mega Fortune Wheel. Last month a German casino player won the Gold Mega Jackpot of almost $5 million dollars playing Mega Fortune Wheel.

The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $1 million mark. Players can also compete for the Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.

PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Tarzan, High Noon and Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that pro wrestling themed online slot games are in the works and that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 3 months. Names been thrown around include Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, but those names are only rumors, however a print feature did showcase Andre earlier in the year, indicating that there is substance to the rumor mill. In any event, PartyCasino already has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.

In other exciting PartyGaming news, PartyPoker.com is currently running qualifiers to the L.A Poker Classic in the United States. PartyGaming's recent purchase of the World Poker Tour company and assets enables PartyGaming to once again accept American based poker players, and they are hopefully of soon accepting American casino players also. Both websites accept most European, South American and Australian players.

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

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

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PartyPoker Cash Machine Returns, Features Booster Bonus, by Dan Cypra - 29th December 2009

In January, PartyPoker, one of the world’s longstanding online poker sites, returns the popular Cash Machine promotion. This time, hardcore grinders will earn additional cash as part of a Booster Bonus.

The Cash Machine promotion last ran during the month of September and shelled out a bevy of added funds to PartyPoker players. The promotion returns on January 4th and will run through the end of the month. All players have to do is earn 10 or more PartyPoints on at least 10 days during the 28-day period. Then, PartyPoker officials will take a look at the PartyPoint totals of the 10 highest-earning days and match the lowest one at the rate of $1 per point.

As an example, if a player’s 10 highest PartyPoint total days were 100, 100, 100, 150, 150, 150, 200, 200, 200, and 200, PartyPoker would award a $100 cash bonus, matching the lowest amount. The minimum payout is $10 and there is no maximum amount that PartyPoker will match. For those players who are unable to meet the $10 minimum, a generous consolation prize exists. Text found on PartyPoker’s website explains, “If you can achieve 10 qualifying days of one PartyPoint or more, but fail to earn the minimum cash reward, we’ll give you a seat in our $25,000 Cash Machine freeroll, which takes place at 15:00 ET on Wednesday, 3rd February.”

The Cash Machine Booster Bonus is available to players who earn at least 1,000 PartyPoints per day on 20 out of the 28 days of the promotion. Players who earn between 1,000 and 1,500 PartyPoints for 20 days will earn a $500 Booster Bonus. Players who rack up between 1,500 and 2,000 PartyPoints for 20 days will get a $1,100 Booster Bonus. Players who amass between 2,000 and 2,500 PartyPoints for 20 days will take home a $2,000 Booster Bonus. Players who earn between 2,500 and 3,000 PartyPoints will receive a $3,000 Booster Bonus and those able to surpass 3,000 PartyPoints for 20 days will nab a colossal $5,000 Booster Bonus.

The Cash Machine is an opt-in promotion and players can register for it at any time prior to its conclusion. Once they opt in, PartyPoker will credit players with all PartyPoints earned during the 28 days, regardless of when they sign up. Each qualifying day runs from 00:00 ET to 23:59 ET and days do not have to be consecutive in order to count. All funds earned will be dropped into players’ accounts within 48 hours of the Cash Machine promotion ending.

One day prior to the Cash Machine promotion kicking off, the PartyPoker Monthly Million will play out. The $640 buy-in tournament takes place on the first Sunday of every month and boasts a Championship blind structure. Players begin with 20,000 chips and blinds start at 25-50. The price of poker increases every 20 minutes and antes kick in at Level 6, when blinds are 250-500.

Qualifiers for the Monthly Million run constantly on PartyPoker. Popular ways to enter include a daily Monthly Million Qualifier, a $70 buy-in satellite with at least 19 seats on the line. A Mega Friday Satellite also takes place weekly, featuring a $55 buy-in and 20 seats guaranteed. On Saturdays, two qualifiers take place on PartyPoker offering a combined 18 seats. Country-specific freerolls and daily player point qualifiers also send players to the Monthly Million. Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 3rd, the next running of the Monthly Million.

According to the traffic ranking site PokerScout.com, PartyPoker is the fourth largest site worldwide, with a seven-day running average of 4,500 real money ring game players. It is the second largest not to accept players from the United States, trailing only the massive iPoker Network.

PartyPoker claims World Poker Tour Host and new Poker Hall of Fame inductee Mike Sexton as its ambassador and is currently qualifying players for the L.A. Poker Classic. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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PartyGaming's PartyCasino To Release More Hollywood Blockbuster Online Slot Games In Early 2010, by Greg Tingle - 29th December 2009

PartyCasino.com will be releasing more Hollywood blockbuster online slot games early into the new year!

PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com is the undisputed leader in delivering Hollywood movie titles to the online casino environment.

Insiders close to the source advise that "Avatar" style technologies and games are in the works as is some pro wrestling themed action, and more slot games based on some of the most popular motion pictures of all time, many of which from Paramount Pictures.

The company assures that its Rambo, Terminator, Call Of Duty 4, and the casino's Live Dealer facility, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Let's take a look at some of the titles that Party brought from the big screen to its world famous online casino in the past 12 months:

The Godfather, Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, Rambo, Call Of Duty 4, Sinatra, Tarzan, The Terminator, Saturday Night Fever, King Kong, Gone With The Wind, High Noon, The Naked Gun, Resident Evil, and then there's the Marvel Comics line up: The Hulk, Thor, Fantastic Four and Spider-Man. As Stan Lee would say, Excelsior!

PartyCasino.com players can play more games for free or for money, and industry leading promotions such as PartyPoints and Palladium Lounge are also available, both of which has been popular with new players and the veteran VIP's.

Whatever your favorite games are, Party is likely to have them... slots, classics like Cleopatra, new age blockbusters like Mission: Impossible, table games with live dealers, baccarat, roulette, bingo, online poker and blackjack... PartyCasino.com has it all.

Classic slot players can't go past Cleopatra, Monopoly, Wheel Of Fortune, Cluedo, and the modern classics, Sinatra and Rambo.

World class jackpots are also available including the Marvel Hero Jackpot on a range of Marvel Entertainment themed slot games and the Gold Mega Jackpot, made famous via the exclusive Mega Fortune Wheel and The Godfather slot games.

Over the years PartyGaming has won numerous industry awards and commendations, recently winning an EGR Award for social responsibility and the prestigious Casino News Media "Online Casino of the Month" title.

PartyGaming was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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Melco: “Business in Macau is improving" - 28th December 2009

The chief executive of the local casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment, Rowen Craigie, assured that the business conditions in Macau are improving, Australian media reported on Thursday.

“There are indications that the business environment in Macau is improving,” he stressed during the company’s annual general meeting in Melbourne. “We see long term potential for the Macau market growth given its exposure to China.”

He stated that the recent trading at the Crown Melbourne and Burswood casinos continued to exhibit solid growth. Combined revenue from main floor gaming across the casinos from July 1 to October 21 rose about four percent on the previous corresponding period.

Non-gaming revenue across both properties had recovered somewhat and was now up about five percent over the same period compared. As well, VIP program play turnover across the two casinos was up about five percent.

“While a few domestic customer segments continue to exhibit some signs of softness – and in particular I refer to some corporate events and corporate hotel bookings – these impacts have been offset by growth in other customer segments such as consumer and leisure bookings,” he said.

He added that the casinos are amongst the best performing in the world and ongoing refurbishment and expansion programs will enhance revenue growth into the future.

Betting on Macau: tax, sex and casinos - 21st December 2009

Shielding his eyes from the midday glare, Lawrence Ho carefully removes his shoes and socks. Hitching suit trousers higher and leaving his two granite-faced bodyguards, the young tycoon steps out on to the beach. Bare feet crunch in the white sand as he makes for a deckchair.

"Before I built this, they told me that Chinese people don't like swimming pools," he says, gesturing back towards a twinkling, azure-tiled pool with a Chinese couple splashing around in it. "But that's not true. They told me Chinese people don't like the sun. I mean ... come on, that's not true, either."

A few moments later, his toes satisfactorily wiggled into the sand, Mr Ho's stint of leisure is finished: he must now attend to the infinitely more important business of leisure. There are 300 million people living immediately over the border in mainland China and, at some point over the next few years, he reckons, they will want to come to Macau for a good time. The question is whether they will come for the pool as well as the baccarat.

The thick-necked heavies approach Mr Ho with fluffy white towels, relieved that he is off the deckchair and back under their jurisdiction. The beach, needless to say, is fake -- a five-star whim built at eye-watering expense atop Macau's ritziest complex, the City of Dreams. Not far beneath Mr Ho's feet is what he hopes will finance the rooftop folly: a brand new casino and the unshakable Chinese appetite for gambling. Does he fancy joining me downstairs for a flutter on the tables? "I don't gamble," the 32-year-old gaming kingpin says with a straight face, "because I know the odds."

So, too, do most of Mr Ho's guests, though that does not seem to stop them wagering millions on the turn of a card. "The Chinese people are some of the smartest at maths in the world, but they stop believing in it when they come here," Mr Ho says. "They come through the door of a casino (and) all that maths vanishes."

That willing amnesia, and the culture of superstition that infuses Chinese gambling, are directly shaping the business strategy of Melco Crown, the gaming empire jointly founded by Mr Ho and James Packer, of the Australian media dynasty.

On Macau's casino floors, comfortably the most popular game is baccarat. A huge weight of tradition accompanies the way in which the player turns the final card -- more often than not it is bent in half for good luck. The casino (and every other one in town) throws away a whole pack of cards after every game. Cards are a pretty significant running cost. Mr Ho says with a sigh: "The Chinese really like to destroy them, because they think it will change their luck."

But where superstition is involved, the wise man does not complain but panders. "Our goal is to provide fun and excitement and an atmosphere where guests feel excited but also -- and this is important -- to make them feel lucky. Auspiciousness is very important in this part of the world," he says, justifying the way that the City of Dreams has begun morphing its decor and campaigns.

The shows, for example, have been given a "lucky" dragon flavour. The water theme that pervades the complex, he says, is critical. Unlike foreign operators such as Wynn and Las Vegas Sands, which have arrived in Macau with "cookie cutter" versions of US casinos, Mr Ho believes that his is more directly playing to the Asian gallery. He says: "Water is one of those feng shui auspicious things in Chinese culture."

Mr Ho's ability to read Chinese gambling culture should not really come as any surprise. He is, after all, the eldest son of Stanley Ho -- the colourful 87-year-old gaming patriarch who controlled Macau's casino monopoly for 40 years until it was broken up in 2002. Even now, with that monopoly unbundled and operators such as Lawrence allowed to compete with the old man, Stanley Ho's company retains a 30 per cent share of Macau's $US14 billion ($15.75bn) annual gaming revenues.

Are Ho family gatherings the competitive infernos suggested in the local press? Mr Ho is cautious: "Every single big family has its own disagreements. When we all sit down together we talk about business ... less. When I sit with my father it is more like father and son than two competitors trying to chew each other's heads off."

Since the northern hemisphere summer, the future of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM), the former gaming monopoly, has been the subject of much speculation. In July, Stanley Ho apparently fell and incurred substantial injuries. He has remained in hospital since then, visited only by his close family, a clan that comprises 17 children. Some believe that they will fight tooth and nail for control of SJM, should the old tycoon's health deteriorate.

Yesterday, to widespread surprise, Mr Ho appeared in public, frail, pushed in a wheelchair, but unequivocally alive. Many will read much into who was pushing the wheelchair, but the patriarch's presence was significant in itself. Macau's gaming industry has flourished because it has, with a few wrinkles, pleased Beijing. Stanley Ho is believed to have played a critical role in maintaining those good relations.

Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of the handover of Macau from Portuguese to Chinese control, and Hu Jintao, the Chinese President, flew in from Beijing to oversee the event. It included the official inauguration of Fernando Chui, Macau's new chief executive and a great ally of Stanley Ho.

But even if the influence of its patriarch wanes, Macau stands on the brink of another phase of blistering change. The past decade of Chinese rule has seen economic progress at a clip few imagined possible and operators such as the younger Mr Ho believe that people should get used to the pace. Certainly, Macau's growth will be regulated at the pleasure of Beijing, and it has more than enough tools to cool things down if it chooses. But for the moment, at least, China wants Macau to succeed as a Special Administrative Region like Hong Kong: it stands as proof that the "one country, two systems" structure works.

"Remember, too, that the biggest shareholder in Macau's gaming industry is the government, with its tax rate of 40 per cent," Mr Ho says.

The city has overtaken Las Vegas as the gambling capital of the world. Macau's ability to defy the global slump fulfils a prediction made by Mr Ho this time last year that was roundly derided by many. "My bold and idiotic prediction of growth has come true," he says.

Five days ago, ground was broken on a new bridge that will connect Macau to Hong Kong and shorten the journey time from one hour by sea to only 20 minutes. Next year work will begin on a light railway that will improve significantly the flow of people around the city.

"Macau's biggest constraint right now is infrastructure. We get about 30 million people per year. These 30 million people are arriving into an infrastructure that was exactly the same when the visitor numbers were 10 million, so there is a major stretch in the market ... there haven't even been new taxi licences for ten years. The bridge will be a major transformational event," Mr Ho says, waving his arm out at the dilapidated ferry terminal and congested roads.

The private sector, particularly the integrated resort operators, such as Melco Crown, believe they have a starring role in the new Macau story. It is young chief executives such as Mr Ho, with his plans for a children's area, nightclubs and more shows, who hope to convert Macau from a sleazy den of hardcore gamblers to a mass-market leisure destination. The process will be gradual. Macau's casinos still make 80 per cent of their revenues from VIP customers who neither play on the main floors nor stay especially long.

For all of the billions that have been invested in places such as the City of Dreams and the Venetian across the road, the average visitor to Macau stays only 1.5 nights -- a figure that contrasts unflatteringly with the 3.5 average of Las Vegas. The unyieldingly static nature of that number would seem to be a poor argument for building a resort with 1400 luxury hotel rooms.

"No. Macau has a great potential to be a multistay market. The problem with Macau was supply constraints," he says, railing against the shoddy, overpriced rooms that visitors used to be forced into. "For Macau to take the next step, it must have more non-gaming revenue. There are people who go to Vegas who never go to a casino. In order for Macau to go there, it is really going to be supply driven, so we need more rooms."

Does that mean that Macau can afford to lose its vigorous sex industry and the sordid glamour that many see as part of the city's charms? "No," Mr Ho says, "it comes hand in hand. On one hand we do want to create more of a family-type atmosphere. But inevitably ... there is going to be an adult-related component." Equally, Macau's casinos may find it hard to shed the influence of the so-called junket operators: agents who bring in the high rollers, extend them lines of credit and take a healthy commission. Many view the operators as sitting somewhere between legitimate travel agents and vicious loan sharks.

Over time, Mr Ho says, that system will change -- it may already have started. The trick is not to allow the pace of growth in Macau to be confused with more fundamental change. For casinos such as the City of Dreams, the junkets provide a useful service.

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PartyCasino: The Top Ten Online Slot Games, by Greg Tingle - December 2009

The top ten online slot games by PartyCasino.com for the month of December 2009 are:

Rambo

Tarzan

Cleopatra

Mission: Impossible

Monopoly

Sinatra

Call Of Duty 4

Top Gun

Thor

The Hulk

The runner up online slot games are:

Resident Evil

Spider-Man

Mega Fortune Wheel

Ramesses Riches

Bejeweled

PartyCasino.com offers unique promotions and player rewards which are widely regarded as the best in the industry. Players can enjoy rewards and bonuses with PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge, both of which have generous rewards year round and are popular with both new and experienced players, so whether a casino virgin or VIP old hand at the games, there's something for you.

PartyGaming is the parent company of PartyCasino, established in 1997, and is the most successful online company in the world, listed on the London Stock Exchange and winner of numerous EGR Awards, in addition to Casino News Media and Media Man awards and commendations.

Players from most countries can access PartyCasino and PartyPoker. PartyCasino is ranked by many authorities as being the superior online casino for Australia, Europe and South America.

PartyCasino is hopeful of accepting paid American players in 2010, however PartyGaming made a successful purchase of the World Poker Tour late this year allowing players to become more familiar with PartyGaming products and services the world over.

Most games can be played for free or played for money and are available in a range of multi language and multi currency options. PartyGaming's call centre is open around the clock 24/7/365.

Jackpot offerings include Gold Mega Jackpot, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot.

Major innovations at PartyCasino.com include Live Dealer and Single Wallet, and 2010 will see "Avatar" like technologies arrive.

Latest games include the Call Of Duty 4 slot and Melon Madness jackpot slot. 2010 will deliver more Hollywood themed classics, and rumors suggest to be on the lookout for games including pro wrestling also, be it Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan or Ric Flair. Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan actually purchased the rights to use the name "Hulk" from Marvel Comics in the 80's, but that's another story. Certainly Party do have positive history in wrestling, Hollywood and Marvel Comics circles. This is evidenced in the public domain not only by The Hulk slot game, but also by Stallone's Rambo slot, Tom Cruise's Top Gun slot and Schwarzenegger's The Terminator. Terminator Salvation features Australia's Sam Worthington, and insiders predict more Terminator games may be on the way.

PartyGaming is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar, with offices around the world, and have been at the leading edge of innovation, customer service and all round excellence for over a decade. Players and partners alike can be assured they are in safe hands at PartyGaming.

Don't just play the games, "Feel it"... experience the world's leading online casino games at PartyCasino.com

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Sydney Star City Casino workers vote to strike - 22nd December 2009

Staff at Sydney's Star City casino have voted to take industrial action over pay, frustrated over a two per cent rise offered by management.

The LHMU hospitality union says staff in the next few days are likely to decide exactly what action to take and when.

"Star City staff have decided on strike action because they are frustrated by the casino's unfair wage offer and management's refusal to listen to them," LHMU NSW branch secretary Mark Boyd said in a statement on Tuesday night.

"The casino put its offer to a vote of all staff in September and earlier this month. Star City staff voted overwhelmingly `no' twice to the casino's unfair pay offer.

"Star City is refusing to listen to its staff who just want a decent pay rise and don't want to lose any of their conditions.

"The decision to consider action is not taken lightly but staff feel it is their last resort."

Mr Boyd said $575 million was being spent renovating the venue, its top executives were paid $2.6 million and the casino's last quarter revenue was up 11.6 per cent.

No one was available for comment at Star City on Tuesday night. (Credit: Wires, Google News, AP)

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Crown bans 2 Carlton players - The Age - 23rd December 2009

Two Carlton footballers have been banned from Crown after an alleged drunken scuffle with a woman and a security guard at the casino.

Ryan Houlihan and Andrew Walker were staying at the Promenade Hotel at Crown overnight on Saturday when they were thrown out.

A witness to the alleged incident said Houlihan was walking around the hotel's lift lobby in his underwear about 3am when staff asked him to return to his room.

Minutes later, he said, screams could be heard when Houlihan, 27, became involved in a dispute with a woman and a security guard intervened.

Walker, 23, allegedly then became involved in the fight with the security officer before two bell boys and back-up security officers arrived. (Credit: The Age)

*Click here for the full article at The Age

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Virgin Casino Gets Super Hero Slot Games, by Greg Tingle - December 2009

Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo see new games rolled out thanks to a deal signed with giant software provider, Cryptologic.

Cryptologic's popular The Hulk, Spider-Man and Fantastic Four have leapt into action at Richard Branson's Virgin Games operation.

History buffs will be interested to know that it was living legend, Stan Lee, who was a driving force in developing many of the Marvel super hero characters over the decades. Lee also appears in Marvel motion pictures from time to time, usually in cameo roles.

"Big brands drive player popularity and that is why Cryptologic is excited to launch a game based on Superman, one of the most iconic brands of the entertainment world," said the President and CEO of Cryptologic, Brian Hadfield.

Other new games to be found at Virgin Casino include NextGen Gaming's Blankety Blank and The Price is Right, Cryptologic's Cubis, Virtue Fusion's Dynamite Digger and Ash Gaming's Rubik's Slot.

Virgin Games offer a rewards system, V*Points, which is regarded as one of the industry top reward programs.

2010 will see more new games released at Virgin, and be on the lookout for more Marvel hero themed movies to hit the cinema including Thor and Iron-Man II, and don't be surprised to see more super hero themed games to hit Virgin in the coming months. As Stan Lee says, EXCELSIOR!

Play for free or play for money at Richard Branson's Virgin Games.

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

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PartyCasino, Virgin Casino and Captain Cooks Casino compete for Online Casino of the Month title

PartyCasino, Virgin Casino and Captain Cooks Casino compete for Online Casino of the Month title

Three of the world's most popular online casinos have made the Casino News Media shortlist for the prestigious Online Casino of the Month title.

The Casino News Media monthly award is based upon a number of factors which include game play, game range, customer service, ethics, affiliate offerings and all round customer experience.

Casino News Media does have a business relationship with all three casino brands, as they do with dozens of brands in the casino and online casino sector.

Europe's InterCasino.com and PKR closely follow the leaders this month, however InterCasino and PKR are tipped to both be in a position to take out the winners trophy in the coming months, as both online casinos have made substantial improvements in the past few weeks and positive feedback has come in on both companies. PKR's revamp and InterCasino's new DC Comics Super Hero themed slots have really got both casinos back in contention for numerous industry awards.

This month PartyCasino added more games and features and was praised by numerous players and industry figures, and Virgin Casino has added approximately a dozen games including Marvel classics, The Hulk, Spider-Man and Fantastic Four.

Casino News Media is part of the Media Man group which includes Global Gaming Directory.

The Casino News Media award winner for December 2009 will be announced in earlier January 2010.

*PartyCasino does not accept U.S players
*Virgin Casino does not accept U.S or Australian players
*InterCasino does not accept U.S players

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2009 World Poker Tour Year in Review, by Earl Burton - 14th December 2009

For the World Poker Tour (WPT), 2009 was a year of incredible highs, but the organization was also faced with issues away from the felt that had to be overcome for the company to remain viable in other arenas.

Without a doubt, the biggest news of 2009 for the WPT was the sale of the popular poker tour. In what turned out to be a frenetic bidding war, WPTE, the tour’s parent company, received an offer in August from Gamynia Limited for around $9 million. Officials from the WPT’s parent company accepted the offer from Gamynia, but the battle was just beginning. A second offer from Party Gaming, which upped the ante to $12.3 million, eclipsed Gamynia and made it appear that the former online gaming giant would be the one to take over ownership of the WPT. As a part of this deal, there a $1 million cash advance would allow WPT to opt out of its deal with Gamynia.

As the deal with Party Gaming was moving towards completion, a third bid for the WPT came to light. As stockholders prepared to approve the agreed upon sale to Party Gaming in October, Mandalay Entertainment (not a part of the Mandalay Bay hotel ownership) stunned the poker world by issuing a bid for the WPT to the tune of $36.5 million. After reviewing the respective bids, the stockholders bypassed the Mandalay Entertainment offer and approved the sale of the WPT to Party Gaming. As of the end of 2009, it isn’t known how Party Gaming will utilize its ownership of the WPT.

In news away from the felt, the WPT was looking for an outlet to continue to air its popular tournament schedule. The one-year deal with Fox Sports Net was renegotiated in February and ensured that the WPT would continue to be on television for Season 8. In addition to the deal with Fox Sports Net, the WPT was also able to bring on Full Tilt Poker as a major sponsor of its broadcasts, marking the first time that the tour had aligned itself directly with an online poker room. Previously, sites had been sponsors of individual stops on the WPT, but never the entirety of the tour itself.

At the start of 2009, WPTE was facing a de-listing from the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York because its shares were not trading above the required $1 level. WPTE was given an extension due to the travails of the financial world in late 2008 and, by the middle of 2009, it had returned its stock to the required levels to maintain the seat on the NASDAQ. It was officially removed upon the sale to Party Gaming.

On the tables, the WPT continued to provide quality events, albeit with a drop in actual tournament attendance. Numbers for WPT events were down as much as 25%, but this was attributed to the global economic recession for the most part. The smaller numbers ensured that there were quality fields that took part in each stop of the WPT through the end of Season 7 and the beginning of Season 8.

Veterans of the poker world such as Freddy Deeb (WPT Invitational), Steve Brecher (Bay 101 Shooting Star), and Vadim Trincher (Foxwoods Poker Classic), all earned championships as Season 7 began to wind down. In April, the WPT Championship crowned up and coming poker superstar Yevgeniy “Jovial Gent” Timoshenko as its latest winner and also bestowed the title of WPT Player of the Year to Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier.

After taking its traditional summer break, the WPT came back for Season Eight, with players such as Alexandre Gomes (Bellagio Cup) and Prahlad Friedman (Legends of Poker) taking down titles. After a stirring run at the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, Tommy Vedes demonstrated why he is considered to be one of the most underrated players in the game when he captured the title at the Festa al Lago in October. In perhaps the best calendar year run on the WPT, Cornel Andrew Cimpan claimed two WPT titles, the L.A. Poker Classic during Season 7 in February and the Foxwoods World Poker Finals during Season 8 in November.

Finally, the WPT put the “World” back into its moniker by hosting several tournaments in Europe. WPT Europe crossed the continent, ranging from such traditional gaming areas as Barcelona and Venice to exotic locales like Cyprus and Marrakech. These tournaments were warmly received, with strong European contingents filling out the fields alongside many of the best in poker from the United States.

With the new ownership of Party Gaming in its pocket, the future for the WPT is definitely bright. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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Casino News Media - Media Man - Global Gaming Directory - News Update - 14th December 2009

PartyGaming in talks with Bwin: Merger deal possible

PartyPoker Offering 25 Aussie Millions Prize Packages

Global Gaming Directory rolls out .com, .net and .org, as part of global media and marketing plan

Mission: Impossible slot game is Casino News Media online game of the month

Betfair teams up with Australian cricket industry on Pink Pigeon campaign

Virgin Games release swag of new games, but U.S and Aussie players can't play: Blankety Blank, The Price is Right, The X Factor, Super Hoot Loot, Cubis, Bar-X Magic 7, Bar-X bonus Ladder,
Ramesses Riches, Dragon Master, Irish eyes, Dolphin Reef, Emerald isle, Spiderman, The Hulk,
Fantastic Four, Rubik's Cube, Deal or no Deal and Big Brother

Richard Branson - still chasing Camelot Lottery deal with partners

Calvin Ayre - makes news in National Post

Greg Tingle - makes news via Hulkamania, Tiger Woods and PartyPoker Aussie Millions angle on WotNews

Stewart Scott - PartyPoker.com face for Australia exceeds expectations

Hulk Hogan interested to do more gaming and igaming deals, adding to The Hulkamania Experience slot and history with Marvel "Hulk" purchase; Australia's NextGen Gaming may release Andre The Giant game for online environment

Sylvester Stallone sells his art to casino king Steve Wynn, Sly keen to expand online gaming deals whilst Wynn's not keen on online gambling sector; Could Arnold Schwarzenegger get involved in talks

James Packer remains positive on Macau City Of Dreams project; May purchase U.S casinos while prices are down

Joe Hachem articles in The Age well received; Punters and industry prefers Hachem's articles over The Poker Star TV show on ONE HD

Playtech - Sega teaming expected to product a Sonic online slot game next year

PKR Poker continues to sign up more players to spearhead brand push

Betfair continues with business growth, despite ongoing court cases; Betfair will be available at Australia Post outlets

European gaming companies remain keen to expand into Asia Pacific, Australian region; PartyGaming, PKR, William Hill, Betfair, Centrebet leading the way

Harrah’s Entertainment ramps up online gaming with new online casino and site revamps

Media Man website network expands to 18 website portals with more on the way, Media Man website traffic continues to exceed 3 million hits per month with Google top ten domination and Hitwise status

Search Engines: Players and industry prefer natural and organic results over sponsored listings

Multi Currency Casino big hit with online punters

Global Gaming Directory moves in on World Casino Directory territory

Events - Aussie Millions in Melbourne, Australia January 2010; iGaming SuperShow this June 2010 in Prague

Casino Legal: U.S. Congress’ House Financial Services Committee hears out Barney Frank

Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia: Detractors point to a series of crimes at Crown over the years, Crown Casino top brass advises press more serious problems fixed; Gambling whale Harry Kakavas looses court casino against Crown and staying quite on matter

Marvel Entertainment - Disney: Investors to vote on offer

Marvel Entertainment: Thor, Captain America, Avengers and Iron Man II upcoming movies expected to further grow Marvel online slot games sector

Mobile gaming: PartyGaming, Playtech, Slotland and others advise mobile gaming market still growing

Las Vegas: Experts advise Vegas casinos should have better adapted to online casino and gaming market

Microgaming Wins Award for Innovation and Independent Thinking

Captain Cooks Casino continues to add more games, Remains a leader in Asia Pacific region

Star City Casino enjoys mainstream positive exposure via boxing champion Danny Green

City Of Dreams may host major pro wrestling event: WWE or TNA in 2010

Jackpots: PartyCasino Gold Mega Jackpot hit for 5 million; CasinoClub player wins €76,000, Virgin Casino ramps up MegaJackpots and overall jackpot offerings, and comp heats up

IGT: International Gaming Technology continues to see games adapted for online casino sector

Casino Kings: Casino billionaire Stanley Ho is recovering, son says

Crown remains interested to build casino at Mildura: $300 million dollar project

Dubai: Marvel Comics themed multi million dollar complex planned but debt may delay construction for years

Live Dealer innovation proves popular for PartyCasino.com

Portals: Internet portal strategy the way forward for casino and online casino sector

PartyCasino wins Casino News Media Online Casino Of The Month; Captain Cooks Casino and Virgin Casino run ups

Media companies further integrate gaming and igaming sector into business model, Early signs of success

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PartyPoker Offering 25 Aussie Milllions Prize Packages, by Jessica Welman - 12th December 2009

Ever since the popular online poker room PartyPoker signed 2009 Aussie Millions Main Event winner Stewart Scott as one of its sponsored pros, it has gone out of its way to promote both online and brick and mortar poker in Australia.

This weekend, PartyPoker is offering players a chance to win one of 25 seats in the 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event for just $600. On Sunday, December 13th, the site will host two separate online satellites, one for citizens of Australia and New Zealand and one that is open to the rest of the PartyPoker customer base. Both will feature a $600 + $40 buy-in, although many players will have won their way into the tournaments for much less since the site has been running micro-satellites.

The Aussie-only tournament will give away five tournament packages, each valued at $12,000. The package includes buy-in to the AUD $10,000 Aussie Millions Main Event, hotel accommodations at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne, and $500 to be put towards travel expenses. The tournament will begin at 2:45am ET.

The open field tournament will get underway a little later in the day at 2:30pm ET. It will reward seats to the top 20 finishers and offer a slightly more lucrative version of the Aussie Millions prize package. In addition to the buy-in and the hotel accommodations, the package will also include $3,500 to cover travel expenses. Should a non-Aussie take part in the early tournament, PartyPoker will not offer any additional money to cover travel expenses. Conversely, if a player from Australia or New Zealand wins one of the $15,000 packages, they will still receive the full $3,500 to cover travel.

Stewart Scott commented on the satellite tournaments in an official statement from PartyPoker: “I’ve been playing at PartyPoker.com for five years. These great packages are an amazing opportunity for other players to play in this huge tournament. Claiming the Aussie Millions title has been the highlight of my career and I’d love to see another PartyPoker.com player take the title.”

PartyPoker gave away 96 seats to the Aussie Millions in November as part of the site’s Gladiator promotion. The players who earned at least 1,000 PartyPoints each day in November won their way into the event and the site doled out even more seats as part of a series of online tournaments featuring Scott.

Scott is the reigning Aussie Millions Champion and the first local player to win the tournament since it took on its new moniker and became one of the premiere events on the international tournament circuit. In January, Scott defeated a field of 681 players to take down the AUD $2 million first place prize. Peter Rho of Las Vegas finished in second place and earned AUD $1 million. Other past winners of the Aussie Millions include Alexander Kostritsyn of Russia and Team Full Tilt member Gus Hansen. Last year’s event also played home to one of the biggest live cash games in history with a minimum buy-in of AUD $1 million.

The previous Aussie Millions event boasted a guaranteed first place prize of AUD $2 million. The Crown Casino is expecting an even larger turnout than 2009 and the tournament’s official website is predicting more than 800 runners in the upcoming Main Event. There will also be a host of side events, including an AUD $100,000 buy-in High Rollers Event, a Heads-Up Event, and several Pot Limit Omaha events. In total, the Crown will offer 20 different tournaments from January 14th to 31st, including the Main Event, which will run from January 24th to 30th. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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25 LUXURY AUSSIE MILLIONS PACKAGES GUARANTEED AT PARTYPOKER THIS WEEKEND

25 LUXURY AUSSIE MILLIONS PACKAGES GUARANTEED AT PARTYPOKER.COM THIS WEEKEND!

Gibraltar – 10th December 2009 – This weekend marks the last chance to qualify online at PartyPoker.com for the 2010 Aussie Millions in Melbourne. Seen as one of poker’s majors, the Main Event is a highlight of the world live circuit and the leading online poker room is going completely Aussie crazy this Sunday!

PartyPoker.com is offering the chance to win one of 25 luxury Aussie Millions main event packages. These fantastic dream trips will be up for grabs in two amazing $600+40 satellites on Sunday 13th December. One will be timed to suit Australia and New Zealand-based players at 02.45ET with FIVE packages guaranteed worth $12,000, while the other is scheduled at 14.30ET to give players from the rest of the world the chance to win one of 20 guaranteed packages worth $15,000.

PartyPoker.com Australia Ambassador Stewart Scott is the defending champion and there is a chance to emulate his success in Melbourne next year. Stewart said: “I’ve been playing at PartyPoker.com for five years. These great packages are an amazing opportunity for other players to play in this huge tournament. Claiming the Aussie Millions title has been the highlight of my career and I’d love to see another PartyPoker.com player take the title.”

Scott, 37, from Queensland, Australia, made history in January 2009 by becoming the first Australian in the modern era to take down the Aussie Millions Main Event, scooping US$1,865,724. Scott is a loyal member of PartyPoker.com’s VIP club the Palladium Lounge. He made his debut representing the leading online poker room at the PokerNews Cup in Melbourne earlier this month.

Scott is married with one daughter and started life as a gourmet chef in Adelaide, with a period running a small IT business as he honed his skills online. He made his first impact on the live circuit in 2006 by winning a satellite series at SkyCity Casino in Adelaide that awarded him a $30,000 package for the WSOP Main Event. Stewart is a popular figure on the Australian poker circuit and is well known for his relaxed attitude but killer instinct at the table.

® AUSSIE MILLIONS, AUSSIE MILLIONS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP and CROWN Device and associated trade marks are trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement, is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not affiliated, licensed, by, or otherwise affiliated with Crown Melbourne Limited in any way.

World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.

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Melco Crown says no plans to raise equity - 9th December 2009

HONG KONG - Macau casino operator Melco Crown Entertainment does not plan to raise capital through the equity market, but will refinance its debt through bonds and bank loans by the middle of 2010, its chief financial officer said on Wednesday.

Melco Crown, a joint venture between Hong Kong-listed Melco International Development Ltd. and Australia's Crown Ltd , would be able to "carry comfortably" $US1.5 to 2 billion ($A1.65 to 2.2 billion) of debt on its balance sheet, CFO Simon Dewhurst told Reuters in an interview.

Melco Crown's stock has nearly halved since it hit its highest level in more than a year on September 23 on concerns about potential fund-raising. In contrast shares of Galaxy Entertainment Group slipped 8.2 per cent in the period.

Macau casino revenues could rise 20 to 25 per cent by the end of 2010 from 2009 levels, on the back of strong economic growth in neighbouring China, Dewhurst said.

"If we assume that China is growing at 10 per cent year-on-year, the gaming industry in Macau will grow for the next 20 years at 20 per cent," Dewhurst said. "I have never found a better proxy for consumer behaviour in China than the Macau gambling story."

Crown shares closed 1.76 lower to $7.79, against a 0.70 per cent decline in the benchmark index. (Credit: Wires, Google News, Reuters, Fairfax)

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Melbourne casino 'not a convent' - 8th December 2009

Melbourne's Crown Casino says it operates within the law despite reports of criminal activity at the complex.

A police report from 2007, obtained under freedom of information laws, highlighted money laundering, prostitution and cheating are among the crimes committed at the casino over a three-year period.

Crown Casino spokesman, Gary O'Neil, says the casino is heavily regulated and has been found to operate within the law.

"There is more legislation, regulation, rules to be followed and adhered to, than any other business. And we do."

"We are put to the test, and the test is the VCGR have to determine whether we are a sufficiently well-regulated operation to deserve to continue to hold the licence, and they did that," he said.

He says the casino meets all the required standards for operation.

"I might say that I believe this casino is probably the best managed and the best regulated of any casino that I've experienced anywhere in the world," he said.

"But we are a casino. We are not the Star of the Sea convent. Things do go on. But we meet our obligations and our responsibilities in those areas."

He says the accusation of money laundering is two years old and the casino has done a lot of work to fix that problem.

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PARTYPOKER STEWART SCOTT AUSSIE MILLIONS SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND: PARTYPOKER PROMOTIONS

**The PartyPoker.com Monthly Million is a $1 million guaranteed online poker tournament every first Sunday of the month. The next Monthly Million takes place on Sunday 6 December at 12.45 ET (17.45 GMT, 18.45 CET) and features a championship blind structure. The buy-in is $600+$40 but the diverse qualifying paths means you can join the qualifiers from as little as $1. The wide range of qualifiers includes $64+$4 daily satellites with a total of 18 seats guaranteed per day, a MEGA Friday $50+$5 satellite that guarantees 20 seats and Super Satellite Saturday qualifiers with a $32+$3 buy-in and a total of 18 seats guaranteed that day. The paths into the Monthly Million are many – check out PartyPoker.com

STEWART SCOTT AUSSIE MILLIONS SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND

Gibraltar – December 3rd 2009 – The final Stewart Scott Aussie Millions Special qualifier on PartyPoker.com takes place this weekend on Sunday 6 December at 03.05 ET (19.05 AEST) with a buy-in of $6+$1.

In this tournament PartyPoker.com will be giving away seats to Aussie Millions qualifiers. First place will win a $640 seat, second place gets a seat at the $128 qualifier, while third will claim a $70 qualifier seat. Top ranking players will also receive prize money from the buy-in pool and there’s also a $70 bounty if you’re the player who knocks Stewart out.

Stewart said: “I warmed-up by winning the bounty tournament on Tuesday and look forward to hosting this tournament which offers a great value route into the 2010 Aussie Millions!”

Stewart also plays in the $64+$6 Aussie Millions ANZ Friendly Satellite Qualifier at 04.05 ET (19.05 AEST) every Tuesday and Thursday. There’s a $70 bounty on Stewart’s head if a player eliminates him.

For more information on the many paths to Melbourne, including PartyPoint and freeroll options, see PartyPoker.com. As ever, PartyPoker.com provides diverse qualifying structures, which can start from as little as just $1.

PartyPoker.com is offering the chance to win one of 25 luxury Aussie Millions main event packages. These fantastic dream trips will be up for grabs in two amazing $600+40 satellites on Sunday 13th December. One will be timed to suit Australia and New Zealand-based players with FIVE packages guaranteed worth $12,000, while the other is scheduled to give players from the rest of the world the chance to win one of 20 guaranteed packages worth $15,000.

For more information see: PartyPoker.com

Scott, 37, from Queensland, Australia, made history in January 2009 by becoming the first Australian in the modern era to take down the Aussie Millions Main Event, scooping US$1,865,724. Scott is a loyal member of PartyPoker.com’s VIP club the Palladium Lounge. He made his debut representing the leading online poker room at the PokerNews Cup in Melbourne in September. Scott is married with one daughter and started life as a gourmet chef in Adelaide, with a period running a small IT business as he honed his skills online. He made his first impact on the live circuit in 2006 by winning a satellite series at SkyCity Casino in Adelaide that awarded him a $30,000 package for the WSOP Main Event. Stewart is a popular figure on the Australian poker circuit and is well known for his relaxed attitude but killer instinct at the table.


® AUSSIE MILLIONS, AUSSIE MILLIONS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP and CROWN Device and associated trade marks are trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement, is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not affiliated, licensed, by, or otherwise affiliated with Crown Melbourne Limited in any way.

World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.

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Crown Casino pockets $10 million thanks to Tiger Woods following; Hulkamania runs wild at Crown's Burswood, by Greg Tingle - 3rd December 2009

Crown Casino hit the jackpot during Tiger Woods' Melbourne visit bringing in $10 million from five golf enthusiast Chinese gamblers.

The Chinese punters were invited to a private golf lesson with Tiger at Crown's Capital Golf Club, which was of course an offer they couldn't refuse.

Gaming commentators advise the tax payable on the $10 mill loss went close to covering the Brumby Government's $1.5 million contribution to the Tiger Woods visit alone.

Crown, which was host to Woods and his entourage throughout the Australian Masters, is also cashing in on the world-wide publicity over the golfing legend's alleged fling with New York party girl Rachel Uchitel. Wood's has gone into lock-down mode and has cancelled many public appearances since the scandal broke.

Earlier this year team Crown Casino got some nice media rub off when Hollywood power couple Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible, Top Gun et al) and Katie Holmes (Don't Be Afraid of the Dark) stayed at Crown Towers, and in addition last March Crown Casino king pin James Packer talked shop with Richard Branson and was more than happy to pose for photographers at the Melbourne Grand Prix. Mr Packer remains busy with his overseeing of Macau's City Of Dreams, campaigning for a polo club and complex at Manor Farm in England, and family life. Media Man was surprised that wrestling legends Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair were not spotted at Crown in their Melbourne leg of Hulkamania Let The Battle Begin, but they did get to do their own version of WrestleMania at Mr Packer's Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth last week, which left "The Hulkster" and "The Nature Boy" a bloody and bruised mess. Incidentally, Hogan and Flair both have some gaming business deals on the go. Hogan has his Hulkamania Experience slot game in some U.S casinos and a Hulkamania mobile game in the works while Flair fronts the NC Education Lottery with his Woooooo! instant win scratchie. Hogan is probably most famous for his feud with the late, great, Andre The Giant (who NextGen Gaming are said to be developing a themed game). Hogan and Flair are also featured in the WWE's WWE Legends Of Wrestlemania (which is a non gambling game). Once can imagine Hulk and Flair sharing a tear for The Tiger, or at least a thought, as both wrestlers have had their fair share of marriage challenges in the past. We're pleased to report that Mr Flair recently tied the knot in Vegas, and The King of Hulkamania (and Roostermania) is looking to marry his new woman in the near future. Hogan flashed his Miss a diamond ring last week. The question remains, are diamonds forever? Hogan, Flair and Woods are likely hoping that's the case.

Only a fortune teller would know why Crown Casino makes news headlines next, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the powers that be will be hoping it's in a balanced or positive news media capacity, rather than attack journalism style which got Mr Packers' ire a few months ago at that notorious media bash. Channel Seven's Today Tonight has stopped running negative stories on the Packer empire and the man, since JP gave David Leckie the message at the Sydney Opera House. These things of course gave author-journalist Paul Barry more fodder and media buzz for his Who Wants To Be a Billionaire tale.

On a lighter note, poker fans, newbies or champions may be interested to know that Crown Casino Aussie Million Poker Championship qualifiers are available from online poker sites such as PartyPoker.com, the poker powerhouse by world's leading online gaming firm, PartyGaming. Aussie Millions kicks off in January 2010, and those in the know are tipping the upcoming Aussie Millions will be the biggest and best yet, and likely the most profitable for Crown (and the winner). Mr Packer and his army are pushing for a national poker week to be added to the Australian sporting calender. Certainly the star power will be there...the informed rumor mills says Shane Warne, Joe Hachem, Jeff Fenech, Doyle Brunson, Mike Sexton, Paris Hilton and Pam Anderson will all be present at this years Aussie Millions, but in what capacity remains to be seen however you can bet it will be a hell of a party. Defending champion Stewart Scott, now front-man for PartyPoker, is locked into defending his crown, pardon the pun. PartyGaming sees the Crown Aussie Millions tie in with it's PartyPoker sponsored champ as a way to boost the awareness of many Party brands in the Asia Pacific, and has huge plans in the region for their award winning PartyCasino that has developed a huge patronage down under. Media Man former client and eyes and ears of the poker world, Keith "Bendigo" Sloan is said to know the skinny on all sorts of things re Crown these days, including guests, poker TV show productions, internet strategy, media deals and more. In any event, the upcoming Aussie Millions is not one to miss, so mark it down in your calender now.

Bean counters seem to think that will all the excitement at Crown that the Crown shares will once again be on the upswing. We here at Media Man hope they are right on the money.

*The writer does own Crown Casino (Crown Limited) shares and has conducted b2b with a number of arms of PartyGaming

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