Professional wrestling living legend, 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair, has expanded on his gambling and gaming deals. Enter South Carolina Education Lottery.
As Media Man and Gambling911 have long suspected, there is a cross over audience in wrestling fans and punters, be it lottery, poker, casino, online and offline. We've also noticed an increase in PKR (3D) poker advertising on a number of Wrestling News Media and sports car - lifestyle websites, but that's another story. Flair didn't miss long time nemesis Hulk Hogan doing business with a Native American tribe via The Hulk-a-Mania Experience slot machine, but Flair's opted for "softer" gambling (thus far) via being a face of lottery tickets in the Carolina's.
Flair took a life gamble some 30 years ago when when his bleached his hair blond an transformed his image into a somewhat modern 'Gorgeous George' inspired character, known for his jet flying, limousine riding, wheelin', dealing, son of a gun antics. Flair became the thinking man's wrestler, and quite the entrepreneur in the process.
His biggest wrestling related pay days came around the time of his signing with World Wrestling Entertainment and 1991, soon after having his first match with Hulk Hogan. Today Flair still wrestles the occasional match against Hogan and his mates in WWE rival, TNA Wrestling, but Flair remains on the lookout for worthwhile business deals to help maintain his lifestyle and fuel his considerable expense account which experienced an increase with family matters and the like.
'The Man' is one of Charlotte’s best-known celebs, and one of the world's most famous wrestlers, will be showcased on 'Woooooo!' South Carolina Education Lottery tickets, kicking off next week.
Flair will be in the think of the action with the $5 scratch-off ticket, starting Monday, according to Flair management and of the South Carolina Lottery.
Some six months ago Flair fronted that $5 scratch-off lottery ticket in North Carolina. The Flair tickets were among the state’s best-selling lottery items. The ticket sale was pushed along by television commercials featuring Flair, which later became a bit of a viral hit on the YouTube website portal via Media Man creation American Gaming News.
Paula Harper Bethea, executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery, said Flair will also help promote the ticket sales in the Palmetto State.
"We look forward to hosting Ric Flair in South Carolina at various events and anticipate an increase in ticket sales to generate more funds for education," Bethea said.
She also advised he is scheduled to appear on behalf of the lottery on 8th May at NASCAR’s Southern 500 racing mega event in Darlington; and again June 5 at the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach.
The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) began in 2002. South Carolina is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), best known for Powerball. Like most US lotteries, on January 31, 2010, it participated in the cross-sell lottery expansion, adding Mega Millions.
Pro Wrestlers Connection
Other pro wrestlers who have an interest to get involved in gaming of the gambling variety include Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Snuka and Piper also already in a number of traditional video games. Kevin "Big Sexy" Nash from TNA and NWO fame has some gambling links on his official website. Rumors persist of PartyGaming and / or Australia's NextGen Gaming developing an Andre The Giant online slot game, which would be certain to be a hit with punters down under in Australia, and around the world. Andre toured Australia a number of times including in the 70s and later in the mid 80's with the then World Wrestling Federation.
Punters, into wrestling? Check out the Media Man website network... interviews, articles, profiles et al of many of the world's greatest and most colourful wrestling stars. No pro wrestling slot games... the closest is The Incredible Hulk online slot. Hogan came to terms with Marvel Entertainment a couple of decades ago to the turn of a few million dollars. Captain Cooks Casino is understood to have a 'My Slot' game which can be customized, so if you want to incorporate pro wrestling stars, you can. All we have to say is have fun and Woooooo!
Websites
PartyCasino.com official website
PartyCasino Marvel Slots (The Incredible Hulk slot)
Captain Cooks Casino (My Slot)
South Carolina Education Lottery
Wrestling News Media
Ric Flair - Media Man profile
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Wrestling News Media is a Media Man creation
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Singapore's Marina Bay Sands May Give Packers Crown City Of Dreams Run For Money, by Greg Tingle - 29th April 2010
The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action.
Packer's Star City casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown's City Of Dreams and Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge.
The US based gambling monster Las Vegas Sands constructed the complex, understood to have a price tag of $US5.5 billion (AUD$5.9 billion), on Singapore's prime waterfront. Eventually it will sport some 2500 hotel rooms and suites, but how many will be used, and by whom, remain questions front of mind.
Like many modern day casinos, they are incorporating more entertainment themes and amenities, getting away from being a pure gambling den. Try your luck on the cleo and monopoly slots, Wheel Of Fortune and table games, then head on over to the theme parks and concert stages. Stage left, stage right.
CEO of Marina Bay Sands, Thomas Arasi, says look forward to the opening of 963 hotel rooms, part of a shopping mall and convention centre, celeb chef restaurants, dining outlets and no doubt a few other surprises.
The powers that be are rolling out the finishing touches in phases.
Phase 2 includes the Sands SkyPark on the rooftop, Event Plaza along Marina Bay, a retail plaza and additional dining amenities. Can't wait for the 60-seat restaurant spearheaded by chef master Tetsuya Wakuda. Mark your calenders for 23rd June.
The project is owned by worlds leading casino tycoon Steve Wynn, the brains and money behind the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas as well as developing the Cotai Strip and Venetian Resort in Macau.
Marina Bay Sands, the second casino in Singapore, following the Sentosa Island project, will be run by a former Crown executive, Mr Andrew McDonald, who has also represented Malaysian developer Genting and who has the experience and apparent connections to lure gamblers (whales and dolphins on the radar) away from Packer's Crown. Just play nice McDonald, or bad fortune and 'Underbelly' themes may get written into the script. We think the region is big enough for all to do well, even prosper, so lets keep it friendly competition, with emphasis on the "friendly".
A Media Man birdie reckons the new casino is surely targeting the same patrons as Crown Melbourne, some understood to also frequent Crown Macau. Cast the rods far and wide boys... you don't know what you'll catch on the other end! Primarily Oriental high rolling VIP's plus. Singapore is home to one or two of the whales.
Singapore enjoys its status as a financial and private banking icon and this is just another measuring stick whales and dolphins are understood to take into consideration.
Packer connected Crown is well aware of the threat from Singapore dragon by throwing some $212 million into further upgrading its VIP facilities to appeal to high-rollers. Excuse me sir, jot that down... Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc want your business. Can we offer you some lucky money, and perhaps some lady company for you're pleasant stay with us? A Media Man insider whispered, "I think some new games are going to be released... catch a fishy and catch a pussy slot, or something. James Bond would be proud of what these Crown boys are coming up with to help counter ... and count her!"
It plans to extend the casino's Mahogany Room by 50 per cent and build a new exclusive gambling club containing private suites.
Singapore, with its two super casinos, is unlikely to overtake Macau, says our spies, but may steal or at least borrows high-rollers from China as operators shift premium business to the city-state, taking advantage of an effective tax rate of 12% compared with roughly 39% in the Chinese territory.
Neighbouring Malaysia's sole casino, run by Genting Singapore's parent, Genting Bhd is also tipped to lose some business to Singapore's newer casinos with extras plus, for those who can afford the best.
Marina Bay Sands has also teamed up with coach operators to offer 130 daily trips from various Malaysian cities to its kingdom, but make not mistake... whales and a good catch of dolphins on the side, are what this is about. It's about return on investment and the bottom line... oh, and happy customers also.
May all fortunes be showered with good luck and let's keep the "casino war" friendly shall we. Still plenty of fish in the sea (but only so many super sized whales). Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
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Packer's Star City casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown's City Of Dreams and Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge.
The US based gambling monster Las Vegas Sands constructed the complex, understood to have a price tag of $US5.5 billion (AUD$5.9 billion), on Singapore's prime waterfront. Eventually it will sport some 2500 hotel rooms and suites, but how many will be used, and by whom, remain questions front of mind.
Like many modern day casinos, they are incorporating more entertainment themes and amenities, getting away from being a pure gambling den. Try your luck on the cleo and monopoly slots, Wheel Of Fortune and table games, then head on over to the theme parks and concert stages. Stage left, stage right.
CEO of Marina Bay Sands, Thomas Arasi, says look forward to the opening of 963 hotel rooms, part of a shopping mall and convention centre, celeb chef restaurants, dining outlets and no doubt a few other surprises.
The powers that be are rolling out the finishing touches in phases.
Phase 2 includes the Sands SkyPark on the rooftop, Event Plaza along Marina Bay, a retail plaza and additional dining amenities. Can't wait for the 60-seat restaurant spearheaded by chef master Tetsuya Wakuda. Mark your calenders for 23rd June.
The project is owned by worlds leading casino tycoon Steve Wynn, the brains and money behind the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas as well as developing the Cotai Strip and Venetian Resort in Macau.
Marina Bay Sands, the second casino in Singapore, following the Sentosa Island project, will be run by a former Crown executive, Mr Andrew McDonald, who has also represented Malaysian developer Genting and who has the experience and apparent connections to lure gamblers (whales and dolphins on the radar) away from Packer's Crown. Just play nice McDonald, or bad fortune and 'Underbelly' themes may get written into the script. We think the region is big enough for all to do well, even prosper, so lets keep it friendly competition, with emphasis on the "friendly".
A Media Man birdie reckons the new casino is surely targeting the same patrons as Crown Melbourne, some understood to also frequent Crown Macau. Cast the rods far and wide boys... you don't know what you'll catch on the other end! Primarily Oriental high rolling VIP's plus. Singapore is home to one or two of the whales.
Singapore enjoys its status as a financial and private banking icon and this is just another measuring stick whales and dolphins are understood to take into consideration.
Packer connected Crown is well aware of the threat from Singapore dragon by throwing some $212 million into further upgrading its VIP facilities to appeal to high-rollers. Excuse me sir, jot that down... Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc want your business. Can we offer you some lucky money, and perhaps some lady company for you're pleasant stay with us? A Media Man insider whispered, "I think some new games are going to be released... catch a fishy and catch a pussy slot, or something. James Bond would be proud of what these Crown boys are coming up with to help counter ... and count her!"
It plans to extend the casino's Mahogany Room by 50 per cent and build a new exclusive gambling club containing private suites.
Singapore, with its two super casinos, is unlikely to overtake Macau, says our spies, but may steal or at least borrows high-rollers from China as operators shift premium business to the city-state, taking advantage of an effective tax rate of 12% compared with roughly 39% in the Chinese territory.
Neighbouring Malaysia's sole casino, run by Genting Singapore's parent, Genting Bhd is also tipped to lose some business to Singapore's newer casinos with extras plus, for those who can afford the best.
Marina Bay Sands has also teamed up with coach operators to offer 130 daily trips from various Malaysian cities to its kingdom, but make not mistake... whales and a good catch of dolphins on the side, are what this is about. It's about return on investment and the bottom line... oh, and happy customers also.
May all fortunes be showered with good luck and let's keep the "casino war" friendly shall we. Still plenty of fish in the sea (but only so many super sized whales). Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Marina Bay Sands Opens Its Doors
Grand Opening Celebration on Track for June 23
SINGAPORE, Apr 27, 2010 - At the Feng Shui approved time of 3:18 pm, Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson and other company officials snipped the celebratory ribbon and with it, Marina Bay Sands, the most ambitious and architecturally stunning leisure and convention facility ever built opened its doors and welcomed its first guests.
On May 26, 2006, the Singapore government chose Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) to build one of only two approved integrated resorts in the Southeast Asian city-state. Marina Bay Sands will open progressively over the course of the year, with today's first phase including 963 hotel rooms, parts of the shopping mall and convention center, some restaurants and bars, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, and the casino. On June 23, during the official grand opening celebration, the remainder of the property's 2,560 guest rooms, more shops from the world's leading retailers, additional dining options, and exciting nightlife offerings, will open. The Sands SkyPark, which sits 60 stories off the ground and is perched atop the property's three hotel towers, will also debut on June 23.
"Singapore's reputation as a world-class international tourist destination will be further enhanced with the opening of Marina Bay Sands and our company's reputation for building economy-changing tourism developments will be cemented around the world. For both of those reasons, I am happy to be in Singapore today to open the first phase of the property and look forward to the grand opening celebration," said Mr. Adelson.
"We are proud to have a fine team of people with the professional skills needed to build Marina Bay Sands, open it, and operate it. With that team, we are confident we will deliver the promise of a facility Singaporeans expected when they honored us with this opportunity," said Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands.
Mr. Adelson said its unique urban location provides Marina Bay Sands an opportunity to become one of the world's most successful hotel-resort properties. "The peak period of operations for most urban hotels is midweek, as they tend to cater to business travelers. The peak period for resort hotels is obviously the weekend when people have free time. For us, with our meeting and convention business and a multitude of leisure amenities, the entire week is our peak period," he said.
The company's industry-leading experience in the MICE (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) business was a key reason Singapore selected Las Vegas Sands. To date, Marina Bay Sands has more than 160 events booked in its Sands Expo and Convention Center. Those events, beginning in May 2010, are expected to draw more than 250,000 total attendees. Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi said those numbers will increase quickly and dramatically as meeting planners and convention organizers now have the opportunity to see the property themselves.
"This is a magnificent destination. From the specially commissioned, multi-million dollar collection of art that greets you as you enter our hotel lobby to our attentive staff taking care of your every need after you check in, Marina Bay Sands is committed to making sure the interiors and service of our property matches the brilliance of its architecture," said Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi.
In October, one of the property's two state-of-the-art theatres will welcome Disney's "The Lion King." The second theatre, which will also open later this year, will be home to a variety of special events and famous headline acts. The iconic Marina Bay Sands museum, expected to open by December, will not only feature international exhibitions, but it will also serve -- with its unique lotus-inspired design -- as a symbolic welcome to guests from around the globe.
About Las Vegas Sands Corp. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is the leading global developer of integrated resorts -- destination properties which feature premium accommodations, world-class gaming and entertainment, convention and exhibition facilities, celebrity chef restaurants, and many other amenities.
The Venetian and The Palazzo, both Five-Diamond luxury resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, are among the company's properties in the United States. Marina Bay Sands, the company's iconic project opened its first phase on April 27, 2010.
Through its majority-owned subsidiary Sands China Ltd, the company also owns a portfolio of properties in Macau, including The Venetian Macao, Four Seasons Hotel Macao and the Four Seasons-branded serviced-apartments on the Cotai Strip(TM), as well as the Sands Macao Hotel on the Macau peninsula.
The Cotai Strip is a master-planned development of destination resort properties where the company is currently constructing a 6,400-room complex which will feature the Shangri-La, Traders, Sheraton, and St. Regis hotel brands and is scheduled to open in 2011.
Las Vegas Sands is also committed to global sustainability through its Sands Eco360 program and is an active community partner through its various charitable organizations. For more information, please visit www.lasvegassands.com
About Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands will be the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It will feature large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, a museum, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants, a casino, Paiza Club for premium players, an outdoor event plaza and theaters debuting with "The Lion King." For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com.
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SINGAPORE, Apr 27, 2010 - At the Feng Shui approved time of 3:18 pm, Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson and other company officials snipped the celebratory ribbon and with it, Marina Bay Sands, the most ambitious and architecturally stunning leisure and convention facility ever built opened its doors and welcomed its first guests.
On May 26, 2006, the Singapore government chose Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) to build one of only two approved integrated resorts in the Southeast Asian city-state. Marina Bay Sands will open progressively over the course of the year, with today's first phase including 963 hotel rooms, parts of the shopping mall and convention center, some restaurants and bars, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, and the casino. On June 23, during the official grand opening celebration, the remainder of the property's 2,560 guest rooms, more shops from the world's leading retailers, additional dining options, and exciting nightlife offerings, will open. The Sands SkyPark, which sits 60 stories off the ground and is perched atop the property's three hotel towers, will also debut on June 23.
"Singapore's reputation as a world-class international tourist destination will be further enhanced with the opening of Marina Bay Sands and our company's reputation for building economy-changing tourism developments will be cemented around the world. For both of those reasons, I am happy to be in Singapore today to open the first phase of the property and look forward to the grand opening celebration," said Mr. Adelson.
"We are proud to have a fine team of people with the professional skills needed to build Marina Bay Sands, open it, and operate it. With that team, we are confident we will deliver the promise of a facility Singaporeans expected when they honored us with this opportunity," said Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands.
Mr. Adelson said its unique urban location provides Marina Bay Sands an opportunity to become one of the world's most successful hotel-resort properties. "The peak period of operations for most urban hotels is midweek, as they tend to cater to business travelers. The peak period for resort hotels is obviously the weekend when people have free time. For us, with our meeting and convention business and a multitude of leisure amenities, the entire week is our peak period," he said.
The company's industry-leading experience in the MICE (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) business was a key reason Singapore selected Las Vegas Sands. To date, Marina Bay Sands has more than 160 events booked in its Sands Expo and Convention Center. Those events, beginning in May 2010, are expected to draw more than 250,000 total attendees. Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi said those numbers will increase quickly and dramatically as meeting planners and convention organizers now have the opportunity to see the property themselves.
"This is a magnificent destination. From the specially commissioned, multi-million dollar collection of art that greets you as you enter our hotel lobby to our attentive staff taking care of your every need after you check in, Marina Bay Sands is committed to making sure the interiors and service of our property matches the brilliance of its architecture," said Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi.
In October, one of the property's two state-of-the-art theatres will welcome Disney's "The Lion King." The second theatre, which will also open later this year, will be home to a variety of special events and famous headline acts. The iconic Marina Bay Sands museum, expected to open by December, will not only feature international exhibitions, but it will also serve -- with its unique lotus-inspired design -- as a symbolic welcome to guests from around the globe.
About Las Vegas Sands Corp. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is the leading global developer of integrated resorts -- destination properties which feature premium accommodations, world-class gaming and entertainment, convention and exhibition facilities, celebrity chef restaurants, and many other amenities.
The Venetian and The Palazzo, both Five-Diamond luxury resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, are among the company's properties in the United States. Marina Bay Sands, the company's iconic project opened its first phase on April 27, 2010.
Through its majority-owned subsidiary Sands China Ltd, the company also owns a portfolio of properties in Macau, including The Venetian Macao, Four Seasons Hotel Macao and the Four Seasons-branded serviced-apartments on the Cotai Strip(TM), as well as the Sands Macao Hotel on the Macau peninsula.
The Cotai Strip is a master-planned development of destination resort properties where the company is currently constructing a 6,400-room complex which will feature the Shangri-La, Traders, Sheraton, and St. Regis hotel brands and is scheduled to open in 2011.
Las Vegas Sands is also committed to global sustainability through its Sands Eco360 program and is an active community partner through its various charitable organizations. For more information, please visit www.lasvegassands.com
About Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands will be the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It will feature large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, a museum, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants, a casino, Paiza Club for premium players, an outdoor event plaza and theaters debuting with "The Lion King." For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com.
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Crown Casino Plays Restaurant And Hotel Card, by Greg Tingle - 22nd April 2010
Crown Casino king James Packer and his 'World Of Entertainment' empire have been telling folks that they're in the tourism, lifestyle and entertainment business for a few years now. Tonight, Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc get to prove their point once again, with even Australian politicians on hand, and of course a bush tucker bag of celebs.
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation and learn that indeed Packer is transforming the Crown experience to world class levels all the way.
Packer's been hitting the phones again. Not for GenerationOne on this occasion, but for his own in-house baby... the Crown Metropol.
Tonight's the night, and there's no missing this one...TV chef celeb Gordon Ramsay and Victorian Premier John Brumby will join Packer for the grand opening of Crown's third luxury hotel in Melbourne.
The red carpet event kicks off at 5.30pm, and those that can't attend (most of us), can check out the Fairfax Media and News Limited websites more more info. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald are tipped to get some snazzy multimedia and shots from the powers that be at Packer's Crown.
The Crown Metropol is estimated to have cost $300 million, almost pocket change for 'Our James', based of the revenues his pulling in from Crown Macau, Burswood and other enterprises.
The hotel is going to play home for Ramsay's premier Aussie restaurant maze and maze Grill, and rumours of a reality TV show are circulating.
Ramsay is having a hard time living town his verbal war of words with A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw at last year's Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show. Just get a few beers and wines in ya Ramsay, you'll be right (we hope), or it might be the plastic handcuff treatment for you... just kidding, we think. Ramsey, one of the Burswood bouncers hurt the arm of a patron recently and it became a legal affair, so you've be forewarned. Once bitten, twice shy, or maybe not?
Other celebs pitched to be at tonight's gig include Eddie and Carla McGuire, Anthony Pratt, Neil Perry, Deborah Hutton, and Shane Warne (888 Poker Twitter "Nut") and wife Simone.
A cocktail party will following the official opening, and that's when the real fun begins. Media insiders are almost hoping for a GenerationOne "sponsored" plastic handcuff battle royal... aw well, we can always hope. Footballers, cricket legends and poker players will be well aware that the media is just waiting to pounce on them if the drinks and whatever get too much, but it's a wait and see situation. There's also versions of "eyes in the sky", so not much will be missed.
The venue comprises of a massive 658 rooms, a sky-high residential day spa and a rooftop bar offering 180-degree views of Melbourne's skyline. Plenty of scope to look out for 'Underbelly' action (if its not already happening on the premises).
Crown's hoping to lure in some 250,000 guests in its virgin year, and given many wear ready to write off Packer for broke a few years ago, don't bet against this man. As Kerry Packer famously said, "I'll toss you for it".
Sydney's Star City Casino looses tonight's casino battle for media, PR, dolphins and whale VIP's, but keep those warheads and Gulfsteam jets warmed up. There's always tomorrow.
So punters, are you ready to "Wear The Crown", as the tag line says?
Stay glued to Gambling911, and we will forgive you on this occasion if you slip on over to The Age, News Limited and Media Man websites at around 6pm for some smashing highlights. Cheers, and have a drink for me.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation and learn that indeed Packer is transforming the Crown experience to world class levels all the way.
Packer's been hitting the phones again. Not for GenerationOne on this occasion, but for his own in-house baby... the Crown Metropol.
Tonight's the night, and there's no missing this one...TV chef celeb Gordon Ramsay and Victorian Premier John Brumby will join Packer for the grand opening of Crown's third luxury hotel in Melbourne.
The red carpet event kicks off at 5.30pm, and those that can't attend (most of us), can check out the Fairfax Media and News Limited websites more more info. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald are tipped to get some snazzy multimedia and shots from the powers that be at Packer's Crown.
The Crown Metropol is estimated to have cost $300 million, almost pocket change for 'Our James', based of the revenues his pulling in from Crown Macau, Burswood and other enterprises.
The hotel is going to play home for Ramsay's premier Aussie restaurant maze and maze Grill, and rumours of a reality TV show are circulating.
Ramsay is having a hard time living town his verbal war of words with A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw at last year's Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show. Just get a few beers and wines in ya Ramsay, you'll be right (we hope), or it might be the plastic handcuff treatment for you... just kidding, we think. Ramsey, one of the Burswood bouncers hurt the arm of a patron recently and it became a legal affair, so you've be forewarned. Once bitten, twice shy, or maybe not?
Other celebs pitched to be at tonight's gig include Eddie and Carla McGuire, Anthony Pratt, Neil Perry, Deborah Hutton, and Shane Warne (888 Poker Twitter "Nut") and wife Simone.
A cocktail party will following the official opening, and that's when the real fun begins. Media insiders are almost hoping for a GenerationOne "sponsored" plastic handcuff battle royal... aw well, we can always hope. Footballers, cricket legends and poker players will be well aware that the media is just waiting to pounce on them if the drinks and whatever get too much, but it's a wait and see situation. There's also versions of "eyes in the sky", so not much will be missed.
The venue comprises of a massive 658 rooms, a sky-high residential day spa and a rooftop bar offering 180-degree views of Melbourne's skyline. Plenty of scope to look out for 'Underbelly' action (if its not already happening on the premises).
Crown's hoping to lure in some 250,000 guests in its virgin year, and given many wear ready to write off Packer for broke a few years ago, don't bet against this man. As Kerry Packer famously said, "I'll toss you for it".
Sydney's Star City Casino looses tonight's casino battle for media, PR, dolphins and whale VIP's, but keep those warheads and Gulfsteam jets warmed up. There's always tomorrow.
So punters, are you ready to "Wear The Crown", as the tag line says?
Stay glued to Gambling911, and we will forgive you on this occasion if you slip on over to The Age, News Limited and Media Man websites at around 6pm for some smashing highlights. Cheers, and have a drink for me.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Media Man Casino - Virgin Casino And Virgin Games Profile And Review
Virgin Games - Virgin Casino is one of the greatest online casinos on the planet. The only real drawback is at present they don't accept Australian or U.S players, and those from a number of other countries. Richard Branson and his team got this right, and they are currently looking at further international expansion with initiatives such as AWOMO (A World Of My Own), their virtual worlds project in association with GDI (Game Domain International). Cleopatra, Marvel Slots, King Kong, Elvis, Wheel Of Fortune, Monopoly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and over 100 different games available, most of which can be played for free or played for money. Virgin also offer exclusive V*Points, which can be exchanged for a wide variety of goods and services. Because its Virgin you know it value for money and fun. Virgin Games are a Media Man Online Casino Of The Month finalist. Media Man rates Virgin Games 4.5 stars. Media Man has done b2b with a number of arms of Virgin Enterprises Limited, including Virgin Games, as they have with dozens of companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment business sector.
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Websites
VirginGames.com
VirginCasino.com
Media Man Casino Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
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Virgin Slots
Virgin Marvel Entertainment
Virgin Enterprises Limited
V*Points
AWOMO
Richard Branson
Website Network
Media Man Casino
Media Man
Media Man Canada
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
AFL Players' Association And Eddie Everywhere McGuire Et Al Get Behind Punter Fev, by Greg Tingle - 18th April 2010
Australia's Brendan "Fev" Fevola is one of Australia's greatest football players. He's also now known as one of down under's most passionate punters of all time, however Fev's now focused on the footy and family, and putting gambling behind and on the back burner, at least for the time being.
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation of Fev, of when having a punt and enjoying it, can turn troublesome and stops being fun.
Overkill on casino and club pokies, blackjack, online poker, the horse racing... Fev used to be up for a punt on just about anything... betting on two flys up a wall sort of thing, but after the winning turned to loosing, on and off the punt, Fev's now battling financial and emotional distress. Fortunately, he's on field play is still world class, and as real life 'Underbelly' Melbourne identity went on record with, "Focus on the footy".
If any smart operator knows about strengths and weaknesses, that would be Mick Gatto, managed by our media PR mate and sometime mentor, Max Markson of Markson Sparks! fame. Max has also offered media advise to Sydney bombshell, Lara Bingle, who enjoyed a bit of a mingle... er fling, with Our Fev circa 2006. Markson is is also the agent for Mr Gatto, and we will say Maxy did a fine job of book promotion for Mick's 'I Mick Gatto' autobiography released a few months back. Markson's book by the way is entitled appropriately 'Show Me The Money', but that's another story, related none the less.
Let's address the situation at hand...
Fevola owes up to $300,000 AUD depending upon who tend to believe. Most owing is to leading corporate bookies.
A parade of bookies and betting agencies yesterday revealed a history of fraught dealings with the wayward Brisbane Lions superstar.
"Yes, the reports you are hearing are right - Brendan Fevola does owe us, but it's not a really big amount of money," Betezy's Ryan Kay told the Herald Sun.
"We understand other places are owed more than us. We're good friends with Brendan and we don't have problems with him.
"He hasn't had a bet with us for a while, probably not since pre-season in the spring carnival."
A leading rails bookmaker, who did not want to be named, admitted Fevola had only recently paid off a $20,000 debt.
To Fev's credit, he's identified has has a problem and early this week took the ballsy step of writing to betting agencies requesting that they No Longer extend him credit. If they did so, Fevola declared he would not be responsible for paying the debts!
A number of bookies owed large sums by Fevola have understandably been somewhat reluctant to speak on record.
"His modus operandi was having $10,000 on short-priced horses regularly," one bookie said, on condition of anonymity.
Our friends at Aussie casino king James Packer's Crown Casino are also part of the saga. Some patrons at Crown Casino's poker room have disclosed how good hands, sharks et al would queue up to play into the night games with Fevola, considered a bit of a Texas hold 'em easybeat.
Collingwood Football Club president Eddie "Everywhere" McGuire, host of TV hit 'Millionaire', Fevola's friend and mentor, has advised Fev was receiving monetary and personal counselling.
"He's in the hole for about a couple of hundred grand. He realises all the fun and games of being Fev and the excess is now taking its toll on him and his family. It's time to at long last pull the head in on a number of fronts, including the gambling."
Fevola's gambling came to light midway through his Brownlow Medal night "show" last year, when he was captured on Crown Casino surveillance cameras running to place a bet in the Mahogany Room during a TV ad break. Security bosses who reviewed Fevola's behaviour that night watched him dart off to the high-roller room on his own and place three quick bets before galloping back to his table in the Palladium room. Many hours prior to Brownlow function, footage showed Fevola and Carlton skipper Chris Judd drinking and dropping few grand playing blackjack.
Such passion did Fev possess he attempted to return to the punt after being evicted from the Brownlow function and had to be restrained by a squad of security officers. We understand that no plastic handcuffs were required.
AFL Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said he believed Fevola was not alone as a "problem gambler" in AFL ranks. "He's not the first one and I dare say he won't be the last. "From time to time, players are going to fall into the trap of getting involved in that sort of stuff, but our education programs and money spent on those programs has been as good as at any time I've spent in the game."
The AFL Players' Association said fewer than 1% of registered players had approached it requesting assistance with gambling problems in recent years. "Our statistics show it is not an increasing problem," spokesman Ben Hart said.
Crown Casino in Melbourne will host the 2010 Logies in a few short weeks. Network Nine Australia, also home to 'Underbelly' will broadcast the event.
Gambling911 and Media Man wish Fev success and all power off and on the field, and we remind our readers who enjoy a punt to do so responsibly. We're delighted to help get his story out there on a national and international scale. Many ethical online casinos and online sports books have player exclusion options. Know the odds, party on, and 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 industries they report on. They are currently redeveloping Australian Sports Entertainment http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation of Fev, of when having a punt and enjoying it, can turn troublesome and stops being fun.
Overkill on casino and club pokies, blackjack, online poker, the horse racing... Fev used to be up for a punt on just about anything... betting on two flys up a wall sort of thing, but after the winning turned to loosing, on and off the punt, Fev's now battling financial and emotional distress. Fortunately, he's on field play is still world class, and as real life 'Underbelly' Melbourne identity went on record with, "Focus on the footy".
If any smart operator knows about strengths and weaknesses, that would be Mick Gatto, managed by our media PR mate and sometime mentor, Max Markson of Markson Sparks! fame. Max has also offered media advise to Sydney bombshell, Lara Bingle, who enjoyed a bit of a mingle... er fling, with Our Fev circa 2006. Markson is is also the agent for Mr Gatto, and we will say Maxy did a fine job of book promotion for Mick's 'I Mick Gatto' autobiography released a few months back. Markson's book by the way is entitled appropriately 'Show Me The Money', but that's another story, related none the less.
Let's address the situation at hand...
Fevola owes up to $300,000 AUD depending upon who tend to believe. Most owing is to leading corporate bookies.
A parade of bookies and betting agencies yesterday revealed a history of fraught dealings with the wayward Brisbane Lions superstar.
"Yes, the reports you are hearing are right - Brendan Fevola does owe us, but it's not a really big amount of money," Betezy's Ryan Kay told the Herald Sun.
"We understand other places are owed more than us. We're good friends with Brendan and we don't have problems with him.
"He hasn't had a bet with us for a while, probably not since pre-season in the spring carnival."
A leading rails bookmaker, who did not want to be named, admitted Fevola had only recently paid off a $20,000 debt.
To Fev's credit, he's identified has has a problem and early this week took the ballsy step of writing to betting agencies requesting that they No Longer extend him credit. If they did so, Fevola declared he would not be responsible for paying the debts!
A number of bookies owed large sums by Fevola have understandably been somewhat reluctant to speak on record.
"His modus operandi was having $10,000 on short-priced horses regularly," one bookie said, on condition of anonymity.
Our friends at Aussie casino king James Packer's Crown Casino are also part of the saga. Some patrons at Crown Casino's poker room have disclosed how good hands, sharks et al would queue up to play into the night games with Fevola, considered a bit of a Texas hold 'em easybeat.
Collingwood Football Club president Eddie "Everywhere" McGuire, host of TV hit 'Millionaire', Fevola's friend and mentor, has advised Fev was receiving monetary and personal counselling.
"He's in the hole for about a couple of hundred grand. He realises all the fun and games of being Fev and the excess is now taking its toll on him and his family. It's time to at long last pull the head in on a number of fronts, including the gambling."
Fevola's gambling came to light midway through his Brownlow Medal night "show" last year, when he was captured on Crown Casino surveillance cameras running to place a bet in the Mahogany Room during a TV ad break. Security bosses who reviewed Fevola's behaviour that night watched him dart off to the high-roller room on his own and place three quick bets before galloping back to his table in the Palladium room. Many hours prior to Brownlow function, footage showed Fevola and Carlton skipper Chris Judd drinking and dropping few grand playing blackjack.
Such passion did Fev possess he attempted to return to the punt after being evicted from the Brownlow function and had to be restrained by a squad of security officers. We understand that no plastic handcuffs were required.
AFL Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said he believed Fevola was not alone as a "problem gambler" in AFL ranks. "He's not the first one and I dare say he won't be the last. "From time to time, players are going to fall into the trap of getting involved in that sort of stuff, but our education programs and money spent on those programs has been as good as at any time I've spent in the game."
The AFL Players' Association said fewer than 1% of registered players had approached it requesting assistance with gambling problems in recent years. "Our statistics show it is not an increasing problem," spokesman Ben Hart said.
Crown Casino in Melbourne will host the 2010 Logies in a few short weeks. Network Nine Australia, also home to 'Underbelly' will broadcast the event.
Gambling911 and Media Man wish Fev success and all power off and on the field, and we remind our readers who enjoy a punt to do so responsibly. We're delighted to help get his story out there on a national and international scale. Many ethical online casinos and online sports books have player exclusion options. Know the odds, party on, and 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 industries they report on. They are currently redeveloping Australian Sports Entertainment http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Australian And American Newspaper And Magazines Get Gambling Deals, by Greg Tingle - 15th April 2010
Mainstream newspapers in Australia and the United States are starting to plug into the streets paved with gold - online gambling, following the lead from our United Kingdom based media mates.
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation in an Aussie - Yankee double investigation, with earlier indicators showing that newspapers are seeing the "green", following the money trail to gambling, be it in AUD, USD, GBP or monetary other denominations.
New York based media baron Mort Zuckerman, top brass at The New York Daily News, US News and World Report, last year publicly advised that online b2b and advertising deals in the gambling - gaming sector could be a way for mainstream newspapers to loose their sinking feeling - diminished revues, and in extreme cases, some newspapers going out of business, unable to compete with their online counterparts. Zuckerman was largely referring to sports betting (which can also include a sub group in what's commonly known as "Fantasy Betting").
Let's face it, Media Man and Gambling911 don't have the overheads of The Sydney Morning Herald (Fairfax Media), The Daily Telegraph (News Limited), The Sun or The New York Times for that matter.
Let's take a look at the landscape of the land...
Google - a few years ago headlines like "Google follows the money trail to gambling' were the order of the day, however the business model is getting more complex, as Google deals with both technical and legal considerations.
Though Google CEO Eric Schmidt and seemingly everyone else is telling publishers they should place some bets on potential new business models, The Philadelphia Inquirer venture may not be exactly what they had in mind. Google is also working on some gaming and igaming models for its YouTube platform and top ten website, so maybe Google is working a deal with The Philly behind the scenes. Stranger things have happened.
Philly.com, the online arm of the Inquirer and "sister" newspaper the Philadelphia Daily News, has recently launched an apparently legal online betting service called Instant Fantasy Games. The firm advised last week that they are the first in their industry to make a foray into online betting, according to a report in Editor & Publisher, a newspaper trade journal. Gambling911 and Media Man think this may be correct for the U.S sector, but certainly not taking into account the U.K newspaper industry, who appear to be light years ahead, with bingo, poker, sports, fantasy and more.
"We're trying to serve two goals," said Yoni Greenbaum, VP of Product Development at Philly.com. "Those are content differentiation and revenue. If you're looking at the sports sites out there, a lot of them have the same stuff...The challenge that this creates is we need to offer more. In this day and age, sports fans have insatiable appetites."
FanDuel, a British wagering company helped Philly.com launch Instant Fantasy. Part fantasy league and part sports book, the service enables bettors to pick groups of players from professional baseball, hockey, or basketball leagues. It operates much like the fantasy leagues from Yahoo.com, CBSSports.com (parent company of CNET), and ESPN--except those games are just for fun.
With Instant Fantasy, players pay $5 to $50 a game with the chance to win as much as $90, Greenbaum said. It's one-on-one, and players can compete with a friend or family member. If they don't have anyone they want to play against, the game's system will match them up with someone five minutes before competition begins. Games are held daily.
Internet gambling is current illegal in the United States (depending who you want to believe as opinions vary, even from legal eagles) but in 2006, the government made some exceptions involving fantasy sports leagues, Editor & Publisher reported.
Last Sunday evening, Google's Schmidt addressed a group of newspaper execs in Washington D.C. at the American Society of News Editors. "We have a business model problem," Schmidt told the crowd. "We don't have a news problem."
Schmidt said newspapers are "fundamental" to democracy and predicted they would find a new business model based on advertising and subscription revenue. Maybe he should have included creating a sports book.
Our friend Mort seems to share a few similar thoughts on the newspaper - gambling model as Schmidt.
Zuckerman goes on record with "There is something that can be done, and the federal government ought to do it: allow sports betting on newspaper Websites. That would save every newspaper in America. The New York Times.com could do it. Plenty of British papers do this; for them it's a crucial part of their net revenue stream. I know a major newspaper in London that makes $15 million a year from sports betting alone".
Australia Update
New Limited newspapers (hard copy and online) continue to ramp up with both advertising a range of sports betting brands, in the past 2 months pushing their own in-house brands which look to be white label and things are strongly featured next to online sports news and on the world famous Fox Sports (Australian version) website. 'Fantasy NRL' looks to be their prime white label brand and they are also accepting a number of online sports betting adds, with Packer 50% share Betfair featuring prominently. Packer is also a huge fan of Premier Media Group, which has also has an investment in as we understand.
Fairfax Media (inc The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) newspapers websites, along with their online only sites including Brisbane Times and WA Today. 'Pro Tipping' by all accounts is the Fairfax Media white label sports betting branding.
Media Man remains independent, despite having grown to over 20 website portals. The group has previously declined offers to by all or part of the company, still riding a wave of growth. The company is considering "white label" deals, but has enjoyed excellent results "teaming up" with a handful of the world's leading igaming brands, mixed in with some traditional and new media publicity campaigns, so has stuck to the a global based business model that is working well on a marketing, branding, legal, financial and overall basis. Media Man sees Google, PartyGaming, Betfair, Crown Limited, Virgin (and maybe Tabcorp and NextGen Gaming) being a big part of its further development in the gaming and igaming sector, with Crown and Tabcorp moving forward casino travel and tourism ventures. Media Man remains in close liaison with GenerationOne, the Indigenous Australian employment initiative championed by Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James Packer, as to how to best collaborate, grow the business, and employ a few more hard working Australians in the progress.
Summary
The business model of newspapers (and other media companies) has changed... it had to, just to see its survival, with owners and editors even advising their journalists that they are to adapt their style for the internet, and some who failed to change have indeed lost their jobs. Some high up in the Murdoch and Fairfax Media empires even refer to their journalists and "content writers" or "content producers"... so much for the good old days when Clark Kent "Superman" types paved the pavements in search of a good story!
The bottom line is what counts to owners, bean counters and investors, and while media purists have a case to be "Not Happy Jan", it is part of the evolution of media, for better of worse.
One of the main dangers to the credibility of print newspapers is when too much focus is given to the bottom line and advertisers, and not enough on hard nosed journalism.
For these reasons and more Gambling911 readers can be assured that more hard nosed articles are on the way, sourced from the worldwide "freelance" contacts and relationships formed over many years. Freelance and independent generally means less PR spin jobs (as often found in some mainstream press) and a more gutsy, in your face style... the sort of stuff that sometimes sees legal eagles writing in trying to save face for their clients! (when the truth gets out). Media Man recently dealt with a couple of these sorts of scenarios, hard news being the catalyst, so we knew were were doing a great job.
We foresee a continuation of mainstream media companies plugging into the gaming and igaming sector, just at PartyGaming top brass Jim Ryan has rightly predicted would happen almost 2 years ago... that's why Ryan takes home (and secures for Party) the big bucks... the man is a visionary. Ryan has also smartly got in place a number of strategic alliances and purchased solid businesses such as the World Poker Tour. The combination of these things has made PartyGaming very appealing to Government departments, be it in France (hello our friends at PMU), Canada (poker tour on the radar) and Australia. The Party deals with Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures also continue to serve the company, partners and affiliates well. Strong branding and even stronger financials, see PartyGaming stand head and shoulders about the rest in the igaming sector on a global scale. Virgin (Games) has the potential to be a real challenge to PartyGaming, in our opinion, as Richard Branson and his group have developed such a strong a loyal Virgin following over the years. When Virgin expand into new markets they automatically pick up new customers who were waiting for them. Virgin thinks this may be the case with their AWOMO (A World Of My Own) platform, a deal they have with Game Domain International, however Virgin is seeking more investors before taking the project ballistic and entering new markets. Rupert Murdoch's Sky (Vegas and family) is strong in the UK but is hardly on the radar in Australia (or anywhere else) from what we can make out. Sega and Sony have the potential to be major top ten players in the igaming space, but as of this writing, PartyGaming is our top pick, on a global scale, with Betfair sitting pretty for strong growth down under in Australia.
Readers may recall that earlier in the week that Australia media entrepreneur and and racing horse owner, Alan Jones, spoke at the Asian Racing Conference in Sydney. Jones called for united, as his certainly smart enough to see the potential threat from overseas based companies "invading" Australia, and doing it better. Australia's TAB isn't exactly known for having world class efficiencies, however they had previously enjoyed an almost monopoly and stranglehold in the Australian sector, however its no longer the case. TAB legal eagles are going to remain busy in the months ahead and Betfair is well prepared for a lengthy and expensive war, Betfair pink pigeon birdies have told us.
For dynamic media - new media enterprises such as Gambling911 and Media Man, the future continues to look bright. Low staff overheads, quick turnaround on articles, and business relationships in place with some of the world's top gaming, igaming, poker and sports betting brands. Just as important, the websites are Google and Google News friendly, and they don't discriminate against Yahoo! or Bing either, as well as being referenced in "bible" and top ten sites like Wikipedia. Social media brands such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter continue to be a benefit to the agile business models, and mobile / WAP looks to be a logic area to develop in the months ahead... can't wait for that Google mobile phone, that looks likely to take a huge bite out of Apple. Google is clearly the internet giant in the prime position to best capitalise on the growth of the gaming and gambling sector, at least by Media Man estimations (sorry Richard Branson, Yahoo and Wikipedia).
If good business is about adapting to the times and spreading risk, we think a number of American newspapers like The Philly and Aussie titles such as The Tele and The Herald, are doing a mighty fine job... we're pretty happy with our own efforts also.
Wild cards that may potentially develop a significant gaming business down under include Network Nine Australia (perhaps with a Hey Hey It's Saturday 'Pluka Duck' tie in along with the possibility of a rumored 'Underbelly' online and offline slot machine offering which punters are crying out for). The late Big Tim Bristow and George Freeman would have loved to see what's come of the igaming and gambling business now, we're certain.
Loyal readers, until next time, keep it legal, stay safe, bet with your head, not over it, know the odds, and above all, 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
* The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Casino
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Poker News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation in an Aussie - Yankee double investigation, with earlier indicators showing that newspapers are seeing the "green", following the money trail to gambling, be it in AUD, USD, GBP or monetary other denominations.
New York based media baron Mort Zuckerman, top brass at The New York Daily News, US News and World Report, last year publicly advised that online b2b and advertising deals in the gambling - gaming sector could be a way for mainstream newspapers to loose their sinking feeling - diminished revues, and in extreme cases, some newspapers going out of business, unable to compete with their online counterparts. Zuckerman was largely referring to sports betting (which can also include a sub group in what's commonly known as "Fantasy Betting").
Let's face it, Media Man and Gambling911 don't have the overheads of The Sydney Morning Herald (Fairfax Media), The Daily Telegraph (News Limited), The Sun or The New York Times for that matter.
Let's take a look at the landscape of the land...
Google - a few years ago headlines like "Google follows the money trail to gambling' were the order of the day, however the business model is getting more complex, as Google deals with both technical and legal considerations.
Though Google CEO Eric Schmidt and seemingly everyone else is telling publishers they should place some bets on potential new business models, The Philadelphia Inquirer venture may not be exactly what they had in mind. Google is also working on some gaming and igaming models for its YouTube platform and top ten website, so maybe Google is working a deal with The Philly behind the scenes. Stranger things have happened.
Philly.com, the online arm of the Inquirer and "sister" newspaper the Philadelphia Daily News, has recently launched an apparently legal online betting service called Instant Fantasy Games. The firm advised last week that they are the first in their industry to make a foray into online betting, according to a report in Editor & Publisher, a newspaper trade journal. Gambling911 and Media Man think this may be correct for the U.S sector, but certainly not taking into account the U.K newspaper industry, who appear to be light years ahead, with bingo, poker, sports, fantasy and more.
"We're trying to serve two goals," said Yoni Greenbaum, VP of Product Development at Philly.com. "Those are content differentiation and revenue. If you're looking at the sports sites out there, a lot of them have the same stuff...The challenge that this creates is we need to offer more. In this day and age, sports fans have insatiable appetites."
FanDuel, a British wagering company helped Philly.com launch Instant Fantasy. Part fantasy league and part sports book, the service enables bettors to pick groups of players from professional baseball, hockey, or basketball leagues. It operates much like the fantasy leagues from Yahoo.com, CBSSports.com (parent company of CNET), and ESPN--except those games are just for fun.
With Instant Fantasy, players pay $5 to $50 a game with the chance to win as much as $90, Greenbaum said. It's one-on-one, and players can compete with a friend or family member. If they don't have anyone they want to play against, the game's system will match them up with someone five minutes before competition begins. Games are held daily.
Internet gambling is current illegal in the United States (depending who you want to believe as opinions vary, even from legal eagles) but in 2006, the government made some exceptions involving fantasy sports leagues, Editor & Publisher reported.
Last Sunday evening, Google's Schmidt addressed a group of newspaper execs in Washington D.C. at the American Society of News Editors. "We have a business model problem," Schmidt told the crowd. "We don't have a news problem."
Schmidt said newspapers are "fundamental" to democracy and predicted they would find a new business model based on advertising and subscription revenue. Maybe he should have included creating a sports book.
Our friend Mort seems to share a few similar thoughts on the newspaper - gambling model as Schmidt.
Zuckerman goes on record with "There is something that can be done, and the federal government ought to do it: allow sports betting on newspaper Websites. That would save every newspaper in America. The New York Times.com could do it. Plenty of British papers do this; for them it's a crucial part of their net revenue stream. I know a major newspaper in London that makes $15 million a year from sports betting alone".
Australia Update
New Limited newspapers (hard copy and online) continue to ramp up with both advertising a range of sports betting brands, in the past 2 months pushing their own in-house brands which look to be white label and things are strongly featured next to online sports news and on the world famous Fox Sports (Australian version) website. 'Fantasy NRL' looks to be their prime white label brand and they are also accepting a number of online sports betting adds, with Packer 50% share Betfair featuring prominently. Packer is also a huge fan of Premier Media Group, which has also has an investment in as we understand.
Fairfax Media (inc The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) newspapers websites, along with their online only sites including Brisbane Times and WA Today. 'Pro Tipping' by all accounts is the Fairfax Media white label sports betting branding.
Media Man remains independent, despite having grown to over 20 website portals. The group has previously declined offers to by all or part of the company, still riding a wave of growth. The company is considering "white label" deals, but has enjoyed excellent results "teaming up" with a handful of the world's leading igaming brands, mixed in with some traditional and new media publicity campaigns, so has stuck to the a global based business model that is working well on a marketing, branding, legal, financial and overall basis. Media Man sees Google, PartyGaming, Betfair, Crown Limited, Virgin (and maybe Tabcorp and NextGen Gaming) being a big part of its further development in the gaming and igaming sector, with Crown and Tabcorp moving forward casino travel and tourism ventures. Media Man remains in close liaison with GenerationOne, the Indigenous Australian employment initiative championed by Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James Packer, as to how to best collaborate, grow the business, and employ a few more hard working Australians in the progress.
Summary
The business model of newspapers (and other media companies) has changed... it had to, just to see its survival, with owners and editors even advising their journalists that they are to adapt their style for the internet, and some who failed to change have indeed lost their jobs. Some high up in the Murdoch and Fairfax Media empires even refer to their journalists and "content writers" or "content producers"... so much for the good old days when Clark Kent "Superman" types paved the pavements in search of a good story!
The bottom line is what counts to owners, bean counters and investors, and while media purists have a case to be "Not Happy Jan", it is part of the evolution of media, for better of worse.
One of the main dangers to the credibility of print newspapers is when too much focus is given to the bottom line and advertisers, and not enough on hard nosed journalism.
For these reasons and more Gambling911 readers can be assured that more hard nosed articles are on the way, sourced from the worldwide "freelance" contacts and relationships formed over many years. Freelance and independent generally means less PR spin jobs (as often found in some mainstream press) and a more gutsy, in your face style... the sort of stuff that sometimes sees legal eagles writing in trying to save face for their clients! (when the truth gets out). Media Man recently dealt with a couple of these sorts of scenarios, hard news being the catalyst, so we knew were were doing a great job.
We foresee a continuation of mainstream media companies plugging into the gaming and igaming sector, just at PartyGaming top brass Jim Ryan has rightly predicted would happen almost 2 years ago... that's why Ryan takes home (and secures for Party) the big bucks... the man is a visionary. Ryan has also smartly got in place a number of strategic alliances and purchased solid businesses such as the World Poker Tour. The combination of these things has made PartyGaming very appealing to Government departments, be it in France (hello our friends at PMU), Canada (poker tour on the radar) and Australia. The Party deals with Marvel Entertainment and Paramount Pictures also continue to serve the company, partners and affiliates well. Strong branding and even stronger financials, see PartyGaming stand head and shoulders about the rest in the igaming sector on a global scale. Virgin (Games) has the potential to be a real challenge to PartyGaming, in our opinion, as Richard Branson and his group have developed such a strong a loyal Virgin following over the years. When Virgin expand into new markets they automatically pick up new customers who were waiting for them. Virgin thinks this may be the case with their AWOMO (A World Of My Own) platform, a deal they have with Game Domain International, however Virgin is seeking more investors before taking the project ballistic and entering new markets. Rupert Murdoch's Sky (Vegas and family) is strong in the UK but is hardly on the radar in Australia (or anywhere else) from what we can make out. Sega and Sony have the potential to be major top ten players in the igaming space, but as of this writing, PartyGaming is our top pick, on a global scale, with Betfair sitting pretty for strong growth down under in Australia.
Readers may recall that earlier in the week that Australia media entrepreneur and and racing horse owner, Alan Jones, spoke at the Asian Racing Conference in Sydney. Jones called for united, as his certainly smart enough to see the potential threat from overseas based companies "invading" Australia, and doing it better. Australia's TAB isn't exactly known for having world class efficiencies, however they had previously enjoyed an almost monopoly and stranglehold in the Australian sector, however its no longer the case. TAB legal eagles are going to remain busy in the months ahead and Betfair is well prepared for a lengthy and expensive war, Betfair pink pigeon birdies have told us.
For dynamic media - new media enterprises such as Gambling911 and Media Man, the future continues to look bright. Low staff overheads, quick turnaround on articles, and business relationships in place with some of the world's top gaming, igaming, poker and sports betting brands. Just as important, the websites are Google and Google News friendly, and they don't discriminate against Yahoo! or Bing either, as well as being referenced in "bible" and top ten sites like Wikipedia. Social media brands such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter continue to be a benefit to the agile business models, and mobile / WAP looks to be a logic area to develop in the months ahead... can't wait for that Google mobile phone, that looks likely to take a huge bite out of Apple. Google is clearly the internet giant in the prime position to best capitalise on the growth of the gaming and gambling sector, at least by Media Man estimations (sorry Richard Branson, Yahoo and Wikipedia).
If good business is about adapting to the times and spreading risk, we think a number of American newspapers like The Philly and Aussie titles such as The Tele and The Herald, are doing a mighty fine job... we're pretty happy with our own efforts also.
Wild cards that may potentially develop a significant gaming business down under include Network Nine Australia (perhaps with a Hey Hey It's Saturday 'Pluka Duck' tie in along with the possibility of a rumored 'Underbelly' online and offline slot machine offering which punters are crying out for). The late Big Tim Bristow and George Freeman would have loved to see what's come of the igaming and gambling business now, we're certain.
Loyal readers, until next time, keep it legal, stay safe, bet with your head, not over it, know the odds, and above all, 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
* The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
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Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
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Sports Entertainment News
Monday, April 12, 2010
Virgin Casino Superhero Slots Knockout 12th - 18th April 2010
This week Virgin Casino will be rewarding you for winning.
Richard Branson's Virgin Casino is offering a chance to pick your favourite superhero slot and spin your way to the Winner’s Club where you’ll walk away with a £500 bonus and entry into a prize draw to win a pair of flight tickets to Orlando, Florida.
How it works:
Bet a minimum of £500 on any of the selected slot games below between Monday 12th and Thursday 15 April 2010, and if you achieve a profit over the four days of play you will qualify for the next round of the promotion. The more rounds you prevail in, the greater your cash prize will be!
Spider-Man
Hulk - Ultimate Revenge
Fantastic Four
Bejeweled
Call of Duty 4
Cubis
Emerald Isle
King Kong
Thor
Round - Cash Prize
Round 1: Monday - Thursday - Get knocked out pocket £0
Round 2: Friday - Get knocked out pocket £50
Round 3: Saturday - Get knocked out pocket 100
Round 4: Sunday - Get knocked out pocket £250
Winner's - Club £500
Plus, if you're fortune enough to make it into the Winner’s Club, you’ll get an entry into a prize draw to win two pairs of flight tickets to Orlando, Florida.
If you continue playing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, wagering the minimum amount of £500 on each of those days, and continue to make a daily profit, you’ll make it into the Winner’s Club where you’ll walk away with a cash prize of £500.
However, if you don’t finish in profit after round 2, don’t worry because Virgin Casino will reward you with a compensation bonus for making it through part of the week.
Start playing right away to win £500 bonus or flight tickets to Orlando, courtesy Virgin Casino.
Website
VirginCasino.com
*Sorry. No U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Profiles
Virgin Casino
Virgin Games
Virgin Slots
Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Slots
Richard Branson
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Canada
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Marvel Slots Online
Marvel Heroes Casino
Super Heroes Casino
Media Man Casino
Richard Branson's Virgin Casino is offering a chance to pick your favourite superhero slot and spin your way to the Winner’s Club where you’ll walk away with a £500 bonus and entry into a prize draw to win a pair of flight tickets to Orlando, Florida.
How it works:
Bet a minimum of £500 on any of the selected slot games below between Monday 12th and Thursday 15 April 2010, and if you achieve a profit over the four days of play you will qualify for the next round of the promotion. The more rounds you prevail in, the greater your cash prize will be!
Spider-Man
Hulk - Ultimate Revenge
Fantastic Four
Bejeweled
Call of Duty 4
Cubis
Emerald Isle
King Kong
Thor
Round - Cash Prize
Round 1: Monday - Thursday - Get knocked out pocket £0
Round 2: Friday - Get knocked out pocket £50
Round 3: Saturday - Get knocked out pocket 100
Round 4: Sunday - Get knocked out pocket £250
Winner's - Club £500
Plus, if you're fortune enough to make it into the Winner’s Club, you’ll get an entry into a prize draw to win two pairs of flight tickets to Orlando, Florida.
If you continue playing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, wagering the minimum amount of £500 on each of those days, and continue to make a daily profit, you’ll make it into the Winner’s Club where you’ll walk away with a cash prize of £500.
However, if you don’t finish in profit after round 2, don’t worry because Virgin Casino will reward you with a compensation bonus for making it through part of the week.
Start playing right away to win £500 bonus or flight tickets to Orlando, courtesy Virgin Casino.
Website
VirginCasino.com
*Sorry. No U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Profiles
Virgin Casino
Virgin Games
Virgin Slots
Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Slots
Richard Branson
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Canada
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Marvel Slots Online
Marvel Heroes Casino
Super Heroes Casino
Media Man Casino
Virgin Games inc Virgin Casino, Virgin Slots, Virgin Poker and Virgin Bingo Popular in Canada - April 2010
Virgin Games And Virgin Casino Is Taking Canada By Storm!
Website
VirginGames.com
New Games
News
Virgin Casino News: Virgin Gets New Games - Play Your Cards Right, Hole In The Wall, Kitty Glitter, Rubik's Slot - April 2010
Virgin Casino News: Virgin Gets New Games - Play Your Cards Right, Hole In The Wall, Kitty Glitter, Rubik's Slot, Casino Dice, Amazon Wild, Doctor Love and more
Play Your Cards Right
Play Your Cards Right slot features two unique bonus rounds which really make you part of the action. You can play for a jackpot in the "Grand Final" and see if you fancy your chances in the exciting "Double Chance Bonus". With mini jackpots that build as you play, what are you waiting for? Come on dollies, do your dealing! Now at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo!
Casino Dice
Casino Dice is the instant play dice game. Two dice are rolled and the player wagers on the number generated by the combined total. The player has to predict the correct total to win. If the player wins he has the option of trying to double the amount by predicting whether the last die will be higher or lower than the first from the next dice roll. This option can be exercised as many times provided each prediction is correct. The game is made interesting by different types of bets such as Single Bet, Split Bets and Number Range Bets. The payouts are shown on the screen.
Hole In The Wall
Introducing Hole in the Wall; Based on the world wide smash hit game show, this exciting multi line slot machine gives you the chance to see what you're made of. With wall-clearing success bringing rich rewards and failure resulting in a head-first plunge into the pool, will you manage to stay dry? Get ready to make cash and not a splash and BRING ON THE WALL! Live at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo!
Kitty Glitter
Move over dogs - cats are a man's and woman's best friend! If you like lots of wild symbols, Kitty Glitter™ is the purr-fect game for you. Kitty Glitter™ features 30 paylines, four lucky cats and a Free Spins Bonus in which all four cat symbols can become wild!
Trigger the Free Spins Bonus by getting 3 Bonus symbols anywhere on the middle three reels. Start the Bonus with 15 free spins with the opportunity to retrigger the bonus multiple times. Collect wild diamond symbols and watch as more and more cat symbols become wild! With potentially every cat symbol becoming wild, every spin can explode with wins. By bonus end, your total win could leap into a fortune. Kitty Glitter™ will have you purring with delight!
Amazon Wild
Deep in the Amazonian jungle there are the remains of an ancient civilisation, the legacy of a people who built their cities entirely of GOLD! Your mission is to find them and bring home your fortune.
As your quest unfolds, you'll be surrounded by the exotic sounds of the rainforest and treated to the sight of vibrantly coloured birds, big cats and colour-changing chameleons, not to mention the odd mischievous monkey!
Welcome to Amazon WILD - the most active slot on the net!
Amazon Wild is a 5-reel 100-line slot machine, with each reel being 4 symbols tall. In addition to a bonus round where winnings are awarded for uncovering a golden Aztec temple, the game features special Wild symbols which react together to trigger multiple wins.
Rubik's Slot
Rubik’s® is based on the popular Rubik's® Cube Puzzle. However, the player doesn’t even have to rotate the cube at all or affect anything else in the game, they simply need to press the 'Play' button and then the cube will rotate randomly and when it stops the player is awarded winnings based on how many completed sides and lines there are.
How To Play:
• Press PLAY to start the game. The Rubik's Cube will then start to rotate randomly.
• Between 0 and 6 of the letters of the logo will then light up and play a sound as lit. If all 6 letters are lit then after the winnings are highlighted the player will get to the FreePlays bonus.
• The cube will then stop rotating and the amount won will be determined by the number of lines and sides of the same colour.
• 3 squares of the same colour in a straight line (not diagonal) on the same side will will count as one line. If all the squares on a side are the same colour then a bonus side payout is also awarded for that side as well as the line payouts.
Bonus games
• The player has to select one of the 27 squares that are on the cube and that will then peel of the sticker in that position which will show a prize to the player.
• The prize will either be additional FreePlays or additional cubes.
• The player will get to pick a random number of different squares until they peel one off that says START - and at this point the FreePlays will start.
Bonus Game
• The player has to select one of the 27 squares that are on the cube and that will then peel of the sticker in that position which will show a prize to the player. The prize will either be additional FreePlays or additional cubes.
• The player will get to pick a random number of different squares until they peel one off that says START - and at this point the FreePlays will start.
FreePlays
• FreePlays will each play out automatically and will be for the same stake that was placed for the last bet.
• FreePlays can be re-triggered during FreePlays mode, so you could be awarded with extra FreePlays - if all 6 letters of the Rubik's logo light up then an extra prize will be awarded. This time however the player does not get to choose any squares and is just shown what they won in a popup. Also only extra cubes or extra FreePlays are awarded (cant get both as only one prize is awarded).
• All winnings during FreePlays mode will be credited to your account balance after each play. Auto Play By selecting 'Auto Play' you can choose to play up to 25 plays automatically, one after the other.
Thor
Presenting Thor; legendary hero, comic book classic and instant video slot legend. This 9-line smash is a must-see! Heavy-hitting animations summon the thunder god’s mighty hammer to trigger an incredible bonus round. Win up to 4,000 times your bet on wagers as low as 5p. Triple prizes of up to 12,000 times your bet are awarded during the Free Game Feature. As an added bonus, Thor is connected to the three-level Marvel jackpots with six other Marvel-themed games. Live at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo right now.
King Kong
Experience the fury and excitement as King Kong takes on New York City! Play 1 to 25 lines and go bananas over the wild bonus. Live at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo right now.
Five a Day
A fruity five line, five reel slot, with wild cards and a bonus feature to get your juices flowing.
Doctor Love
Doctor Love has a hospital romance theme. The dashing Dr. Love is the wild symbol. It also offers the highest fixed jackpot of 5000 coins. The other high paying symbols are the nurse who is the object of the doctor’s romancing and the patient who is all bandaged up. The other symbols on the reels also connect with the hospital theme. They include ambulance, get well bouquet, temperature chart, crutches and stethoscope. The scatter symbol is the love meter. It offers scatter payouts, the maximum of which is 100 times the total bet.
Grande Roulette
Grande Roulette – Classic just got better! Packed with great new features! Customisable bets, baize colour, and different view options, it’s the finest Roulette on the web!
Website
VirginGames.com
New Games
News
Virgin Casino News: Virgin Gets New Games - Play Your Cards Right, Hole In The Wall, Kitty Glitter, Rubik's Slot - April 2010
Virgin Casino News: Virgin Gets New Games - Play Your Cards Right, Hole In The Wall, Kitty Glitter, Rubik's Slot, Casino Dice, Amazon Wild, Doctor Love and more
Play Your Cards Right
Play Your Cards Right slot features two unique bonus rounds which really make you part of the action. You can play for a jackpot in the "Grand Final" and see if you fancy your chances in the exciting "Double Chance Bonus". With mini jackpots that build as you play, what are you waiting for? Come on dollies, do your dealing! Now at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo!
Casino Dice
Casino Dice is the instant play dice game. Two dice are rolled and the player wagers on the number generated by the combined total. The player has to predict the correct total to win. If the player wins he has the option of trying to double the amount by predicting whether the last die will be higher or lower than the first from the next dice roll. This option can be exercised as many times provided each prediction is correct. The game is made interesting by different types of bets such as Single Bet, Split Bets and Number Range Bets. The payouts are shown on the screen.
Hole In The Wall
Introducing Hole in the Wall; Based on the world wide smash hit game show, this exciting multi line slot machine gives you the chance to see what you're made of. With wall-clearing success bringing rich rewards and failure resulting in a head-first plunge into the pool, will you manage to stay dry? Get ready to make cash and not a splash and BRING ON THE WALL! Live at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo!
Kitty Glitter
Move over dogs - cats are a man's and woman's best friend! If you like lots of wild symbols, Kitty Glitter™ is the purr-fect game for you. Kitty Glitter™ features 30 paylines, four lucky cats and a Free Spins Bonus in which all four cat symbols can become wild!
Trigger the Free Spins Bonus by getting 3 Bonus symbols anywhere on the middle three reels. Start the Bonus with 15 free spins with the opportunity to retrigger the bonus multiple times. Collect wild diamond symbols and watch as more and more cat symbols become wild! With potentially every cat symbol becoming wild, every spin can explode with wins. By bonus end, your total win could leap into a fortune. Kitty Glitter™ will have you purring with delight!
Amazon Wild
Deep in the Amazonian jungle there are the remains of an ancient civilisation, the legacy of a people who built their cities entirely of GOLD! Your mission is to find them and bring home your fortune.
As your quest unfolds, you'll be surrounded by the exotic sounds of the rainforest and treated to the sight of vibrantly coloured birds, big cats and colour-changing chameleons, not to mention the odd mischievous monkey!
Welcome to Amazon WILD - the most active slot on the net!
Amazon Wild is a 5-reel 100-line slot machine, with each reel being 4 symbols tall. In addition to a bonus round where winnings are awarded for uncovering a golden Aztec temple, the game features special Wild symbols which react together to trigger multiple wins.
Rubik's Slot
Rubik’s® is based on the popular Rubik's® Cube Puzzle. However, the player doesn’t even have to rotate the cube at all or affect anything else in the game, they simply need to press the 'Play' button and then the cube will rotate randomly and when it stops the player is awarded winnings based on how many completed sides and lines there are.
How To Play:
• Press PLAY to start the game. The Rubik's Cube will then start to rotate randomly.
• Between 0 and 6 of the letters of the logo will then light up and play a sound as lit. If all 6 letters are lit then after the winnings are highlighted the player will get to the FreePlays bonus.
• The cube will then stop rotating and the amount won will be determined by the number of lines and sides of the same colour.
• 3 squares of the same colour in a straight line (not diagonal) on the same side will will count as one line. If all the squares on a side are the same colour then a bonus side payout is also awarded for that side as well as the line payouts.
Bonus games
• The player has to select one of the 27 squares that are on the cube and that will then peel of the sticker in that position which will show a prize to the player.
• The prize will either be additional FreePlays or additional cubes.
• The player will get to pick a random number of different squares until they peel one off that says START - and at this point the FreePlays will start.
Bonus Game
• The player has to select one of the 27 squares that are on the cube and that will then peel of the sticker in that position which will show a prize to the player. The prize will either be additional FreePlays or additional cubes.
• The player will get to pick a random number of different squares until they peel one off that says START - and at this point the FreePlays will start.
FreePlays
• FreePlays will each play out automatically and will be for the same stake that was placed for the last bet.
• FreePlays can be re-triggered during FreePlays mode, so you could be awarded with extra FreePlays - if all 6 letters of the Rubik's logo light up then an extra prize will be awarded. This time however the player does not get to choose any squares and is just shown what they won in a popup. Also only extra cubes or extra FreePlays are awarded (cant get both as only one prize is awarded).
• All winnings during FreePlays mode will be credited to your account balance after each play. Auto Play By selecting 'Auto Play' you can choose to play up to 25 plays automatically, one after the other.
Thor
Presenting Thor; legendary hero, comic book classic and instant video slot legend. This 9-line smash is a must-see! Heavy-hitting animations summon the thunder god’s mighty hammer to trigger an incredible bonus round. Win up to 4,000 times your bet on wagers as low as 5p. Triple prizes of up to 12,000 times your bet are awarded during the Free Game Feature. As an added bonus, Thor is connected to the three-level Marvel jackpots with six other Marvel-themed games. Live at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo right now.
King Kong
Experience the fury and excitement as King Kong takes on New York City! Play 1 to 25 lines and go bananas over the wild bonus. Live at Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo right now.
Five a Day
A fruity five line, five reel slot, with wild cards and a bonus feature to get your juices flowing.
Doctor Love
Doctor Love has a hospital romance theme. The dashing Dr. Love is the wild symbol. It also offers the highest fixed jackpot of 5000 coins. The other high paying symbols are the nurse who is the object of the doctor’s romancing and the patient who is all bandaged up. The other symbols on the reels also connect with the hospital theme. They include ambulance, get well bouquet, temperature chart, crutches and stethoscope. The scatter symbol is the love meter. It offers scatter payouts, the maximum of which is 100 times the total bet.
Grande Roulette
Grande Roulette – Classic just got better! Packed with great new features! Customisable bets, baize colour, and different view options, it’s the finest Roulette on the web!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Casino, Poker, Bingo, Table Games, Hollywood Slot Games, Casino Classics: PartyGaming Does It All, by Greg Tingle
PartyCasino, PartyPoker, World Poker Tour - London Stock Exchange powerhouse - meet the Ace of the igaming world
The world's leading igaming company, PartyGaming is on a roll.
Having come to terms with the United States Department of Justice earlier this year, PartyGaming have become quite the darling of the igaming, gaming and news media world.
PartyGaming has been on a purchasing and acquisitions mission recently picking up Cashcade and World Poker Tour, and is poised to come to more major business deals in the European, Asia Pacific and South American regions. It's global strategy also sees Party eyeing off India and France, whose government's appear open, even positive, to see a deal inked. PartyGaming has also been able to talk shop with Australia's Crown Casino resulting in sending online poker players in the direction of Crown's Aussie Millions Poker Tournament via its celebrated PartyPoker.com brand.
As PartyGaming CEO, Jim Ryan, has pointed out a number of times this financial year, PartyCasino is a key driver in the business and the Hollywood themed online slot games have been a huge success, as has their "Live Dealer" product, enabled by Evolution Gaming. While PartyCasino secured the rights to WagerWorks classic titles last year, Cleopatra, Monopoly and Cluedo, Party was able to build the portfolio with its own in-house team know as 'The Games Studio'.
Online poker remains the company's bread and butter, despite PartyPoker.com not currently accepting U.S customers. However, Party's purchase and running of World Poker Tour (including World Poker Tour website, World Poker Tour casino website) and Club WPT) means that United States citizens can now enjoy a PartyGaming product without any question of legals. The World Poker Tour brand will also almost certainly enable PartyGaming to facilitate some major news media and television deals, which will further grow the company's bottom line and brand.
Numerous sports and entertainment celebrities have been lining up to represent the brand including cricket and TV star Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, Italian football legend Francesco Totti, Germany poker pro Dragan Galic, Australian poker sensations, Tony G and Stewart Scott, and poker babe and TV presenter, Canadian-Brit Kara Scott.
Casino fans... now the information you've been waiting for... more world class online slot games are on the cards for PartyCasino following the recent releases, Call of Action 4: Modern Warfare, Melon Madness, Tarzan, Sinatra, High Noon, Resident Evil and The Naked Gun. Names being speculated include Andre The Giant, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, The Expendables, The Sopranos, Sonic, Underbelly, Hilton, UFC, TNA and Marvel. Again, those brands are speculation, but some of these have made print, and as they say, where there's smoke, there's fire!
PartyGaming already offers four Marvel themed online slot games and the Marvel Hero Jackpot, and modern classic, The Godfather, remains one of the most popular slots networked into the world famous Gold Mega Jackpot, currently exceeding $1 million dollars! If you got excited by Cleo, Rambo and Tarzan, just wait till you see what lurks around the corner. Australia's NextGen Gaming has been teasing some journalists and insiders on some massive brands going live on PartyCasino, and that's no spin. The online casino brand also offers 24/7/365 support and comes in a wide range of multi currency and multi language options. Not convinced yet? Players and potential players can also play for free or play for money, so you know your in safe hands. New casino players can currently get up to $500 bonus for signing up.
PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has been operating for over a decade, which is like a lifetime in the gaming world. PartyGaming has also made last year's eGaming Review shortlist for a number of awards and commendations. In addition, PartyGaming and its PartyCasino, PartyPoker and World Poker Tour brands have made the Media Man and Casino News Media shortlist for monthly and yearly awards.
While some of PartyGaming's competitors are putting out some impressive products from time to time, those in the know state that there is only one PartyGaming and that their track record of stability, service, security, innovation and fun speaks for itself.
*the writer has a b2b agreement in place with a number of PartyGaming brands, as they do with dozens of brands in the gaming, igaming media and entertainment sector, the details of which are commercially sensitive in nature. The writer is the founder and director of Media Man, Media Man International and Global Gaming Directory.
Global Gaming Directory Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Club WPT
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com Marvel Slots
PartyCasino.com Sinatra Slot
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour casino
World Poker Tour
Club WPT
The world's leading igaming company, PartyGaming is on a roll.
Having come to terms with the United States Department of Justice earlier this year, PartyGaming have become quite the darling of the igaming, gaming and news media world.
PartyGaming has been on a purchasing and acquisitions mission recently picking up Cashcade and World Poker Tour, and is poised to come to more major business deals in the European, Asia Pacific and South American regions. It's global strategy also sees Party eyeing off India and France, whose government's appear open, even positive, to see a deal inked. PartyGaming has also been able to talk shop with Australia's Crown Casino resulting in sending online poker players in the direction of Crown's Aussie Millions Poker Tournament via its celebrated PartyPoker.com brand.
As PartyGaming CEO, Jim Ryan, has pointed out a number of times this financial year, PartyCasino is a key driver in the business and the Hollywood themed online slot games have been a huge success, as has their "Live Dealer" product, enabled by Evolution Gaming. While PartyCasino secured the rights to WagerWorks classic titles last year, Cleopatra, Monopoly and Cluedo, Party was able to build the portfolio with its own in-house team know as 'The Games Studio'.
Online poker remains the company's bread and butter, despite PartyPoker.com not currently accepting U.S customers. However, Party's purchase and running of World Poker Tour (including World Poker Tour website, World Poker Tour casino website) and Club WPT) means that United States citizens can now enjoy a PartyGaming product without any question of legals. The World Poker Tour brand will also almost certainly enable PartyGaming to facilitate some major news media and television deals, which will further grow the company's bottom line and brand.
Numerous sports and entertainment celebrities have been lining up to represent the brand including cricket and TV star Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell, Italian football legend Francesco Totti, Germany poker pro Dragan Galic, Australian poker sensations, Tony G and Stewart Scott, and poker babe and TV presenter, Canadian-Brit Kara Scott.
Casino fans... now the information you've been waiting for... more world class online slot games are on the cards for PartyCasino following the recent releases, Call of Action 4: Modern Warfare, Melon Madness, Tarzan, Sinatra, High Noon, Resident Evil and The Naked Gun. Names being speculated include Andre The Giant, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, The Expendables, The Sopranos, Sonic, Underbelly, Hilton, UFC, TNA and Marvel. Again, those brands are speculation, but some of these have made print, and as they say, where there's smoke, there's fire!
PartyGaming already offers four Marvel themed online slot games and the Marvel Hero Jackpot, and modern classic, The Godfather, remains one of the most popular slots networked into the world famous Gold Mega Jackpot, currently exceeding $1 million dollars! If you got excited by Cleo, Rambo and Tarzan, just wait till you see what lurks around the corner. Australia's NextGen Gaming has been teasing some journalists and insiders on some massive brands going live on PartyCasino, and that's no spin. The online casino brand also offers 24/7/365 support and comes in a wide range of multi currency and multi language options. Not convinced yet? Players and potential players can also play for free or play for money, so you know your in safe hands. New casino players can currently get up to $500 bonus for signing up.
PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and has been operating for over a decade, which is like a lifetime in the gaming world. PartyGaming has also made last year's eGaming Review shortlist for a number of awards and commendations. In addition, PartyGaming and its PartyCasino, PartyPoker and World Poker Tour brands have made the Media Man and Casino News Media shortlist for monthly and yearly awards.
While some of PartyGaming's competitors are putting out some impressive products from time to time, those in the know state that there is only one PartyGaming and that their track record of stability, service, security, innovation and fun speaks for itself.
*the writer has a b2b agreement in place with a number of PartyGaming brands, as they do with dozens of brands in the gaming, igaming media and entertainment sector, the details of which are commercially sensitive in nature. The writer is the founder and director of Media Man, Media Man International and Global Gaming Directory.
Global Gaming Directory Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Club WPT
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino.com Marvel Slots
PartyCasino.com Sinatra Slot
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour casino
World Poker Tour
Club WPT
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - online "war" between iGaming powerhouses, by Greg Tingle - April 2010
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - online "war" between iGaming powerhouses, by Greg Tingle - April 2010
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - iGaming and gaming sector heats up - United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, Germany, South America, India, South Africa and beyond
PartyGaming - Asia Pacific - Australian focus, planning on return to United States; Hollywood themed games and tie ins with World Poker Tour owned brand, Asian Poker Tour collaboration, Maintains lead as world's leading online casino brand
Virgin Games - planning on expanding both Gambling and non gambling gaming products; Plans to add over 100 new games within 12 months
Hundreds of game titles are available to play now at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com
Punters take note...PartyCasino.com can be accessed in most of the Asia Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, and hotspot, Tasmania, while Virgin Casino can not currently be accessed in those regions. Both companies are looking to soon be able to offering paid games to the United States, in a race which numerous experts say PartyGaming is winning. PartyGaming also owns and operates the famous World Poker Tour (which is available to American punters).
Background
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
Background to the war...
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting more smash hit games
In addition Richard Branson's Virgin Games is planning a non gambling service: A World Of My Own (AWOMO), which will be able to provide gamers with a cutting edgy technology service in basically all parts of the world, including in regions where traditional online gambling is not permitted. The strength of the Virgin brand, combined with Virgin's track record of success in new ventures and technology stack the odds in favour of the launch being a huge success. Virgin and competitor, PartyGaming, also have very strong news media, igaming, political and business connections.
Virgin's AWOMO is currently in beta testing, and is expected to launch the complete product in the third quarter of this year.
PartyGaming is pushing the interactive elements of its gaming with "Live Dealer", "Casino Calendar" and "Avatar" type technologies just around the corner.
The Casinos
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year and Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Jackpots
Party offers Gold Mega Jackpot, The Big One, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin offers MegaJackpots, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action, excitement and fun, check out Party and Virgin without delay.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory.net
Virtual Worlds Media
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Manager
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - iGaming and gaming sector heats up - United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, Germany, South America, India, South Africa and beyond
PartyGaming - Asia Pacific - Australian focus, planning on return to United States; Hollywood themed games and tie ins with World Poker Tour owned brand, Asian Poker Tour collaboration, Maintains lead as world's leading online casino brand
Virgin Games - planning on expanding both Gambling and non gambling gaming products; Plans to add over 100 new games within 12 months
Hundreds of game titles are available to play now at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com
Punters take note...PartyCasino.com can be accessed in most of the Asia Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, and hotspot, Tasmania, while Virgin Casino can not currently be accessed in those regions. Both companies are looking to soon be able to offering paid games to the United States, in a race which numerous experts say PartyGaming is winning. PartyGaming also owns and operates the famous World Poker Tour (which is available to American punters).
Background
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
Background to the war...
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting more smash hit games
In addition Richard Branson's Virgin Games is planning a non gambling service: A World Of My Own (AWOMO), which will be able to provide gamers with a cutting edgy technology service in basically all parts of the world, including in regions where traditional online gambling is not permitted. The strength of the Virgin brand, combined with Virgin's track record of success in new ventures and technology stack the odds in favour of the launch being a huge success. Virgin and competitor, PartyGaming, also have very strong news media, igaming, political and business connections.
Virgin's AWOMO is currently in beta testing, and is expected to launch the complete product in the third quarter of this year.
PartyGaming is pushing the interactive elements of its gaming with "Live Dealer", "Casino Calendar" and "Avatar" type technologies just around the corner.
The Casinos
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year and Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Jackpots
Party offers Gold Mega Jackpot, The Big One, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin offers MegaJackpots, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action, excitement and fun, check out Party and Virgin without delay.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory.net
Virtual Worlds Media
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Manager
Friday, April 09, 2010
Station Casinos reorganization plan: Sell several properties - 25th March 2010
Station Casinos Inc. filed a reorganization plan in its bankruptcy case Wednesday proposing the sale of its interests in certain land holdings and 13 of its 18 gaming properties.
Four major hotel-casinos generating the bulk of the company's revenue and a fifth property would remain under control of the reorganized Station Casinos, which would be owned by lenders to those properties and existing Station owners Colony Capital of Los Angeles and the Fertitta family of Las Vegas.
Those major properties are Red Rock Resort, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station and are known as the "PropCo" properties. The fifth property is the Wild Wild West motel and casino and associated land on Tropicana Avenue west of Interstate 15.
Court records show the Fertittas and Colony Capital would pay $85.6 million for a 50 percent stake in the new company holding Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Sunset Station, the Wild Wild West and certain land holdings -- and that company would assume $1.6 billion in mortgage debt. The Fertittas would manage these five properties.
The Fertittas would own 46 percent of the reorganized company and Colony Capital would hold 4 percent. Since there are several lenders, the Fertittas would be the largest shareholder.
"Reaching a deal on the PropCo Properties marks a significant step toward the restructuring of Station Casinos," Frank Fertitta III, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Station Casinos, said in a statement. "I’m committed to the successful reorganization of the company that my family founded."
The plan, if approved, would lead to the sale of the remaining company assets.
The assets include Indian casino management contracts as well as Texas Station, Santa Fe Station, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Boulder, the Gold Rush, Lake Mead Casino and the company's 50 percent interest in Green Valley Ranch Resort, Aliante Station and the smaller Barley's, the Greens and Wildfire Lanes.
The assets to be sold include extensive land holdings in California (1,321 acres), the Reno area (200 acres) and at key gaming-entitled sites in the Las Vegas Valley at Durango Road and the southern Las Vegas Beltway, Town Center Dive and the Beltway and in Henderson's Inspirada development. The land holdings also include 52 acres south of Palace Station planned as a retail, entertainment and residential development.
Besides keeping the Wild Wild West acreage, once proposed as the site for a $10 billion "Viva" megaresort that would compete with Las Vegas Strip properties, the new Fertitta-run company would continue to own gaming-entitled land at Cactus Avenue and the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard.
The Greenspun family, owner of the Las Vegas Sun, is Station's partner in Green Valley Ranch, Aliante Station and the smaller 50 percent-owned properties. A Greenspun affiliate is suing in a separate bankruptcy case to remove Station as the manager of Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, charging mismanagement there. Station has denied those allegations and said they were made by a disgruntled fired former manager.
Based on their previous interest in expanding in the Las Vegas market, potential bidders of the assets to be sold likely would include Boyd Gaming Corp., Penn National Gaming and investor Carl Icahn. Icahn controls Las Vegas-based Tropicana Entertainment and the mothballed Fontainebleau resort. The Fertittas are also expected to bid for the assets, which the company hopes will be sold as a package and not separately.
"Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta remain keenly interested in these properties and Fertitta Gaming would like to aggressively pursue the acquisition of these assets," said a statement from Marc Falcone, chief financial officer of the brothers' company Fertitta Gaming.
Lorenzo Fertitta has served as a Station director since 1991 and was its president through June 2008. He co-owns Zuffa LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and has served as its chairman and chief executive since June 2008.
"The plan contemplates that Station Casinos will conduct an orderly sale process for the ... properties on a going concern basis, under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court and in a manner designed to procure the highest and best transaction available," Station said in court papers.
Station said the reorganization plan is supported by lenders of nearly all of the $2.475 billion in debt encumbering Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station.
Bondholders owed $2.3 billion have yet to weigh in on the plan. Attorneys for the bondholders, organized as the bankruptcy case's Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, said Thursday they had no immediate comment on the reorganization plan.
Station's filing extends for 60 days the period in which Station alone can file a reorganization plan.
The bondholders have previously sought permission to sue Station over 2007's $8.8 billion going-private transaction in which the company was sold to Colony and the Fertittas, charging the deal crippled Station with an additional $1.7 billion in debt.
Station last reported in November that its debt and liabilities totaled $6.8 billion -- a sum the company has been unable to service because the recession has reduced spending at its hotels and casinos. Station's inability to meet its debt obligations and the refusal of some creditors to agree to a consensual reorganization led to last summer's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Station, which has been targeted by a Culinary Union labor organizing campaign, said in Wednesday's filing that after emerging from bankruptcy it intends to "mitigate the impact on its team members of the restructuring process."
Workers at the new Fertitta-run company would receive pay increases and restoration of a match for their 401(K) investment plan and the new company would "take other steps to ensure that its team members enjoy competitive wages and benefits," Station said in its filing.
Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer D. Taylor issued this statement in response to the reorganization plan:
“Workers are organizing to form a union at Station Casinos and what is important to these workers is not who ends up running their casinos and what financial maneuverings are going on in the bankruptcy proceedings, but that their jobs, benefits, and rights are protected. They have suffered greatly at Station Casinos. Their retirement benefits have been slashed, their health insurance costs have gone up, and hundreds of workers have lost jobs as a result of subcontracting. These workers are concerned about their future and their ability to take care of themselves and their families and that is why they came to the union. They don’t want their employer, whoever it may end up being, to be able to turn their lives upside down on a whim. They also want their right to form a union to be respected. They don’t want to be harassed, intimidated or coerced simply because they support the union.”
Station has denied union charges of harassing workers supportive of the union.
Besides being a potential bidder for assets if Station's reorganization plan is approved, Boyd Gaming on Thursday signaled the reorganization plan itself may face objections.
"Based on the limited information Station has provided regarding their proposed reorganization plan, it appears to favor Station insiders and includes the transfer of certain unspecified 'OpCo' assets to PropCo. Such a transfer of assets could harm the value of OpCo at the expense of creditors. It's important to note that Station’s entire plan of reorganization will be unsuccessful without the support of the OpCo creditors," Boyd said in a statement. "We remain interested in acquiring all of Station’s assets and continue to believe that Boyd Gaming is in the best position to offer maximum value to Station’s creditors, and to protect the interests of its employees, customers and the Las Vegas community."
The "OpCo" assets Boyd referred to are Station assets other than Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station.
Four major hotel-casinos generating the bulk of the company's revenue and a fifth property would remain under control of the reorganized Station Casinos, which would be owned by lenders to those properties and existing Station owners Colony Capital of Los Angeles and the Fertitta family of Las Vegas.
Those major properties are Red Rock Resort, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station and are known as the "PropCo" properties. The fifth property is the Wild Wild West motel and casino and associated land on Tropicana Avenue west of Interstate 15.
Court records show the Fertittas and Colony Capital would pay $85.6 million for a 50 percent stake in the new company holding Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Sunset Station, the Wild Wild West and certain land holdings -- and that company would assume $1.6 billion in mortgage debt. The Fertittas would manage these five properties.
The Fertittas would own 46 percent of the reorganized company and Colony Capital would hold 4 percent. Since there are several lenders, the Fertittas would be the largest shareholder.
"Reaching a deal on the PropCo Properties marks a significant step toward the restructuring of Station Casinos," Frank Fertitta III, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Station Casinos, said in a statement. "I’m committed to the successful reorganization of the company that my family founded."
The plan, if approved, would lead to the sale of the remaining company assets.
The assets include Indian casino management contracts as well as Texas Station, Santa Fe Station, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Boulder, the Gold Rush, Lake Mead Casino and the company's 50 percent interest in Green Valley Ranch Resort, Aliante Station and the smaller Barley's, the Greens and Wildfire Lanes.
The assets to be sold include extensive land holdings in California (1,321 acres), the Reno area (200 acres) and at key gaming-entitled sites in the Las Vegas Valley at Durango Road and the southern Las Vegas Beltway, Town Center Dive and the Beltway and in Henderson's Inspirada development. The land holdings also include 52 acres south of Palace Station planned as a retail, entertainment and residential development.
Besides keeping the Wild Wild West acreage, once proposed as the site for a $10 billion "Viva" megaresort that would compete with Las Vegas Strip properties, the new Fertitta-run company would continue to own gaming-entitled land at Cactus Avenue and the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard.
The Greenspun family, owner of the Las Vegas Sun, is Station's partner in Green Valley Ranch, Aliante Station and the smaller 50 percent-owned properties. A Greenspun affiliate is suing in a separate bankruptcy case to remove Station as the manager of Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, charging mismanagement there. Station has denied those allegations and said they were made by a disgruntled fired former manager.
Based on their previous interest in expanding in the Las Vegas market, potential bidders of the assets to be sold likely would include Boyd Gaming Corp., Penn National Gaming and investor Carl Icahn. Icahn controls Las Vegas-based Tropicana Entertainment and the mothballed Fontainebleau resort. The Fertittas are also expected to bid for the assets, which the company hopes will be sold as a package and not separately.
"Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta remain keenly interested in these properties and Fertitta Gaming would like to aggressively pursue the acquisition of these assets," said a statement from Marc Falcone, chief financial officer of the brothers' company Fertitta Gaming.
Lorenzo Fertitta has served as a Station director since 1991 and was its president through June 2008. He co-owns Zuffa LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and has served as its chairman and chief executive since June 2008.
"The plan contemplates that Station Casinos will conduct an orderly sale process for the ... properties on a going concern basis, under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court and in a manner designed to procure the highest and best transaction available," Station said in court papers.
Station said the reorganization plan is supported by lenders of nearly all of the $2.475 billion in debt encumbering Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station.
Bondholders owed $2.3 billion have yet to weigh in on the plan. Attorneys for the bondholders, organized as the bankruptcy case's Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, said Thursday they had no immediate comment on the reorganization plan.
Station's filing extends for 60 days the period in which Station alone can file a reorganization plan.
The bondholders have previously sought permission to sue Station over 2007's $8.8 billion going-private transaction in which the company was sold to Colony and the Fertittas, charging the deal crippled Station with an additional $1.7 billion in debt.
Station last reported in November that its debt and liabilities totaled $6.8 billion -- a sum the company has been unable to service because the recession has reduced spending at its hotels and casinos. Station's inability to meet its debt obligations and the refusal of some creditors to agree to a consensual reorganization led to last summer's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Station, which has been targeted by a Culinary Union labor organizing campaign, said in Wednesday's filing that after emerging from bankruptcy it intends to "mitigate the impact on its team members of the restructuring process."
Workers at the new Fertitta-run company would receive pay increases and restoration of a match for their 401(K) investment plan and the new company would "take other steps to ensure that its team members enjoy competitive wages and benefits," Station said in its filing.
Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer D. Taylor issued this statement in response to the reorganization plan:
“Workers are organizing to form a union at Station Casinos and what is important to these workers is not who ends up running their casinos and what financial maneuverings are going on in the bankruptcy proceedings, but that their jobs, benefits, and rights are protected. They have suffered greatly at Station Casinos. Their retirement benefits have been slashed, their health insurance costs have gone up, and hundreds of workers have lost jobs as a result of subcontracting. These workers are concerned about their future and their ability to take care of themselves and their families and that is why they came to the union. They don’t want their employer, whoever it may end up being, to be able to turn their lives upside down on a whim. They also want their right to form a union to be respected. They don’t want to be harassed, intimidated or coerced simply because they support the union.”
Station has denied union charges of harassing workers supportive of the union.
Besides being a potential bidder for assets if Station's reorganization plan is approved, Boyd Gaming on Thursday signaled the reorganization plan itself may face objections.
"Based on the limited information Station has provided regarding their proposed reorganization plan, it appears to favor Station insiders and includes the transfer of certain unspecified 'OpCo' assets to PropCo. Such a transfer of assets could harm the value of OpCo at the expense of creditors. It's important to note that Station’s entire plan of reorganization will be unsuccessful without the support of the OpCo creditors," Boyd said in a statement. "We remain interested in acquiring all of Station’s assets and continue to believe that Boyd Gaming is in the best position to offer maximum value to Station’s creditors, and to protect the interests of its employees, customers and the Las Vegas community."
The "OpCo" assets Boyd referred to are Station assets other than Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station.
Australian Casino News: Crown Casino PR Style With `Disarray', by Greg Tingle - 9th April 2010
In the land "down under" sometimes hard news is kept quite for a while, but invariably the cat gets out of the bag. You want evident, well look no further than the Australian Government internet "blacklist" and proposed internet filter. The more they tried to keep it quite, the bigger the story got, pushed along nicely by Media Man and Gambling911 we might add.
Today the blacklist may be the Australian governments biggest headache, on both a national and international scale. Even the U.S President and his Administrative army are none too pleased to hear that Australia is becoming one of the world's biggest 'Enemys Of The Internet' according to Reporters Without Boarders.
Now Conroy and Rudd are trying their luck of rolling out a multi million (or billion) dollar broadband network, something that may take up to a decade to complete, and yes, its supposed to come with censorship measures included (which the majority of technology experts say will slow the bloody thing down), but that's another story and scandal building for the dynamic duo of Kevin "Bloody" Rudd and Stephen "Mr Censorship" Conroy. We think Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott will have defeated Rudd via knockout punch soon enough.
Recently our friends at James Packer's Crown Casino had a problem to iron out in relation to the annual Logie awards, which Packer and Billionaire Inc have managed to keep under the hat of Crown City Casino in Melbourne.
Media Man and Gambling911 go undercover with this report...
Crown Casino has been the hosting venture of the TV Week Logie Awards for years now, despite competitors such as Tabcorp's Jupiters on the Gold Coast trying to steal it away.
Less than a month before Australian television's "night of nights", ACP Magazines furiously fired the PR outfit it engaged to handle this year's Logie's at Crown.
The PR in the lead-up to the Crown Casino event on the 2nd has put cold water on what is Australia's major annual red carpet and television event.
The event is usually good PR for Packer's Crown aka 'World Of Entertainment', but this year is proving more challenging that most, even though Crown bean counters and legal eagles are happy.
The firing of specialist fashion PR outfit Torstar came just four days after News Limited revealed the Logie nominations breaky held at Sydney's Ivy Bar 10 days prior had been heavily criticised and panned severely by the television networks for being "disorganised".
Insiders said one of the Torstar publicists had not known who Rebecca Gibney (last year's Gold Logie Award winner and star of Packed to the Rafters), was.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise that its possible that there was a conspiracy to get rid of the original PR firm, especially giving the often "bitchy" and "precious" nature of the Australian entertainment - showbiz landscape, and the high stakes involved. A Media Man insider whispered "The Australian media and entertainment landscape and business is extremely political. If certain folks decide they want to get rid of X, that's it, it happens".
Gibney is one of a eight contenders going for the coveted Gold Logie, including comedians Shaun Micallef, Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and Wil Anderson, and actors Ray Meagher and Esther Anderson. Australian casino king James Packer has not being nominated for any awards (but we enjoyed his guitar smashing antics anyway exhibited at City Of Dreams Macau last year). A birdie tells us a few folks from 'Underbelly' fame have been nominated, some of which played out gambling themes in the international smash hit.
Last week ACP Magazines (owner of The Logies), made an approach to The Lantern Group about taking over the event. "ACP and Torstar have mutually agreed not to continue to work together on the remainder of the TV Week Logies project 2010," ACP advised in a media statement.
Torstar's Tory Archbold told News Limited's The Australian that her contract with ACP was secure and she remained the "mouthpiece for TV Week".
"I know we did a good job" she proclaimed.
However, last night, ACP confirmed that The Lantern Group had been engaged to run the event.
Media Man - Jac Bowie burlesque queen and main squeeze, is rumored to attend the Logie's with of or two of her world class burlesque performers. MM and JB partner in crime, Grant Galea, famous for his Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra act, is also strongly rumored to appear. Buzz builds that communications and property entrepreneur, Kym Illman, may show up with his famous 'Money Girl' in toe (dressed in nothing but $50 and $100 notes we understand!). Illman, a former Media Man client (from a Shane Warne spinner campaign) is understood to be a key Media Man "secret weapon" in Australia's casino war. Bowie and Galea are extremely excited about Australia's casino was opening up more opportunities for the elite of the Australian and international entertainment industry. At the time of publication it remains unclear if Shane Warne will attend the event, as Warnie has been very busy of late (and that's not including the 888 poker brand situation). Media analysts reckon Warnie would do well to change brands, maybe jumping ship to PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com and friends, if a deal can be reached. Betfair may also be another option. Ah, its nice to be wanted isn't it Warnie. Warne enjoys a long and largely positive history with Network Nine and ACP, as does most of the Media Man family and friends.
Team Packer and Team ACP Magazines will likely be glad when their affair is history. Crown Casino has bigger fish to fry, such as their focus to lure in the world's biggest gamblers, Gulfstream Jets and all, as NSW competitor, Star City Casino gets jets of their own, as Australia's casino wars continue to heat up. No word as yet if plastic handcuffs will be used on guests, performers or burlesque queens, but we promise to keep you posted.
If its true that news is something, someone, somewhere, doesn't want someone else to know, everything else is PR, I think we proved the point once again here at your uncensored, unfiltered, friendly gaming, igaming, betting, entertainment and political window to the world. Gambling911, dedicated to providing you with the news... not always what you want to hear, but what you need to know... just ask Jesse "The Body" Ventura at 'Conspiracy Theory', if he's not too busy investigating the Australian political and casino landscape 'Casino Jack' style. A bridie tells us one of his key targets is Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications aka Minister of Censorship and Silly Lists). Good hunting and punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals they report on. Media Man operates website portals in Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Property News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Today the blacklist may be the Australian governments biggest headache, on both a national and international scale. Even the U.S President and his Administrative army are none too pleased to hear that Australia is becoming one of the world's biggest 'Enemys Of The Internet' according to Reporters Without Boarders.
Now Conroy and Rudd are trying their luck of rolling out a multi million (or billion) dollar broadband network, something that may take up to a decade to complete, and yes, its supposed to come with censorship measures included (which the majority of technology experts say will slow the bloody thing down), but that's another story and scandal building for the dynamic duo of Kevin "Bloody" Rudd and Stephen "Mr Censorship" Conroy. We think Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott will have defeated Rudd via knockout punch soon enough.
Recently our friends at James Packer's Crown Casino had a problem to iron out in relation to the annual Logie awards, which Packer and Billionaire Inc have managed to keep under the hat of Crown City Casino in Melbourne.
Media Man and Gambling911 go undercover with this report...
Crown Casino has been the hosting venture of the TV Week Logie Awards for years now, despite competitors such as Tabcorp's Jupiters on the Gold Coast trying to steal it away.
Less than a month before Australian television's "night of nights", ACP Magazines furiously fired the PR outfit it engaged to handle this year's Logie's at Crown.
The PR in the lead-up to the Crown Casino event on the 2nd has put cold water on what is Australia's major annual red carpet and television event.
The event is usually good PR for Packer's Crown aka 'World Of Entertainment', but this year is proving more challenging that most, even though Crown bean counters and legal eagles are happy.
The firing of specialist fashion PR outfit Torstar came just four days after News Limited revealed the Logie nominations breaky held at Sydney's Ivy Bar 10 days prior had been heavily criticised and panned severely by the television networks for being "disorganised".
Insiders said one of the Torstar publicists had not known who Rebecca Gibney (last year's Gold Logie Award winner and star of Packed to the Rafters), was.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise that its possible that there was a conspiracy to get rid of the original PR firm, especially giving the often "bitchy" and "precious" nature of the Australian entertainment - showbiz landscape, and the high stakes involved. A Media Man insider whispered "The Australian media and entertainment landscape and business is extremely political. If certain folks decide they want to get rid of X, that's it, it happens".
Gibney is one of a eight contenders going for the coveted Gold Logie, including comedians Shaun Micallef, Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and Wil Anderson, and actors Ray Meagher and Esther Anderson. Australian casino king James Packer has not being nominated for any awards (but we enjoyed his guitar smashing antics anyway exhibited at City Of Dreams Macau last year). A birdie tells us a few folks from 'Underbelly' fame have been nominated, some of which played out gambling themes in the international smash hit.
Last week ACP Magazines (owner of The Logies), made an approach to The Lantern Group about taking over the event. "ACP and Torstar have mutually agreed not to continue to work together on the remainder of the TV Week Logies project 2010," ACP advised in a media statement.
Torstar's Tory Archbold told News Limited's The Australian that her contract with ACP was secure and she remained the "mouthpiece for TV Week".
"I know we did a good job" she proclaimed.
However, last night, ACP confirmed that The Lantern Group had been engaged to run the event.
Media Man - Jac Bowie burlesque queen and main squeeze, is rumored to attend the Logie's with of or two of her world class burlesque performers. MM and JB partner in crime, Grant Galea, famous for his Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra act, is also strongly rumored to appear. Buzz builds that communications and property entrepreneur, Kym Illman, may show up with his famous 'Money Girl' in toe (dressed in nothing but $50 and $100 notes we understand!). Illman, a former Media Man client (from a Shane Warne spinner campaign) is understood to be a key Media Man "secret weapon" in Australia's casino war. Bowie and Galea are extremely excited about Australia's casino was opening up more opportunities for the elite of the Australian and international entertainment industry. At the time of publication it remains unclear if Shane Warne will attend the event, as Warnie has been very busy of late (and that's not including the 888 poker brand situation). Media analysts reckon Warnie would do well to change brands, maybe jumping ship to PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com and friends, if a deal can be reached. Betfair may also be another option. Ah, its nice to be wanted isn't it Warnie. Warne enjoys a long and largely positive history with Network Nine and ACP, as does most of the Media Man family and friends.
Team Packer and Team ACP Magazines will likely be glad when their affair is history. Crown Casino has bigger fish to fry, such as their focus to lure in the world's biggest gamblers, Gulfstream Jets and all, as NSW competitor, Star City Casino gets jets of their own, as Australia's casino wars continue to heat up. No word as yet if plastic handcuffs will be used on guests, performers or burlesque queens, but we promise to keep you posted.
If its true that news is something, someone, somewhere, doesn't want someone else to know, everything else is PR, I think we proved the point once again here at your uncensored, unfiltered, friendly gaming, igaming, betting, entertainment and political window to the world. Gambling911, dedicated to providing you with the news... not always what you want to hear, but what you need to know... just ask Jesse "The Body" Ventura at 'Conspiracy Theory', if he's not too busy investigating the Australian political and casino landscape 'Casino Jack' style. A bridie tells us one of his key targets is Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications aka Minister of Censorship and Silly Lists). Good hunting and punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals they report on. Media Man operates website portals in Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casino News
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Australian Sports Entertainment
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Global Gaming Directory.net
Thursday, April 08, 2010
PartyCasino News And PartyGaming News: Race to the Top of the Circus for your share of $150,000, by Greg Tingle
PartyCasino.com News: Race to the Top of the Circus for your share of $150,000
Starts: 00:00 ET, 6th April
Ends: 23:59 ET, 20th April
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be astounded by the Circus, our sensational new slot game that’s like nothing you’ve ever played before!
To celebrate its triumphant arrival we’re inviting you to Race to the Top, where you play for a share of $150,000 across two leader boards. Our Palladium VIPs will compete for more than $95,000 on their leader board, while our regular players will have a shot at more than $60,000.
To get yourself on board, simply collect PartyPoints by playing on Circus or any of our fabulous big-money slots and jackpot slots from 6th to 20th April. The higher you climb up a leader board, the bigger your reward.
Earn double points when you play on Circus
To make sure your Circus career starts in style we’ll give you double points when you play our brand-new slot game. Please note that these extra points awarded will not count towards the Race to the Top leader boards.
As the world’s first role-playing slot, Circus is packed full of features that will amaze all our players. Choose one of four unique characters, play 16 bonus games for big-money multipliers and unlock an adventure that will keep you coming back for more and more.
The greatest show on earth has arrived. Join the Circus today.
Profiles
Circus
PartyPoints
Palladium Lounge
The Big One
Gold Mega Jackpot
Marvel Hero Jackpot
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino Marvel Slots
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Casino
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Party Casino News
Party Gaming Media
Classic Casino Games
Casino News Media
CasinoNewsMedia.net
Starts: 00:00 ET, 6th April
Ends: 23:59 ET, 20th April
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be astounded by the Circus, our sensational new slot game that’s like nothing you’ve ever played before!
To celebrate its triumphant arrival we’re inviting you to Race to the Top, where you play for a share of $150,000 across two leader boards. Our Palladium VIPs will compete for more than $95,000 on their leader board, while our regular players will have a shot at more than $60,000.
To get yourself on board, simply collect PartyPoints by playing on Circus or any of our fabulous big-money slots and jackpot slots from 6th to 20th April. The higher you climb up a leader board, the bigger your reward.
Earn double points when you play on Circus
To make sure your Circus career starts in style we’ll give you double points when you play our brand-new slot game. Please note that these extra points awarded will not count towards the Race to the Top leader boards.
As the world’s first role-playing slot, Circus is packed full of features that will amaze all our players. Choose one of four unique characters, play 16 bonus games for big-money multipliers and unlock an adventure that will keep you coming back for more and more.
The greatest show on earth has arrived. Join the Circus today.
Profiles
Circus
PartyPoints
Palladium Lounge
The Big One
Gold Mega Jackpot
Marvel Hero Jackpot
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyCasino Marvel Slots
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Casino
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Party Casino News
Party Gaming Media
Classic Casino Games
Casino News Media
CasinoNewsMedia.net
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Casino Cash Rolls In To Australia Political Parties, by Greg Tingle - 8th April 2010
Australian political parties and land based casino operators remain under the spotlight as more revelations about substantial donations from casinos to politics goes public.
Media Man and Gambling911 investigate 'Casino Jack' style, as we explore a new patch of Australia's 'Underbelly'.
From the get go, let it be said that it is not illegal (yet anyway) to make donations to Aussie political parties. Cash and cheques hit their coffers from any number of business sectors, certainly not restricted to the casino, hotel, club and resort sector et al. It's almost part of Australia business culture to cough up dollars to the majority of the political parties.
However, just because something is legal, or illegal for that matter, doesn't mean it is just.
In recent months Labor and Liberal have been inundated with buckets of cash from corporate Australia, and it doesn't get much more corporate that Tabcorp's Star City Casino and Crown Limited's Crown Casino.
Numbers obtained by the NSW Election Funding Authority show state Labor accepted $2.5 million in donations and union affiliation fees between July and December, while the Liberals and Nationals took in $1.9 million. Ah, Jack Abramoff from 'Casino Jack' fame would be proud.
The massive donations are a sign that big business aims win favour and positive history with an incoming Coalition government, the Liberals and Nationals have raised $19.5 million since the 2007 election from the hotels (inc casinos), clubs (pokie heaven), finance, pharmaceutical, lobbyist and property (more casinos) sector.
We've learned that in the same window, Labor snatched $16.5 million to its coffers, some of which is used for television commercials promoting NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally. We alert readers to the fact that Australian TV stations have been extremely quite on the internet censorship debate, while newspapers and radio, and internet forums, have been very vocal, but more on that non - coincidence later, if we're not busy playing a spot of golf with the 'Minister Of Silly Lists' and Censorship... if he's not busy being summoned to a "Please Explain" meeting with Prime Minster Kevin Rudd... (if he's not busy getting an "ear bashing" from U.S President Barack Obama about censorship). Readers, are you following this trail?
The political donations are putting intense pressure on the Australian government to implement recommendations handed down by a parliamentary committee last week, including a cap on donations at just $2000 per political party, group or independent candidate each financial year.
It's no secret that Labor received $115,000 from Star City Casino in the second half of last year, around the same times as the laws regulating the casino were being loosened and its exclusive licence was extended in Parliament. In 2008 Star donated $110,000 just two months before it was granted approval for a $575 million redevelopment, and readers will recall that their budget has just been increased by $100 million or so, which helps build more entertainment rooms, and may even go towards learjets for high rolling VIP's, as they go to "war" with Packer's Crown.
A spokeswoman for Ms Keneally said any suggestion that political donations had influenced concessions that allowed gambling controls and surveillance to be watered down was not correct. "Donations have no impact on the timing of bills going through Parliament.".
Political donations are keenly watched as an indication of which companies and wealthy individuals may be lobbying government. The Australian and international gaming community is watching closely to see what moves PartyGaming and Betfair may make in this space.
PartyGaming famously came to financial terms with the United States Department Of Justice last year to the tune of $100 million or thereabouts. It wasn't a pure donation, however the U.S knew Party had the money, and it was an opportunity for PartyGaming to move forward. PartyGaming and its brands such as PartyCasino and PartyPoker are making strategic moves to return to the U.S market and regulation changes are afoot, just its World Poker Tour is making pro active steps to boost things along with a pending play in the North American - Canadian region, which may see much of the U.S change its stance on igaming, poker tournaments and the like. Last fortnight PartyGaming inked an impressive business deal with France horse racing operator PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain). PartyGaming also enjoys b2b dealings with such mainstream brands as Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, StudioCanal, Blizard Entertainment, Infinity Ward, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Hasbro, MGM and FremantleMedia. PartyGaming are understood to be in the "good books" of internet giants Google, Yahoo! and Bing!... something that has also served Gambling911 and Media Man International well over the years. Google is currently developing its own advanced web hosting and ISP services in a move that has has generated massive interest from mainstream media, new media and gaming operators.
Back to the pure political news...Figures Gambling911 and Media Man sourced via Fairfax Media and News Limited state the following...
In the second half of last year the biggest donors included: Clubs NSW, which gave $59,000 to Labor and $101,555 to the Coalition; Manildra Group, $40,850 (Labor) and $19,050 (Coalition); property developer Memo Corporation, $36,850 (Labor) and $22,200 (Liberal); and the Independent Retailers Association, $77,820 (Labor) and $9000 (Liberal). The Liberals accepted $57,926 from the Australian Hotels Association and $49,750 from British American Tobacco.
The Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell, personally raised $174,650 at 10 fund-raisers held in his name and in his electorate, including raising some $108,100 at the Ku-ring-gai Business Breakfast last September.
Not to be outdone Labor collected in excess of $1 million in "affiliation fees" paid by unions between July and December.
In the coming weeks and months we will continue our probe into the relationships between Australian political parties and casinos, igaming operator, SP bookmakers and the like. Firms on our radar include but are not limited to Betfair, Centrebet, Full Tilt Poker (Easts Roosters NRL team connection), 888 (Warnie's the face of them for Australia), and a few others that will remain nameless for the moment.
Aussie's, anyone taking bets on what Australian land based casino operators are interested to enjoy a spot of golf with Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications, Censorship and "Silly Lists") Last time a casino exec played golf with our friend cash registers hit the jackpot. Ah, life is full of coincidences, just ask 'Casino Jack', coming soon to a movie theater near you if your an Aussie, Yankee or Kanok, but if your behind "The Great Internet Firewall" Of China, good luck, you will need it.
Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, stay on Kevin "Bloody" Rudd, we sense Rudd's corner man Conroy is going down for the count as we approach the 12th round of action, broadcast from Sydney to Las Vegas, Macau, Florida and beyond via the internet channel (that no one owns, Australian government included). Special referee Jesse "The Body" Ventura and his 'Conspiracy Theory' actuality TV show remain pro actively interested in the connection between Australian casinos, political parties and proposed internet filter and blacklist initiatives.
Media Man and Gambling911 offer this public service announcement: Bet with your head, not over it, and keep it fun (and that messages is also applicable to Australian political parties).
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The network attracts approximately 6 million hits per month and has portals in Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Asia
Media Man Casino
Media Manager International
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casino News
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man and Gambling911 investigate 'Casino Jack' style, as we explore a new patch of Australia's 'Underbelly'.
From the get go, let it be said that it is not illegal (yet anyway) to make donations to Aussie political parties. Cash and cheques hit their coffers from any number of business sectors, certainly not restricted to the casino, hotel, club and resort sector et al. It's almost part of Australia business culture to cough up dollars to the majority of the political parties.
However, just because something is legal, or illegal for that matter, doesn't mean it is just.
In recent months Labor and Liberal have been inundated with buckets of cash from corporate Australia, and it doesn't get much more corporate that Tabcorp's Star City Casino and Crown Limited's Crown Casino.
Numbers obtained by the NSW Election Funding Authority show state Labor accepted $2.5 million in donations and union affiliation fees between July and December, while the Liberals and Nationals took in $1.9 million. Ah, Jack Abramoff from 'Casino Jack' fame would be proud.
The massive donations are a sign that big business aims win favour and positive history with an incoming Coalition government, the Liberals and Nationals have raised $19.5 million since the 2007 election from the hotels (inc casinos), clubs (pokie heaven), finance, pharmaceutical, lobbyist and property (more casinos) sector.
We've learned that in the same window, Labor snatched $16.5 million to its coffers, some of which is used for television commercials promoting NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally. We alert readers to the fact that Australian TV stations have been extremely quite on the internet censorship debate, while newspapers and radio, and internet forums, have been very vocal, but more on that non - coincidence later, if we're not busy playing a spot of golf with the 'Minister Of Silly Lists' and Censorship... if he's not busy being summoned to a "Please Explain" meeting with Prime Minster Kevin Rudd... (if he's not busy getting an "ear bashing" from U.S President Barack Obama about censorship). Readers, are you following this trail?
The political donations are putting intense pressure on the Australian government to implement recommendations handed down by a parliamentary committee last week, including a cap on donations at just $2000 per political party, group or independent candidate each financial year.
It's no secret that Labor received $115,000 from Star City Casino in the second half of last year, around the same times as the laws regulating the casino were being loosened and its exclusive licence was extended in Parliament. In 2008 Star donated $110,000 just two months before it was granted approval for a $575 million redevelopment, and readers will recall that their budget has just been increased by $100 million or so, which helps build more entertainment rooms, and may even go towards learjets for high rolling VIP's, as they go to "war" with Packer's Crown.
A spokeswoman for Ms Keneally said any suggestion that political donations had influenced concessions that allowed gambling controls and surveillance to be watered down was not correct. "Donations have no impact on the timing of bills going through Parliament.".
Political donations are keenly watched as an indication of which companies and wealthy individuals may be lobbying government. The Australian and international gaming community is watching closely to see what moves PartyGaming and Betfair may make in this space.
PartyGaming famously came to financial terms with the United States Department Of Justice last year to the tune of $100 million or thereabouts. It wasn't a pure donation, however the U.S knew Party had the money, and it was an opportunity for PartyGaming to move forward. PartyGaming and its brands such as PartyCasino and PartyPoker are making strategic moves to return to the U.S market and regulation changes are afoot, just its World Poker Tour is making pro active steps to boost things along with a pending play in the North American - Canadian region, which may see much of the U.S change its stance on igaming, poker tournaments and the like. Last fortnight PartyGaming inked an impressive business deal with France horse racing operator PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain). PartyGaming also enjoys b2b dealings with such mainstream brands as Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, StudioCanal, Blizard Entertainment, Infinity Ward, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Hasbro, MGM and FremantleMedia. PartyGaming are understood to be in the "good books" of internet giants Google, Yahoo! and Bing!... something that has also served Gambling911 and Media Man International well over the years. Google is currently developing its own advanced web hosting and ISP services in a move that has has generated massive interest from mainstream media, new media and gaming operators.
Back to the pure political news...Figures Gambling911 and Media Man sourced via Fairfax Media and News Limited state the following...
In the second half of last year the biggest donors included: Clubs NSW, which gave $59,000 to Labor and $101,555 to the Coalition; Manildra Group, $40,850 (Labor) and $19,050 (Coalition); property developer Memo Corporation, $36,850 (Labor) and $22,200 (Liberal); and the Independent Retailers Association, $77,820 (Labor) and $9000 (Liberal). The Liberals accepted $57,926 from the Australian Hotels Association and $49,750 from British American Tobacco.
The Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell, personally raised $174,650 at 10 fund-raisers held in his name and in his electorate, including raising some $108,100 at the Ku-ring-gai Business Breakfast last September.
Not to be outdone Labor collected in excess of $1 million in "affiliation fees" paid by unions between July and December.
In the coming weeks and months we will continue our probe into the relationships between Australian political parties and casinos, igaming operator, SP bookmakers and the like. Firms on our radar include but are not limited to Betfair, Centrebet, Full Tilt Poker (Easts Roosters NRL team connection), 888 (Warnie's the face of them for Australia), and a few others that will remain nameless for the moment.
Aussie's, anyone taking bets on what Australian land based casino operators are interested to enjoy a spot of golf with Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications, Censorship and "Silly Lists") Last time a casino exec played golf with our friend cash registers hit the jackpot. Ah, life is full of coincidences, just ask 'Casino Jack', coming soon to a movie theater near you if your an Aussie, Yankee or Kanok, but if your behind "The Great Internet Firewall" Of China, good luck, you will need it.
Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, stay on Kevin "Bloody" Rudd, we sense Rudd's corner man Conroy is going down for the count as we approach the 12th round of action, broadcast from Sydney to Las Vegas, Macau, Florida and beyond via the internet channel (that no one owns, Australian government included). Special referee Jesse "The Body" Ventura and his 'Conspiracy Theory' actuality TV show remain pro actively interested in the connection between Australian casinos, political parties and proposed internet filter and blacklist initiatives.
Media Man and Gambling911 offer this public service announcement: Bet with your head, not over it, and keep it fun (and that messages is also applicable to Australian political parties).
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The network attracts approximately 6 million hits per month and has portals in Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Asia
Media Man Casino
Media Manager International
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Australian Casino News
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Australian Sports Entertainment
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