Crown
Casino Teams Up With NRL's Melbourne Storm...
Melbourne
are expecting a cyclone size backlash as the latest
National
Rugby League club to link with a gambling establishment
after confirming Crown Casino as their new major sponsor.
In a massive deal snatcher for a club which last year
was disgraced after being stripped of all points and
two premierships during the salary cap scandal, the
Storm unveiled Crown as their front jersey sponsor
on Friday. Melbourne chief executive Ron Gauci agreed
there would be criticism of the club's link with gambling.
However he defended the arrangement and said Crown
offered a home for Storm supporters, which the club
had not had since it joined the competition in 1998.
All Storm after-match and mid-season functions for
members will be held at Crown. The casino believes
the sponsorship will boost their exposure interstate.
"I think you'll have those that wish to comment
but I think we need to emphasise what it is that we
wanted out of the relationship and that is a home
for our supporter base," Gauci said. "If
you think about what Crown has to offer as an entertainment
complex ... this is a great place to consolidate those
activities." The Storm lost major sponsors Host
Plus and ME Bank in the wake of last season's scandal.
Gauci said the new sponsorship delivered a message
of confidence in the Storm ahead of the 2011 season.
"I think it does deliver us a substantial message
to the marketplace, and for the club it's very important
to have an organisation as big a Melbourne icon as
Crown is to support the club. It delivers a magnificent
message about the confidence the corporate world has
in Melbourne Storm and our future direction."
The Storm joined South
Sydney as the second NRL club to have a gambling
establishment as their major sponsor, while Penrith
have renamed their home ground Centrebet Stadium and
Manly will also have the Centrebet logo on the back
of their jumper. Yes, NRL ramped up links to gambling
are all the rage. A rumour has started that igaming
kings PartyGaming
want into Australia and would accept an NRL jersey,
shorts or even stadium deal. The firm is known for
its well known and respected PartyCasino,PartyPoker
and World
Poker Tour brands, which have a strong following
in Australia, other parts of the Asia Pacific, such
as New Zealand. Party is also looking to ramp up sports
betting services in the Asia Pacific region. Melbourne's
announcement also comes in the same week as Ryan Tandy,
who left the Storm midway through last season to join
Canterbury, was arrested and charged as a result of
an ongoing police investigation into "irregular
betting" on a match between the Canterbury Bulldogs
and North Queensland Cowboys last August. Dennis Watt,
rugby league general manager with News Limited, who
own the Storm, defended the arrangement between a
gambling establishment and a sport sold as a family
game. "I can speak for Crown as an integrated
entertainment, retail complex. It is very much reflective
of the heart and soul of Melbourne and it's a great
relationship for us to have and I don't see a conflict
for the relationship the Storm have sought here."
He echoed the views recently expressed by NRL chief
executive David Gallop that the association between
sport and gambling "is as old as sport itself".
"Gambling's a part of the Australian way of life,
part of our character and our history," he said.
"We advocate moderation, we know that problem
gambling affects less than half a per cent of the
population. "You've got two million problem drinkers,
four million smokers, over nine million Australians
suffering levels of obesity which are also big social
issues."
A
Media Man
spokesperson said "The Crown Casino - Melbourne
Storm sponsorship deal looks to be a match made in
heaven. Crown has world class facilities and entertainment
is the name of the game. Entertainment takes many
forms, be it football, burlesque, television, rock
bands or slot machines aka one armed bandits. Crown
Casino can do it all. Already this deal has generated
national and international headlines, and yes, we
are helping spread the word to our friends in the
U.S and Canada. Gambling911, CAP, GWPA and Poker News
Daily are just a few outlets that we expect to run
the story. It's balanced and positive coverage all
the way, instead of the agenda driven gaming hater
stuff you read from time to time. Chalk up more browny
points for Crown's James Packer and his world class
team at Crown, and good on the NRL and The Storm for
seeing the golden opportunity and moving it into high
gear. I never thought I would say this again after
last season's scandals, but Go The Storm!"
Australian
Betting Limited 'Bullet Proof' NOT! Says Maker Aristocrat...
A
card-based system forcing pokie players to set betting
limits isn't a "bullet proof" solution to
problem gambling, poker machine maker Aristocrat Leisure
Ltd says. Aristocrat, representing over 60% of the
Australian pokies market, is instead proposing a machine-based
system that lets gamblers set time and/or betting
limits. But the proposal was met with some opposition
when Aristocrat executives appeared before a joint
federal parliamentary committee hearing in Sydney
on Friday. The committee is investigating the idea
of a pre-commitment scheme using smart card or other
technology to force pokie players to set limits on
their gambling. It follows a controversial commitment
from Prime Minister Julia Gillard to Tasmanian "independent"
(so to speak - has seen to be bias and preduduce against
those liking a punt) MP Andrew Wilkie to introduce
such a scheme across the country in return for his
support of her Labor government. "As a company,
we acknowledge that there is a problem out there,"
Aristocrat general manager of corporate affairs Kristene
Reynolds told the hearing. "For us, coming here
today is to come to the table and be part of that
solution." The company's managing director in
Australia and New Zealand, Trevor Croker, said card-based
systems, which have been used in other countries,
can be manipulated by problem gamblers. "It is
not a bullet proof solution. People do swap cards
and have been able to use multiple cards," he
said. "I think finding the complete solution
is going to be a very difficult outcome. "It
should not be something we don't aspire to, but it
will be very difficult, from what we see in those
(other) markets." Aristocrat will soon trial
a new slot machine that features opt-in pre-commitments,
allowing users the option to set themselves spending
or time limits. These machines could be ready for
mass production from the end of 2012, and phased in
as part of the normal machine replacement cycle, Croker
said. But with the average cost of a pokie at $25,000,
Labor MP Stephen Jones questioned the Aristocrat executives
on the cost effectiveness of such a solution. "It
would be good for Aristocrat, I can see that. But
it's a very expensive solution to the problem, isn't
it?", he asked. Aristocrat general manager of
design and development Justin Brown said smaller venues
could be given longer to replace their machines, while
newer models may only require a software upgrade,
at a cost of about $3,000. Mr Wilkie, the committee's
chairman, also questioned the motives of Aristocrat's
proposal. "I can't help feeling an element of
commercial self interest in your advice to the committee
here," he said. Further questioning resulted
in the Aristocrat executives conceding their machine-based
proposal would not prevent problem gamblers from simply
switching machines or venues once they had reached
a pre-committed loss or time limit. The hearings continue
in Canberra and Hobart later this month. In Australia
the machines are often known as pokies or poker machines,
in the U.S - slots, and much of Europe - Fruit Machines
or Fruities!
Queensland's
Sunshine Coast A Big Winner For Lottery Sector; Punters
To Win Homes Via BoysTown Gambling...
It's
steal from the rich to give to the poor! Ok, not exactly,
but read on and you will get the drift soon enough.
The Sunshine Coast has long been regarded as a prize
location by local residents, but now a range of national
and state lottery organisations are taking notice.
BoysTown Lotteries recently unveiled a million-dollar
home in Buderim as its latest prize home offering.
Located at 22 Orme Rd, the home is part of a prize
package worth more than $1.5 million. It is arguably
one of Buderim’s most beautiful homes, according
to BoysTown’s general manager fundraising Keith
Coventry. "Our previous lottery prize home was
in Nerang (Gold Coast) and the one before that was
in Rainbow Bay (Coolangatta). Now we find ourselves
in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast. When deciding on
a prize home, we look at the property itself and then
the desirability of the location and the features
of the area," Coventry said. "I think the
thing about Buderim is that you are close to the beach,
but you also have those great views over the ocean
and the coastline. I guess you get the best of both
worlds. "The Buderim home has been particularly
popular and the retail sales have been very strong."
Yet another contender in the Coast’s prize pool
is a home in Mount Coolum, raising funds for the Mater
Foundation as part of the Mater Prize Home Lottery.
Also sporting a million-dollar price tag, the home
is located at 47 Boardwalk Blvd in Coolum’s Boardwalk
Estate. Twin Waters is the site of Surf Life Saving
Lottery’s prize home, which is valued at more
than $750,000. The three-bedroom home at Lot 4 Ameen
Cct comes with $41,832 in furniture and electrical,
along with 12 months paid council rates. Coventry
said funds raised from the BoysTown lottery would
assist the Kids Helpline service, which was in particular
demand since the recent floods. "Kids Helpline
is certainly taking a lot more calls from kids who
are worried about the impacts of the floods, or who
have been affected by the floods. A lot of people
are seeking assistance with the mental health aspects
of this natural disaster, so I think that is certainly
going to be the focus of much of our fundraising over
the coming months." The money raised from Mater
lotteries help funds medical research teams and the
purchase of life-saving medical equipment, as well
as supporting patients and families. Surf Life Saving
lotteries assist Surf Life Saving clubs around the
country. Aussies, feeling lucky. Go on, give them
a go, and you know the money is going to a good place,
if you don't happen to win. Mind you, feel welcome
to check out the slots, poker, bingo and other casino
games showcased on the portal also. BoysTown Lottery
will set you back a bit, while at Media Man partners
like PartyGaming, many games can be played for free
or for money. The choice if yours. Hours of entertainment
for young and old - just kidding, check legalities
but most counties insist you are at least 18 years
old to gamble, and that includes from lottery to poker
to slots, ok crew!
Clubs
Australia VS Productivity Watchdog: Dog Fight; Bark
Worse Than Bite?...
Clubs
Australia will today accuse the nation's productivity
watchdog of making a mathematical error in its claim
that problem gamblers are responsible for 40% of poker
machine revenue. Media Man spokespersons and investigators
have been disputing the "problem gambling"
numbers for almost 2 years! The figure of 40% is being
used by anti-gambling politicians aka "gaming
haters" to try to justify new limits on gambling
the Gillard government has pledged to introduce to
maintain the support of independent MP Andrew Wilkie
in the hung parliament. Clubs Australia is fighting
a mandatory precommitment scheme that would force
pokies players to set a limit on how much they intend
to spend before they start gambling. It claims the
scheme will cost clubs and pubs $2.5 billion nationally
and cost thousands of jobs if it turns off casual
gamblers from having a punt, throwing a couple of
bucks down the throat of an "one armed bandit",
whilst often sinking a cold Aussie beer at the same
time (not that we endorse it). Beer can change ones
thinking, but you likely knew that already Jack! Politicians
backing the reform have seized on a claim in the Productivity
Commission report that problem gamblers contribute
40% of pokie revenue to justify the crackdown. Clubs
Australia president Anthony 'On The Ball' Ball will
tell a parliamentary inquiry in Sydney today the figure
is "highly contentious" and "inaccurate".
In his opening address to the inquiry he will say
that the Productivity Commission claims there are
95,000 problem gamblers who play the pokies and spend
on average $21,000 each year on the machines. When
multiplied together, this comes to a total of $1.995bn,
and this figure represents just 16.8% of the $11.9bn
total expenditure on poker machines. "These are
not our numbers. These are the figures from the commission,"
Ball will say. "Therefore the vast majority of
gambling revenue comes from recreational gamblers."
The Productivity Commission used a range of different
methods to calculate the amount spent by problem gamblers
and found both problem and recreational gamblers underestimated
how much they spent on gambling each year. The 40
per cent figure was not derived from multiplying the
number of problem gamblers by the amount they said
they spent each year but was derived from a range
of surveys that looked at what gamblers actually spent.
Clubs Australia will tell the parliamentary committee
the proposed mandatory precommitment scheme is a "massive
infringement of people's individual rights".
"There's a vast difference between making the
pre-commitment available to any player who wants to
use it, and forcing anybody who wants to play a gaming
machine to register, obtain a device and provide personal
details or fingerprints in order to be able to play,"
Mr Ball plans to tell the inquiry.
Australian
Gambling Enquiry: Traditional Gamblers Heading Online
For Slots, Poker, Roulette Et Al; Problem Gamblers
VS Problem Child Government Policy?...
Using
hi-tech to force pokies players to set betting limits
would drive gambling addicts online in the masses
and divert resources away from helping problem punters,
a Senate inquiry has heard. The inquiry, chaired by
Tasmanian federal independent MP Andrew Wilkie, is
investigating the concept of a pre-commitment scheme
using smart card or other technology to force all
pokies players to set limits on their gambling. Clubs
Australia, the peak body for registered clubs in the
nation, on Friday told the joint parliamentary committee
inquiring into the issue it had reservations about
the proposal in its current form. Clubs Australia
executive director Anthony Ball said more research
was needed on how effective it would be. "There
is very little good research out there about whether
this proposal or any others are going to work,"
he told the inquiry in Sydney. "There are a multitude
of gambling opportunities. The strategy must not be
to drive (problem gamblers) online ... The strategy
must be to find these people, get them the right treatment
and turn their lives around." He said state regulations
on gambling were sufficient and that a 'one-size-fits-all'
policy should not be applied across all states. Clubs
Australia president Peter Newell said the three main
issues regarding the scheme were cost, whether it
would reduce problem gambling and the consequences
of implementing it. He said the system failed to work
in Norway, and instead drove problem gamblers to the
internet. Five million Australians would play the
pokies in any given 12-month period and the system
would only drive away recreational players, who represented
the "vast majority" of gambling revenue,
he said. "As a recreational gambler myself, I
am disturbed that there are people who think I need
assistance in determining how I spend my money,"
he said. "Mandatory pre-commitment fails to provide
what problem gamblers need most and that is treatment,
and in doing so, diverts attention and resources away
from treatment. Problem gamblers will still gamble
in the mandatory pre-commitment system. They are addicted.
But recreational gamblers will walk away from pokie
machines." Newell said the system would be expensive
and difficult to implement across 197,000 machines
nationwide, taking years and billions of dollars to
do - forcing clubs to close and costing thousands
of jobs - with no indication as to how effective it
will be. It's man VS machine; The People VS The Government,
and The Government VS The Gaming Industry. News media
and website portals just keep lapping up the action
resulting in a readership jackpot bonanza.
The
Shane Warne Show At Aussie Millions 2011, by Greg
Tingle - 27th January 2011
G'day
everyone. How as your Australia Day maties? The casino,
gaming and sports betting news keeps coming thick
and fast. Media
Manhttp://www.mediamanint.com
and Gambling911
with the latest and greatest from the land down under...
Melbourne:
Shane Warne Shows Again At Aussie Millions...
Warnie
wore his poker face on Australia Day as he battled
some of the world's best poker champs at the Aussie
Millions Main Event at James Packers' Crown Casino.
The spinner king played among the likes of former
boxer and mate Jeff Fenech, fashion designer from
Playboy fame, Christopher Chronis and Australian poker
champ Joe Hachem. Warne and Hachem are the official
poker faces of Crown Limited and both enjoy good relationships
with Asia Pacific's gambling and media tycoon, James
Packer aka 'Our James'.
Australian
Pubs, Pokie Palaces Feel Financial Pressure, Pokie
Takings May Not Save Them...
We're
learned that 2 high-profile pub casualties, listed
freehold owner Redcape Properties and venue operator
National Leisure & Gaming (NLG) collectively owe
about $860 million to their bank lenders. A senior
banker told the press that pub loans totalling "several
billion dollars" were spread across the bigger
lenders, with the absence of pub buyers leaving few
options but to extend debt repayments. Last month
the Bank of New Zealand Australia, the business division
of NAB, extended about $150m in NLG loans due at the
end of July until January 2012. However, banks continue
to lend on pub freeholds, albeit at reduced loan-to-valuation
ratios of 50-60%. Few are lending on leaseholds. The
harder line has fuelled fears of a further half a
% softening in yields in 2011. "If a bank is
only willing to lend 50% for a $20m acquisition, that
limits the number of buyers able to stump up a lazy
$10m," the senior industry figure said. While
pub markets across Australia are under pressure, New
South Wales...where there has been about 35 receiverships
since 2008 - has suffered most. The latest to go into
receivership is Icon Hospitality - the largest tenant
of the troubled listed ING Entertainment Fund. The
least affected state is Victoria, where poker machine
baron Bruce Mathieson and Woolworths dominate the
pub scene through their Australian Leisure & Hospitality
Group partnership. Likewise, the ALE pub freehold
group has the majority of its properties in Melbourne
and Queensland, making it another standout in the
listed pub space. Many Australian leading business
people say that the clubs need to improve entertainment,
beyond just offering entertaining "one armed
bandits". Also, good food for the right price
may help save the skin of some Aussie pubs, clubs
and hotels. No wonder the club sector is pissed off
with 'Mr X', pitching proposals which will further
reduce revenue streams. Aren't you glad you don't
own a pub!
Victorian
Government Targets Real Life Underbelly In And Around
Horse Racing Scene...
The
Victorian Government has authorised the state's racing
officials to access information from more crime-fighting
bodies, as part of a crackdown on shady characters.
The Racing Integrity Commissioner, Sal Perna, can
now trade data with the Australian Crime Commission,
the Australian Securities and Investment Commission,
Centrelink and the Victorian Ombudsman. He was already
authorised to view the files of Victoria Police and
the state's gambling regulator. The Racing Minister,
Denis Napthine, says crime is not welcome at the racetrack.
"In racing there are millions of dollars involved
on a daily and yearly basis, and this can sometimes
attract people of ill repute," he said. "And
the Racing Integrity Commissioner needs to have access
to information with other agencies so that he can
investigate any suggestions of impropriety."
Victoria Police was recently criticised for entering
into an information sharing agreement with the Australian
Football League. Dr Napthine says the AFL is a private
body, and the same concerns do not apply. "The
Racing Integrity Commissioner is a state public-sector
employee, and he is responsible for protecting the
integrity of racing in the state of Victoria, and
that is why he has access to this information,' he
said. "He is fully aware of the issues in terms
of protecting privacy." Mr Perna is a former
policeman, corporate security expert, architect of
Tennis Australia's Anti-Corruption Program and also
helped develop the AFL's integrity program.
Australian
Man With Cancer - Leukaemia Stole Millions To Feed
Gambling Habit...
A
man with terminal leukaemia has been sentenced to
jail for stealing millions of dollars from a law firm
trust account. William Brenton Willoughby, 65, admitted
stealing more than $2 million to buy and train racehorses
and gamble. Adelaide District Court Judge Paul Rice
said Willoughby abused his position as a loyal and
trusted employee of the Magarey Farlam law firm and
his behaviour was morally reprehensible. The judge
said the man would serve his time harder than others
because of his leukaemia and diabetes. Willoughby
has been jailed for 9 years with a five-year non-parole
term. Rumour had it that some inmates go get to play
cards in jail, with decks of cards sometimes being
smuggled in we're told. It's unknown exactly how any
wagers are paid in the can, but we suspect with vice
like beer, cigs or even mobile phones which are known
to be smuggled in from time to time.
Alice
Springs, Northern Territory: Alice Springs Memorial
Club: Real Life Underbelly Crime Spree...
The
manager of the Alice Springs Memorial Club says crime
is out of control in the town. Andrea Sullivan said
the club was broken into around one o'clock in the
morning and alcohol was stolen. She said while police
were taking a statement from her, the alleged offenders
returned and the police chased them and arrested them.
Ms Sullivan said repeated break-ins have cost the
club more than $20,000 over the last couple of months.
"I really think that it's as simple as this -
you do the crime, you do the time" Ms Sullivan
said. "The justice system has to be a lot harsher
on these people especially these repeat offenders.
"They're coming in over and over and over again
and I can tell you the town's people are getting very
tired and sick of it." Police have been kept
busy over the last two days with break-ins at two
other licenced premises. Police said all of the alleged
offenders have been arrested and charged. The offers
decent opportunities to have a punt. TAB, Keno, Bingo
and Slots we understand. From their website we learn...
TAB - We have the perfect setting for the eager punter,
with an up to date top tipping service supplied by
Bet-Busters and screening Sky Channel, Austar and
Foxtel Sports. The TAB has it’s own separate
area away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of
the Club. Fully operational seven days a week with
a fully equipped bar and ATM facilities available.
KENO - We have a fully operational Keno Terminal and
several screens to view the Keno situated throughout
the Club. BINGO - Bingo sessions are held privately
in our hall separated from the main Club area. Guests
are welcome to try their luck at winning cash jackpots.
Monday eyes down at 7:30 pm Sunday eyes down at 1:30
pm. Gaming - All the gaming functions are incorporated
in one area of the club and include 45 Gaming Machines;
Keno; TAB; Eight Ball & Darts rooms The gaming
area reflects a casual and inviting ambiance with
a modern and bold decor. In addition to the integrated
gaming area is a further convenience of an outdoor
smoking area that is central to all. The outdoor smoking
area is a tastefully designed including a tiled floor
and shaded area. Situated just off from the Main Bar
you can enjoy a drink and a flutter on one of our
45 gaming machines. We have a 13 machine Aristocrat
“Fast Lane” Hyperlink Jackpot system, 8
machine TAB “Rocket to Riches” linked Jackpot
system, 7 machine IGT “Jetsetter” linked
Jackpot system and an excellent variety of stand alone
machines. The Club has a policy of responsible gaming
and children under the age of 18 are not permitted
in this room. The Gaming Room opens from 11am till
late Monday to Saturday and 12pm - 9pm Sunday. We
open on all public holidays except Easter Friday and
Christmas Day. Members promotions are run in conjunction
with the Pokies, TAB & Keno. Our Members promotions
are held every fortnight and we change the prizes
every three months. Our Members Promotions have proved
very popular with prizes ranging from: Win Your Weight
in Gold White Goods worth up to $10,000 Cars Huge
Cash Give-aways. To collect tickets simply spend $20
on Poker Machine change, TAB, Keno, in the Bottle
Shop or buy a main meal in the Bistro. All draws take
place between 7pm & 9pm. To be eligible to win
you must be a current Financial Member and present
at the draws. *Committee Members, Staff and Family
of both (including boyfriends, girlfriends, de-facto's
etc) not eligible to win.
Queensland
Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies
Becoming More Popular?...
One
armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in
'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters
might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning
really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just
keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime
in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested"
close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion
for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total
pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down
on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively
the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned
that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time
record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do
Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our
of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting
over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders
spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and
$28 million less than in 2008, but it still works
out at in excess of $150 million every month down
the slots August was the year's biggest month for
slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the
throats of the one armed bandits. August was also
the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more
than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most
popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in
most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms
of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think
that the reduction in official spending was more a
sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based
gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears
Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global
financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout
2010.
Quotes
From Nick Xenophon; Gambling And Sports Betting Hater
On South's Rabbitoh's Casino Deal...
"The
Rabbitohs players are role models for young kids and
being tethered to Star City, to NSW’s biggest
gambling venue, is really sending the wrong signal"
"It
normalises gambling behaviour for young kids."
"Why
would the Rabbitohs want to tie their reputation to
a business that causes so much misery to so many?"
"It’s
a very sad development given that South Sydney was
a beacon of hope for those clubs wanting to ween themselves
off a reliance on gambling revenue"
"This
is only one short step removed from that so there
must be better ways to raise a quid rather than off
the backs of problem gamblers."
"In
the same way that you can’t have tobacco companies
sponsoring sporting clubs, the same rule should apply
to gambling because the level of harm is so significant"
A
Media Man spokesperson said, "The you go Senator
Xenophon. Happy. We still give you coverage even if
you don't return our phone calls. Many clubs say you
are out of touch with real Australians and what the
typical bloke is all about. Punting has been a way
of life with Aussies and sports lovers the world over
since almost the beginning of time going back to the
Roman coliseum and beyond. Deal with it.
The
South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced that Luxbet
have joined the Club as a senior corporate partner
today, adding to the best-in-class brands associated
with the Club leading into the 2011 NRL season. Luxbet
is a racing and sports corporate bookmaking operation,
owned and managed by Tabcorp Holdings. Rabbitohs CEO
Shane Richardson is pleased to welcome Luxbet on board
with the Rabbitohs. "Luxbet is recognised as
a market leader in racing and sports betting and we’re
pleased to welcome them aboard for 2011. We have many
well-renowned and respected companies and brands associated
with our Club at the major and senior corporate partnership
level and Luxbet is another that we welcome to our
family." General Manager of Luxbet, Andrew Vouris,
says aligning with the Rabbitohs is a good move for
their organisation. "Luxbet’s sponsorship
of South Sydney presents us with a tremendous opportunity
to align with a club that is on the verge of an extremely
exciting period," Mr Vouris said. "We have
been particularly impressed with South Sydney’s
vision for its future and we believe the sponsorship
will deliver significant benefits to both parties."
Top
Aussie Gambling Companies Respond To Flood Cry For
Help...
Woolworths:
$6.9 million (matching customer donations in Woolies,
Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
Crown
Limited: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have
committed to matching all donations as well as staff
contributions
Tabcorp
Holdings: $1 million
Tatts
Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for the Queensland
flood appeal where all profits will go to the Premier's
Flood Appeal. They ran the same thing in Victoria
after the Black Saturday bushfires. It will run on
Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is expected to raise
$200,000. In addition, another donation will be made
from the unclaimed prizes fund of an as. yet undecided
amount
Shane
Warnie Continues To Set Story Straight About 14 Mates
And Self Attending Tennis Open...
Andy
Roddick asked me in his box," Warne tweeted.
"Said - yes ..." "How does that turn
into wanting 14 tickets, VIP treatment and escorts
to seats."
Warne's
pissed response to the Herald story, which was sourced
to two tournament officials, came as he prepared for
the second round of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament
at Crown casino. He attended the Open with poker former
champ Joe Hachem.
James
Packer Gets Council Approval To Develop Compound At
Vaucluse; Full Speed Ahead...
Media
and gaming tycoon James Packer has received council
approval to redevelop a 3369 square metre sloping
site in Sydney’s ritzy eastern suburb of Vaucluse.
Packer with wife Erica has acquired three adjoining
homes between Wentworth and Victoria roads. The largest
home – a 1970s, unrenovated Guildford Bell designed
mansion will be retained (view from pool, right).
Packer, through company Monac Developments Pty Ltd,
paid $18 million for this home in mid 2009. Last year,
the businessman spent another $12.05 million acquiring
two smaller homes on blocks beneath the prominent
large home. These have both been demolished, allowing
the land to be consolidated. The Packer’s plan
to replace the demolished homes with a 13-car garage,
23 metre pool, underground cinema, gym and staff quarters.
A 2.4 metre high metal security gate will be developed
behind two 1.7 metre metal vehicle entry gates. It’s
speculated the renovation will cost about $13 million.
Construction is underway. We can't wait to see the
finished product.
IMF
Getting Reputation For Class Action Legal Funding
Inc Gambling Down Under...
Class
action law firms say while the size of the claims
may be bigger, there is no big jump in the number
of cases. Blake Dawson partner John Emmerig says class
actions are increasing. "The High Court in 2006
changed a law to allow litigation funders to fund
these actions and there's a huge financial motivation
for funders in doing so because they take generally
between 20 to 45% of a settlement or judgment from
these claims," he said. Litigation funder IMF
Australia is well-known for funding some of Australia's
biggest class actions such as the $145 million payout
to investors from poker machine maker Aristocrat Leisure.
IMF has around 10 class actions on the go.
Aussie
SP Bookmaking Legend Passes Away...
Bruce
Johnstone who gained fame and notoriety as one of
Melbourne's best-known SP bookmakers and two-up operators
as well as playing a leading role in transforming
the face of basketball in Australia, has died of a
blood disorder in palliative care at Yarrawonga. He
was 87. Johnstone left home near Mortlake as a 15-year-old
with just a swag and £5 sewn into the lining
of his coat by his mother, and went on to afford a
regular table at the renowned Flower Drum restaurant
on Sunday evenings. Johnstone's SP bookmaking was
the stuff of legend and not for nothing was he widely
known as "Bruce the Bookie". But the undertaking
led to problems with the police. One particular raid
caused him much grief after his cockatoo fell asleep
and failed to warn of the onrushing police who started
battering down the door as Johnstone scrambled to
collect money strewn around the room. As the plainclothes
raiders were about to burst through, he cagily shouted,
"Call the police, call the police, robbers are
here". He is survived by his wife Emma, daughter
Kay, sons Gary, Robert and Max, their partners and
75 grand and great-grandchildren. RIP.
Aristocrat
Leisure Misses Aussie Government Dealine On Pokies
Reform; What Next?...
Australian-listed
pokies manufacturer, Aristocrat Leisure, will not
meet the deadline for reforms of the gaming industry.
The reforms were demanded by independent MP Andrew
Wilkie, whose support for the minority Federal Government
was conditional on the introduction of betting limits
for gamblers. Aristocrat Leisure stated on 26 January
2011 that the new system would not be ready by 2012
as planned by the Government.
Star
City (Sydney) VS Crown Casino (Melbourne); War For
Entertaining Talent And Gambling Dollar...
Star
City Casino: Chinese New Year - The Year Of The Rabbit...
2
- 17 February
Celebrate
Chinese New Year at Star City as we bring in the Year
of the Rabbit with a whole calendar of exciting festivities
and events. Start with a bang on New Year's Eve with
Chinese crackers in the Porte Cochere then enjoy dragon
and lion dancing, roving Chinese entertainers, a delicious
banquet in Lotus Pond and lots more!
Star's
New Baccarat Room...
The
new Baccarat room is the latest area to open as part
of Star City’s extensive refurbishment. Star
City has launched a luxurious new room in order to
provide a better experience for the large number of
customers that enjoy the game of Baccarat. Situated
on the Main Gaming Floor, the new room is appointed
with a dedicated buy-in desk and 18 custom made tables
and chairs for your ultimate comfort. What’s
more, when the urge arises to dine, the new Baccarat
room is conveniently located next to Star City’s
new restaurant, Fat Noodle. Join the communal dining
tables and relax in the warm surroundings whilst experiencing
the fast paced service and culinary theatre from the
open kitchen. The opulent surroundings of the new
Baccarat room will ensure you experience the thrill
of the game on a whole new level! Come and see it
for yourself today. Opens 24 hours, everyday.
Crown
Casino, Melbourne: More Great Entertainment Coming
Up...
Burlesque
Royale...
Starring
for the first time in Australia, UK burlesque sensation
Immodesty Blaize, Burlesque Royale is a never before
seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour.
Featuring for the first time in Australia, International
stars Kalani Kokonuts (US), Michelle L'amour (US),
and Perle Noire (US). Also performing are Australian
artists Danica Lee, Holly J'aDoll, Kelly Ann Doll,
and Lauren La Rouge with a special performance by
Mada Vs Vegas - The Duelling Magicians. Hosted by
the enigmatic Supergirly, Burlesque Royale is set
to take its audience on a wild ride with tongues set
firmly in cheek. VIP tickets will include a complimentary
drink, gift bag and access to the after party.
DATE
Friday
28 January, 2011
Dragon...
In
a special 3 part concert presented by BBC 2011, DRAGON
play 20 of the best songs of the 60's British pop
Invasion by 20 great British bands. The show begins
with DRAGON playing acoustic guitars, mandolin &
melodica. They will perform a capella and acoustic
versions of such great songs as Thunderclap Newman's
SOMETHING IN THE AIR, Cat Stevens' MATTHEW AND SON,
a rousing acoustic version of The Troggs GIRL LIKE
YOU by way of The Beatles YESTERDAY and more. After
a short intermission the band will be back in electric
mode tearing into the Stones GET OFF MY CLOUD followed
by The Beatles TICKET TO RIDE. This electric set of
great British songs gets crowd singing and dancing
along. Songs such as WHITE ROOM, IT'S NOT UNUSUAL
and WATERLOO SUNSET and ITCHYCOO PARK all get the
Dragon treatment and a new burst of life in 2010.
These are the 20 favourite songs that the guys in
Dragon played when they first took up their instruments.
They are timeless songs and the band loves playing
them. The DRAGON versions are fresh and affectionate
and have an energy that references the way these songs
turned the music world upside down in the 60's. In
the encore Dragon will play 6 of their timeless hits
including APRIL SUN, CELEBRATE, RAIN and ARE YOU OLD
ENOUGH.
DATE
Friday
25 March, 2011
Cliff
& Dusty...
Three
great International artists, one unique concert experience,
featuring all the hits of two music icons once described
as the King & Queen of British rock but who, amazingly,
never appeared on stage together. That was until now
as Australian music legend Marty Rhone and the stunning
Sheena Crouch make it possible to imagine what the
experience might have been like. Audiences will hear
all the great Cliff & Dusty classics that brought
over 200 million record sales and 50 hits such as
The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, Devil Woman, We Don't
Talk Anymore, Dreamin', I Only Want to be With You,
Son of a Preacher Man, You Don't Have to Say You Love
Me and many more. Plus, direct from the UK, special
guest, Sir Cliff Richard protégé Barratt
Waugh, whom Cliff has described as one of the most
exciting and unique talents he has come across in
his 50 years in the business. We are delighted to
introduce Barratt Waugh to Australian audiences. Don't
miss the concert experience of the year.
DATE
Saturday
18 June, 2011
Getting
board of reading yet? If so, try your luck er skill
at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check
out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna
Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming also
have, or will soon get, a World Poker Tour themed
online slot game. We recommend punters open an account
with PartyCasino, PartyGaming and World Poker Tour,
just to have all based covered. Party appears to still
be the most popular online casino brand in Australia
despite big efforts by the likes of 888. Marvel slot
games are forecast to be some of the most popular
of this year with Captain America and Thor tipped
to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man
also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of
choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys
and girls. Spin to win.
Take
the time to research and learn games before placing
down money
Media
Man http://www.mediamanint.com, Casino News Media
Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such,
however are recognised as world leading websites that
cover the sector and act as central points to games,
news, reviews and more.
Readers...
er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us
in the forum.
If
you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over
it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man http://www.mediamanint.com
is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal
development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen
sectors covered
News
Australia
Day Special, by Greg Tingle - 26th January 2011
G'day
and Happy Australia Day everyone. Ok, we know some
of you punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales,
entertainment news junkies, politicians, insiders,
outsiders and legal eagles are from across the globe
are not Australia, nor have ever been down under,
but you get the idea. Did you know that some indigenous
Australia's call Australia Day 'Invasion Day'! That's
because most history books show that Captain James
Cook and his crew invaded Australia on this day in
1988. They are known by a new names including the
First Fleet, while some aborigines will always think
of them and murderous mongrels, who stole their land
and pride. It's easy for many of us to get the point
of the blackfellas (affectionate). Media
Man and Gambling911
with a bush tucker bag full of Australian gambling,
casino, poker, media and sports news. Fair winds...
Queensland
Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies
Becoming More Popular?...
One
armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in
'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters
might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning
really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just
keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime
in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested"
close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion
for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total
pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down
on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively
the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned
that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time
record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do
Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our
of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting
over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders
spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and
$28 million less than in 2008, but it still works
out at in excess of $150 million every month down
the slots August was the year's biggest month for
slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the
throats of the one armed bandits. August was also
the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more
than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most
popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in
most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms
of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think
that the reduction in official spending was more a
sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based
gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears
Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global
financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout
2010.
Tassie
'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Devilish Quotes...
David
Walsh from Tasmania was such a big hit with the readership
we thought we would dig up a few more of the red hot
'The Devil's' quotes, that are too good not to share.
First a refresher...Art and gambling do mix, at least
that's the experience of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil
'Tuffers' Tufnell, Australian artist Gina Sinozich,
Media Man
(bodypaint and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian
gambling whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh.
You will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by
us later. We like you David, ok mate. Tasmania's most
famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire, David
Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art exhibit...the
biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery in Tasmania,
if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million Museum of
Old and New Art is nestled on the banks of Hobart's
Derwent River.
Quotes
By The Tasmanian Devil!...
"FUCK
the art, let's rock'n'roll."
"I
think formal curation is a form of mental masturbation."
"I'm
not really that interested in a bunch of big names.
Most of the works are by people most people haven't
heard of and still won't have heard of because there's
no wall labels."
"I
don't want to lose control (or) something that ends
up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery
of Victoria".
"Subversive
adult Disneyland".
"Please
see reception if you are planning a pool party or
a ritualistic orgy."
"It's
the opportunity to mess with your head. I like the
idea of people having a couple of beers and looking
at the art, having a couple more and changing their
mind."
"Just
a privileged guy with a megaphone"
"It’s
like a rich man’s soap box. I’m standing
on my soapbox and I’m shouting my views like
they mean something."
"I’ll
take all the popular stuff out. And if you go to the
toilet two or three times we’ll recommend a good
urologist."
“My
brother once said about me that I’d rather be
outside a barrel pissing in than inside the barrel
pissing out. I’m anti this idea that we know
what we’re doing with certainty. I kinda think
that most things that are good happen to people largely
by accident, but then they start looking for explanations.
You see the views of rich, successful people on television,
and they tell you why they got rich and successful;
they don’t interview all the people who went
through the same process and didn’t. I think
most things are complete crap. I want to show that
you can be fortunate without believing that your fortune
was anything other than fortune."
"There
are so many things we do that we hide from. We hack
open cows and eat their guts but we compartmentalise
that away from our lives so we can pretend it’s
not happening. And on a larger, more important scale,
if each of us acted individually to say ‘OK,
we f…ed up the atmosphere, it is our personal
responsibility’, humanity would behave in a very
different way."
"One
of the things about having money is that … I
feel a bit of guilt and a level of privilege, and
it seems to be an obligation to do something, and
since art is what I’ve been doing....but it wasn’t
really like that. It was: I bought this small gallery,
bought a bigger one, and gradually it became something
of this scale. It’s become a lot more serious
endeavour than I intended it to be. There’s a
bit of thumbing my nose at the establishment and trying
to bypass academia, but mainly I just wanted it to
be a bit of fun. And it is. And it will be."
"The
gambling is all a computer thing that is going on
right now".
Queensland:
Cairns Reef Hotel Casino Poised To Raise Big Bucks
For Flood Relief On Australia Day...
Punters,
let's all spare a thought for those who have been
attacked by the floods on Australia Day. Numerous
events are being planed around Australia, from 'Sound
Relief' to and initiative from the Cairns Reef Hotel
Casino 'Bring on the Sun' It will be one of the biggest
events on the Australia Day calendar for the city
and all funds raised will go to the Premier’s
Flood Relief Appeal. There's a good old fashioned
sausage sizzle, competitions and female performers
including the Marlins’ cheer squad. "The
whole idea is slanted towards the female performer,"
entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said. "We’ve
got an eclectic blend of female artists coming to
perform as well." Cazalys, El Mundo Tapas Bar
and the Marlin Coast Bowls Club will also host events
to raise money for flood victims. Cairns Regional
Council will hold events across the region, including
the ever-popular celebrations on the Esplanade. Mayor
Val Schier said the council was expecting a good attendance
as usual with residents keen to get outside and celebrate
our sunburnt country in the green and gold. "Even
last year when it poured, a huge number of people
came to the Aussie breakfast; we expect the same will
happen this year, rain, hail or shine. It is one of
those days where people can come together as a community
and help celebrate why it is great to be an Australian.
We live in a fantastic country and it is good for
people to get out and enjoy it." Pubs and clubs
will also get into the Aussie spirit with a number
of activities on offer. Paradise Palms Resort and
Country Club has a patriotic, fun-filled day planned
with activities that pay homage to Australia’s
heritage such as the much-anticipated pie-eating competition.
"Everybody is welcome to come along and have
some fun while tucking into our Aussie selection of
meat pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian
music by DJ Danny from Millennium Sounds," director
of sales and marketing Darlene Holdsworth said.
Events
Join
the celebrations
Paradise
Palms Resort and Country Club Australia Day celebrations
What’s on: Australian menu served from noon in
Restaurant 59, pie-eating and thong-throwing competitions
start at 1.30pm. Pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic
Australian music on offer at the resort.
Time: 12pm. Entry free.
Bring on the Sun at Cairns Reef Hotel Casino
What’s on: Entertainment, sausage sizzle, raffles,
jumping castle and more with all proceeds going to
the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
Time: 2pm. Entry free.
Shane Warne And Poker Mates Get VIP Star Treatment
At Australian Open Tennis Sunday Night...
The
spinner got there at 8pm hoping to get star VIP treatment
for 14 of his closest mates. In the mix was was Joe
Hachem, who he had earlier caught up with at the launch
of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown Casino.
Warne requested an escort (no, not that type silly)
when he arrived and posed mostly for photographs with
his sunglasses on. He also spent time in Andy Roddick's
player's box during his loss to Swissman Stanislas
Wawrinka. It been a big couple of days for "poker
her" for the legend, playing rendezvous with
Liz Hurley in LA. He is expected to play in the second
round of the poker tournament and could face off against
Gary Ablett Jr and Jeff Fenech tomorrow. Blett made
it through to the second round.
Australian Financial Review Goes Gaga For Lady Gaga;
Gets Facts Wrong (We Think)...
It
took us a few months of going through newspapers but
we finally found the AFR to make a slip up, and its
a doozy....An article reads "the complex will
have a few upmarket bars, including one on the roof,
and an events theatre to house live acts – think
Lady Gaga – as well as awards nights." With
Gaga's level of popularity she would require a much
larger venue than Star City. Earlier this year, she
- they played two concerts at the Sydney Entertainment
Centre, capacity 12,000 or thereabouts. Do the math.
Australia's
Kylie Minogue To Do The Colosseum At Caesars Palace
Las Vegas: Aphrodite Live...
Mark
is down Kylie fans the word over. She's doing Ceasers
Sunday May 22, 2011 8pm
Melbourne: Aussie Joker Comedian Performs At Packer's
Crown; Raises Cash For Flood Relief...
Melbourne
folks at Crown Casino recently enjoyed 'The Jokers
Comedy That Rocks' at Crown Casino. James Packer's
casino donated all proceeds from last Friday night’s
show to Queensland flood victims. Organiser William
Leitch has happy with the way things went and showcased
an evening with some of the city’s top stand-up
artists, including Brad Oakes, Christine Basil and
Greg Fleet. It's understood he got close to 150 people
to come along, and he may be invited back on upcoming
Friday nights.
Top 100 ASX Listed Companies Respond To Flood Cry
For Help; Gambling And Gaming Industry Steps Up; Mining
Firms and Banking Bastards Lead Charge...
1.
BHP Billiton: $1.3 million (in addition, matching
employee donations)
2.
CBA: $1.35 million
3.
Westpac: $1 million
4.
ANZ: $1 million
5.
NAB: $1 million
6.
News Corp: $500,000 and Blue Ribbon campaign
7.
Rio Tinto: $1 million ($700,000 to Premier Relief,
$300,000 to Emerald community)
8.
Wesfarmers: $7.5 million (plus $3.5 million from Coles
customers)
9.
Telstra Corp: up to $1 million by matching staff contributions
(so far $338,000; is also supplying phones and free
calls to people affected)
11.
Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations
in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
14.
Fortescue Metals: Matching staff donations dollar
for dollar
15.
CSL: $250,000
16.
QBE Insurance: not releasing a statement
17.
Origin energy: $1 million
18.
Macquarie Group: $200,000 (combined staff and company
effort with fundraising activities continuing both
here and overseas)
19.
AXA Asia Pacific: No response
20.
Santos: $500,000 plus use of helicopters and vehicles
for clean up. Also $50,000 for flooding in WA
21.
Coal and Allied Industries: (see Rio Tinto)
22.
AMP: $250,000 + matching employee contributions to
WA flood appeal up to $250,000
23.
Suncorp Group: $100,000 (staff and customers have
donated $1.5million)
24.
Foster's Group: $500,000
25.
Brambles: No response
26.
Leighton Holdings: No response
27.
Orica: No response
28.
Oil Search: No response
29.
Stockland: Donated $250,000 to the Premier's flood
relief appeal, another $30,000 to the Mayoress Rockhampton
regional flood appeal and are matching employee donations
dollar for dollar
30.
Coca. Cola Amatil: No response
31.
Amcor: No response
32.
Westfield Retail Trust: No response
33.
IAG: No response
39.
Crown: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed
to matching all donations as well as staff contributions
52.
Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million
78.
Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for
the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will
go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same
thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires.
It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is
expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation
will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an
as. yet undecided amount
79.
Fairfax Media: Matching staff donations
100.
Seek: Reported it had made a donation to the Premier's
Flood Appeal but chose not to disclose how much
Brisbane:
Flood Relief Money Gets Spend On Pokies, Vice - Piss
Up At Pubs...
It's
been reported in a number of Queensland newspapers
that the $1000 flood relief grants that went to many
good folks in Granville are being used to feed slots
and buy piss (beer) rather than food and necessities.
Two Maryborough publicans say that in some instances
the answer to that is yes, and they are disgusted.
One of the publicans was so incensed by the misuse
of flood relief money she telephoned Fairfax Media
to complain. "A man came in bragging about how
he’d got the $1000 payout because he told Centrelink
he was stuck in Granville – but he was here the
whole time. It makes me sick that people are openly
admitting they’ve got the money for nothing,
while there are people who’ve died or lost everything."
She said Centrelink should have screened the applications
more carefully to make sure only people who were genuinely
in need received the cash. Another pub owner said
his one armed bandits had not stopped buzzing since
the grants became available. "We were quiet during
the actual floods but this week’s been totally
different. The pokies and the bottle shop have been
going non-stop." Yeah, Aussie continue to love
a punt, rain, hail, shine or flood!
Aussie
Millions Game 8 Results...
The
London based chap took down the $1,100 8 game mixed
event title at Crown Casino in Melbourne adding AUD$23,800
to his almost $1.2 million in career tournament earnings.
He entered the final table as the short stack, but
managed to grind his way to victory and nudge away
Australia's Bruno Portaro for the victory. The event
marked Ashby's 8th final table appearance at the Aussie
Millions that includes a side-event win back in 2005
and a seventh-place finish in the main event in 2009.
Ashby also won his first WSOP bracelet this summer
in the $1,500 7 Card Stud event and went well in the
$10k H.O.R.S.E. for his biggest career score of $378,027.
The 2011 Aussie Millions $1,100 8-Game Mixed event
drew 68-players and paid the final 7.
Here
are the results:
1 Richard Ashby AUD$23,800
2 Bruno Portaro AUD$16,320
3 Casey Kastle AUD$10,880
4 Daniel Ospina AUD$6,800
5 Oliver Gill AUD$4,760
6 Dane Coltman AUD$3,400
7 Paul Ravesi AUD$2,040
Aussie
Main Event Day 1b: PartyPoker And Full Tilt Poker
Players Feel The Pain...
PartyGaming'sPartyPoker
and Full Tilt Poker's powers that be likely won't
be celebrating. Ok, they got news coverage and exposure,
but its because their players are out. Yep, history
maties. Full Tilt went well on Day 1a but Day 1b was
rooted. Many of the big name pros went down for the
count as locals stepped up. 209 players entered the
Crown Poker room but after 7 levels of play, 80 remained.
David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen,
David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Steve Yea, Andy Bloch
and Gus Hansen were some of the Full Tilt players
who died. Other casualties included Luke Santo, Raj
Ramakrishnan, George Moussa, Michael Pedley, Graeme
Putt, Martin Comer, Dennis Huntly, Jamie Pickering,
Bruno Portaro, Casey Kastle, Ben Savage and Tim Marsters.
2005 World Champion Joe Hachem (tweeting he struggled
with jetlag following a recent trip to the PokerStars
Caribbean Adventure.) Defending champ, 2010 Aussie
Millions Main Event winner Tyron Krost (PartyGaming's
PartyPoker
pro went down too). A new champ will be crowned in
2011 with plenty of Aussies still in contention. The
field kicked off with Jeff Rossier in the lead with
154,900, closely followed by Michael Ottobra (143,400)
and Martin Drewe, After winning the Opening Event
last week and going deep in another event, Drewe is
now set in the chip leaders in the Main Event after
getting to 136,100. Jay “SEABEAST” Kinkade
did nicely with 128,700, Haibo Chu (113,900), Manny
Stavropoulos (85,600), Sorel Mizzi (74,400), Michael
Egan (61,100), Kent Hunter (56,400), Jeff Lisandro
(55,000), Eric Assadourian (50,300), Scott Montgomery
(49,200), Chris Ferguson (45,400), Lee Nelson (30,200),
Neil Channing (28,800), Roland de Wolfe (26,100),
Aleks Brkovic (24,600), Jackie Glazier (21,900), Grant
Levy (18,300), Gary Benson (10,500) and Mel Judah
(7,200) amongst those who will return on Day 2. The
3rd and final flight of the 2011 Aussie Millions Main
will commence Tuesday with another strong field and
a few big names expected. Even Van Marcus will front
up. Van, is your Red Ferrari safe this time mate?
We're looking for more good fodder to write about.
How about do a publicity stunt and make world wide
headlines ago. Maybe someone at Crown Casino - Crown
Limited might be open to it. Stanger things have happened...
like Ferrari's getting stolen on site, casino fights
and a man getting stuck in the Crown Casino kitchen
grease vacuum.
Aussie
Millions Event #9 Day 1b: Rossiter In Front...
It
was down to business with players investing AUD$10,600
to buy in all with the goal of becoming the 2011 Aussie
Millions Champion. 7 seven levels of play, and the
209-player field went to 80. Jeff Rossiter is in front
with 154,900. Martin Drewe, 2011 Aussie Millions Event
#1 winner with 136,100 - now 3rd on the leaderboard.
Australian Jay Kinkade is on 128,700, and European
Poker Tour mainstay Jeff Sarwer sits 5th with 120,500.
Randy "nanonoko" Lew has 110,000 and Gavin
Griffin 101,700 in 9th ninth and 10th place. Sorel
Mizzi, Jeffrey Lisandro, Eric Assadourian, Team Full
Tilt's Chris Ferguson, Full Tilt Poker Red Pros Scott
Montgomery and Roland de Wolfe, Neil Channing, and
Lee Nelson have also all made it to Wednesday's Day
2, but it was touch and go for some of them, testing
the skill VS luck debate. Full Tilt Poker $25,000
Shootout Invitational winner David Oppenheim, Annette
Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, Andy Bloch, David Benyamine,
Andrew Feldman, Gus Hansen, Joe Hachem, and David
Steicke all had to say goodnight nurse. PartyGaming's
- PartyPoker
Tyron Krost was eliminated in a hand VS Gavin Griffin
where his Ace-Queen couldn't best Griffin's Aces.
The 3rd and final Day 1 flight commences Tuesday in
Melbourne, Australia at 12:30 p.m. local time.
Getting
board of poker yet? If so, try your luck er skill
at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check
out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna
Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming
also have, or will soon get, a World
Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend
punters open an account with PartyCasino,PartyGaming
and World
Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party
appears to still be the most popular online casino
brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes
of 888. Marvel
slot games are forecast to be some of the most
popular of this year with Captain
America and Thor
tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man
also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of
choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys
and girls. Spin to win.
Take
the time to research and learn games before placing
down money
Media
Man,Casino
News Media and Gambling911
are website portals. Not casinos as such, however
are recognised as world leading websites that cover
the sector and act as central points to games, news,
reviews and more.
Readers...
er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us
in the forum.
If
you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over
it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet
portal development company. Gaming is just one of
a dozen sectors covered
News
Australian
Gambling: Deals, Art, Politics And Vice, by Greg Tingle
- 22nd January 2011
G'day
punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, NRL
sports nuts, entertainment and arts news junkies,
politicians, insiders, outsiders, legal eagles...
one and all. Today we have a huge news update for
you. We've got the gambling tycoon in Tassie opening
his art exhibit, the Centrebet Stadium deal, shady
deals at a pokie palace, political fun and games,
and much more. Media
Man and Gambling911
with another massive report that will help keep you
out of trouble this weekend (or provide just enough
info to get you into trouble)...
Tassie
'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Shows Of Sex, Death, Vice
Et Al Art Exhibit...
Art
and gambling do mix, at least that's the experience
of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell,
Australian artist Gina Sinozich, Media Man (bodypaint
and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian gambling
whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh. You
will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by us
later. We like you David, ok mate.
Tasmania's
most famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire,
David Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art
exbit...the biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery
in Tasmania, if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million
Museum of Old and New Art is nestled on the banks
of Hobart's Derwent River.
He
was going to give a press announcement everyone was
eagerly awaiting. A minder advised. Next thing...
"No I'm not" and the formalities were done.
His pink t-shirt sported the charming words - "FUCK
the art, let's rock'n'roll."
His
expo has been championed "Subversive Disneyland
at the end of the world", and the word is that
Walsh might be now challenging Sydney for the title
of 'Sin City'. Maybe in your dreams Dave, but if you
keep going, you might get there.
A
Media Man insider shouted "Bring the freak show
to Sydney David. Show em how its done in Sin City,
if you are the king on Sin". Walsh didn't respond,
but leakers reckon he broke into a devilish smile,
perhaps the MM sparking something. Yep, this bloke
likes a bit of attention, and it seems he wants to
be known as #1, even if his art is "for fun".
It
was the hottest (sexiest and darkest) ticket in town.
A party for 1350 invited guests and ballot winners,
the art collector and number cruncher, who we understand
made his millions via syndicate gambling, showcased
his idea of art with punters and news media lapping
it up.
MONA
director Mark Fraser went on the record "This
museum is David's...he makes every decision and that
is very, very different to most museums."
On
display in the multi-level gallery - the steel structure
designed by Melbourne based architect Nonda Katsalidis
is built into a cliff. There's roughly 200 artworks
purchased by the "devilish" Walsh over 2
decades. Insiders understand its one-tenth of his
entire collection. Artefact's, traditional art, contemporary
art and a good dose of what we might just call sex
and death art.
Walsh
has been upfront saying that MONA "explores sex
and death", but that's just a fraction of the
collection. Insiders say he also includes it to make
sure he gets strong media attention, something he
missed out on in the past, as hard as that may be
to believe.
Fancy
a wall of plaster casts of women's genitalia? Line
up, line up. The greatest show on earth, you could
imagine P.T Barnum shouting at the top of his lungs.
Walsh
generously shares "I think formal curation is
a form of mental masturbation."
Traditional
curators and galleries, he said, threw together what
works they could manage and then invented ways to
categorise them in a manner that was essentially superficial
and misleading.
"I'm
not really that interested in a bunch of big names.
Most of the works are by people most people haven't
heard of and still won't have heard of because there's
no wall labels."
Walsh
advised he wanted MONA to become one of Tasmania's
biggest tourist destinations, and judging by the response,
he might just meet that goal. He's also impressively
created the museum without formal government assistance,
such is the health of his gambling and casino endeavors.
There
is no board of directors unlike the nation's other
supposed leading private museums, such as TarraWarra
in Victoria, Walsh has not sought not-for-profit status.
"I
don't want to lose control (or) something that ends
up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery
of Victoria," he said in a way that you could
tell he's thought the questions and potential answers
through his brain before.
Profits
from the adjacent winery, restaurant, brewery and
boutique hotel will help underpin annual running costs
of $8m. If there's a shortfall, we think 'Our David'
should be able to pick up the slack.
There's
something for almost everyone here, but we suspect
big Sunday church goers might be giving it a big miss.
Oh, celebs and a-list types the world over dig David
and his works, and substantial steps had been taken
to protect the names of... wait for it...David Bowie
and Mick Jagger. If they are fans, they are not saying
or publicly endorsing it (yet). Sex, a bit of vice,
the gambling connection. Sounds like you? Yep, that's
what we thought. Have you booked your ticket yet?
Centrebet
has buried and put the hurt on critics of its media
and public heat seeker naming-rights stadium deal
with Penrith Panthers, stating on the record that
the the anti-gambling lobby were "like cracked
records" in opposing it's newest deal. Off the
the record it called them a host of unspeakables!
The clubs' name change to Centrebet Stadium Penrith
was announced by the Panthers just yesterday after
the sponsorship rumours were first announced by Fairfax
Media, creating a title wave of coverage across the
globe. It's a 5-year deal, worth more than $1.5 million
bucks, making the western Sydney sports ground the
first down under to adopt the name of a bookie. Anti-gambling
campaigner Senator Nick Xenophon last week was pissed
at the NRL for permitting the Panthers to make the
name change, criticism that bit 'Mr X' (satire nick
name from MM) back from Centrebet when confirmation
came yesterday. Get
ready for this punters. You might like the 2 cents
directed at the gaming and casino haters... the thought
police. "The 'anti brigade' are becoming like
cracked records," Centrebet boss Neil Evans said.
"Why don't they survey the blokes walking into
the ground, down at the shopping mall, on the building
sites, and in the pubs and see what they think? My
attitude is...reality is reality. And business is
business. I congratulate the Panthers board and the
Penrith City Council on their forthrightness and strong-minded
stance. Most clubs, especially those hardly flushed
with cash, would dream about a 5-year ground deal
worth around $1.5 million, and that's before we start
talking about the spin-off effects for the community
and all the hard-working people in and around the
club." Media Man did a spot survey around the
eastern suburbs of Sydney and a spokesperson said
"About 90% of people in the community are fine
with gambling, gaming and sports betting. They know
a small percentage can get into trouble, but for many
Aussies is a strong tradition and a way of live. You
know, the Melbourne Cup, Two-Up, having a game of
poker with your mates, or throwing a couple of bucks
down the throat of a pokie just to try your luck.
Most level headed people, the non extremists, see
the merit in the Centrebet deal, and we understand
that now the likes of PartyGaming, Betfair and others
will be exploring possibilities for their firms, which
might just help save the NRL for massive financial
stress. It looks like a win - win win". The Federal
Minister for Sport, Mark Arbib, is working diligently
with reps of Australia's 7 major sporting codes on
ways to wipe out match-fixing but said the Panthers'
stadium deal was not a concern. A report compiled
by a working party commissioned by the the Coalition
of Major Professional Sports is set to be out by next
month. "Sponsorship of sporting codes and stadiums
is a matter for the individual stadium owners and
sporting organisations. The NRL have advised the government
that the sponsorship agreement between the Panthers
and Centrebet meets its own gambling and sponsorship
guidelines. The select council on gambling reform
led by Minister (Jenny) Macklin has put the regulation
of online gambling in their forward work agenda. And
as sports minister I'm working with the sporting codes,
including the NRL, on the issue of match-fixing and
integrity in sport." Centrebet currently has
sponsorships with 4 other clubs in the National Rugby
League, which forces all betting agencies associated
with the game to sign integrity agreements. The stadium
sponsorship was called as a great boon for Penrith
by the football club's chief executive, Michael Leary.
"Centrebet has been a responsible corporate partner
of the Panthers since coming on board with the club
in 2010. Our stadium has become a centre of excellence
by not only hosting high-level rugby league in the
national competition but through its ability to be
community-centric in accommodating several community
organisations. Centbet, The Footy Show sponsored corner
on Network Nine's 'The Footy show', now Centrebet
Stadium, next The World. Spies continue to tell us
that PartyGaming, Betfair and others are circling
the wagons and won't be taking it lying down. Punters,
get ready for another round of Australian gambling
wars. This week: Gambling lovers and punters 1 - haters
- Nil!
Newcastle;
NSW - Publican In Hot Water Over Cash Loans To Punter
Patrons...
An
ex licensee of West Wallsend’s Museum Hotel has
been fined after admitting to giving $730 in cash
advancements to patrons but has defended other claims
of lending pub regulars thousands of dollars to spend
on alcohol and gambling. In a written decision last
month the Casino, Liquor, Gaming and Control Authority
fined Peter Francis Dobb $2920, after he admitted
a modest $730 in payments were unlawful cash advances.
However he rejected allegations from the Office of
Liquor, Gaming and Racing that a further $4455 of
transactions were loans or repayments of loans from
or to regular customers to spend on beer and "one
armed bandits" and other items. The complaint
to the authority was dated March 10, 2010, but grew
legs from a complaint to the office back in 2007.
Dobb was the licensee of the hotel from October 2006
to September 2008. For the record the current licensee
was not the subject of any complaint. The office submitted
that two inspectors visited the hotel to investigate
in October 2007. They reported finding and seizing
a number of TAB betting tickets and other pieces of
paper with names or nicknames written on them and
sums of money, what appeared to be records of payment
and a deposit book. The names included the fair dinkim
Aussie nicknames "Beryl", "Dapto",
"Chief", "Supa" and "Vinnie".
The inspectors advised they interviewed several parties
including "Beryl" who said she regularly
borrowed money before pension day to buy cigarettes
and "a couple of beers". Another punter
claimed he borrowed money to play the pokies because
he sometimes exceeded his key card limit. Mnn, some
folks said the pokies limit aka "mandatory"
wouldn't work, and one may speculate if this is the
first high profile case of proof. Or, is it a coincidence,
and its just beers and ciggies"? Dobb said some
records related to invoices the hotel had issued for
items including an 18th birthday function and two
beer kegs for a soccer final. Other records related
to patrons’ money that was held in the hotel
safe to mind. The office argued the invoices were
handwritten and may have been drawn up after the event.
It coughed up that a $55 record marked "roo chooks"
was paid to Red Lea Chickens before a chook raffle.
No, Pluka-Duke was not a witness to the events, nor
were they called to court. The authority concluded
it would need to hear from witnesses who lived out
of the area to discover the truth of the $4400. It
noted the "likely costs" of further investigations
and the amount in dispute then opted to rule on the
payments Dobb conceded. Dobb’s solicitor Paul
Sullivan said yesterday his client now ran another
country hotel and had not been the subject of any
further matters. We challenge the readership to find
us a better regional Aussie yarn that this one ok
maties.
Tatts
eyes bank market to refinance $US700m...
Gaming
and wagering giant Tatts Group Ltd is considering
refinancing its $700 million in bank debt with its
existing lenders after tapping the United States private
market in December, its CFO said last Wednesday. The
company, which had $911 million ($US909 million) of
bank loans maturing in June 2011, refinanced $US225
million in the US private placement market at the
end of 2010, leaving around $700 million outstanding.
"We are contemplating an option of whether our
banks wish to roll over the rest of the debt,"
Tatts chief financial officer Ray Gunston told the
press. According to data from Thomson Reuters LPC,
Tatts existing lenders are ANZ Ltd, BNP Paribas, Commonwealth
Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, Royal
Bank of Scotland and Westpac Banking Corp. There is
ample liquidity in the bank market and banks are willing
to lend for longer maturities for the right credit.
This compared to during the financial crisis where
borrowers struggled to get tenors beyond three years.
"We are still working through our options. But
it is my understanding five-year bank debt has become
more available than previously," Gunston said.
The company is also keeping an eye on the fledging
retail bond market as a funding option though, but
sees it as pricey. "We have not taken (retail
bonds) off the agenda," Gunston said. "We
are looking at where it fits into our profile. But
it is still expensive and there are a number of issues."
The overall costs of retail bonds still remain quite
high in Australia despite measures introduced last
year to reduce lengthy prospectus documents and cut
costs for small bond issues. Tatts is not publicly
rated but US debt investors estimate its ratings to
stand between Standard & Poor's BBB-plus and BBB-minus.
Melbourne,
Australia and UK: Aussie Millions Gossip: Did Poker
Ace Warnie Poke Her?...
The
champion spinner and reported ladies man, Shane Warne,
admitted he had been "busted" spending a
romantic weekend with English actress - babe Elizabeth
Hurley. The cricket legend had been trying to keep
the reunion under wraps after making a last-minute
dash to Los Angeles to rendezvous with the glamourous
movie star. But Warne, 41, was outed by keen News
Limited newspaper readers who spotted him on a flight
back from Los Angeles on Sunday evening. Approached
by the News Limited's Herald Sun at Crown's Aussie
Millions Poker charity fundraiser on Wednesday night,
Warne grinned and said: "Yeah, I know we've been
busted." He declined further comment on the success
of his reunion with the 45-year-old beauty. "Er,
next question," he replied. But mates at the
benefit later revealed Warne had confirmed his weekend
had gone "very well" and he had rekindled
the flame with Hurley. Their romance has slowed a
touch when it was revealed Warne has apparently sent
more than 100 text messages to married Brighton woman
Adele Angelari. "Let's just say he was pretty
happy," said a mate. Hurley made no secret of
being in Los Angeles, tweeting about the weather and
saying she watched the Golden Globe Awards from her
hotel. Shortly after Warne boarded the plane for home,
she tweeted: "A great weekend. Best in a long,
long time." We think congratulations may be in
order for Warnie's speculative "innings"
across the water. Yeah Warnie keep row row rowing
the boat, life might be such a breze. May the good
fortune of Warnie rub off on you and may every hand
and women bring you a champion result. Warnie is not
only a solid poker players, but is a face of Crown
Poker, and also a keen golf player. It's not known
if he has scored a hole in one, but he sure knows
how to play them birdies. You know what we mean.
News
Australian
Gambling On Pre-Commitment Pokies: Lovers VS Haters,
by Greg Tingle - 21st January 2011
Gambling
On Pub Pokies Gambling Pre Commitment?...
It's
one of Australia's hottest political stories at the
moment. At least, that's the vibe, and its getting
a good run on Aussie talk back radio and inches dedicated
to Australian newspaper print, not to mention the
strong coverage on leading news and entertainment
website portals such as Gambling911, Media
Man, Crikey and 'The Shout'.
Gaming
- pokie giant ALH (Australian Leisure and Hospitality
Group).... you've got to love the "leisure"
reference, has punished and kicked the head in (figure
of speech: there were no pub fight ok punters) of
the Aussie government plan requiring all gamblers
to nominate how much they are prepared to lose down
the throats of slots - fruit machines aka "one
armed bandits" before trying their luck, starting
it would have a "seriously" negative impact
on most who enjoy getting on the punt pokies style.
The
ALH, 75% cent owned by Woolworths, who we affectionately
call 'The Fast Cash People' (satire ok guys) advised
the gambling policy was "deeply politicised"
and club and pub owners were being unfairly targeted
while online gaming escaped regulation.
Clubs
and pubs are of course land based premises on Australian
soil, while online gaming and online gambling no very
few boundaries, with many of the world's largest media
companies, including some in Australia, covering the
sector in both a media, PR, affiliate, B2B and holistic
campaign capacity.
In
recent years Australia's Fairfax Media, publisher
of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and a number
of online news and entertainment website portals like
Brisbane Times, along with The Daily Telegraph online
and other Murdoch Australian online news entities
have developed dedicated sections on gambling, gaming,
sports betting et al, with punters and readers lapping
it up. Australia's AdNews website is has also taken
on ads, and James Packer's Betfair has promos on a
swag of websites, and on many mainstream TV broadcasts.
Yep, gambling is everywhere, and NRL team, the Penrith
Panthers is tipped to soon have their footy ground
renamed Centrebet Stadium, or something to that effect.
Website
portals like IGN, Virgin and Media
Man Int, are expanding out in a wide variety of
domain name extensions, building brands and reach,
some targeting specific geographic regions. Example:
Media Man
now has Media
Man Canada.com and well as Media
Man Asia and Media
Man Network, which Virgin has .ca and over 100
variations of its Virgin name, including Virgin Games,
Virgin Casino and Virgin Unite. For the record Virgin
is not currently accepting Australian online players
from what we can gather. PartyGaming, PartyCasino,PKR,Captain
Cooks,Winner,Centrebet
and James Packer's Betfair
appear to be some of the strongest online brands that
can accept Australians (and New Zealanders), and online
portals like Media Man list them for educational purposes,
putting the information out to the world via the global
medium - the internet. In many cases casino games
are reviewed listing currency and language options,
as well as play for free or play for money scenarios.
To
their credit, many of the media and entertainment
companies featuring some gaming and igaming coverage
do support a number of worthy causes, be it The Salvation
Army, Virgin Unite, The Red Cross and GenerationOne,
and some even making cash donations to struggling
charities on the quite, not seeking fame of thanks
for their good deeds.
Crown
Casino, home to the Aussie
Millions has an online presence, and has conducted
B2B with the likes of PartyGaming,
where the current champion is an Australian who learned
how to play online with Party's online poker brand.
Crown over the past few years have got into bed somewhat
with online poker firms, accepting "online poker
satellite qualifiers", where players play on
online websites, with the some of the best players
winning seats to the land based poker tournaments.
Back
to the politics of pub pokies, much of the fuss relates
to the Australian government broken promise to the
Australian clubs and pubs sector, while pandering
to the wish list of a certain well known Australian
senator. Many media commentators in Australia said
the senators demands (for securing his vote), accounted
to a version of blackmail! Strong allegations, and
these were carried in about a dozen different media
outlets down under in Australia. The policy itself
was a mammoth clash with the Productivity Commission's
view - policy on the run...a deal struck between the
independent... get read for the name... MP Andrew
Wilkie and the federal government. In exchange for
Wilkie's support, the government promised a "full
pre-commitment scheme" for poker machines by
2014, igniting a war of words and public backlash
from the powerful pubs and clubs sector, with Wilkie
being shouted out of a few meetings with regional
clubs, with Australian pensioners being some of the
most upset, distressed and basically, pissed off,
wanting the Aussie Labor Government thrown out of
office.
The
ALH Group outlined in its submission to a parliamentary
inquiry, the government's policy would probably be
ineffective and would basically force substantially
higher costs on pub owners, clients, associates and
suppliers.
A
lengthy Productivity Commission inquiry recommended
"full pre-commitment" by 2016, and the ALH
and others pushed for more research.
The
ALH is the proud operation of in excess of 12,000
pokies aka "one armed bandits" and 286 pubs.
They are king! Pushing for a voluntary pre-commitment,
ALH advised problem gamblers would still find a way
to bet online where the internet has few boundaries,
where less regulations applied. Online brands such
as PartyGaming, PartyCasino, Captain Cooks, Centrebet
and Betfair are well known, trusted, ethical and popular
with Australians and New Zealanders, with punters
not so keen to try out other lesser known brands.
Senator
Nick Xenophon, an anti-poker machine "hater"
(not lover), pointed the finger at Woolworths 'The
Fast Cash People' (satire) of trying to defend the
indefensible.
The
submission ignored "overwhelming evidence"
that a pre-commitment scheme would help reduce problem
gambling, Senator Xenophon said, likening its stance
to big tobacco firms denying the dangers of smoking.
The question and claim is being investigated with
some journalists not so sure it was "overwhelming
evidence" with some saying it was clever spin,
backed by "junk science" coming out of some
Australian universities known for their dislike of
the gaming and gambling sector.
'Mr
X' (satire) added "The irony is there are people
who cannot afford to buy food from a Woolworths supermarket
because they are blowing their money on a Woolworths
poker machine".
Senator
Xenophon and other anti-pokies groups convinced Woolworths
last year to keep children away from its poker machines.
Woolworths made $176.7 million in pre-tax profits
from its hotels division last financial year. The
pub baron Bruce Mathieson owns the remaining 25 per
cent of ALH.
The
parliamentary inquiry will hold public hearings in
capital cities next month.
Many
Aussie based legal eagles such as Jamie Nettleton
from Addisons are expecting strong business this year,
as the legal complexities of online vs offline, website
portals vs casinos, affiliate programs, PR VS news
and campaigns et al, continue to get looked at. Our
friend Nettleton has already gone on record that many
Australian laws are outdated and do not basically
cover or apply to the global medium that is the world
wide web. Nettleton is recommending more regulations,
which in turn will help better protect consumers,
and well as help with taxation laws and other business
functions, resulting in a win - win - win.
Australian
Land Based Casinos VS Land Based Pokie Palaces: Australian
Casinos List...
Punters,
we know your just begging to get your current Australian
land based casino hotspots back on file, many of which
are massive tourist attractions, so here it is...
New
South Wales
Star City Casino (Sydney)
Victoria
Crown Casino (Melbourne)
Queensland
Conrad Treasury Casino (Brisbane)
Jupiters Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Jupiters Townsville Casino (Townsville)
The Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns)
South
Australia
Skycity Adelaide (Adelaide)
Western
Australia
Burswood Entertainment Complex aka Burswood Casino
(Perth)
Tasmania
Wrest Point Hotel Casino (Hobart)
Country Club Casino (Launceston)
Australian
Capital Territory
Casino Canberra (Canberra)
Northern
Territory
Lasseters Hotel Casino (Alice Springs)
Skycity Darwin (formerly MGM Grand Casino) (Darwin)
Tobacco Industry VS Government Wars: Australian Sinners
Key Target...
The
tobacco industry has launched a fresh and "backdoor"
type attack on legislation to make plain packaging
of cigarettes compulsory, using a regional FTO (free
trade agreement) to which Australia is expected to
sign up to.
Tobacco
giant Philip Morris has used Australia's plain-packaging
laws, set to come into effect next year, to debate
the need for "investor state" provisions
in the upcoming Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
This would basically facilitate companies to sue member
governments if they pass legislation curtailing business
activities!
Thomas
Faunce, an Australian Research Council future fellow
at the Australian National University, called on the
federal government to resist the inclusion of investor
state provisions in the agreement. He said the provisions
duplicated ground that had already been covered in
the 2005 Australia-US free trade pact.
"Australia
can rebut such attempts on the basis that they reopen
the (free trade agreement) negotiations where an investor-state
clause was expressly excluded," Associate Professor
Faunce wrote in a critique published today in the
Medical Journal of Australia.
Negotiations
on the trade agreement - between the US, Australia,
New Zealand and six South American and south-east
Asian countries - intensified last year and are expected
to be completed in September.
In
a submission on the proposed trade agreement to the
US trade representative, Philip Morris cited Australia's
plain-packaging laws among "initiatives of concern".
The
company said it supported laws to reduce any harm
caused by tobacco, but opposed "extreme and disproportionate
regulation … which has the effect of violating
international law and expropriating intellectual property
rights".
Simon
Chapman, a professor of public health at the University
of Sydney, said the company's stance was consistent
with the tobacco industry's history of attempting
to use trade agreements to defeat individual countries'
health laws.
"It's
yet another sign of the degree to which the industry
will go to to defeat and delay any measure that will
actually work (to cut smoking rates)" he said.
The
World Trade Organisation's Uruguay Round had established
the right of countries "to put health considerations
above international trade considerations".
Patricia
Ranald, of the Australian Fair Trade and Investment
Network, which advises on human rights, and the environment,
said Australia would receive little export benefit
from the treaty because the free trade agreement was
already in place.
"What
we want to say to our government is that we should
negotiate about trade issues but not about social
policies," Dr Ranald said.
Craig
Emerson, the Minister for Trade, would not commit
on excluding investor-state provisions from the trade
pact, saying he was not prepared to make policy on
the run.
But
he said Philip Morris would be "whistling in
the wind" if it tried to undermine national anti-tobacco
laws.
The
tobacco industry ie: smoking, has long been linked
to other industries such as gambling (where punters
often chase land based pokies where smoking is allowed),
the sex and fetish industry, fashion (models smoke
instead of eat correctly, not to put on weight) and
motorsport (especially F1), but exposure of tobacco
products on cars has been massively reduced - more
than halved, over the past 5 years, with energy drinks
like Red Bull picking up some of the slack.
Media
Man,Casino
News Media and Gambling911
are website portals. Not casinos as such, however
are recognised as world leading websites that cover
the sector and act as central points to games, news,
reviews and more.
Readers...
er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us
in the forum.
If
you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over
it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet
portal development company. Gaming is just one of
a dozen sectors covered
News
Australian
Gambling, Entertainment And Media News, by Greg Tingle
- 23rd December 2010
G'day
again and Merry Christmas punters, casino and gambling
millionaires, billionaires, entertainment news junkies,
insiders, outsiders, politicians, journalists and
everyone else. What a year it has been. It's just
2 sleeps before Christmas hits, depending upon where
you live, but the cracker Aussie news just keeps coming
think and fast. We thank you, the loyal readership
for your custom this year, and we look forward to
continuing to satisfy your desire for the best in
gambling, gaming, casino, entertainment and sports
news and information in 2011. Media
Man and Gambling911 with a Santa's sleigh full
stocking of news. Ho Ho Ho!...
Aussie
Rat-Pack Vice King Dies At 82; Secrets Of Australia
Vice Dies With Da Man...
Former
senior detective Tony Murphy, a king of Australian
vice including the gambling and prostitution biz has
died. Legend has is that he was once one of the most
feared fit it and can do men in Sydney. By circa 2000
however has had assumed the position as the licensed
operator of the TAB betting facility at Dunwich on
Stradbroke Island, north east of Brisbane. Journey
back to 70's as he was the law man now to cross, striking
fear in the hearts of those who dared crossed him,
and who, according to many who knew him, was the boss
of corruption in a Queensland police force that was
as rotten you could get. It was the landmark inquiry
into police and political corruption headed by Tony
Fitzgerald QC began in 1987 and concluded in July
1989, that resulting in the locking up of 4 National
Party ministers as well as police commissioner Terry
Lewis, and the charging of more than 250 other people,
of whom 139 were found guilty. That's lot of heads,
crooked cops et al. All told, 30 coppers were charged
with crimes, 36 charges of official corruption laid
and 10 indemnities granted to corrupt senior police
who were involved in protecting illegal casino dens,
brothels and unlicensed bookmakers. Yep, crooks and
cops has finger in all sorts of pie. One against whom
a bush tucked bag of allegations were made but who
was never charged after the Fitzgerald inquiry was
'Our Murphy', who retired from his position of assistant
commissioner in 1983 after a "smashing"
38-year career. The Fitzgerald inquiry was told that
Murphy headed what was known as "The Rat Pack":
a trio of crooked cops who organised the standover
and the "creaming off" of organised crime
in Queensland. The Rat Pack comprised Murphy who was
the tough as shoe leather boss man, detective Glen
Hallahan and Terry Lewis. Some insider say they were
basically the creme and puppet masters of the brothels,
gambling dens and a range of other popular vice industries.
Yet another chapter of Queensland's love affair with
vice and corruption has been put to rest.
Aussie
Gambling And Media King James Packer And Mining King
Andrew Forrest Tag Team On Resources Investment...
It's
not quite the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip,
or even Packer's Crown Casino, but Packer and good
friend "Twiggy" Forrest have teamed up again,
the last known tag match being our favorite GenerationOne
indigenous employment initiative. Australian-listed
Medical Corporation saw its shares surge 342.86% to
16c yesterday, after it announced it was to buy Amphion
International, a private company backed by Packer
and Forrest, along with a $2.8 million share placement.
Packer is also understood to be a shareholder in the
Twig Meister's Fortescue Metals Group and as a vocal
supporter of the mining king's Generation One program.
Mining vet Miles Kennedy, the head of Amphion, will
head up the new project, along with Medical Corp chairman
Simon Lee, who has vast experience in the gold sector.
Packer, Forrest, along with ex Multiplex director
Tim Roberts, have supported the power play and will
take up their full entitlement in the share placement,
in a vote of confidence in the team finding a resource
project. It is understood Medical Corp will soon change
its name to reflect its new focus on the business
of mining. The purchase of Amphion and the share placement
would leave Medical Corp with about $12m in cash and
listed shares to seek out a "suitable investment"
in the resources sector. We wish the tag team will
in their hunt for their next jackpot, and we might
even pick up a shares soon, in yet another show of
support in the Packer - Forrest dream team.
Aussie
Casino And Media Tycoon James Packer And Media Boss
Kerry Stokes Now Mates!...
Having
spent years, if not decades, in a war for news media
dominance down under, the families are now sharing
luxury ski lodge digs over Xmas. We hear that The
Packer's and their two juniors are heading to Beaver
Creek in Vail Colorado for Christmas where they will
be the guests of Seven Network big cheese Kerry Stokes.
Stokes has been buying up properties in the luxury
ski resort for years and has a world class penthouse
in the region which will suit fellow billionaire Packer
to a tee. Earlier in the year JP and Stokes clashed,
when Stokes made a hostile raid on 'Our James' Consolidated
Media Holdings, but both gents have moved forward.
Packer has of course bought a large bite of Ten and
insiders reckon there's will be plenty of sport to
go around the Aussie media landscape, should it get
split up from Ten's digital channel OneHD. Afterwards
The Packer's will snatch a lend of a a boat and cruise
up to the Bahamas. Packer family matriarch Ros has
flown to Paris, France, to catch up with daughter
Gretel for Xmas. Ok, that's you first lot of Xmas
media celeb goss. Stay tuned.
Aussie
Shane Warne May Focus More On Cricket And Poker; Love
Life Suffers Blow; Twitter-Gate...
Love
him or hate him (we like him lots, but not too much),
Warnie is newsworthy. Mate and biz partner or the
rich and famous, like James Packer, just to name one,
has a thing for poker (and ladies). Warne's romance
with British babe Liz Hurley has suffered a blow out.
Hurley has apparently distanced Warne the leg-spinner's
loose fingers (phone and other... satire) and love
for hot women again led distracted him, says Murdoch's
News Of The World. The 41-year-old legend reportedly
pumped out more than 100 hot texts to a married 44-year-old
Melbourne mother of two, Adele Angeleri, while he
was courting Hurley. The pair met when Angeleri, who
runs a shop across the road from Warne's office, allegedly
approached him with a business proposal only to receive
a string of propositions herself. The sexy text affair
reportedly spun out of control when the woman's husband,
lawyer Denis Angeleri, found out and stormed into
Warne's office demanding to speak to him. The following
day Warne is understood - alleged to have telephoned
a not happy Angeleri in an attempt to keep the affair
secret. Warne, who had reportedly told friends he
wanted to marry Hurley, has not been his usually happy
go lucky self on Twitter recently. "Still no
sleep… so got up out of bed, now staring at the
water here in Perth, sulking and feeling grumpy!!
Need cheering up today!" Warne said in the early
hours of Friday morning. Not even Australia's comeback
in the Perth cricket Test could boost Warne's spirits.
He also asked why "some people enjoy being nasty,
it's good to be nice to." Media Man will be checking
in with Warnie's Twitter for further updates.
Crown
Casino Aussie Cricket Yarns And Gossip...
Cricket
Legend Jeff Thomson hit the stage at Melbourne's Crown
Casino in a shirt that Yankee ex politician and pro
wrestling colour man, Jesse 'The Body' Ventura would
have been proud of. Pink, yeah Pink! He also sported
black pants, black tie and a lovely cream jacket,
with his trademark mop of white hair hanging over
his shoulders. Maybe he mas been watching too many
re runs of WWE WrestleMania is its heyday or something.
Anyway, on with the story... the 60 year old or so
veteran was straight up at them Cricket Victoria luncheon,
and let loose with some ripper quotes on the Pommie
batsmen. Thomson had some words of wisdom for Australia's
selectors ahead of the 4th Ashes Test commencing at
the Melbourne Cricket Ground this Sunday. "Don't
worry about a spinner. Just keep the quicks. I think
we can frighten the s**t out of those blokes."
Thommo got to trade sledges with old rival Colin Cowdrey
on stage. Back in the day the story goes "Jeff
Thomson, I've been dying to meet you". Ex England
batsman David Lloyd, who suffered a nasty blow to
the groin region thanks to a Thommo thunderbolt in
the 1974-75 series. Hundred of guests laughed as they
crossed to video footage showed Lloyd sinking to the
turf in agony after been hit in the balls. Lloyd,
dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and a tie, evened
the score by sledging Thommo's dress last night. "You
look like a bag of s**t," Thommo responded. Thommo
was supportive of the Aussie side, that have been
bad ass with the sledging of late. "It's all
part and parcel of the game. "You are just trying
to upset the guy's concentration. You're out there
for six hours, you get bored sh*tless. You've got
to say something." Known for his speed in the
roaring 70s, Thommo was quizzed about reports that
his 160 km/h bowling had now estimated at closer to
170 km/h. "They came out pretty quick. I hit
a lot of sightscreens on the full. I wanted to be
the quickest and scare shit out of everybody and I
think I achieved that".
National
Australia Bank Reduces Gamble On Tabcorp Shares...
Gamiing
an gambling giant Tabcorp Holdings advised National
Australia Bank has reduced its holding in the firm.
Tabcorp advised in a statement on Monday that NAB
had decreased its relevant interest in the company
to 34,911,845 ordinary shares representing 5.097%
of its issued fully paid ordinary capital. On December
6, NAB was listed as holding 45,655, 936 shares in
Tabcorp, representing 6.67%. Tabcorp said the shares
were sold on December 14.
Aussie
Pub And Land Based Pokie Players Loose $2m Per Day!..
One
armed bandit punters are set to lose a record $800
million this year. Nearly $2.2 million a day ($200.4
million) was lost between July and September, the
third-highest quarterly loss in South Australian history.
If punters continue at this rate, they will lose more
than the record $792.6 million they fed poker machines
in the 2006-07 financial year. The last occurrence
that ore than $200 million was lost in a three-month
period was leading up to smoking bans in November
2007. Since then, losses steadily have decreased,
with pokes recording a 7-year low $729.4 million profit
in 2009-10. Last September, the state and federal
governments released the findings of two pre-commitment
technology trials in SA. They showed the technology,
which allows people to determine the amount of money
they want to spend before gambling, may be effective
in reducing the amount of money problem gamblers lose.
South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon said the latest
poker machine figures highlighted the urgency of implementing
a national mandatory pre-commitment scheme. "Voluntary
pre-commitment is a joke," he said. "What
it does show is the technology can work, but the only
way to do it properly is there has to be a mandatory
all-in pre-commitment scheme." State Gambling
Minister Tom Koutsantonis said South Australia was
leading the nation with pre-commitment technologies.
"This can empower individuals to take control
over their own spending behaviour," he said.
Yep, its man VS machine, citizens VS "big brother".
Nine
Entertainment Company Continues To Get New Blood Pumped
In...
Nine
is doing its utmost to give the business every chance
of hitting mega paydirt this year, with yet another
shot of new blood into the ranks. David Coleman will
lead Nine Entertainment’s digital growth. David
Coleman has been promoted internally to head up digital
activities across Nine Entertainment, the recently
rebranded PBL Media. Coleman, previously PBL’s
director of strategy, will retain his original portfolio.
but adds good does of digital into the nex mix of
cocktail. Nine Entertainment’s assets include
the Nine Network, ACP Magazines and joint venture
with Microsoft NineMSN. Nine Entertainment CEO David
Gyngell said "David brings great experience and
understanding to our ever growing digital businesses,
having worked in the Internet industry since the late
90s. That hands-on experience, and his runs on the
board already with our group, make him the logical
choice for the new role in what is a key growth area
for Nine Entertainment Co." Coleman said "Our
digital assets are the best in the Australian media
sector, and we intend to build on them in the future.
We see great opportunities to both grow our existing
digital activities, and enter new categories. I am
looking forward to working with David and the broader
management team as we aggressively build our position
in digital media." Coleman first joined the PBL
family 5 years back. He now reps the firm on the boards
of several group assets, including NineMSN, Rate City,
Cudo and Sky News. Prior to joining the group, he
worked like a demon at Internet companies Looksmart
and dstore, as well as for one or two consulting firms.
We wish Colman well with his ongoing career at Nine,
part of Team Gyngell, an offshoot of what's know around
Aussie media and gambling circles as the 'Aussie Gumleaf
Mafia'.
Wrap
Up...
Readers...
er, punters, how did you like our report? Have you
been naughty or nice, and what sort of Xmas present
are you gambling on? Tell us in the forum.
If
you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over
it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
News
Australian
Land Based Casino News Update, by Greg Tingle - 8th
May 2010
Australia
is home to some of the world's great casinos, hotels
and resorts.
While
the land down under has over a dozen land based casinos,
there's only three that both rate highly and grab
the majority of headlines on a global stage. Enter
James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne, Tabcorp's
Star City in Sydney, and Jupiters Hotel & Casino
on the Gold Coast.
Media
Man and Gambling911 take our eye in the sky look
at the landscape of the Aussie land based casino sector
and bring you up to speed with what's news down under...
Readers
will be aware that there's a "casino war"
in the land of kangaroos, koalas and goannas at the
moment. You would have to be Blind Fredy not to know
about the ultra competitive showdown (and hunt for
whales and dolphins) between Packer's Crown Casino
down south and Tabcorp's Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Crown
Casino and Star City are following the global trend,
largely driven forward from Las Vegas and Macau, of
offering a total entertainment experience... not just
gambling... you know, slots, poker, table games and
the like. Whales aka high-rollers, have also demanded
the changing face of the sector. Don't get us wrong,
the gambling aspect remains vital to the business
model and to the punters, but for a variety of reasons
Australian casino kings have employed a more holistic
model. The reasons include being more government friendly,
legal eagle elements and complimenting the larger
casino, entertainment and lifestyle sector.
Some
of the ramped up services and offerings as part of
the industry development include but are not limited
to:
Entertainment
complex upgrades (including securing more world class
acts, more often, to attract the crowds and keep all
clients and business partners happy)
Hotel suite refurbishments
Private gambling room upgrades for high rolling VIP's
Sports bar upgrades
Enhanced security - technology and more staff
Gulf Stream Jets aka Lear Jets for international high
rollers in a hurry and who demand and casino afford
the best
Aussie Casino News Bytes
Crown
Casino: Hosted the Logies last week with 1000 guests
in attendance. Broadcast on Network Nine Australia.
Bert Newton did a fine job as host. One journalist
/ columnist was fired for what many saw as inappropriate
Twitter - ing, including the editor of The Age newspaper.
Upgraded website. Management in regular contact with
sister casinos, City of Dreams Macau and Altira Macau.
100s more staff to be employed, some of which under
the GenerationOne employment initiative, dedicated
to helping get Indigenous Australians back into the
workforce
Star
City: Has expanded their budget by another $100,000
or so. Is ordering 1 or 2 Lear Jets to help better
compete with Crown Casino. Upgraded website.
Jupiters
Gold Coast: Upgraded their poker room to the tune
of a few hundred thousand dollars, Mother Africa Circus
of the Senses is showing at Jupiters Theater. Last
week a casino courtesy bus was allegedly nabbed by
a disgruntle contractor owned money. The case is currently
in the courts. Jupiters is nearby to the beaches where
major surfing competitions take place annually. Dreamworld
(Hollywood On The Gold Coast) is only a short drive
away from the casino. Upgraded website.
Burswood
Entertainment Complex: Upgraded security, shows include
Nitro Circus Live, Cats, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson
Tribute Show and Mammi Mia! Burswood is known to put
on fantastic community fundraisers. American pro wrestling
legend Hulk Hogan drew a massive crowd at Burswood
late last year for his charity work with the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. Virgin's Richard Branson also did some
impressive fundraising on site last month, with folks
the world over keen to meet and speak to the entrepreneur.
Branson's Virgin Games remains keen to expand the
gaming globally, including the AWOMO (A World Of My
Own), and perhaps the face to face meetings with the
media and political savvy Aussie Casino king, James
Packer, won't go astray.
Casino
Canberra: Blast From The Past: Are you a baby boomer?
Then don’t dare miss Baby Boomers Blast from
the Past, the ultimate live entertainment experience.
Laugh, dance, party Friday 14 May at Casino Canberra.
Watch comic impersonator Chris De Havilland bring
to life the likes of Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Elvis
Presley, Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, and many more baby
boomer entertainers. On the 3rd of June - Aussie comedian
legends...Austen Tayshus and Elliot Goblet! Austen
Tayshus is described as a drunken yobbo's worst nightmare,
someone who can out gross you, out yell you and out
last you. Austen Tayshus walks a skillful line between
the truly offensive and the truly funny. And Elliot
Goblet, the master of oodles of clever but unrelated
one liners and the odd two liner as well. Both comedians
are on one night of classic Aussie humour. Meet the
Canberra Raiders NRL Raiderettes! Before Raiders games
you have the opportunity to meet some of the Raiderettes
and take advantage of the beer and snack footy pack.
Galaxy Nightclub - Canberra's hottest nightclub opens
from 9pm every Saturday with the beats of the 70's
and the best of the 80's. Come and hear the soundtrack
of our lives. Galaxy has a NO GLASS policy!
The
Reef Hotel Casino: 13th, 14th and 15th May - Lisa
Hunt Returns. Soul, Disco & Motown. The way it
should sound!
Lasseters
Hotel Casino: Dead Centre Show N Shine - Today! -
8th May. Outlaw Drags Spectacular - 9th May
Australian Casino Directory List
New
South Wales
Star City Casino (Sydney)
Victoria
Crown Casino (Melbourne)
Queensland
Conrad Treasury Casino (Brisbane)
Jupiters Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Jupiters Townsville Casino (Townsville)
The Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns)
South
Australia
Skycity Adelaide (Adelaide)
Western
Australia
Burswood Entertainment Complex aka Burswood Casino
(Perth)
Tasmania
Wrest Point Hotel Casino (Hobart)
Country Club Casino (Launceston)
Australian
Capital Territory
Casino Canberra (Canberra)
Northern
Territory
Lasseters Hotel Casino (Alice Springs)
Skycity Darwin (formerly MGM Grand Casino) (Darwin)
Ok
readers, we hear you... you also want to know some
of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies)
if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia
(including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
Take
the time to research and learn games before placing
down money
Media
Man and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos
as such, however are recognised as world leading websites
that cover the sector and act as central points to
games, news, reviews and more
Know
the odds, set limits and have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man http://www.mediamanint.com
is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal
development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen
sectors covered
