PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Roxy Palace, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino, however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Rambo, The Godfather, Sinatra, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $1 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Melon Madness, Tarzan, High Noon and Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that pro wrestling themed online slot games are in the works and that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 3 months. Names been thrown around include Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, but those names are only rumors, however a print feature did showcase Andre earlier in the year, indicating that there is substance to the rumor mill. In any event, PartyCasino already has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
PartyGaming
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - online "war" between iGaming powerhouses, by Greg Tingle - 25th February 2010
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - iGaming and gaming sector heats up - United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, Germany, South America, India, South Africa and beyond
PartyGaming - Asia Pacific - Australian focus, planning on return to United States; Hollywood themed games and tie ins with World Poker Tour owned brand, Asian Poker Tour collaboration, Maintains lead as world's leading online casino brand
Virgin Games - planning on expanding both Gambling and non gambling gaming products; Plans to add over 100 new games within 12 months
Hundreds of game titles are available to play now at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com
Punters take note...PartyCasino.com can be accessed in most of the Asia Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, and hotspot, Tasmania, while Virgin Casino can not currently be accessed in those regions. Both companies are looking to soon be able to offering paid games to the United States, in a race which numerous experts say PartyGaming is winning. PartyGaming also owns and operates the famous World Poker Tour (which is available to American punters).
Background
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
Background to the war...
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting more smash hit games including the King Kong slot.
In addition Richard Branson's Virgin Games is planning a non gambling service: A World Of My Own (AWOMO), which will be able to provide gamers with a cutting edgy technology service in basically all parts of the world, including in regions where traditional online gambling is not permitted. The strength of the Virgin brand, combined with Virgin's track record of success in new ventures and technology stack the odds in favour of the launch being a huge success. Virgin and competitor, PartyGaming, also have very strong news media, igaming, political and business connections.
Virgin's AWOMO is currently in beta testing, and is expected to launch the complete product in the third quarter of this year.
PartyGaming is pushing the interactive elements of its gaming with "Live Dealer", "Casino Calendar" and "Avatar" type technologies just around the corner.
The Casinos
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year and Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Jackpots
Party offers Gold Mega Jackpot, The Big One, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin offers MegaJackpots, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action, excitement and fun, check out Party and Virgin without delay.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory.net
Virtual Worlds Media
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Manager
PartyGaming - Asia Pacific - Australian focus, planning on return to United States; Hollywood themed games and tie ins with World Poker Tour owned brand, Asian Poker Tour collaboration, Maintains lead as world's leading online casino brand
Virgin Games - planning on expanding both Gambling and non gambling gaming products; Plans to add over 100 new games within 12 months
Hundreds of game titles are available to play now at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com
Punters take note...PartyCasino.com can be accessed in most of the Asia Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, and hotspot, Tasmania, while Virgin Casino can not currently be accessed in those regions. Both companies are looking to soon be able to offering paid games to the United States, in a race which numerous experts say PartyGaming is winning. PartyGaming also owns and operates the famous World Poker Tour (which is available to American punters).
Background
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
Background to the war...
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting more smash hit games including the King Kong slot.
In addition Richard Branson's Virgin Games is planning a non gambling service: A World Of My Own (AWOMO), which will be able to provide gamers with a cutting edgy technology service in basically all parts of the world, including in regions where traditional online gambling is not permitted. The strength of the Virgin brand, combined with Virgin's track record of success in new ventures and technology stack the odds in favour of the launch being a huge success. Virgin and competitor, PartyGaming, also have very strong news media, igaming, political and business connections.
Virgin's AWOMO is currently in beta testing, and is expected to launch the complete product in the third quarter of this year.
PartyGaming is pushing the interactive elements of its gaming with "Live Dealer", "Casino Calendar" and "Avatar" type technologies just around the corner.
The Casinos
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year and Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Jackpots
Party offers Gold Mega Jackpot, The Big One, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin offers MegaJackpots, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action, excitement and fun, check out Party and Virgin without delay.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory.net
Virtual Worlds Media
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Manager
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Aussie casino king James Packer to help ease plight of jobless, by Greg Tingle - 21st February 2010
Australian casino king and major media player, James Packer, has vowed to help ease plight of Australia's jobless.
Entitled the Australian Employment Covenant, the Rudd government-backed initiative aims to find 50,000 jobs for indigenous Australians. As the project rolls out Australia will get to know it as Generation One.
In an extremely rare interview, Linda Silmalis of News Limited's The Sunday Telegraph was able to secure a telephone interview with Mr Packer.
The casino comeback king wouldn't be pushed on politics (recently enjoying a spot of golf with Sen. Stephen Conroy might do that to a man), but he opened right up when it came to social and community matters, with a focus on getting Indigenous Australians sustainable employment.
The Packer empire includes Australia's Crown Casino, Burswood Entertainment Centre, City Of Dreams, Macau and Altira Macau. Mr Packer also has a share in pay TV operator, Foxtel.
Crown Casino is strongly indicating it will employ a significant number of indigenous Australians and Team Packer is also communicating with corporate Australia on how they can be part of this historic project.
Packer is collaborating with Aussie mining king Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest. A bush tucker bag of other great Aussie's are also assisting including but not limited to News Limited chairman Rupert Murdoch, Seven Network boss Kerry Stokes, and of course wife, Erica Baxter. Murdoch did some historic campaigning for Indigenous Australia whilst editor of Adelaide's The News circa 1959, later being showcased in modern classic, 'Black and White'.
There's considerable resources at hand, and by Packer speak, this is a hand up, not a hand out. However, to kick-start things Kerry Stokes and Packer are both putting in $2 million for a start.
In the telephone interview with Linda Silmalis of The Sunday Telegraph, "Kerry and I are each putting in $2 million to the project and we're doing it because we believe in Andrew's vision,.
"It is not another welfare program. Both the Covenant and Generation One are about getting actual outcomes. We have actually got some bona fides in this area - Crown is already up to 75 jobs. We want to get it up into the hundreds.
"The goal is to work with people in businesses to try to get training and job placements.
"When someone gets training within a specific business, it makes it far more likely they will get a home in that business."
"I think with anyone, when they have a child, it opens up a new dimension to your life".
"I got to spend a year in the Northern Territory as a jackeroo and that gave me exposure to the way some Aboriginal communities are that others never get.
"I got to see good things and some not so good things. I always had a desire to do something, but I needed the right opportunity, and Andrew's vision and infectious enthusiasm made it easy for me to become involved.
"Andrew and I went to see Kerry Stokes, and we said, 'We'd love you to do this with us', and he agreed.
"At the casino, we are training people in hospitality, in security, areas where it will lead to jobs. I think corporate Australia wants to do more and it will become easier as more people become involved.
"It is a good concept and I think it will become easier as time goes on."
Media Man applauds the Packer - Forrest and friends collaboration that clearly demonstrates a far reaching way of demonstrating one's real wealth. We are also hopeful that both the Labor and Liberal party pick up on some of Mr Packer's wisdom when it comes to matters such as the internet and censorship. Mr Packer famously said "Internet is like electricity", something Media Man and Gambling911 management and readers are well aware of, as is Senator Conroy. As of this writing Sen Conroy has remained silent on mentions of himself in comparisons with award winning documentary, 'Casino Jack and the United States of Money'.
On a lighter note Sen. Conroy has turned out to be quite the sportsman, not only a keen golfer, but a passionate snowboarder, even getting a trip away to enjoy the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Let's just hope that Conroy's recent collaborations with Team Packer and friends help produce some gold for many parties, starting with both indigenous Australia and internet gaming fans and entrepreneurs. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Asia
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Poker News Media
Australian Casino News
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Entitled the Australian Employment Covenant, the Rudd government-backed initiative aims to find 50,000 jobs for indigenous Australians. As the project rolls out Australia will get to know it as Generation One.
In an extremely rare interview, Linda Silmalis of News Limited's The Sunday Telegraph was able to secure a telephone interview with Mr Packer.
The casino comeback king wouldn't be pushed on politics (recently enjoying a spot of golf with Sen. Stephen Conroy might do that to a man), but he opened right up when it came to social and community matters, with a focus on getting Indigenous Australians sustainable employment.
The Packer empire includes Australia's Crown Casino, Burswood Entertainment Centre, City Of Dreams, Macau and Altira Macau. Mr Packer also has a share in pay TV operator, Foxtel.
Crown Casino is strongly indicating it will employ a significant number of indigenous Australians and Team Packer is also communicating with corporate Australia on how they can be part of this historic project.
Packer is collaborating with Aussie mining king Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest. A bush tucker bag of other great Aussie's are also assisting including but not limited to News Limited chairman Rupert Murdoch, Seven Network boss Kerry Stokes, and of course wife, Erica Baxter. Murdoch did some historic campaigning for Indigenous Australia whilst editor of Adelaide's The News circa 1959, later being showcased in modern classic, 'Black and White'.
There's considerable resources at hand, and by Packer speak, this is a hand up, not a hand out. However, to kick-start things Kerry Stokes and Packer are both putting in $2 million for a start.
In the telephone interview with Linda Silmalis of The Sunday Telegraph, "Kerry and I are each putting in $2 million to the project and we're doing it because we believe in Andrew's vision,.
"It is not another welfare program. Both the Covenant and Generation One are about getting actual outcomes. We have actually got some bona fides in this area - Crown is already up to 75 jobs. We want to get it up into the hundreds.
"The goal is to work with people in businesses to try to get training and job placements.
"When someone gets training within a specific business, it makes it far more likely they will get a home in that business."
"I think with anyone, when they have a child, it opens up a new dimension to your life".
"I got to spend a year in the Northern Territory as a jackeroo and that gave me exposure to the way some Aboriginal communities are that others never get.
"I got to see good things and some not so good things. I always had a desire to do something, but I needed the right opportunity, and Andrew's vision and infectious enthusiasm made it easy for me to become involved.
"Andrew and I went to see Kerry Stokes, and we said, 'We'd love you to do this with us', and he agreed.
"At the casino, we are training people in hospitality, in security, areas where it will lead to jobs. I think corporate Australia wants to do more and it will become easier as more people become involved.
"It is a good concept and I think it will become easier as time goes on."
Media Man applauds the Packer - Forrest and friends collaboration that clearly demonstrates a far reaching way of demonstrating one's real wealth. We are also hopeful that both the Labor and Liberal party pick up on some of Mr Packer's wisdom when it comes to matters such as the internet and censorship. Mr Packer famously said "Internet is like electricity", something Media Man and Gambling911 management and readers are well aware of, as is Senator Conroy. As of this writing Sen Conroy has remained silent on mentions of himself in comparisons with award winning documentary, 'Casino Jack and the United States of Money'.
On a lighter note Sen. Conroy has turned out to be quite the sportsman, not only a keen golfer, but a passionate snowboarder, even getting a trip away to enjoy the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Let's just hope that Conroy's recent collaborations with Team Packer and friends help produce some gold for many parties, starting with both indigenous Australia and internet gaming fans and entrepreneurs. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Asia
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Poker News Media
Australian Casino News
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Friday, February 19, 2010
Virgin Casino Introduces Major New Games for February
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 18th February 2010 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, has today announced that it is launching six new games in February from three leading games producers - Cryptologic, Dynamite Idea and VS Gaming. Amongst the new games are three major titles - King Kong, Call of Duty and Thor - all developed by Cryptologic.
Warren Eloff, Product Manager at Virgin Casino, commented:
"We're really thrilled to be offering such great titles from these leading online game developers as we believe they will greatly enhance both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, making it one of the most exciting online casinos around. Call of Duty 4 is one of the most popular video games ever created and I've no doubt it will be a big hit with our players, as will the other new games."
Virgin Games will be launching new games throughout February with Cryptologic's Call of Duty launching on the 17th and Thor following soon.
Both King Kong and Call of Duty 4 are 25 payline slots where players can unlock multiple bonus rounds and win both free spins and mystery cash prizes. Call of Duty 4 has a particularly exciting bonus round which transports players to treacherous hotspots around the globe to take on a rogue enemy group threatening world peace. Players must shoot down as many soldiers as possible to win free games and cash prizes and get the chance to win up to 5,000 times their bet.
Also to be launched in February are Aces High and SpinWin, both by Dynamite Idea and Sportswheel by VS Gaming.
Founded in 2004, Virgin Casino has over 100,000,000 players and 103 casino games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Casino seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. These new games add to a growing selection that can be found at Virgin Casino from games producers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Fremantle, Endemol, Dynamite Idea, VS Gaming and Ash Gaming.
To play these exciting new games visit VirginGames.com
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a jackpot value of over GBP 1,500,000
- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of poker games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Website
VirginGames.com
Profiles
King Kong
Thor
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Cryptologic
WagerWorks
FremantleMedia
Richard Branson
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory.net
Casino News Media.net
Hollywood Slot Games
Multi Currency Casino
American Casino News
American Gaming News
Marvel Slots Online
Warren Eloff, Product Manager at Virgin Casino, commented:
"We're really thrilled to be offering such great titles from these leading online game developers as we believe they will greatly enhance both choice and player experience for Virgin Casino customers, making it one of the most exciting online casinos around. Call of Duty 4 is one of the most popular video games ever created and I've no doubt it will be a big hit with our players, as will the other new games."
Virgin Games will be launching new games throughout February with Cryptologic's Call of Duty launching on the 17th and Thor following soon.
Both King Kong and Call of Duty 4 are 25 payline slots where players can unlock multiple bonus rounds and win both free spins and mystery cash prizes. Call of Duty 4 has a particularly exciting bonus round which transports players to treacherous hotspots around the globe to take on a rogue enemy group threatening world peace. Players must shoot down as many soldiers as possible to win free games and cash prizes and get the chance to win up to 5,000 times their bet.
Also to be launched in February are Aces High and SpinWin, both by Dynamite Idea and Sportswheel by VS Gaming.
Founded in 2004, Virgin Casino has over 100,000,000 players and 103 casino games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Casino seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. These new games add to a growing selection that can be found at Virgin Casino from games producers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Fremantle, Endemol, Dynamite Idea, VS Gaming and Ash Gaming.
To play these exciting new games visit VirginGames.com
About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a jackpot value of over GBP 1,500,000
- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of poker games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.
Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
Website
VirginGames.com
Profiles
King Kong
Thor
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Cryptologic
WagerWorks
FremantleMedia
Richard Branson
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory.net
Casino News Media.net
Hollywood Slot Games
Multi Currency Casino
American Casino News
American Gaming News
Marvel Slots Online
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
PartyGaming Casino Bets Boost Fourth Quarter; Satisfied players and management, by Greg Tingle - 17th February 2010
Online gambling group PartyGaming last week reported a 32% rise in fourth quarter sales as the thawing economic climate prompts punters to return to its virtual poker and casino tables to play the group's improved online games.
The company, which is listed on the London stock exchange but based in tax-friendly Gibraltar, said sales rose to $132.2 million in the three months to Dec. 31 from $100.4 million last year, helped by two acquisitions and a particularly strong performance in its casino division which offers online casino games like slots, blackjack and roulette, online poker games, sports betting and spread betting services.
PartyPoker.com remains the companies flagship brand however in the past 12 months PartyCasino.com has experienced considerable growth and brand presence, boosted by both branded slot games like Rambo, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, Call Of Action 4: Modern Warfare, Resident Evil, The Terminator, Saturday Night Fever, The Godfather, a host of Marvel Entertainment themed games, and the recent news media campaign of which cricket and reality TV figure Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell is the front man for.
PartyGaming is still on the look out for more igaming and betting sector companies to buy up following it's successful purchases of World Poker Tour and Cashcade. Earlier this month PartyGaming inked a "white label" deal with London Capital Group enhancing its spread betting offerings.
The company is the world's biggest listed online gaming group by market capitalization, derives most of its revenue from online poker and casino games and owns and operates a more modest sized sports book and bingo business, which is currently on the upswing.
Finance director Martin Weigold told reporters on a conference call following the results that casino revenue was boosted by a customer who won $5 million in one of the group's large jackpots and recycled $2 million of that win back into PartyGaming's casino website.
Weigold advised that the unusually strong sales rise is not sustainable going forward into 2010, however the company still expects to report double digit sales and profit growth in the year.
The bullish outlook for 2010 sits comfortably with the group's 2009 earnings, which it expects to be ahead of its own board forecasts.
Weigold said market consensus is for 'clean' earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, of $132 million in 2010, and PartyGaming expects to outperform this.
'Clean' Ebitda is the company's preferred measure of profitability and excludes one-off, non-recurring and non-cash items. It is due to report is full year results March 4.
The good news buoyed PartyGaming shares, up 3.2% or 9 pence to 294p.
Alongside casino improvements, PartyGaming also reversed an 18-month trend of quarter-on-quarter revenue declines for its poker division, posting a 9% rise in sales to $49.1 million.
PartyGaming's poker operations had been under pressure due to competition from rivals, and the company has reacted by increasing the bonuses paid and expanding its loyalty programs (PartyPoints and Palladium Lounge)to encourage customers onto the site and retain them. Certainly Asia Pacific - Australian based players are sticking with it, based on feedback and buzz passed onto Asia Pacific's Media Man and Casino News Media firms.
The online gaming sector was hit by the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in October 2006 which effectively shut down the ultra lucrative market in the U.S. In Europe though, E.U. competition rules have prompted countries to start to open up their regulatory regimes to new players, and PartyGaming is looking to expand its operations when this happens.
It already has a growing presence in Italy, and with France and Denmark due to formalize regulation this year and next, the company is confident of its future growth prospects. South Africa, South America and India also appear to be countries well suited to grow the business. The Australian market is on fire says industry insiders. Australians remain some of the world's most passionate punters, in the top ten says recent figures quoted in the likes of Forbes, News Limited, Fairfax, WSJ, AP and Google News. The Aussie's are massive fans of the Hollywood blockbuster slot games and Marvel Entertainment titles Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four and The Amazing Spider-Man. Insiders advise Aussies are punting big in search of the Marvel Hero Jackpot, almost as popular as Party's 'The Big One' and 'Gold Mega Jackpot', currently sitting on approximately 3 million dollars.
PartyGaming is well aware that it's in the entertainment business and is pro active in putting the Business in Show, while maintaining happy punters, clients, partners and investors.
In addition the company is in discussions with other operators about potential deals and takeovers, although Chief Executive Jim Ryan wouldn't be drawn on whether a transformational deal would be forthcoming this year. Bwin's name keeps coming up, but its one of dozens who are keen to ink high end deals with PartyGaming.
Numis analyst Andrew Wade said he believes PartyGaming's fourth quarter performance should position it well for any merger and acquisition discussions, "as well as confirming it as an attractive partner for State and Private companies wanting to enter new markets."
The company is currently experiencing considerable growth in the Asia Pacific - Australian region, and is poised to return to the United States market, which compliments its strategic purchase of World Poker Tour, not to forget masses of U.S residents keen to play PartyGaming's Hollywood blockbuster slot games.
PartyGaming is expected to have presence at the upcoming iGaming Business event in Sydney, Australia this coming March.
*The writer has a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of brands in the igaming, gaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Party Casino News
Casino News Media
The company, which is listed on the London stock exchange but based in tax-friendly Gibraltar, said sales rose to $132.2 million in the three months to Dec. 31 from $100.4 million last year, helped by two acquisitions and a particularly strong performance in its casino division which offers online casino games like slots, blackjack and roulette, online poker games, sports betting and spread betting services.
PartyPoker.com remains the companies flagship brand however in the past 12 months PartyCasino.com has experienced considerable growth and brand presence, boosted by both branded slot games like Rambo, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, Call Of Action 4: Modern Warfare, Resident Evil, The Terminator, Saturday Night Fever, The Godfather, a host of Marvel Entertainment themed games, and the recent news media campaign of which cricket and reality TV figure Phil 'Tuffers' Tufnell is the front man for.
PartyGaming is still on the look out for more igaming and betting sector companies to buy up following it's successful purchases of World Poker Tour and Cashcade. Earlier this month PartyGaming inked a "white label" deal with London Capital Group enhancing its spread betting offerings.
The company is the world's biggest listed online gaming group by market capitalization, derives most of its revenue from online poker and casino games and owns and operates a more modest sized sports book and bingo business, which is currently on the upswing.
Finance director Martin Weigold told reporters on a conference call following the results that casino revenue was boosted by a customer who won $5 million in one of the group's large jackpots and recycled $2 million of that win back into PartyGaming's casino website.
Weigold advised that the unusually strong sales rise is not sustainable going forward into 2010, however the company still expects to report double digit sales and profit growth in the year.
The bullish outlook for 2010 sits comfortably with the group's 2009 earnings, which it expects to be ahead of its own board forecasts.
Weigold said market consensus is for 'clean' earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, of $132 million in 2010, and PartyGaming expects to outperform this.
'Clean' Ebitda is the company's preferred measure of profitability and excludes one-off, non-recurring and non-cash items. It is due to report is full year results March 4.
The good news buoyed PartyGaming shares, up 3.2% or 9 pence to 294p.
Alongside casino improvements, PartyGaming also reversed an 18-month trend of quarter-on-quarter revenue declines for its poker division, posting a 9% rise in sales to $49.1 million.
PartyGaming's poker operations had been under pressure due to competition from rivals, and the company has reacted by increasing the bonuses paid and expanding its loyalty programs (PartyPoints and Palladium Lounge)to encourage customers onto the site and retain them. Certainly Asia Pacific - Australian based players are sticking with it, based on feedback and buzz passed onto Asia Pacific's Media Man and Casino News Media firms.
The online gaming sector was hit by the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in October 2006 which effectively shut down the ultra lucrative market in the U.S. In Europe though, E.U. competition rules have prompted countries to start to open up their regulatory regimes to new players, and PartyGaming is looking to expand its operations when this happens.
It already has a growing presence in Italy, and with France and Denmark due to formalize regulation this year and next, the company is confident of its future growth prospects. South Africa, South America and India also appear to be countries well suited to grow the business. The Australian market is on fire says industry insiders. Australians remain some of the world's most passionate punters, in the top ten says recent figures quoted in the likes of Forbes, News Limited, Fairfax, WSJ, AP and Google News. The Aussie's are massive fans of the Hollywood blockbuster slot games and Marvel Entertainment titles Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four and The Amazing Spider-Man. Insiders advise Aussies are punting big in search of the Marvel Hero Jackpot, almost as popular as Party's 'The Big One' and 'Gold Mega Jackpot', currently sitting on approximately 3 million dollars.
PartyGaming is well aware that it's in the entertainment business and is pro active in putting the Business in Show, while maintaining happy punters, clients, partners and investors.
In addition the company is in discussions with other operators about potential deals and takeovers, although Chief Executive Jim Ryan wouldn't be drawn on whether a transformational deal would be forthcoming this year. Bwin's name keeps coming up, but its one of dozens who are keen to ink high end deals with PartyGaming.
Numis analyst Andrew Wade said he believes PartyGaming's fourth quarter performance should position it well for any merger and acquisition discussions, "as well as confirming it as an attractive partner for State and Private companies wanting to enter new markets."
The company is currently experiencing considerable growth in the Asia Pacific - Australian region, and is poised to return to the United States market, which compliments its strategic purchase of World Poker Tour, not to forget masses of U.S residents keen to play PartyGaming's Hollywood blockbuster slot games.
PartyGaming is expected to have presence at the upcoming iGaming Business event in Sydney, Australia this coming March.
*The writer has a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of brands in the igaming, gaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Party Casino News
Casino News Media
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Online Slot Hits PartyCasino and Coming Soon To Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo, by Greg Tingle
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is available to play now at PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com
The multi award winning Call Of Duty 4 videogame is one of the most popular game titles of all time and is right up there with Cleopatra, Space Invaders and Tomb Raider.
Action fans can also check out the likes of Rambo, The Terminator and Mission: Impossible at PartyCasino.com If you like Rambo, you'll likely love Call Of Action.
The Call Of Duty 4 slot features five reels and 25 paylines to give you the chance to win a staggering 400,000 in your account currency.
You’ll visit treacherous war zones around the globe in Call of Duty 4’s incredible bonus round, where you can win free games and cash prizes by shooting down your enemies.
Game Objective:
Call of Duty 4 is a five-reel, twenty five-paylines Non Jackpot slot game with two bonus features. The first feature is a random exploding symbol which will create other wild SOLDIER symbols on the reels. This is random and you'll either see a grenade being thrown onto the screen exploding some symbols, or you'll see a soldier run up and plant explosives on the reels.
The other bonus feature is triggered when you hit 3 or more scattered LOGO symbols anywhere on the reels. Here you must shoot down the enemies as they appear on the screen, much like in the computer game. You'll win up to 4 free games for each soldier killed and you'll even get a bonus for head shots. There are bonus prizes for destroying cars and barrels. If you manage to kill 5 soldiers in a row as a streak, you'll be awarded with an airstrike which will award 3, 4 or 5 as a multiplier for the free games. If there are no airstrikes you play the free games at 2x multiplier.
Game Information:
The minimum bet amount is $0.01 USD and the maximum bet amount is $2000 USD.
You can bet on up to twenty five lines
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting the smash hit game on Wednesday 18th February 2010.
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year an Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action and ready for a war of world class levels, check out Call Of Action today.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
The multi award winning Call Of Duty 4 videogame is one of the most popular game titles of all time and is right up there with Cleopatra, Space Invaders and Tomb Raider.
Action fans can also check out the likes of Rambo, The Terminator and Mission: Impossible at PartyCasino.com If you like Rambo, you'll likely love Call Of Action.
The Call Of Duty 4 slot features five reels and 25 paylines to give you the chance to win a staggering 400,000 in your account currency.
You’ll visit treacherous war zones around the globe in Call of Duty 4’s incredible bonus round, where you can win free games and cash prizes by shooting down your enemies.
Game Objective:
Call of Duty 4 is a five-reel, twenty five-paylines Non Jackpot slot game with two bonus features. The first feature is a random exploding symbol which will create other wild SOLDIER symbols on the reels. This is random and you'll either see a grenade being thrown onto the screen exploding some symbols, or you'll see a soldier run up and plant explosives on the reels.
The other bonus feature is triggered when you hit 3 or more scattered LOGO symbols anywhere on the reels. Here you must shoot down the enemies as they appear on the screen, much like in the computer game. You'll win up to 4 free games for each soldier killed and you'll even get a bonus for head shots. There are bonus prizes for destroying cars and barrels. If you manage to kill 5 soldiers in a row as a streak, you'll be awarded with an airstrike which will award 3, 4 or 5 as a multiplier for the free games. If there are no airstrikes you play the free games at 2x multiplier.
Game Information:
The minimum bet amount is $0.01 USD and the maximum bet amount is $2000 USD.
You can bet on up to twenty five lines
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting the smash hit game on Wednesday 18th February 2010.
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year an Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action and ready for a war of world class levels, check out Call Of Action today.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Monday, February 8, 2010
Casino News Media - Media Man - News Update - 8th February 2010
PartyCasino.com remains most popular online casino in Australia - Asia Pacific
PartyPoker players and management enjoying rewards of Aussie Tyron Krost winning 2010 Aussie Millions Poker Championship
Sinatra Slot is the Casino News Media slot game of the month
Cleopatra online slot game still world's most popular online slot; Sinatra, Rambo, ISIS, Hellboy, Tomb Raider not able to crack Cleo's #1 position
3D Casinos - PartyCasino Live Dealer stays popular with "Avatar" type technology rumored to be on the way; PKR upgrades front-end and back-end and introduces sports betting
PartyGaming sales up 32% from last quarter
New Games - Microgaming powered Casino Splendido and Roxy Palace get Hellboy online slot; Virgin Casino gets Monty’s Millions; PartyCasino.com gets Melon Madness jackpot slot
Playtech follows up business deal with Sega with a deal with Richard Branson's Virgin Games; Interested in expanding service to United States
Microgaming Announces Lord of the Rings Licensing Deal
Microgaming - Captain Cooks Casino loosing some ground to Casino Splendido and Roxy Palace in Asia Pacific region, as Captain Cooks doesn't have Hellboy slot
Reality TV - iGaming connection: PartyCasino signs up Phil Tufnell to front campaign
Bingo: PartyBingo, Foxy Bingo and Virgin Bingo continue to enjoy growth
Table games likely to become more popular online as new technology is released
Jackpots - PartyCasino's "The Big One" Jackpot rises in popularity however Marvel Hero Jackpot and Gold Mega Jackpot games preferred by many
PokerStars remains world's most popular online poker website but PartyGaming's PartyPoker making ground
Noble Casino gets a boost with $4000 player bonus and Incredible Hulk and Iron-Man slots
Thor movie sees Marvel themed online slot games remain some of world's most popular; Spider-Man, Captain America and The Hulk also likely to get boost from Marvel movie headlines
NextGen Gaming: Andre The Giant and pro wrestling themed slot game rumors continue
Wrestling News: Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair to feature on new American Gaming News and American Casino News website portals; Flair keen to build on NC Education Lottery deal and Hogan open to boosting igaming business following Hulkamania slot
Hitwise rankings get cred with industry, players and potential advertisers
Google organic search results more credible with players and industry than sponsored and paid listings; Google continues to react well to new, fresh and unique content
Apple keen to build upon mobile gaming and gambling success; Cleo game may be path forward
Social networking websites continue to play increased role in igaming business
UFC sports betting battle heats up between PartyBets and BetUS; as PartyGaming continues talkers with bwin
City Of Dreams Macau makes impressive comeback; Bottom link and visitor numbers up
Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia continues to come down hard on criminals and bad behavior; Assisting police efforts in cracking criminals
Tabcorp Holdings bottom line results not impressive with 1% profit increase from last year; May revamp its Gold Coast based Conrad Jupiters casino, following Sydney's Star City Casino renovation
Casino Legal - Australian Productivity Commission due to release details of gaming report this month
Casino Legal - Harrah’s Entertainment and PartyGaming leading the way in U.S lobbying
"Casino Jack" movie documentary has industry on edge and Yankee and Aussie politicians concerned
World Casino Directory format remains popular with players, industry and portal developers
Multi currency casino format a winner with punters
Macau's casino sector enjoys boost while Las Vegas Strip still hurting
Las Vegas industry and politics continue to investigate ways to see comeback to Vegas
Events - iGaming Business to return to Sydney, Australia this March
Community News - Media Man assists Virgin Unite; Calvin Ayre shows awesome leadership in Haiti relief effort and James Packer Crown Casino king plays it forward to UNICEF
HollywoodSlotGames.com to do cross promos with American Gaming News and American Casino News websites
Media Man launches more website portals: American Gaming News; American Casino News and Media Man Asia
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Australian Casino News
American Gaming News
American Casino News
Bingo News Media
Virtual Worlds Media
Poker News Media
Cleopatra Slot News
Casino Travel Media
Multi Currency Casino
PartyPoker players and management enjoying rewards of Aussie Tyron Krost winning 2010 Aussie Millions Poker Championship
Sinatra Slot is the Casino News Media slot game of the month
Cleopatra online slot game still world's most popular online slot; Sinatra, Rambo, ISIS, Hellboy, Tomb Raider not able to crack Cleo's #1 position
3D Casinos - PartyCasino Live Dealer stays popular with "Avatar" type technology rumored to be on the way; PKR upgrades front-end and back-end and introduces sports betting
PartyGaming sales up 32% from last quarter
New Games - Microgaming powered Casino Splendido and Roxy Palace get Hellboy online slot; Virgin Casino gets Monty’s Millions; PartyCasino.com gets Melon Madness jackpot slot
Playtech follows up business deal with Sega with a deal with Richard Branson's Virgin Games; Interested in expanding service to United States
Microgaming Announces Lord of the Rings Licensing Deal
Microgaming - Captain Cooks Casino loosing some ground to Casino Splendido and Roxy Palace in Asia Pacific region, as Captain Cooks doesn't have Hellboy slot
Reality TV - iGaming connection: PartyCasino signs up Phil Tufnell to front campaign
Bingo: PartyBingo, Foxy Bingo and Virgin Bingo continue to enjoy growth
Table games likely to become more popular online as new technology is released
Jackpots - PartyCasino's "The Big One" Jackpot rises in popularity however Marvel Hero Jackpot and Gold Mega Jackpot games preferred by many
PokerStars remains world's most popular online poker website but PartyGaming's PartyPoker making ground
Noble Casino gets a boost with $4000 player bonus and Incredible Hulk and Iron-Man slots
Thor movie sees Marvel themed online slot games remain some of world's most popular; Spider-Man, Captain America and The Hulk also likely to get boost from Marvel movie headlines
NextGen Gaming: Andre The Giant and pro wrestling themed slot game rumors continue
Wrestling News: Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair to feature on new American Gaming News and American Casino News website portals; Flair keen to build on NC Education Lottery deal and Hogan open to boosting igaming business following Hulkamania slot
Hitwise rankings get cred with industry, players and potential advertisers
Google organic search results more credible with players and industry than sponsored and paid listings; Google continues to react well to new, fresh and unique content
Apple keen to build upon mobile gaming and gambling success; Cleo game may be path forward
Social networking websites continue to play increased role in igaming business
UFC sports betting battle heats up between PartyBets and BetUS; as PartyGaming continues talkers with bwin
City Of Dreams Macau makes impressive comeback; Bottom link and visitor numbers up
Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia continues to come down hard on criminals and bad behavior; Assisting police efforts in cracking criminals
Tabcorp Holdings bottom line results not impressive with 1% profit increase from last year; May revamp its Gold Coast based Conrad Jupiters casino, following Sydney's Star City Casino renovation
Casino Legal - Australian Productivity Commission due to release details of gaming report this month
Casino Legal - Harrah’s Entertainment and PartyGaming leading the way in U.S lobbying
"Casino Jack" movie documentary has industry on edge and Yankee and Aussie politicians concerned
World Casino Directory format remains popular with players, industry and portal developers
Multi currency casino format a winner with punters
Macau's casino sector enjoys boost while Las Vegas Strip still hurting
Las Vegas industry and politics continue to investigate ways to see comeback to Vegas
Events - iGaming Business to return to Sydney, Australia this March
Community News - Media Man assists Virgin Unite; Calvin Ayre shows awesome leadership in Haiti relief effort and James Packer Crown Casino king plays it forward to UNICEF
HollywoodSlotGames.com to do cross promos with American Gaming News and American Casino News websites
Media Man launches more website portals: American Gaming News; American Casino News and Media Man Asia
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Australian Casino News
American Gaming News
American Casino News
Bingo News Media
Virtual Worlds Media
Poker News Media
Cleopatra Slot News
Casino Travel Media
Multi Currency Casino
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Down and out in Vegas - 7th February 2010
Beneath the glitz, glamour and gambling that is synonymous with the Las Vegas strip, hundreds of downtrodden beings live in a series of storm drains that run under the city and its suburbs.
The tunnels are dark but the residents are not rats, they are the homeless in need of a place to rest, somewhere to stay out of sight and away from the hustle and bustle of the casino city.
About 300 people call this bleak environment home, venturing out only to scavenge for food or beg.
Usually it is warm and dry, but five freak days of rain that flooded the city also washed away their cardboard-box homes, bringing into stark relief an increasingly dark side to the neon-lit Las Vegas.
Outreach workers say poverty and homelessness are two of the city's biggest social problems, caused by financial disparities and the continuing US recession.
Despite the billions of dollars that go through the hands of croupiers and cashiers along the strip, many Vegas citizens feel no benefits.
The city's most recent homeless census, conducted a year ago, found that 13,338 people slept rough in Las Vegas, up from 11,417 two years earlier.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the area's two homeless shelters have just 552 beds between them.
Statistics from the US Census Bureau show that 11.9 per cent of the city's 550,000 residents live below the poverty line. This rises to 14.8 per cent in the old downtown area, north of the strip.
There, the signs of poverty are obvious. On a street corner, not far from where the wedding chapel scene in the 2009 film The Hangover was shot, stands a rundown pawn shop with rickety metal shutters and a blacked-out front door.
Outside the pawn shop, a 20-strong queue is waiting to hock unwanted gold and silver.
"I need to change in my old wedding ring," says Sandra, a local divorcee in her 50s who has been out of work for five years.
Walking along the line, the stories are all the same; people selling heirlooms and personal possessions to pay for basic needs.
Estimates from charities put the number of Las Vegas locals struggling with hunger at one in eight. Just over 45 per cent of school children in the Clark County area, the county in which Vegas sits, are enrolled to receive free school meals because their families have low incomes.
As a result, local food banks are starting to run out. The Three Square Food Bank served $US30million ($34 million) worth of food last year and is doing everything it can to keep the charities it serves stocked.
The whole situation is aggravated by the area's unemployment rate – close to 13 per cent – which has been worsened not only by recession but the area's tourist-related problems.
Delores Witherspoon, a middle-aged single mother of one, lost her job at Southwest Gas in February last year. "Some days I ate, some days I didn't," she says, stressing her main aim was to put food on the table for her daughter and her ill grandmother.
Even though her income halved after she lost her job, Ms Witherspoon managed to keep making the payments on her mortgage. As a former employee of MGM Mirage's Bellagio casino, she received a call about available jobs at the company's soon-to-open $8.5billion CityCenter complex.
Six days before her grandmother died, in August last year, she got a job as a security guard at the development's Vdara hotel. "It was like she was holding on to make sure I was OK," Ms Witherspoon says.
Now living in a small apartment in east Las Vegas, while she waits for the bank to foreclose on her former home, she says she is happy to be busy and working.
If only the same could be said for the rest of the city's residents who fall on hard times.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
American Casino News
American Gaming News
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Casino Travel Media
Casino News Media
The tunnels are dark but the residents are not rats, they are the homeless in need of a place to rest, somewhere to stay out of sight and away from the hustle and bustle of the casino city.
About 300 people call this bleak environment home, venturing out only to scavenge for food or beg.
Usually it is warm and dry, but five freak days of rain that flooded the city also washed away their cardboard-box homes, bringing into stark relief an increasingly dark side to the neon-lit Las Vegas.
Outreach workers say poverty and homelessness are two of the city's biggest social problems, caused by financial disparities and the continuing US recession.
Despite the billions of dollars that go through the hands of croupiers and cashiers along the strip, many Vegas citizens feel no benefits.
The city's most recent homeless census, conducted a year ago, found that 13,338 people slept rough in Las Vegas, up from 11,417 two years earlier.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the area's two homeless shelters have just 552 beds between them.
Statistics from the US Census Bureau show that 11.9 per cent of the city's 550,000 residents live below the poverty line. This rises to 14.8 per cent in the old downtown area, north of the strip.
There, the signs of poverty are obvious. On a street corner, not far from where the wedding chapel scene in the 2009 film The Hangover was shot, stands a rundown pawn shop with rickety metal shutters and a blacked-out front door.
Outside the pawn shop, a 20-strong queue is waiting to hock unwanted gold and silver.
"I need to change in my old wedding ring," says Sandra, a local divorcee in her 50s who has been out of work for five years.
Walking along the line, the stories are all the same; people selling heirlooms and personal possessions to pay for basic needs.
Estimates from charities put the number of Las Vegas locals struggling with hunger at one in eight. Just over 45 per cent of school children in the Clark County area, the county in which Vegas sits, are enrolled to receive free school meals because their families have low incomes.
As a result, local food banks are starting to run out. The Three Square Food Bank served $US30million ($34 million) worth of food last year and is doing everything it can to keep the charities it serves stocked.
The whole situation is aggravated by the area's unemployment rate – close to 13 per cent – which has been worsened not only by recession but the area's tourist-related problems.
Delores Witherspoon, a middle-aged single mother of one, lost her job at Southwest Gas in February last year. "Some days I ate, some days I didn't," she says, stressing her main aim was to put food on the table for her daughter and her ill grandmother.
Even though her income halved after she lost her job, Ms Witherspoon managed to keep making the payments on her mortgage. As a former employee of MGM Mirage's Bellagio casino, she received a call about available jobs at the company's soon-to-open $8.5billion CityCenter complex.
Six days before her grandmother died, in August last year, she got a job as a security guard at the development's Vdara hotel. "It was like she was holding on to make sure I was OK," Ms Witherspoon says.
Now living in a small apartment in east Las Vegas, while she waits for the bank to foreclose on her former home, she says she is happy to be busy and working.
If only the same could be said for the rest of the city's residents who fall on hard times.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
American Casino News
American Gaming News
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Casino Travel Media
Casino News Media
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tabcorp sets sights on Gold Coast - 4th February 2010
Gaming giant Tabcorp Holdings says it sees expansion opportunities in casinos in Queensland.
"In the casinos, we continue to see significant expansion opportunities, and Star (Star City casino in Sydney) is the evidence that that is important," Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper told analysts in a market briefing today.
"And that's not surprising.
"Other casinos around the country that are investing in expansion are seeing those results.
"We really would like to do more in Queensland as well over the coming years because we belive particularly the Gold Coast will benefit from expansion investments."
Website Network
Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
Media Man International
Media Man
"In the casinos, we continue to see significant expansion opportunities, and Star (Star City casino in Sydney) is the evidence that that is important," Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper told analysts in a market briefing today.
"And that's not surprising.
"Other casinos around the country that are investing in expansion are seeing those results.
"We really would like to do more in Queensland as well over the coming years because we belive particularly the Gold Coast will benefit from expansion investments."
Website Network
Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
Media Man International
Media Man
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