There's a great debate that will rage until the end of time about whether it's more skillful to win a massive, World Series of Poker main event-esque minefield of a monster event, or conquer an elite but small field. David Williams now has a good excuse to argue in defense of the latter.
Williams, who found international fame with his runner-up finish in the 2004 World Series of Poker main event, took down the second-largest score of his career this weekend with his $1,530,537 win in the Bellagio's World Poker Tour Championship. Long considered one of the crown jewels of the poker calendar, the Championship suffered massive losses in attendance for the third year running, with just 195 players putting up the $25,000 entry fee.
Williams triumphed over a star-studded final table that was almost as noteworthy for who was missing as it was for who was there. Deep runs by former WSOP world champions Phil Hellmuth and Scotty Nguyen had onlookers talking about either player joining Carlos Mortensen as the only players with both the WSOP and WPT crowns, but their twin ousters at seventh and eighth, respectively, left the focus on five remaining stars and one relative newcomer.
Williams defeated reigning Card Player Magazine Player of the Year Eric Baldwin (who won $1,034,715) in a final that saw Williams enter with and maintain a vast chip lead throughout. Baldwin's elimination was the last on a day that saw former WPT winner Shawn Buchanan ($587,906) finish third, 2009 WSOP bracelet winner David Benyamine ($329,228) finish fourth, poker Hall of Famer and seven-time bracelet winner Billy Baxter finish fifth and Irish online pro John O'Shea finish sixth as the first player eliminated at the final table.
For Williams, the tough lineup brought a surprising measure of comfort. "The lineup of name players who I've played before calmed me down," Williams said. "I knew what to expect from them because I'd played with all of them before. With new players, I don't know what's coming and there's a lot of pressure with the expectation to win. There was no pressure to win because if I lost, I mean, hey, I lost to a great player."
For Williams, the victory ended a drought of almost two years in which he failed to score a six-figure win. "It definitely boosts my confidence. I haven't had anything big going on for the last couple of years, so it makes me feel like I'm doing things right now. I've made a lot of changes. I'm very happy."
Among those changes was working with Sam Chauhan, the mindset coach who gained attention by working with Antonio Esfandiari prior to his deep WSOP main event run last year. "He taught me a lot about being positive, focusing, meditating and being thankful for what you have," Williams said. "It's amazing what that positive energy can do for you. I never went on tilt in the tournament. Frustration never affected me. I was able to stay calm and focus on my game."
In addition to the money, the victory ensures Williams a continued run in the spotlight that brought him his Bodog sponsorship. He doesn't seem too interested in the changes in lifestyle $1.5 million can bring.
"I'll just keep doing what I'm doing," Williams said. "It'll get me on NBC heads-up and all that. Poker's not as publicized as it was a few years ago, so having a televised win helps. Any publicity to me isn't bad. I enjoy the limelight. As long as I'm in the headlines I'm happy about that."
For runner-up Baldwin, the high finish serves as validation for his Player of the Year title. "It's a real big deal," Baldwin said, enthused. "With all the success I had last year, none of it was in super high-profile tournaments. I always have friends and family asking, 'When will I see you on TV?' and it'll be nice to finally have an answer for them. I also realize it's tough to make a name for yourself in poker nowadays because the market's really saturated with stars. The original generation is still playing. This helps, though, and I picked a great tournament to finally break through on TV."
Buchanan's elimination in third place put an end to the WPT's most wide-open Player of the Year race to date. While Faraz Jaka (the Player of the Year leader coming into the event) seemed poised to take the title when he held a chip lead with 18 players remaining, his 14th-place ouster left the door open for Buchanan, Hellmuth and Nguyen, each of whom needed to win the tournament to take the title.
"I think by day two, there were still several dozen people who had a shot had they made final table," said WPT live reporting team member BJ Nemeth. "Faraz was the point leader with 1,300 points. You need to finish seventh or higher to get points. There was like a 16-way tie at 1,000 between all of the season's champions and anyone who finished fifth or higher at a final table this year could have also caught him. It was pretty crazy.
"For Scotty, it would have moved him close to the top of the standings," Nemeth said. "Hellmuth would have won his first WPT title, a WPT championship and WPT Player of the Year in one shot. He called it a dream of his on Twitter. I think his ego would have found a whole other level. WPT would have loved it because he's so high-profile. Fans would have loved or hated it, but they'd definitely have noticed either way."
While it was a triumphant day for Williams, Baldwin and Jaka, this was not a triumphant moment for the WPT or the Bellagio. The 195 registrants were down from 338 a year ago, 545 in 2008 and 639 in 2007. While the world and poker economies, one large cloud of volcanic ash and the timing of EPT San Remo were all partially to blame, the Bellagio's unpopular decision to make preliminary tournaments at the annual Five Star World Poker Classic all rebuy events caused a sharp downturn in registration throughout the month. With so little action in-house, there was little incentive for players to attempt a parlay. With the EPT Championship in Monte Carlo this coming week and relatively little easy money in the field, there was little incentive for pros to make dual trips across the Atlantic.
The Bellagio is already atoning for its miscues. It was announced this week that next year's Five Star series would be moved to May in order to incentivize early arrival for WSOP players, but there are real questions about whether this crown jewel has now been permanently damaged. For Williams, however, the decreased attendance allowed him to topple one of the toughest player-for-player fields of the year. (Credit: ESPN)
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Singapore's Marina Bay Sands May Give Packers Crown City Of Dreams Run For Money, by Greg Tingle - 29th April 2010
The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action.
Packer's Star City casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown's City Of Dreams and Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge.
The US based gambling monster Las Vegas Sands constructed the complex, understood to have a price tag of $US5.5 billion (AUD$5.9 billion), on Singapore's prime waterfront. Eventually it will sport some 2500 hotel rooms and suites, but how many will be used, and by whom, remain questions front of mind.
Like many modern day casinos, they are incorporating more entertainment themes and amenities, getting away from being a pure gambling den. Try your luck on the cleo and monopoly slots, Wheel Of Fortune and table games, then head on over to the theme parks and concert stages. Stage left, stage right.
CEO of Marina Bay Sands, Thomas Arasi, says look forward to the opening of 963 hotel rooms, part of a shopping mall and convention centre, celeb chef restaurants, dining outlets and no doubt a few other surprises.
The powers that be are rolling out the finishing touches in phases.
Phase 2 includes the Sands SkyPark on the rooftop, Event Plaza along Marina Bay, a retail plaza and additional dining amenities. Can't wait for the 60-seat restaurant spearheaded by chef master Tetsuya Wakuda. Mark your calenders for 23rd June.
The project is owned by worlds leading casino tycoon Steve Wynn, the brains and money behind the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas as well as developing the Cotai Strip and Venetian Resort in Macau.
Marina Bay Sands, the second casino in Singapore, following the Sentosa Island project, will be run by a former Crown executive, Mr Andrew McDonald, who has also represented Malaysian developer Genting and who has the experience and apparent connections to lure gamblers (whales and dolphins on the radar) away from Packer's Crown. Just play nice McDonald, or bad fortune and 'Underbelly' themes may get written into the script. We think the region is big enough for all to do well, even prosper, so lets keep it friendly competition, with emphasis on the "friendly".
A Media Man birdie reckons the new casino is surely targeting the same patrons as Crown Melbourne, some understood to also frequent Crown Macau. Cast the rods far and wide boys... you don't know what you'll catch on the other end! Primarily Oriental high rolling VIP's plus. Singapore is home to one or two of the whales.
Singapore enjoys its status as a financial and private banking icon and this is just another measuring stick whales and dolphins are understood to take into consideration.
Packer connected Crown is well aware of the threat from Singapore dragon by throwing some $212 million into further upgrading its VIP facilities to appeal to high-rollers. Excuse me sir, jot that down... Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc want your business. Can we offer you some lucky money, and perhaps some lady company for you're pleasant stay with us? A Media Man insider whispered, "I think some new games are going to be released... catch a fishy and catch a pussy slot, or something. James Bond would be proud of what these Crown boys are coming up with to help counter ... and count her!"
It plans to extend the casino's Mahogany Room by 50 per cent and build a new exclusive gambling club containing private suites.
Singapore, with its two super casinos, is unlikely to overtake Macau, says our spies, but may steal or at least borrows high-rollers from China as operators shift premium business to the city-state, taking advantage of an effective tax rate of 12% compared with roughly 39% in the Chinese territory.
Neighbouring Malaysia's sole casino, run by Genting Singapore's parent, Genting Bhd is also tipped to lose some business to Singapore's newer casinos with extras plus, for those who can afford the best.
Marina Bay Sands has also teamed up with coach operators to offer 130 daily trips from various Malaysian cities to its kingdom, but make not mistake... whales and a good catch of dolphins on the side, are what this is about. It's about return on investment and the bottom line... oh, and happy customers also.
May all fortunes be showered with good luck and let's keep the "casino war" friendly shall we. Still plenty of fish in the sea (but only so many super sized whales). Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
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Packer's Star City casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown's City Of Dreams and Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge.
The US based gambling monster Las Vegas Sands constructed the complex, understood to have a price tag of $US5.5 billion (AUD$5.9 billion), on Singapore's prime waterfront. Eventually it will sport some 2500 hotel rooms and suites, but how many will be used, and by whom, remain questions front of mind.
Like many modern day casinos, they are incorporating more entertainment themes and amenities, getting away from being a pure gambling den. Try your luck on the cleo and monopoly slots, Wheel Of Fortune and table games, then head on over to the theme parks and concert stages. Stage left, stage right.
CEO of Marina Bay Sands, Thomas Arasi, says look forward to the opening of 963 hotel rooms, part of a shopping mall and convention centre, celeb chef restaurants, dining outlets and no doubt a few other surprises.
The powers that be are rolling out the finishing touches in phases.
Phase 2 includes the Sands SkyPark on the rooftop, Event Plaza along Marina Bay, a retail plaza and additional dining amenities. Can't wait for the 60-seat restaurant spearheaded by chef master Tetsuya Wakuda. Mark your calenders for 23rd June.
The project is owned by worlds leading casino tycoon Steve Wynn, the brains and money behind the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas as well as developing the Cotai Strip and Venetian Resort in Macau.
Marina Bay Sands, the second casino in Singapore, following the Sentosa Island project, will be run by a former Crown executive, Mr Andrew McDonald, who has also represented Malaysian developer Genting and who has the experience and apparent connections to lure gamblers (whales and dolphins on the radar) away from Packer's Crown. Just play nice McDonald, or bad fortune and 'Underbelly' themes may get written into the script. We think the region is big enough for all to do well, even prosper, so lets keep it friendly competition, with emphasis on the "friendly".
A Media Man birdie reckons the new casino is surely targeting the same patrons as Crown Melbourne, some understood to also frequent Crown Macau. Cast the rods far and wide boys... you don't know what you'll catch on the other end! Primarily Oriental high rolling VIP's plus. Singapore is home to one or two of the whales.
Singapore enjoys its status as a financial and private banking icon and this is just another measuring stick whales and dolphins are understood to take into consideration.
Packer connected Crown is well aware of the threat from Singapore dragon by throwing some $212 million into further upgrading its VIP facilities to appeal to high-rollers. Excuse me sir, jot that down... Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc want your business. Can we offer you some lucky money, and perhaps some lady company for you're pleasant stay with us? A Media Man insider whispered, "I think some new games are going to be released... catch a fishy and catch a pussy slot, or something. James Bond would be proud of what these Crown boys are coming up with to help counter ... and count her!"
It plans to extend the casino's Mahogany Room by 50 per cent and build a new exclusive gambling club containing private suites.
Singapore, with its two super casinos, is unlikely to overtake Macau, says our spies, but may steal or at least borrows high-rollers from China as operators shift premium business to the city-state, taking advantage of an effective tax rate of 12% compared with roughly 39% in the Chinese territory.
Neighbouring Malaysia's sole casino, run by Genting Singapore's parent, Genting Bhd is also tipped to lose some business to Singapore's newer casinos with extras plus, for those who can afford the best.
Marina Bay Sands has also teamed up with coach operators to offer 130 daily trips from various Malaysian cities to its kingdom, but make not mistake... whales and a good catch of dolphins on the side, are what this is about. It's about return on investment and the bottom line... oh, and happy customers also.
May all fortunes be showered with good luck and let's keep the "casino war" friendly shall we. Still plenty of fish in the sea (but only so many super sized whales). Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
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Sunday, April 25, 2010
Casino Travel Media: PartyCasino Jackpots: The Big One, Gold Mega Jackpot and Marvel Hero Jackpot - 25th April 2010
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26th to 29th April
We’ve packed this month’s Treasure Hunt with a wealth of cash gifts, bonuses and free points. What’s more, you won’t even have to look hard to find them!
Just play as normal between the 26th to 29th April and see if the treasure chests appear with a fabulous prize inside for you. Remember, the more you play, the more chances you have of finding great treasures.
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Jackpot Totals
The Big One $2,910,829.01
Gold Mega Jackpot $1,882,859.36
Marvel Hero Jackpot $7,119.57
Ca$h Fla$h Jackpot $1,091.72
Progressive Caribbean Poker Jackpot $246,029.77
Jackpot Slots
There’s nothing more thrilling than hitting the big one. That’s why our jackpot slots are the most exciting games you can play. The more you play, the higher the jackpots climb, so start spinning the reels now for your chance to win a fortune.
All our games are available in real and play money*. The amounts displayed below are in US dollars but will remain the same if you choose to play in Canadian dollars, pounds or euros.
Enjoy a $500 welcome bonus when you join PartyCasino.com
Sign up to PartyCasino.com and take advantage of huge prizes and fantastic casino games with our 500 welcome bonus.
Our generous welcome bonus gives you 100% extra on your first four deposits, up to an account–swelling $500!
Promotion
The Treasure Hunt
26th to 29th April
We’ve packed this month’s Treasure Hunt with a wealth of cash gifts, bonuses and free points. What’s more, you won’t even have to look hard to find them!
Just play as normal between the 26th to 29th April and see if the treasure chests appear with a fabulous prize inside for you. Remember, the more you play, the more chances you have of finding great treasures.
Websites
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
Crown Casino Plays Restaurant And Hotel Card, by Greg Tingle - 22nd April 2010
Crown Casino king James Packer and his 'World Of Entertainment' empire have been telling folks that they're in the tourism, lifestyle and entertainment business for a few years now. Tonight, Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc get to prove their point once again, with even Australian politicians on hand, and of course a bush tucker bag of celebs.
Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation and learn that indeed Packer is transforming the Crown experience to world class levels all the way.
Packer's been hitting the phones again. Not for GenerationOne on this occasion, but for his own in-house baby... the Crown Metropol.
Tonight's the night, and there's no missing this one...TV chef celeb Gordon Ramsay and Victorian Premier John Brumby will join Packer for the grand opening of Crown's third luxury hotel in Melbourne.
The red carpet event kicks off at 5.30pm, and those that can't attend (most of us), can check out the Fairfax Media and News Limited websites more more info. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald are tipped to get some snazzy multimedia and shots from the powers that be at Packer's Crown.
The Crown Metropol is estimated to have cost $300 million, almost pocket change for 'Our James', based of the revenues he's pulling in from Crown Macau, Burswood and other enterprises.
The hotel is going to play home for Ramsay's premier Aussie restaurant maze and maze Grill, and rumours of a reality TV show are circulating.
Ramsay is having a hard time living town his verbal war of words with A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw at last year's Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show. Just get a few beers and wines in ya Ramsay, you'll be right (we hope), or it might be the plastic handcuff treatment for you... just kidding, we think. Ramsey, one of the Burswood bouncers hurt the arm of a patron recently and it became a legal affair, so you've be forewarned. Once bitten, twice shy, or maybe not?
Other celebs pitched to be at tonight's gig include Eddie and Carla McGuire, Anthony Pratt, Neil Perry, Deborah Hutton, and Shane Warne (888 Poker Twitter "Nut") and wife Simone.
A cocktail party will following the official opening, and that's when the real fun begins. Media insiders are almost hoping for a GenerationOne "sponsored" plastic handcuff battle royal... aw well, we can always hope. Footballers, cricket legends and poker players will be well aware that the media is just waiting to pounce on them if the drinks and whatever get too much, but it's a wait and see situation. There's also versions of "eyes in the sky", so not much will be missed.
The venue comprises of a massive 658 rooms, a sky-high residential day spa and a rooftop bar offering 180-degree views of Melbourne's skyline. Plenty of scope to look out for 'Underbelly' action (if its not already happening on the premises).
Crown's hoping to lure in some 250,000 guests in its virgin year, and given many wear ready to write off Packer for broke a few years ago, don't bet against this man. As Kerry Packer famously said, "I'll toss you for it".
Sydney's Star City Casino looses tonight's casino battle for media, PR, dolphins and whale VIP's, but keep those warheads and Gulfsteam jets warmed up. There's always tomorrow.
So punters, are you ready to "Wear The Crown", as the tag line says?
Stay glued to Gambling911, and we will forgive you on this occasion if you slip on over to The Age, News Limited and Media Man websites at around 6pm for some smashing highlights. Cheers, and have a drink for me.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation and learn that indeed Packer is transforming the Crown experience to world class levels all the way.
Packer's been hitting the phones again. Not for GenerationOne on this occasion, but for his own in-house baby... the Crown Metropol.
Tonight's the night, and there's no missing this one...TV chef celeb Gordon Ramsay and Victorian Premier John Brumby will join Packer for the grand opening of Crown's third luxury hotel in Melbourne.
The red carpet event kicks off at 5.30pm, and those that can't attend (most of us), can check out the Fairfax Media and News Limited websites more more info. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald are tipped to get some snazzy multimedia and shots from the powers that be at Packer's Crown.
The Crown Metropol is estimated to have cost $300 million, almost pocket change for 'Our James', based of the revenues he's pulling in from Crown Macau, Burswood and other enterprises.
The hotel is going to play home for Ramsay's premier Aussie restaurant maze and maze Grill, and rumours of a reality TV show are circulating.
Ramsay is having a hard time living town his verbal war of words with A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw at last year's Melbourne Good Food and Wine Show. Just get a few beers and wines in ya Ramsay, you'll be right (we hope), or it might be the plastic handcuff treatment for you... just kidding, we think. Ramsey, one of the Burswood bouncers hurt the arm of a patron recently and it became a legal affair, so you've be forewarned. Once bitten, twice shy, or maybe not?
Other celebs pitched to be at tonight's gig include Eddie and Carla McGuire, Anthony Pratt, Neil Perry, Deborah Hutton, and Shane Warne (888 Poker Twitter "Nut") and wife Simone.
A cocktail party will following the official opening, and that's when the real fun begins. Media insiders are almost hoping for a GenerationOne "sponsored" plastic handcuff battle royal... aw well, we can always hope. Footballers, cricket legends and poker players will be well aware that the media is just waiting to pounce on them if the drinks and whatever get too much, but it's a wait and see situation. There's also versions of "eyes in the sky", so not much will be missed.
The venue comprises of a massive 658 rooms, a sky-high residential day spa and a rooftop bar offering 180-degree views of Melbourne's skyline. Plenty of scope to look out for 'Underbelly' action (if its not already happening on the premises).
Crown's hoping to lure in some 250,000 guests in its virgin year, and given many wear ready to write off Packer for broke a few years ago, don't bet against this man. As Kerry Packer famously said, "I'll toss you for it".
Sydney's Star City Casino looses tonight's casino battle for media, PR, dolphins and whale VIP's, but keep those warheads and Gulfsteam jets warmed up. There's always tomorrow.
So punters, are you ready to "Wear The Crown", as the tag line says?
Stay glued to Gambling911, and we will forgive you on this occasion if you slip on over to The Age, News Limited and Media Man websites at around 6pm for some smashing highlights. Cheers, and have a drink for me.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Friday, April 16, 2010
Australia Likely To Get Online Gambling Legalisation Soon, by Greg Tingle - 16th April 2010
Australia is heading towards getting new laws, legislation... the works, to cover the online gaming - gambling sector, following the global trend.
Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe, as the global war for online gambling domination heats up.
It appears that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for most, certainly in the Asia Pacific - Australian sector at this stage, is the general feeling from the vast majority of people we speak to. Legal eagles, company CEOs, webmasters, media entrepreneurs, financial analysts, even most politicians, say that legalisation is the the way forward.
As Media Man and Gambling911 have previously covered, when things become illegal or go into "grey area", they go often go "underground". Often the industry will thrive, but will be at least somewhat hidden by public view. When this happens some consumer protection can be lost. Gambling and other "vices" still exist, and word is that Sydney's Kings Cross could be on the verge of become a bit of a gambling mecca, albeit attracting a somewhat different patronage to those who frequent our friends at Star City Casino and Crown Casino in Melbourne. Network Nine's TV smash hit show 'Underbelly' has of course brought some underground industries back into the public spotlight, but that's another story.
New laws to officially permit gaming companies to offer online gambling products and services in Australia are "inevitable," as the federal government stands to benefit from the tax brought into government coffers, corporate bean counting outfit KPMG says.
The firm has released a report into the global growth of online gaming suggesting the global market will grow by approximately 42% to $32 billion by 2012 from 2008 levels.
The Australian Productivity Commission states Aussies spent $790 million on online gambling through overseas websites in 2008! Media Man recalls that 2008 was a big growth year for business, building up the website portfolio into double digits to keep up with consumer and b2b demand.
"While illegal and invisible in official records, online gaming appears to have grown very rapidly, and could amount to 4 per cent of gambling expenditure," the commission writes in its recent draft report on Australian gambling.
The commission recommended the Aussie government liberalise online gambling by allowing Aussie companies to provide internet poker and casino games to local customers. Online wagering as well as sports betting is already permitted by law.
Of course, all of the current excitement about Australia's online gaming and gambling industry has attracted the ire of bible bashers and anti gaming campaigners.
Senator Nick Xenophon says the Australian government should resist the lure of extra tax revenue.
"If you open the floodgates to online gambling you will see a new tidal wave of problem gamblers, particularly younger people. Governments shouldn't cave into the temptation of regulating this on the basis that they can get taxes".
Both Australian and (quality) global gaming giants are also expected to benefit, through greater consolidation of the industry. Gibraltar based PartyGaming, the world's leading gaming and igaming company looks to be in a strong position, just coming of a deal with France based PMU, and Richard Branson's Virgin Games also has an outstanding record of ethics, customer service, b2b and giving back to society. At present Branson's Virgin Games does not accept Australian players, while PartyGaming casino, poker, betting, bingo and sports brands can. Playtech, Sega, William Hill and others are expected to make a play, but Media Man's top international picks are Virgin and PartyGaming. Betfair is also poised to soon add casino and poker to their impressive sports betting portfolio. Betfair is half owned by Australia's casino king, James Packer, which won't go astray. Packer also enjoys a long time relationship with many Hollywood A-listers and money men, with Tom Cruise being featured in PartyGaming's Top Gun and Mission: Impossible online games, Stallone in 'Rambo', Travolta in 'Saturday Night Fever' and Arnie in 'The Terminator'. Marvel Entertainment has also strategically embedded themselves in the online gambling sector. Marvel's 'Thor', 'Captain America' and 'Wolverine' - 'X-Men' are rumored for game remakes, and PartyGaming and Playtech have "branded" slot games at high priority. Australia's Hugh Jackman, featuring in a couple of Marvel slot games, has not spoken on the igaming - online gambling industry to date. Jackman also enjoys a friendship with News Corp king of the world, Rupert Murdoch. PKR enjoy a b2b relationship with Nuts and FHM, however it is unclear if Nuts and FHM magazines containing PKR Poker advertising have appeared in Australian news agencies.
Australians currently rate in the world's top ten Forbes, Hitwise and Google lists for online gambling, offline gambling, movie attendance and comic books.
Some inside the Australian gambling industry believe it is unlikely the government will move to liberalise online gambling during an election year, as the government has so many fires to attend to in the meantime like health reform, illegal boat people, not to mention the so called "blacklist" and proposed Australian internet filter, all said to quite likely increase the odds of the Australian Government loosing the next election. One punter bet $10,000 that Labor will loose.
Some Australian anti-gambling entities advise that regulation of the igaming sector could have some benefits. Legalising the service would enable authorities to better control it and protect "problem gamblers", who are already gambling online via offshore websites.
Senator Xenophon interestingly opposes the Australian internet filter, but states policing offshore gaming websites is possible with "political will".
Readers... gamblers, entrepreneurs and media owners... what do you think? Are you with the "coalition of the willing" to use George Bush's expression, or are you for outlaws? Tell us what you think in the forum.
*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 being just one of over a dozen sectors they cover.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin, and has conducted b2b with PartyGaming, Virgin and Betfair.
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Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe, as the global war for online gambling domination heats up.
It appears that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for most, certainly in the Asia Pacific - Australian sector at this stage, is the general feeling from the vast majority of people we speak to. Legal eagles, company CEOs, webmasters, media entrepreneurs, financial analysts, even most politicians, say that legalisation is the the way forward.
As Media Man and Gambling911 have previously covered, when things become illegal or go into "grey area", they go often go "underground". Often the industry will thrive, but will be at least somewhat hidden by public view. When this happens some consumer protection can be lost. Gambling and other "vices" still exist, and word is that Sydney's Kings Cross could be on the verge of become a bit of a gambling mecca, albeit attracting a somewhat different patronage to those who frequent our friends at Star City Casino and Crown Casino in Melbourne. Network Nine's TV smash hit show 'Underbelly' has of course brought some underground industries back into the public spotlight, but that's another story.
New laws to officially permit gaming companies to offer online gambling products and services in Australia are "inevitable," as the federal government stands to benefit from the tax brought into government coffers, corporate bean counting outfit KPMG says.
The firm has released a report into the global growth of online gaming suggesting the global market will grow by approximately 42% to $32 billion by 2012 from 2008 levels.
The Australian Productivity Commission states Aussies spent $790 million on online gambling through overseas websites in 2008! Media Man recalls that 2008 was a big growth year for business, building up the website portfolio into double digits to keep up with consumer and b2b demand.
"While illegal and invisible in official records, online gaming appears to have grown very rapidly, and could amount to 4 per cent of gambling expenditure," the commission writes in its recent draft report on Australian gambling.
The commission recommended the Aussie government liberalise online gambling by allowing Aussie companies to provide internet poker and casino games to local customers. Online wagering as well as sports betting is already permitted by law.
Of course, all of the current excitement about Australia's online gaming and gambling industry has attracted the ire of bible bashers and anti gaming campaigners.
Senator Nick Xenophon says the Australian government should resist the lure of extra tax revenue.
"If you open the floodgates to online gambling you will see a new tidal wave of problem gamblers, particularly younger people. Governments shouldn't cave into the temptation of regulating this on the basis that they can get taxes".
Both Australian and (quality) global gaming giants are also expected to benefit, through greater consolidation of the industry. Gibraltar based PartyGaming, the world's leading gaming and igaming company looks to be in a strong position, just coming of a deal with France based PMU, and Richard Branson's Virgin Games also has an outstanding record of ethics, customer service, b2b and giving back to society. At present Branson's Virgin Games does not accept Australian players, while PartyGaming casino, poker, betting, bingo and sports brands can. Playtech, Sega, William Hill and others are expected to make a play, but Media Man's top international picks are Virgin and PartyGaming. Betfair is also poised to soon add casino and poker to their impressive sports betting portfolio. Betfair is half owned by Australia's casino king, James Packer, which won't go astray. Packer also enjoys a long time relationship with many Hollywood A-listers and money men, with Tom Cruise being featured in PartyGaming's Top Gun and Mission: Impossible online games, Stallone in 'Rambo', Travolta in 'Saturday Night Fever' and Arnie in 'The Terminator'. Marvel Entertainment has also strategically embedded themselves in the online gambling sector. Marvel's 'Thor', 'Captain America' and 'Wolverine' - 'X-Men' are rumored for game remakes, and PartyGaming and Playtech have "branded" slot games at high priority. Australia's Hugh Jackman, featuring in a couple of Marvel slot games, has not spoken on the igaming - online gambling industry to date. Jackman also enjoys a friendship with News Corp king of the world, Rupert Murdoch. PKR enjoy a b2b relationship with Nuts and FHM, however it is unclear if Nuts and FHM magazines containing PKR Poker advertising have appeared in Australian news agencies.
Australians currently rate in the world's top ten Forbes, Hitwise and Google lists for online gambling, offline gambling, movie attendance and comic books.
Some inside the Australian gambling industry believe it is unlikely the government will move to liberalise online gambling during an election year, as the government has so many fires to attend to in the meantime like health reform, illegal boat people, not to mention the so called "blacklist" and proposed Australian internet filter, all said to quite likely increase the odds of the Australian Government loosing the next election. One punter bet $10,000 that Labor will loose.
Some Australian anti-gambling entities advise that regulation of the igaming sector could have some benefits. Legalising the service would enable authorities to better control it and protect "problem gamblers", who are already gambling online via offshore websites.
Senator Xenophon interestingly opposes the Australian internet filter, but states policing offshore gaming websites is possible with "political will".
Readers... gamblers, entrepreneurs and media owners... what do you think? Are you with the "coalition of the willing" to use George Bush's expression, or are you for outlaws? Tell us what you think in the forum.
*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 being just one of over a dozen sectors they cover.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin, and has conducted b2b with PartyGaming, Virgin and Betfair.
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Underbelly Triggers TV And Internet Ratings Shootout, by Greg Tingle - 14th April 2010
Underbelly 'The Golden Mile', set down under in Kings Cross, Sydney, lured in an audience of over two million Australians.
Media Man and Gambling911 have embedded themselves in the action, and report from the battlefield
Underbelly has triggered Australia's 2010's official TV ratings war, and sent websites and ratings "off the chart".
So intense is the heat, Kings Cross king of the jungle, John Ibrahin (played by Firass Dirani) elected to skip for Dubai in the 24 hour period before the show aired, as NSW police braced for action of another kind (real action in the mean streets).
With a slow start to the year as a result of Channel 9's coverage of the Winter Olympics throwing regular programming into chaos, Australian television viewers are only now being delivered some headline quality programs including Underbelly: The Golden Mile, MasterChef, and a revamped Hey Hey It's Saturday (on tonight - 'Big Wednesday').
Headlining actors Emma Booth, Dieter Brummer and new kid on the block, Firass Dirani, Sunday night's first episode of Underbelly: The Golden Mile was viewed by an average of 2.24 million Aussies and in South Australia - Adelaide (Australia's murder capital by reputation) attracted an audience of 201,478. The second episode which immediately followed averaged 2.07 million viewers nationally and in Adelaide was watched by 195,200 people.
The TV ratings result makes the season 3 debut 2010's highest-rating TV event at time of publication, but the first two episodes of Underbelly: The Golden Mile failed to attract the franchise's biggest audiences with last year's season two debut Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities attracting more than 2.5 million viewers.
Nine Network chief executive David Gyngell yesterday said he was pleased with the audience numbers.
"It was a great result for Underbelly, we are very happy and appreciative of everyone who was involved in this series," Mr Gyngell said.
The Ganglands mini TV series, is set in 'The Cross, faces some tough customer competition...
Network 10 is set to debut season two of ratings MasterChef next week, and tonight Channel 7's Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks-directed war series 'The Pacific' will go up against the second of half of Nine's 'Hey Hey'.
Readers, keep dodging bullets as the TV, Internet and Star City Casino - Crown Casino 'wars' continue at Atomic Bomb levels. As Roddy Piper from 'The Live' fame says, "You don't throw stones at a man holding a machine gun", something both casino entrepreneurs, Underbelly casting and talent, and media and political commentators are well aware of.
Australian Prime Minster Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy (Communications Minster aka 'Minister Of Silly Lists') are understood have to attempted to ban Underbelly 3, but needless to say, they failed miserably in their efforts. Opposition leader, Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott is said to be a casual fan of the show (but not a fan of real life violence, despite being a former boxing champion). We might catch a ride up to 'The Cross' tonight in search of an illegal gambling den party, one a of a number said to be springing up, as censorship and bible bashers ramp up their goodie two shoe efforts, things going underground as a result! Cheers from a peaceful Bondi Beach, Australia's second 'Golden Mile' (for smart operators). Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, Aussie Oi, Aussie Oi, Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi.
*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 and igaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals covered
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Media Man and Gambling911 have embedded themselves in the action, and report from the battlefield
Underbelly has triggered Australia's 2010's official TV ratings war, and sent websites and ratings "off the chart".
So intense is the heat, Kings Cross king of the jungle, John Ibrahin (played by Firass Dirani) elected to skip for Dubai in the 24 hour period before the show aired, as NSW police braced for action of another kind (real action in the mean streets).
With a slow start to the year as a result of Channel 9's coverage of the Winter Olympics throwing regular programming into chaos, Australian television viewers are only now being delivered some headline quality programs including Underbelly: The Golden Mile, MasterChef, and a revamped Hey Hey It's Saturday (on tonight - 'Big Wednesday').
Headlining actors Emma Booth, Dieter Brummer and new kid on the block, Firass Dirani, Sunday night's first episode of Underbelly: The Golden Mile was viewed by an average of 2.24 million Aussies and in South Australia - Adelaide (Australia's murder capital by reputation) attracted an audience of 201,478. The second episode which immediately followed averaged 2.07 million viewers nationally and in Adelaide was watched by 195,200 people.
The TV ratings result makes the season 3 debut 2010's highest-rating TV event at time of publication, but the first two episodes of Underbelly: The Golden Mile failed to attract the franchise's biggest audiences with last year's season two debut Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities attracting more than 2.5 million viewers.
Nine Network chief executive David Gyngell yesterday said he was pleased with the audience numbers.
"It was a great result for Underbelly, we are very happy and appreciative of everyone who was involved in this series," Mr Gyngell said.
The Ganglands mini TV series, is set in 'The Cross, faces some tough customer competition...
Network 10 is set to debut season two of ratings MasterChef next week, and tonight Channel 7's Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks-directed war series 'The Pacific' will go up against the second of half of Nine's 'Hey Hey'.
Readers, keep dodging bullets as the TV, Internet and Star City Casino - Crown Casino 'wars' continue at Atomic Bomb levels. As Roddy Piper from 'The Live' fame says, "You don't throw stones at a man holding a machine gun", something both casino entrepreneurs, Underbelly casting and talent, and media and political commentators are well aware of.
Australian Prime Minster Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy (Communications Minster aka 'Minister Of Silly Lists') are understood have to attempted to ban Underbelly 3, but needless to say, they failed miserably in their efforts. Opposition leader, Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott is said to be a casual fan of the show (but not a fan of real life violence, despite being a former boxing champion). We might catch a ride up to 'The Cross' tonight in search of an illegal gambling den party, one a of a number said to be springing up, as censorship and bible bashers ramp up their goodie two shoe efforts, things going underground as a result! Cheers from a peaceful Bondi Beach, Australia's second 'Golden Mile' (for smart operators). Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, Aussie Oi, Aussie Oi, Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi.
*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 and igaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals covered
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Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
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Friday, April 9, 2010
Australian Casino News: Crown Casino PR Style With `Disarray', by Greg Tingle - 9th April 2010
In the land "down under" sometimes hard news is kept quite for a while, but invariably the cat gets out of the bag. You want evident, well look no further than the Australian Government internet "blacklist" and proposed internet filter. The more they tried to keep it quite, the bigger the story got, pushed along nicely by Media Man and Gambling911 we might add.
Today the blacklist may be the Australian governments biggest headache, on both a national and international scale. Even the U.S President and his Administrative army are none too pleased to hear that Australia is becoming one of the world's biggest 'Enemys Of The Internet' according to Reporters Without Boarders.
Now Conroy and Rudd are trying their luck of rolling out a multi million (or billion) dollar broadband network, something that may take up to a decade to complete, and yes, its supposed to come with censorship measures included (which the majority of technology experts say will slow the bloody thing down), but that's another story and scandal building for the dynamic duo of Kevin "Bloody" Rudd and Stephen "Mr Censorship" Conroy. We think Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott will have defeated Rudd via knockout punch soon enough.
Recently our friends at James Packer's Crown Casino had a problem to iron out in relation to the annual Logie awards, which Packer and Billionaire Inc have managed to keep under the hat of Crown City Casino in Melbourne.
Media Man and Gambling911 go undercover with this report...
Crown Casino has been the hosting venture of the TV Week Logie Awards for years now, despite competitors such as Tabcorp's Jupiters on the Gold Coast trying to steal it away.
Less than a month before Australian television's "night of nights", ACP Magazines furiously fired the PR outfit it engaged to handle this year's Logie's at Crown.
The PR in the lead-up to the Crown Casino event on the 2nd has put cold water on what is Australia's major annual red carpet and television event.
The event is usually good PR for Packer's Crown aka 'World Of Entertainment', but this year is proving more challenging that most, even though Crown bean counters and legal eagles are happy.
The firing of specialist fashion PR outfit Torstar came just four days after News Limited revealed the Logie nominations breaky held at Sydney's Ivy Bar 10 days prior had been heavily criticised and panned severely by the television networks for being "disorganised".
Insiders said one of the Torstar publicists had not known who Rebecca Gibney (last year's Gold Logie Award winner and star of Packed to the Rafters), was.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise that its possible that there was a conspiracy to get rid of the original PR firm, especially giving the often "bitchy" and "precious" nature of the Australian entertainment - showbiz landscape, and the high stakes involved. A Media Man insider whispered "The Australian media and entertainment landscape and business is extremely political. If certain folks decide they want to get rid of X, that's it, it happens".
Gibney is one of a eight contenders going for the coveted Gold Logie, including comedians Shaun Micallef, Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and Wil Anderson, and actors Ray Meagher and Esther Anderson. Australian casino king James Packer has not being nominated for any awards (but we enjoyed his guitar smashing antics anyway exhibited at City Of Dreams Macau last year). A birdie tells us a few folks from 'Underbelly' fame have been nominated, some of which played out gambling themes in the international smash hit.
Last week ACP Magazines (owner of The Logies), made an approach to The Lantern Group about taking over the event. "ACP and Torstar have mutually agreed not to continue to work together on the remainder of the TV Week Logies project 2010," ACP advised in a media statement.
Torstar's Tory Archbold told News Limited's The Australian that her contract with ACP was secure and she remained the "mouthpiece for TV Week".
"I know we did a good job" she proclaimed.
However, last night, ACP confirmed that The Lantern Group had been engaged to run the event.
Media Man - Jac Bowie burlesque queen and main squeeze, is rumored to attend the Logie's with of or two of her world class burlesque performers. MM and JB partner in crime, Grant Galea, famous for his Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra act, is also strongly rumored to appear. Buzz builds that communications and property entrepreneur, Kym Illman, may show up with his famous 'Money Girl' in toe (dressed in nothing but $50 and $100 notes we understand!). Illman, a former Media Man client (from a Shane Warne spinner campaign) is understood to be a key Media Man "secret weapon" in Australia's casino war. Bowie and Galea are extremely excited about Australia's casino was opening up more opportunities for the elite of the Australian and international entertainment industry. At the time of publication it remains unclear if Shane Warne will attend the event, as Warnie has been very busy of late (and that's not including the 888 poker brand situation). Media analysts reckon Warnie would do well to change brands, maybe jumping ship to PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com and friends, if a deal can be reached. Betfair may also be another option. Ah, its nice to be wanted isn't it Warnie. Warne enjoys a long and largely positive history with Network Nine and ACP, as does most of the Media Man family and friends.
Team Packer and Team ACP Magazines will likely be glad when their affair is history. Crown Casino has bigger fish to fry, such as their focus to lure in the world's biggest gamblers, Gulfstream Jets and all, as NSW competitor, Star City Casino gets jets of their own, as Australia's casino wars continue to heat up. No word as yet if plastic handcuffs will be used on guests, performers or burlesque queens, but we promise to keep you posted.
If its true that news is something, someone, somewhere, doesn't want someone else to know, everything else is PR, I think we proved the point once again here at your uncensored, unfiltered, friendly gaming, igaming, betting, entertainment and political window to the world. Gambling911, dedicated to providing you with the news... not always what you want to hear, but what you need to know... just ask Jesse "The Body" Ventura at 'Conspiracy Theory', if he's not too busy investigating the Australian political and casino landscape 'Casino Jack' style. A bridie tells us one of his key targets is Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications aka Minister of Censorship and Silly Lists). Good hunting and punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals they report on. Media Man operates website portals in Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
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Today the blacklist may be the Australian governments biggest headache, on both a national and international scale. Even the U.S President and his Administrative army are none too pleased to hear that Australia is becoming one of the world's biggest 'Enemys Of The Internet' according to Reporters Without Boarders.
Now Conroy and Rudd are trying their luck of rolling out a multi million (or billion) dollar broadband network, something that may take up to a decade to complete, and yes, its supposed to come with censorship measures included (which the majority of technology experts say will slow the bloody thing down), but that's another story and scandal building for the dynamic duo of Kevin "Bloody" Rudd and Stephen "Mr Censorship" Conroy. We think Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott will have defeated Rudd via knockout punch soon enough.
Recently our friends at James Packer's Crown Casino had a problem to iron out in relation to the annual Logie awards, which Packer and Billionaire Inc have managed to keep under the hat of Crown City Casino in Melbourne.
Media Man and Gambling911 go undercover with this report...
Crown Casino has been the hosting venture of the TV Week Logie Awards for years now, despite competitors such as Tabcorp's Jupiters on the Gold Coast trying to steal it away.
Less than a month before Australian television's "night of nights", ACP Magazines furiously fired the PR outfit it engaged to handle this year's Logie's at Crown.
The PR in the lead-up to the Crown Casino event on the 2nd has put cold water on what is Australia's major annual red carpet and television event.
The event is usually good PR for Packer's Crown aka 'World Of Entertainment', but this year is proving more challenging that most, even though Crown bean counters and legal eagles are happy.
The firing of specialist fashion PR outfit Torstar came just four days after News Limited revealed the Logie nominations breaky held at Sydney's Ivy Bar 10 days prior had been heavily criticised and panned severely by the television networks for being "disorganised".
Insiders said one of the Torstar publicists had not known who Rebecca Gibney (last year's Gold Logie Award winner and star of Packed to the Rafters), was.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise that its possible that there was a conspiracy to get rid of the original PR firm, especially giving the often "bitchy" and "precious" nature of the Australian entertainment - showbiz landscape, and the high stakes involved. A Media Man insider whispered "The Australian media and entertainment landscape and business is extremely political. If certain folks decide they want to get rid of X, that's it, it happens".
Gibney is one of a eight contenders going for the coveted Gold Logie, including comedians Shaun Micallef, Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and Wil Anderson, and actors Ray Meagher and Esther Anderson. Australian casino king James Packer has not being nominated for any awards (but we enjoyed his guitar smashing antics anyway exhibited at City Of Dreams Macau last year). A birdie tells us a few folks from 'Underbelly' fame have been nominated, some of which played out gambling themes in the international smash hit.
Last week ACP Magazines (owner of The Logies), made an approach to The Lantern Group about taking over the event. "ACP and Torstar have mutually agreed not to continue to work together on the remainder of the TV Week Logies project 2010," ACP advised in a media statement.
Torstar's Tory Archbold told News Limited's The Australian that her contract with ACP was secure and she remained the "mouthpiece for TV Week".
"I know we did a good job" she proclaimed.
However, last night, ACP confirmed that The Lantern Group had been engaged to run the event.
Media Man - Jac Bowie burlesque queen and main squeeze, is rumored to attend the Logie's with of or two of her world class burlesque performers. MM and JB partner in crime, Grant Galea, famous for his Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra act, is also strongly rumored to appear. Buzz builds that communications and property entrepreneur, Kym Illman, may show up with his famous 'Money Girl' in toe (dressed in nothing but $50 and $100 notes we understand!). Illman, a former Media Man client (from a Shane Warne spinner campaign) is understood to be a key Media Man "secret weapon" in Australia's casino war. Bowie and Galea are extremely excited about Australia's casino was opening up more opportunities for the elite of the Australian and international entertainment industry. At the time of publication it remains unclear if Shane Warne will attend the event, as Warnie has been very busy of late (and that's not including the 888 poker brand situation). Media analysts reckon Warnie would do well to change brands, maybe jumping ship to PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com and friends, if a deal can be reached. Betfair may also be another option. Ah, its nice to be wanted isn't it Warnie. Warne enjoys a long and largely positive history with Network Nine and ACP, as does most of the Media Man family and friends.
Team Packer and Team ACP Magazines will likely be glad when their affair is history. Crown Casino has bigger fish to fry, such as their focus to lure in the world's biggest gamblers, Gulfstream Jets and all, as NSW competitor, Star City Casino gets jets of their own, as Australia's casino wars continue to heat up. No word as yet if plastic handcuffs will be used on guests, performers or burlesque queens, but we promise to keep you posted.
If its true that news is something, someone, somewhere, doesn't want someone else to know, everything else is PR, I think we proved the point once again here at your uncensored, unfiltered, friendly gaming, igaming, betting, entertainment and political window to the world. Gambling911, dedicated to providing you with the news... not always what you want to hear, but what you need to know... just ask Jesse "The Body" Ventura at 'Conspiracy Theory', if he's not too busy investigating the Australian political and casino landscape 'Casino Jack' style. A bridie tells us one of his key targets is Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications aka Minister of Censorship and Silly Lists). Good hunting and punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals they report on. Media Man operates website portals in Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino
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Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Crown Casino Ready For War With Sydney's Star City, by Greg Tingle - 7th April 2010
Casino wars are about to explode down under between Sydney (The Blues) and Melbournites (Melbourne).
Experts are divided as to who deal the first strike, but James Packer's "sweet deals" from the Victorian Government, along with the pending private jet purchase for VIP high flyers have certainly raised the ante.
Star City chiefs promise to turn it around from "an RSL club on steroids" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club" into a glamour showbiz icon of mammoth proportions. Vegas, look out baby! is the word.
They desire to crack Melbourne's lockdown on VIP high rollers, a couple of which are also being lured to Jupiters on the Gold Coast.
The action comes only one week after the New South Wales Government announced it indented to nab Melbourne's Formula 1 Grand Prix, Star City "mafia" have unleashed a new interstate - State Of Origin type war.
Sydney's "Star", owned by corporate "whale" Tabcorp, is expected to change its name and keep expanding, including adding a massive showbiz section... all part of a now a $640 million revitalisation, blowing the original budget by approximately $100 million. "It certainly has shades of the Crown Macau, now Altira Macau transformation up north in the Asia Pacific land of the dragons" whispered a Media Man insider.
The casino desires to host some of the world's biggest stars and entertainment icons with a new 4000 plus seat, $65 million international events centre.
Elton John, Lady Gaga, Rolling Stones, KISS, UFC and WWE are said to be on the want list, however the venue still may not be big enough to host them! Star wants Virgin's Richard Branson to pop in for a beer and photos, but Media Man spies advise Packer's got Branson nicely locked down and "more than satisfied with Crown", as is Tom Cruise. Sydney's Grant Galea and his world famous Dean Martin (and sometimes Frank Sintra act) is expected to make a return performance to Star City as the stakes climb. Hot off the heels of a Queen Elizabeth cruise liner show to a thousand patrons, Deano is hot, rocked, locked and ready to roll at Star and Crown. Galea and Media Man burlesque PR queen squeeze, Jac Bowie, is super excited about the casino wars heating up and sees the opportunity to showcase some more of Australia's and the world's burlesque queens... watch out Dita Von Teese! Sydney's icon sex symbol, Madame Lash, is rumoured to be interested to bring her VIP "Provocateur Package" (as enjoyed at Sydney's Hilton Hotel) to Star City and Crown. Some of the name wants by Star may be ambitions, but not all are Mission: Impossible.
Crown Casino is understood to be attracting 46,000 visitors a day (17 million a year), just about double Star City's patronage. Who said casinos are not tourism attractions... just another media beat up from detractors, but Packer's Crown and Star City are used to the knockers, so its water off a 'Pluka' ducks back.
Sydney is prepared for an epic battle with Crown, and wallets and passionate punters, and a few dolphins and whales are largely seen as the ultimate "catch" er prize. The bait is on the lure and rod, and they are looking forward to a happy hunting season, one which will break their drought of sorts.
Tabcorp top brass Larry Mullin advised Star City holds 20% of the lucrative VIP market.
He estimates Crown has 80% of turnover from high rollers, worth a cool $25 billion a year. So that's where Packer is pulling in the big bucks for big boys toys.
"We're getting the same high rollers, we're just not getting as many," Mullin said.
Crown cemented its place as The destination for international high rolling VIPs by offering the works, including a fleet of Gulfstream jets, soon to be expanded, as Gambling911 reported last week.
Sydney is fighting back, with a makeover to its VIP high rollers' den and plans to purchase its own fleet of jets. Why not buy a share in Virgin Galactic and the Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner and other toys while the cash splash is on.
Star's new MD, Sid Vaikunta, advised the revamp was imperative because the casino was treated by the general public as an "RSL club on steroids" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club".
Crown was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
Sydney has warned Victoria that it wanted the Australian Grand Prix when the Melbourne contract expires in 2014.
The was sees Major Events Minister Tim Holding name calling the NSW Government the "nation's biggest blowhards", but we reckon its better to blow hard, than not blow at all.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise burlesque performers, "casino babes" and "poker babe tournaments and events" may be a "secret weapon in the process", and maybe some risque b2b may factor in the process, be it casino and entertainment website portals, pole dancers and maybe even some sort of escort VIP "service" for VIP's, of course. Star City and Crown Casino remain tight lipped on such initiatives. If its not talked about, it doesn't exist... yeah right!
Sydney and Melbourne's nightlife is expected to prosper as the casino war heats up, and the big winners are expected to be the NSW and VIC state governments, and maybe even Rudd's Federal government might make a dollar or two out of it also (even though Rudd and "Minster Of Silly Lists", Stephen Conroy, don't like pokies) and have recently displayed what many see as their blatant favoritism to "bible bashers" and fun police as "save the children" campaigners continue to try to spoil everyones fun, even dissing our beloved FHM, Playboy, Penthouse, Zoo and Maxim poker babes. Ya bloody mongrels!
Rest assured Media Man and Gambling911 will continue to cover the scene in an uncensored and no holds barred type approach, one that may or may not get caught up in the "Great Australian Firewall" as D Day approaches.
Australia's land based casinos are also being seen to be taking the fight to online casinos aka cyber casinos, as Betfair, PartyGaming and others compete for the new breed of gambler, one who prefers to do it from home, without the need for limos, let alone learjets.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of a dozen industry verticals covered.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Experts are divided as to who deal the first strike, but James Packer's "sweet deals" from the Victorian Government, along with the pending private jet purchase for VIP high flyers have certainly raised the ante.
Star City chiefs promise to turn it around from "an RSL club on steroids" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club" into a glamour showbiz icon of mammoth proportions. Vegas, look out baby! is the word.
They desire to crack Melbourne's lockdown on VIP high rollers, a couple of which are also being lured to Jupiters on the Gold Coast.
The action comes only one week after the New South Wales Government announced it indented to nab Melbourne's Formula 1 Grand Prix, Star City "mafia" have unleashed a new interstate - State Of Origin type war.
Sydney's "Star", owned by corporate "whale" Tabcorp, is expected to change its name and keep expanding, including adding a massive showbiz section... all part of a now a $640 million revitalisation, blowing the original budget by approximately $100 million. "It certainly has shades of the Crown Macau, now Altira Macau transformation up north in the Asia Pacific land of the dragons" whispered a Media Man insider.
The casino desires to host some of the world's biggest stars and entertainment icons with a new 4000 plus seat, $65 million international events centre.
Elton John, Lady Gaga, Rolling Stones, KISS, UFC and WWE are said to be on the want list, however the venue still may not be big enough to host them! Star wants Virgin's Richard Branson to pop in for a beer and photos, but Media Man spies advise Packer's got Branson nicely locked down and "more than satisfied with Crown", as is Tom Cruise. Sydney's Grant Galea and his world famous Dean Martin (and sometimes Frank Sintra act) is expected to make a return performance to Star City as the stakes climb. Hot off the heels of a Queen Elizabeth cruise liner show to a thousand patrons, Deano is hot, rocked, locked and ready to roll at Star and Crown. Galea and Media Man burlesque PR queen squeeze, Jac Bowie, is super excited about the casino wars heating up and sees the opportunity to showcase some more of Australia's and the world's burlesque queens... watch out Dita Von Teese! Sydney's icon sex symbol, Madame Lash, is rumoured to be interested to bring her VIP "Provocateur Package" (as enjoyed at Sydney's Hilton Hotel) to Star City and Crown. Some of the name wants by Star may be ambitions, but not all are Mission: Impossible.
Crown Casino is understood to be attracting 46,000 visitors a day (17 million a year), just about double Star City's patronage. Who said casinos are not tourism attractions... just another media beat up from detractors, but Packer's Crown and Star City are used to the knockers, so its water off a 'Pluka' ducks back.
Sydney is prepared for an epic battle with Crown, and wallets and passionate punters, and a few dolphins and whales are largely seen as the ultimate "catch" er prize. The bait is on the lure and rod, and they are looking forward to a happy hunting season, one which will break their drought of sorts.
Tabcorp top brass Larry Mullin advised Star City holds 20% of the lucrative VIP market.
He estimates Crown has 80% of turnover from high rollers, worth a cool $25 billion a year. So that's where Packer is pulling in the big bucks for big boys toys.
"We're getting the same high rollers, we're just not getting as many," Mullin said.
Crown cemented its place as The destination for international high rolling VIPs by offering the works, including a fleet of Gulfstream jets, soon to be expanded, as Gambling911 reported last week.
Sydney is fighting back, with a makeover to its VIP high rollers' den and plans to purchase its own fleet of jets. Why not buy a share in Virgin Galactic and the Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner and other toys while the cash splash is on.
Star's new MD, Sid Vaikunta, advised the revamp was imperative because the casino was treated by the general public as an "RSL club on steroids" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club".
Crown was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
Sydney has warned Victoria that it wanted the Australian Grand Prix when the Melbourne contract expires in 2014.
The was sees Major Events Minister Tim Holding name calling the NSW Government the "nation's biggest blowhards", but we reckon its better to blow hard, than not blow at all.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise burlesque performers, "casino babes" and "poker babe tournaments and events" may be a "secret weapon in the process", and maybe some risque b2b may factor in the process, be it casino and entertainment website portals, pole dancers and maybe even some sort of escort VIP "service" for VIP's, of course. Star City and Crown Casino remain tight lipped on such initiatives. If its not talked about, it doesn't exist... yeah right!
Sydney and Melbourne's nightlife is expected to prosper as the casino war heats up, and the big winners are expected to be the NSW and VIC state governments, and maybe even Rudd's Federal government might make a dollar or two out of it also (even though Rudd and "Minster Of Silly Lists", Stephen Conroy, don't like pokies) and have recently displayed what many see as their blatant favoritism to "bible bashers" and fun police as "save the children" campaigners continue to try to spoil everyones fun, even dissing our beloved FHM, Playboy, Penthouse, Zoo and Maxim poker babes. Ya bloody mongrels!
Rest assured Media Man and Gambling911 will continue to cover the scene in an uncensored and no holds barred type approach, one that may or may not get caught up in the "Great Australian Firewall" as D Day approaches.
Australia's land based casinos are also being seen to be taking the fight to online casinos aka cyber casinos, as Betfair, PartyGaming and others compete for the new breed of gambler, one who prefers to do it from home, without the need for limos, let alone learjets.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of a dozen industry verticals covered.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Casino
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Australian Gambling News: Tattersalls Complete NSW Lottery Sale, by Greg Tingle - 4th April 2010
Australia's gambling, gaming and igaming sector shows little sign of slowing down, in fact it looks like full speed ahead with James Packer's Crown Casino continuing to lead the charge.
Packer has been rumored to be eyeing off a part or full purchase in Tabcorp (owner and operator of Star City Casino in Sydney, and Jupiter's Casino on the Gold Coast), to name but a few.
Could Australian "protectionism" be coming into play? Is "protectionism" a form of racism, as a country aims to protect its own, and blocking out foreign nations in the process? Is Australia continuing down the China path, and who or what will stop the madness? So many questions, yet so few answers, as the Rudd Government sticks to its agenda and "stays on message" (just like the U.S Government did with its crimes against humanity relating to "the war on terrorism"). Jesse Ventura, Australia may need you to expose the truth. It's all good fodder for Conspiracy Theory.
Media Man down under and Gambling911 report...
Tatts Group Ltd says it has completed the acquisition of NSW Lotteries from the NSW Government. The deal is now subject to review by the NSW Auditor General.
Tatts said in a statement on that the acquisition has been completed, "and NSW Lotteries is now part of the Tatts Group".
The sale carries with it a 40-year exclusive licence to conduct public lotteries in NSW.
Controversy has swirled around the deal as it was revealed that Tatts bought the Lotteries with an unconfirmed bid of $850 million.
The bid allowed for the rights to the Lotteries' unclaimed prizes pool to be retained by Tatts, whereas other bidders advise they were denied the right to include unclaimed prizes in their bid.
The NSW Opposition and the NSW Green party now say, supported by advice from unnamed senior partners of two Sydney law firms, that the sale is illegal under the legislation that allowed the deal, according to reports carried by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age last Thursday.
Announcing completion of the acquisition, Tatts Group said that Tatts Lotteries produced earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $119 million in 2009. Those are the sorts of numbers that even give igaming powerhouse, PartyGaming, a run for their money.
"The acquisition of NSW Lotteries is expected to produce an additional $120 million of EBITDA by 2014," Tatts Group said in its statement.
The late news...
We almost forgot, with casino fever at an all time high, Media Man has bit the bullet and launched http://www.mediamancasino.com It's not "white label", but a little birdie tells us its heading in that direction. Media Man management advise its hosted overseas "in protest to the proposed Australian internet filter and blacklist".
Gambling911 and Media Man International are recommending to readers that may be "down under" in the Asia Pacific region that if you enjoy games of skill and games of chance to sign up now to a few accounts, in case that may help keep online casino and online gaming accounts active, if or when the Australian internet filter aka "Great Australian Firewall" will spoil your fun. PartyGaming (inc World Poker Tour and its Playtech powered casinos), PokerStars, Captain Cooks, PKR and Betfair are some of the brands most popular in Australia.
Media Man tips that a device and "secret way" of circumventing the proposed internet filter is on the way, but its not "letting the cat out of the bag" quite yet, as the art of war continues between Aussie web publishers, media companies and the Australian government continues.
Media Man advises publicily that if the Australian government throws too much red tape at media, publising and internet companies, thus reducing productivity, revenue, income et al, that management may have to put promised job offers to Australian indigenous peoples via GenerationOne on hold.
Internet Snapshot Guide And The Idiots Guide to iGaming, Gaming and Politics
No one owns the internet!
The internet was invented in the United States and was designed to withstand a nuclear war.
Australians are some of the most passionate gamblers in the world, both at land based venues and online.
Cleopatra, Sinatra, Black Rhino, Hitman, Mission: Impossible and Tomb Raider are some of Australia's favorite slot games.
Crown Casino is home to one of the world's most popular and richest poker tournaments, Aussie Millions.
It is legal to participate in affiliate programs, casino affiliate programs and the like.
The Australian Federal government has some interest to regulate igaming and their Productivity Commission report is due to go public in approximately a month.
Senator Stephen Conroy have received at least one reported death threat over his censorship agenda, via way of internet forum, and reported in Fairfax Media.
Australia is now on the Enemies Of The Internet list complied by Reports Without Boarders
http://www.rsf.org/en-pays51-Australia.html
The United States administration has gone on record that it does not support Australia's proposed internet filter. The U.S, European Union and World Trade Organization are considering stepping in and urging the Australian government to seriously reconsider its stance on censorship. The censorship may cost the Australian and world economy billions, with media and entertainment giants such as Google, Yahoo!, Bing, Microsoft, News Corp, Marvel - Disney, DC Comics, Sony, Apple, Dell, Virgin Enterprises Limited, Paramount Pictures, Playboy, Penthouse, FHM, UFC, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, ESPN, SBS (and Gambling911), being just some of those likely to be adversely affected. Loss of income is set to result in job losses and the price of goods and services skyrocketing in some sectors. Some industries and brands may be forced to go "underground" and many "black markets" are expected to rise and prosper, and demand goes up for certain "vices". Consumer protection measures are likely to be lost should the Australian internet filter go ahead.
In closing, we think Australia's James Packer sums it up beautifully with his famous "Internet is like electricity", something Australian politicians have seemed to cotton on with pretty well of late.
Are we on the cusp of 'The End Days' aka 'The End Times', which Nostradamus gives considerable mention to in the quatrains, as the New World Order continues to take hold, or it just business as usual? 2012 is not far off, and soon you will be able to place bets on it! Readers, you be the judge, and bet with your head, not over it.
PS: Readers, thanks for your letters. Gambling911, Media Man and Plucka Duck (of Hey Hey "Chook Lotto" fame) appreciate each and every one of you.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry vertical covered.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Packer has been rumored to be eyeing off a part or full purchase in Tabcorp (owner and operator of Star City Casino in Sydney, and Jupiter's Casino on the Gold Coast), to name but a few.
Could Australian "protectionism" be coming into play? Is "protectionism" a form of racism, as a country aims to protect its own, and blocking out foreign nations in the process? Is Australia continuing down the China path, and who or what will stop the madness? So many questions, yet so few answers, as the Rudd Government sticks to its agenda and "stays on message" (just like the U.S Government did with its crimes against humanity relating to "the war on terrorism"). Jesse Ventura, Australia may need you to expose the truth. It's all good fodder for Conspiracy Theory.
Media Man down under and Gambling911 report...
Tatts Group Ltd says it has completed the acquisition of NSW Lotteries from the NSW Government. The deal is now subject to review by the NSW Auditor General.
Tatts said in a statement on that the acquisition has been completed, "and NSW Lotteries is now part of the Tatts Group".
The sale carries with it a 40-year exclusive licence to conduct public lotteries in NSW.
Controversy has swirled around the deal as it was revealed that Tatts bought the Lotteries with an unconfirmed bid of $850 million.
The bid allowed for the rights to the Lotteries' unclaimed prizes pool to be retained by Tatts, whereas other bidders advise they were denied the right to include unclaimed prizes in their bid.
The NSW Opposition and the NSW Green party now say, supported by advice from unnamed senior partners of two Sydney law firms, that the sale is illegal under the legislation that allowed the deal, according to reports carried by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age last Thursday.
Announcing completion of the acquisition, Tatts Group said that Tatts Lotteries produced earnings before tax, interest, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $119 million in 2009. Those are the sorts of numbers that even give igaming powerhouse, PartyGaming, a run for their money.
"The acquisition of NSW Lotteries is expected to produce an additional $120 million of EBITDA by 2014," Tatts Group said in its statement.
The late news...
We almost forgot, with casino fever at an all time high, Media Man has bit the bullet and launched http://www.mediamancasino.com It's not "white label", but a little birdie tells us its heading in that direction. Media Man management advise its hosted overseas "in protest to the proposed Australian internet filter and blacklist".
Gambling911 and Media Man International are recommending to readers that may be "down under" in the Asia Pacific region that if you enjoy games of skill and games of chance to sign up now to a few accounts, in case that may help keep online casino and online gaming accounts active, if or when the Australian internet filter aka "Great Australian Firewall" will spoil your fun. PartyGaming (inc World Poker Tour and its Playtech powered casinos), PokerStars, Captain Cooks, PKR and Betfair are some of the brands most popular in Australia.
Media Man tips that a device and "secret way" of circumventing the proposed internet filter is on the way, but its not "letting the cat out of the bag" quite yet, as the art of war continues between Aussie web publishers, media companies and the Australian government continues.
Media Man advises publicily that if the Australian government throws too much red tape at media, publising and internet companies, thus reducing productivity, revenue, income et al, that management may have to put promised job offers to Australian indigenous peoples via GenerationOne on hold.
Internet Snapshot Guide And The Idiots Guide to iGaming, Gaming and Politics
No one owns the internet!
The internet was invented in the United States and was designed to withstand a nuclear war.
Australians are some of the most passionate gamblers in the world, both at land based venues and online.
Cleopatra, Sinatra, Black Rhino, Hitman, Mission: Impossible and Tomb Raider are some of Australia's favorite slot games.
Crown Casino is home to one of the world's most popular and richest poker tournaments, Aussie Millions.
It is legal to participate in affiliate programs, casino affiliate programs and the like.
The Australian Federal government has some interest to regulate igaming and their Productivity Commission report is due to go public in approximately a month.
Senator Stephen Conroy have received at least one reported death threat over his censorship agenda, via way of internet forum, and reported in Fairfax Media.
Australia is now on the Enemies Of The Internet list complied by Reports Without Boarders
http://www.rsf.org/en-pays51-Australia.html
The United States administration has gone on record that it does not support Australia's proposed internet filter. The U.S, European Union and World Trade Organization are considering stepping in and urging the Australian government to seriously reconsider its stance on censorship. The censorship may cost the Australian and world economy billions, with media and entertainment giants such as Google, Yahoo!, Bing, Microsoft, News Corp, Marvel - Disney, DC Comics, Sony, Apple, Dell, Virgin Enterprises Limited, Paramount Pictures, Playboy, Penthouse, FHM, UFC, World Poker Tour, World Series of Poker, ESPN, SBS (and Gambling911), being just some of those likely to be adversely affected. Loss of income is set to result in job losses and the price of goods and services skyrocketing in some sectors. Some industries and brands may be forced to go "underground" and many "black markets" are expected to rise and prosper, and demand goes up for certain "vices". Consumer protection measures are likely to be lost should the Australian internet filter go ahead.
In closing, we think Australia's James Packer sums it up beautifully with his famous "Internet is like electricity", something Australian politicians have seemed to cotton on with pretty well of late.
Are we on the cusp of 'The End Days' aka 'The End Times', which Nostradamus gives considerable mention to in the quatrains, as the New World Order continues to take hold, or it just business as usual? 2012 is not far off, and soon you will be able to place bets on it! Readers, you be the judge, and bet with your head, not over it.
PS: Readers, thanks for your letters. Gambling911, Media Man and Plucka Duck (of Hey Hey "Chook Lotto" fame) appreciate each and every one of you.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry vertical covered.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Frank Sinatra Land Based Casino To Close But Sinatra Slot Lives On At PartyGaming, by Greg Tingle - 1st April 2010
A Nevada casino once owned by legend Frank Sinatra and patronised by Hollywood stars and mobsters has closed due to plunging gambling rates and competition from the Vegas strip.
Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as we mix it up with Hollywooders, journos, academics and mobsters...
Associations with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior has not been enough to save the Cal Neva Lodge Casino from the distressed US land based casino industry.
The casino, situated on Lake Tahoe near the California border, last year saw its revenues fall to approximately 50% of what they enjoyed in 1992 allowing for inflation, tipped Mr William Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada.
Other local casinos continue to close or have downsized, unable to compete with Las Vegas, not in good shape itself – and the growing number of gambling resorts on Native American Indian reservations.
"The realities are when you have that kind of decline the weakest operators typically get pushed out," advised Mr Eadington. "The older, tired casinos and the Cal Neva is a great example, don't have much to offer for gaming."
Understood to be America's oldest licensed casino, the Cal Neva opened for business in 1926. The Cal Veva enjoyed its peak in the early 1960s when it was bought by Sinatra, reportedly in partnership with Sam Giancana, a Chicago mobster.
Adding a 35-seat celebrity showroom and rooftop helicopter pad, Samy and Frank ensured film stars, singers and Mafiosi enjoyed its blackjack games and roulette tables.
A network of underground tunnels, built to smuggle alcohol during Prohibition, allowed the VIP guests to move around the establishment without being seen by the general public.
Monroe actually spent the last weekend of her colourful life at The Cal in 1962 as a guest of the infamous 'Rat Pack' actor Peter Lawford and his wife.
Various stories circulate as to why the blond goddess was there. One story goes on to say she discussed making a film with Dean Martin and to patch things up with her second husband, baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, yet another Cal Neva regular. The other side of the story we learn is that a 1999 biography claimed Monroe was brought there to be threatened not to reveal her Mafia links, drugged in her cabin and photographed in compromising positions! Another Cal Neva rumour claims she used the resort for a tryst with John F Kennedy.
Staff concede the resort has traded off its colourful history but Guy Rocha, a former Nevada state archivist, said it would not register with younger gamblers. The hotel and restaurant remain open, but the tables, slots and other gambling activity are history.
"The Cal Neva doesn't capture people's imagination the way it once did," he said.
The Sinatra name is however alive and strong on the internet. Media Man has created an online tribute (with the help of Wikipedia) which is found here
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/sinatra.html and an authentic Sinatra online slot game, developed by 'The Games Studio' of PartyGaming fame is also showcased. Frank Sinatra Enterprises came to business terms with PartyGaming last year and the slot game has proven to be one of the most popular of all time, even competing with the legendary Cleopatra, developed by IGT (International Gaming Technology) and WagerWorks. Gangster and mob related games are some of the most popular found anywhere in the world. 'The Godfather' franchise also has an online slot game and rumours are circulating that Australia's late Kerry Packer (code named "The Goanna" in The Costigan Commission report) may also get the same treatment.
PartyGaming is also currently rumoured to be in discussions with the Canadian Poker Tour aka HeadsUp Entertainment, as well as enjoying M&A talk with Bwin and others. This past week PartyGaming inked a b2b multi year deal with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Party will provide its poker product to its horse racing website. Party continues its global strategy with France, South America, India, the U.S and Australia in its sights.
Media Man remains optimistic about America's igaming industry growth, having created http://www.americangamingnews.com and http://www.hollywoodslotgames.com
A Media Man insider was overheard, "If only the U.S igaming market would open up sooner rather than later. We could kick some major goals under Gambling911 and the Sly Stallone - Arnie connection guidance. I guess we will have to stick mainly to poker and sports betting in the U.S sector for now, but when things change those Gambling911 guys, PartyGaming and the Media Man crew might just take over Vegas and Atlantic City... we could back door it in via Canada and North America with those Canadian Poker tournament guys. It will be just like the good old days, and you know history repeats my friend".
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The firm covers approximately a dozen business vertical markets including gaming and igaming
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Canada
Media Man Australia
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Racing News Media
Poker News Media
American Casino News
Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as we mix it up with Hollywooders, journos, academics and mobsters...
Associations with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior has not been enough to save the Cal Neva Lodge Casino from the distressed US land based casino industry.
The casino, situated on Lake Tahoe near the California border, last year saw its revenues fall to approximately 50% of what they enjoyed in 1992 allowing for inflation, tipped Mr William Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada.
Other local casinos continue to close or have downsized, unable to compete with Las Vegas, not in good shape itself – and the growing number of gambling resorts on Native American Indian reservations.
"The realities are when you have that kind of decline the weakest operators typically get pushed out," advised Mr Eadington. "The older, tired casinos and the Cal Neva is a great example, don't have much to offer for gaming."
Understood to be America's oldest licensed casino, the Cal Neva opened for business in 1926. The Cal Veva enjoyed its peak in the early 1960s when it was bought by Sinatra, reportedly in partnership with Sam Giancana, a Chicago mobster.
Adding a 35-seat celebrity showroom and rooftop helicopter pad, Samy and Frank ensured film stars, singers and Mafiosi enjoyed its blackjack games and roulette tables.
A network of underground tunnels, built to smuggle alcohol during Prohibition, allowed the VIP guests to move around the establishment without being seen by the general public.
Monroe actually spent the last weekend of her colourful life at The Cal in 1962 as a guest of the infamous 'Rat Pack' actor Peter Lawford and his wife.
Various stories circulate as to why the blond goddess was there. One story goes on to say she discussed making a film with Dean Martin and to patch things up with her second husband, baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, yet another Cal Neva regular. The other side of the story we learn is that a 1999 biography claimed Monroe was brought there to be threatened not to reveal her Mafia links, drugged in her cabin and photographed in compromising positions! Another Cal Neva rumour claims she used the resort for a tryst with John F Kennedy.
Staff concede the resort has traded off its colourful history but Guy Rocha, a former Nevada state archivist, said it would not register with younger gamblers. The hotel and restaurant remain open, but the tables, slots and other gambling activity are history.
"The Cal Neva doesn't capture people's imagination the way it once did," he said.
The Sinatra name is however alive and strong on the internet. Media Man has created an online tribute (with the help of Wikipedia) which is found here
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/sinatra.html and an authentic Sinatra online slot game, developed by 'The Games Studio' of PartyGaming fame is also showcased. Frank Sinatra Enterprises came to business terms with PartyGaming last year and the slot game has proven to be one of the most popular of all time, even competing with the legendary Cleopatra, developed by IGT (International Gaming Technology) and WagerWorks. Gangster and mob related games are some of the most popular found anywhere in the world. 'The Godfather' franchise also has an online slot game and rumours are circulating that Australia's late Kerry Packer (code named "The Goanna" in The Costigan Commission report) may also get the same treatment.
PartyGaming is also currently rumoured to be in discussions with the Canadian Poker Tour aka HeadsUp Entertainment, as well as enjoying M&A talk with Bwin and others. This past week PartyGaming inked a b2b multi year deal with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Party will provide its poker product to its horse racing website. Party continues its global strategy with France, South America, India, the U.S and Australia in its sights.
Media Man remains optimistic about America's igaming industry growth, having created http://www.americangamingnews.com and http://www.hollywoodslotgames.com
A Media Man insider was overheard, "If only the U.S igaming market would open up sooner rather than later. We could kick some major goals under Gambling911 and the Sly Stallone - Arnie connection guidance. I guess we will have to stick mainly to poker and sports betting in the U.S sector for now, but when things change those Gambling911 guys, PartyGaming and the Media Man crew might just take over Vegas and Atlantic City... we could back door it in via Canada and North America with those Canadian Poker tournament guys. It will be just like the good old days, and you know history repeats my friend".
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The firm covers approximately a dozen business vertical markets including gaming and igaming
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Canada
Media Man Australia
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Racing News Media
Poker News Media
American Casino News
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