Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Media Man Australia Top 5 Online Casinos Of The Year

The Media Man Australia top 5 online casinos for 2008, based on ethics, usability, game play, customer service, management, affiliate service and overall experience, starting from #1 through to #5 are:

Virgin Casino - Virgin Games

PartyCasino.com

PKR Casino

888.com / Pacific Poker

JackpotCity

Congratulations to all the finalists, and extra kudos to Virgin Casino in 1st place.

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Hulk Hogan enjoying ‘second half’ of his life, by Peter Centineo - The Black Hills Pioneer

Wrestling superstar comes to reservation, Rapid City to boost Native Americans

Sitting in his hotel room after arriving at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn Thursday night, wrestling superstar Hulk Hogan’s eyes were red and he was a bit road-weary.

Hogan had just gotten in after visiting the Porcupine Indian Reservation earlier in the day, meeting with the locals and just having a good time with close friend Ernie Stevens Jr. and a host of others. His visit was part of his work with Dreamseekers Foundation, which he and Stevens Jr. formed several years ago to help tribal nations battle poverty, violence and a lack of resources.

And even though Hogan was visibly tired from his adventures that day, his eyes lit up when he shared his experiences.

“We saw three eagles,” he said excitedly. “One was sitting on a fencepost and there were a few others overhead. It was pretty amazing. I’d never seen an eagle that close.”

Stevens Jr. just shook his head and smiled. He and Hogan have been friends for several years, and the two have a lot of admiration for each other.

“The Hulk is an amazing man. He a great friend,” Stevens Jr. said.

Hogan said all the Native American people he met Thursday were friendly and polite, wishing him well at every turn.

“We were driving and we stopped at a Common Cents to get something to drink. A lot of people came up to shake hands and talk. What great people we met today,” he said. “We saw people walking down the road and we’d just stop and pick them up and give them a ride.

“Where I’m from (Florida) we’d be afraid to pick anyone up because we’d be afraid they’d kill us. But we gave a lot of people rides. We didn’t know their agenda. We just helped them out.”

The wrestling legend, who turned 55 this summer, may be a bit older, but he doesn’t lack enthusiasm especially when talking about Dreamseekers. He and Stevens Jr. formed Dreamseekers Foundation several years ago with hopes that the foundation could generate funds to help tribal nations that face numerous problems. Hogan became aware of health-care problems Native American children face in 2005, and after meeting and talking with Stevens Jr. they decided to join forces to help Native American people.

Hogan is hoping his Hulkamania Experience (TM), a multilevel progressive video slot-series based on his adventures, will be in Oklahoma and California casinos this year. A portion of the proceeds from the machines will go to Dreamseekers and those funds will go to those in need. Stevens Jr. is chairman for the National Indian Gaming Association.

“When I met Ernie I thought what better way to use the Hulk brand name then to help these people. I had no idea about what kinds of problems these people face as far as healthcare goes,” Hogan said. “Then I found out about other problems like suicide and alcoholism. I felt I could help to address some of the needs these people have.”

Dreamseekers is in its infancy. The foundation has funds coming in, but they are hoping the Hulk’s machines will provide a steady source of revenue. Other sources will be sought as well, but all those involved are willing to wait and do things the right way. There are a lot of things to tackle, but Hogan said they’ll take it step by step.

“I think we can have a big impact on a lot of people’s lives,” Hogan said. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s all about helping people. I’m really just starting to understand what it’s all about. We’re going to take it one piece at a time and keep pushing forward.”

Hogan is involved with many other charitable organizations. He also works quite a bit with the Make A Wish foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Hogan recently received the National Indian Gaming Association’s Humanitarian Award for his work on behalf of Dreamseekers at the Las Vegas Global Gaming Expo in November, and it’s an honor he didn’t take lightly.

“When I do something I’m all in. If I don’t want to do something I’m all out. I’m all in on this. We have great people working with us who are dedicated to what we’re trying to do,” he said. “I’m sitting in this room with these people and five years from now I expect to be here again with this same group of people. Nobody is going anywhere.”

Hogan’s career in pro wrestling is well documented with six WWF and WCW titles. At 6-7, 275 pounds, he was larger than life in the ring and drew the adulation of millions of fans the world over. He may not be the force he once was in the ring but he’s making his presence known on television and with his philanthropic ways.

Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Ga., he never loses touch with who he is and what he wants to do. He’s at peace with himself and isn’t the hyper Hulk Hogan character people have come to know through wrestling. Out of the ring he’s engaging and mellow, and puts people at ease.

“I’m in the second half,” Hogan says with a smile. “It’s no secret I don’t have any hair and I’m getting a little older. I was in the ring with Rick Flair last week and managed to pull a few muscles but I didn’t break anything.”

Hogan’s personal life has also been well documented and he’s had his share of personal battles over the past year. But if Hogan is down about any personal struggles he’s had he sure doesn’t show it. He loves being Terry Bollea, but he never grows tired of becoming Hulk Hogan.

“I’ve been blessed my whole life and I’m blessed to be part of what we’re doing here. To have kids 7 and 8 years old coming up to me for autographs is really something,” he said. “I’d hate to be one of those guys who used to be popular and now don’t get any attention. It seems like more and more people are wanting to see the Hulk and that’s a lot of fun.”

Stevens Jr. said Hogan’s presence in Indian Country never goes unnoticed.

“Moms, dads, little kids all love Hulk Hogan. I’m bowled over and amazed how many people love this man,” Stevens Jr. said. “Here is a man who is a superstar and he reached out to me telling me he wanted to help Indian kids. That’s an amazing person.” (Credit: The Black Hills Pioneer)

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WHAT'CHA GONNA DO ... WHEN THE HULK HOGAN SLOT MACHINE RUNS WILD ON YOU?

LAS VEGAS, NV. On Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 12 noon, Hulk Hogan will be honored by National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. in conjunction with the Global Gaming Expo 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. He will receive the “Humanitarian Award” for his work on behalf of the “Dreamseekers” Foundation.

Working with the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation at the National Indian Gaming Association, Hulk and Dreamseekers have committed to building the non-profit organization in partnership with Indian Country to provide needed assistance to Native America youth and their families.

Hulk Hogan, one of the most successful entertainment personalities and Executive Producer/host of the “Celebrity Championship Wrestling” series on CMT, will participate in the foundation’s activities by providing a familiar public face and forwarding the organization’s goal: providing greater opportunities for youth in Indian Country. Hulk Hogan has made it a priority to start this program in areas of Indian Country with the most need.

Once the project is implemented, the Dreamseekers Foundation hopes to provide a significant amount per annum to tribal nations that face adversities such as poverty, violence and lack of various resources. “We’re specifically focusing on efforts to improve healthcare and education for Native youth and their families around the country, as well as give them access to as many other critical opportunities as possible,” said Ernie Stevens Jr., co-founder of the foundation.

The Hulkamania Experience TM, a multilevel progressive video-slot series based on the adventures of the iconic superstar, is expected to debut at the 2008 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas and roll out nationally during the next several months. As a part of the foundation’s fundraising initiative, a portion of the proceeds from The Hulkamania Experience tm will go towards the various health and education initiatives yet to be determined by the foundation.

The game, developed in conjunction with Rainmaker Gaming Technology and ID Interactive, LLC, represents a fundamentally new approach towards community involvement in Indian Country. Hulk’s efforts alongside that of the National Indian Gaming Association are a first of their kind, and it all spawned from an initial conversation between Ernie Stevens, Jr. and Hogan. “Hulk simply asked what he could do to help Indian Country, and we both agreed that it all starts with our children,” Stevens said.

“American Indian children are more likely to live in poverty than any other racial or ethnic group in this country“, Hogan noted, citing recent U.S. Census Bureau data. “It’s time to change that, and I’m proud to be associated with that effort,” said Hulk Hogan.

"This is an exciting opportunity to use the Hulk Hogan brand in a fulfilling way that makes a difference in people’s lives at the local level,” says Eric Bischoff of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment, Hogan’s partners in the project.

Last year Hogan was a recipient of a very high honor on behalf of the tribal leaders and the traditional community of South Dakota for his help in Indian Country while attending the Lakota Nation Invitational in Rapid City, SD. It was one of very few times in history that someone from outside the community has received such a prestigious honor. Hulk continues to feel the energy of that ceremony that took place ten months ago and looks forward to doing so much more.

* * *

KEY DATA / NEWS HOOKS:

* Nearly a third of all American Indian and Alaska Native children live in poverty

* 32.8 percent of Native American children in single-parent homes live below the poverty level. This is the highest rate among minorities, and more than twice the rate for White children in similar homes.

* SOURCE: "Children and the Households They Live In," a special report released by the Census Bureau.

About HULK HOGAN

Known most recently as the host of NBC’s top-rated “American Gladiator”, and host and Executive Producer of CMT’s series, “Celebrity Wrestling”, Hulk Hogan is one of the best-recognized celebrities in the United States.

A twelve- time world wrestling champion, including six WCW World Heavyweight belts, six WWE Championships, and a World Tag Team championship belt, Hulk Hogan is arguably the greatest wrestler in sports entertainment history. Rarely has an athlete held so many professional titles to his name in such a vast career.

Hulk Hogan is also well known among young fans for his four "demandments": which include training, saying prayers, eating vitamins, and believing in one self. As a result, he is one of the most-requested celebrities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation children’s charity.

About ERIC BISCHOFF

Eric Bischoff began his TV career in syndication and sales for an organization in Minneapolis known as the AWA in August of 1987. His transition from an obscure “office” position to an on-camera host for the company’s daily program on ESPN and in syndication was an event that truly defined the phrase “right time…right place”.

Being in the right place at the right time isn’t always simply coincidence. Indeed, in many respects it’s really all about passion, instinct, commitment, and risk. Bischoff’s move from the AWA to Turner Broadcasting in 1991 and his subsequent path that began as on camera talent at Turner Broadcasting culminated in 1999 when he was named President of Turner/Time Warner’s WCW division.

During this period he had the opportunity to take a fledgling division of Turner Broadcasting that happened to be a personal favorite of Ted Turner, from a money losing-content producing lost leader (from a corporate point of view) to a $300+ million dollar leader in the industry that had ABC Television up at night wondering how to shore up the male audience that was making “Monday Nitro on TNT” their preferred destination during the NFL season.

Today, Bischoff and Jason Hervey own their own production company (BISCHOFF-HERVEY ENTERTAINMENT), developing television content for NBC, VH1, CMT, E! and many other outlets as well as developing licensing opportunities for entertainment brands..

About ERNIE STEVENS, JR.

Stevens is the Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association, representing 184 tribes in gaming, based in Washington, D.C. Stevens is a former councilman for the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, as well as former 1st Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians. He is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as chairman for the association.

About the NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION (NIGA)

NIGA is a non-profit trade association comprised of 184 American Indian Nations and other non-voting associate members. The mission of NIGA is to advance the lives of Indian people; economically, socially, and politically. NIGA operates as a clearinghouse and educational, legislative and public policy resource for tribes, policy makers, and the public on Indian gaming issues and tribal community development. For more information, visit www.indiangaming.org.

About ID Interactive

ID Interactive LLC, producer of the Hulkamania multilevel progressive, is an independent game developer, designer and distributor with a domestic US focus on Indian Country and a history of commitment to charitable community programs. ID distributes games in the US, Western and Eastern Europe, Mexico, Central and South America and Asia. CEO Jon Goldstein is a founding partner of the Dreamseekers Foundation.

About Dreamseekers and the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation

Dreamseekers and the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation recognize students that are exceptionally talented and demonstrate skills that positively represent the Native American community. Recipients are qualified based on criteria such as, but not limited to: Course study, GPA, and Enrollment. The selection process for scholarship is competitive, and the award is distinct and prestigious.

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New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas - A Guide to the Glitterati, by Melissa Arseniuk - Las Vegas Sun - 22nd December 2008

Here's a guide to glitterati — where celebrities will see and be seen in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve.

Who: Usher

What: “A special countdown that party people won’t soon forget,” including a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Where: The Bank (Bellagio)

When: Doors open at 10 p.m.

How Much: $150 per person. Table service is also available, from $1,000 with a two-bottle minimum, and includes a “complimentary” bottle of Dom Perignon champagne.


Who: Kid Rock

What: Post-concert party at one of Vegas’ sexiest nightspots, complete with hats, noisemakers and a complimentary champagne toast.

Where: Playboy Club (Palms)

When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

How Much: $$200 and up.


Who: Carmen Electra hosts, while Mena Suvari, Jesse McCartney, David Spade, Antonio Sabato Jr., Nicholas Gonzalez, and Pauly Shore are also expected to attend.

What: 42,000-square feet of Asian-inspired party with complimentary sushi and hors d’œuvres and an open bar from 9 until 11 p.m. Tickets are also good for admisstion to Fergie's party at Lavo after midnight.

When: Doors open at 9 p.m.

Where: Tao (Venetian)

How Much: $150


Who: Good Charlotte frontman and Paris Hilton’s ex, Benji Madden

What: A NYE "Bailout" party featuring draws for $5,000 to $10,000 feauting Madden as host and guest DJ

Where: Body English (Hard Rock Hotel)

When: Doors open at 10 p.m.

How Much: $150 per person. Table service is also available, from $350 per person.


Who: Pink

What: Pink takes a stroll down memory lane at ex-husband Carey Hart’s nightclub. DJ Sid Vicious rounds out the odd couple threesome.

Where: Wasted Space (Hard Rock Hotel)

When: Doors open at 10 p.m.

How Much: Tickets start at $75 per person.


Who: Denise Richards, Lance Bass and DMC.

What: Party with the unlikely duo of an actress-turned-reality star and a legendary hip hopper including party favors and an open bar from 9 p.m. until midnight.

When: Doors open at 9 p.m.

Where: Privé (Planet Hollywood)

How Much: $200 per person for general admission, or table for six from $3500.


Who: Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson

What: Party with newlyweds/new parents Wentz and Simpson-Wentz, including party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. The Fall Out Boy will kick off 2009 by trying his hand as a house DJ.

When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

Where: Pure (Caesars)

How Much: $200 for general admission. Table service is also available, starting at $3500 for six people, including two bottles of premium spirits and a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne.


Who: Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian

What: A NYE bash with a trio of reality starlets including party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

Where: LAX (The Luxor)

How Much: $200 for general admission, table service for four starting at $2000.


Who: Donnie Wahlberg and Danny Wood

What: Party alongside former teen idols and New Kids on the Block members while enjoying a hosted bar from 10 p.m. to midnight and “a special NKOTB-edition video set by acclaimed DVDJ Roonie G.”

When: Doors open at 10 p.m.

Where: Jet (Mirage)

How Much: $150 per person, or bottle service from $800 (for four people) which includes a “complimentary” bottle of White Star champagne.


Who: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt

What: NYE soirée with recently eloped Hills stars including party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

When: Doors open at 8 p.m.

Where: Christian Audigier (Treasure Island)

How Much: $125 for general admission, table service for four from $1450.


Who: Fergie

What: An open bar and passed hors d’œuvres until 11 p.m. and a ceremonial champagne toast at midnight. Tickets valid for admission to Tao after midnight.

When: 9 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Where: Lavo (Palazzo)

How Much: $150 per person.

*more details via the Las Vegas Sun website

(Credit: Las Vegas Sun)

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PartyCasino’s Evolution Continues With Live Dealing

Press Release

10 September 2008

PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino owned by PartyGaming, has entered into an agreement today that will enable customers to enjoy the authentic ‘live casino’ experience of playing roulette, blackjack and baccarat tables.

The agreement with EvolutionGaming, the provider of streamed casino services, to supply all three games in different languages and currencies will further enhance the quality and depth of PartyCasino’s customer offer.

Evolution provides the highest broadcast quality of online gaming in the market and its ‘live casino’ roulette, baccarat and blackjack tables will be accessible for any PartyCasino customer.

Broadband users will receive and enjoy a full-screen video stream that is close to TV quality.

Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said: “PartyCasino, which is continuing to roll out movie-themed slots, is focused firmly on delighting customers with greater entertainment. We believe that ‘live casino’ will gain us access to players who enjoy and prefer the experience of watching croupiers dealing cards or spinning roulette wheels and calling ‘place your bets’ in real time - that’s great, live online gaming entertainment.”

Jens von Bahr, Chief Executive Officer of Evolution, said: “Evolution is changing the face of online casino gaming for players around the world with an innovative, unmatched live experience.

PartyCasino is an industry leader at the forefront of change and we look forward to sharing a seat with them at the table where entertainment and fun is provided by our winning, leading-edge software - game on!”

Contacts:
PartyGaming Plc +44 207 337 0100

Peter Reynolds, Director of Investor Relations
John Shepherd, Director of Corporate Communications

Editor’s Notes

About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. Founded in 1997, the Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2007, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenues of $476.0m and Clean EBITDA of $111.7m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, EmpirePoker.com, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, PartyMarkets.com and Gamebookers.com.

None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US.

PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and is certified by GamCare as a responsible gaming operator.

For more information, please visit: www.partygaming.com.

About Evolution:

Evolution Gaming was founded in 2006 with the vision of providing the most realistic casino experience possible through broadcasting ‘live games’. The Company is one of the fastest growing businesses in the e-gaming sector and already employs more than 100 staff across Europe and Asia. With images broadcast on full size screens in TV quality via broadband or small screens on dial-up services, Evolution’s dealers work the tables and players bet on a ‘live table’ offering a unique personal casino experience online.

For more information about EvolutionGaming, please visit: www.evolutiongaming.com

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Odell in the top slot at Aristocrat - 30th December 2008

Aristocrat Leisure, the world's second-largest maker of slot machines, has appointed Jamie Odell as chief executive and managing director.

He will replace Paul Oneile, who stepped down in September, three months ahead of schedule.

Mr Odell was formerly a divisional managing director of Foster's Group in charge of its beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks businesses in the Asia-Pacific region.

Aristocrat told the stock exchange it saw the Asia-Pacific as a growth area.

Mr Odell, who quit Foster's last month after apparently missing out on the chief executive's position following the exit of Trevor O'Hoy, will take up his new job on February 1.

Aristocrat is struggling to find buyers for new games as recession crimps demand for slot machines in the US, its biggest market.

Casino gambling revenue on the Las Vegas Strip and in Atlantic City fell for the 10th straight month in October as consumers - hurt by falling home values and mounting job losses - cut their entertainment spending.

Shares in Aristocrat rose 5c to $3.90 yesterday, but are still down 65 per cent over the year.

Mr Odell will be paid an annual salary of $1.25 million. He could also receive a bonus of up to 100 per cent of salary depending on meeting financial and other targets, and may be granted a long-term incentive of share rights worth as much as $1.275 million.

Aristocrat's chairman, David Simpson, stepped into the executive chairman's role after Mr Oneile quit on September 29. Mr Oneile had previously said he would not renew his contract when it expired on December 31.

In October Aristocrat downgraded its profit guidance, saying it expected to report an operating profit after tax of $120 million to $150 million for the year ending December 31.

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Monday, December 29, 2008

Wrestling Star Features On Slot Machine

Hulk Hogan to appear on new video slot machine developed by US firm.

One of the world's most famous wrestlers is set to enter the gaming market with a new slot machine offering.

Former World Wrestling Federation star Hulk Hogan has put his name to The Hulkamania Experience, a progressive video slot based on his glory days in the ring.

Due to hit US casinos in early 2009, the machine will be unveiled by developers Rainmaker Gaming Technology and IDInteractive at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas next month.

The Dreamseekers Foundation, a non-profit organisation which works to improve living conditions for Native American families, is in line to receive a substantial proportion of revenues from the slots game.

"We're thrilled to work with such a worthy cause and such an incredible superstar," said Ike McFadden, director of marketing at IDInteractive.

At next month's gaming exhibition, Hogan is set to receive a humanitarian award from the National Indian Gaming Association in recognition of his work with the Dreamseekers Foundation.

Media Man Australia and Casino News Media has also learned that there are plans for a leader in the online casino game market to develop a themed slot game on Andre The Giant.

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Gambling tycoon Anurag Dikshit deals losing hand, by Matthew Goodman - Times Online - 28th December 2008

Anurag Dikshit’s guilty plea to online gaming in the US leaves former Party Gaming colleagues vulnerable

The first time Anurag Dikshit moved to Gibraltar, where Party Gaming, the online gambling company he co-founded is based, he found his ideal home.

But there was a snag — someone was already living in it. That did not deter Dikshit. According to industry legend, he simply offered the owner much more than the property was worth to get him to sell.

This month the Indian-born tycoon has again been drawing on his considerable fortune to buy himself peace of mind. Dikshit pleaded guilty in a New York court to a charge under the Wire Act, which, in effect, makes it illegal to offer online betting in the US, and agreed to pay a $300m (£204m) fine.

Dikshit’s decision has created a rift with his former Party Gaming colleagues, in particular the three other entrepreneurs who helped launch what was once the world’s biggest internet poker service — Ruth Parasol, her husband, Russell De Leon, and their marketing guru, Vikrant Bhargava. It will also have troubled executives at other big online gaming companies, such as 888 Holdings. And it could have grave implications for the entire online gambling industry, estimated to be worth more than $12 billion a year.

Dikshit will be formally sentenced in two years’ time. He could get two years in prison, although many observers think it is unlikely he will have to spend time behind bars. Between now and his sentencing date, he is expected to help the American authorities with their inquiries into the world of online gaming.

The software engineer’s guilty plea is a significant coup for the US Department of Justice, which has been pursuing overseas companies that allowed American citizens to play on their websites. David Carruthers, a Scot who ran online sporting bookmaker BetonSports, was detained in America while changing planes to fly to Costa Rica in July 2006 and awaits trial. Executives of online gambling firms all face the risk of arrest if they travel to America.

The determination of the American authorities to pursue those involved in online gaming persuaded Dikshit to plead guilty. According to those close to him, it was simply a means of bringing the affair to an end, even if it cost $300m. It is money he can afford to lose, argue his friends. He has already made more than £500m from the sale of Party Gaming shares, and retains a 27.7% stake in the business, worth £213m.

Executives at other online gaming companies and his former Party Gaming colleagues do not take such a sanguine view. “It’s a dangerous precedent,” said one executive. “If he’s admitting wrong, I don’t like it.”

Dikshit’s decision to break ranks has provoked anger among former colleagues. According to one person who knows them well, the other three founders of Party Gaming are upset because it leaves them feeling “guilty by association”. They believe they have done nothing wrong, maintaining that until the US explicitly banned online gaming in October 2006, offering poker online to American citizens was not illegal.

Dikshit had been negotiating for a resolution since summer 2006, and in that time has travelled to America only once — for this month’s court appearance. An American law firm led the negotiations with the US authorities on his behalf.

Dikshit has barely spoken to the other three founders in almost a year. Some say this is on legal advice, but Dikshit’s friends insist that the two factions have simply drifted apart.

His former colleagues think that Dikshit has, in poker parlance, folded. They believe that with the change in administration in America next month, pursuing those involved in online gambling will fall off the agenda. Why, they argue, pay huge sums to settle these disputes if the authorities will be looking elsewhere in just a few weeks?

According to executives close to them, the Party Gaming entrepreneurs are convinced that the US will regulate the entire industry within the next two years, not least for the valuable revenue it will generate in taxes.

Meanwhile, the online gaming companies are pursuing their own negotiations. The vast majority pulled out of the American market after the 2006 ban but want to ensure they will not be prosecuted for business carried out in the US before the prohibition.

In a statement released on the day of Dikshit’s court appearance, Party Gaming revealed its own negotiations with the Department of Justice were making “good progress” and said that it expected any financial settlement to be “significantly lower” than the $300m Dikshit has agreed to pay. City analysts think the sum is likely to be between $50m and $100m, and that an agreement could come in the new year.

Once settlements are agreed, the sector is likely to undergo a rapid round of consolidation. In the recent past, deals, such as a mooted tie-up between Ladbrokes, the bookmaker, and 888 have come to nothing because of the risk of American litigation. That could all change with a settlement.

In a research note, Ivor Jones, leisure analyst at Evolution Securities, said: “Party Gaming and 888, as two of the largest companies, look likely to start the process. We believe combining the two would release at least $70m of synergies.”

It looks odds-on that 2009 will be quite a ride.

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Saturday, December 27, 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

Poker to feature in Bond-themed evening - 19th December 2008

Hebden Bridge Picture house is hosting a Bond-themed evening on December 20th.

Those who attend will watch a screening of Daniel Craig's latest outing as 007 Quantum of Solace and then move to B@r Place for a casino night, reports the Halifax Courier.

Customers have been invited to turn up in their tuxedos and cocktail dresses, or even dressed as their favourite Bond characters.

There will be alcohol-free cocktails at the cinema as well as canapes and a live jazz band.

After the screening poker fans will be able to hit the felt, where they will be entertained by a video DJ.

While poker is most commonly associated with Craig's Bond because it made up a large part of the story in Casino Royale - his first outing - there will also be roulette and blackjack.

The first glimpse of Bond in the inaugural film of the franchise Dr No sees him sitting at a table playing Chemin de Fer with Sylvia Trench at Les Ambassadeurs Club in London.

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Party Gaming Founder Anurag Dikshit Pleads Guilty in U.S. Court, by Dan Cypra - Poker News Daily - 17th December 2008

On Tuesday, PartyGaming founder Anurag Dikshit pled guilty to violating the Wire Act of 1961 in the Southern District Court of New York. Judge Jed Rakoff scheduled sentencing for December 16th, 2010, according to Bloomberg News. Dikshit posted a $50 million bond and will fork over $300 million in three installments to the United States Government.

Bloomberg quoted Dikshit as saying that Party Gaming accepting customers from the United States “was in fact illegal under U.S. law. I have taken full responsibility for my actions.” The owner of 27% of Party Gaming and its largest shareholder, Dikshit has already paid $100 million, agreed to pay another $100 million within three months, and will post an additional $100 million by September 30th, 2009. An Associated Press article notes that Forbes indicated Dikshit was worth a whopping $1.6 billion in 2007.

Other large-scale owners of Party Gaming, which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “PRTY,” include Ruth Parasol and Russ DeLeon, each of whom holds a 17% interest in the company. Neither member of the husband and wife team has yet made any agreement with the United States Government. The penalty for violating the Wire Act is up to two years in prison. It’s unknown whether the prosecution will seek that length for Dikshit. The Party Gaming owner traveled to the U.S. under his own accord.

Party Gaming’s stock rose dramatically on the prospect that Dikshit’s settlement with the United States Government may help clear the way for the company’s return to the market should internet gambling become legalized in the future. Last Friday, PRTY stock had traded as low as ₤119. It ballooned over 25% on the day at the time of writing, up ₤37.75 to ₤176.50. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock price has wavered between a low of ₤17.50 and a high of ₤312.00.

Last year, Party Gaming entered negotiations with the U.S. to clear the air legally about its actions prior to the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006. The statement by the company to the London Stock Exchange revealed, “The Company’s discussions with the DoJ have made good progress and it is currently negotiating the final terms of a possible settlement. Whilst these discussions are at an advanced stage, the terms of any settlement have not yet been finalized and there can be no guarantee that an agreement will be reached.”

The company’s online poker room, PartyPoker, exited the U.S. market in late 2006 upon the passage of the UIGEA. Paradise Poker and other sites owned by publicly-traded firms left the market as well, leaving PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, both privately owned, as the world’s two largest rooms. As late as 2005, the PartyPoker Million was a World Poker Tour stop.

Various news sources differ in the amount of bail, if any, that Dikshit posted on Tuesday. However, the Financial Times noted that the terms of his agreement allow him to travel to any country in the European Union, Manhattan (in the United States), India, and Gibraltar, which is where he currently takes up residence.

Sportingbet and 888, both publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange, saw their shares rise as well as a result of Dikshit’s settlement. 888 was up ₤10.00 to ₤79.75. Sportingbet (which is traded under the symbol “SBT”) was up ₤3.00 to ₤30.00. Party Gaming is expected to release another statement in the coming days providing a reaction to Tuesday’s news.

The hearing took place this afternoon in White Plains, New York at 2:00pm Eastern Time. A call placed to Judge Rakoff’s chambers revealed that a plethora of news outlets attended the proceedings, which will likely set a major precedent on how running an internet gambling site is prosecuted in the United States. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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Saturday, December 20, 2008

Casino News Media and Media Man Australia Ink Deal with Slotland

In the latest of a series of exciting business developments in the igaming sector for Casino News Media and Media Man Australia, Casino News Media director, Greg Tingle, has come to business terms with leading igaming company, Slotland.

This follows Tingle's recent deals with PartyGaming, Bingo Australia, 888.com and a sensational month with Virgin Games and PKR.

Tingle commentated, "The Slotland business arrangement has the potential to be as big as anything else we have achieved in the online casino b2b and new media space. We are excited to add the Slotland brand to our portfolio mix of leading igaming entities. The Gold Boom slot is a sensational game from a player and partner perspective, and their Win A Day 3D casino is one of the most impressive websites we've seen in many years. I have no doubt that our new association with Slotland will help our business boom as we approach the new year".

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Media Man Australia and Casino News Media will report more on the PartyGaming case as the story develops.

For the record, Media Man Australia is a Sydney, Australian based media and publicity company, which also engages in online advertising and b2b, including for the iGaming sector, and is a proud member of the PartyGaming - PartyPartners.com affiliate program. Casino News Media is the iGaming and casino news reporting, publicity and online advertising arm of Media Man Australia. Casino News Media does participate in the PartyGaming affiliate program, in addition to numerous other affiliate programs, including some in the iGaming - online casino industry.

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Mogul's Plea Resurrects Unfair U.S. Law Arguments

Imprisoned execs, discriminatory laws and official intimidation seem to be the order the day with the DoJ

December 18, 2008 (InfoPowa News) -- This week's $300 million "settlement" and Wire Act guilty plea by the co-founder of PartyGaming, Anurag Dikshit, has resulted in a blizzard of high-visibility coverage for the industry in the world's mainstream media, and much of it has been positive -- highlighting the confusing and often discriminatory nature of U.S. laws on Internet gambling and its application by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Among the subjects resurrected this week were the continued house-imprisonment after two years of being denied liberty of former BetonSports CEO David Carruthers, and lengthy detention without bail of BoS founder Gary Kaplan; the still-unresolved World Trade Organization disputes with the European Union and Antigua; the highly questionable acts by the state governor of Kentucky, his officials and a local county court in attempting to seize 141 global online gambling domains; the manner in which the UIGEA was rammed through Congress; and the way in which the supporting regulations became a "midnight drop" for the incoming Obama administration; the arrest of Neteller founders and how this was used to wring substantial sums of money from the e-processor and drive it from the U.S. market; the inequitable nature of U.S. legislative "carve-outs" for U.S. horseracing, lotteries and fantasy football and several cases of official intimidation enacted against advertising media in the past.

The overall picture this publicity painted of official zealotry, commercial protectionism, uneven application of the law and political chicanery, did the United States no credit.

Among the more entertaining of the pieces was a widely discussed article by Jacob Sullum on the Reason blog at http://www.reason.com/blog/show/130625.html.

Headed "I Plead Guilty to Possibly Violating Your Ridiculous Gambling Laws," the piece covered the Dikshit settlement with the DoJ, claiming that his brief statement when pleading guilty before a New York court this week alluded to the vague and arbitrary nature of U.S. law.

"Even in admitting his guilt, Dikshit alluded to the arbitrariness and vagueness of U.S. gambling laws, especially as applied to foreign companies that are perfectly legal in the countries where they operate," wrote Sullum, quoting Dikshit's statement thus:

"I came to believe there was a high probability that the company's business was illegal under U.S. laws. I acknowledge my actions and have come to believe that what I did was wrong."

Sullum examines that admission, writing: "Doesn't the rule of law require something more than the possibility of gradually realizing, after operating a business for years, that you are probably committing a crime?"

The Dikshit settlement immediately triggered a sharp statement from the U.K.-based Remote Gambling Association condemning the U.S. Trade Representative at the World Trade Organization for the unresolved status of its complaint on the inequities of U.S. law as applied to its members. The trade association, which numbers most of Europe's major online gambling groups among its members, submitted a complaint to the European Commission which took up the issue with U.S. authorities, apparently without a resolution.

One person in U.S. politics concerned about the cooling U.S./European Union relationship was Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.), chairman of the Europe subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who also quickly responded to Dikshit's guilty plea by urging the legalization of online gambling:

"It is of critical importance that we find an effective and immediate way to regulate and tax Internet gaming in order to avoid a serious trade dispute with the EU, which, in turn, could have global trade repercussions for the United States. The retroactive and discriminatory enforcement against EU parties, who ceased operating in the U.S. a long time ago, has directly led to an escalating trade dispute with the EU," he said.

Sullum's piece elicited a number of comments, among them these:

"This is two things: a shakedown, and a message to other gambling providers that U.S.-based gambling interests control the U.S. market. Plain and simple."

"'It is of critical importance that we find an effective and immediate way to regulate and tax Internet gaming.' Sadly, this counts as progress. I, for one, am still very curious (and dubious) about how the U.S. exerts criminal jurisdiction over a foreign national who has no 'nexus' with the US (that is, no physical footprint here)."

"What we need is to take over a flag-of-convenience microstate, make it illegal there to make gambling illegal anywhere, and then start seizing the persons of American legislators, executive branch personnel, and judges wherever we find them. Only allow them to leave if they plead guilty, surrender assets, and accept caning. That would be fair, right?"

"Maybe call it Extortiania or Gougestan?" another poster commented.

"I was thinking more along the lines of Hoistepetardikia," wrote another.

"There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws."

Techdirt commented on the Dikshit issue and recalled previous cases in which the DoJ has extracted online gambling related "settlements" outside of the courtroom. Doing some quick calculations, it found that Dikshit's and the Neteller founders' settlements alone pulled half a billion dollars into U.S. federal coffers.

"If revenue generation is the goal, why not simply legalize online gambling, then regulate and tax it? That way, the government gets its slice, while U.S. citizens can enjoy some protection while betting, instead of being forced into the grey market where they're largely at the whim of site owners," the popular publication concluded.

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Friday, December 19, 2008

Tough times hit China's gambling capital, by Maureen Fan - Fairfax - 19th December 2008

The laid-off worker from Hunan province hung back from the baccarat table as his wife placed bets. He sipped water and explained how he justified travelling to this former Portuguese colony on China's southern coast - the only place in the country where gambling is legal - and blowing $US450 ($650) in savings there.

"We are not rich, so we took a train to Guangzhou first, then we took a bus to Zhuhai [bordering Macau]," Zhang, 50, who would give only one name, said as he scanned half-empty tables at the huge casino known as the Venetian Macao. "We are staying in a hotel that costs only $US15 a day, and we eat from food vendors for no more than $US3 a meal. We don't buy anything here."

Four years ago, gamblers broke down the doors of the newest casinos to race for seats. Two years ago, Macau raked in $US7 billion in annual casino revenue, surpassing the Las Vegas Strip as the world's biggest gambling centre. Officials hoped that would help transform the seedy, sleepy enclave into a convention and family entertainment centre.

But today, Communist Party officials who once welcomed US companies such as MGM Mirage and Las Vegas Sands, and James Packer's Crown Macau, have put the brakes on the millions of mainland visitors who flow into the territory and, like Zhang, appear to give their cash away to foreign companies without investing in Macau.

Most mainland residents, who make up more than half of Macau's visitors, are now allowed only one visit every three months, under a policy from China's Public Security Ministry. Access from Hong Kong, an hour's ferry ride away, has also been sharply restricted by Macau authorities. And mainland visitors en route to another Asian city, who used to be able to stay in Macau for two weeks, can now stay only a week.

In some establishments business has fallen by half. The number of individual tourists - those not travelling on business or as part of a tour group - fell to 470,049 in October, a 26 per cent drop from the previous October, according to Macau's Statistics and Census Service.

"From August onward, our customers have been reduced by half," said Emily Chen, manager of Macau's Seven Seas Travel Agency.

"Because most of the casinos here depend on mainland tourists, the money flows out continuously from China to foreign countries. That's why the Government wants to control it."

The Government in Beijing is also trying to get a handle on the corruption and money laundering long associated with the territory, which was returned to China in 1999. State media reports on officials caught up in bribery scandals often cite repeated visits to Macau; a former economic planner for the city of Xiangtan, in Hunan, was sentenced in May to 19 years in prison for blowing $US219,000 of public money during 36 visits there since 2002.

But authorities may also be trying to temper Macau's boom because of concerns about whether the territory was growing too quickly.

The Washington Post

(Credit: Fairfax)

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Casino News Media - Top 5 Online Casinos

The Casino News Media top 5 online casinos as of this writing, based on a combination of customer service, gameplay, ethics, affiliate experience and overall experience, starting from our top pick:

Virgin Casino

PartyCasino.com

PKR Casino

888.com

InterCasino.com

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Thursday, December 11, 2008

First CAP Down Under a 'Great Success'

First Ever Online Gaming Affiliate Marketing Trade Show Held in Australia was a Resounding Success, Reports CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com and Media Sources; CAP TV Recap Out Today

Irvine, CA (PRWEB) December 11, 2008 -- CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (CAP), the leading online marketing resource and community website for Internet casino affiliates, has announced that its first annual CAP Down Under event, held the last week of November in Sydney, Australia, was a resounding success.

180 people -- of which 80 percent were Australian and 66 percent were affiliates -- attended the four-day affiliate marketing conference, according to company representatives. Held at Sydney's premium, five-star Shangri-La hotel during the last week of November, 2008, CAP Down Under was the first Australian-based iGaming affiliate marketing conference ever. It was held partially in response to requests from members of the CAP Forums, a highly trafficked social networking community administered on the main CAP site that boasts almost 8,000 members, an industry-leading figure.

"This was an incredible event; CAP Down Under attracted a ton of participants from all over the world," reported Alex Pratt, an organizer for the conference. "From the opening party sponsored by Rewards Affiliates in the Opera Bar with its stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, to the attendance of Australian Boxer Jeff Fenech, who played heads up poker against the delegates for prizes, there wasn't a dull moment.

"And with a huge variety of experts in the affiliate marketing and search engine marketing fields, there was no shortage of informative discussion, either."

"The team at CAP Down Under/CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com has done awesome," stated Greg Tingle of Media Man Australia and Casino News Media, a participant who also served as moderator and assisted with coordination duties. "It's been a great conference ... some of the stuff that we've seen, slots and poker and search engine news ... it was very impressive, and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about CAP Down Under here in Australia."

The event's exhibitors included Referback, CanBet/IAS, CentreBet, 888.com, Rewards Affiliates and Bluff Magazine. For video coverage of CAP Down Under, view the December 10 edition of CAP TV at http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com/captv. Additional footage of the event can also be found at http://www.capdownunder.com.

About CAP Down Under
CAP Down Under is a four-day trade show organized by CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com that gathers the top names in the iGaming affiliate marketing community together in Australia. Like the company's other popular and highly successful conferences in London and Barcelona, CAP Down Under boasts exhibitors from all corners of the globe, with many of the industry's brightest stars among them. For more information on CAP Down Under, please visit http://www.capdownunder.com.

About CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com
Founded in 1999, CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (CAP) is the largest and longest-running online gaming affiliate resource, featuring an active community forum, chat rooms, marketing tools, industry news/articles, scam alerts, and many more industry-specific tools and services for affiliate marketers. The company offers its signature CAP Certification Process as a means to protect players, affiliates marketers, and the integrity of the online gaming industry as a whole. For more information, please visit http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com.

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Casino News Media - Media Man Australia Featured On CAP TV

Casino News Media and Media Man Australia director and founder, Greg Tingle, is amongst those featured on the second episode of CAP TV which was released today.

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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PartyPartners Announced As Platinum Sponsor for CAP Euro London 2009

"World's Leading Listed Online Gaming Company" to be Main Sponsor for CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com's Upcoming London Extravaganza

Irvine, CA – December 9, 2008 – CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com ("CAP"), the leading online marketing resource and community website for Internet casino affiliates, has announced that PartyGaming will be the exclusive Platinum Sponsor for CAP Euro London 2009 (www.capeuro.com).

To be held from January 29 to February 1 at the award-winning Novotel London, CAP Euro London is CAP's biggest conference of the year, and has come to be known as the iGaming affiliate marketing world’s signature event.

In addition to offering CAP's renowned brand of business networking, online marketing discussions and advice panels, and after-hours socializing, CAP Euro London will also include the highly anticipated 2009 CAP Awards — the second annual awards celebration celebrating the most successful and innovative members of the worldwide Internet gaming community.

"We're very pleased to announce PartyPartners as the Platinum Sponsor to yet another CAP Euro event," stated Lou Fabiano, President and Founder of CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com. "As one of the true leaders of this industry, PartyPartners' presence is an ideal contribution to the overall spirit of excellence in gaming that CAP Euro events have come to represent."

"PartyPartners.com and AffClub.com are delighted to again be the Platinum Sponsors at this year's CAP Euro London Conference," said Jon Salmon, Chief Marketing Director for PartyPartners. "Affiliates play a key role in helping to make our business a success, which is why we see CAP as a 'must attend' event where we can meet with existing and prospective affiliates.

"Understanding affiliates' needs is of paramount importance to us," continued Mr. Salmon, "and at the same time we can talk to them about marketing the best online gaming brands on the market. They include the recently launched next generation of PartyPoker.com and a growing range of movie-themed slots on PartyCasino.com, such as The Godfather, Saturday Night Fever, Top Gun, Terminator and Mission: Impossible. Our aim is to set the world's hearts racing through great online entertainment."

For more information on CAP Euro London, please visit http://www.capeuro.com. For more information on the CAP Awards, please visit http://www.capawards.com. For more information on PartyPartner's affiliate marketing program, please visit http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com/Program/Party-Partners.php.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Marvel Slots Online - Casino News Media - Media Man Australia

Marvel Slots Online available for play via Media Man Australia and Casino News Media.

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Shipwreck by PartyCasino.com

The latest game launched by the Party Casino is called a “Shipwreck”, and it is a five-reel video slot with 20 pay lines. In this game you can win a multiplier bonus round by hitting more than two Diving Helmet symbols, which should appear from right to left side of the screen, or the other way round. The worth of your multiplier depends on the amount of air in the diver’s tank. The deeper he can dive the bigger your multiplier will be. The stakes in the “Shipwreck” are quite amazing; they range from $.01 to a whopping $1,000. In this game you can also meet with a joker symbol which is nothing else than the ship itself. When it appears on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th reel, it substitutes all other symbols (except the Diving Helmet).

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CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com Launches CAP TV, a High-Definition iGaming Video Program

IRVINE, CA – December 3, 2008 – CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (“CAP”), the leading online marketing resource and community website for Internet casino affiliate marketers, has launched its first-ever edition of CAP TV, a new high-definition online video service.

“After weeks of preparation, CAP TV is ready for its big premiere,” announced Lou Fabiano, CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com's founder and president. “We’ve worked hard to create a high-definition online iGaming affiliate marketing resource that reflects the quality of the CAP brand. And, we’re proud to offer our community of nearly 8,000 members — as well as anyone else interested in the iGaming industry — a front row seat to this historic moment in the world of online gaming affiliate marketing!”

Designed to provide weekly video updates for the online gaming industry, CAP TV will also offer information on exclusive offers, partner promotions, video blogging from CAP events, interviews with industry leaders, special opinion pieces, on-location reporting of key online gaming conferences, and previews and recaps of the many popular CAP conferences (including CAP Euro, CAP Spring Break, and the new CAP Down Under).

“The CAP TV strategy is to offer a place for CAP-branded videos, as well as user-driven content,” explained Mr. Fabiano. “We’ll soon be adding to the core CAP TV feature by implementing a feature in which registered users can add video blogs and unique content of their own.

“Most exciting of all, this new feature will tie directly into MyCAP, our upcoming social networking service that will also focus in part on user-driven videos.”

CAP TV is now live, according to company officials, and can be viewed at http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com/captv. Subsequent videos will be released every Wednesday.

About CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com

CasinoAffiliatePrograms.com (or CAP, as it's commonly known) is the largest and longest-running online gaming affiliate resource, featuring an active community forum, chat rooms, affiliate marketing tools, industry news/articles, scam alerts, and a rigorous and distinguished certification process for online casino affiliate programs. The CAP Certification Process is held in the highest regard among industry experts, and is designed to protect the integrity of affiliates and the online gaming industry as a whole. For more information, please visit http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

LuckyAceCasino Launches Spider-man and Fantastic 4 Video Slots Games

New slots games based on Marvel comic book characters introduced

December 1, 2008 -- LuckyAceCasino.com (http://www.luckyacecasino.com) is pleased to announce the launch of Spiderman and Fantastic 4 to its stable of video slot games.

Each featuring over 25 paylines of SuperHero slot action these games further consolidate LuckyAceCasino’s position as the leading global online casino.

Casino games are all about variety and action -- therefore we are constantly adding new games. This month Spiderman and the Fantastic 4 just dropped into the LuckyAceCasino.com video slot arena with 25 paylines of superhero slot action.

And that is not all, 2 additional video slots (Bejeweled and Gold medal), a new game of Triple Card Poker, and a unique version of fast-paced Turbo Hi Lo were added to LuckyAceCasino.com -- all geared to enhance the gaming experience, improve conversion, and increase player loyalty.

LuckyAceCasino.com (http://www.luckyacecasino.com) "Let the games begin."

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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Million Dollar Cash Game - 24th November 2008

24th November 2008

World's Richest Poker Game to Take Place at Crown Casino, Melbourne Australia

Crown Casino has today announced the partnership with US based international broadcaster FOX Sports Network (FSN) in the United States to broadcast the biggest ever game of high-stakes poker, The Million Dollar Poker Cash Game, which will see the poker elite play for AUD$1Million each.

The Million Dollar Poker Cash Game will smash all previous records and be the biggest buy-in real money poker game in history and will be held during the 2009 Aussie Millions Poker Championship in January.

In what will be considered as the largest head-to-head poker game of all time, ten of the greatest and most influential high-stakes poker players will have to stake a minimum of AUD$1Million each to play. Many are expected to bring significantly more to the table with millions of dollars being staked throughout the game, in what promises to be the ultimate battle of the poker elite at Crown Casino.

FOX Sports Network will broadcast the production from March 2009.

“This is a huge coup for Crown Casino, and for Melbourne, and we are thrilled to be an integral part of this landmark international poker event,” said Crown’s Chief Operating Officer of Gaming, Mr Richard Longhurst, “this deal ensures a primetime global audience for the Aussie Millions and further international television exposure for Melbourne.”

“FOX Sports Network is proud to collaborate with Crown Casino in Melbourne, one of the world’s most exclusive casino resorts, and our first choice of venue to host this inaugural mega-event” said FOX Sports Network’s Executive Vice-President of Programming and Production Mr Gary Garcia.

Mr Longhurst said the 2009 Aussie Millions Poker Championship will see record numbers of international players from overseas locations such as the United States, Russia, Canada, England, Scandinavia, Holland and other parts of Europe.

“The success of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown and its phenomenal growth in recent years places Crown as the biggest and best poker venue outside the home of tournament poker, the United States.”

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Saturday Night Fever is full of iconic imagery from the film, including the Odyssey disco, the Cuban heels and, of course, the flares. There’s also an ultra-cool bonus round based on the film’s famous dance competition. Fly with the disco moves over six super-fly rounds, each with a progressively bigger prize.

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The Godfather Slot is our greatest-ever ‘Gold Jackpot’ slot game with a ‘feature’ game that gives the chance to win extra prizes. The game also features a wild symbol, The Godfather, which appears on reels two, three and four only and substitutes for all symbols other than the scattered Gold Ring symbol. For each bet placed, the house adds a percentage of the bet amount to all the four running Gold Jackpots making them grow progressively, as bets are made. All four levels in Gold Jackpot can be won irrespective of hitting any winning combination, while betting any amount.

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Sunday, November 30, 2008

CryptoLogic to Provide Online Casino Games for GigaMedia Casinos

CryptoLogic has just announced an exclusive contract with GigaMedia Casinos over the next few years. With two of the biggest names in Online Casino software together, both companies look set to give their Online Casino players a multitude of fun and exciting new Casino software.

The terms of the contract state that CryptoLogic will be the only external provider of Online Casino software across all of GigaMedia's Online Casinos. These include casinos like PartyCasino, InterCasino and LuckyAceCasino.

CryptoLogic plans to initially release Online Casino software in a few limited languages this quarter, but plans to expand language selection early next year.

This means a whole new selection of games available in almost every language for GigaMedia's range of Online Casinos including PartyCasino, InterCasino and LuckyAceCasino.

Brian Hadfield, the president and chief executive officer of Cryptologic, was proud to say: "I've said before that CryptoLogic's core strengths are the development of the industry's most innovative casino games and licensing our exceptional casino software to the top gaming sites around the world. CryptoLogic's exclusive partnership with GigaMedia clearly demonstrates the international appeal of our highly successful casino software, a strength on which we will continue to focus and build moving forward."

With more than 200 games under its belt, CryptoLogic has one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of Online Casino games. This is of great news to GigaMedia's Online Casinos, with places like Party Casino and InterCasino set to receive a whole new collection of Online Casino games as well as updated software.

"We are committed to delivering players the best online entertainment, and this exciting line-up from CryptoLogic featuring world-famous action heroes can help us do just that." stated Bob Cahill, chief executive officer of GigaMedia's gaming software division.

Lastly, Justin Thouin, Vice-President of Product Management and Business Development for CryptoLogic, had this to say: "Today's announcement combines CryptoLogic's award-winning online casino expertise with GigaMedia's established and growing player base."

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Friday, November 28, 2008

Rupert says journalists forsaking their own - Marketing Magazine

There are predictions of rough times ahead for the publishing industry, but it seems Rupert Murdoch believes the profession may still have a bright future, if it can get rid of reporters and editors who have ignored their readers.

“My summary of the way some of the established media has responded to the internet is this: It’s not newspapers that might become obsolete. It’s some of the editors, reporters, and proprietors who are forgetting a newspaper’s most precious asset: the bond with its readers,” says Murdoch, in remarks made as part of a lecture series sponsored by the ABC.

Murdoch, whose company News Corporation owns MySpace and The Wall Street Journal, criticised what he sees as a culture of “complacency and condescension” in newsrooms.

The 77-year-old, recalling a long career in newspapers that began with The Adelaide News in 1952, asserts the profession has failed to creatively respond to changes wrought by technology.

“It used to be that a handful of editors could decide what was news and what was not… today, editors are losing this power. The internet, for example, provides access to thousands of new sources that cover things an editor might ignore. And if you aren’t satisfied with that, you can start up your own blog, and cover and comment on the news yourself.”

These comments from Murdoch come at a time when the media landscape looks increasingly bleak for print-based and online news organizations.

A recent report by US research company, Goldman Sachs, predicts that advertising pressure will continue because of the declines in the auto and financial industries. Online outlets are also feeling the impact.

Despite these potential blemishes, however, Murdoch believes newspapers can still count on circulation gains “if papers provide readers with news they can trust.” He adds that they will also need to embrace technology advances like RSS feeds and targeted e-mails.

“The newspaper, or a very close electronic cousin, will always be around. It may not be thrown on your front doorstep the way it is today. But the thud it makes as it lands will continue to echo around society and the world.”


Greg Tingle

It's great to hear Rupert Murdoch tell it straight. I'm a former journalist, now media analyst, portal developer and gaming entrepreneur. Some of the newsrooms have been complacent. It's no secret that some editors and journalists do have an attitude and ego problem. Just because someone in a newsroom doesn't think your story is news, doesn't make it so. Many newsrooms are under resourced. Let's be real... they often don't have all the resources and all the staff required to cover the news like the good old days, when the journo's hit the street in search of a good story. News stories become recycled and press releases are often not fully checked over for facts. Comment on the news yourself like News Limited has done so well with News.com.au, and sometimes the switched on editors and journalists will follow up on the comments left on the newspaper website, and some of the comments and add ons can then find their way into print.

Remember, print ends up in the bin with the rubbish, and online news lives on. It's called the speed of news, which is about as fast as the speed of sound. Murdoch said, 'Big will not beat small anymore, it will be the fast beating the slow. Gaming and media tycoon, James Packer said, "Internet is like electricity", and Charles Darwin said, "In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed". Can we see a pattern here?

By the way, great to see Marketing Magazine online (and listening to its readership). With Murdoch now running The Wall Street Journal he must be the most connected media man in the world, if he wasn't already, and for his sake, let's hope this journalists have got the financial news right. Speaking of financial news and Murdoch, Scott Pape has a great News Limited blog entitled, The Barefoot Investor, and Pape listens and engages with his readership also. By doing so the media gains more insight into news stories, and as is the case right here, often doesn't have to even pay for more news, in times when everyone is watching the bottom line, and reading the fine print!


Kate

Thanks for the comment Greg! I like a bit of Darwinian theory ;-) Those are some very valid points and I'll be sure to check out the blogs recs. and so forth.

Anyone else have a different take?


Matty

I may be biased but I agree with MediaManOz. While it's finally good to hear someone of major media influence (ie, Mr Murdoch) say what we're all thinking, it'll be up to the next generation of editors, journos, bloggers, social media stars to take it to that next level. Quality or legitimacy doesn't have to suffer (though there are (BANNED WORD FILTERED) bloggers, etc, out there) and we can all embrace where new media takes us.

So let's have it - old-fashioned dedication mixed with modern tech and 'conversation'!


Greg Tingle

I largely agree with Matty : ) I'm just back from chairing CAP Down Under, the world's leading iGaming conference, which finally made its way down under, hence the name. Apart from the odd newspaper website post, we largely did own own media, as often traditional news media doesn't shot that much interest in the online casino sector (unless there's a scandal attached, like an OJ Simpson casino theft tie on or UltimateBet - Absolute Poker insider trading scenario, which is being covered by 60 Minutes in the United States). So, many of us have blogged about it, and were interviewed by the CAP side arm, the newly created, CAP TV, which I understand will soon be one of the hottest programs on YouTube, if not the entire internet. CAP Magazine will also be doing significant coverage of the happenings. Casino news is financial sector news and technology news, which is big news! Even Marvel Comics are now involved thanks to their deal with NextGen Gaming and CryptoLogic, Richard Branson's got Virgin Games, PKR is like a SecondLife.com type of casino room (but makes money), and it's big enough for the Crown Casino operations director to attend and a number of folks to make the 20 something hour flight from the U.S and Canada. I don't need to force the point about how big sports betting is in Australia, which is carried by the likes of Betfair, Centrebet, EzyBet (Gold Coast Titan's deal), IASbet, and 888.com has signed Aussie sports starts like Shane Warne and Jeff Fenech playing poker as part of the campaigns. How big is iGaming? Well, big enough where some of the industry movers and shakers are listed in Forbes and NextGen Gaming, based at North Sydney, often receives business awards, recently making the Deloitte top 50 Fastest Growing Technology companies in Australia. It's also no secret that people have been turning off TV's and turning on games for a number of years now. Even the ABC has 'Good Game' and one of the Australian networks is getting the next series of Cybershack ready. LiveNews.com and Fox Sports Online has a ton of sports betting coverage (and advertising). The crossover between games for fun and gaming for money has some concerned, however the games carry a "play for fun" and "play for money" option, and there are a number of motions alive in Australian parliament regarding monitoring the industry. That's how big and newsworthy this industry vertical is. Much more industry specific and mainstream news coverage is coming up on the iGaming and online casino industry, and its going to be big political news also, you can bet on it (at a number of online casinos). More on this at Media Man Australia and Casino News Media.


Websites

Marketing Magazine

Marketing Magazine blog

Media Man Australia

Casino News Media

CAP Down Under