Our man on the scene in Australia reports that business is booming and everyone wants in on the burgeoning online gambling industry. Even with news that certain politicians are trying to block the Internet through filtering systems (now deemed as a "failed attempt"), few operators and affiliates of online gambling seem at all concerned.
Playtech
Tingle, who heads up Media Man Australia and gaming offshoot, Casino News Media, reports a rise in profits and has expanded his online portfolio to 6 website portals (4 specifically gaming), and thus far has managed to avoid the more negative side of news, in an industry know for journalists attacking their own. Tingle's background includes 5 years in journalism, with numerous leading news stories to his name. In recent years Tingle's has expanded on his early successes in the online gaming b2b and publicity side of things, notably with Virgin Games - Virgin Casino, PKR, JackpotCity and some hits and misses with PokerListings. Tingle has just signed up a major new client, William Hill, which is proving to be a most profitable and go ahead venture, and has also struck a considerable deal with the head of Online Gambling Insider.
Tingle advises that he's just putting the final finishing touches on their Marvel Slots Online, ready to capitalize on the recent Marvel Entertainment - Playtech deal (Marvel slots were previously all but exclusive to InterCasino). William Hill now runs off Playtech software, so it stands to reason that a number of Marvel themed slot games will soon be available under the William Hill banner, and quite possible via other casinos employing Playtech software.
PartyGaming and their PartyCasino.com are expected to make more announcements regarding the Playtech and Marvel happenings in the near future industry insiders are saying, and the industry awaits good news or bad news from InterCasino and PartnerLogic, which have been effected by the recent wunderkind deal involving Marvel Entertainment, William Hill and Playtech. We will spare you the actual figures and share prices of InterCasino, Marvel, William Hill and Playtech, but InterCasino is looking down, whist the outlook looks brighter for the latter.
Tabcorp Holdings
Suffering a very public major embarrassment, being stung with a 12 million dollar dud cheque from a well known "chronic gambler" (a former casino "whale" we understand), Tabcorp appear to be spending up big on PR. They are also looking for return on investment of their 475 million revamp of their Star City Casino in Sydney. Their casino chain which also includes Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast has been not surprisingly watching out for users of Apple ipod card counting software, some of which is said to be going under a name as "card shark"!
Bodog
Americas and Canadian favorite online casino whipping boy, Calvin Ayre of Bodog infamy is still M.I.A., but numerous residences of his are up for sale in what must be the "fire sale of the century". Bodog was once one of the world's Hitwise and industry sector "top ten" websites, but those days are clearly ancient history, as will be his mansions if the squatters are not removed soon. Tingle believes Bodog could enjoy success in Australia, even with the "ghost of Calvin" since his Playboy image would go over well there. Bodog is expected to make some moves Down Under in the coming year. (Credit: Gambling911)
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