Friday, April 30, 2010

PartyCasino Wins Casino News Media Online Casino Of The Month Award - April 2010

PartyCasino.com has once again won the Casino News Media - Media Man - Online Casino Of The Month Award.

The award is based on a number of factors including game range, game play, ethics, affiliate offerings, customer service, innovation and public and player feedback.

PartyCasino.com fought off some tough competition this month, but there can only be one winner - that's PartyCasino.com

Congratulations to PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com

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Casino News Media: Williams wins WPT Championship - 28th April 2010

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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PartyPoker News: The Million Dollar Hand Returns In May! Over $175,000 Extra Up For Grabs For Palladium Lounge Members

Gibraltar – 29th April 2010 - The Million Dollar Hand at PartyPoker.com is back! The popular promotion runs from Tuesday 4th May until Tuesday 23rd May. The Million Dollar Hand offers the chance to win a cool $1 million or even more! Players at PartyPoker.com’s real money tables will get a playing card for every 15 PartyPoints they earn during this period and will receive a prize when they’ve built a five-card hand. There’s a guaranteed cash prize if the hand features a pair or better – a royal flush will pay $1 million!

There is no limit on the number of royal flushes that can be hit and the promotion starts with players getting their first card for free. This card will be available in a player’s PartyAccount on Tuesday 4th May. Points are not removed from player accounts following the promotion – they all count towards Palladium Lounge targets.

PartyPoker.com: ‘The Million Dollar Hand’ 4th – 23rd May 2010 - Prize Structure

Royal flush $1,000,000

Straight flush $10,000

Four of a kind $1,000

Full house $150

Flush $100

Straight $50

Three of a kind $20

Two pair $10

One pair $3

Players will only be able to reveal a maximum of two hands per day across the whole of the promotion period. All players have to go to their Party Account to reveal their cards; any unrevealed card/hand will not be taken into account. Full terms and conditions can be found at PartyPoker.com.

More information can be found at: PartyPoker.com

A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “The Million Dollar Hand is back! As Mike Sexton says ‘May all your cards be live and your pots be monsters!’ Thousands of cards are set to be revealed from Tuesday 4th May. The question remains – will the big one hit this time around? We’ve seen straight flushes and scared the insurers but nobody has hit the royal…yet! The Million Dollar Hand also provides amazing extra value for members of the Palladium Lounge through the VIP Race.”

For members of the Palladium Lounge there is a brilliant value Million Dollar Hand VIP Race with more than $175,000 and $13,000 WSOP packages up for grabs. All Palladium Lounge members have to do is earn cards through the Million Dollar Hand as normal and for every one pair or better, in addition to the normal cash prizes, they will earn points which contribute towards the race. For more information see: PartyPoker.com

World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.

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Australian Gambling Device No; It's Just Technology, by Greg Tingle - 30th April 2010

Following our report on the 25th of the month, there's been some very important developments on the legal situation re the internet kiosks located in Australian pubs and hotels that Australia's Tabcorp called a "gambling device". The courts do not agree! Victory for VenueNet and Australian internet lovers... Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...

Today a computer terminal with internet access that gaming authorities claim is an "unauthorised instrument of betting", will be reinstalled! A computer being plugged back in is not normally so newsworthy, but because of the gaming, legal and political connection, it is, so there you go! Back to the pub from where you were seized, you good computer. The (kangaroo not) court ordered it, so hop to it son.

The manufacture of the device er machine, VenueNet, has a business arrangement with Darwin-based bookmaker Sportsbet to offer customers access to their betting accounts through the computer kiosk. The full details of the agreement are commercially sensitive in nature, but its a win-win (unless your a punter loosing).

VenueNet is hopeful the court's ruling will facilitate a planned roll out by the truck full of some 200 devices er machines.. up and down the east coast of Australia.
states.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation confiscated the device er machine from the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne last August, after receiving a complaint from Aussie gaming and racing giant Tabcorp, which currently holds Victoria's exclusive retail wagering licence. Tabcorp are also the current owners of Star City Casino in Sydney (which James Packer of Crown is rumored to have an interest in... a deal once stopped by his late farther Kerry, close to a decade ago).

The 'Kiosk Case' as its now known as in gaming circles is seen as being a test of Australian gambling and igaming laws that have failed miserably to keep pace with technology and has raised doubts about the value of the Victorian wagering licence, which is up for tender. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy take note "failed miserably"..."raised doubts"... its the Kiosk Case, not the Aussie internet filter case, with an exciting update on that in a day or two.

Media Man is pleased that at least the government hasn't given Aussies or the press the silent treatment on this one. Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for Gaming Minister Tony Robinson, goes on record "The government believes that our current laws are appropriate to protect the integrity of the wagering licence." Bec, what did the court just rule with?! Next the Australian government will tell us their laws (sometimes made up on the run to suit their agenda) overshadow human rights laws, or did they try that stunt already.

VenueNet chair Mr John Thompson advised his firm would wait until next week before turning the sorely missed machine on, when the company was confident no charges could be laid.

The government continues its own fun and games (costing Australian business lost productivity and stress)...the commission said that deadline was still two months away!

Food for thought as the battle between man, machine and government robots continue...

"One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man" (Elbert Hubbard)... and another rip snorter from Elbert... "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing"... on that point we overheard a Media Man insider whisper "Ten great years of bad spelling mistakes. Gambling911... I love it".

Punters, know the odds and have fun, as the battle between man, machine and government robots heats up. In keeping with the theme, gamers may like to check out The Terminator, a PartyGaming - PartyCasino number. Virgin Games also have 'Transformers', but Aussies and Americans can't currently access Virgin Casino. Available on all good Aussie, Canadian and South African internet kiosks, home computers and internet cafes! Time to leave you to your own devices.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

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New Zealand And Australian Casinos Expect Changes, by Greg Tingle - 30th April 2010

Australian and New Zealand casino bosses, top brass and insiders expect significant changes to the Asia pacific casino, club and gaming sector.

The gaming sector down under in the land of Kiwi's, New Zealand, points out the substantial financial and other contributions they make in the community, while anti gaming campaigners say casinos, clubs and the like overstate their contribution. We cross over to the Tasman as Media Man and Gambling911 continue their probe for truth, justice and the American, Kiwi and Australian way...

It's time the true contribution of gaming machines to the New Zealand economy was recognised and acknowledged...that's part of the key message from conference participants at the 2010 New Zealand Gaming Expo.

The venue...the beautiful SKYCITY in Auckland, New Zealand.

Chief Executive Officer Gaming Technologies Association (GTA), Ross Ferrar, advised revenue from gaming machines benefited many...charities, schools, community bodies and sporting groups, to name but a few. The machines also returned a large proportion of their earnings back to the government in the form of compliance costs and taxes.

"Gaming machines are designed to entertain and the casino, and gaming rooms in pubs and clubs exist so people can do this in a safe, controlled and regulated environment. There are just under 20,000 gaming machines throughout New Zealand which contribute over $300 million to deserving groups around the country. The government earns around $242 million annually from the machines," points out Mr Ferrar.

SKYCITY CEO, Nigel Morrison, echoed the message in his opening address to the conference that the 2003 Gambling Act focused on harm minimisation and ignored the economic contribution gaming made to the economy.

Mr Morrison advised the gaming industry was struggling to grow within a tightly regulated framework and there continued to be uncertainty about the operating environment.

"We still don't know what the New Zealand reaction is going to be to the Australian Productivity Commission's report into gambling. There seems to be a focus on pre-commitment and we are concerned about the recommendations to limit player expenditure on gaming machines.

"We anticipate change within the industry and it's unlikely that the three main casino players in Australasia, SKYCITY, Crown and Tabcorp will remain as they are in the next two years."

Change was also the message from Chief Executive Pub Charity Mr Martin Cheer who told delegates the anti-gaming lobby had switched from its position of highlighting harm to challenging the integrity of the Trusts.

"Accusations of harm from gaming machines have run their course, largely because the claims can't be substantiated. The move now is to attack the gaming machine Trusts. This makes it important that everything they do is above board. The debate needs to come back to the centre because it's been one-side for too long. The gaming industry needs to participate and become more involved in taking charge of its own future."

The CEO of Hospitality Association Of NZ, Mr Bruce Robertson who told conference delegates gaming machines were a significant fundraising business which was slowly being strangled.

"The Department of Internal Affairs unfortunately has a single minded focus on optimising returns through cost minimisation. If the Trusts don't present a cohesive face to the industry the Department of Internal Affairs will be able to pick them off one by one. This will continue to weaken the industry."

Mr Robertson added that the current rules being applied to the sector were not sustainable. "The result will be a reduction in the money that goes to the community.

Minister of Revenue and Associate Minister of Health, Hon Peter Dunne told delegates that gaming machine operators needed to continue to find new and better ways to work with communities.

"The whole premise of charity gaming in New Zealand is that the proceeds are returned to the local community. The implicit partnership has always been that gaming machine proceeds were available for distribution for the betterment of local communities.

The call from the CEO of the Community Gaming Association, Mr Francis Wevers was the need for the industry to work together to protect its interests.

"The benefits of gaming to the local community are often overlooked in the welter of criticism but steps are being taken to bridge the gap between the anti-gambling sector and the Class 4 venues. We work in a market that has a unique set of parameters and we need to stop apologising for it."

Mr Ferrar reiterated that the gaming industry sector should be proud of the economic contribution it made.

"Gaming is good for the community because it can make a positive difference."

Should the Aussies follow the Kiwi ways and follow like sheep, or should the sheep follow the Aussie Kangaroos, or should both animals look further afield to the American eagles?

We think sustainable solutions and answers are likely to be found by looking globally, not just in our own backyards. Certainly there's many success stories in America with the Native American Indians being able to nurture and support communities thanks to gaming and casino tourism. Many tribes also have plans to suitable incorporate online poker and online casino ventures, rather than see it as a threat to their enterprise. If Las Vegas and Atlantic City was able to better embrace the online world perhaps they wouldn't be in the mess they are in, but that's another story. The late Charles Darwin famously pointed out that adapting to change was vital for the species who are to survive.

Media Man is currently in liaison with Australian based GenerationOne and other government bodies as to how best go about employing a couple more Australians (qualified and trained up Indigenous Aussies), whilst minimizing red tape. Australian mining magnate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and Aussie casino king, James Packer (Crown Limited) are driving forces behind the GenerationOne initiative.

Media Man and many of their business partners, associates and friends in the media, new media and interactive entertainment space are concerned that some of the online (internet filter) and offline censorship initiatives from Australia's Rudd government are going to cost Australian's jobs and international trade opportunities. In addition newspapers and magazines are forecast to become further censored. Companies set to be adversely effected in their trade with Australia and New Zealand include Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Sony, Sega, Playboy, AussieBum, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Virgin Enterprises Limited, UFC, Hasbro, EA, MTV and News Corporation. Media Man recently documented some of their concerns to the United Nations, Virgin Unite, Reporters Without Borders and MP Tony Abbott's office, as was thanked for their contribution... no, not a 'Casino Jack' monetary contribution! No, we didn't have to play golf with any of the top brass concerned either.

Tell us what you think in the forum, and as our friends at New Corp - Fox say, keep it fair and balanced... can we trust you with that. Know the odds, and keep it fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry sectors they cover.

*The writer is a shareholder in Crown Limited, Virgin and a pro active member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, and Richard Branson's Virgin Unite

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Virgin Games News: Forget the Polls - Virgin Games Predicts the "Luckiest" Politician

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 04/27/10 - Virgin Games, the leading online gaming company, has analysed a 40,000 player sample of its database to find the luckiest star sign and name in an attempt to predict the outcome of the upcoming general election. It was a close call for the top spot, but as far as our leaders' go the luckiest star sign is shared by the ambitious yet grounded and ever practical Capricorn, Nick Clegg, born 7th January 1967.

Following closely behind is Piscean Gordon, born 20th February 1951. Pisceans are very sensitive and have the ability to read others well. When they have a hunch, you may want to go with it, as they are very intuitive. Trailing in a conservative puddle of tears is poor Libran, David, born 9th October 1966. However, he can be comforted in the knowledge that Librans are very easy to like because of their supposed charming ways.

What's in a name?

Again Nick, our Lib Dem golden boy came out on top as having the luckiest name amongst our three candidates - and following in his shadow is anyone called Gordon. Once again, poor David trails behind.

Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, commented: "This election is one of the most unpredictable in years - we may as well look at star signs and names! While skill is often a factor when it comes to playing in an online casino, it is interesting to see the luck of certain star signs and names. What this shows us is that it doesn't pay to be a Libran called David, but if your name is Nick and you are a Capricorn, take a gamble. You'll most likely be luckier than the others. As far as being a Piscean called Gordon goes - life's a gamble - which way will it go?"

Launched in 2004, Virgin Games is one of the UK's leading online gaming sites. To visit Virgin Games go to www.virgingames.com.

Notes to editors:

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK.

Virgin Games currently comprises three distinct offerings:

-- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including Wagerworks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a jackpot value of over GBP 1,500,000

-- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry

-- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory

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Crown Casino To Show Off Underbelly At Logie Awards, by Greg Tingle - 29th April 2010

Australia's tourism and entertainment icon, Crown Casino, gets to show of its wares on a national and international scale this coming Sunday night, with the TV smash hit 'Underbelly' in line for a number of awards. Folks, this event is all about entertainment, not table games, slots or the bottom line, or at least that's the official word. Mind you, someone has to put the 'Business' in show business, and Crown continues to deliver the goods, year after year.

Media Man and Gambling911 have been hitting the phones and pounding the pavement in order to work out who the smart money is on.

Casino tycoon, James Packer, owner of Crown, enjoys a long and largely very positive history with both Network Nine's David Gyngell, and print press publication, ACP Magazines, not that we are suggesting that would be instrumental in who gets gold, silver or a donut (0).

James Packer owned Crown Casino in Melbourne, will be host to the 2010 Logie Awards on Sunday 2nd May.

'Underbelly', which frequently features gambling (illegal dens in most cases), has been nominated for a modest bush tucker bag full of awards. The list, correct at time of publication:

Asher Keddie (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), broadcast on Network Nine is up for
the Outstanding Actress award.

'Underbelly' is also up for the Most Popular Drama award.

Anna Hutchison, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities is nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.

Last Word

Bouncers and security...a number of football and cricket stars will be present, many of which are known to get a bit boisterous when on the grog. Please don't bring out the plastic handcuffs, unless absolutely necessary. Mind you, it would make bloody good television and provide plenty of fodder for paparazzi attending the gala affair. Celebs, sportsmen... you've been forewarned.

Bert Newton is hosting this year, being seen by the powers that be as a safe bet. Meantime, Bert's son, Matthew, has recently booked himself into rehab, in a step we applaud. Newton Jr played Terry 'Mr Asia' Clark in 'Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities'.

Our loyal and worldwide readership is looking forward to the goss following the event, so have a couple of drinks on us, but don't overdo it either. Drink too much... just slip on over to Crown Towers or Crown Metropol. They will be happy to look after you, for a price.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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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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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Casino Affiliate Programs Dirty Little Secrets Vol 2, by Greg Tingle - 28th April 2010

Insiders, punters, media and online casino entrepreneurs, journos and everyone else...

The Media Man and Gambling911 expose of the casino affiliate and affiliate program industry was so well received, and in some cases, highly debated, we're giving you a dose of seconds. We think its healthy to discuss the industry and the issues, even though its sometimes a bitter pill to swallow. Fact is, many affiliate programs totally such and are a complete waste of time. Of course, Media Man and Gambling911 would only concern themselves with good ones. The internet is a very big place and its basically impossible to know every single good one or bad one, but we will endeavour to share some of our experiences with you none the less.

The casino affiliate sector, and affiliate sector as a whole, is riddled with bad apples, dodgy companies and individuals a plenty.

Many of the firms are not financially solid to say the least.

We are of the belief that by sticking to big, strong, respected brands and entities can help everyone minimize risk, and thus have a more enjoyable experience.

Not to give a total beat up on the sector, let's swing into championing some brands and companies we can recommended, and know of good experiences...

PartyGaming - PartyCasino - PartyPoker - World Poker Tour - PartyPartners.com

Virgin Games Affiliates - Virgin Casino - Virgin Poker - Virgin Bingo

Captain Cooks Casino - Rewards Affiliates

Betfair - DGM

BetUS

PKR - PKR Affiliates

Second Life - LinkShare

Others: Playboy, Penthouse, Ring Divas and WWE (via Commission Junction), plus UFC Shop (via Commission Junction)

*This is not a full list by any means

The reach and power of Gambling911 and Media Man is such, that our last article caused a few ripples in the industry.

Keep in mind that Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, working across and covering a dozen or so industries, and we participate in just a handful of affiliate programs, having learnt to be very mindful of who and what we associate our name and brands with over the years.

As a result of our coverage, some affiliate companies and casino brands with their own programs went into damage control, and started blogging their own point of view, and well as pitching PR spin job press releases of sorts into the public domain.

Much of the world is in financially challenging times, and this no doubt has a flow on effect to the affiliate industry. It can also lead to folks after a quick buck, with little or no regard for quality.

Legal and banking related issues can also have a major impact on brands, and the affiliate marketers.

Recently an Australia "payment processor" got himself into trouble with the law (and some of the online gaming companies he was dealing with), on a trip to Las Vegas of all places. The gaming firms, pissed off at the operator and his outfit, called the U.S authorities, and that fellow is now looking at potentially life behind bars!

Granted, that was an extreme example, but we need to emphasise how important the legal and financial processing and payment systems are to the sector. If you have budget to engage a legal eagle / solicitor who is savvy in marketing (online and offline law, and better yet, affiliate law), it could be money well spent, and save you money and stress in the long run.

Do your own research and be on the lookout for brands and individuals whose names come up in the wrong way in relation to credit card processors, fraud and the like.

There are many of flow on effects in the sector, so if a website, brand or punter gets it right... makes the right decisions at the beginning states, that can have positive flow on effects, rather than leave a trail of carnage.

Poker affiliates, we think best to stay pretty clear from companies known to have employed "bots" - "robots", and if they have used them, why, and was it legal?

Check out the wording in affiliate contracts. Some are darn right predatory, and that's being kind. Ok, some are totally *hithouse and insulting.

If or when your come across good firms, and have good experiences with affiliates, we think its a good idea to nurture those relationships. It may make business more fun, and possible, more profitable. After all, no one wants headaches, business or otherwise.

In addition, the top sections of high ranking websites are prime real estate. Website owners and publishers obviously want to have only the best in these premium positions. Sometimes simple and effective terms of business can be written up between parties, and this way both entities have the agreement in writing (even if one of them decides to break it)... hello Grand Prive and "Lucky Ace Platinum Affiliates"... the industry has a long memory.

Some industry awards also have merit. PartyGaming and Virgin Games have both won a number of awards from various industry bodies, publishers and the like. Media Man has recently been very impressed with Rewards Affiliates - Captain Cooks Casino, PKR - PKR Affiliates, and DGM Affiliates, but that's just our own recent experiences. EGaming Review aka EGR awards carry a lot of credibility, so we believe, and there's merit in some other groups like GPWA and CAP, but we think EGR is the one to pay more attention to. For the poker sector, Poker News Daily is a great resource of information, even though it covers the poker sector as a whole. Best bet is to check out information from a wide away of difference sources, than draw your own conclusions.

In practical terms, do your research and minimize risks.

Check out some good old fashioned client references and testimonials to help ensure you're dealing with good guys.

Affiliate marketing forums and "watchdog" sites can also be helpful, but be mindful or who is saying what, and why. Some forums have "plants" and "spies" lurking in them, in their constant attempts to try to keep what's left of their name and business. Brands and companies that are really good don't need to lurk day and night in affiliate forums, so keep that in mind.

Readers, check out the official websites of Media Man and Gambling911, and needless to say, brands enjoying prominence are likely to be very good and ethical companies.

We're aware that there's many more elements we could go into here, however they will have to wait for another follow up investigation.

Keep it fun and may all of your affiliate experiences be good ones (even though the odds are against it). Now, check out the front pages Gambling911 and Media Man, and make note of what brands are showcased and who is not... there's likely good reasons for it. Happy web surfing.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen business sectors they cover

*Media Man affiliate brand of the month: PartyPartners, 2nd place Virgin Games, 3rd place Rewards Affiliates, 4th place PKR Affiliates

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PartyPoker News: Drive The Dream - Win An Aston Martin DB9 Coupe For Free At PartyPoker

WIN AN ASTON MARTIN DB9 COUPE FOR FREE AT PARTYPOKER.COM!

GET OUT OF MY DREAMS, GET INTO MY CAR!

Gibraltar – 27th April 2010 - One lucky poker player could win a brand new Aston Martin DB9 Coupe for FREE at PartyPoker.com thanks to its new ‘Drive the Dream’ promotion. To win the dream car you don’t have to go on an international spying mission or play heads-up with an international criminal mastermind ‘Casino Royale’ style – all you have to do is log on to PartyPoker.com and take part in the ‘Drive the Dream’ promotion!

A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: "It is simple to get involved, just join the daily freerolls, qualifying through to the monthly satellites where you can win your seat to the live final in London! This is well and truly the opportunity of a lifetime – the possibility of winning an Aston Martin DB9 Coupe for free!"

The freerolls take place EVERY DAY from Tuesday April 27th and run until Sunday September 12th. The lucky winners from the main satellites that are held every second Sunday of the month at 14.00 ET then have the opportunity of a lifetime to play for the car in a live tournament in London on the weekend of October 2nd. PartyPoker.com will fly those that make the final table to London to play a nine handed table for the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe! It is not a case of winner takes all, however, as all nine players who have made it to London all win fantastic prizes!

The prizes for the live final table in London are as follows:

1st - 2010 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
2nd - Lamborghini Extreme Driving Academy Package
3rd - Ferrari Driving Experience Package
4th - Porsche Sport Driving School Package
5th - F1 Grand Prix Brazil Package (Sao Paulo)
6th - F1 Grand Prix Santander D'Italia Package (Monza)
7th - US$4,000 Cash
8th - US$3,000 Cash
9th - US$2,000 cash

As you can see from these fantastic prizes the opportunity to ‘Drive the Dream’ is not merely the chance to win the Aston Martin DB9 Coupe. Second place gets a Lamborghini Extreme Driving Package, third place sees a serious ride in a Ferrari and fourth is a Porsche Sport Driving School Package. Fifth and sixth win chances to watch F1 in the most exotic places around the world.

For more information see: PartyPoker.com

That’s not all - there is also hard cash to be won through the qualifiers: see PartyPoker.com for more information on the structure.

PartyPoker.com ambassador and WPT presenter Mike Sexton is excited about the promotion. “A couple of years ago I challenged Paris Hilton to play heads-up for a Bentley but my offer wasn’t accepted – maybe she’d play for an Aston Martin instead? The chance of winning an Aston Martin DB9 Coupe for absolutely nothing is quite some freeroll!”

**The marks ‘Aston Martin,’ ‘Aston Martin DB’ and ‘DB9’ are registered trademarks of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. This promotion is in no way affiliated with or sanctioned by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. PartyGaming is not licensed by, or otherwise affiliated with, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, or any member of its group. No licence, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement by Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd is claimed or should be inferred.**

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Aussie Rednecks Jailed For Casino Attack On Aborigines - 28th April 2010

Australian casinos remain in the news, unfortunately sometimes for the wrong reasons.

Media Man and Gambling911 take racism and violence seriously, as loyal readers would be well aware.

A big night at the local casino, a few too many beers, and a chance encounter (so it seems), with a group of Aussie Indigenous leads to carnage and another chapter to Australia's shame.

We send our sniffer dogs, Bluey and Timmy, under the watchful eye of rabid PR guy, Miller Markson, back from special assignment in Macau, and we bring home a few bones, a bit of bacon and fried chicken on the side. It's a Aussie tale of 'Underbelly' regional Aussie style, violence, guts, and ultimately, justice! It's not 'Australia The Movie' or acclaimed film, 'Black and White'... its a reflection of current times maties.

The nasty bashing death of an Indigenous - Aboriginal fellow in 'The Alice' Alice Springs was influenced by racism, a judge has determined.

Chief Justice Brian Martin last week jailed five Aussie white men (aka Aussie Redneck Bastards) over the death, saying their actions had caused "deep and acute divisions in the community of Alice Springs".

"A life has been taken needlessly ... and leaves a legacy of grief, anger and distress," he told the Northern Territory Supreme Court in 'The Alice'.

Chief Justice Martin told the court it was a tragedy that a few seconds of "drunken, aggressive and violent behaviour" had resulted in the incarceration of five young men of "otherwise good character".

"For them, their families and friends, life also seems bleak," he said.

You want names? Introducing front and centre... Anton Kloeden, 23, Glen Swain, 24, Scott Doody, 24, Joshua Spears, 19, and Timothy Hird, 22, all hailing from central Australia, pleading guilty last week to the manslaughter of Kwementyaye Ryder.

Ryder, a 33-year-old trainee park ranger, had stopped to join a group of Aboriginal folks by the dry Todd River bed in the wee hours of 25th July last year.

The Aussie white men departed the local casino in 'The Alice' in a pack at roughly 6am when they stumbled upon the campers.

The driver, Kloeden, who wasn't drunk, drove his 4x4 along the river bed.

"You created a highly dangerous situation, and it is pure good luck that you did not injure or kill people in that camp," Chief Justice Martin said.

Kloeden also pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering life by driving extremely close to the campsite, one of their swags being ran over.

"I have no doubt that if white people had been camped in the river bed in tents, you would not have set out to harass them," Chief Justice Martin said.

The rednecks left to get more piss and a Colt 45 pistol, understood to contain blank ammunition.

The court heard Hird (not a typo), who triggered the gun towards the camp upon their return, was "being a complete galah".

The campers, fearing for their lives started running away from the five mongrels.

Ryder, also pissed, and threw a beer bottle at the 4x4 as it passed him by near the river.

The white mongrels got out of the car and chased Ryder.

"The deceased fell to the ground where Hird kicked him to the head one time, Swain kicked him twice to the head ... (and) Spears struck the deceased with a bottle," Chief Justice Martin said.

"I am satisfied that there were racial elements in the earlier events and that a tone or atmosphere was set of antagonism towards and harassment of Aboriginal persons that is likely to have influenced the later conduct of all offenders."

The courthouse heard an account that Ryder had a pre-existing aneurysm that burst, a result of the fall or the "cowardly and violent" attack.

Driver Doody, who remained in the 4x4 during the slaughter, was sentenced to four years in the slammer.

His partner in crime, Hird, Kloeden and Spears were sentenced to six years' jail with a non-parole period of four years.

Swain was sentenced to five and a half years' jail with a non-parole period of three and a half years.

No one is blaming the casino (for a nice change)... no media "beat up". It's a case of 5 young men having a big night out, things getting out of control, a chance encounter with a group of Indigenous Australians, and acts of stupidity.

Media Man and Gambling911, and the Miller - Tingle - Costigan pack, Bluey and Timmy, observe that incidents such as these are damaging to the Australian casino, hotel and resort sector and are only going to encourage more people to stay home and remain plugged into the internet. Aussie's have taken a real liking to the web and favorite destinations include PartyCasino where 'The Godfather', Goanna Gold and Cleopatra rule the house, and Captain Cooks Casino, with 'Hitman', 'Bush Telegraph' and 'Tomb Raider' enjoying strong popularity. James Packer, Aussie casino king (of Crown Casino fame), spent time with Indigenous Australians growing up on one of his late fathers cattle stations. We've leaked word to Packer and Billionaire Inc that Aussie's would like to see an 'Underbelly' and 'Ned Kelly' slot game. Russell Crowe, who attended last month's GenerationOne launch, played the recent Robin Hood movie role beautifully, and insiders are keen to see Crowe in a Ned Kelly or Indigenous themed flick. Crowe was the narrator for movie doco hit 'Bra Boys' a few years back, and touched on both indigenous and white tribes, however a Crowe 'wild card' may further help ease any existing tensions between white and black Australia, and possibly the world over.

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

We remind our vast readership to play responsibly, respect life (human and animal), and have fun. Thank you for returning back to Gambling911 like a fine tuned boomerang. Gambling911, often imitated, never duplicated. Media Man and the pack are at the ready to sniff out more of the powerful news real life 'Underbelly' stuff...you the reader have grown accustom to.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Miller Markson, Bluey and Timmy contributed to this report

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Australia's Burswood Casino Getting Back To Normal Post Bouncer Attack, by Greg Tingle - 28th April 2010

Things are returning to normal at Western Australia's Burswood Casino, and for one of the security team, after a court heard of their security staff ("bouncer") put the hurt on a patron.

Media Man and Gambling911 continue to hammer home the point that we need less Aussie biffo at Australian casinos. Assaults such as this are hurting the bottom line of bricks and mortar casinos and quite likely help further boost the popularity of online casinos servicing Australian customers. It's also not a good look for the casino in question. Chalk up another one for the Australian Casino Attacks file...

A Crown Limited Burswood Casino "bouncer" caused an ejected patron excruciating pain by yanking his broken arm apparently –thinking he had a dislocated shoulder, a court was told.

The bouncer, a Mr Harry Ronnie Timoti was convicted and fined just $450 for common assault in Perth Magistrates Court over the incident that happened in July, 2008. Gambling911 understands there's been numerous, likely dozens, more assaults at the casino since then, but none of which were instigated by the staff.

Police prosecutor Morgan argued to the court that it was a serious offence that commanded a jail sentence.

"I do not accept for one minute that he could not see that this person was in pain," he emphasized.

"Security people should be able to control themselves – I am thinking he should be going to jail."

The court heard the patron became involved in a scuffle and was thrown out by casino security officers.

He was outside the casino when Mr Timoti noticed him holding his arm, which he concluded was dislocated at the shoulder.

He attempted to manoeuvre the limb into position, unknown to bouncer the patron was in agony with a broken arm.

Defence lawyer John Prior said his client was an ex-rugby football player and was familiar with injuries such as dislocated shoulders that he had popped back into place on-field, no less!

He went on to say Timoti has been employed as a bouncer at Crown Limited owned Burswood since the incident, and he would lose his job if a fine exceeded $500.

"It was a one-off and a stupid act," Mr Prior admitted.

"But he was attempting to help the man, not hurt him having done that sort of activity on the rugby field."

Timoti has been enjoying Australian life, over from New Zealand, since 2003 and most of his work had been in crowd control, including in the liquor and hospitality industry.

Mr Prior said his client had no previous convictions from working in the industry.

Gambling911 and Media Man are hopeful that lessons have been learned from this report.

No plastic handcuffs were required.

Burswood's 'Big Brother' casino, James Packer owned Crown Casino in Melbourne, will be host to the 2010 Logie Awards on Sunday 2nd May.

'Underbelly', which frequently features gambling (illegal dens in most cases), is up for a bush tucker bag full of awards.

Asher Keddie (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), broadcast on Network Nine is up for
the Outstanding Actress award. 'Underbelly' is also up for the Most Popular Drama award. Anna Hutchison, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities is nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.

Last Word

Bouncers and security... try to leave the rough stuff to TV smash hit 'Underbelly'. Casino fans might be able to look forward to an 'Underbelly' themed online and offline slot game soon, but its just a rumor at this stage. At least PartyGaming - PartyCasino offers 'The Godfather' and Microgaming - Captain Cooks 'Hitman'. Loyal readers, no rough stuff please and keep it fun.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Australian Casino Employees May Get Probed Says Campaigner, by Greg Tingle - 27th April 2010

Probing of Aussie casino employees hey... sounds a bit sinister...the sort of thing you might except on TV smash hits 'Underbelly', 'Sea Patrol', 'V' and 'Border Patrol'.

Media Man and Gambling911 take their probe to the latest to borrow our expressions. No imitators will be tolerated, Gambling911... often imitated, never duplicated... recent example being our massive story on Australian Internet Devices... we know who you are, and you're next to be probed...

Probing aka questioning prospective casino workers about their gambling habits and the like would be "discriminatory", an informer leaks.

The revelations come of the back on an inquest involving Adelaide's Skycity Casino.

Job applicants were quizzed if they were members of Skycity's awards program.

At the inquest Ms Bastian was being probed by Senator Nick Xenophon, who successfully campaigned to reopen an inquest into the death of Katherine Natt, a 24-year-old Skycity worker and pokies addict who unfortunately committed suicide in 2006.

Senator Xenophon desired the inquest to hear evidence on what possible assistance the casino could have offered the late Natt.

Coroner Mark Johns agreed to reopen the inquest but reminded Senator Xenophon yesterday he was on watch. "I don't want to get into a general analysis of the problem of gambling," Mr Johns told the senator, who is acting pro bono for Natt's family.

Ms Bastian, who has acted as HR manager at Skycity, said asking applicants about their gambling habits "would be considered discriminatory under industrial relations laws". "We don't say `do you have a gambling problem?' as such," she advised Senator Xenophon.

"If they have a gambling addiction but they come to work and are still able to fulfil their work, I don't see an issue."

Natt left a note apologising for being unable to stop her poker machine habit along with a bank statement showing $6000 had been withdrawn from her credit card account in less than two months.

Ms Bastian said while staff were encouraged to report colleagues with a gambling problem, no mandatory reporting system was in place. "There's only a moral obligation. "We can't monitor what 1000 employees do in their spare time. If a manager was aware of a staff member having a problem, the expectation was that they would action something."

The inquest heard that both a blackjack dealer and the manager of the casino's table games area knew of Natt's gambling problem but failed to report this.

Ms Bastian told the court HR had not had any issues with Natt in her five years at the casino.

"She looked like a model employee," Ms Bastian told the inquest.

Australian casinos (and pubs and hotels) are known to carry extensive signage warning patrons of the potential dangers of gambling, as well as the probability of winning. These public warnings are cited as to part of the reason for the explosive growth of the online casino and online gambling sector as a whole. PartyGaming, PartyCasino, Virgin Games, Captain Cooks, PokerStars, BetUs and Betfair are some of the most trusted and ethical brands. Australia's James Packer is hopeful to see his 50% owned Betfair soon offer Aussies a poker and casino product, but PartyGaming's casino and poker brands currently have a bit of a hold on the Australian online gambling sector. Cleopatra, Sinatra, Tomb Raider, Hitman, Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Goanna Gold are some of Australia's most popular online slot. Well informed insiders are leaking to Betfair and Crown Casino to offer a Kerry Packer, Ned Kelly and Underbelly online and offline slot game.

Media Man and Gambling911 remind the readership to know the odds, bet with your head, not over it. For god's sake, just keep it fun. We don't want to have to further probe on this, and would prefer to keep the probe tucked away in the cupboard and only use it in extreme cases. Have fun, good hunting and happy 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.

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PokerStars: Canadian Australian Media Man Poker Connection, by Greg Tingle - 27th April 2010

PokerStars, the largest online poker site in the world, has announced four new players signed to their Team PokerStars Pro Canada Team.

Canada has proved to be very fertile ground for the professional and amateur poker (and online casino) scene, with PokerStars, PartyGaming's PartyPoker, PKR Poker, and Richard Branson's Virgin Games all enjoy strong business in the region. Media Man's also recently established a Canadian website portal. PartyGaming is rumoured to be eyeing off the Canadian Poker Tour, adding to its World Poker Tour (Mike Sector brand ambassador), PartyPoker and Noble Poker (Tony G star) brands. Canadian - Brit Kara Scott is making waves for PartyPoker both in the region and across the globe and is up for Media Man poker babe of the month award. So is Jenny Woo at Gambling911 ... don't ask, but the world knows she's quite a talent.

Need more examples of hot poker action is in Canada? The first Poker Pro Canada Classic poker tournament recently took place at the Four Aces Card Club in Montreal. The tourney went from the 15th - 18th April. 250 players competed for a prize pool of $369,000.

Media Man and Gambling911 probes some of the happenings in the red hot region.

PokerStars News

Joining Daniel Negreanu and Darus Suharto, are Canadians Greg DeBora, Patrick Pezzin, Marcello Del Grosso and Anh Van Nguyen.

The players are world calibre, as you might expect from PokerStars.

Recent Action...

All four competed at the PokerStars North American Poker Tour held at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, 6 – 13 April.

The Talent...

Greg DeBora is from Toronto and started playing poker at 19 in a "charity casino". Within a year he was making good money and decided to make a career out of it. He frequently plays mostly at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles and online. His winnings over 8 years exceed $350,000. Bests include the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in 2005 where he finished seventh. At WSOP 2008 main he finished 109th.

Patrick Pezzin is a from Toronto and started playing poker in 1994, turning pro the next year. Part of the Moneymaker internet phase, playing tournaments online to improve his game. $700,000 in live tourney cashes ain't too shabby.

Marcello Del Grosso was born in Woodbridge, Ontario. The 33 year-old turned professionally in 2006. Since then he has travelled the globe. Bests are the WSOP main event getting deep runs in 2005 and 2006. Tourney winnings are approx $400,000.

Anh Van Nguyen was born in Vietnam, however moved to Canada at 10 years of age. Residing in Mississauga, Ontario, Nguyen has been playing for 14 years and went pro in 2004. His record includes deep runs in the WSOP main and the Spring Championship of Online Poker main event last year. In the 2004 World Championship of Online Poker main event he finished sixth. He has also won a side event at the Five Diamond in Bellagio in 2007. Tourney winnings to date are $676,720.

Overview Facts

PokerStars is licensed in the Isle Of Man.

PokerStars is the largest online poker cardroom in the world.PokerStars' satellite tournaments produced the 2003 World Series of Poker champion, Chris Moneymaker, as well as the 2004 champion, Greg "Fossilman" Raymer. Those two now act as spokespeople for the cardroom, as does 2005 champion, Aussie Joe Hachem.

* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

* Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Media Man covers a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

* Media Man was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2001, and enjoys a global audience and website network spanning the globe

* Media Man Poker http://www.mediamanpoker.com forms part of the Media Man network, including Media Man International, Media Man Casino and Media Man Canada

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Monday, April 26, 2010

Casino News Media - Media Man - Progressives Slots News, by Greg Tingle - 26th April 2010

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 take a look at the world of online casino slot jackpots. Slots and online slots are of course a game of chance (not skill as such), however they remain some of the world's most popular online games. Punters are known to search far and wide for the most attractive jackpots so in our wisdom we have whipped together a snapshot of the sector for you.

Some of the popular progressive jackpot online slot games that are ready to pay out substantial jackpots are:

Beach Life (Playtech) - Noble Casino, Casino Las Vegas, Casino King (Australian and Canadian players)

MegaJackpots (WagerWorks) - Virgin Casino (no American or Australian players)

Mega Moolah (Microgaming) - Captain Cooks Casino, Golden Tiger Casino (Australian, Canadian and many other countries welcome)

Mega Moolah currently has the largest jackpot, over 2.6 million dollars.

There are four online slot games networked to this progressive jackpot: Mega Moolah, 5 Reel Drive, Summertime and Mega Moolah Isis. The progressive jackpot can be hit playing any one of these and will any bet. The chances of hitting the jackpot are greater for larger amounts wagered.

Mega Moolah has a maximum wager of 125 coins per spin.

There are three smaller jackpots also offered in Mega Moolah.

Beach Life is running is currently sitting on approx 2.6 million. To hit the progressive jackpot on Beach life you need to wager the maximum bet, currently $10.

In Mega Moolah those who wager less than the maximum amount of $6.25 have some chance of getting the jackpot. However in Beach Life those who bet less than $10 per spin will not be eligible for the progressive jackpot.

MegaJackpots is currently running at approx 2.5 million. The WagerWorks network is based in the UK.

Microgaming and Playtech have a bigger customer base (wagering in euros and American dollars) hence MegaJackpots is likely to pay out more on an equated currency basis.

The slot games linked to the MegaJackpots network are Cleopatra, Monopoly with Pass GO Bonus, and Cluedo.

Media Man's current top picks for jackpots is PartyGaming's PartyCasino. Party doesn't currently accept U.S players, but they are working to rectify the situation, having come to business terms with the U.S Government last year, to the tune of $100 million dollars we might add. That's show of financial strength from PartyGaming, not to show up Richard Branson's Virgin Games. Microgaming and Playtech are also understood to be financially solid in standing and have been in business for over a decade.

PartyCasino.com Jackpots: The Big One, Gold Mega Jackpot and Marvel Hero Jackpot and more

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 Party 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 the games are available in real and play money. The amounts are in US dollars but will remain the same if you choose to play in Canadian dollars, pounds or euros.


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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.

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Australian Gambling Device Or Just Technology, by Greg Tingle - 26th April 2010

As our beloved internet and technology becomes more advanced, increasing questions are being asked about such matters in Australia such as when is a gambling device not a gambling device, but just a computer, and visa versa... you get the idea punters. Internet enabled mobile phones can access gambling and gaming by nature on the web, needless to say internet kiosks and computers sitting at the ready in an internet cafe can do the same, at least in free countries. In the meantime passionate web surfers, journalists and gamblers have started to mask their website surfing via proxy. Media Man and Gambling911 investigate...

Computer Terminals Strategically Place At Aussie Pubs And Hotels...

Manufacturers of a touch-screen computer kiosk offering internet access, which gambling authorities seized from a Melbourne pub as a "suspected illegal betting device", advise they have given up waiting to be potentially prosecuted and are seeking a court to order for the device be returned so they can roll truck loads more!

The situation gives prominence to what could be regarded as a real and practical test of outdated gambling regulations in an internet age. In the meantime the Victorian government, which is preparing to award its updated wagering licence, officials from the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation confiscated the computer from the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne over 6 months ago.

The wagering licence, including exclusive retail rights in pubs, is held by Aussie gaming giant Tabcorp, which complained about the machine in question to authorities last year. The new wagering licence is expected to come into play in 2012.

We learn the device does by design showcase and feature access to gambling (and other industry sectors). VenueNet, understood to be a marketing based group, developed the computer kiosks and has a deal with Sportsbet to provide access to Sportsbet and other services through the device, which it's keen to roll out in Australian pubs, hotels and the like nationwide.

A magistrate is due to hear the case tomorrow but it is uncertain if the hearing will proceed at this stage.

VenueNet's chairman, John Thompson, advises delays in prosecuting the matter had cost his firm millions and he was seriously considering seeking compensation.

Mr Thompson is ready for war it appears, based on his preparation of information. Makers of the hard drive and equipment contained in the kiosk have provided sworn statements stating the machine is no different to other computer kiosks they supply, likes ones found at airports. It allows customers, via the web, to access Sportsbet's website and use a Sportsbet betting account, but the computer terminal itself doesn't accept or record bets.

The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation lodged an appeal with the Victorian Supreme Court to stop Sportsbet being heard in the magistrates court, as a third party in the case, on legal issues relating to the seizure warrant.

The commission is understood to be seeking access to more material from VenueNet before laying charges.

Smart cookies from Deloittes have examined the machine for the commission to determine how it operates.

The commissioner, Peter Cohen, advised he thinks the machine was illegal. "The (commission) is still of the view that it is an unauthorised instrument of betting," he said.

Mr Thompson said VenueNet was not willing to try the machine in other states until the Victorian case had been determined.

"I think we'd face something like that until this is resolved. Everyone's focusing on this."


iPhone "Gambling" Apps On Aussie Mobiles...

iPhone applications down under feature simulated poker machine games (pokies) were irresponsible and should be outlawed, says passionate anti gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon.

Slot machines applications can be accessed and downloaded for free and are identical in payouts and features to machines in most clubs, pubs and casinos.

The games offer a number of options. One game allows the user to change the interface and use photographs on their iPhone as the jackpot symbols. You can even switch between five and six reels, and alter the success of the payouts from low, medium or `dream'!

"There needs to be a parliamentary inquiry into online gambling laws because otherwise we will see a new wave of problem gamblers as soon as these kids turn 18," Senator Xenophon said.

One application is produced by Big Fish games, based in Seattle, Washington, with offices also in Canada and Ireland. They also sell a downloadable version of the game online.


Australian Web Surfers Learning How To Hide, Mask, Internet Tracks Via Proxy...

Born and trained from a somewhat surprising source of mischief making, Exit International (Euthanasia body), "Hacking Masterclass" has punters keen to learn more. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but these "old dogs" are teaching mums and dads, journalists and passionate gamblers "new tricks", and we thank them for it.

The group is now holding "Hacking Masterclass" seminars around Australia to teach people how they can defy the federal government's proposed internet filter (and in the process obtain suicide information)! Jesus, do we need more gamblers to know about this based on Gambling911 and Media Man reports over the past few months... read on... we know you want to...

Exit International advises its "Hacking Masterclass" will show the elderly and dying how to use proxy servers and virtual networks so they can slip past the filter and find information on "safe suicide".

Word is spreading to the gaming and gambling community of their educational course and we understand they may be expecting a younger, more gaming savvy bush tacker bag of new students next semester. Enrollments are understood to be filling fast.

It was divulged last year that the government plans to block access to certain websites discussing euthanasia and assisted suicide (which is currently illegal in Australia) in addition to websites devoted to pornographic and other illegal activities! Sounds good hey?

The federal government and Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy have been widely criticised for their censorship agenda, by the United States government among others. Last week Media Man tipped off the United Nations, The Elders and Virgin United, and was thanked for the information. By the next day Australian newspapers had reported on the Australian Government changing details of Australian human rights policy and detail, we kid you not!

Exit International brainchild, founder and director, Philip Nitschke advised 100 people had signed up to the first five-and-a-half-hour "Safe Suicide Workshop" to be held in Perth, Western Australia. Follow up workshops have also been conducted in Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, and Brisbane. Canberra gets their education on April 30) and Sydney siders on lucky May 7).

The good doctor Nitschke said the seminars would teach people how to circumvent the proposed internet filter so they could access information designed to end their lives quickly and painlessly.

"It certainly shows how you can go about bypassing the filter using proxy servers or setting up your own virtual network, and we will be going into that. In fact, it's so easy to get around - according to the information we've received - you wonder why the federal government is pursuing it with such vigour. We can only assume it's because they are intending on making a statement, rather than being too concerned about the actual practicalities of the issue."!

Dr Nitschke said among those who had already signed up, only a few were terminally ill.

"These are rational people making rational decisions, and obstacles shouldn't be put in their path ... which is why I think the numbers of people attending these sorts of safe suicide workshops is increasing. Suicide is not a crime in this country."

Dr Nitschke said the Hacking Masterclass was devised after a similar workshop in Sydney on April 1, spearheaded by Newcastle-based internet expert David Campbell.

About 80 seniors, many with laptop computers, attended and learned.

"The class will be in plain language that everyone can understand," Dr Nitschke said.

A spokeswoman for Senator Conroy said contrary to popular belief, euthanasia would not be targeted by the proposed internet filter.

"Discussion about euthanasia is not content that would be deemed refused classification," she said.

Philip Nitschke's book 'The Peaceful Pill' was found to be refused classification

Wrap Up

Punters, there you have it. Fun and games with computer terminals, mobile phone applications and ways to get around the Aussie internet filter, thanks to the good doctor.

Keep up the good fight. We salute Aussie diggers, The Anzacs, who yesterday celebrated and remembered Anzac Day, and we remind readers to stay vigilant as Governments of the world attempt to fight freedom of speech loving citizens and journalists. Be your own super hero (until the Aussie government may try to ban Marvel Entertainment icon Iron-Man), and American friends, keep an eye out for fellow freedom fighter (or hero, or both) 'Captain America'. Punters are reminded that a range of Marvel super hero themed games (free and pay) can be found at good casinos like PartyGaming's PartyCasino, and Virgin Casino, and steps are on the way to see internet casino games become legal in the United States. Most online casinos remain easy to access in both Canada and Australia. Virgin does not currently offer a service to Australians, however their 'A World Of My Own' (AWOMO) may change that in the near future. Still got the Anzac spirit or a bit of fight in you? Captain Cooks Casino offers 'Bomber Girls' and PartyCasino 'Top Gun', 'The Terminator' and 'Mission: Impossible'. Rumors persist of a major game maker developing an online slot game featuring anti censorship themes. NFL, AFL, TNA UFC, Ned Kelly, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, Watchmen and The Avengers online slot game whispers also persist. Media Man and Gambling911 say bring it on. James Packer 50% owned Betfair is aiming to soon offer Australians an online casino and online poker service. Australian media and horse racing identity, Alan Jones, continues to snap the whip at the Aussie racing sector calling for unity, as Jones' for one is aware that there's room for improvement in the Australian gaming and racing landscape. The igaming industry continues to move at lighting speed, which is about as quick as the speed of news! Good punting, happy hunting, and don't do anything we wouldn't do. Most importantly, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen industries covered.

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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Virgin Games Staff Take on the London Marathon

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 04/22/10 - On April 25, two members of staff from Virgin Games will run the Virgin London Marathon.

29 year old NOC Manager, Jeff Dunbar and 32 year old Nico Van Der Westhuizen, Head of Technical have been training hard, with Jeff aiming to run the 26.2 miles in under three hours.

Jeff and Nico will be among 100 Virgin employees in a team led by Sir Richard Branson aiming to raise as much money as possible to help vulnerable young people in the UK fulfil their potential through Virgin's non-profit foundation, Virgin Unite. All of the money raised will go straight to fantastic charities working with the most vulnerable young people in the UK such as Kids Company, The Foyer Federation, Rathbone and Youth at Risk.

Richard is incentivising sponsorship - for every GBP 5 donated on his Virgin Money Giving page, sponsors will be entered in a prize draw for a trip to Necker Island.

Jeff Dunbar said: "This will be the first marathon for both of us and we are looking forward to the challenge. We have both been receiving generous support from our colleagues, family and friends which will be gratefully received by the kids that will benefit."

Jeff and Nico are hoping to raise over GBP 3,000 for Kids Company which provides practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable inner-city children and young people. They are thankful for any donation, large or small, they receive.

To leave a donation for Jeff or Nico go to:

Nico: http://www.virginunite.com/fundraiser/Running-with-Richard---Virgin-London-Marathon-2010

Jeff: http://www.virginunite.com/fundraiser/Running-with-Richard---London-Marathon-2010

About Kids Company:

www.kidsco.org.uk

Kids Company was founded by Camila Batmanghelidjh in 1996 to provide practical and emotional support to children and young people who experience significant psychosocial difficulties because their parent is unable to function as a caring adult. The lack of a functioning adult has a negative impact on their ability to access education, health, housing, and meaningful employment. Based in London, Kids Company currently supports 11,925 clients, of whom 800 are parents and teachers.

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:

- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like blackjack and roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a jackpot value of over GBP 1,500,000

- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry

- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory

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