Casino News Media: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Australian Gambling: Xenophon Says Ban; Legal Eagle Nettleton Says Regulate, by Greg Tingle - 31st May 2011

Australian news media is currently saturated with a bush tucker bag of casino, gambling and political fun and games news. Here's the latest tidal wave of news from the land down under. Media Man and Gambling911 from the front line of the action...

The anti-gambling campaigner Nick 'Mr X' (satire) Xenophon has been unimpressed by the Australian Federal Police for slow action on enforcing laws which prohibit online casino and poker websites from accepting bets from Australians.

Legal eagles tell the media that's there's lots of grey areas, and this appears so, as if there were not doubts arrests would have already been made.

Companies with any sort of connection into Australia, such as Media Man, have engaged professional legal guidance from legal eagles such as Jamie Nettleton, partner at law firm Addisons, and the word is that there's "grey areas" a plenty and no Australia's have ever been arrested for igaming, as long as the internet has been in existence. In addition that its starting to look like a bit of a media "beat up", fuelled along by anti gambling campaigners.

The world's leading igaming company Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is watching the Australian situation very closely, to put it mildly, but is not publicly commenting on their assessment of Australia at this stage of the game.

Aussies long used sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker even though the Interactive Gambling Act prohibits the provision of "an interactive gambling service to customers in Australia".

Many website portals that over games to a worldwide audience, that Australians can also accept, are based overseas, be it Canada, Gibraltar, Malta, the U.S or other.

The Australian Federal Police is currently investigating at the kind request of the FBI, out of the United States. No misprint!

The websites allegedly use Australian bank accounts to accept about $1 billion a year from an estimated 700,000 Australians and at least one, PokerStars, has an office in Sydney. Despite the sites openly flouting the law and bypassing advertising bans by sponsoring sporting teams such as the NRL teams and poker nights, police officers have yet to act and levy the $1.1 million a day fines outlined in the legislation. Media Man and other commentators don't believe many companies would be able to afford the $1 million + a day fine, and legal eagles have doubts over the apparent investigation.

Senator Xenophon said that following revelations in the press the Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform inquiry would be expanded to include online casino sites. He said it was "very disturbing" that the AFP was not enforcing the law and the FBI and the AFP would be invited to make submissions to the inquiry.

"There could be a hidden epidemic of problem gambling from online gambling that we just don't know about," Senator Xenophon told the Herald.

The AFP has stated previously that it uses a model to determine which cases to devote its limited resources to. It would not comment on Xenophon's criticisms yesterday.

Legal eagle and Media Man friend, Jamie Nettleton, partner at law firm Addisons and high level expert in legal issues relating to the gambling industry, advised the government should liberalise gambling laws and regulate online casino sites. This view has been echoed by the Productivity Commission and Sports Bet executive chairman Matthew Tripp.

Our friend Nettleton, who is the ex-chair of the Sports and Gaming Committee of the International Bar Association, said there was strong demand for online poker and prohibition would only push people to unregulated sites.

"This is part of the reason why countries like Italy, Spain, France and Denmark have all had a prohibitionist stance and are now going down a regulated alternative," stated Nettleton.

The Australian Government last week announced a review of the Interactive Gambling Act and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy said yesterday it would not be appropriate to pre-empt the findings of that review.

Asked to comment on the AFP's investigation into the casino and poker websites, Senator Conroy said he supports action being taken against anyone proven to be breaching Australian law.

Senator Xenophon does not support liberalising gambling laws, saying the more accessible online gambling is the greater the risk of gambling problems developing.

June 20 is the date has has earmarked to introduce amendments to laws which would allow Australians to reverse credit card transactions with international gambling sites as long as it has not already been processed. This would allow people to get their money back even after losing bets and is designed to push the sites to stop accepting Australian customers.

Some internet brands such as Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory have invested in both .coms, .nets and .orgs to help safeguard their investment, having forecast some potential legal issues coming from the U.S, where various .com domain names were seized by the United States Department of Justice. Many Australian companies which have covered gaming continue to report on dozens of other industries such as technology, property and celebrity, to ensure they are not totally reliant on the gaming sector as a source of news or income.

A Media Man insider said "If they grey areas continue around igaming and web publishing to get too blurred we might sell up and work for another mob, maybe in the pay television or video games industry, which are fully regulated and the grey areas just don't really exist. Maybe even the Australian communications watchdog. If you can't beat them, joint them".

Independent Andrew Wilkie, who chairs the Joint Select Committee on Gambling Reform, said there "clearly" was a problem in Australia with online and interactive gambling. He said the committee's inquiry would examine the issues and provide recommendations to government.

"In the interim I fully support AFP efforts to crack down on illegal operations," Wilkie said.

Many Australian media and commentators continue to call Australia's the biggest gamblers in the world. Hope the Aussies are taking the title as a compliment.

Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man and Gambling911 reports for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.

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

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Monday, May 30, 2011

Games Of The Month: Cleopatra, Sinatra Slot, Monopoly, The Sting, The Terminator, The Godfather and Rambo

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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Crown Casino: Good VS Evil?; Preacher Man, by Greg Tingle - 29th May 2001

It seems of late that there's a bit of Good VS Evil and Good Cop VS Bad Cop going on at Melbourne's Crown Casino as of late. We get up close to a man of god somewhat aligned with Crown and also probe to see if Crown may be targeting oldies. Australia is once again home to some of the world's hottest gambling and casino news today, with James Packer and his Crown Casino in the centre of the action. Media Man pounds the pavement with the news you need to know...

Crown Casino Chaplain: No Such Thing As Luck; Punters Need To Take Self Responsibility...

The casino's resident chaplain aka man of Gold, has warned that luck has become a "new religion" as punters crave financial reward for little or no effort. Father James Grant says he sees growing numbers of folks gambling in the hope they will win a fortune before losing devastating sums of money. Speaking at a recent event to raise awareness around problem gambling, Father Grant advised the lack of individual responsibility was alarming. "An increasing number of patrons believe that luck is on their side," he preached. "In our society luck has become a new secular deity. "We are people who believe that it is possible to get something for nothing, that our lives are in the grip of fate … rather than our own responsibility. None of this is Crown's doing. "Rather I would argue that Crown is actually moving into a framework that is going in exactly the opposite direction." The event, held to coincide with the state government's Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, also came a day after it came to light that the casino had hired former ALP chief Karl Bitar to try to push back proposed anti-gambling laws. Father Grant, an Anglican, would not say if he supported the proposed laws. But he was sceptical of anything that "tinkered around the edges" rather than dealt with motivations - real reasons behind people's irresponsibility. Father Grant spends about 20 hours a week at the casino through his Chaplains Without Borders program, an inter-faith agency that serves companies and other organisations. He said the casino responsible gaming support centre was staffed around the clock to help people in need, while casino staff kept watch for people gambling beyond their limits. "It's very easy to bash Crown without really understanding what efforts it does go to," he said. "I don't think Crown gets any credit for what it's doing in terms of trying to encourage individuals to take more responsibility for their life." The man of God is well liked both by patrons, staff and management, and media reckons he's great for a quote to two also. Thanks father, there is a god.

Crown Casino Targeting Oldies?...

The famous casino has been accused of luring senior citizens and struggling community clubs to the casino by offering rebates, exposing weak and vulnerable punters to problem gambling, gambling researcher Professor Linda Hancock says. Professor Hancock, from Deakin University, will soon release her book Regulatory Failure: The Case of Crown Casino, in which she argues that the regulation of the casino is failing people because of "weak sanctions" on the irresponsible service of alcohol and on those failing to implement the Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct. In the controversial new book, Professor Hancock said seniors and people from non-English-speaking backgrounds were being targeted by Crown's "Red Carpet Program", which was promoted to social clubs as a special outing. Bus packages are available for groups and clubs can earn a rebate but only if they stay for at least four hours, or six for a non-gambling function. Patrons are given gambling vouchers, as well as lunch coupons, upon arrival. Visitors on tours are also signed up to loyalty programs, which exposes them to marketing for other gambling products. In her book, Professor Hancock quotes a survey of 204 participants on 6 Crown bus packages from northern suburbs social clubs, which found evidence of "at-risk" gambling behaviours with 42.9% spending more than they had planned and 23.7% saying they planned to return to the casino to win back money. Crown Casino's did not respond as we went to press.

Bitar's New Crown Casino Gig Is Wrong: Bob Brown...

Australian Greens leader Bob Brown says the appointment of a former Labor strategist to a job lobbying for the gambling industry is "worrying". Former ALP national secretary Karl Bitar has taken up a gig with Melbourne's Crown Casino. The appointment comes as the Gillard Labor government works on a new policy to limit the amount of money players can put through poker machines, to prevent problem gambling. Senator Brown said it was an example of the "spectre of undue influence" raising its head. "The appointment by Crown Casino is very worrying, it's very troubling, because he's been a major mover and shaker in politics in Australia," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. "You can't tell me or anybody else that that's not going to open doors for Crown Casino that other people don't have open to them and can't go through." Senator Brown said there should at least be a cooling off period for such appointments. "It is wrong and we should certainly see much stronger regulations and rules about ex-politicians and senior political insiders being able to move to use the knowledge they've had from being on the political inside not only to their own advantage but to the advantage of sectional interests." Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello says Bitar's appointment by Crown is not a shock. "Crown has everything to lose from pokies reform, so it's no surprise they employed Karl Bitar," he said. Costello also attacked Crown's involvement in Victoria's Responsible Gambling Awareness Week. The casino made its contribution to the week on Wednesday at an event in which former aerobics champion Sue Stanley compared an addiction to exercise with gambling. Stanley said she needed help when she was addicted to exercise and gamblers should do likewise. The casino's chaplain Father James Grant then said Crown was doing a good job with problem gambling. No Crown officials would take questions from the media at the event. "It's a joke," Costello said. "Crown and its involvement in Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is quite frankly like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank." Victorian Liberal premier Ted Baillieu said he could work with Mr Bitar. "To some extent I'm surprised that somebody in that position in the ALP would undertake that position but that's a matter for them," he told the press.

Punter Spent Phoney Cash On Sex And Poker At Crown Casino...

A Melbourne fella spent more than $10,000 of counterfeit Canadian currency on prostitutes and poker machines after exchanging the money for Australian dollars at Crown Casino, a court has heard. Cosimo Candido, 34, of Sunshine, was arrested this week by Australian Federal Police after he exchanged counterfeit money he claims he was minding in a shoe box for a friend who had asked him to look after it. Up to seven passports from various jurisdictions were also found in the shoe box in the name of a man who police confirmed is dead. Candido claimed he did not known the money was counterfeit, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard. He is alleged to have told police he was with a prostitute in St Kilda on April 30, got bored, then decided to take the cash to the casino to exchange it. He advised he approached a cashier with $1000 of the currency "to see if it would work" and received $885 in return. He went to another cashier and exchanged $3000 counterfeit Canadian dollars and received $2657 before he was handed $4645 by a third cashier. All transactions were captured on CCTV cameras. Crown staff later contacted police after suspecting the cash was fake. Candido was charged with uttering counterfeit money under the Crimes Currency Act 1981. The Commonwealth offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 years' jail. The court heard that Candido told police his friend who asked him to mind the items had the cash and passports because he was trying to receive the dead man's assets. The police informant, who asked not to be named because of ongoing investigations, said Candido told investigators he had spent the money he received after the exchanges on hookers, hotels and at the pokies. Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg granted Candido bail to re-appear at the same court on July 13. Crime does not pay... not usually.

James Packer VS Or With Andrew Wilkie; Wilkie's Big Day At Packer's Crown Casino; Win - Win?...

He's the face of Australian gambling haters, but he had a wonder through James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne just the other day, but for good reason. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday. The 'Tasmanian Devil' (satire) independent MP had a tour of gambling house in March with James Packer. The gambling king and the political face of gambling dislike took a walk around the place before making way to a conference room with staff to discuss issues of mutual interest we hear. Packer is very interested in Wilkie's plans to slow cash flow of the poker machine industry by imposing a mandatory national system requiring punters to set a limit on their losses. Pokies have been the talk of the town for weeks. State and territory ministers won't shut up about the 'one armed bandits' and Wilkie props. Packer's Crown Limited just appointed Labor's ex national secretary Karl Bitar to boost Crown's lobbying effort against the reforms. There's was a rumour that one or two threats were made in the meeting. What constitutes a threat anyway? Crown rejects that idea. "Mr Packer did not threaten Mr Wilkie in any way, shape or form," a Crown spokesman said yesterday. "The meeting with Mr Wilkie on 20 March at Crown was both civil and constructive. Mr Packer would be disappointed if anyone is claiming anything other than that." Clubs and pubs are pro active with an full on public campaign against the Wilkie proposal; the casino king apparently signalled in the boardroom he was prepared to contribute funds and add his politically influential voice to the objections. Given his interest in the outcome, the agro around the political class and the posture of the pubs and clubs, it would be surprising if he did otherwise. Packer has also made his objections known to other parliamentary crossbenchers, calling on MP's Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott. Wilkie has refused to discuss the meeting. "The content of the discussion was confidential," he said, adding "unless James Packer wants to reveal it, in which case I have no objection". Fun, games and politics continue to mix it up down under, but we haven't heard the last of Packer VS Wilkie, or whatever the relationship is punters.

Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.

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

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Marvel Entertainment To Get More Games Via Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment

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Friday, May 27, 2011

Australian Gambling And Casino News; Packer Special, by Greg Tingle - 27th May 2011

Australia is once again home to some of the world's hottest gambling and casino news today, with James Packer and his Crown Casino in the centre of the action. Media Man and Gambling911 pound the pavement with the news you need to know...

Bitar's New Crown Casino Gig Is Wrong: Bob Brown...

Australian Greens leader Bob Brown says the appointment of a former Labor strategist to a job lobbying for the gambling industry is "worrying". Former ALP national secretary Karl Bitar has taken up a gig with Melbourne's Crown Casino. The appointment comes as the Gillard Labor government works on a new policy to limit the amount of money players can put through poker machines, to prevent problem gambling. Senator Brown said it was an example of the "spectre of undue influence" raising its head. "The appointment by Crown Casino is very worrying, it's very troubling, because he's been a major mover and shaker in politics in Australia," he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday. "You can't tell me or anybody else that that's not going to open doors for Crown Casino that other people don't have open to them and can't go through." Senator Brown said there should at least be a cooling off period for such appointments. "It is wrong and we should certainly see much stronger regulations and rules about ex-politicians and senior political insiders being able to move to use the knowledge they've had from being on the political inside not only to their own advantage but to the advantage of sectional interests." Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello says Bitar's appointment by Crown is not a shock. "Crown has everything to lose from pokies reform, so it's no surprise they employed Karl Bitar," he said. Costello also attacked Crown's involvement in Victoria's Responsible Gambling Awareness Week. The casino made its contribution to the week on Wednesday at an event in which former aerobics champion Sue Stanley compared an addiction to exercise with gambling. Stanley said she needed help when she was addicted to exercise and gamblers should do likewise. The casino's chaplain Father James Grant then said Crown was doing a good job with problem gambling. No Crown officials would take questions from the media at the event. "It's a joke," Costello said. "Crown and its involvement in Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is quite frankly like putting Dracula in charge of the blood bank." Victorian Liberal premier Ted Baillieu said he could work with Mr Bitar. "To some extent I'm surprised that somebody in that position in the ALP would undertake that position but that's a matter for them," he told the press.

Punter Spent Phoney Cash On Sex And Poker At Crown Casino...

A Melbourne fella spent more than $10,000 of counterfeit Canadian currency on prostitutes and poker machines after exchanging the money for Australian dollars at Crown Casino, a court has heard. Cosimo Candido, 34, of Sunshine, was arrested this week by Australian Federal Police after he exchanged counterfeit money he claims he was minding in a shoe box for a friend who had asked him to look after it. Up to seven passports from various jurisdictions were also found in the shoe box in the name of a man who police confirmed is dead. Candido claimed he did not known the money was counterfeit, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard. He is alleged to have told police he was with a prostitute in St Kilda on April 30, got bored, then decided to take the cash to the casino to exchange it. He advised he approached a cashier with $1000 of the currency "to see if it would work" and received $885 in return. He went to another cashier and exchanged $3000 counterfeit Canadian dollars and received $2657 before he was handed $4645 by a third cashier. All transactions were captured on CCTV cameras. Crown staff later contacted police after suspecting the cash was fake. Candido was charged with uttering counterfeit money under the Crimes Currency Act 1981. The Commonwealth offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 years' jail. The court heard that Candido told police his friend who asked him to mind the items had the cash and passports because he was trying to receive the dead man's assets. The police informant, who asked not to be named because of ongoing investigations, said Candido told investigators he had spent the money he received after the exchanges on hookers, hotels and at the pokies. Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg granted Candido bail to re-appear at the same court on July 13. Crime does not pay... not usually.

James Packer VS Or With Andrew Wilkie; Wilkie's Big Day At Packer's Crown Casino; Win - Win?...

He's the face of Australian gambling haters, but he had a wonder through James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne just the other day, but for good reason. What a lovely way to spend a Sunday. The 'Tasmanian Devil' (satire) independent MP had a tour of gambling house in March with James Packer. The gambling king and the political face of gambling dislike took a walk around the place before making way to a conference room with staff to discuss issues of mutual interest we hear. Packer is very interested in Wilkie's plans to slow cash flow of the poker machine industry by imposing a mandatory national system requiring punters to set a limit on their losses. Pokies have been the talk of the town for weeks. State and territory ministers won't shut up about the 'one armed bandits' and Wilkie props. Packer's Crown Limited just appointed Labor's ex national secretary Karl Bitar to boost Crown's lobbying effort against the reforms. There's was a rumour that one or two threats were made in the meeting. What constitutes a threat anyway? Crown rejects that idea. "Mr Packer did not threaten Mr Wilkie in any way, shape or form," a Crown spokesman said yesterday. "The meeting with Mr Wilkie on 20 March at Crown was both civil and constructive. Mr Packer would be disappointed if anyone is claiming anything other than that." Clubs and pubs are pro active with an full on public campaign against the Wilkie proposal; the casino king apparently signalled in the boardroom he was prepared to contribute funds and add his politically influential voice to the objections. Given his interest in the outcome, the agro around the political class and the posture of the pubs and clubs, it would be surprising if he did otherwise. Packer has also made his objections known to other parliamentary crossbenchers, calling on MP's Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott. Wilkie has refused to discuss the meeting. "The content of the discussion was confidential," he said, adding "unless James Packer wants to reveal it, in which case I have no objection". Fun, games and politics continue to mix it up down under, but we haven't heard the last of Packer VS Wilkie, or whatever the relationship is punters.

Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Casino News Media Website Updated

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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Trump Casino Marina Becomes Golden Nugget AC

In Atlantic City, all that's golden is not Trump.

New Jersey casino regulators approved the sale of Trump Marina Hotel Casino on Monday to the owners of the Golden Nugget casinos in Nevada for $38 million — about a tenth of what the property was expected to fetch just three years ago.

Landry's Inc. has rebranded the casino as the Golden Nugget Atlantic City, a name change that became official with Monday's vote by the Casino Control Commission.

The giant "TRUMP" letters have been removed from the front of the casino, though the top and rear of the casino-hotel still bear Donald Trump's name. A temporary banner proclaiming the casino as the Golden Nugget could be put up as soon as Tuesday, a company spokeswoman said.

Tilman J. Fertitta, the owner of Houston-based Landry's, said he is prepared to pump $150 million into the casino to revive it and make it competitive in Atlantic City's cutthroat market.

"It's exciting to be in the nation's second-largest gaming market, and we're excited to get started on the renovation to let everyone see the changes we have coming," Fertitta told The Associated Press. "Everything's going to be different. We're touching every square foot. We're going to have lots of new restaurants and bars."

Fertitta said he is interested in building a second hotel tower within the next few years to expand the Golden Nugget's 740-room inventory. He said during testimony before the commission that he would be open to working out a deal with MGM Resorts to buy a 14-acre tract of vacant land near the casino to develop, but said afterward he had misspoken, adding he has had no conversations with MGM about the land.

At the Golden Nugget, Landry's plans new bars and lounges, live entertainment, stores and updated rooms and suites. Attractions including the Rush Lounge and a gathering spot called After Hours, a new spa, poker room, race and keno room and a new H2O Pool and Lounge, which will introduce all-season hot tubs and fire pits. On Thursday, the company will open its Chart House restaurant inside the casino.

"We're building a facility here that will compete against anybody else in town," he told the commission. "We promise everybody we will be good citizens here. Hopefully in a few years we'll all look back at this as a good decision for y'all."

Linda Kassekert, the casino commission chairwoman, called the Golden Nugget "a giant step toward a reinvigorated Atlantic City gaming market."

Fertitta said renovations will be completed by December, including a remake of the casino's boxy, institutional façade.

"It is not going to have that hospital look anymore," he said. "It'll look like a totally different building. You will not recognize this property come December."

Fertitta also said the casino will retain the overwhelming majority of the casino's work force of about 1,460, saying "only a very small number" will lose their jobs in the ownership transition. No one will be asked to take pay cuts, he added.

Landry's owns Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nev. The Atlantic City casino becomes its third.

The deal brings the Golden Nugget brand back to Atlantic City, where it operated in a different building from 1980 to 1987.

The sale leaves Trump Entertainment Resorts, which emerged last summer from its third stint in bankruptcy court, with two Boardwalk casinos — its flagship trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort and the older Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Trump Marina is located in the city's marina district, next to the Frank Farley Marina, which is included in the sale, and two of the city's top-performing casinos — the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. It opened in 1985 as Trump's Castle.

Trump Entertainment has been trying to sell the Marina casino since May 2008, when it struck a deal with Coastal Marina LLC, run by former Donald Trump protege Richard Fields. Fields first agreed to pay $316 million. After the economy tanked, Trump and Coastal Marina agreed to a lower price of $270 million, but the deal fell apart in 2009 over disagreements about the physical condition of the casino.

Coastal claimed that summer that the Trump Marina needs at least $50 million in repairs. Things were so bad, Coastal Marina claimed in a lawsuit, the casino was putting plants under leaky windows and skylights to catch the drips when it rained rather than fix the leaks.

Fertitta said he will operate the Golden Nugget better than Trump Entertainment did.

"What shocked us was there's only one bar right at the front," he said. "It's almost like everything was done not to do business here. It was a big box."

He said Trump Entertainment Resorts paid more attention to its two other casinos than to Trump Marina.

"We will be 100 percent focused on driving business to the Golden Nugget," he said.

In addition to the Golden Nugget casinos, Landry's owns and runs more than 300 stores and restaurants including the Rainforest Cafe and Chart House chains. It also owns the Downtown Aquarium complexes in Houston and Denver, as well as the Kemah Boardwalk, a 50-acre, family-oriented themed entertainment destination outside Houston.

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Crown Casino And Burswood Casino News Update

Crown Casino Security Officers Help Police Rescue Man From Yarra River...

No, it wasn't the Melbourne underworld that sent to the man swimming with the fishes. He did the swim on his own accord and got into strife. Two police officers dived into the river after him at roughly 4.35am today near the Crown promenade in Southbank, between King and Spencer streets. When the cops arrived they found the man in distress and clinging to a life buoy thrown into the river by Crown Casino security officers. The two cops, a senior-constable and a constable, jumped into the river and dragged the man to the bank. The man, 28, from Mulgrave, was taken to hospital and is reported to be in a satisfactory condition. No, he wasn't in the mood or condition to head to Crown to have a punt. Kudo's to Crown Casino security for going above and beyond the call of duty.

James Packer's Crown Limited Looking To Spend Hundreds Of Millions To Attract Whales And Dolphins...

JP's Crown Limited is to invest at least another $281 million upgrading its Australian casinos. It is also making acquisitions that include consolidating its ownership of the famous Aspinall's Club in London which is part owned by his mate Damian Aspinall. The new funding is on top of $139 million previously put aside for upgrades of the Crown Casino in Melbourne and Burswood Casino in Perth, showing the company's confidence in the market and its talent in attracting whale VIP's. Crown's buys include the Holiday Inn hotel building and associated assets at Burswood Casino for $79 million. "Burswood will be entitled to a greater share of hotel profits," the company said. A further $81 million will be spent upgrading Burswood's gambling floor, catering, convention centre and VIP accommodation services. Crown Casino down in Melbourne will enjoy $132 million in revamps, with a more extensive investment in the gambling floor and catering, plus new bar and lounge that will feature the colourful Shane Warne and the Aussie ex poker champion Joe Hachem as ambassadors. Further upgrades to its VIP facilities were also announced, including refurbishing the casino's jets. Crown and competitors Tabcorp's Star City had announced upgrades to the VIP gambling businesses to meet growing competition from new casino developments in Singapore and Macau. It was in December when Packer, Crown's chairman, advised Australia would need to work harder to compete with new Asian developments and called on other companies to take up some of the slack. "Australian investment in large-scale tourism attractions has been relatively modest in recent years. In contrast, Crown has been and continues to be a significant investor in Australian tourism infrastructure." Crown will acquire a 100% interest in Aspinall's Club. The land cased casino, which also has an online arm, was owned by the Aspinall's Group, Crown's joint venture with the Packer family friend Damian Aspinall. The venture will use the $55 million in proceeds to pay debt. Don't bet against Packer, he's on a winning steak, and delighted in proving the knockers wrong.

Burswood Casino To Crack Down On Smoking...

Western Australia would get the strongest anti-smoking laws in the country under proposals which include a complete ban in outdoor areas where people eat, watch sport or catch buses. The bans are among 15 proposals contained in a Health Department discussion paper being released today, which includes removing a controversial exemption that allows gamblers to smoke in Burswood Casino's high-rollers room. One option is to ban smoking in all outdoor eating areas, which would be an Australian first. "We strongly support these proposals, including banning smoking in Burswood's high-rollers room which exposes staff to smoke just to attract dollars and pander to the big end of town." Dr Mountain said he supported wider bans outdoors because seeing other people smoke gave a visual cue that it was still acceptable to smoke around other people.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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

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Monday, May 23, 2011

Australians Still Biggest Gamblers In World, by Greg Tingle - 22nd May 2011

Australians are still widely believed to be the biggest and most passionate gamblers in the world, according to new research that has came to light. Gambling reform proposals have triggered the findings. Media Man and Gambling911 have previously covered the passion and spending habits of Aussies, and today we offer up further detail on the world's biggest gamblers...

We've been telling you a few years now that Aussies are the biggest gamblers, and now more proof of this bold claim has arrived.

The latest issue of The Economist hit out desks and they also rank Australians as the world's biggest gamblers per capita, spending the equivalent of €902 ($1208.75) each last year.

The report states "Australia has led for the past decade, since we started doing this, and has always been well ahead of the other nations," advised Joel Keeble of H2 Gambling Capital, which provided the data.

Ok, first you have to basically ignore the stats anomaly that is Singapore...both their new casinos nearly match the famous Las Vegas strip in the U.S in terms of the gambling spend...the next closest competition for down under in Oz is Ireland, which spent less than half as much on gambling.

EGM's - Electronic gaming machines...including slots / poker machines, account for most of the lead lead. They also pointed out that Aussie's love to engage in a wide range of betting activity.

Not just slots, pokies, horses and football... the state of the Australian economy..bets on next month's interest rate decision by the Reserve Bank after the commission dropped attempts to ban the practice.

Centrebet was offering punters a $1.12 return if interest rates remain unchanged and $26 if they are cut.

The corporate watchdog didn't approve on the grounds that this amounts to trading in derivatives without a financial licence.

Slots aka poker machines are the most popular. Cleopatra and Queen Of The Nile are the most popular. Exact replicas of these two particular games can be found on the internet.

A report by the Productivity Commission stated $19 billion was spent on gambling in 2008-09, $12 billion of it on pokies aka one armed bandits.

The commission stated up to 40% of the money spent on the games comes from problem gamblers...a $5 billion hole on an estimated 90,000 people. Clubs Australia and many experts in media do not agree with the figures, starting the report was bias.

Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who received greatly needed support of the independent MP Andrew Wilkie to form a minority government by agreeing to put in place a national "mandatory precommitment system" to combat problem gambling.

Betting agencies such as Centrebet has the Coalition as more likely to win the next federal election at the time of press, but Gillard will find it interesting that she is tipped by punters to lead the Labor Party to the election.

We prefer the slots and poker over political betting, but to each their own.

A Media Man spokesperson said "We have believed that Australians were the most passionate and biggest spending punters on the planet for years. The new report is further proof. Aussies would even bet on pro wrestling matches if odds were available, even though winners are predetermined. Two-Up, betting on two flies crawling up a wall, Aussies will be on anything and big".

Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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Sunday, May 22, 2011

Casinos To Host Pro Wrestling Talk By Hulk Hogan And Friends, by Greg Tingle - 22nd May 2011

Famous pro wrestlers including Hulk Hogan are going to share true and previously kayfabe stories from the road at popular American and Canadian casinos. Oneida Casino in Green Bay, Wisconsin has signed up, with Boulevard Casino in BC said to keen, with many more expected to follow. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe the curious tie-ins between land based and online casinos with the pro wrestling sector, with Hulk Hogan now challenging Ric Flair as wrestling king of the gambling sector...

There's a curious relationship between pro wrestling, land based and online casinos, and to be frank, we like it. Let's face it, they're all in the entertainment business right, looking for their cut of the entertainment dollar. As if you didn't know, just being in business these days is a gamble.

Back in the old days... circa 1950, pro wrestling used to be sometimes held in smoke filled arena's, some doubling as above board casinos, some being underground gambling dens littered with vice... and all things nice and naughty. Ah, those were the days hey kids.

Pro wrestling living legend, Hulk Hogan, has proved himself in the ring many times over the past 3 decades, but now he's showing himself to be quite a study of the gambling and casino industry. Already featured in The Hulk-A-Mania Experience slot game and Hulk Hogan online slot, out within months we hear, he's about ready to spill his guts kayfabe style at select land based casinos throughout the United States and just maybe Canada and BC also. Not only that, many of Hogan's old wrestling mates will also join in the talkfest, which is bound to have wrestling fans on the edge of their seats.

Don't worry about Hogan mate Ric "The Nature Boy" Flair, who won't be appearing. Flair still has his deals with the Carolina's Education Lottery, and he still feels very Woooooo! about it.

A Media Man insider said "When Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair did their shoot angle at Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia a few years ago that drew strong heat, blood and major headlines. They incorporated some kayfabe, inside talk into the script. Hogan is old school and knows just about all the secrets of pro wrestling since the 70's. His talkfests to be held at American and perhaps Canadian and BC land based casinos should be something special...as long as you like pro wrestling, or at least find it interesting".

It's understood that Hogan and some of his wrestling buddies don't mind a punt, but it's not known if they will play the casinos games before or after the talks at this stage. Wrestling and casino trivia buffs will be interested to know that the old WWE bought a the Debbie Reynold's land casino casino in Las Vegas circa 1999, but never went ahead with development plans, opting to sell it for a tidy profit. The casino was later redeveloped and is today known as the Clarion Hotel and Casino.

The current wrestling talk fests are expected to net Hogan, mates, the casinos and the promoters thousands of dollars, with Hulk set to get the biggest payday of all we understand, which is fair enough.

Hogan nemesis and sometimes friends Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka and Kevin 'Diesel' aka 'Vinnie Vegas' Nash are understood to be aware of the wrestling talk tour but are not appearing due to prior contractual arrangements. Nash has some online casino games listed in his official website. The Hulk's online casino game is set to be released before the end of this year in a deal with Endemol UK. bwin.party digital entertainment is understood to be looking for a b2b deal with Endemol.

'Hogan and Friends' are set to tear the house down, as much as a talkfest is capable of.

The shows have previously been postponed, but at this stage 3rd time looks to be a charm. Insiders hope Hogan’s back is ok and won't stop him appearing. The nostalgia tour is set to arrive next week at Oneida Casino in Ashwaubenon.

Hogan will be sharing the mic with Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart, Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, The Nasty Boys, Koko B. Ware and Hacksaw Jim Duggan about their days on the old school wrestling circuit, both WWE - World Wrestling Federation and other promotions. Stories may including things like real life fights at bars, drug use, crazy nights with women ala "ring rats", real life heat, the time Duggan got busted with his supposed enemy The Iron Sheik for some green stuff, the real life Hogan - Randy Savage (RIP) feud, near meets with death, Andre The Giant stories, and god knows what else. Even if your more a casino player and not so much a wrestling fan, it still sounds like loads of fun.

It's rumoured that both Sydney's Star City casino and Melbourne's Crown Casino are interested in the wrestling talk concept, but to bring out Hogan and friends for this would be cost prohibitive at this stage, opting to stick to their loyalties to Vince McMahon's WWE, set to tour Australia from July 1.

Kudos to you Hulk, you're quite the wrestling legend, and there's no doubting your success as a gambling and gaming entrepreneur either.

Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it. Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages... your winner - the fans!

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.

Hulk Hogan & Friends Tour

Oneida Casino, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Ashwaubenon - 26th May, doors open at 5pm.
http://www.oneidabingoandcasino.net

Boulevard Casino, Coquitlam BC - tentative, not confirmed - To Be Advised

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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/hogan.html

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http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/wrestling.html

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publishes Media Man News and Wrestling News Media

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PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Of The Month Award

PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".

PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.

The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPT Casino, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com

The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".

The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.

PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.

The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.

The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.

PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.

PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.

PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.

Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.

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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Casino News Media: Virgin Games Gets New Slot Machines; Virgin Casino And Virgin Bingo Players Win

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Branson

Virgin Games, a arm of Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited, continues to launch new slot games.

As many game players will know Virgin Games is extremely popular in the UK. Unfortunately at this time players in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Africa and France are not able to play Virgin games for money. Have a look at the Global Gaming Directory which Media Man Int has put together to assist in your selection.

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Virgin Games has been getting many new slot games in the past months, with most going into both Virgin Casino and Virgin Bingo.

A number of new slot machines have been launched by Virgin recently so check them out punters.

Shaaark! SuperBet: Sun, sea and sand, oh and look out for the SHAAARK! Watch as it chomps symbols into WILDS. This is one shark you won't want to miss. THE GAME: The game is a five-reel slot machine with a DOUBLE BONUS FEATURE to multiply your winnings. During the regular play, the goal is to achieve a winning combination of symbols on any of the selectable lines. Payouts depend on the bet per line played and the winning combination of symbols achieved. The theoretical average return to player (RTP) is 95.36% with Super Bet enabled or 93.49% (with Super Bet disabled). Malfunction voids all pays and plays. Play 1 to 25 lines. All symbols pay Left to Right except scattered FIN which pays any.

Alice's Wonderland is a 5-reel 20-line slot game. The game features a Progressive Jackpot in the Mad Hatter's Tea Party bonus round, an in-reel Rabbit Hole bonus, as well as freespins with extra wild symbols. It is also possible to win all 3 bonus features in one spin! Which makes this ASH Gaming game very popular with both new and expert slot players.

Bejeweled 2 has 20 lines of glittering reel action including 3 Bonus Games. Bonus rounds include: Free Spins Scatter, Wheel of Riches Scatter, Bejeweled Bonus Scatter. Enjoy this sequel to the classic gem-swapping puzzler and start promoting this fantastic game from Blueprint Gaming.

CryptoLogic’s Batman Slot: The Batman Slot is one of the new breed of online slots using high end technology with bonus rounds more like an actual arcade game than a traditional slot machine game. The new slot even features a bonus bet which gives the player a chance to scoop a larger jackpot.

As with most new online slots released at Virgin Bingo and indeed Virgin Casino there is also a matching new promotion. Starting today and running until 23:59 Monday 2nd May players can earn additional cash back just by playing a range of slots which of course includes the new Batman slots. The amount of cash back you receive depends on the amount you actually wager but amazingly you can earn up to £500. Virgin Games have stated that all bonuses for the promotion will be paid into players accounts on Tuesday 3rd.

Virgin Bingo Rooms

Necker Island & Marrakesh (90-ball bingo): Play traditional 90-ball bingo in a room that's as luxurious as Richard's very own tropical paradise, Necker Island, or rock the Kasbah, by playing in the bustling and colourful room, Marrakesh.

Galactic (90-ball speed bingo): It’s Bingo, Jim, but not as we know it! Play bingo at warp-speed by joining the super-fast Virgin Galactic room, where games are blasting off every two minutes.
Miami (75-ball bingo) : Grab your sunglasses and hit the beach with some 75-ball bingo action in the sunny shores of Miami.

Ulusaba (80-ball bingo): Play in Sir Richard’s very own private game reserve, Ulusaba, for some classic 80-ball bingo.

Press Release

Virgin Games Reveals Luckiest Star Signs...

Expert Astrologer, Russell Grant, Comments on Findings

In the run up to Friday 13th, online gaming company Virgin Games, has analysed a 50,000 player sample of its database to find the luckiest and unluckiest star signs when it comes to winning money.

The data showed that Aquarius, closely followed by Capricorn are the luckiest star signs, while Libra is the unluckiest. Players were defined as 'lucky' by having a winning session of more than GBP1,000.

Expert Astrologer, Russell Grant, commented on the findings: "All signs have the potential for being lucky and as the planets are constantly moving, people will move in and out of lucky phases.

That's why you should never give up if your sign falls at the bottom of the lucky/unlucky chart. For some months now Saturn has been traveling retrograde in Libra but the good news is, as from mid-June, Saturn turns direct and Librans could well start to see more good fortune in their life.
"Also in June, the lucky planet Jupiter will be entering Taurus. Taurus already seems to have had more than its fair share of luck lately and that's probably because this careful sign will have cleverly worked out gambling tactics that help them improve their gambling odds. It is interesting to see that all the more cautious Earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo are in the top five lucky signs.

"What can the more impulsive Fire signs Leo, Aries and Sagittarius learn from this? Maybe to curb their impulsiveness, work out the odds, take calculated risks and pause and watch for the next good opportunity. However, don't hesitate for too long! Because Libra, the only Air sign at the bottom of the list has a tendency to vacillate and as the old saying goes: he who hesitates is lost. So as Librans pull themselves out of a more restrictive Saturn phase, they should take a leaf out of their Aquarian friends' books and let their motto be: He who dares, wins!"

Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, commented: "As Friday 13th hits us, we thought it would be a good idea to look at the fortune of our customers and to try and understand whether certain star signs are luckier than others. Of course, this is just a bit of fun, but I may steer clear from letting a Libran deal with my money on this inauspicious day!"

From luckiest to unluckiest, the findings of Virgin Games' data was as follows:

1. Aquarius
2. Capricorn
3. Taurus
4. Gemini
5. Virgo
6. Cancer
7. Leo
8. Aries
9. Pisces
10. Scorpio
11. Sagittarius
12. Libra

Russell Grant will be hosting a live web chat with Virgin Bingo customers on Friday 13th May from 8pm-9pm in the Hidden Treasure Room. Russell will also be giving away five signed copies of his latest book, Russell Grant's Sun Sign Book. To join Russell go to Virgin Games Founded in 2004.

Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, IGT, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Ash Gaming and Mazooma Interactive Games.

About Virgin Games:

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

Virgin Casino offers content from a range of games suppliers including IGT, Microgaming, 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.

Virgin Online 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.

Virgin Games has won a number of awards and commendations over the years including the prestigious Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' and a range of EGR awards. As always, be with your head, not over it, and have fun.

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Australian Gambling And Casino News Update, by Greg Tingle - 20th May 2011

Australian gambling and casino news keeps coming thick and fast, as new laws are tipped to be hitting down under in the very near future... mind you, that's story has been around for months, but certainly new developments in the gambling sector are under way in Australia. Media Man and Gambling911 with the catch of the day containing all the gambling news that matters from the land of kangaroos and koalas...

Sky City Group Plans To Build Casino In Darwin; Aussie Casino Wars May Escalate...

Sky City Casino has released previously top secret plans for a 50 million dollar resort - casino featuring villas which could cost as much as two thousand dollars a night. The flashy integrated resort is to be built next to the current land based casino site, at Little Mindil, with the company also looking at the operation of a corporate jet to shuttle VIP whales between Asian cities and Darwin. he Chief Minister Paul Henderson says it's fantastic news for the Territory. "I'd like to congratulate Sky City for their confidence in Darwin and the Northern Territory at a time when it is a bit soft out there. "Whilst we're waiting for the major projects to come online, a final decision from Inpex, you know the banks are being a lot tighter at the moment in terms of their lending so it's hard for developers to get projects off the ground," says Henderson. Penny Tastula is a savvy tourism consultant specialising in domestic and Asian destinations who was involved in one of the losing bids for tourism developments at the Little Mindil site. Ms Tastula says this is a missed opportunity. "We're not getting the high rollers in now, we've got so many huge new casinos opened up in South East Asia, the Marina Bay sands and the one at Sentosa Island, just at our doorstep, what's Darwin going to attract to bring them down, where's the Versace and all of the upper end shops?," Ms Tastula told the press. Ms Tastula says this resort won't appeal to the majority of the domestic tourism market. "We could have had an absolutely amazing four to five star still beautiful resort, strata titled, attracting three to four hundred families to come up at a time and stay. "I wanted to see a resort there that would ... start the mechanics into place to turn Darwin into a destination in its own right," she stated. She advised there's lot's of hotels which allow people to come and stay for three or four days, but nowhere to attract people to stay for two weeks and really explore the Top End of Australia. "What have we got for Little Mindil? Instead of having our catalyst, beautiful long-term holiday resort that was available for Territory families to use, available for visitors all around the world and all around Australia to use, and now we've got a venue where they can have a party for four thousand people twice a year. I mean it still makes me cringe every time I walk past." Media Man staffers were heard saying it sounded like a "very go ahead idea".

Aussie Sports Bosses Worried About Sports Betting...

Think you know all there is about the politics and proposed laws re sports betting in Australia? Think again. The money men - the top brass behind the elite sports codes in Australia just yesterday expressed their unease at the full on advertising delivered by enthusiastic promoter types in the betting agencies. The money stream for the sporting codes has been a financial shot in the arm for pro sports, but many now question at what cost. Most advertising budgets in Australia have slowed over the last few years, but not sorts betting, a close cousin to gambling. Live betting - exotic betting - are the forms of sports betting which have the majority of sports code bosses very worried, and we all know there's been a few scandals with the "exotics", and we're not talking about casino babes or sports babes folks. The prestigious Tattersall's CEO's Sports Luncheon was held yesterday with reps from the AFL, NRL, ARU, FFA and Cricket Australia going on record that they felt somewhat uneasy with the tactics being employed by gambling firms, despite the big bucks they made from the association with sports betting. "I think I speak for all of us when I say some of that more aggressive 'bet now' advertising is concerning us," NRL boss David Gallop said. "We would prefer to see that in a less aggressive mode. But it's difficult when the media outlets are going to take that advertising anyway, so the sports need to be in control of it." After demonstrating initial caution, the Australian Football League has embraced the gambling universe, even permitting teams to accept gambling organisations as jersey, sports and internet sports sponsors, as plugging live odds on the AFL website during matches and showing live match odds on the scoreboard during games as part of an agreement with Betfair. AFL chief exec Andrew Demetriou said it was issue beyond sport. "If it's in your face at the football, it can be really off-putting," he said. "But let's not delude ourselves; don't just concentrate this on the sports. The newspapers are littered with advertising about sports betting. Let's look at issues across the board, not just in sport. We're genuinely trying to do the right thing. Once sports betting became deregulated … everyone became exposed to it, not just kids at the football." Australian Rugby Union top dog John O'Neill stated the massive money being thrown around by gambling firms had inevitably bought them a slice of power. "We certainly do express a view if it's in your face, it's over the top. But that's the level of influence [they now have]," he said. "There is a source of revenue there." Assurances that all professional sporting events are not tampered with by bookmakers - or that players, coaches or officials are not betting on outcomes - has added another layer to the complex relationship between sports and agencies. Cricket Australia exec James Sutherland advised all sports had to retain their integrity to survive. "The critical issue for us is that the success of sport is built on the connection between the fan and the sport. They need to know this is a real contest, this is the real thing," he said. "If there is any question or taint around that then the integrity and value of the sport is significantly downgraded. That's something we're very conscious of. We can't have corruption in our game." Federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib has expressed his support for tougher match-fixing laws, and is due to meet his state counterparts next month. Just when all the confusion will come to an end is anyone's bet. Gambling continues to be one of the world's most successful industries and most popular pastimes, and Aussie gamblers - sports betters are some of the most popular in the world. With the Aussie news media and internet push on it seems unlikely that sports betting offline or online are going to decline in popularity any time soon. All gambling sub sectors are generally on the increase with the public, and now it just seems that all regulations across the board need to get up to speed with the reality of internet sports betting. You can bet legal eagles will continue to be busy and media reports will continue to be pumped out, keeping punters, politicians and all other interested parties abreast of the latest news. What else is left to say than good punting, and bet with your head, not over it. Folks, will it come to pass and become written in law? Tipsters advise we may know in the coming weeks, and no, we are not taking bets on it before you ask, but feel free to check out other gaming and betting promotions right here.

'James-Bond' Style Taxi Security For Aussie Casino Region Drivers...

The exciting trail is to commence in Perth, WA, where James Packer's Burswood Casino seems to attracts a bit of a mug element now and again, scaring off punters and patrons in general. Drivers will trial an Australian-first James Bond-style duress wristwatch that will track them by satellite and record conversations at the press of a button. Burswood Casino has privately sponsored the trial, issuing the devices free to 200 of Perth's 2000 taxi drivers on a first-come, first-served basis. Drivers will pay $1 a day for the service, which will go live after an official launch early next month. Transport Minister Troy Buswell welcomed industry initiatives to improve safety for drivers, and "will take a keen interest in the outcomes of such initiatives". The James Bond style watches will be monitored around the clock by operators at the headquarters of Swan Taxis in Victoria Park. Once the emergency channel is activated, the driver's picture, identity and location will flash up on a computer screen within 1.5 seconds. Staff will be able to listen to the recorded conversations and use their discretion to contact police, Land based casino mongrels, you have been warned.

James Packer's Crown Limited Looking To Spend Hundreds Of Millions To Attract Whales And Dolphins...

JP's Crown Limited is to invest at least another $281 million upgrading its Australian casinos. It is also making acquisitions that include consolidating its ownership of the famous Aspinall's Club in London which is part owned by his mate Damian Aspinall. The new funding is on top of $139 million previously put aside for upgrades of the Crown Casino in Melbourne and Burswood Casino in Perth, showing the company's confidence in the market and its talent in attracting whale VIP's. Crown's buys include the Holiday Inn hotel building and associated assets at Burswood Casino for $79 million. "Burswood will be entitled to a greater share of hotel profits," the company said. A further $81 million will be spent upgrading Burswood's gambling floor, catering, convention centre and VIP accommodation services. Crown Casino down in Melbourne will enjoy $132 million in revamps, with a more extensive investment in the gambling floor and catering, plus new bar and lounge that will feature the colourful Shane Warne and the Aussie ex poker champion Joe Hachem as ambassadors. Further upgrades to its VIP facilities were also announced, including refurbishing the casino's jets. Crown and competitors Tabcorp's Star City had announced upgrades to the VIP gambling businesses to meet growing competition from new casino developments in Singapore and Macau. It was in December when Packer, Crown's chairman, advised Australia would need to work harder to compete with new Asian developments and called on other companies to take up some of the slack. "Australian investment in large-scale tourism attractions has been relatively modest in recent years. In contrast, Crown has been and continues to be a significant investor in Australian tourism infrastructure." Crown will acquire a 100% interest in Aspinall's Club. The land cased casino, which also has an online arm, was owned by the Aspinall's Group, Crown's joint venture with the Packer family friend Damian Aspinall. The venture will use the $55 million in proceeds to pay debt. Don't bet against Packer, he's on a winning steak, and delighted in proving the knockers wrong.

Ex NRL Parramatta Eels Boss Denis Fitzgerald Under Spotlight For Alleged Pokies Deal...

The Sydney Morning Herald broadsheet has obtained financial documents which demonstrate Fitzgerald acquired a substantial number of shares in one of Australia's biggest poker machine provider, Aristocrat, which was subsequently awarded a lucrative contract with Parramatta Leagues club at "the emperor's" (nick name) encouragement. Forms lodged with the NSW Office of Liquor Gaming and Licensing show in 2005 he held Aristocrat shares worth more than $1.3 million. At that time he also had another $1.2 million of holdings in companies which had a commercial relationship with the club; including E Bet gaming systems, the brewer Foster's, Tabcorp and Westpac. By 2008 the value of Fitzgerald's Aristocrat shares were worth a whopping $1.6 million. And it was in that February Parramatta directors decided, despite the losses of the previous year, to replace E Bet as the provider of its poker machines and accompanying IT software. See the full story here
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/the-emperor-the-pokies-and-a-dramatic-fall-from-grace-20110519-1ev2d.html

NRL Legend Benny Elias: I'm Sorry For Queensland Flood Gaffe Made At Star City...

Elias advised Murdoch owned The Daily Telegraph that he was deeply sorry a comment he made at a NSW black tie dinner at Star City was misunderstood. A former Balmain and Australian hooker, Elias has sparked the fuse ahead of game one on Wednesday night, telling the Maroons to expect a Blues side that will "make those floods back in Queensland ... look like an absolute mimic". But Elias was today upset he had offended Queenslanders affected by the tragic floods. "I understand some comments I made on Thursday night about Queensland at a NSW State of Origin dinner were misunderstood. I am a passionate Blues supporter and genuinely love this time of year," Elias said. "I've always felt the barbs and banter between the two states adds to the theatre of State of Origin. "But if a comment I made about the Queensland floods was misinterpreted then I genuinely apologise. "I, like the rest of the world, watched on in horror at what unfolded in Queensland during the New Year floods. "I would hate to be seen as being flippant about such a terrible event. I also hope the NSW-Queensland rivalry never dies. It is what Origin is built on. "If I caused offence, I am sorry. It certainly wasn't personal. I will always be passionate at Origin time. Next Wednesday will be no different." Elias told Fox Sports News at the function on Thursday night that Queensland was "cocky" and "arrogant". "I was in Queensland last week and I don’t know why we’ll even turn up," Elias said. "Up there, they’ve won five series in a row; they’ve got Mal (Meninga) as a super coach; (Darren) Lockyer’s finale. They’re just going to go through the motions. Read the full story here
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/ben-elias-stirs-state-of-origin-pot-saying-nsw-will-make-those-floods-look-like-an-absolute-mimic/story-e6frfghx-1226059537950

Aged and Community Services Western Australia (ACSWA) Handed Out At Burswood Casino...

Packer's Burswood Casino got an interesting gig recently. The Aged and Community Services Western Australia Awards. Interesting venue for the awards, but it's known that some elders folks are pretty keen on a punt, with pokies, bingo, keno and horse racing being their favs.

Burswood Casino To Crack Down On Smoking...

Western Australia would get the strongest anti-smoking laws in the country under proposals which include a complete ban in outdoor areas where people eat, watch sport or catch buses. The bans are among 15 proposals contained in a Health Department discussion paper being released today, which includes removing a controversial exemption that allows gamblers to smoke in Burswood Casino's high-rollers room. One option is to ban smoking in all outdoor eating areas, which would be an Australian first. "We strongly support these proposals, including banning smoking in Burswood's high-rollers room which exposes staff to smoke just to attract dollars and pander to the big end of town." Dr Mountain said he supported wider bans outdoors because seeing other people smoke gave a visual cue that it was still acceptable to smoke around other people.

Burswood Casino Gets Viva Las Vegas Tonight - 20th May 2011; Then Onto Crown...

Burswood Theatre will come alive with showgirls, magicians and Elvis impersonators for the The Viva Las Vegas Spectacular. Direct from sell-out shows at Melbourne's Crown Casino, the show commences at 8pm with a few tickets still available from Ticketek. Take a trip to Las Vegas without the airfare or expenses. Viva Las Vegas has all the razzle dazzle and glitz of the entertainment capital of the world.The show combines sensational song and dance numbers with exciting specialty acts. Viva Las Vegas will take you on a spellbinding journey to Las Vegas. See the gorgeous Vegas Showgirls in spectacular costumes and dazzling choreography, witness the remarkable illusions of Magic2. Experience the best celebrity impersonators, Tom Jones tribute artist and world class Elvis impersonator Rick Charles performing together with a live band. This is 90 minutes of Las Vegas entertainment, a fabulous night that you will remember forever. Don't miss the Viva Las Vegas Spectacular.

TOUR DATES:
Friday 20 May - Burswood Theatre, Perth
Sat 16 Jul - Palms @ Crown, Melbourne

Punters, as you can see, the trend towards total entertainment solutions in around around the gaming and gambling sector continues, and we're proud to be reporting on it for you maties.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian wagering including pokies, gaming, sports betting and casino wars.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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