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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Casino News Media: Andrey Pateychuk Wins WPT Prague - 6th December 2011
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Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment World Poker Tour PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com
Andrey Pateychuk probably felt extremely lucky to even be at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prague final table. This year’s European Poker Tour (EPT) San Remo Main Event champ found himself all-in with A-K late on Day 3, only to see his opponent flop a set of 9’s. The poker gods were with him, though, as he hit a runner-runner Broadway straight to double-up and eventually head to the final table in the third spot with over 2 million chips. He was still 4 million chips behind the chip leader, Stanislaw Kretz, and 2.5 million behind Benjamin Pollak, but no matter. Pateychuk ran through the final table Monday to win his second major tournament in less than two months, raking $630,263 in the process.
When the final table began, here was what the landscape looked like:
Stanislaw Kretz – 6,300,000
Benjamin Pollak – 4,865,000
Andrey Pateychuk – 2,310,000
Sigurd Eskelund – 1,575,000
Adria Balaguer – 1,315,000
Russell Carson – 725,000
As might have been expected, Russell Carson was the first to go. Having already lost some chips, he moved all-in pre-flop with 5-5 and Kretz made the call with Q-9. Kretz took the lead on the 9-6-3 flop, though the 8 on the turn gave Carson a shot at a gut-shot straight. It wasn’t to be, though, as the river blanked and Carson was eliminated in 6th place.
About a half hour later, Sigurd Eskelund raised pre-flop to 125,000, Pateychuk took it up to 285,000, and then Eskelund shoved for 1.46 million. Pateychuk quickly called, revealing pocket Jacks. Eskelund had K-Q and the race was on. The flop came down Q-8-6 and Eskelund was in control. Turn: 8. And then…the magical two-outer on the river for Pateychuk. With a rivered Jack, Pateychuk made a full house, shocking Eskelund and sending him home in 5th place.
Play didn’t necessarily slow after that, but it wasn’t for almost three hours that another player was eliminated. Adria Balaguer and Benjamin Pollak both got all their chips into the middle pre-flop, Balaguer with A-T and Pollak with J-9. The flop of J-7-4 put Pollak in the lead with top pair. And then, just like what happened to Pateychuk the previous day, Balaguer made runner-runner Broadway to snatch the pot away from Pollak, as well as many thousands of dollars.
The biggest hand for Pateychuk before heads-up came just before the dinner break. He raised to 200,000 pre-flop, only to see Kretz three-bet him to 560,000. Pateychuk did him one better, four-betting to 980,000, and rather than folding or just going all-in, Kretz called, creating one heck of a pot. Both players checked after the K-9-2 flop, but not after an Ace fell on the turn (which also created a flush possibility) – Kretz bet 1 million chips and Pateychuk made the call. Despite all that action, both players checked the 3 on the river. Pateychuk turned over pocket Kings for a flopped set and Kretz simply mucked. Pateychuk took the chip lead at that point with just over 6 million.
Not long after dinner, Kretz’s downfall was completed. He got it all-in after a Pateychuk raise and was called by the chip leader. Kretz held pocket 9’s, putting him ahead of the A-6 of Pateychuk. And now, since it’s Pateychuk, let’s skip to the river: an Ace. Kretz was knocked out in 3rd place, sending Pateychuk into heads-up play against Balaguer with a small lead, 8.004 million to 7.8 million.
Less than half an hour into heads-up, it looked like a Balaguer victory was imminent. Both men went all-in pre-flop and this time, Pateychuk couldn’t get lucky with A-5 versus Balaguer’s 8-8. When the smoke cleared, Balaguer had a huge lead, 15.63 million to just 1.5 million.
But on the very next hand, Pateychuck doubled-up to 3 million when his K-J held up against Balaguer’s T-9. Then, on the next hand, Pateychuk did it again, this time with A-K versus A-Q. He was still down, but with 6.3 million compared to Balaguer’s 10.8 million, things were looking up.
Within a few hands, another lucky river and some aggressive play gave Pateychuk back the lead, but soon thereafter, Balaguer brought it back to even. Appropriately, though, Pateychuk regained the lead for good when he outflopped Balaguer with A-6 against A-J. Really, at this point, Balaguer had to know that he had no chance. Pateychuk was playing good, aggressive poker, but with lady luck on his side, there was no stopping him.
On the final hand, Pateychuk raised pre-flop, Balaguer moved all-in with Q-Q, and Pateychuk called with A-5. Since this is the final hand, you can guess what happened. The flop was an all-spade 9-7-4 and, of course, Pateychuk held a spade. But that didn’t matter. The turn was a 3 and the river was a 2, giving him the wheel at the WPT Prague title. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
World Poker Tour Prague – Final Table Results
1. Andrey Pateychuk – $630,263
2. Adria Balaguer - $320,381
3. Stanislaw Kretz – $212,690
4. Benjamin Pollak – $139,999
5. Sigurd Eskeland – $107,691
6. Russell Carson - $84,807
Online Gamers Check Out Casino Product...
An increasing amount of online poker players are also checking out online casino offerings from Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. New casino players currently get up to $3000 sign up bonus, understood to be the highest bonus in the world for new players.
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 $4 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.
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Co-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.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Profiles
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment World Poker Tour PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com
Andrey Pateychuk probably felt extremely lucky to even be at the World Poker Tour (WPT) Prague final table. This year’s European Poker Tour (EPT) San Remo Main Event champ found himself all-in with A-K late on Day 3, only to see his opponent flop a set of 9’s. The poker gods were with him, though, as he hit a runner-runner Broadway straight to double-up and eventually head to the final table in the third spot with over 2 million chips. He was still 4 million chips behind the chip leader, Stanislaw Kretz, and 2.5 million behind Benjamin Pollak, but no matter. Pateychuk ran through the final table Monday to win his second major tournament in less than two months, raking $630,263 in the process.
When the final table began, here was what the landscape looked like:
Stanislaw Kretz – 6,300,000
Benjamin Pollak – 4,865,000
Andrey Pateychuk – 2,310,000
Sigurd Eskelund – 1,575,000
Adria Balaguer – 1,315,000
Russell Carson – 725,000
As might have been expected, Russell Carson was the first to go. Having already lost some chips, he moved all-in pre-flop with 5-5 and Kretz made the call with Q-9. Kretz took the lead on the 9-6-3 flop, though the 8 on the turn gave Carson a shot at a gut-shot straight. It wasn’t to be, though, as the river blanked and Carson was eliminated in 6th place.
About a half hour later, Sigurd Eskelund raised pre-flop to 125,000, Pateychuk took it up to 285,000, and then Eskelund shoved for 1.46 million. Pateychuk quickly called, revealing pocket Jacks. Eskelund had K-Q and the race was on. The flop came down Q-8-6 and Eskelund was in control. Turn: 8. And then…the magical two-outer on the river for Pateychuk. With a rivered Jack, Pateychuk made a full house, shocking Eskelund and sending him home in 5th place.
Play didn’t necessarily slow after that, but it wasn’t for almost three hours that another player was eliminated. Adria Balaguer and Benjamin Pollak both got all their chips into the middle pre-flop, Balaguer with A-T and Pollak with J-9. The flop of J-7-4 put Pollak in the lead with top pair. And then, just like what happened to Pateychuk the previous day, Balaguer made runner-runner Broadway to snatch the pot away from Pollak, as well as many thousands of dollars.
The biggest hand for Pateychuk before heads-up came just before the dinner break. He raised to 200,000 pre-flop, only to see Kretz three-bet him to 560,000. Pateychuk did him one better, four-betting to 980,000, and rather than folding or just going all-in, Kretz called, creating one heck of a pot. Both players checked after the K-9-2 flop, but not after an Ace fell on the turn (which also created a flush possibility) – Kretz bet 1 million chips and Pateychuk made the call. Despite all that action, both players checked the 3 on the river. Pateychuk turned over pocket Kings for a flopped set and Kretz simply mucked. Pateychuk took the chip lead at that point with just over 6 million.
Not long after dinner, Kretz’s downfall was completed. He got it all-in after a Pateychuk raise and was called by the chip leader. Kretz held pocket 9’s, putting him ahead of the A-6 of Pateychuk. And now, since it’s Pateychuk, let’s skip to the river: an Ace. Kretz was knocked out in 3rd place, sending Pateychuk into heads-up play against Balaguer with a small lead, 8.004 million to 7.8 million.
Less than half an hour into heads-up, it looked like a Balaguer victory was imminent. Both men went all-in pre-flop and this time, Pateychuk couldn’t get lucky with A-5 versus Balaguer’s 8-8. When the smoke cleared, Balaguer had a huge lead, 15.63 million to just 1.5 million.
But on the very next hand, Pateychuck doubled-up to 3 million when his K-J held up against Balaguer’s T-9. Then, on the next hand, Pateychuk did it again, this time with A-K versus A-Q. He was still down, but with 6.3 million compared to Balaguer’s 10.8 million, things were looking up.
Within a few hands, another lucky river and some aggressive play gave Pateychuk back the lead, but soon thereafter, Balaguer brought it back to even. Appropriately, though, Pateychuk regained the lead for good when he outflopped Balaguer with A-6 against A-J. Really, at this point, Balaguer had to know that he had no chance. Pateychuk was playing good, aggressive poker, but with lady luck on his side, there was no stopping him.
On the final hand, Pateychuk raised pre-flop, Balaguer moved all-in with Q-Q, and Pateychuk called with A-5. Since this is the final hand, you can guess what happened. The flop was an all-spade 9-7-4 and, of course, Pateychuk held a spade. But that didn’t matter. The turn was a 3 and the river was a 2, giving him the wheel at the WPT Prague title. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
World Poker Tour Prague – Final Table Results
1. Andrey Pateychuk – $630,263
2. Adria Balaguer - $320,381
3. Stanislaw Kretz – $212,690
4. Benjamin Pollak – $139,999
5. Sigurd Eskeland – $107,691
6. Russell Carson - $84,807
Online Gamers Check Out Casino Product...
An increasing amount of online poker players are also checking out online casino offerings from Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. New casino players currently get up to $3000 sign up bonus, understood to be the highest bonus in the world for new players.
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 $4 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.
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Co-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.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Profiles
Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Casino And Gaming Stock Report: Australia And New Zealand, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2011
Profiles
Kerry Packer James Packer Crown Casino Crown Limited Burswood Entertainment Complex The Star Echo Entertainment Australian Casinos Australia New Zealand News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
Australian land based casinos continue their entertainment push, with big name celebrities and more expensive casino re-vamps in the works. The share market continues to react to the political hotbed that is the Aussie casino and gambling industry. Southern neighbour, New Zealand, is also prone to gaming being quite the punching bag. Can't wait to the next election. How about you?
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.8 percent to 4,321.3 at the close of trading in Sydney. New Zealand’s NZX 50 Index gained 0.6 percent to 3,301.22 in Wellington.
Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. (EGP AU) rose 1.3 percent to A$3.83 after the owner of four Australian casinos had its rating raised to “hold” from “sell” by Adam Alexander, an analyst at Goldman Sachs Australia Pty.
Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. (SKC NZ) rose 0.3 percent to NZ$3.40 after the New Zealand casino owner agreed a NZ$185 million ($144 million) seven-year banking facility to repay U.S. private placement debt of around NZ$250 million.
Tabcorp Holdings Ltd. (TAH AU) declined 0.7 percent to A$2.80 after Australia’s biggest owner of betting shops was cut to “sell” from “hold” at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which said earnings may stall in the next two years on higher license costs and a "lack of positive catalysts."
The Late News...
European gaming giant Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, along with PKR and Virgin Games, are all understood to be keen to officially enter the Australian market. Bwin.Party has done some good warm up work on the political and business side, including now offering online poker players to win a seat at James Packer's annual poker championship in Melbourne 'Aussie Millions'. The Media Man agency has been filing regular reports here and on portals such as Casino News Media, Gambling911 and Poker News Daily are following suit. Mr Packer is understood to be pleased with the lead up news stories on the 2012 'Aussie Millions', at a time when Crown appear to be welcoming any balanced and especially positive coverage of Crown with open arms. Sydney's 'The Star' is also having a poker tourney, with much less fanfare than that of Crown. Any would be James Bond poker players out there? Comon' sport, try your luck and tell 'em the Media Man agency sent you.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*the writer is a member of The Star's 'Absolute Rewards' program
Websites
Crown Casino
Echo Entertainment
The Star
Media Man News
Casino News Media
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Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Kerry Packer James Packer Crown Casino Crown Limited Burswood Entertainment Complex The Star Echo Entertainment Australian Casinos Australia New Zealand News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
Australian land based casinos continue their entertainment push, with big name celebrities and more expensive casino re-vamps in the works. The share market continues to react to the political hotbed that is the Aussie casino and gambling industry. Southern neighbour, New Zealand, is also prone to gaming being quite the punching bag. Can't wait to the next election. How about you?
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.8 percent to 4,321.3 at the close of trading in Sydney. New Zealand’s NZX 50 Index gained 0.6 percent to 3,301.22 in Wellington.
Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. (EGP AU) rose 1.3 percent to A$3.83 after the owner of four Australian casinos had its rating raised to “hold” from “sell” by Adam Alexander, an analyst at Goldman Sachs Australia Pty.
Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. (SKC NZ) rose 0.3 percent to NZ$3.40 after the New Zealand casino owner agreed a NZ$185 million ($144 million) seven-year banking facility to repay U.S. private placement debt of around NZ$250 million.
Tabcorp Holdings Ltd. (TAH AU) declined 0.7 percent to A$2.80 after Australia’s biggest owner of betting shops was cut to “sell” from “hold” at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which said earnings may stall in the next two years on higher license costs and a "lack of positive catalysts."
The Late News...
European gaming giant Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, along with PKR and Virgin Games, are all understood to be keen to officially enter the Australian market. Bwin.Party has done some good warm up work on the political and business side, including now offering online poker players to win a seat at James Packer's annual poker championship in Melbourne 'Aussie Millions'. The Media Man agency has been filing regular reports here and on portals such as Casino News Media, Gambling911 and Poker News Daily are following suit. Mr Packer is understood to be pleased with the lead up news stories on the 2012 'Aussie Millions', at a time when Crown appear to be welcoming any balanced and especially positive coverage of Crown with open arms. Sydney's 'The Star' is also having a poker tourney, with much less fanfare than that of Crown. Any would be James Bond poker players out there? Comon' sport, try your luck and tell 'em the Media Man agency sent you.
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*the writer is a member of The Star's 'Absolute Rewards' program
Websites
Crown Casino
Echo Entertainment
The Star
Media Man News
Casino News Media
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Monday, December 5, 2011
Crown Casino Attacked By Thieves; Crown Worse Than Competitor The Star - Crims, Robbers Et Al, by Greg Tingle
Profiles
Kerry Packer James Packer Crown Casino Crown Limited Burswood Entertainment Complex The Star Echo Entertainment Australian Casinos Australia News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
Australian land based casinos continue their entertainment push, with big name celebrities and more expensive casino re-vamps in the works. The massive casino image make-over may have started in 'Sin City' Sydney and spread to Melbourne, but now Perth is centre stage, but not without the usual hassles that are known to hit casinos. Now we learn that the crime rates in Australian land based casinos is higher than most had previously thought and Crown Casino appears to have a higher crime rate than Sydney's The Star (formally known as Star City Casino). As they say, high risk, high rewards, and sometimes even the house doesn't win, which is good news for punters, but casino visitors need to make sure they don't get stolen from in what call "thieves paradise".
James Packer controlled land based casino, Crown Casino, has punters and other patrons out of pocket by roughly $400,000 in property and cash that has been reported stolen from customers in a six month period.
Both Crown Casino and competitor, Sydney's The Star (formally Star City Casino) talk up the "entertainment" aspects of their business, but new information coming to light shows more focus could well be put on the safety of visiting punters belongings to help ensure they don't get stolen from (in the traditional way - not just loosing at slots or table games)... if you follow us. It's said in casino circles that 'the house always wins', but police reports show that thieves are "winning" by stealing from punters bags, cars and just about everywhere else.
The details of such are located in police documents released under Freedom of Information laws.
The documents show officers were called to Crown Casino 167 times in the first six months of 2011. Reports of stolen property and thefts from motor vehicles make up the bulk of alleged offences at the complex.
We also learn thanks to a Rupert Murdoch's News Limited report that a Logie award-winning TV star was caught in possession of drugs.
The shock discovery was made after the actor became embroiled in a row with bouncers and police were called. He was let off the hook ie: not charged it's believed that he just got a caution.
The Victoria Police incident reports, pulled from its LEAP database, cover some 523 pages of crime files.
Crown spokesman Gary O'Neil said the number of incidents was small but emphasised each was treated seriously.
"Crown aims to provide the safest and most secure environment possible for our customers and staff," he said.
"However, dealing with those numbers and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there will inevitably be those types of incidents.
"Crown's view is that its security and surveillance teams do an outstanding job given the size of the task."
There were 54 thefts and 4 attempted thefts from motor vehicles from January 1 to July 1 this year - with 44 still in the "unsolved" category.
In one case, almost $8500 of property was allegedly stolen within an hour of a woman parking her car at Crown.
"The victim returned to her vehicle to locate a smashed rear window on the driver's side," a statement on the June 16 incident reads.
Another punter had his wallet containing $6500 nicked from the high-rolling exclusive Mahogany Room.
"The victim has placed his wallet beside him whilst gaming," the police report states.
"When the victim went to pick up the wallet he found that it had been taken."
Despite extensive CCTV footage of the 58 incidents of theft or stolen property reported, 47 remained "unsolved".
Police have also advised there may be many more incidents which have not been disclosed due to the way in which officers file information.
"The limitations of the system and manner in which information, particularly information related to locations, is captured on the LEAP database restricts the manner in which information can be extracted," it said.
Police also confirmed two Safe Street Patrol teams solely patrol the Crown complex every Friday and Saturday night in an attempt to prevent public order offences and any offences they deal with would not be classified as call-outs as they are already on site.
"We have a close working relationship with Crown Casino," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Mr O'Neil said Crown Casino had the most comprehensive security and surveillance system of any entertainment complex in Australia.
"The operating procedures and standards, plus the resources Crown commits, are constantly being reviewed and upgraded to maintain world's best practice," he said.
CASE 1
$9000 cash theft
A victim took $18,000 of business takings to Crown in a blue Guess handbag but spent $9000 in an hour on tables in the main gaming room. She then placed her bag, containing the remaining $9000, on a chair but when she went to pick it up, it had been stolen.
CASE 2
Theft of a $260,000 Porsche
The sale of a Porsche Coupe Cabriolet turned into a police investigation when the buyer gave a $50 deposit and drove away. The balance was not paid within the agreed five days. After a five-month search the vehicle was located but the victim has indicated he does not want to press charges.
CASE 3
A cinema goer with a foot fetish
"During the course of the movie the victim put her feet up in between the two seats in front of her," the report reads. "Every time she did this, the male in front tickled and rubbed her feet. This occurred three times," it adds. The suspect was apprehended outside the Crown complex and arrested for unlawful assault.
Echo Entertainment's The Star casino in 'Sin City' Sydney is not off the hook either, but its understood their crime rate for the past 6 months is less than that of Melbourne's Crown. Jupiter's Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast last year was named by a number of gaming journals to be one of the most dangerous land based casinos in the world. Jupiter's did not comment on the unflattering title of "most dangerous".
Most Australian land based casinos have enjoyed upgraded security measures over the past 12 months but its understood that criminals and unethical punters will always look for ways to beat the system, and casinos have long been known as a hangout for thief's and other people of questionable nature.
If you visit a casino you are taking a gamble - a bigger one that you first bargained for. Little wonder for the rise in popularity of online casino games like the ones offered by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment which now even has competitions where online poker players can win qualifiers to see them seated at Crown Casino 'Aussie Millions Poker Tournament' this coming January. Good luck.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Websites
Crown Casino
Echo Entertainment
The Star
Media Man News
Casino News Media
Crown Casino Chip Thief - 27th November 2011...
A large amount of casino chips have been pinched from Melbourne's Crown Casino in an early-Sunday morning heist.
The robber, believed to be aged about 20, executed his daring deed in the gaming area near the Clarendon St exit about 1.40am on Friday, November 4.
Murdoch owned Herald Sun was notified that opportunistic chip thefts are on the rise as pit bosses struggle to cope with increasing workloads. Word has got around to Australia's underground, as well as to news media who report on these matters.
A Crown leak advised since Crown's opening in 1994 the number of dealers a supervisor had to monitor had climbed from 4 to 24.
"One pit boss looks after 48 tables. It's absolutely bananas," he said.
The leak claimed a lack of supervision was helping lead to less than honest behaviour among some dealers, chip thefts and a massive increase in threats directed at dealers.
"Crown is running amok and the Government is allowing them to do it," he said.
But Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill denied chip thefts were increasing and said staff were fully supported by a world class security system.
"Chip thefts unfortunately occur from time to time. However, there is no evidence whatsoever to support the suggestion that there has recently been an increase in the number of these incidents," he said.
"Staff on the Crown gaming floor are fully supported by the most comprehensive security and surveillance systems and standards of any casino in Australia."
O'Neill said staffing arrangements were fully approved by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.
Police have described this month's thief as being of African appearance with short hair and a thin build.
He was wearing a jumper and baggy pants.
It is understood a second man, also described as African in appearance, fled the scene of the crime with the offender.
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Stay tuned for more in the epic friendly war between Packer's Crown Entertainment and Echo Entertainment. Who are you tipping, and are you buying shares to prove your loyalty?
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Websites
Crown Casino
Echo Entertainment
The Star
Media Man News
Casino News Media
Website Network
Media Man Int
Media Man
Media Man News
Media Man Entertainment
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Kerry Packer James Packer Crown Casino Crown Limited Burswood Entertainment Complex The Star Echo Entertainment Australian Casinos Australia News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
Australian land based casinos continue their entertainment push, with big name celebrities and more expensive casino re-vamps in the works. The massive casino image make-over may have started in 'Sin City' Sydney and spread to Melbourne, but now Perth is centre stage, but not without the usual hassles that are known to hit casinos. Now we learn that the crime rates in Australian land based casinos is higher than most had previously thought and Crown Casino appears to have a higher crime rate than Sydney's The Star (formally known as Star City Casino). As they say, high risk, high rewards, and sometimes even the house doesn't win, which is good news for punters, but casino visitors need to make sure they don't get stolen from in what call "thieves paradise".
James Packer controlled land based casino, Crown Casino, has punters and other patrons out of pocket by roughly $400,000 in property and cash that has been reported stolen from customers in a six month period.
Both Crown Casino and competitor, Sydney's The Star (formally Star City Casino) talk up the "entertainment" aspects of their business, but new information coming to light shows more focus could well be put on the safety of visiting punters belongings to help ensure they don't get stolen from (in the traditional way - not just loosing at slots or table games)... if you follow us. It's said in casino circles that 'the house always wins', but police reports show that thieves are "winning" by stealing from punters bags, cars and just about everywhere else.
The details of such are located in police documents released under Freedom of Information laws.
The documents show officers were called to Crown Casino 167 times in the first six months of 2011. Reports of stolen property and thefts from motor vehicles make up the bulk of alleged offences at the complex.
We also learn thanks to a Rupert Murdoch's News Limited report that a Logie award-winning TV star was caught in possession of drugs.
The shock discovery was made after the actor became embroiled in a row with bouncers and police were called. He was let off the hook ie: not charged it's believed that he just got a caution.
The Victoria Police incident reports, pulled from its LEAP database, cover some 523 pages of crime files.
Crown spokesman Gary O'Neil said the number of incidents was small but emphasised each was treated seriously.
"Crown aims to provide the safest and most secure environment possible for our customers and staff," he said.
"However, dealing with those numbers and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, there will inevitably be those types of incidents.
"Crown's view is that its security and surveillance teams do an outstanding job given the size of the task."
There were 54 thefts and 4 attempted thefts from motor vehicles from January 1 to July 1 this year - with 44 still in the "unsolved" category.
In one case, almost $8500 of property was allegedly stolen within an hour of a woman parking her car at Crown.
"The victim returned to her vehicle to locate a smashed rear window on the driver's side," a statement on the June 16 incident reads.
Another punter had his wallet containing $6500 nicked from the high-rolling exclusive Mahogany Room.
"The victim has placed his wallet beside him whilst gaming," the police report states.
"When the victim went to pick up the wallet he found that it had been taken."
Despite extensive CCTV footage of the 58 incidents of theft or stolen property reported, 47 remained "unsolved".
Police have also advised there may be many more incidents which have not been disclosed due to the way in which officers file information.
"The limitations of the system and manner in which information, particularly information related to locations, is captured on the LEAP database restricts the manner in which information can be extracted," it said.
Police also confirmed two Safe Street Patrol teams solely patrol the Crown complex every Friday and Saturday night in an attempt to prevent public order offences and any offences they deal with would not be classified as call-outs as they are already on site.
"We have a close working relationship with Crown Casino," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Mr O'Neil said Crown Casino had the most comprehensive security and surveillance system of any entertainment complex in Australia.
"The operating procedures and standards, plus the resources Crown commits, are constantly being reviewed and upgraded to maintain world's best practice," he said.
CASE 1
$9000 cash theft
A victim took $18,000 of business takings to Crown in a blue Guess handbag but spent $9000 in an hour on tables in the main gaming room. She then placed her bag, containing the remaining $9000, on a chair but when she went to pick it up, it had been stolen.
CASE 2
Theft of a $260,000 Porsche
The sale of a Porsche Coupe Cabriolet turned into a police investigation when the buyer gave a $50 deposit and drove away. The balance was not paid within the agreed five days. After a five-month search the vehicle was located but the victim has indicated he does not want to press charges.
CASE 3
A cinema goer with a foot fetish
"During the course of the movie the victim put her feet up in between the two seats in front of her," the report reads. "Every time she did this, the male in front tickled and rubbed her feet. This occurred three times," it adds. The suspect was apprehended outside the Crown complex and arrested for unlawful assault.
Echo Entertainment's The Star casino in 'Sin City' Sydney is not off the hook either, but its understood their crime rate for the past 6 months is less than that of Melbourne's Crown. Jupiter's Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast last year was named by a number of gaming journals to be one of the most dangerous land based casinos in the world. Jupiter's did not comment on the unflattering title of "most dangerous".
Most Australian land based casinos have enjoyed upgraded security measures over the past 12 months but its understood that criminals and unethical punters will always look for ways to beat the system, and casinos have long been known as a hangout for thief's and other people of questionable nature.
If you visit a casino you are taking a gamble - a bigger one that you first bargained for. Little wonder for the rise in popularity of online casino games like the ones offered by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment which now even has competitions where online poker players can win qualifiers to see them seated at Crown Casino 'Aussie Millions Poker Tournament' this coming January. Good luck.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Crown Casino Chip Thief - 27th November 2011...
A large amount of casino chips have been pinched from Melbourne's Crown Casino in an early-Sunday morning heist.
The robber, believed to be aged about 20, executed his daring deed in the gaming area near the Clarendon St exit about 1.40am on Friday, November 4.
Murdoch owned Herald Sun was notified that opportunistic chip thefts are on the rise as pit bosses struggle to cope with increasing workloads. Word has got around to Australia's underground, as well as to news media who report on these matters.
A Crown leak advised since Crown's opening in 1994 the number of dealers a supervisor had to monitor had climbed from 4 to 24.
"One pit boss looks after 48 tables. It's absolutely bananas," he said.
The leak claimed a lack of supervision was helping lead to less than honest behaviour among some dealers, chip thefts and a massive increase in threats directed at dealers.
"Crown is running amok and the Government is allowing them to do it," he said.
But Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill denied chip thefts were increasing and said staff were fully supported by a world class security system.
"Chip thefts unfortunately occur from time to time. However, there is no evidence whatsoever to support the suggestion that there has recently been an increase in the number of these incidents," he said.
"Staff on the Crown gaming floor are fully supported by the most comprehensive security and surveillance systems and standards of any casino in Australia."
O'Neill said staffing arrangements were fully approved by the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.
Police have described this month's thief as being of African appearance with short hair and a thin build.
He was wearing a jumper and baggy pants.
It is understood a second man, also described as African in appearance, fled the scene of the crime with the offender.
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Stay tuned for more in the epic friendly war between Packer's Crown Entertainment and Echo Entertainment. Who are you tipping, and are you buying shares to prove your loyalty?
*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Sunday, December 4, 2011
Casino News Media: Playtech Welcomes Cowboys & Aliens to the Slot Machines
Playtech and Platinum Studios Sign Licensing Agreement for Platinum's New York Times Best Selling Comic Book Property Cowboy & Aliens
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Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com
Playtech and Platinum Studios Sign Licensing Agreement for Platinum's New York Times Best Selling Comic Book Property Cowboy & Aliens
LOS ANGELES, CA - 1st December 2011 - Platinum Studios, Inc. (OTCBB: PDOS), an entertainment company that controls an international library of more than 5,000 comic book characters which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media, is proud to announce that it has licensed its New York Times best-selling graphic novel "Cowboys & Aliens" to Playtech, the international designer, developer and licenser of software to the online and land-based gaming industry.
As part of a multi-year licensing deal, a Cowboys & Aliens slot game based on the bestselling graphic novel will be the first launch under the agreement. For Playtech, this follows in the success of their branded slots from Marvel Comics and currently represents the only other comic book based property in its branded casino game portfolio. The full launch, scheduled for Summer 2012, will include multiple gaming sites throughout multiple markets across the globe.
Platinum Studios licensed the Cowboys & Aliens live action film rights to DreamWorks, which Universal Pictures released in North America and Paramount Pictures released internationally. According to IMDBpro, the film has now grossed over $170 million worldwide, not including DVD, television and other mediums.
The feature film version of Cowboys & Aliens is soon to be released on Blu-ray, DVD and other formats. The film stars Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde, is directed by Jon Favreau ("Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2"), and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Rosenberg.
Platinum Studios' CEO and creator of Cowboys & Aliens, Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, said: "Gaming is a whole new playing field for us, and perfectly follows Cowboys & Aliens' success at the box office." Rosenberg also added: "I'm looking forward to people playing Cowboys & Aliens slots from their living room!"
Playtech's Head of Content Sagi Harari said: "Playtech is excited to introduce Cowboys & Aliens to the online gaming scene. This comic book fits in well with our existing branded games portfolio, since it is instantly recognizable due to the great success of the movie, and it also lends itself to visually impressive games. Powerful branded games are in high demand, and fans as well as casino-game players will be thrilled to experience our new offering."
Cowboys & Aliens, which tells the story of an alien invasion in 19th century, is just one of the properties Platinum Studios controls among a multi-universe library of over 5,000 comic characters. While other large comics-based libraries are already spoken for, Platinum Studios remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Marvel was recently acquired by Disney for $4 Billion, and is the second major comic library to be acquired by a Hollywood studio. DC Comics, which is owned by Warner Bros., recently announced a newly-revamped business model, focusing on reaching deeper into DC's catalog of characters.
About Platinum Studios, Inc.
Platinum Studios (OTCBB: PDOS) is an entertainment company that controls an international library of comic book characters, which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media including print, film, online, mobile / wireless, gaming, and merchandising.
Platinum Studios -- Comics Fueling Media EVERYWHERE!
Platinum Studios Safe Harbor Statement
Please see Platinum Studios Safe Harbor Statement at http://www.platinumstudios.com/about/legal/safe-harbor
About Playtech
Playtech develops unified software platforms and content for the online and land-based gaming industry, together with providing a range of ancillary services such as marketing, hosting and CRM services.
Leading gaming applications include casino, poker, bingo, sports betting, live gaming, casual and fixed odds games. Playtech provides licensees with the tools to maximise cross-selling opportunities, player loyalty and yield, all through the powerful management interface -- the IMS. The Group's capabilities enable the delivery of an integrated software or turnkey solution, with players accessing online, broadcast, mobile and server-based gaming terminals through a single account.
New licensees include existing online operators upgrading or diversifying their offering, land-based casino groups, government sponsored entities such as lotteries, and new entrants making their online gaming debut, particularly in newly-regulated markets.
Founded in 1999, Playtech has some 1,000 employees located in development centres in five countries, the majority of whom are engaged in research and development of current and future gaming technologies, together with 900 employees providing ancillary services.
Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com
Other...
Playtech is an Estonia-based company, which operates a joint venture with Britain's biggest bookmaker William Hill and provides software to Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Paddy Power and Gala Coral.
Shares of the company have lost a quarter of their value in the last three months.
Casino Reviews
PartyCasino.com - Accepts Canadian, Australian and New Zealand players. PartyCasino new players get up to $3000 sign up bonus. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is the world's largest and most successful igaming company.
VirginCasino.com - No US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand players. £100 sign up bonus. Virgin Games is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.
Casino Las Vegas offers Hollywood slots, Marvel slots, games of skill, games of luck and a good range of table games. Casino Las Vegas is owned and operated by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. New players get up to $400 sign up bonus.
Noble Casino offers Hollywood slots, Marvel slots, games of skill, games of luck and a good range of table games. Casino Las Vegas is owned and operated by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. New players get up to $4000 sign up bonus.
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Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com
Playtech and Platinum Studios Sign Licensing Agreement for Platinum's New York Times Best Selling Comic Book Property Cowboy & Aliens
LOS ANGELES, CA - 1st December 2011 - Platinum Studios, Inc. (OTCBB: PDOS), an entertainment company that controls an international library of more than 5,000 comic book characters which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media, is proud to announce that it has licensed its New York Times best-selling graphic novel "Cowboys & Aliens" to Playtech, the international designer, developer and licenser of software to the online and land-based gaming industry.
As part of a multi-year licensing deal, a Cowboys & Aliens slot game based on the bestselling graphic novel will be the first launch under the agreement. For Playtech, this follows in the success of their branded slots from Marvel Comics and currently represents the only other comic book based property in its branded casino game portfolio. The full launch, scheduled for Summer 2012, will include multiple gaming sites throughout multiple markets across the globe.
Platinum Studios licensed the Cowboys & Aliens live action film rights to DreamWorks, which Universal Pictures released in North America and Paramount Pictures released internationally. According to IMDBpro, the film has now grossed over $170 million worldwide, not including DVD, television and other mediums.
The feature film version of Cowboys & Aliens is soon to be released on Blu-ray, DVD and other formats. The film stars Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde, is directed by Jon Favreau ("Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2"), and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Rosenberg.
Platinum Studios' CEO and creator of Cowboys & Aliens, Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, said: "Gaming is a whole new playing field for us, and perfectly follows Cowboys & Aliens' success at the box office." Rosenberg also added: "I'm looking forward to people playing Cowboys & Aliens slots from their living room!"
Playtech's Head of Content Sagi Harari said: "Playtech is excited to introduce Cowboys & Aliens to the online gaming scene. This comic book fits in well with our existing branded games portfolio, since it is instantly recognizable due to the great success of the movie, and it also lends itself to visually impressive games. Powerful branded games are in high demand, and fans as well as casino-game players will be thrilled to experience our new offering."
Cowboys & Aliens, which tells the story of an alien invasion in 19th century, is just one of the properties Platinum Studios controls among a multi-universe library of over 5,000 comic characters. While other large comics-based libraries are already spoken for, Platinum Studios remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Marvel was recently acquired by Disney for $4 Billion, and is the second major comic library to be acquired by a Hollywood studio. DC Comics, which is owned by Warner Bros., recently announced a newly-revamped business model, focusing on reaching deeper into DC's catalog of characters.
About Platinum Studios, Inc.
Platinum Studios (OTCBB: PDOS) is an entertainment company that controls an international library of comic book characters, which it adapts, produces and licenses for all forms of media including print, film, online, mobile / wireless, gaming, and merchandising.
Platinum Studios -- Comics Fueling Media EVERYWHERE!
Platinum Studios Safe Harbor Statement
Please see Platinum Studios Safe Harbor Statement at http://www.platinumstudios.com/about/legal/safe-harbor
About Playtech
Playtech develops unified software platforms and content for the online and land-based gaming industry, together with providing a range of ancillary services such as marketing, hosting and CRM services.
Leading gaming applications include casino, poker, bingo, sports betting, live gaming, casual and fixed odds games. Playtech provides licensees with the tools to maximise cross-selling opportunities, player loyalty and yield, all through the powerful management interface -- the IMS. The Group's capabilities enable the delivery of an integrated software or turnkey solution, with players accessing online, broadcast, mobile and server-based gaming terminals through a single account.
New licensees include existing online operators upgrading or diversifying their offering, land-based casino groups, government sponsored entities such as lotteries, and new entrants making their online gaming debut, particularly in newly-regulated markets.
Founded in 1999, Playtech has some 1,000 employees located in development centres in five countries, the majority of whom are engaged in research and development of current and future gaming technologies, together with 900 employees providing ancillary services.
Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com
Other...
Playtech is an Estonia-based company, which operates a joint venture with Britain's biggest bookmaker William Hill and provides software to Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Paddy Power and Gala Coral.
Shares of the company have lost a quarter of their value in the last three months.
Casino Reviews
PartyCasino.com - Accepts Canadian, Australian and New Zealand players. PartyCasino new players get up to $3000 sign up bonus. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment is the world's largest and most successful igaming company.
VirginCasino.com - No US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand players. £100 sign up bonus. Virgin Games is part of Richard Branson's Virgin Enterprises Limited.
Casino Las Vegas offers Hollywood slots, Marvel slots, games of skill, games of luck and a good range of table games. Casino Las Vegas is owned and operated by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. New players get up to $400 sign up bonus.
Noble Casino offers Hollywood slots, Marvel slots, games of skill, games of luck and a good range of table games. Casino Las Vegas is owned and operated by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment. New players get up to $4000 sign up bonus.
Profiles
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Virgin Casino
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Saturday, December 3, 2011
Facebook To Enter Into Real Money Online Poker? - 1st December 2011
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Rumors were abuzz yesterday about the possibility of the social networking behemoth Facebook entering into the online poker arena, but it may be that was the extent of the issue…simply rumors.
According to the popular blog “Friending Facebook” written by Emil Protalinski on ZDNet.com, Facebook has been rumored to be in discussions with several outlets regarding the future of online poker on the site. Currently, Facebook only offers “credits” that players can purchase to use to play a multitude of games that the site promotes, but it hasn’t stepped into the realm of a “real money” offering. Protalinski details out how some of the buzz regarding the possibility of Facebook stepping into online poker has gotten started.
Apparently, clandestine meetings were held over the summer between Facebook and “approximately twenty online gaming experts, consultants and social gaming entrepreneurs,” according to Protalinski. If this were to become a reality, it would happen at some point within the first three months of 2012, with the potential for up to eight licenses to be offered to potential online gaming operations through Facebook.
Protalinski notes, via eGaming Review Magazine, that two of those potential outlets have already been named as potential licensees. One of the top game developers, Gamesys, is potentially in the running for one of those licenses. Gamesys, which has been in the online gaming industry since 2001, offers bingo software as well as games based on television shows such as The Price Is Right and Deal or No Deal. The company also has a contract with Caesars Entertainment for CaesarsBingo.com.
The other operation named specifically as a potential suitor for Facebook also has connections with Caesars Entertainment, the owners of the World Series of Poker. 888 Holdings PLC, founded in 1997 and the ownership behind such offerings as 888Poker.com and the Caesars Entertainment owned WSOP.com online poker site, is rumored to be one of the companies at the front of the line for a potential Facebook partnership. 888Poker is currently the fourth ranked online poker network in the industry, having a seven day average of 2150 cash game players, according to PokerScout.com.
Protalinski points out several issues that will have to be overcome before any such partnerships can reach fruition. Age verification issues, something that anti-online gaming zealots have said would be problematic, are something that Facebook would have to deal with, as people do not always put their year of birth on their Facebook record for privacy reasons. Finding an outlet that could process real money transactions at a bulk rate would also be problematic as well as how Facebook and any partners would divvy up the proceeds.
In looking at how Facebook handles its “credits” transactions, Protalinski points out some significant numbers. Protalinski states that Facebook takes a 30% cut of revenues earned through the purchases of Facebook Credits, with the remaining 70% going to the developers of the games. To possibly see how much money is potentially involved in this partnership, PartyGaming – before it joined forces with Bwin early this year – pulled in $497.9 million in revenue in 2010. If that type of activity was seen with a Facebook gaming site – and using the same percentages as Facebook currently operates under – it would mean Facebook would make approximately $149.3 million and their partner company would pull in $348.5 million.
For American citizens, however, there is no glimmer of hope. Real money online poker through Facebook isn’t an option per the current status of online gaming in the United States. The offerings would first be done in the United Kingdom and potentially branch out to the rest of the world, Protalinski reports.
Then again, this could all just be conjecture. Protalinski contacted Facebook officials regarding this issue and quoted a representative of Facebook as saying, “We’re always in discussions with companies about lots of different ideas, but we don’t comment on future plans or speculation.” After the ringing in of the New Year, however, we may learn if these plans are true or false. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Games Gaming Casinos Poker Facebook Casino Legal Social Media Sydney Australia News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
Rumors were abuzz yesterday about the possibility of the social networking behemoth Facebook entering into the online poker arena, but it may be that was the extent of the issue…simply rumors.
According to the popular blog “Friending Facebook” written by Emil Protalinski on ZDNet.com, Facebook has been rumored to be in discussions with several outlets regarding the future of online poker on the site. Currently, Facebook only offers “credits” that players can purchase to use to play a multitude of games that the site promotes, but it hasn’t stepped into the realm of a “real money” offering. Protalinski details out how some of the buzz regarding the possibility of Facebook stepping into online poker has gotten started.
Apparently, clandestine meetings were held over the summer between Facebook and “approximately twenty online gaming experts, consultants and social gaming entrepreneurs,” according to Protalinski. If this were to become a reality, it would happen at some point within the first three months of 2012, with the potential for up to eight licenses to be offered to potential online gaming operations through Facebook.
Protalinski notes, via eGaming Review Magazine, that two of those potential outlets have already been named as potential licensees. One of the top game developers, Gamesys, is potentially in the running for one of those licenses. Gamesys, which has been in the online gaming industry since 2001, offers bingo software as well as games based on television shows such as The Price Is Right and Deal or No Deal. The company also has a contract with Caesars Entertainment for CaesarsBingo.com.
The other operation named specifically as a potential suitor for Facebook also has connections with Caesars Entertainment, the owners of the World Series of Poker. 888 Holdings PLC, founded in 1997 and the ownership behind such offerings as 888Poker.com and the Caesars Entertainment owned WSOP.com online poker site, is rumored to be one of the companies at the front of the line for a potential Facebook partnership. 888Poker is currently the fourth ranked online poker network in the industry, having a seven day average of 2150 cash game players, according to PokerScout.com.
Protalinski points out several issues that will have to be overcome before any such partnerships can reach fruition. Age verification issues, something that anti-online gaming zealots have said would be problematic, are something that Facebook would have to deal with, as people do not always put their year of birth on their Facebook record for privacy reasons. Finding an outlet that could process real money transactions at a bulk rate would also be problematic as well as how Facebook and any partners would divvy up the proceeds.
In looking at how Facebook handles its “credits” transactions, Protalinski points out some significant numbers. Protalinski states that Facebook takes a 30% cut of revenues earned through the purchases of Facebook Credits, with the remaining 70% going to the developers of the games. To possibly see how much money is potentially involved in this partnership, PartyGaming – before it joined forces with Bwin early this year – pulled in $497.9 million in revenue in 2010. If that type of activity was seen with a Facebook gaming site – and using the same percentages as Facebook currently operates under – it would mean Facebook would make approximately $149.3 million and their partner company would pull in $348.5 million.
For American citizens, however, there is no glimmer of hope. Real money online poker through Facebook isn’t an option per the current status of online gaming in the United States. The offerings would first be done in the United Kingdom and potentially branch out to the rest of the world, Protalinski reports.
Then again, this could all just be conjecture. Protalinski contacted Facebook officials regarding this issue and quoted a representative of Facebook as saying, “We’re always in discussions with companies about lots of different ideas, but we don’t comment on future plans or speculation.” After the ringing in of the New Year, however, we may learn if these plans are true or false. (Credit: Poker News Daily)
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
Facebook Gamblers Taking Bigger Risks Than They Know, by Greg Tingle - 1st December 2011
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Games Gaming Casinos Poker Facebook Casino Legal Social Media Sydney Australia News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
A massive loophole in Australian - federal gambling legislation is allowing an online casino to receive funds from Facebook punters but not pay out winnings in cold hard cash, leaving punters in the lurch, out of moolah, and angry - and there's not much they can do about it at present.
Only recently have media companies such as Media Man and Fairfax Media been able to warn punters of the dangers of betting - especially on some Facebook affiliated websites.
Media and gaming commentators are advising gamblers to only bet with websites they can trust, and to avoid Facebook gambling websites until loopholes have been fixed up. Big name gambling brands which are considered ethical and trustworthy by most media and igaming experts include Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Virgin Games (not available in Australia), Betfair, Centrebet and PKR.
The DoubleDown casino on Facebook is one brand in question. They "give" players "free" chips - but once they are used up, punters are required to purchase credits to continue to play online casino games such as poker, blackjack, slots and roulette (not Russian Roulette) - even more dangerous then the website in question.
As they say - always read the fine print! The terms and conditions explicitly say "regardless of the terminology used, Virtual Currency and Virtual Goods may never be redeemed for "real world" money, goods or other items of monetary value from the Site or any other party."
A wave of complaints has hit independent senator Nick "Mr X" (satire) Xenophon. A Facebook page condemning the site and warning others has also been established by anger players. A constituent contacted Senator Xenophon after he attempted to withdraw the chips, made a complaint, but was subsequently blocked from the site by administrators. So much for ethics and consumer confidence.
Senator Xenophon wrote to the Australian Communications and Media Authority complaining that the US-based website was misleading and was in breach of online gaming laws.
ACMA told Senator Xenophon the website's content is not prohibited because it was not possible to win 'money or anything else of value' from playing the games provided, so it does not in fact constitute a gambling website.
The Senator yesterday wrote to Communications Minister Stephen Conroy requesting an urgent meeting to discuss "a loophole in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 which has allowed hundreds of Australians to lose money".
"People are paying real money to gamble on these sites," Senator Xenophon advised. "But because these gamblers are forbidden by the sites from converting that virtual money back into real money, the sites aren't technically breaking any laws. This needs to change."
A review of igaming - online gambling laws commenced earlier this year and Senator Conroy's spokesman advised online casino games were prohibited and could not be provided to Australians.
"Consumers participating in games purporting to be such things should think carefully as they are not regulated by Australian law," he said.
A spokesman for DoubleDown Casino said it took great pride in having established the world's largest virtual casino game on Facebook.
"We couldn't have done that without the millions of customers who return every day to enjoy free chips and our entertaining game. Casual gamers can play every day for free and it is entirely up to the user to decide if they wish to purchase virtual chips to play longer," he said.
"There are hundreds if not thousands of games on Facebook which accept virtual currency in the form of Facebook credits and we're proud to be one of Facebook's top 12 game partners."
Established gaming companies such as Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, PKR, Virgin Games, Betfair and Centrebet offer both play for free and play for money options, and have not received complaints like the ones directed towards DoubleDown.
Those who enjoy a punt are advised to bet with their head, not over it, and to have fun. If gambling stops being fun, its a strong sign to stop playing and seek help.
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Games Gaming Casinos Poker Facebook Casino Legal Social Media Sydney Australia News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News
A massive loophole in Australian - federal gambling legislation is allowing an online casino to receive funds from Facebook punters but not pay out winnings in cold hard cash, leaving punters in the lurch, out of moolah, and angry - and there's not much they can do about it at present.
Only recently have media companies such as Media Man and Fairfax Media been able to warn punters of the dangers of betting - especially on some Facebook affiliated websites.
Media and gaming commentators are advising gamblers to only bet with websites they can trust, and to avoid Facebook gambling websites until loopholes have been fixed up. Big name gambling brands which are considered ethical and trustworthy by most media and igaming experts include Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Virgin Games (not available in Australia), Betfair, Centrebet and PKR.
The DoubleDown casino on Facebook is one brand in question. They "give" players "free" chips - but once they are used up, punters are required to purchase credits to continue to play online casino games such as poker, blackjack, slots and roulette (not Russian Roulette) - even more dangerous then the website in question.
As they say - always read the fine print! The terms and conditions explicitly say "regardless of the terminology used, Virtual Currency and Virtual Goods may never be redeemed for "real world" money, goods or other items of monetary value from the Site or any other party."
A wave of complaints has hit independent senator Nick "Mr X" (satire) Xenophon. A Facebook page condemning the site and warning others has also been established by anger players. A constituent contacted Senator Xenophon after he attempted to withdraw the chips, made a complaint, but was subsequently blocked from the site by administrators. So much for ethics and consumer confidence.
Senator Xenophon wrote to the Australian Communications and Media Authority complaining that the US-based website was misleading and was in breach of online gaming laws.
ACMA told Senator Xenophon the website's content is not prohibited because it was not possible to win 'money or anything else of value' from playing the games provided, so it does not in fact constitute a gambling website.
The Senator yesterday wrote to Communications Minister Stephen Conroy requesting an urgent meeting to discuss "a loophole in the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 which has allowed hundreds of Australians to lose money".
"People are paying real money to gamble on these sites," Senator Xenophon advised. "But because these gamblers are forbidden by the sites from converting that virtual money back into real money, the sites aren't technically breaking any laws. This needs to change."
A review of igaming - online gambling laws commenced earlier this year and Senator Conroy's spokesman advised online casino games were prohibited and could not be provided to Australians.
"Consumers participating in games purporting to be such things should think carefully as they are not regulated by Australian law," he said.
A spokesman for DoubleDown Casino said it took great pride in having established the world's largest virtual casino game on Facebook.
"We couldn't have done that without the millions of customers who return every day to enjoy free chips and our entertaining game. Casual gamers can play every day for free and it is entirely up to the user to decide if they wish to purchase virtual chips to play longer," he said.
"There are hundreds if not thousands of games on Facebook which accept virtual currency in the form of Facebook credits and we're proud to be one of Facebook's top 12 game partners."
Established gaming companies such as Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, PKR, Virgin Games, Betfair and Centrebet offer both play for free and play for money options, and have not received complaints like the ones directed towards DoubleDown.
Those who enjoy a punt are advised to bet with their head, not over it, and to have fun. If gambling stops being fun, its a strong sign to stop playing and seek help.
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Casino News Media
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