Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Planet Hollywood Resort - Casino Sells Marilyn Monroe Boobs, by Greg Tingle - 30th June 2010

Marilyn Monroe was the world's most famous sex symbol, a title she will always carry. The blonde goddess was also the proud owner of the most gorgeous tits, a fact not missed by the powers that be at Planet Hollywood. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the most famous boobs in Hollywood for lovers of casino babes and poker babes the world over...

Punters, photographers and fans of poker her babes and casino babes are lapping it up.

A threesome set of Marilyn Monroe boob shot X-rays from a 1954 hospital visit have sold for $51,457 at the Hollywood Legends auction conducted at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. We're getting mixed reports of whether Sly Stallone, Arnie or Bruce Willis were on hand for happy snap shots, but Monroe and her delightful tits were the star attractions, with the likes of the Pink Pussycat not giving any competition.

Julien's Auctions, which sold the X-rays, estimated that they would only fetch a total of about $3,500.

Not that you hot readers will care that much, but additional Monroe-abilia that sold included a chair from her last photo shoot that went for $40,022.

The hot auction included items from other actresses, including a pair of earrings worn by Kate Winslet in Titanic that sold for $28,588 and a dress Audrey Hepburn wore when she starred opposite Fred Astaire in the musical Funny Face that fetched $64,322.

What didn't we learn today? Sex Still Sells. The smart money says it always will, cum hell or high waters broken.





Wrap Up

What great tits Marilyn had. Good or bad taste, or tasty? Tell us in the Gambling911 forum. We expect to hear from Tony Clifton and Howard Stern "The King Of All Media" in the very near future. Got Milk? Punters, as always, know the odds and have fun.

The Late News

Angelina Jolie from Tomb Raider fame rumoured to play Cleopatra and Brad Pitt rumblings for the Marc Anthony role. Tomb Raider also rumored to appear at Virgin Gaming... just thought we would mention that. Love that line from the late Johnny Cash... "The Virgin's are trimming their wings"... (When The Man Comes Around). We understand at least one of the Kennedy's came ... around to party. Pun fully intended.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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World Poker Tour® Announces Matt Savage As WPT Executive Tour Director

PartyGaming News: World Poker Tour® Announces Matt Savage As WPT Executive Tour Director

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LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2010) – World Poker Tour® (WPT) announced today renowned tournament director Matt Savage will join their team as Executive Tour Director. In his new role, Savage lends his years of experience and vast knowledge base to WPT committing himself to improving player communication, tournament offerings, tour cohesiveness, and event growth.

“Matt is one of the world’s foremost experts on poker tournaments,” said Steve Heller, World Poker Tour CEO. “Matt’s expertise and relationships in the poker community will greatly enhance our upcoming ninth season.”

“I am excited about this opportunity to work with WPT as their Executive Tour Director,” said Savage. “WPT is one of the most respected and recognizable brands in poker and I am happy to be a part of its efforts to improve tournament poker for players, fans and casinos.”

Savage has appeared on more than 300 televised poker shows on Fox Sports Net, Travel Channel, GSN, ESPN, and numerous others. He was also the host of a nationally televised show called “Inside Poker” and is an actor in the Warner Brothers movie “Lucky You.” A founder of the Tournament Directors Association and recipient of the inaugural Benny Binion award for outstanding service in the poker industry, Savage has directed some of the most successful poker tournaments including WPT’s Bay 101 Shooting Star and Los Angeles Poker Classic.

Players may contact Savage directly at msavage@worldpokertour.com to discuss tournament ideas, concerns, or pose questions.

ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT has aired globally in 150+ countries, currently airs in the United Sates on Fox Sports Net and is preparing for its all-new ninth season. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see visit www.worldpokertour.com


About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Notice of Pre-close Trading Update

28 Jun 2010

PartyGaming Plc, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, will announce a pre-close trading update on 6 July 2010.

Reflecting the fact that the Eurozone has become the predominant economic environment in which the Group’s gaming companies operate based on the currencies with which players fund their accounts, as well as the expected opening of a number of newly regulated regimes in France, Italy and other Eurozone markets, the Group intends to change its functional currency from US dollars to Euros.

In line with International Accounting Standard 21 the change will take effect from the date the Group determined that the characteristics required to identify the functional currency had changed. The Group determined this occurred during 2010 and for accounting purposes, this is effective from 1 January 2010.

In addition, the Group will from this date change the reporting currency used for its financial statements of the Group and other reporting from US dollars to Euros.

All prior financial data will be converted using the exchange rate at 1 January 2010 of 1 US dollar = 0.695 Euros. An updated summary containing the Group’s historic financial data in Euros up to and including the Q1 2010 Key Performance Indicators will be made available at www.partygaming.com on 6 July 2010. The Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2010 will be reported in Euros when they are announced on 6 August 2010. A separate notification containing details of the analyst presentation and simultaneous webcast and dial-in broadcast for the interim results announcement will be made in due course.

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Monday, June 28, 2010

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

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28 June 2010

PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, announces that it has been awarded licences by ARJEL, the French Gaming regulator, to operate online poker and sports betting websites for residents in France. The Group can offer sports betting immediately and will offer poker on http://www.partypoker.fr when the market is opened, which is expected to be later this month.

As previously announced, the Group has signed three exclusive B2B deals this year to form a significant French poker network with PMU, the country’s largest pari-mutuel horse racing company, AB Groupe, a leading TV broadcaster, and Aviation Club de France, one of France’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs. This network will now benefit from pooled poker player liquidity that will be provided by PartyPoker.fr

About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Friday, June 25, 2010

WagerWorks, an IGT Company, Wins 'Slot Provider of the Year' Award

WagerWorks, an IGT Company, Wins 'Slot Provider of the Year' Award

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Superior products help take top prize at the first eGaming Review b2b Supplier Awards in London

LAS VEGAS, June 23, 2010 - WagerWorks, the online and mobile subsidiary of International Game Technology, was officially crowned "Slot Provider of the Year" at the inaugural EGR b2b Supplier Awards in London. With high expectations following a strong preceding year of successful game releases and new partnerships, the prize confirmed WagerWorks' status as a leading provider of highly innovative gaming content. With more than ten years of experience in the online gaming market, WagerWorks is the leading provider of online, mobile and iDTV game content. WagerWorks was also a finalist in the "RNG Casino Supplier" and "Mobile Supplier" of the year categories.

"The honor of having WagerWorks crowned 'Slot Provider of the Year' is a true reflection of the game expertise we have as part of IGT. Among a myriad of suppliers, WagerWorks is the only one with deep roots in the traditional land-based casino business of IGT, and with that credibility comes a wealth of knowledge and experience," said Oliver Lofthouse, director and general manager at WagerWorks. "Our games are continuing to perform at the highest level with more and more clients seeing the benefit of partnering with the best content supplier in the market."

The award was a perfect conclusion to a positive month for WagerWorks which has seen UK operator Sportech expand its current games portfolio with additional WagerWorks titles on its Game On, Football Pools and Vernons brands.

Additionally, the first expansion into the UK land-based amusement sector with ThePalaces.com highlighted the versatility and appeal of WagerWorks games to all areas of the gaming industry.

"We are thrilled to be given this prestigious honor," said Gideon Bierer, executive vice president new media at IGT. "This is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our teams. Together, we are able to provide the top online gaming experience in jurisdictions where this type of gaming is available."

The start of June also saw the online release of the hit IGT multi-line slot, Noah's Ark(R), with immediate industry plaudits and player reaction making it WagerWorks' online game of the year to date. Widely acclaimed for the quality of its audio and visual appeal, Noah's Ark(R) provides a true menagerie of entertainment with an iconic super-rich Split Symbols(TM) feature which counts for two symbols rather than one.

About WagerWorks

WagerWorks, the online gaming subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT), is the premier provider of game content for online, mobile and interactive digital television. Leading the pack is MegaJackpots(R), the wide-area progressive-style game with the largest reset jackpot value of 1,500,000 pounds Sterling, featuring Cleopatra(R), Cluedo and Monopoly brands. WagerWorks and IGT are solely responsible for the jackpot payout. Other favorites include well-known brands such as Dungeons & Dragons, Elvis(R), Wheel of Fortune(R) and online and mobile versions of IGT and Barcrest Games "killer" brands such as Rainbow Riches(R) and Wolf Run(R). Its extensive online and mobile offering includes multi-line multi-coin slots, progressive-style, traditional and proprietary table games and fixed-odds games. Operators can add WagerWorks games to their existing iGaming platform using WagerWorks rgs(TM) and the WagerWorks Mobile Gaming System.

For further information about WagerWorks, their portfolio of products, new game launches and strategic alliances, visit www.wagerworks.com or contact +44 (0)20 7494 8787, sales@wagerworks.com.

About IGT

International Game Technology is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products worldwide. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com.

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Virgin Casino Launches White Orchid by WagerWorks

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 06/25/10 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, has today launched White Orchid, adding a brand new slot game to the Casino's extensive product suit. Provided by the online casino games supplier, WagerWorks, White Orchid is a 5-reel, 40-payline slot that has a host of exciting features for Virgin Casino's customers to enjoy.

Players can use a multi-way option to bet on singular reels instead of betting on all paylines. So White Orchid gives the flexibility to wager on any combination of reels across the 5-reels, giving players 1,024 betting choices. White Orchid's MultiwayXtra increases players winning chances from 243 to 1,024.

With twenty independent reels, players can reap awe-inspiring pays for big clusters of matching symbols. Get two or more Bonus symbols and discover exotic wins in the White Falls Free Spins Bonus. Enjoy 10, 15, or 20 free spins on extra-rich bonus reels with the opportunity to retrigger the bonus multiple times.

Warren Eloff, Product Manager at Virgin Games, commented:

"WagerWorks games have always been very popular with our players and, with its unprecedented levels of slot action and superb graphics, we believe White Orchid will be no exception. The introduction of White Orchid is in line with our commitment to offer our customers more choice from quality game producers to make us one of the most content rich online casinos available."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and nearly 200 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 online casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Endemol and Ash Gaming.

Notes to editors:

About Virgin Games:

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

-- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including
WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers
classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great
feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular
MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over GBP
2,500,000

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

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


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PartyCasino News: No Vuvuzela Horns As Safari Soccer Comes To PartyCasino

PartyCasino News: No Vuvuzela Horns As Safari Soccer Comes To PartyCasino

Gibraltar – 17th June 2010 - With football fever sweeping the savannah, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, has introduced a new game - Safari Soccer! Team up with Africa’s most iconic animals as they kick-off a wild and rewarding match where you can win up to $500,000 on a single line. To celebrate the new game, PartyCasino.com has also introduced two leaderboards where over $150,000 is up for grabs.
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: “Featuring raging rhinos, sleek springboks and ferocious lions across five-reels and 30-paylines, we’re sure you’ll find Safari Soccer a real winner. Over $150,000 is available through two leaderboards – one for regular players and one for Palladium Lounge VIP members. Fight for your lion’s share today!”
“We were going to introduce the sounds of the vuvuzela horn at a late stage but decided the sound would already be way too familiar to customers. You could call it a last minute technical change!”
Safari Soccer is a slot very much in the mold of the classic Melon Madness and features a free-spin bonus game triggered by the zebra referee symbol. A customer has to pick one of the referees in view to discover the number of free spins and a valuable multiplier.
The leaderboard races are underway and run until 23.59ET on the 27th June. Palladium Lounge VIPs compete for more than $95,000. First prize is $15,000 and pays 150 places. The regular race features a top prize of $5,000 and pays 500 places. To encourage top-class performances PartyCasino.com will be rewarding double points to customers who play Safari Soccer. Please note that the extra points awarded will not count towards the Safari Soccer Cup leaderboards.

For more information see: PartyCasino.com

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Aussie Pokies Clubs Say Govt Recommendations Cost $4 Billion!, by Greg Tingle - 25th June 2010

Australian pokies clubs and hotels say that the new Australian Productivity Commission Reports recommendations would cost them $4 billion dollars to implement. Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe to the one armed bandits...with this free of charge report...

With new Australian Prime Minister Julie Gillard sworn into office yesterday, many campaigners, lobby groups and the like are attempting to strike while the iron is hot.

Media Man understands that new PM came into office on the same day that the Australian Productivity Report on gambling was released into the public domain. Coincidence or not? In the U.S its not that uncommon for various controversial and high stakes bills to be sworn in just before public holidays et al, and some folks call these happenings "Midnight Bills", a term coined to mate the cloak and dagger - art of war type practice.

The Aussie clubs lobby powers that be state upgrading pokies to meet Productivity Commission recommendations could cost up to $4 billion back! Yep, you read right. We reckon you could buy a few clubs, even casinos, for that sort of money.

The timing of last months pokies auction is curious also. The purchaser may have thought they got a bargain, but maybe not, if those pokies become useless or too expensive to bother upgrading.

Mr Jeremy Bath, Exec Director of Clubs Australia advised some smaller outlets with one armed bandits that could be say a decade old may not be able to afford to purchase new pokies that go for about $25,000 a pop.

"Manufacturers haven't been building them so they could be upgraded," he tells.

The Productivity Commission this past Wednesday made some 48 recommendations to tackle "problem gambling", including a $1 a bet limit on pokies, restricting to $20 the amount of cash a player could insert into a machine and a "pre-commitment" system allowing pokie lovers to set their own voluntary spending limits.

Ball advised technology that was very expensive to install and implement would not in fact end "problem gambling".

"The best strategy for problem gamblers will always be to ensure the counselling and education they need is readily available so they don't gamble at all," he said.

The GM of the Australian Hotels Association South Australian branch, Ian Horne, advised some of the commission's recommendations were "pretty confronting" and disputed by the industry because of the lack of evidence backing the claims.

"They basically say a lot of their recommendations are a leap of faith," he said.

"We don't want a leap of faith, we think we deserve something a bit more concrete."

The federal government has taken up just one of the commission's recommendations, which would allow gamblers to voluntarily set limits on the amount they intend to spend in a single gambling session.

Media Man believes that some of the report recommendations have merit, such as the setting limits point.

A Media Man spokesperson said "People enjoy playing the pokies and its no secret that a small percentage run into problems, just like some drivers have car accidents, some sports persons get injured, some people shoplift, some look for fights at clubs, and you get the idea. The problem remains, we are dealing with people here, not robots. Studies have shown that gambling addiction can be found in the genes - the human makeup - DNA. Machines are not the problem, just as guns are not the problem - people are... some people are just not suited to playing the pokies. If you make them illegal they will only go underground. Education and counselling are key parts of whats needed. For those people who think they may have a problem, stay away from pokies, or just don't even start. Of course, in the online environment some pokies can be played for free. In theory its simple, don't put in money if you have a problem, or think you might. Again, we're dealing with humans, not robots, so there's likely to always be some kind of problem behavior, as there is in just about every aspect of society".

The New South Wales Minister for Gaming and Racing, Kevin Greene, said he looked forward to working with the new COAG council, but appeared to signal problems.

"NSW will continue to play a leadership role in national discussions but we will not agree to any approach that diminishes the strict responsible gambling initiatives already in place in our state," Mr Greene said.

The clubs industry, which derives about 60% of its revenue from gambling, and poker machine manufacturers welcomed the government's response to the report.

While responsibility for gambling regulation lies with the states, the commission said that the federal government could use its corporations powers to regulate gambling machines if necessary.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who ran for Parliament on a no pokies platform, was far from impressed with the Government's response.

"The Federal Government's response on this report is nothing short of a disgrace," he said.

"We don't need more talk, we don't need more reports and reviews, we actually need action on this and the fact is the Productivity Commission - by recommending $1 bets - is a way forward to actually deal with this issue."

Some of Australia's most popular pokies include Cleopatra, Queen Of The Nile, Black Rhino, 50 Lions, Where's The Gold, Penguin Pays and Show Me The Money. Online pokies that enjoy strong popularity, many by PartyGaming in third party agreements with outfits like IGT - WagerWorks, Hasbro and Marvel, include Cleopatra, Sinatra, Monopoly, Thor, Rambo, The Incredible Hulk, Tomb Raider, Hitman and Mission: Impossible. That reminds us, Tomb Raider movie goddess, Angelina Jolie, is also strongly rumoured to be considering the lead in a Hollywood remake of Cleopatra. Her Brad Pitt has also been talked about for Mark Anthony. The movie remake would also be a platform to relaunch the famous 'Cleo' game titles. Richard Branson's Virgin Games and new Virgin Gaming is also understood to be getting Tomb Raider before year end. Only in Hollywood... and the igaming sector. Know the odds, and keep it fun.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Australians To Score Gigs At Marina Bay Sands, by Greg Tingle - 24th June 2010

Readers, punters, media analysts... the Asia Pacific region continues to breath new life back into American casino and hotel developers. The Las Vegas Sands company is one of the most recent to see Asia changing their fortunes for the better. Media Man and Gambling911 pick up the chop sticks and Samurai sword with this special report...

A bush tucker bag of hard working Aussies including project managers and engineers are expected to be attracted to Asia by casino and resort super developer, the Las Vegas Sands.

This comes off the back of the announcement some 24 hours ago that The Sands had opened its $US5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands project in downtown Singapore, snatching some of the attention away from Macau, a favorite of Crown's James Packer.

By The Numbers

Let's swing into some impressive statistics...

2561-room hotel, which has a cricket stumps look about it

3 55-storey towers complete with 1.2ha park area on its pinnacle

In addition, part of the 15.5ha Marina Bay Sands development is 800,000 square meters of retail (Chanel, Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton), world class restaurants, a museum, theatres and a casino. We understand 1 or 2 varieties of casino babes and poker babes are not far away for those seeking such services... for the well informed and connected, but please don't ask us for further detail pertaining to those babes. They are not on our books ok mates.

Sands tipped that its upcoming major projects were likely to include Korea, Japan or both.

The Singapore complex enjoyed its opening yesterday, however the project still has about six months of construction left. Bring on the Aussies, and try to include some GenerationOne skilled up workers. We don't think Crown's (and City Of Dreams connection) James Packer will mind too much, if its for the greater good of getting more Aussies into sustainable employment opportunities.

Las Vegas Sands Corp Asia construction VP Mr Matthew Pryor, who ran the Marina Bay Sands development, advised the firm had staff putting the final finishing touches on the museum, theatres and a couple more retail therapy "zoos".

Media Man insiders understand the project is coming up to being 5 months late...almost sounds like a project from Australia's Labor party! Thank god there's no Painters and Dockers Union to contend with, nor is a Tim 'Earthquake' Bristow type "enforcer" required, as documented in 'Not For Publication', hard news stories by Australian journalist and writer, Chris Masters. Oriental and American friends, if you get too many more delays you could always try Aussie Mick Gatto, who is a world calibre "consultant" and arbitrator of sorts. Gatto is a can-do type of guy who is also known as a skilled motivator and negotiator. Mr Gatto is represented by Media Man friend and occasional associate, Max Markson aka 'Mr Fame'.

Spreading its wings (not legs)... LVS has also sized up Macau, revisiting to complete a $US3.8bn-plus construction that was put on ice, thanks to the financial mess the world got itself in, fingers pointing to the World Bank and U.S Bush administration, no thanks either to 'Mr Ponzi Scheme' Bernie Madoff and partners in crime, you mongrels.

We understand a new shot of life will be injected into Macau, which previously had seem multiply thousands of working loosing their jobs.

Mr Pryor advised "It is hard to get the right people. We started hiring during the boom, I built the team up since 2003 and scaled it up consistently in that time".

At Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, 30% of the 100 top brass and 75 out of 100 engineers are from Australia.

Australian Contractor Connection...

Australia's Alfasi company were contractors for the Marina Bay Sands Singapore project, and would you believe that their budget stretched from the initial $US3.5bn forecast to $US150m, thanks to 4 months of delays and a calamity of issues and challenges, including a 7000 ton life of steel which had to go up 200 metres into the sky.

These days many insiders say Sands Oriental connection will see the sky the limit for the casino hotel developer giant.

One of the difficulties was lifting 7000 tonnes of steel 200m in the air for the hotel complex.

Mr Pryor is a key part of the comeback by Sands.

Media Man and Gambling911 wish the developer well and are delighted to learn of the great employment opportunities by Sands.

Long live the Australian - Oriental - American connection. Viva Sans, Macau, Japan... the world. 'Sin City' Singapore? Stranger things have happened.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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Australia Releases 2010 Productivity Commission Gambling Report, by Greg Tingle - 24th June 2010

As readers would be well aware by now, gaming and gambling, be it casino, poker, slots, sports betting, bingo, scratchies, online or offline, along with internet censorship, are a few of the hottest subject matters in Australia. The gaming sector also enjoys strong ties to the political arena, with the ongoing agreements as to the control, rules and regulation of the industry. Some of the American gaming ties to the political arena are famously documented in 'Casino Jack And The United States Of Money'! Punters er readers, congratulations are in order for Julia Gillard, the new Prime Minister of Australia, elected soon after 9am earlier today. Readers can learn more with the Gambling911 article 'Australian Political Challenge: PM Kevin Rudd VS Julia Gillard'.


Media Man and Gambling911 are delighted to bring this important update to the every loyal readership...

The Australian Government today released the 2010 Productivity Commission Report into Gambling for consideration by States, Territories, industry and the wider community.

The Government has also announced its support for key reform directions to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling.

In an initial response to the 2010 Productivity Commission Report into Gambling, the Australian Government signalled it supports the use of pre-commitment technology to tackle problem gambling and is committed to working with State and Territory Governments, and industry, in implementing this technology.

The Australian Government does not agree with the Productivity Commission recommendation that the Australian Government amend the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to allow for a liberalisation of online gambling, starting with allowing the provision of online poker games to Australians. The existing rules will continue to apply.

The Australian Government accepts that further work can be done to improve harm minimization measures for electronic gaming machines.

The Australian Government will now write to State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers to recommend the establishment of a new high-level Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Select Council of Ministers on Gambling Reform to progress a national approach to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling.

The Productivity Commission estimates that there are between 80,000 and 160,000 Australian adults suffering severe problem gambling. In addition there are between 230,000 and 350,000 people at moderate risk.

The Productivity Commission’s final report highlights the significant social cost of gambling, estimated to be at least $4.7 billion. The Productivity Commission estimates that problem gamblers account for around 40 per cent of electronic gaming machine expenditure, showing that a small number of gamblers account for a large percentage of losses.

The Productivity Commission also highlighted the gambling sector as an important industry with gambling expenditure exceeding $19 billion and the industry estimated to support the employment of more than 145,000 people.

Pre-commitment

The Productivity Commission found that pre-commitment is the most effective way to target problem gamblers and at-risk gamblers without impacting upon the wider gambling community and that’s why the Government has committed to developing a pathway towards implementation for pre-commitment.

The Productivity Commission also found that pre-commitment systems would empower people to take responsibility for their own spending behaviour, by helping them decide exactly how much they want to spend before they start playing.

The Productivity Commission found that a pre-commitment scheme is a strong, practicable and ultimately cost-effective option to minimise harm caused by gambling. This new technology will give people the tools to stick to their limit and help them keep track of their spending.

The first priority for the Australian Government will be to progress a nationally consistent pre-commitment model for electronic gaming machines.

Online gaming

The Australian Government does not support the liberalisation of online gaming, including online poker, as recommended by the Productivity Commission.

The Government is not convinced that liberalising online gaming would have benefits for the Australian community which would outweigh the risks of an increased incidence of problem gambling, particularly with the rapid changes in technology.

The current prohibition on the provision of online gaming services to Australians will continue to apply.

The Government will examine the regulatory approach taken by other countries with similar regulatory regimes in relation to online gaming, such as the United States.

In particular, we will seek to work with other countries to investigate the possibility of a more effective multilateral regulatory regime to address this form of gambling, its social impacts and its impact on the Australian gambling industry.

Harm minimization

The Australian Government accepts that more work can be done to improve harm minimisation measures for electronic gaming machines.

The Select Council on Gambling Reform will engage with all stakeholders to ensure that any changes to harm minimisation measures are proven to actually minimise the damage caused by problem gambling and are ideally able to be applied consistently across Australia.

This will include an analysis of the possible costs and benefits of such measures and also consider their need in light of moves towards a nationally consistent pre-commitment model.

COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform

The Australian Government will recommend that the COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform includes up to two Ministerial representatives from all jurisdictions to ensure that both economic and social portfolios are represented.

The Select Council on Gambling Reform will be co-chaired by Ministers Macklin and Sherry.

Most recommendations in the report are directed at areas of State Government responsibility but the Australian Government recognises that national leadership is required and will work with State and Territory governments through the new Select Council on Gambling Reform to consider the Productivity Commission’s final report.

The Australian Government is committed to a thorough process through the COAG Select Council on Gambling Reform and to consulting closely with community groups, industry and relevant employee and employer groups on the Productivity Commission’s findings.

Today’s report follows a request made by COAG in 2008, through the then Assistant Treasurer, for the Productivity Commission to update its 1999 inquiry into Australia’s gambling industries, with a focus on problem gambling. This responded to calls from industry and community groups that the Commission should be asked to update its 1999 report.

Copies of the Productivity Commission’s report are available from www.pc.gov.au.


Link to the report via the Australian Government Productivity Commission


Wrap Up And Disclaimers...

For the record, and you have quite likely read it before, Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming including sports betting, is just one of a bakers dozen of industry sectors they cover.

Gambling911 is also a website portal, primarily covering the world of sports betting, gambling, gaming, entertainment and politics.

Media Man nor Gambling911 are casinos as such, but they cover the sector offering news, reviews, tips, gossip, odds, facts and figures and the like.

Media Man International http://www.mediamanint.com creates and runs media and publicity campaigns, in addition to offering celebrity and media management, and they are also currently ramping up their ambush marketing arm and consolation services. hey also have participated in a range of affiliate programs. Gambling911 has previously covered 'What Is An Affiliate Program'

The readership may be also interested about website portals are. Wikipedia offers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_portal

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Monday, June 21, 2010

Virgin Games Partners With Microgaming - 21st June 2010

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com), the leading online gaming company, today announced that it has partnered with Microgaming, the world's largest online gaming software provider. The partnership will allow Virgin Games to further enhance its offering by providing Microgaming's market leading flash casino games to its customers, through Microgaming's pioneering Quickfire software.

Virgin Games has established a direct integration with Microgaming, giving its customers access to a large variety of games that will be launched over the coming months. The first game to be launched is Thunderstruck, a five reel, nine payline video slot game, with a Wild and a Scatter symbol, a Free Spin Bonus Feature and a Gamble feature.

Microgaming is the world's largest gaming software provider and powers over 120 online Casinos, 40 Poker rooms and a number of market leading Bingo sites, worldwide. This integration, using Microgaming's Quickfire software, reinforces Virgin Games strategy to bring its customer a wider choice of game content and follows integrations with top tier content providers such as Wagerworks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.

Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, commented:
"Our customers have told us that they want a wider range of games and specifically they would love to play Microgaming games as a part of the Virgin Games offering. Since the launch of our custom built platform back in 2008, we have been introducing a range of new gaming content to our sites and Virgin Games now has one of the widest ranges of casino and slot games available in the UK. The addition of Microgaming, the world leader in its field, is a big step forward for Virgin Games customers and we look forward to launching its games with a range of promotions over the coming months."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and more than 200 games on its site. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of games producers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Endemol, Ash Gaming and now Microgaming.

To visit Virgin Games go to: www.virgingames.com

Notes to editors

About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:
• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000
• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry
• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

About Microgaming:
Since the company developed the first true online Casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages 60 games per year and a unique 'partnership' approach to working with operators; Microgaming software powers over 160 market leading online gaming sites.

The company's front and back-end software supports multi-player, multi-language games - over 450 of them, all uniquely branded and provides platforms for land-based and wireless gaming. Microgaming powers the world's largest Progressive Jackpot Network and has paid out over €265million. In May 2009 it created the biggest ever online jackpot winner with a single payment win of €6.37m.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection. Microgaming has been awarded eCOGRA's Certified Software Seal following a rigorous onsite assessment to ensure that the development, implementation and maintenance of the software is representative of industry best practice standards Microgaming licensees are therefore eligible to apply for the eCOGRA Safe & Fair Seal

*Virgin Casino does not currently accept U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory.

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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Asia Pacific Casino, Gambling, Gaming, Sports Betting News Update, by Greg Tingle - 20th June 2010

Gambling, gaming and sports betting news continues to show no signs of slowing down in the Asia Pacific region, including the land "down under" in Australia. Media Man and and Gambling911 continue to circumnavigate the globe in search on what's news, be it casino whale news, innovation, politics or good old fashioned gossip. Australia, New Zealand, Macau, Philippines...no where is safe from the blood hounds on their Asia Pacific voyage of discovery...

Crown Casino VS Star City Casino Wars Continues...

Adam Santarossa aka "Man In The Ball" continues to live in the giant ball located outside Crown Casino. Half way thru his ordeal he shows no sign of quitting. Not to be outdone, Sydney's Star City Casino saw soccer mad sisters Joanne and Alanah Argyrou watch 72 hours of soccer World Cup style non stop. They currently awaiting confirmation by Guinness World Records. Likely the most famous gambling related GWR is PokerStars having the most people playing in an online poker room at any one time.


Crown Casino Will Pursue Gambling Addict Harry Kakavas $50 Million...

As reported earlier in the week, Crown Limited legal eagles are going after the hide and shirt off the back of Harry. Crown, please also remember, you can't get blood out of a stone. We know he owes $50 mil, but getting it out of him will be a challenges, if not impossible, scuttlebutt says. Insiders reckon Harry might already be $50 mil in debt himself... ah, the house always wins... well, almost always.

Aussie Casino King James Packer And Wife Erica Holiday In Greece...

Australian gambling and entertainment royalty, the Packer's, has gone to Greece to spend the summer, escaping the often cold winds of Bondi Beach. They went by air to Mykonos to board the family icebreaker, the Arctic P, located off the coast of the stellar island Santorini. Spy's advised they were spotted strolling the streets of the island capital, Fira (not Fireass from 'Underbelly'). The Packer's have a friendship and positive history with the world famous Paspaley pearling family based in the region. The rumour mill says Tom Cruise could show up soon as his new movie Knight and Day is to premier downtown in about a month.

Gambling Linked To 1 In 5 Suicidal Patients Says Australia Hospital...

Triggered by a nurse's curiosity over what tipped patients into crisis. The 17% which includes patients referred by mental health crisis teams, is roughly 20 times the rate of problem gambling in the community. Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, said researchers made the discovery after screening 898 suicidal patients for gambling problems over 6 months last year. Dr Charles Livingstone, of Monash University's health science department, said the figure "appals me, but unfortunately I'm not surprised".


PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com continues to be Australia's favorite destination for branded online games. This is partly due to Party getting the jump into Australia a couple of years ago when Mission: Impossible, Rambo and Sinatra came out, followed by Marvel heroes titles. Australia's can't currently play Virgin, but we reckon there's a secret way in, and Captain Cooks Tomb Raider and Mega Moolah remain big hits, but the captain desperately needs more new branded titles in they are to keep swimming, not drowning. Centrebet is now offering Aussie's Marvel titles, and Packers's Betfair is working on providing Australians with a online casino and poker product. PKR's strength remains 3D like poker, with sports betting recently being added to the portfolio. PartyCasino remains #1 and is heavily promoting their soccer world cup themed 'Safari Soccer', while Captain Cooks has a soccer themed streaming media promo running on their website.



PartyGaming’s Corporate Responsibility Credentials Receive Four Endorsements...

PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, is proud to announce that its corporate and social responsibility (CSR) credentials have been endorsed by four leading corporate, charitable and gaming industry bodies:
FTSE4Good Index, GREaT Foundation, eCOGRA and GamCare

GamCare:

For the sixth year in succession, PartyGaming has been certificated as a responsible operator by GamCare, a registered charity which is a leading authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK. Andy McLellan, Chief Executive of GamCare, said: “I am delighted to be able to renew PartyGaming’s GamCare Certification in public recognition of their longstanding commitment to player protection. Players who choose PartyGaming have the assurance from GamCare Certification that there are appropriate measures in place to help them gamble responsibly and that the right advice is there for anyone who wants to know more about staying in control.”

Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director who has executive responsibility for PartyGaming’s CSR matters, said: “These corporate responsibility endorsements are welcome recognition of our commitment to act responsibly, which remains one of the four pillars of our business strategy. Being recognised in this way is a source of genuine pride for all of PartyGaming’s 1,300 employees whose commitment to undertaking pro bono community projects in 2009 was also recognised as ‘placing the Company well ahead of its peers’ by the GoodCorporation that undertakes CSR reviews for a number of public companies around the world.”

Macau...

Macau SAR is looking at “a missed opportunity” if no direct flights to Australia are launched to replace the Viva Macau operation, the head of the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in Hong Kong, Phil Ingram advised. “Obviously people prefer to fly direct and they can’t do that now but it’s not going to stop them from coming”, Ingram says. In fact, the Austrade Senior Commissioner adds, “our biggest export to Macau is tourists. There is a surprisingly large number of Australians coming to visit.” A lot of them, he says, hear about the territory through “the Crown connection.” Crown, Australian billionaire James Packer’s company, partially owns Melco Crown Entertainment, which operates City of Dreams resort and Altira casino. But many more, Ingram believes, “come not just to gamble, but expecting to see something historical and interesting as well as Macau’s UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] World Heritage.” Nonetheless, the Austrade executive emphasised, “we would prefer if there were a new replacement for the airline [Viva Macau].”
“You have a great international airport, so it’s a pity if it’s not used as much as it could be,” he said. The launch of a direct flight to Australia “would be beneficial for our exports too, food most of all,” Ingram acknowledged.

Last year the Macau market was worth MOP 500 million in trade and was “very important” for the Australian hospitality and tourism industry, the Austrade commissioner said. For example, he underlined, the local gaming sector is the third largest buyer of slot machines “made in Australia,” after USA and Japan.

American Academic Explains Asian Gaming And Casino Culture...

Gambling has strong traditions in the Chinese culture, and that has permeated to the surrounding counties, although to a lesser degree, said Vera Schwarcz, director of the Freeman Center for East Asian Studies at Wesleyan University.
“It hasn’t been frowned upon like in Christian cultures,” Schwarcz said. “Finding shortcuts in the dream of realizing wealth is something that’s more acceptable.” Chinese men go out to drink and gamble, and Chinese women stay home to gamble with friends, sometimes in large groups, she explained. The Chinese people believe strongly in luck, which coincides with their feelings toward fate and fortune. “It’s not like if you go out and gamble that you are a bad family man,” Schwarcz said. “If you gamble and win, it goes toward your social status of having more money.” Asia, especially China, has become the new hotspot for American casinos to drum up new business. For a long time Las Vegas casinos have sought out high rollers in Asia to fly into Nevada, Patrone said. Now casino companies build properties in the Far East, particularly Macau.

Global Gaming Asia Conference Bold Prediction...

Delegates to the Global Gaming Asia conference in Macau were told that the regions gambling market has a very good chance of overtaking that of the U.States within the next 3 to 5 years. Based on Packer's success with his City of Dreams Macau, and Steve Wynn's progress, we think the prediction will hold true.

Gambling on the island of Macau off the Chinese coast has already surpassed that of Las Vegas in terms of gaming revenue, recording record-breaking growth, delegates were told, and Singapore and other Southeast Asian nations are now building up their gambling sectors to cash in on its exploding popularity. "The growth of the market in Asia has been incredible," Frank Fahrenkopf, head of the American Gaming Association told the conference.

NRL Football State Of Origin...

Despite the Queenslanders Thrashing NSW once again, in a 34 to 6, sports betting agencies continue to bring home the bacon. The State Of Origin and various racism related incidents have overshadowed the NRL Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal, for now...

Club Sells $666K Winning Lotto Ticket: Mark Of The Beast...

The Millicent and District Community Club is celebrating after it sold one of two winning tickets in Saturday night's Cross Lotto draw. One of its customers is now set to collect $666,666 after matching all six numbers. The club's Adam Dredge say it is quite likely the winner is a local. "It's usually the same people that come in each week to get their lotteries. We do a reasonable amount each day - not hundreds of people - it might be 20 or 30 people each day at the most - but I'm not even sure what day it was sold," he said. The weekend winners join the ranks of 13 other rural players who have collected a division one prize in SA Lotteries' games this financial year. No, the winner didn't die or anything!

Pyramid Lottery Scheme Shut Down In Nothern Territory...

A pyramid scheme offering shares in lottery wins has been banned from operating in the Northern Territory, the Consumer Affairs Commissioner says. Gary Clements says the scheme, known as OzPower System and run by TSC 2000 Europe Ltd, attracts members by offering a share in wins and bonuses for signing new members. Mr Clements says pyramid selling schemes often cost members more than they bring benefits. He says the company has agreed to withdraw from the Territory to avoid court proceedings. "They will basically refuse to accept any further Northern Territory members," he said. "Any current members can withdraw from the scheme without any costs. "There is normally a cost to stop being a member from a lot of these sorts of schemes and they go into detail on their website that Northern Territory residents cannot go into the scheme."

Japan: Scandal Hits Sumo Wrestlers...

Wrestlers gambling on baseball with gangsters. As Sor Hol! The latest controversy slammed down this week when the top ranked wrestler Kotomitsuki outed himself for gambling on baseball with yakuza gangsters. The 34-year-old ozeki (the second-highest rank, below yokozuna) had little choice: after a run of winning wagers the yakuza told him that not only would he not be paid, but they desired "hush money" to keep his gambling out of the press. Didn't work that well says Media Man and Gambling911, with assist from Murdoch's News Limited and friends...Betting on all but a handful of sports is illegal in Japan, and Kotomitsuki has been suspended for at least the next tournament while a penalty is decided. Kotomitsuki is likely to be the tip of the iceberg, with a Japan Sumo Association investigation revealing that up to 65 wrestlers or coaches had admitted to gambling on baseball, golf, mahjong or cards. The police will also investigate the Kotomitsuki case because of the yakuza extortion element and the Ministry of Education and Culture, which regulates the sport, is demanding heads on a plate from the Japan Sumo Association. The controversy comes as the number of young Japanese willing to commit to the feudal and sequestered sumo lifestyle diminishes and the viewing audience is increasingly confined to the older generation. Media Man expects the PartyGaming 'Sumo' slot game to rise in popularity, with Sumo back in the mainstream news...


Ambush Marketing Stunts Gamble Planned By Australian Media And Coms Entrepreneurs...

Inspired by the now world famous Bavaria Beer ambush marketing stunt at the world cup, Perth Based Kym Illman, is interested to see if he can top it for worldwide exposure. As of this writing, ambush marketing is understood to contain elements of "grey area" on a legal front in Australia. Richard Branson's Virgin Games often refers to "grey area" in igaming and gaming regulation. Did we mention Illman once ambushed Branson! For the record Media Man has met and talked biz with both gents, albeit it on different occasions, as you might expect. Ambush marketing in Australia - expected the unexpected - Crown Casino, WWE, UFC, Bondi Beach or a combo whopper? Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 as D Day approaches is the message.


World Cup Refereeing Decisions: History Shows Link Against Aussies!...

3 successive World Cup matches. 3 massive refereeing decisions. Every one against Australia. Conspiracy!!!

a. Fabio Grosso's infamous "dive" over Lucas Neill, which gave 10-man Italy a hotly disputed last-minute penalty to sink Australia's 2006 campaign.

b. The 2010 game opened with Australia's most influential player, Tim Cahill, sent off against Germany for a late but far from malicious challenge, which even the player on the receiving end, Bastian Schweinsteiger, said shouldn't have warranted a red card.

c. Australia's best man on the field, Harry Kewell, is dismissed and suspended for a match after a ball blasted from close range hit him on the upper arm on the goal line in the 1-1 draw against Ghana.

The resultant penalty meant the difference between victory and a draw. The guy has killed my World Cup," said Kewell. "He is the referee, he's the judge, jury and executioner. "Unless I detach my arm and put it somewhere else, there's no other way I can move my arm." Defender Craig Moore said: "I didn't think it was a red card and I didn't think it was a penalty." Captain Lucas Neill said: "When the ball goes 100 miles an hour at you and you're standing on the line, it's got to hit you somewhere, and it happened to hit Harry on the upper arm/shoulder."
Coach Pim Verbeek said: "It was a mistake. What can you do with your arm? You cannot cut it off. As far as I know in the rules it has to be intentional to send a player off." The Aussies are pissed that Kewell received a red card for an unintentional act while Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic got off with a yellow against Germany for a deliberate handball. "Serbia has conceded two hand-to-ball penalties," said Neill, "but this could only be interpreted as ball-to-hand." Kewell asked: "Why's is this one different?" "It's confusing because one minute they (the referees) are saying this and next minute they're saying that."
Neill said refereeing decisions usually evened out like "swings and roundabouts". Word on the streets down under is that Aussie's "smell a rat" (of the FIFA variety). A Media Man insider was heard at a cafe frequented by sports, entertainment and media types "Suspecion is one thing, proof is another. I think we know why human refs still remain and the video umpire meathod is not used. The human element is a way for rorting, rigging and the like to more easily exist in the environment... largely going undedicted". The cafe patrons largely agreed. Punters, what do you think? Tell us in the Gambling911 forums. Can't wait for Tony Clifton's submission.

Wrapt Up...

Punters er readers, there you go. One of the biggest sports betting and gaming news months in recent history.

May you enjoy good fortune with your passion, be it sports betting, slots, casino tables, poker or other. As always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*The writer has conducted b2b with PartyGaming and Virgin Enterprises Limited

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Saturday, June 19, 2010

PartyGaming News: PartyGaming’s Corporate Responsibility Credentials Receive Four Endorsements

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PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, is proud to announce that its corporate and social responsibility (CSR) credentials have been endorsed by four leading corporate, charitable and gaming industry bodies.

FTSE4Good Index:

PartyGaming has retained its membership of the FTSE4Good Index series which measures the performance of companies against globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. Membership is based on transparent criteria including environmental sustainability, upholding and supporting universal human rights, ensuring good supply chain labour standards and countering bribery. All of these criteria are independently assessed by the Experts in Responsible Investment Solutions.

GREaT Foundation:

PartyGaming has won a ‘Gold Award’ from the Gambling Research, Education and Treatment Foundation in recognition of its financial and professional contributions towards tackling problem gambling. Formerly known as the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, the GREaT Foundation was established as a charity in 2002 and is Britain’s largest funding body responsible for tackling problem gambling through financing research, education and treatment from voluntary donations.

Geoffrey Godbold, Director of GREaT, said:
“We are extremely grateful to PartyGaming as one of the industry’s leading companies that has made an extra effort in supporting our fundraising campaign.”

eCOGRA:

PartyPartners, which is PartyGaming’s affiliate marketing programme, has been awarded the eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal. The award certifies that PartyPartners observes best practice for fairness and efficiency in dealing with affiliate marketers. eGOGRA is the independent standards authority for the online gaming industry, overseeing fair gaming, player protection and responsible operator conduct.

Commenting on the award, eCOGRA chief executive Andrew Beveridge said:
“We were impressed by the competency of both PartyPartners’ staff and their systems, which we thoroughly tested at full capacity to determine efficiency and consistency levels. In our opinion it is among the most professionally managed businesses we have encountered in hundreds of eCOGRA reviews and audits at major Internet companies.”

GamCare:

For the sixth year in succession, PartyGaming has been certificated as a responsible operator by GamCare, a registered charity which is a leading authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK.

Andy McLellan, Chief Executive of GamCare, said:
“I am delighted to be able to renew PartyGaming’s GamCare Certification in public recognition of their longstanding commitment to player protection. Players who choose PartyGaming have the assurance from GamCare Certification that there are appropriate measures in place to help them gamble responsibly and that the right advice is there for anyone who wants to know more about staying in control.”

Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director who has executive responsibility for PartyGaming’s CSR matters, said:
“These corporate responsibility endorsements are welcome recognition of our commitment to act responsibly, which remains one of the four pillars of our business strategy. Being recognised in this way is a source of genuine pride for all of PartyGaming’s 1,300 employees whose commitment to undertaking pro bono community projects in 2009 was also recognised as ‘placing the Company well ahead of its peers’ by the GoodCorporation that undertakes CSR reviews for a number of public companies around the world.”

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Thursday, June 17, 2010

Crown Casino Aims To Sue Ex High-Roller Client Re $50m Debt, by Greg Tingle - 18th June 2010

Australian casinos do not like clients and former clients who owe them money. Punters er readers might remember a Mr Harry Kakavas aka 'King Of Hedges Avenue', who won big at Crown Casino, and lost bigger. Media Man and Gambling911 play Pink Panther and bring its responsible readership this special report...

Crown Casino plans to bankrupt ex casino high-roller Harry Kakavas, who failed to score victory in court last year. Kakavas, a self-proclaimed pathological gambler, was due to be issued with a bankruptcy notice late last month, after an application by Crown to the Federal Magistrates Court.

High Rollin' Harry was or is a real estate developer by trade, some insiders say "A poor man's Donald Trump", still quite an accomplishment.

At one point 'The King' was one of the world's most successful (or high profile) gamblers in the world, known well to casino tycoon's such as the late, great, Kerry Packer. KP is understood to have one made certain that Crown Casino powers that be, including son James, knew "our friend" Harry.

Mr Kakavas last year was unsuccessful in his bid to sue crown for his alleged losses of a whale whopping $35 million smack a roos.

The recent action comes after a Victorian court dismissed (ruled out) Mr K's multi-million-dollar court action and upheld the casino's $1m counter-claim for the repayment of funds advanced during his patronage to the 'World Of Entertainment', wear Harry appeared to 'Wear The Crown', before he lost it and more.

Mr Kakavas, 43, is appealing against the counter-claim decision.

In a recent appearance before the Supreme Court of Victoria's Court of Appeal, Mr Kakavas's legal counsel advised that his client (Mr K) did not in fact have the funds to meet the judgement debt and would be bankrupt in the absence of a successful appeal. You know, the cliche "loosing the shirt off his back".

His personal debts exceeded $50 million, which may be some kind of record if tested by Guinness (not the beer), with cash, cheques et al owed to multiple casinos and hotels worldwide, along with a swag of ex biz partners, family, friendlies, the Australian Taxation Office... the whole box and dice.

His once ultra successful company, Elite Property Investment Group, is in the grasp of a court-appointed liquidator, thanks to an application by the tax office, while a another casino owner, the Paradise Enterprises, the Bahamas connection, is also attempting to have Mr Kakavas close up shop.

Mr Kakavas hasn't been terrible easy to contact as of late. Speaking appearances are understood to mainly occur in or around court room premises. Mr K could not be contacted earlier this week when press came a calling. His solicitor from last year's Crown Limited, Andrew Joseph of firm Strongman & Crouch, advised Rupert Murdoch owned News Limited he was not representing him on the bankruptcy matter.

An application for get this mouthful "substituted service of bankruptcy notice" doesn't sound pretty), which is generally sought in cases where there are issues in serving a debtor personally, claims that bankruptcy documents were to be sent to Mr Kakavas, care of Mr Joseph's office, on 28th May. Both bankruptcy applications have yet to be "determined" (looked over, ruled on etc) by the court.

Mr Kakavas, was one of Australia's original high-rolling patrons, who also rated considerable on the worldwide unofficial whale ratings weigh in.

"He was the highest of this country's high rollers. And he spread his wings. His gambling took him from the Gold Coast not only to Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, but also to Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Macau and the Bahamas," spoke judge David Harper in his December 8 decision.

"Over a 16-month period he turned over $1.479 billion in Melbourne alone. He enjoyed some spectacular wins. In the end, however, he lost all he won, and more."

Problem Gambler Or Not? We Think We Know...

The Melbourne-born entrepreneur moved to Australia's Gold Coast in 2001 and cemented a name for himself buying and selling property on the ultra exclusive Hedges Avenue patch.

What not everyone knew was that he was also a "problem gambler" of whale like proportions who was self-excluded from many of the worlds casinos, including Packer's Crown in Melbourne, at various times. Circa 1995 saw Harry done for fraud... understood to be linked for his passion for baccarat, also a favorite for James Bond 007 (who has his '56 Aston Martin DB coming up for auction in Red October). Unlike most Bond flicks, Harry's casino dealings don't look to have a happy ending, but will he 'Die Another Day' or one day return to his former kingship ala 'Casino Royale', with or without cheese? ... and wine.

Mr Kakavas had claimed that Crown powers that be were aware of his gambling "disability" (or passion?) and had acted "unconscionably" in luring him ala "hook, line and sinker" (our words, not Harry's) to gamble. That's of course part of Harry's side of the story.

Justice Harper found that while Crown did seek to attract him as a customer... offering him use of its corporate jet at the time (Crown now has 2 or 3 we understand), and hosting him including during the Australian Open Tennis circa 2005, it did not in face exploit his "disability".

We ponder how "disability" played so heavily into the way the cards and diced turned sour for Harry. With thanks to our un met friend (thus far) Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia...

The World Health Organization defines Disability as follows: "Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations. Thus disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives."
An individual may also qualify as disabled if he/she has had an impairment in the past or is seen as disabled based on a personal or group standard or norm. Such impairments may include physical, sensory, and cognitive or developmental disabilities. Mental disorders (also known as psychiatric or psychosocial disability) and various types of chronic disease may also be considered qualifying disabilities.
A disability may occur during a person's lifetime or may be present from birth. A physical impairment is any disability which limits the physical function of limbs or fine or gross motor ability.

Crown Casino is said to be feeling "very able bodied, profitable and confident", according to a fly on the wall at Media Man's Australian office. Chinese whispers from MM's Macau pad are buzzing of the same message.

A Crown Casino spokesman declined to comment as the Harry K VS Crown Limited matter was still before the court.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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