AZOV CITY, Russia — Half a year after Russia closed all of it's gambling casinos and slot-machine halls, the first new casino opened Saturday under a plan to limit legalized gambling to four comparatively remote areas.
About 500 people showed up for the opening of the Oracle casino in Above City, a gambling zone in southern Russia. But only about 100 of them appeared to be actually placing bets. The casino, in a large shed-like building in a snowy field, has about 200 slot machines and 10 table games.
The zone is about 60 miles from Rostov-on-Don, the nearest sizable city, and 120 miles from Krasnodar.
It's unclear how many Russians will be eager to travel long distances for a gambling excursion, but the casino's operators say they're convinced there's a market and they plan to start building a four-star hotel for gamblers this summer.
"There's a lot of gambling people here" in the region, said Valery Saparin, marketing director for casino operator Royal Time. "We hope that a lot of people will be drawn to us in the near future."
Casinos mushroomed in Russia's cities after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union and slot machines quickly spread beyond gaming halls to shops and malls. The spread of gambling provoked distaste among many Russians over the flashy cars parked outside glittering casinos in Moscow and the harm that gambling can do to society.
All the gambling operations were closed July 1 under a law that was signed in 2006, but that many had expected never would be enforced.
The law limits legalized gambling to Azov City, the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic Sea, the Altai region of Siberia and the Primorsky region of Russia's Far East.
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
Marvel Slots Online Website Network Updated
Marvel Slots Online: Casino Of The Month: PartyCasino.com
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PartyPoker News: PartyPoker's Aussie Millions Millionaire Factory! Online Qualifiers Take First And Second!
PartyPoker's Aussie Millions Millionaire Factory! Online Qualifiers Take First And Second!
Gibraltar – 30th January 2010 – PartyPoker.com has even more reasons to celebrate this week after two of their online qualifiers finished in first and second place in the 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event at the Crown Casino in Melbourne. 23-year-old Tyron Krost, from Bondi, Sydney scooped first place and a stunning AUD$2,000,000, while Frederik Jensen, a 27-year-old from Copenhagen finished runner-up for AUD$1,100,100. The two online qualifiers dominated a final table that included star names such as Annette Obrestad and Sorel Mizzi.
Krost currently works in his family owned office furniture business in Sydney but now looks to be part of the furniture of the world poker circuit after his amazing win. He recently graduated after studying psychology and finance, both excellent skills for poker.
Sipping champagne with his large supporting contingent Krost said: “This is totally unbelievable - it is beyond my wildest dreams. If it is a dream, I don’t want to wake up! In total I spent $700 trying to qualify for a package and I have managed to turn that into AUD$2,000,000! I got some really good spots on the final table. When I needed a hand I seemed to get it.”
“It just hasn’t sunk in at all how much money I have just won. I have no idea what I am going to with it. I cashed at the World Series in 2008 but nothing like this.” One person who was also ecstatic was his girlfriend Carly, who was cheering him on from the rail.
749 players, including 43 PartyPoker.com online qualifiers, took part in the southern hemisphere’s premier poker event this week and one of those players, poker superstar Gus Hansen fell victim to Krost. “Gus knocked me out of the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event and then I knocked him out in this tournament. Bit spooky that,” added Krost.
Krost’s win means that the Aussie Millions Main Event title stays in Australia and the PartyPoker.com camp for the second year running. Last year’s champion and Team Party member Stewart Scott was amongst the first to pass on congratulations. “I’m delighted for Tyron and I can honestly say I know what he is feeling like right now – it takes your breath away.”
Team Party’s latest signing Tony G was also delighted: “PartyPoker are on a roll. Our players are starting to dominate – it is bike time for the rest!”
Krost had been taking counsel from Tony G before the final table but doesn’t intend to adopt one of the Australian poker idols habits: “I will not be knocking people out and getting them to ride a bike. I will leave that to him!”
Tyron was full of praise for the runner-up and fellow online qualifier Frederik Jensen. “I have to say well played to Frederik. He is an excellent player. It is fantastic that when it came to heads-up there were just two PartyPoker qualifiers left.”
More details on the hands can be found at PartyPoker.com
** Qualifiers are now online at PartyPoker.com for the LA Poker Classic Main Event, which takes place at the Commerce Casino in LA from the 24th February – 4th March. One massive bonus is that if a PartyPoker.com online qualifier wins the tournament, there will be a brilliant $1 million payout with a $500,000 top up going to the winner and $500,000 shared amongst all the other online qualifiers, no matter where they finish in the event! **
More information can be found at: PartyPoker.com
® AUSSIE MILLIONS, AUSSIE MILLIONS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP and CROWN Device and associated trade marks are trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement, is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not affiliated, licensed, by, or otherwise affiliated with Crown Melbourne Limited in any way.
World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
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Gibraltar – 30th January 2010 – PartyPoker.com has even more reasons to celebrate this week after two of their online qualifiers finished in first and second place in the 2010 Aussie Millions Main Event at the Crown Casino in Melbourne. 23-year-old Tyron Krost, from Bondi, Sydney scooped first place and a stunning AUD$2,000,000, while Frederik Jensen, a 27-year-old from Copenhagen finished runner-up for AUD$1,100,100. The two online qualifiers dominated a final table that included star names such as Annette Obrestad and Sorel Mizzi.
Krost currently works in his family owned office furniture business in Sydney but now looks to be part of the furniture of the world poker circuit after his amazing win. He recently graduated after studying psychology and finance, both excellent skills for poker.
Sipping champagne with his large supporting contingent Krost said: “This is totally unbelievable - it is beyond my wildest dreams. If it is a dream, I don’t want to wake up! In total I spent $700 trying to qualify for a package and I have managed to turn that into AUD$2,000,000! I got some really good spots on the final table. When I needed a hand I seemed to get it.”
“It just hasn’t sunk in at all how much money I have just won. I have no idea what I am going to with it. I cashed at the World Series in 2008 but nothing like this.” One person who was also ecstatic was his girlfriend Carly, who was cheering him on from the rail.
749 players, including 43 PartyPoker.com online qualifiers, took part in the southern hemisphere’s premier poker event this week and one of those players, poker superstar Gus Hansen fell victim to Krost. “Gus knocked me out of the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event and then I knocked him out in this tournament. Bit spooky that,” added Krost.
Krost’s win means that the Aussie Millions Main Event title stays in Australia and the PartyPoker.com camp for the second year running. Last year’s champion and Team Party member Stewart Scott was amongst the first to pass on congratulations. “I’m delighted for Tyron and I can honestly say I know what he is feeling like right now – it takes your breath away.”
Team Party’s latest signing Tony G was also delighted: “PartyPoker are on a roll. Our players are starting to dominate – it is bike time for the rest!”
Krost had been taking counsel from Tony G before the final table but doesn’t intend to adopt one of the Australian poker idols habits: “I will not be knocking people out and getting them to ride a bike. I will leave that to him!”
Tyron was full of praise for the runner-up and fellow online qualifier Frederik Jensen. “I have to say well played to Frederik. He is an excellent player. It is fantastic that when it came to heads-up there were just two PartyPoker qualifiers left.”
More details on the hands can be found at PartyPoker.com
** Qualifiers are now online at PartyPoker.com for the LA Poker Classic Main Event, which takes place at the Commerce Casino in LA from the 24th February – 4th March. One massive bonus is that if a PartyPoker.com online qualifier wins the tournament, there will be a brilliant $1 million payout with a $500,000 top up going to the winner and $500,000 shared amongst all the other online qualifiers, no matter where they finish in the event! **
More information can be found at: PartyPoker.com
® AUSSIE MILLIONS, AUSSIE MILLIONS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP and CROWN Device and associated trade marks are trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement, is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not affiliated, licensed, by, or otherwise affiliated with Crown Melbourne Limited in any way.
World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”®, WSOPE”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
PartyCasino News: Phil Tufnell Fronts New PartyCasino Campaign
Phil Tufnell Fronts New PartyCasino.com Campaign
Gibraltar – 29th January 2010 - PartyGaming has hired former cricketer, turned TV presenter and reality TV star, Phil Tufnell as its first celebrity ambassador to help boost its PartyCasino.com brand’s cross-gender appeal.
Tufnell, a former England cricketer and ‘King of the Jungle’ from ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ will front a television, press and outdoor campaign for PartyCasino.com that will highlight the range of casino games available on the site.
The advertisements will be seen for the first time on Channel 4 in the UK during Celebrity Big Brother tonight. The campaign was created by Leeds based agency home.
Tufnell, known to many as ‘The Cat,’ said: “I had a lot of fun making the ads. I’m hoping this is the start of a long relationship with PartyGaming. I have advertised PartyCasino.com but I am also a keen poker player so have huge interest in sister site PartyPoker.com.”
“I understand Shane Warne is Down Under playing in a big poker tournament at the moment, wish I was there to take him on! He may have been able to turn a ball further than me but I can certainly turn a card better and if I don’t at least I’ve got my own hair! Warney’s the only player who can lose his chips and his hair at the poker table!”
PartyPoker.com signed professional poker player Tony G last week and he is currently Down Under seeking out Warne and looking to give him a present from Phil Tufnell. ON YOUR BIKE!
PartyCasino.com now offers over 140 games, including 100 slots, and pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players. The world’s largest online casino continues to expand rapidly. The previous Gold Mega Jackpot was hit with a fateful spin at 20.42ET on December 2nd 2009. The stake was $45 on popular PartyCasino.com Gold Mega Jackpot game, the Mega Fortune Wheel. The screen exploded with congratulations and colour as ‘gamago’ turned $45 into a record busting $4,978,336.62! PartyCasino.com recently introduced ‘The Big One’ - structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5m, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry. ‘The Big One’ and ‘Melon Madness’ were both created by PartyGaming’s specialist unit ‘The Games Studio.’
PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index and the FTSE4Good Index Series, which measures the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. PartyGaming’s shares are listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. PartyGaming’s principal brands are: PartyPoker.com, PartyCasino.com, EmpirePoker.com, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, Intertrader.com and Gamebookers.com. PartyGaming Plc recently acquired Cashcade Ltd, which includes Bingo brands such as FoxyBingo.com, ThinkBingo.com, BingoScotland.com and casino sites such as FoxyFlutter.com and GetMinted.com. PartyGaming Plc has also recently acquired the World Poker Tour.
® AUSSIE MILLIONS, AUSSIE MILLIONS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP and CROWN Device and associated trade marks are trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement, is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not affiliated, licensed, by, or otherwise affiliated with Crown Melbourne Limited in any way.
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Gibraltar – 29th January 2010 - PartyGaming has hired former cricketer, turned TV presenter and reality TV star, Phil Tufnell as its first celebrity ambassador to help boost its PartyCasino.com brand’s cross-gender appeal.
Tufnell, a former England cricketer and ‘King of the Jungle’ from ITV’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ will front a television, press and outdoor campaign for PartyCasino.com that will highlight the range of casino games available on the site.
The advertisements will be seen for the first time on Channel 4 in the UK during Celebrity Big Brother tonight. The campaign was created by Leeds based agency home.
Tufnell, known to many as ‘The Cat,’ said: “I had a lot of fun making the ads. I’m hoping this is the start of a long relationship with PartyGaming. I have advertised PartyCasino.com but I am also a keen poker player so have huge interest in sister site PartyPoker.com.”
“I understand Shane Warne is Down Under playing in a big poker tournament at the moment, wish I was there to take him on! He may have been able to turn a ball further than me but I can certainly turn a card better and if I don’t at least I’ve got my own hair! Warney’s the only player who can lose his chips and his hair at the poker table!”
PartyPoker.com signed professional poker player Tony G last week and he is currently Down Under seeking out Warne and looking to give him a present from Phil Tufnell. ON YOUR BIKE!
PartyCasino.com now offers over 140 games, including 100 slots, and pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players. The world’s largest online casino continues to expand rapidly. The previous Gold Mega Jackpot was hit with a fateful spin at 20.42ET on December 2nd 2009. The stake was $45 on popular PartyCasino.com Gold Mega Jackpot game, the Mega Fortune Wheel. The screen exploded with congratulations and colour as ‘gamago’ turned $45 into a record busting $4,978,336.62! PartyCasino.com recently introduced ‘The Big One’ - structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5m, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry. ‘The Big One’ and ‘Melon Madness’ were both created by PartyGaming’s specialist unit ‘The Games Studio.’
PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index and the FTSE4Good Index Series, which measures the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. PartyGaming’s shares are listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. PartyGaming’s principal brands are: PartyPoker.com, PartyCasino.com, EmpirePoker.com, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, Intertrader.com and Gamebookers.com. PartyGaming Plc recently acquired Cashcade Ltd, which includes Bingo brands such as FoxyBingo.com, ThinkBingo.com, BingoScotland.com and casino sites such as FoxyFlutter.com and GetMinted.com. PartyGaming Plc has also recently acquired the World Poker Tour.
® AUSSIE MILLIONS, AUSSIE MILLIONS POKER CHAMPIONSHIP and CROWN Device and associated trade marks are trade marks of Crown Melbourne Limited. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement, is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not affiliated, licensed, by, or otherwise affiliated with Crown Melbourne Limited in any way.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
PartyGaming News: Full House For Cashcade And Foxy Bingo
Full House For Cashcade And Foxy Bingo
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Gibraltar – 28th January 2010 - FoxyBingo.com, which is marketed by Cashcade, has continued its winning run at industry award ceremonies by picking up the International Gaming Award for Online Bingo Operator of the Year on Monday night.
This award joins other prominent industry accolades on the mantelpiece in the last 12 months which include eGaming Review Bingo Operator of the Year in 2009 and a special commendation for Offline Marketing Campaign of the Year 2009 at the same ceremony. In addition, FoxyBingo.com scooped a hat-trick of awards at the 2009 Bingoport.co.uk Players Choice Awards taking home Best Overall Online Bingo Operator, Best Online Bingo Commercial and Best Online Bingo Promotion for the FoxyBingo.com Cruise. If that wasn’t enough, there was also two awards for FoxyBingo.com at the Bingo Summit Awards (Best Bingo Operator and Best Marketing Campaign) and two for sister site CheekyBingo (Best innovation and Best Newcomer). Rounding off the success is the JackpotFinder.com Award for Best Bingo Site for FoxyBingo.com
Patrick Southon, Managing Director of Cashcade, which markets FoxyBingo.com said: “It is fair to say our mantelpiece is getting crowded and it was great to win another award at the International Gaming Awards. Despite these honours, we know there is still so much to achieve so look out, very soon Foxy will be back on a screen near you in a new advertising campaign. Is he going to be dancing? Yes. Is he going to get a groove on? Yes. We hope people love the new soundtrack and setting!”
The new FoxyBingo.com campaign on UK television is due to start on Friday 5th February.
About Cashcade
Cashcade is a leading UK-based online marketing business specialising in promoting bingo and casino games. Its core owned bingo websites include Foxy Bingo, Think Bingo, Cheeky Bingo and Bingo Scotland. Core owned casino websites include GetMinted and Foxy Flutter. Cashcade also supports the branded bingo and casino websites of three media organisations - Trinity Mirror plc, STV Group plc and Emap plc.
About PartyGaming Plc
PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming business. PartyGaming is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. PartyGaming’s principal brands are www.PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, www.PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, www.PartyBingo.com, www.PartyGammon.com, www.PartyBets.com, www.Intertrader.com, www.FoxyBingo.com, www.GetMinted.com, www.Gamebookers.com and www.WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. The PartyGaming Group is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and is certified by GamCare as a responsible gaming operator and is also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index of companies.
For more information, please visit PartyGaming.
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Gibraltar – 28th January 2010 - FoxyBingo.com, which is marketed by Cashcade, has continued its winning run at industry award ceremonies by picking up the International Gaming Award for Online Bingo Operator of the Year on Monday night.
This award joins other prominent industry accolades on the mantelpiece in the last 12 months which include eGaming Review Bingo Operator of the Year in 2009 and a special commendation for Offline Marketing Campaign of the Year 2009 at the same ceremony. In addition, FoxyBingo.com scooped a hat-trick of awards at the 2009 Bingoport.co.uk Players Choice Awards taking home Best Overall Online Bingo Operator, Best Online Bingo Commercial and Best Online Bingo Promotion for the FoxyBingo.com Cruise. If that wasn’t enough, there was also two awards for FoxyBingo.com at the Bingo Summit Awards (Best Bingo Operator and Best Marketing Campaign) and two for sister site CheekyBingo (Best innovation and Best Newcomer). Rounding off the success is the JackpotFinder.com Award for Best Bingo Site for FoxyBingo.com
Patrick Southon, Managing Director of Cashcade, which markets FoxyBingo.com said: “It is fair to say our mantelpiece is getting crowded and it was great to win another award at the International Gaming Awards. Despite these honours, we know there is still so much to achieve so look out, very soon Foxy will be back on a screen near you in a new advertising campaign. Is he going to be dancing? Yes. Is he going to get a groove on? Yes. We hope people love the new soundtrack and setting!”
The new FoxyBingo.com campaign on UK television is due to start on Friday 5th February.
About Cashcade
Cashcade is a leading UK-based online marketing business specialising in promoting bingo and casino games. Its core owned bingo websites include Foxy Bingo, Think Bingo, Cheeky Bingo and Bingo Scotland. Core owned casino websites include GetMinted and Foxy Flutter. Cashcade also supports the branded bingo and casino websites of three media organisations - Trinity Mirror plc, STV Group plc and Emap plc.
About PartyGaming Plc
PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming business. PartyGaming is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. PartyGaming’s principal brands are www.PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, www.PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, www.PartyBingo.com, www.PartyGammon.com, www.PartyBets.com, www.Intertrader.com, www.FoxyBingo.com, www.GetMinted.com, www.Gamebookers.com and www.WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. The PartyGaming Group is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and is certified by GamCare as a responsible gaming operator and is also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index of companies.
For more information, please visit PartyGaming.
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PartyGaming and Virgin Games expected to win awards and commendations at London's IGB Affiliate Awards - 28th January 2010
PartyGaming and Virgin Games expected to win awards and commendations at London's IGB Affiliate Awards - 28th January 2010
28th January 2010
The Grange St Pauls, London
Every year over 500 people from the iGaming affiliate community gather to honour ongoing success within the industry, announcing the best and brightest stars at an extravagant black tie event. Previously named the CAP Awards, we welcome the iGaming Affiliate Awards back to 2010 which is set to be another evening of celebration, glamour and entertainment. Hosted by iGBAffiliate (organisers of the iGaming Affiliate series of events and publishers of iGB Affiliate Magazine), the iGB Affiliate Awards are held the night before the London Affiliate Conference, the industry's biggest annual exhibition and conference, providing the perfect opening to this landmark event. iGB Affiliate Awards 2010.
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28th January 2010
The Grange St Pauls, London
Every year over 500 people from the iGaming affiliate community gather to honour ongoing success within the industry, announcing the best and brightest stars at an extravagant black tie event. Previously named the CAP Awards, we welcome the iGaming Affiliate Awards back to 2010 which is set to be another evening of celebration, glamour and entertainment. Hosted by iGBAffiliate (organisers of the iGaming Affiliate series of events and publishers of iGB Affiliate Magazine), the iGB Affiliate Awards are held the night before the London Affiliate Conference, the industry's biggest annual exhibition and conference, providing the perfect opening to this landmark event. iGB Affiliate Awards 2010.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Virgin Bingo News: Free Virgin Bingo In The Marrakesh Room To End Of January
Virgin Bingo News: Free Virgin Bingo In The Marrakesh Room To End Of January
Enjoy up to 3 hours of free bingo at Richard Branson's favorite bingo hall: Virgin Bingo!
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Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Enjoy up to 3 hours of free bingo at Richard Branson's favorite bingo hall: Virgin Bingo!
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Virgin Games News: Vegas Promotion - 27th January 2010
Virgin Casino has just launched a new promotion called Vegas Cash Dash. The promotion runs from 22nd January through to the 31st January and is offering a prize pool of ₤50,000 and a chance to win a luxury holiday to Las Vegas for two people.
Individual players can win up to ₤100 a day for 10 days or ₤1,000 over the promotion duration.
Players need to bet on a selection of popular slot games designated for that given day.
Virgin Casino changes the selection every day so fear not!
The daily selections are listed in the Terms and Conditions.
Just some of the games taking part in the promotions are Bar X Magic 7, Bejeweled, Blankety Blank, Cubis, Da Vinci Diamonds, Ramesses Riches, Rubik's Slot, Slot Blox, Super Hoot Loot and The X-Factor.
Depending on the amount bet daily players will earn a bonus. For example, wagering £175 on a given day will lead to a bonus of £5. Players wagering £3,500 a day will receive a bonus of £100.
To qualify for entry into the prize draw for the all expenses paid trip to the Las Vegas players are required to wager a minimum of £5 on qualifying games every day during the promotional period and earn a minimum of £20 in bonus cash during the promotional period.
The holiday includes a 4 nighter staying at Bellagio, flights to and from Vegas and transfers. The draw will be made on 1st February and the winner will be contacted via email. The winner is required to acknowledge notification of their win by 28th February or the prize will be awarded to the next entry drawn. The winner must take up the prize before 30th June. This prize has a retail value at peak times of £2,000. Winners may select a cash alternative of £150.
Earlier this month the new slot game from WagerWorks, Slot Blox, was launched at Virgin Casino and the great news is that it features in the Vegas Cash Dash Promotion.
Just last week the casino added more games from the GTech G2 side games portfolio. The games includes Triple Chance Hi Lo, Casino Dice, Spin Win, Aces High and Bingo Keno Extreme.
Simon Burridge of Virgin Games said, "We've found that our players like the instant gratification of side games. They're quick and easy to play and they integrate well with our back end systems."
Virgin Casino is powered by WagerWorks. The portfolio of games come from WagerWorks, Cryptologic, GTech G2 and soon to be added, Playtech!
Virgin Games is licensed in the gambling jurisdiction of Alderney.
The casino does not currently accept Australian or United States players. See World Casino Directory.
Virgin Games has a number of awards and commendations to its name including awards from eGaming Review, iGaming Business / CAP, Casino News Media, Media Man and Global Gaming Directory.
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Individual players can win up to ₤100 a day for 10 days or ₤1,000 over the promotion duration.
Players need to bet on a selection of popular slot games designated for that given day.
Virgin Casino changes the selection every day so fear not!
The daily selections are listed in the Terms and Conditions.
Just some of the games taking part in the promotions are Bar X Magic 7, Bejeweled, Blankety Blank, Cubis, Da Vinci Diamonds, Ramesses Riches, Rubik's Slot, Slot Blox, Super Hoot Loot and The X-Factor.
Depending on the amount bet daily players will earn a bonus. For example, wagering £175 on a given day will lead to a bonus of £5. Players wagering £3,500 a day will receive a bonus of £100.
To qualify for entry into the prize draw for the all expenses paid trip to the Las Vegas players are required to wager a minimum of £5 on qualifying games every day during the promotional period and earn a minimum of £20 in bonus cash during the promotional period.
The holiday includes a 4 nighter staying at Bellagio, flights to and from Vegas and transfers. The draw will be made on 1st February and the winner will be contacted via email. The winner is required to acknowledge notification of their win by 28th February or the prize will be awarded to the next entry drawn. The winner must take up the prize before 30th June. This prize has a retail value at peak times of £2,000. Winners may select a cash alternative of £150.
Earlier this month the new slot game from WagerWorks, Slot Blox, was launched at Virgin Casino and the great news is that it features in the Vegas Cash Dash Promotion.
Just last week the casino added more games from the GTech G2 side games portfolio. The games includes Triple Chance Hi Lo, Casino Dice, Spin Win, Aces High and Bingo Keno Extreme.
Simon Burridge of Virgin Games said, "We've found that our players like the instant gratification of side games. They're quick and easy to play and they integrate well with our back end systems."
Virgin Casino is powered by WagerWorks. The portfolio of games come from WagerWorks, Cryptologic, GTech G2 and soon to be added, Playtech!
Virgin Games is licensed in the gambling jurisdiction of Alderney.
The casino does not currently accept Australian or United States players. See World Casino Directory.
Virgin Games has a number of awards and commendations to its name including awards from eGaming Review, iGaming Business / CAP, Casino News Media, Media Man and Global Gaming Directory.
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Partygaming signs up Phil Tufnell - 27th January 2010
PartyGaming has hired former cricketer and reality TV star Phil Tufnell as its first celebrity ambassador to help boost the PartyCasino poker site’s cross-gender appeal.
Online gambling is growing in the UK, in particular among women who feel safer playing online. According to a survey of 5,000 adults by the Gambling Commission, 9.9% of people gambled “remotely” in the first quarter of 2009, up from 7.2% in 2006. Of the women polled, 7.7% gambled online in the first three months of last year, up from 5% in 2006.
Tufnell, a former England bowler and winner of the Channel 4 show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, will front a television, press and outdoor campaign for PartyCasino that will highlight the range of casino games available on the site.
A spokesman for the gaming company says Tufnell was chosen because of his “broad appeal” to both female and male online casino players, because of his television profile and his cricketing achievements.
PartyCasino is operated by PartyGaming, which claims to be the world’s leading listed online gaming company.
The company, which also owns the PartyPoker and PartyBingo brands, is in discussions with several companies about potential consolidation. It is reportedly in talks with Austrian rival Bwin.
The PartyCasino campaign will break during the final of Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 4 today (28 January). It was created by Leeds-based agency home with media planning and buying by Mediacom.
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Online gambling is growing in the UK, in particular among women who feel safer playing online. According to a survey of 5,000 adults by the Gambling Commission, 9.9% of people gambled “remotely” in the first quarter of 2009, up from 7.2% in 2006. Of the women polled, 7.7% gambled online in the first three months of last year, up from 5% in 2006.
Tufnell, a former England bowler and winner of the Channel 4 show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, will front a television, press and outdoor campaign for PartyCasino that will highlight the range of casino games available on the site.
A spokesman for the gaming company says Tufnell was chosen because of his “broad appeal” to both female and male online casino players, because of his television profile and his cricketing achievements.
PartyCasino is operated by PartyGaming, which claims to be the world’s leading listed online gaming company.
The company, which also owns the PartyPoker and PartyBingo brands, is in discussions with several companies about potential consolidation. It is reportedly in talks with Austrian rival Bwin.
The PartyCasino campaign will break during the final of Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 4 today (28 January). It was created by Leeds-based agency home with media planning and buying by Mediacom.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
PartyGaming co-founder sells stake - 26th January 2010
PartyGaming co-founder Anurag Dikshit has completed the sale of his remaining 9.5 percent stake in the online gaming firm, his investment vehicle Crystal Ventures confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
Dikshit, who in 2008 pleaded guilty to an online betting charge in the United States, sold 38.8 million shares in PartyGaming at a price of 270 pence per share, a discount of 8 percent to Monday's closing price.
He gained about 105 million pounds from the sale, which was made through an accelerated bookbuild offering to institutional investors.
Dikshit co-founded PartyGaming in 1997 and was the driving force behind its user-friendly technology, which helped the company take a place in the FTSE 100 following a flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2005.
He had already sold an 18 percent stake in October for 188 million pounds.
Shares in PartyGaming, which said last week it was in talks with a number of companies regarding consolidation opportunities, were down 6 percent to 275.8 pence at 12:25 p.m.
Daniel Stewart analyst James Hollins reiterated his 'buy' recommendation and 366 pence price target, saying the sale represented a positive outcome for shareholders wary of the ongoing threat of further major share sales.
"PartyGaming's shares have had a deservedly strong run recently and we would use today's anomalous share decline as an opportunity to pick up stock," he said.
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Dikshit, who in 2008 pleaded guilty to an online betting charge in the United States, sold 38.8 million shares in PartyGaming at a price of 270 pence per share, a discount of 8 percent to Monday's closing price.
He gained about 105 million pounds from the sale, which was made through an accelerated bookbuild offering to institutional investors.
Dikshit co-founded PartyGaming in 1997 and was the driving force behind its user-friendly technology, which helped the company take a place in the FTSE 100 following a flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2005.
He had already sold an 18 percent stake in October for 188 million pounds.
Shares in PartyGaming, which said last week it was in talks with a number of companies regarding consolidation opportunities, were down 6 percent to 275.8 pence at 12:25 p.m.
Daniel Stewart analyst James Hollins reiterated his 'buy' recommendation and 366 pence price target, saying the sale represented a positive outcome for shareholders wary of the ongoing threat of further major share sales.
"PartyGaming's shares have had a deservedly strong run recently and we would use today's anomalous share decline as an opportunity to pick up stock," he said.
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Virgin Games sign partnership agreement with Playtech - 27th January 2010
LONDON, England - (PRESS RELEASE) - Playtech, the international designer, developer and licensor of software for the online, mobile and land-based gaming industry, today announces that has signed a partnership agreement with Virgin Games, a leading UK gaming operator.
Under the agreement, Playtech's soft gaming solutions developer, Gaming Technology Solutions Limited (GTS), acquired in December 2009, have licensed their software platform EdGE to Virgin and will also deliver a brand new selection of game products, adding further variety to Virgin's established offering.
The EdGE platform is a cost effective and easily integrated games engine that will allow Virgin to manage and operate their games with ease. Its ICE Back Office (ICE) toolset delivers many functional and performance enhancements to Virgin including support for games marketing campaigns, report customisation, customer support and much more in a user interface that is both practical and easy to use.
Commenting, Warren Eloff of Virgin Games said:
"We are looking forward to working with GTS and through the delivery of their platform, we have access to a variety of leading games content from world class developers. ICE is a comprehensive management suite and we are confident that the added level of control we will have over our games content will have a very positive effect on our growth."
Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech said:
"We are delighted that Virgin Games a well-established and leading operator have chosen Playtech's GTS as their games integration partner and EdGE as their software solution. Virgin are setting new benchmarks in terms of their player promotion and marketing activities and we look forward to a successful partnership in 2010 and beyond."
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*Sorry, no U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory
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Under the agreement, Playtech's soft gaming solutions developer, Gaming Technology Solutions Limited (GTS), acquired in December 2009, have licensed their software platform EdGE to Virgin and will also deliver a brand new selection of game products, adding further variety to Virgin's established offering.
The EdGE platform is a cost effective and easily integrated games engine that will allow Virgin to manage and operate their games with ease. Its ICE Back Office (ICE) toolset delivers many functional and performance enhancements to Virgin including support for games marketing campaigns, report customisation, customer support and much more in a user interface that is both practical and easy to use.
Commenting, Warren Eloff of Virgin Games said:
"We are looking forward to working with GTS and through the delivery of their platform, we have access to a variety of leading games content from world class developers. ICE is a comprehensive management suite and we are confident that the added level of control we will have over our games content will have a very positive effect on our growth."
Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech said:
"We are delighted that Virgin Games a well-established and leading operator have chosen Playtech's GTS as their games integration partner and EdGE as their software solution. Virgin are setting new benchmarks in terms of their player promotion and marketing activities and we look forward to a successful partnership in 2010 and beyond."
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PartyGaming Founder Anurag Dikshit Sells Remaining Stake - 26th January 2010
PartyCasino.com, PartyPoker.com, PartyBingo.com et al founder moves on
PartyGaming Plc founder Anurag Dikshit sold his remaining stake in the company through an accelerated bookbuild to institutional investors. The shares fell as much as 7 percent in London trading.
Dikshit sold 38.8 million shares at a price of 270 pence per share through his Crystal Ventures Ltd. vehicle, according to a statement distributed today via press release service, Business Wire.
The founder sold two-thirds of his stake in October. Dikshit wanted to "move away from the whole issue and industry of PartyGaming," his spokesman Shimon Cohen said at the time.
In December 2008, Dikshit pleaded guilty to illegal Internet gambling in the U.S. and agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department in its probe of the company. He paid $300 million in fines and is scheduled to be sentenced this year.
PartyGaming fell as much as 20.5 pence to 273 pence, and traded at 275.2 pence, at 8:06 a.m., in London, giving the company a market value of 1.12 billion pounds ($1.82 billion).
PartyGaming was founded in 1997 by a group including Dikshit, who created its software platform. The company’s 2005 initial public offering made him the world’s 207th-richest person the following year, according to Forbes magazine.
The company is widely regarded as the world's leading igaming company and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
They are currently looking to return to the United States in a full capacity. PartyGaming have ramped up U.S exposure via their purchase of the World Poker Tour and have recently made a splash "down under" in Australia with their signing of poker professionals, Stewart Scott (2009 Aussie Millions champion) and Tony G (now representing Party's Noble Poker). Mike Sexton is global brand ambassador of Party's World Poker Tour.
PartyPoker is traditionally the companies most successful and popular brand, however in recent years PartyCasino.com has grabbed much of the news media and igaming media headlines with their exclusive Hollywood blockbuster themed games licensed from the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, StudioCanal, Edgar Rice Burroughs, MGM, Activision, Hasbro and International Game Technology.
PartyGaming have won a vast array of gaming and business awards and commendations including from iGaming Review, iGaming Business, Casino News Media and Media Man.
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PartyGaming Plc founder Anurag Dikshit sold his remaining stake in the company through an accelerated bookbuild to institutional investors. The shares fell as much as 7 percent in London trading.
Dikshit sold 38.8 million shares at a price of 270 pence per share through his Crystal Ventures Ltd. vehicle, according to a statement distributed today via press release service, Business Wire.
The founder sold two-thirds of his stake in October. Dikshit wanted to "move away from the whole issue and industry of PartyGaming," his spokesman Shimon Cohen said at the time.
In December 2008, Dikshit pleaded guilty to illegal Internet gambling in the U.S. and agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department in its probe of the company. He paid $300 million in fines and is scheduled to be sentenced this year.
PartyGaming fell as much as 20.5 pence to 273 pence, and traded at 275.2 pence, at 8:06 a.m., in London, giving the company a market value of 1.12 billion pounds ($1.82 billion).
PartyGaming was founded in 1997 by a group including Dikshit, who created its software platform. The company’s 2005 initial public offering made him the world’s 207th-richest person the following year, according to Forbes magazine.
The company is widely regarded as the world's leading igaming company and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
They are currently looking to return to the United States in a full capacity. PartyGaming have ramped up U.S exposure via their purchase of the World Poker Tour and have recently made a splash "down under" in Australia with their signing of poker professionals, Stewart Scott (2009 Aussie Millions champion) and Tony G (now representing Party's Noble Poker). Mike Sexton is global brand ambassador of Party's World Poker Tour.
PartyPoker is traditionally the companies most successful and popular brand, however in recent years PartyCasino.com has grabbed much of the news media and igaming media headlines with their exclusive Hollywood blockbuster themed games licensed from the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, StudioCanal, Edgar Rice Burroughs, MGM, Activision, Hasbro and International Game Technology.
PartyGaming have won a vast array of gaming and business awards and commendations including from iGaming Review, iGaming Business, Casino News Media and Media Man.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
Betfair rumoured to be planning London Stock Exchange float - 26th January 2010
Online gambling exchange Betfair is understood to have appointed Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to advise on a £1.5 billion flotation.
The company, which is backed by Japanese lender Softbank, is thought to be examining an autumn listing which would potentially net co-founders Ed Wray and Andrew Black hundreds of millions of pounds.
The news will renew hopes of a spree of initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2010 as private equity owners take advantage of calmer markets to exit investments and company managements look to raise fresh capital.
Last week, holiday services company Travelport announced its intention to hold a £1.1 billion IPO on the London Stock Exchange.
Other well-known names in the frame are retailer New Look, which has been eyeing a £1.7 billion flotation since last year, and Merlin Entertainment, the owner of the London Eye and Legoland.
Further down the market capitalisation scale are Blackburn-based Promethean, which provides interactive whiteboards and educational tools for schools, computer games company Codemasters and semiconductor manufacturer Icera, all of which are mulling IPOs.
Betfair offers a twist on online punting by allowing gamblers to bet against one another on sports matches and horse racing. It also hosts internet poker and casino games such as blackjack and roulette.
Last year, the company reported a 29 per cent increase in earnings to £72m on the back of 27 per cent higher sales at £303m. Becoming a public entity would put it in a position to consolidate smaller players.
Responding to suggestions of a flotation in the third quarter, a spokesperson for Betfair said: "This is only speculation, and we do not comment on speculation."
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The company, which is backed by Japanese lender Softbank, is thought to be examining an autumn listing which would potentially net co-founders Ed Wray and Andrew Black hundreds of millions of pounds.
The news will renew hopes of a spree of initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2010 as private equity owners take advantage of calmer markets to exit investments and company managements look to raise fresh capital.
Last week, holiday services company Travelport announced its intention to hold a £1.1 billion IPO on the London Stock Exchange.
Other well-known names in the frame are retailer New Look, which has been eyeing a £1.7 billion flotation since last year, and Merlin Entertainment, the owner of the London Eye and Legoland.
Further down the market capitalisation scale are Blackburn-based Promethean, which provides interactive whiteboards and educational tools for schools, computer games company Codemasters and semiconductor manufacturer Icera, all of which are mulling IPOs.
Betfair offers a twist on online punting by allowing gamblers to bet against one another on sports matches and horse racing. It also hosts internet poker and casino games such as blackjack and roulette.
Last year, the company reported a 29 per cent increase in earnings to £72m on the back of 27 per cent higher sales at £303m. Becoming a public entity would put it in a position to consolidate smaller players.
Responding to suggestions of a flotation in the third quarter, a spokesperson for Betfair said: "This is only speculation, and we do not comment on speculation."
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Award, by Greg Tingle - January 2010
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Roxy Palace, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino, however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Last month PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Rambo, The Godfather, Sinatra, 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 $1 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 Melon Madness, Tarzan, High Noon and Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that pro wrestling themed online slot games are in the works and that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 3 months. Names been thrown around include Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, but those names are only rumors, however a print feature did showcase Andre earlier in the year, indicating that there is substance to the rumor mill. In any event, PartyCasino already has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
In other exciting PartyGaming news, PartyPoker.com is currently running qualifiers to the L.A Poker Classic in the United States. PartyGaming's recent purchase of the World Poker Tour company and assets enables PartyGaming to once again accept American based poker players, and they are hopefully of soon accepting American casino players also. Both websites accept most European, South American and Australian players.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
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PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Roxy Palace, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino, however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Last month PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Rambo, The Godfather, Sinatra, 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 $1 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 Melon Madness, Tarzan, High Noon and Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that pro wrestling themed online slot games are in the works and that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 3 months. Names been thrown around include Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, but those names are only rumors, however a print feature did showcase Andre earlier in the year, indicating that there is substance to the rumor mill. In any event, PartyCasino already has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
In other exciting PartyGaming news, PartyPoker.com is currently running qualifiers to the L.A Poker Classic in the United States. PartyGaming's recent purchase of the World Poker Tour company and assets enables PartyGaming to once again accept American based poker players, and they are hopefully of soon accepting American casino players also. Both websites accept most European, South American and Australian players.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
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PartyPoker Offering WPT Invitational Seats - 23rd January 2010
It’s the biggest celebrity tournament in the world and PartyPoker is giving its players a chance to grab a seat for just a handful of PartyPoints.
The World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational is set to take place Feb. 20-21 in L.A. and PartyPoker will give away a total of 15 packages worth $3,000 each in a qualifying final on Jan. 31.
“This tournament will be filled with Hollywood stars and poker gods,” said a PartyPoker spokesman.
“The event is invitation only and PartyPoker.com can get you on the exclusive guest list. To win a package for the WPT Celebrity Invitational all you need to do is use PartyPoints to enter the daily qualifiers.”
PartyPoker is running two daily qualifiers, one of which costs 10 PartyPoints and sees the top three players qualify for the final. The second will cost you 25 PartyPoints with the top 15 advancing to the final.
Now in its fourth year the WPT Celebrity Invitational has seen celebrities like Paris Hilton, Michael Vartan, Don Cheadle, Jon Hamm, Ray Romano, Mena Suvari, Jason Alexander and Brad Garrett trade the red carpet for the felt at the Commerce Casino.
The WPT is guaranteeing a prize pool of $200,000 for this year’s Invitational with an extra $25,000 seat in the WPT World Championship in April going to the winner.
This year the tournament will offer $200 rebuys in the first two levels with all proceeds from the rebuy period going towards the Chrysalis organization, a group that assists economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals.
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The World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational is set to take place Feb. 20-21 in L.A. and PartyPoker will give away a total of 15 packages worth $3,000 each in a qualifying final on Jan. 31.
“This tournament will be filled with Hollywood stars and poker gods,” said a PartyPoker spokesman.
“The event is invitation only and PartyPoker.com can get you on the exclusive guest list. To win a package for the WPT Celebrity Invitational all you need to do is use PartyPoints to enter the daily qualifiers.”
PartyPoker is running two daily qualifiers, one of which costs 10 PartyPoints and sees the top three players qualify for the final. The second will cost you 25 PartyPoints with the top 15 advancing to the final.
Now in its fourth year the WPT Celebrity Invitational has seen celebrities like Paris Hilton, Michael Vartan, Don Cheadle, Jon Hamm, Ray Romano, Mena Suvari, Jason Alexander and Brad Garrett trade the red carpet for the felt at the Commerce Casino.
The WPT is guaranteeing a prize pool of $200,000 for this year’s Invitational with an extra $25,000 seat in the WPT World Championship in April going to the winner.
This year the tournament will offer $200 rebuys in the first two levels with all proceeds from the rebuy period going towards the Chrysalis organization, a group that assists economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals.
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Australian Media Man Backs Up Gambling Lists For Sale Story, by Greg Tingle - 25th January 2010
As reported by Gambling911 last October, gamblers details continue to be for sale to the higher bidder.
In the latest high profile development Britain's newspaper The Mail On Sunday has been offered a comprehensive list of 10,000 customer details from top gambling brand Ladbrokes, in addition to database access details of 4.5 million people.
Yesterday The Mail advised Ladbrokes of the approach and gave the customer files to the Information Commissioner's Office.
The police have been called and Ladbrokes has began contacting customers to let them know that their personal and financial details are safe, which has a touch of irony to it, given the nature of the attempted crime.
The person attempting to sell the list gave his name as "Daniel" from DSS Enterprises, in Melbourne, Australia, and claimed to have once worked for Ladbrokes.
The gambling records provided such information as Home Addresses, Gambling History, Customer Account Numbers, Date Of Birth, Phone Numbers and e-Mail Addresses!
Media Man can also confirm that we have received some sample lists of player details over the years, however we never buys lists and do everything buy the book. When lists come through we either delete them or pass details onto the Australian Federal Police (Australian High Tech Crime Centre) depending upon the amount of information contained in the lists.
Further Developments:
Yesterday Daniel advised "I have no access to any Ladbrokes database or any other information. I provided analytical services to them for 18 months during 2007 and 2008. Unless y name, my signature, my fingerprint is one anything, it has nothing to do with me. I had a call from a senior person at Ladbrokes this morning. I did not take the call. I don't know what they are ringing me about".
The Mail on Sunday received an email from Daniel yesterday advising that he was terminating the negotiations and warning against passing his details onto authorities.
Australia's Media Man will be further examining lists they have been offered for sale and will be sending more details to the Australian Federal Police and Gambling911 as the international scope of these e-crimes continues to be uncovered.
When I worked for PSINet Australia circa 2001 we were offered lists for sale from time to time but nothing containing the personal and sensitive details that have come to light in the Ladbrokes case. Media Man staff and management have never and will never buy lists from anyone. We are delighted to be able to do our bit in curbing the alarming trend of gambling lists for sale. We know that some readers and authorities may have been skeptical of previous Gambling Lists For Sale news stories but we can confirm these sort of e-crimes are happening.
Media Man's most trusted gaming and igaming brands: PartyGaming, PartyCasino, PartyPoker, Virgin Games, Betfair, BetUS and Microgaming.
*The writer is the founder and director of Media Man, primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer is an Australian based special contributor for Gambling911
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In the latest high profile development Britain's newspaper The Mail On Sunday has been offered a comprehensive list of 10,000 customer details from top gambling brand Ladbrokes, in addition to database access details of 4.5 million people.
Yesterday The Mail advised Ladbrokes of the approach and gave the customer files to the Information Commissioner's Office.
The police have been called and Ladbrokes has began contacting customers to let them know that their personal and financial details are safe, which has a touch of irony to it, given the nature of the attempted crime.
The person attempting to sell the list gave his name as "Daniel" from DSS Enterprises, in Melbourne, Australia, and claimed to have once worked for Ladbrokes.
The gambling records provided such information as Home Addresses, Gambling History, Customer Account Numbers, Date Of Birth, Phone Numbers and e-Mail Addresses!
Media Man can also confirm that we have received some sample lists of player details over the years, however we never buys lists and do everything buy the book. When lists come through we either delete them or pass details onto the Australian Federal Police (Australian High Tech Crime Centre) depending upon the amount of information contained in the lists.
Further Developments:
Yesterday Daniel advised "I have no access to any Ladbrokes database or any other information. I provided analytical services to them for 18 months during 2007 and 2008. Unless y name, my signature, my fingerprint is one anything, it has nothing to do with me. I had a call from a senior person at Ladbrokes this morning. I did not take the call. I don't know what they are ringing me about".
The Mail on Sunday received an email from Daniel yesterday advising that he was terminating the negotiations and warning against passing his details onto authorities.
Australia's Media Man will be further examining lists they have been offered for sale and will be sending more details to the Australian Federal Police and Gambling911 as the international scope of these e-crimes continues to be uncovered.
When I worked for PSINet Australia circa 2001 we were offered lists for sale from time to time but nothing containing the personal and sensitive details that have come to light in the Ladbrokes case. Media Man staff and management have never and will never buy lists from anyone. We are delighted to be able to do our bit in curbing the alarming trend of gambling lists for sale. We know that some readers and authorities may have been skeptical of previous Gambling Lists For Sale news stories but we can confirm these sort of e-crimes are happening.
Media Man's most trusted gaming and igaming brands: PartyGaming, PartyCasino, PartyPoker, Virgin Games, Betfair, BetUS and Microgaming.
*The writer is the founder and director of Media Man, primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer is an Australian based special contributor for Gambling911
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
PartyGaming hits the jackpot - 22nd January 2010
Gambling on a possible £2bn-plus merger in the world of online gaming proved a favourite pastime for excited punters.
Shareholders of PartyGaming hit the jackpot as the shares shot up to 297.7p and closed 16.7p higher at 2851/2p after Bwin, Europe's biggest online betting and gaming group, revealed it is in merger talks with the Gibraltar-based online gaming giant.
Bwin said the talks are 'no indication' that there will be a merger while PartyGaming grudgingly added it is in talks with a 'number of companies' about consolidation and discussions are at 'a preliminary stage'. However, as far as professional speculators are concerned, it would be a marriage made in heaven and a deal must be on the cards.
PartyGaming was once the most valuable publicly traded gambling stock in the world when it was worth £6.4bn in August 2005, after floating at 115p in June of that year. The US Department of Justice's clampdown on internet gambling in 2007 then trashed its valuation as did some controversial share sales by its founder directors.
It is now back on the recovery track and a recent statement revealed that trading since the end of September 2009 has been solid, with a return to sequential revenue growth. It has also announced an exclusive five-year agreement to provide an online gaming platform for poker and casino games in Denmark for Danske Spil.
Back in November all the industry gossip was about a possible Bwin offer for 888 Holdings, 4.9p better at 116p. 888 appears a harder nut to crack as brothers Avi and Aaron Skaked own 50pc of the equity through family trusts. Another pair of brothers, Shay and Ron Ben-Yitzhak, control a further 11pc.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
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Shareholders of PartyGaming hit the jackpot as the shares shot up to 297.7p and closed 16.7p higher at 2851/2p after Bwin, Europe's biggest online betting and gaming group, revealed it is in merger talks with the Gibraltar-based online gaming giant.
Bwin said the talks are 'no indication' that there will be a merger while PartyGaming grudgingly added it is in talks with a 'number of companies' about consolidation and discussions are at 'a preliminary stage'. However, as far as professional speculators are concerned, it would be a marriage made in heaven and a deal must be on the cards.
PartyGaming was once the most valuable publicly traded gambling stock in the world when it was worth £6.4bn in August 2005, after floating at 115p in June of that year. The US Department of Justice's clampdown on internet gambling in 2007 then trashed its valuation as did some controversial share sales by its founder directors.
It is now back on the recovery track and a recent statement revealed that trading since the end of September 2009 has been solid, with a return to sequential revenue growth. It has also announced an exclusive five-year agreement to provide an online gaming platform for poker and casino games in Denmark for Danske Spil.
Back in November all the industry gossip was about a possible Bwin offer for 888 Holdings, 4.9p better at 116p. 888 appears a harder nut to crack as brothers Avi and Aaron Skaked own 50pc of the equity through family trusts. Another pair of brothers, Shay and Ron Ben-Yitzhak, control a further 11pc.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
PartyGaming
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Media Man
Party Casino News
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
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PartyGaming talks up merger prospects - 22nd January 2010
*Online poker group in discussion with sports betting rival Bwin
*PartyGaming merger would deliver commanding position
The online poker group PartyGaming is understood to be in talks with its Austrian sports betting rival Bwin about a merger that could be worth more than £2bn and give it some much-needed clout in internet sports betting.
The two companies are believed to have been in discussions since last summer and there was intense speculation about a deal before Christmas. But after a press report on Bwin's interest, PartyGaming was forced to admit to negotiations.
The company also said it was talking to other potential partners, pushing its shares up more than 6% to 285.5p on hopes of a bid battle.
"The board of PartyGaming confirms that it is continuing to hold discussions with a number of companies in the gaming sector regarding potential consolidation opportunities," the firm said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. "As all such discussions remain at a preliminary stage, there can be no certainty as to whether or not such discussions will result in any form of transaction."
The Austrian financial magazine Format quoted Hannes Androsch, Bwin's chairman and largest shareholder, as saying: "Talks are going on but we don't know yet whether they will succeed."
PartyGaming, owner of the PartyPoker website, is keen to be involved in the consolidation of online gambling. Last July the company, which gets almost 80 million players a day, announced the takeover of Cashcade, owner of Foxy Bingo, for just under £100m. In November it snapped up the assets of WPT Enterprises, organiser of the World Poker Tour.
Merging with Bwin would give Party Gaming a commanding position in sports betting. The Austrian company is not the only potential partner with which it is talking, although PartyGaming refused to name other potential partners. London-listed 888 Holdings and Sportingbet, and Sweden's Unibet, are all understood to be looking at consolidation opportunities.
The acquisition of WPT, meanwhile, signalled PartyGaming's desire to return to the US, a market that has caused some real headaches for the firm in the past.
Having shot into the FTSE 100 when it floated in 2005 at a value of £5bn, which netted its four founders almost £1bn, the company became embroiled in a fierce fight with the US authorities when they cracked down on online gambling. Party Gaming had to close its US operation and then last April it agreed a $105m (£71.3m) settlement with prosecutors there to reflect the proceeds of the internet gambling services it provided from 1997 to 2006, when PartyGaming offered internet gaming to US players, including real-money poker and casino gaming. The company admitted that even before the 2006 crackdown – which forced it to abandon the US market – some of its third-party activities had broken US law.
Analysts noted a number of strategic and cost-saving benefits from a merger with another company. Numis Securities' analyst Wyn Ellis said consolidation was seen as largely inevitable in the young online gaming industry and there were savings to be had from combining technology and other operations. "Everybody has been talking to everybody," he said.
He noted that a combination of Party Gaming and Bwin would give them the top slots in online casinos and bingo, the best sporting bets book and enhanced liquidity in poker. "The strategic logic is very strong … It fits together neatly," he added.
Ellis said merger talk also reflected gaming companies' move into business-to-business projects where they provide products and services to third parties such as media companies wanting to launch gaming offshoots. That focus would only increase as more countries start to regulate and issue licences, which are likely to go to the big incumbents in those markets. Established firms can then use that position to raise business from newcomers.
Talk of a Bwin tie-up for Party Gaming follows Thursday's announcement of a deal between Aim-listed gaming software firm Playtech and the Nasdaq-listed lottery operator Scientific Games in the US.
Media Man International Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBets.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyMarkets.com
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Cashcade
World Poker Tour
PartyGaming
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*PartyGaming merger would deliver commanding position
The online poker group PartyGaming is understood to be in talks with its Austrian sports betting rival Bwin about a merger that could be worth more than £2bn and give it some much-needed clout in internet sports betting.
The two companies are believed to have been in discussions since last summer and there was intense speculation about a deal before Christmas. But after a press report on Bwin's interest, PartyGaming was forced to admit to negotiations.
The company also said it was talking to other potential partners, pushing its shares up more than 6% to 285.5p on hopes of a bid battle.
"The board of PartyGaming confirms that it is continuing to hold discussions with a number of companies in the gaming sector regarding potential consolidation opportunities," the firm said in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. "As all such discussions remain at a preliminary stage, there can be no certainty as to whether or not such discussions will result in any form of transaction."
The Austrian financial magazine Format quoted Hannes Androsch, Bwin's chairman and largest shareholder, as saying: "Talks are going on but we don't know yet whether they will succeed."
PartyGaming, owner of the PartyPoker website, is keen to be involved in the consolidation of online gambling. Last July the company, which gets almost 80 million players a day, announced the takeover of Cashcade, owner of Foxy Bingo, for just under £100m. In November it snapped up the assets of WPT Enterprises, organiser of the World Poker Tour.
Merging with Bwin would give Party Gaming a commanding position in sports betting. The Austrian company is not the only potential partner with which it is talking, although PartyGaming refused to name other potential partners. London-listed 888 Holdings and Sportingbet, and Sweden's Unibet, are all understood to be looking at consolidation opportunities.
The acquisition of WPT, meanwhile, signalled PartyGaming's desire to return to the US, a market that has caused some real headaches for the firm in the past.
Having shot into the FTSE 100 when it floated in 2005 at a value of £5bn, which netted its four founders almost £1bn, the company became embroiled in a fierce fight with the US authorities when they cracked down on online gambling. Party Gaming had to close its US operation and then last April it agreed a $105m (£71.3m) settlement with prosecutors there to reflect the proceeds of the internet gambling services it provided from 1997 to 2006, when PartyGaming offered internet gaming to US players, including real-money poker and casino gaming. The company admitted that even before the 2006 crackdown – which forced it to abandon the US market – some of its third-party activities had broken US law.
Analysts noted a number of strategic and cost-saving benefits from a merger with another company. Numis Securities' analyst Wyn Ellis said consolidation was seen as largely inevitable in the young online gaming industry and there were savings to be had from combining technology and other operations. "Everybody has been talking to everybody," he said.
He noted that a combination of Party Gaming and Bwin would give them the top slots in online casinos and bingo, the best sporting bets book and enhanced liquidity in poker. "The strategic logic is very strong … It fits together neatly," he added.
Ellis said merger talk also reflected gaming companies' move into business-to-business projects where they provide products and services to third parties such as media companies wanting to launch gaming offshoots. That focus would only increase as more countries start to regulate and issue licences, which are likely to go to the big incumbents in those markets. Established firms can then use that position to raise business from newcomers.
Talk of a Bwin tie-up for Party Gaming follows Thursday's announcement of a deal between Aim-listed gaming software firm Playtech and the Nasdaq-listed lottery operator Scientific Games in the US.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
PartyGaming and PartyCasino News Media Update, by Greg Tingle - 22nd January 2010
PartyGaming Plc is in talks with Bwin Interactive Entertainment AG about a possible merger, the Austrian online bookmaker’s head of investor relations Konrad Sveceny said. The company is also entering into a business deal with London Capital Group.
Partygaming shares rallied 6.2 percent to 285.5 pence, the highest closing level since June 2008.
Earlier this week Party's casino brand, PartyCasino.com, further enhanced its customer protection by incorporating two-factor authentication via VASCO Data Security.
The most popular online slot games at PartyCasino.com as of late include Rambo, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Cleopatra, Tarzan, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, Melon Madness, King Kong, Mega Fortune Wheel and Wheel Of Fortune.
A live casino experience is available for a range of table games via Live Dealer and the company is working on "Avatar" type technology. Party's in-house game development team is known as "The Games Studio".
PartyGaming, PartyCasino, PartyPoker and PartyPartners will have staff and management attending the LAC (London Affiliate Conference) from the 28th to 31st January. Insiders tip that Party are in line for a number of awards and commendations. Last year Party scooped a number of awards including some from eGaming Review. Some of the strong points of the brand include financial stability, game offerings, PartyPoints player rewards system, security, excellent customer service and ethics.
In the near future, most likely in approximately one week, PartyGaming will be making news announcements regarding PartyMarkets, PartyBets and further developments with its casino and poker offerings. In addition Party will be releasing more details as to its potential consolidation opportunities.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com have made the shortlist for this months Media Man - Casino News Media - Global Gaming Directory "Online Casino of the Month" and "Online Poker Website of the Month".
Jackpots available include The Big One, Gold Mega Jackpot, Marvel Hero Jackpot and the Super Hero Jackpot.
Australian players are welcome at all PartyGaming game websites. PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com do not accept U.S players at this time, however the company is hopeful of soon providing a full casino and poker experience for American players. Most games can be played for free or played for money and a vast array of language and currency options are available around the clock.
The company is looking to expand on its licensing deals with already include the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, StudioCanal, IGT, Hasbro, Activision, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Studios and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
PartyGaming is widely regarded as the world's leading igaming company and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. They have been in business since 1997.
*The writer has a b2b relationship with a number of PartyGaming brands, as the do with dozens of companies in the gaming, igaming, entertainment and media industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyGaming
Partygaming shares rallied 6.2 percent to 285.5 pence, the highest closing level since June 2008.
Earlier this week Party's casino brand, PartyCasino.com, further enhanced its customer protection by incorporating two-factor authentication via VASCO Data Security.
The most popular online slot games at PartyCasino.com as of late include Rambo, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Cleopatra, Tarzan, Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, Melon Madness, King Kong, Mega Fortune Wheel and Wheel Of Fortune.
A live casino experience is available for a range of table games via Live Dealer and the company is working on "Avatar" type technology. Party's in-house game development team is known as "The Games Studio".
PartyGaming, PartyCasino, PartyPoker and PartyPartners will have staff and management attending the LAC (London Affiliate Conference) from the 28th to 31st January. Insiders tip that Party are in line for a number of awards and commendations. Last year Party scooped a number of awards including some from eGaming Review. Some of the strong points of the brand include financial stability, game offerings, PartyPoints player rewards system, security, excellent customer service and ethics.
In the near future, most likely in approximately one week, PartyGaming will be making news announcements regarding PartyMarkets, PartyBets and further developments with its casino and poker offerings. In addition Party will be releasing more details as to its potential consolidation opportunities.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com have made the shortlist for this months Media Man - Casino News Media - Global Gaming Directory "Online Casino of the Month" and "Online Poker Website of the Month".
Jackpots available include The Big One, Gold Mega Jackpot, Marvel Hero Jackpot and the Super Hero Jackpot.
Australian players are welcome at all PartyGaming game websites. PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com do not accept U.S players at this time, however the company is hopeful of soon providing a full casino and poker experience for American players. Most games can be played for free or played for money and a vast array of language and currency options are available around the clock.
The company is looking to expand on its licensing deals with already include the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, StudioCanal, IGT, Hasbro, Activision, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Studios and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
PartyGaming is widely regarded as the world's leading igaming company and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. They have been in business since 1997.
*The writer has a b2b relationship with a number of PartyGaming brands, as the do with dozens of companies in the gaming, igaming, entertainment and media industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyBets.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
PartyGaming
PartyPartners achieves eCOGRA affiliate trust seal
20th January 2010
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPartners.com
LONDON, England -(PRESS RELEASE) - PartyPartners.com, the affiliate program for several leading online gambling brands in the PartyGaming plc group, has successfully passed the on-site inspection and monitoring requirements of player protection and standards body eCOGRA.
The program is now entitled to display the eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal, which certifies that it observes best practice operational standards of fairness and efficiency in dealing with affiliate marketers, and is independently reviewed on a regular basis.
eCOGRA chief executive Andrew Beveridge said that the Affiliate Trust seal is awarded contingent on the applicant company meeting clearly defined international standards and undergoing a comprehensive on-site inspection and audit of its business systems by a professionally qualified eCOGRA compliance team.
"Among the criteria for accreditation, applicant programs must show that affiliate revenue is calculated fairly and accurately, that payments are prompt, and that there are appropriate controls in place to accurately link players to affiliates," he said. "Achieving accreditation such as PartyPartners has done requires professional commitment and impeccable administrative and business systems."
eCOGRA compliance team leader Sean Roberts, a fully qualified Chartered Accountant who managed the audit at PartyPartners, said that it had been a significant project in his experience.
"This is a major and respected tier one international gambling group with top online casino, poker, bingo and sportsbetting brands, all using the PartyPartners affiliate program to manage relationships with thousands of affiliates around the world," he said.
"We were impressed by the competency of both staff and systems, which we thoroughly tested at full capacity to determine efficiency and consistency levels. In my opinion it is among the most professionally managed businesses I have encountered in hundreds of eCOGRA reviews and audits at major Internet companies."
Jim Ryan, chief executive officer at PartyGaming said he was pleased but not surprised that PartyPartners had done so well in the accreditation process.
"We have a really good management team in place there, which recognises the importance of our affiliates and their contribution to our success," he said. "The achievement of this industry-respected accreditation is an affirmation of our full commitment to operational efficiency and integrity in this critical area of our business.
"The eCOGRA certification is achieved through practical and professional testing and inspection, and I am pleased that we have achieved the high standards required," he added. "It reinforces our market positioning as a serious affiliate program giving affiliates significant revenue opportunities through a trusted system with outstanding brands.
"It's important to have this externally audited."
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPartners.com
PartyGaming
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPartners.com
LONDON, England -(PRESS RELEASE) - PartyPartners.com, the affiliate program for several leading online gambling brands in the PartyGaming plc group, has successfully passed the on-site inspection and monitoring requirements of player protection and standards body eCOGRA.
The program is now entitled to display the eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal, which certifies that it observes best practice operational standards of fairness and efficiency in dealing with affiliate marketers, and is independently reviewed on a regular basis.
eCOGRA chief executive Andrew Beveridge said that the Affiliate Trust seal is awarded contingent on the applicant company meeting clearly defined international standards and undergoing a comprehensive on-site inspection and audit of its business systems by a professionally qualified eCOGRA compliance team.
"Among the criteria for accreditation, applicant programs must show that affiliate revenue is calculated fairly and accurately, that payments are prompt, and that there are appropriate controls in place to accurately link players to affiliates," he said. "Achieving accreditation such as PartyPartners has done requires professional commitment and impeccable administrative and business systems."
eCOGRA compliance team leader Sean Roberts, a fully qualified Chartered Accountant who managed the audit at PartyPartners, said that it had been a significant project in his experience.
"This is a major and respected tier one international gambling group with top online casino, poker, bingo and sportsbetting brands, all using the PartyPartners affiliate program to manage relationships with thousands of affiliates around the world," he said.
"We were impressed by the competency of both staff and systems, which we thoroughly tested at full capacity to determine efficiency and consistency levels. In my opinion it is among the most professionally managed businesses I have encountered in hundreds of eCOGRA reviews and audits at major Internet companies."
Jim Ryan, chief executive officer at PartyGaming said he was pleased but not surprised that PartyPartners had done so well in the accreditation process.
"We have a really good management team in place there, which recognises the importance of our affiliates and their contribution to our success," he said. "The achievement of this industry-respected accreditation is an affirmation of our full commitment to operational efficiency and integrity in this critical area of our business.
"The eCOGRA certification is achieved through practical and professional testing and inspection, and I am pleased that we have achieved the high standards required," he added. "It reinforces our market positioning as a serious affiliate program giving affiliates significant revenue opportunities through a trusted system with outstanding brands.
"It's important to have this externally audited."
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPartners.com
PartyGaming
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Casino News Media - Media Man - Global Gaming Directory - News Update - 22nd January 2010
PartyCasino maintains #1 online casino for Australians and Asia Pacific region
PartyCasino, Virgin Casino, PKR, Betfair and Captain Cooks Casino compete for Online Casino of the Month title
PartyCasino Marvel Slots Online - Just don't wait for the movie, Play The Game
Casino Jack and the United States of Money documentary opens 23rd January in U.S; Some Australian and European politicians and lobbyists are nervous
PartyGaming's PartyPartners To Attend London Affiliate Conference (LAC); PartyGaming and industry interest in 'Casino Jack' documentary
Virgin Games expecting awards and commendations at London Affiliate Conference; Releases a dozen new games in past 2 months, however can't accept Aussie or Yankee players
Roxy Palace and Casino Splendido embark on ramped up campaign; Asia Pacific and Australian focus - New Hellboy, Arctic Fortune and Robot Butler video slots plus Mega Moolah Progressive, Scoop the Cash, Summer Holiday, Carnaval and Keno
PartyGaming Decides to Protect Its Online Customers With Two-Factor Authentication From VASCO Data Security
PartyGaming update on PartyMarkets; London Capital Group deal completed last week
Events: INTRALOT Interactive Sponsors Fire&Ice 2010 - London, 29th January
Events: iGaming DownUnder Australian online casino affiliate conference scheduled for March 2010
New Games: Melon Madness progressive jackpot at Party, Slotbox and Bar X at Virgin Casino and Hellboy at Casino Splendido
Thor and The Incredible Hulk slot games a organic - viral popularity hit on YouTube
Sinatra slot continues to win over old and new players alike; PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan ramp with response to classic Sinatra slot game
InterCasino driving forward with DC Comics branded slots
Community News - igaming business raises funds for disaster in Haiti
Betfair popularity increases in Australia, Asia Pacific - controversy raises awareness of service
Microgaming - Hellboy branded online slot machine a bit hit with punters; Mega Moolah ISIS gives Cleopatra a run for her money
Aussie Millions - Annette “Annette_15” Obrestad wins Pot Limit Omaha - Event #4; Pockets $40,000 AUD
PartyGaming's PartyPartners gets eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal
PKR looking to introduce "Avatar" type technology to its 3D poker room
World Series of Poker 2010 will allow Tweeting at table
Playtech and Sega delighted with online b2b partnership deal
Social networking websites maintain popularity with gaming industry and players; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.com and YouTube.com lead the charge
James Packer - back on top of the gaming world - Crown Limited shares up, players and return on investment on upswing at Macau's City Of Dreams, and Fairfax, Bloomberg and News Limited provide balanced and positive stories on Packer's comeback
Ric Flair continues to add business clout to TNA; More gaming, igaming and lottery deals expected
The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) upcoming return to WWE likely to boost Legends Of Wrestling game sales, TV ratings and b2b deals
Stan Lee, Marvel icon very happy with adaptations of Marvel super heroes for movies and games; Looking forward to seeing more Marvel heroes come to life
Tony G does business deal with PartyGaming's Noble Poker; PartyGaming
PokerPoker signs Canadian / British hybrid expat Kara Scott
World Poker Tour site revamp continues with PartyGaming promos, offers et al
PokerStars maintains grasp on world's #1 online casino says PokerScout
Pro wrestling - Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair online slots still rumored for release this year; PartyGaming and NextGen Gaming in the running
Poker Babes - Michigan Ramada Inn poker event with topless dealers gets busted by Michigan State Police
UFC - PartyBets and BetUS.com battle for punters entertainment dollar on events; Australian government may try to ban UFC sports betting and video game
Casino Legal - online poker could become 100% legal in Florida writes Florida Times-Union
Casino Legal - bet with your head, not over it, set limits and keep it enjoyable
Casino Legal - Australian pokie crackdown at pubs and hotels might boost online gaming industry
Multi currency feature popular with players
World Casino Directory format preferred by players, industry and portal developers
Media Man website network approaching 5 million hits for the month of January; Media Man website maintains Hitwise Australia top ten status (entertainment category)
Media Man buys up more .coms and .nets; More lifestyle, property, bingo and news sites in the works - Preparing to launch more website portals next month to coincide with Productivity Commission report on gaming
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Global Gaming Directory.net
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Australian Casino News
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Sports Entertainment News
Classic Slots Online
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Multi Currency Casino
Hollywood Slot Games
Marvel Slots Online
PartyCasino, Virgin Casino, PKR, Betfair and Captain Cooks Casino compete for Online Casino of the Month title
PartyCasino Marvel Slots Online - Just don't wait for the movie, Play The Game
Casino Jack and the United States of Money documentary opens 23rd January in U.S; Some Australian and European politicians and lobbyists are nervous
PartyGaming's PartyPartners To Attend London Affiliate Conference (LAC); PartyGaming and industry interest in 'Casino Jack' documentary
Virgin Games expecting awards and commendations at London Affiliate Conference; Releases a dozen new games in past 2 months, however can't accept Aussie or Yankee players
Roxy Palace and Casino Splendido embark on ramped up campaign; Asia Pacific and Australian focus - New Hellboy, Arctic Fortune and Robot Butler video slots plus Mega Moolah Progressive, Scoop the Cash, Summer Holiday, Carnaval and Keno
PartyGaming Decides to Protect Its Online Customers With Two-Factor Authentication From VASCO Data Security
PartyGaming update on PartyMarkets; London Capital Group deal completed last week
Events: INTRALOT Interactive Sponsors Fire&Ice 2010 - London, 29th January
Events: iGaming DownUnder Australian online casino affiliate conference scheduled for March 2010
New Games: Melon Madness progressive jackpot at Party, Slotbox and Bar X at Virgin Casino and Hellboy at Casino Splendido
Thor and The Incredible Hulk slot games a organic - viral popularity hit on YouTube
Sinatra slot continues to win over old and new players alike; PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan ramp with response to classic Sinatra slot game
InterCasino driving forward with DC Comics branded slots
Community News - igaming business raises funds for disaster in Haiti
Betfair popularity increases in Australia, Asia Pacific - controversy raises awareness of service
Microgaming - Hellboy branded online slot machine a bit hit with punters; Mega Moolah ISIS gives Cleopatra a run for her money
Aussie Millions - Annette “Annette_15” Obrestad wins Pot Limit Omaha - Event #4; Pockets $40,000 AUD
PartyGaming's PartyPartners gets eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal
PKR looking to introduce "Avatar" type technology to its 3D poker room
World Series of Poker 2010 will allow Tweeting at table
Playtech and Sega delighted with online b2b partnership deal
Social networking websites maintain popularity with gaming industry and players; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.com and YouTube.com lead the charge
James Packer - back on top of the gaming world - Crown Limited shares up, players and return on investment on upswing at Macau's City Of Dreams, and Fairfax, Bloomberg and News Limited provide balanced and positive stories on Packer's comeback
Ric Flair continues to add business clout to TNA; More gaming, igaming and lottery deals expected
The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) upcoming return to WWE likely to boost Legends Of Wrestling game sales, TV ratings and b2b deals
Stan Lee, Marvel icon very happy with adaptations of Marvel super heroes for movies and games; Looking forward to seeing more Marvel heroes come to life
Tony G does business deal with PartyGaming's Noble Poker; PartyGaming
PokerPoker signs Canadian / British hybrid expat Kara Scott
World Poker Tour site revamp continues with PartyGaming promos, offers et al
PokerStars maintains grasp on world's #1 online casino says PokerScout
Pro wrestling - Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair online slots still rumored for release this year; PartyGaming and NextGen Gaming in the running
Poker Babes - Michigan Ramada Inn poker event with topless dealers gets busted by Michigan State Police
UFC - PartyBets and BetUS.com battle for punters entertainment dollar on events; Australian government may try to ban UFC sports betting and video game
Casino Legal - online poker could become 100% legal in Florida writes Florida Times-Union
Casino Legal - bet with your head, not over it, set limits and keep it enjoyable
Casino Legal - Australian pokie crackdown at pubs and hotels might boost online gaming industry
Multi currency feature popular with players
World Casino Directory format preferred by players, industry and portal developers
Media Man website network approaching 5 million hits for the month of January; Media Man website maintains Hitwise Australia top ten status (entertainment category)
Media Man buys up more .coms and .nets; More lifestyle, property, bingo and news sites in the works - Preparing to launch more website portals next month to coincide with Productivity Commission report on gaming
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
More gaming concessions ‘unlikely’ - 21st January 2010
The Macau government is unlikely to make available new gambling concessions, the territory’s chief gambling regulator said, dimming foreign casino operators’ hopes of entering the world’s biggest and fastest-growing gambling market.
“I think the possibility of more concessions is very low,” Manuel Joaquim das Neves, director of Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.
Malaysian conglomerate Genting Bhd and Harrah’s Entertainment, the world’s largest casino operator, is among the companies hoping the Macau government will make more concessions than the current six available as they eye investment opportunities in the territory.
Currently, Macau’s six concessions are controlled by Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, MGM Mirage, together with businesswoman Pansy Ho, Hong Kong-listed Galaxy Entertainment Group, Macau gambling tycoon Stanley Ho’s SJM Holdings and Melco Crown Entertainment, a joint venture between Hong Kong-listed Melco International Development and Australia’s Crown.
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“I think the possibility of more concessions is very low,” Manuel Joaquim das Neves, director of Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.
Malaysian conglomerate Genting Bhd and Harrah’s Entertainment, the world’s largest casino operator, is among the companies hoping the Macau government will make more concessions than the current six available as they eye investment opportunities in the territory.
Currently, Macau’s six concessions are controlled by Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, MGM Mirage, together with businesswoman Pansy Ho, Hong Kong-listed Galaxy Entertainment Group, Macau gambling tycoon Stanley Ho’s SJM Holdings and Melco Crown Entertainment, a joint venture between Hong Kong-listed Melco International Development and Australia’s Crown.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Blog: SEO, World casino news update; Pop culture flashbacks
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SEO, Search Engines, Hunt Machine on the web and more; Gonzo news for business
SEO, Search Engines, Hunt Machine on the web and more; Gonzo news for business
SEO or Hunt Machine Optimisation is the process of perfecting the website’s visibility to have applicable quests on hunt machines. More visibility in hunt results makes the point attract the attention of the druggies.
Search Machines similar as Google, Yahoo, Bing use technology to bottleneck on the web on different spots. They collect information about each point and also put them in an indicator. Further, the algorithm analyses the runners in the indicator grounded upon numerous different factors to determine the applicable spots that appear in a hunt result. The ranking factors for seo toronto can be keywords, unique content, applicable length of content, image attributes, etc. Optimizing the point with SEO factors can grease crawling and indexing and help the point rank advanced in hunt results. Unlike paid hunt advertisements, organic rankings on point can’t be achieved on hunt machines. thus, it becomes important to optimize websites to rank advanced in hunt results.
When it comes to Statistics, The first five Google quests on the first runner account for 67.60, while only 0.78 of Google quest click on the alternate runner. 70 of the marketers consider SEO more effective than PPC for generating deals. 51 of shoppers surveyed say they use Google to probe a purchase they plan to make online. These are a many statistics to punctuate the significance of SEO in 2021.
An effective SEO strategy can help the runner rank advanced and reach the right followership and increase website business when it comes to businesses. It can also help in getting transformations. Readout why SEO is important for businesses in 2021.
1. Increases visibility of a website
SEO, when done right, can help businesses increase their visibility on the website. It’s the direct motorist of bettered visibility and prints in the hunt results. Using the right keywords, adding backlinks from high sphere authority websites, optimizing metadata on the point, and participating unique content are among the many factors that can help the point increase visibility. SEO facilitates crawling and indexing, which helps in adding the visibility of a website.
2. Increases website business
Organic hunt is pivotal to a business. Search Machines contribute to a business’s visibility, and SEO can help druggies land to the point. SEO builds an online presence, increases website business, and helps the business to grow. The advanced the website ranks, the further business the business shall admit. The first Google hunt result has a28.5 click- through rate which falls down to2.5 for the tenth hunt result.
3. Enhances stoner trust on website
SEO establishes the authority of content on the hunt machine by admitting parameters like unique content, quality backlinks, advanced runner ranking, and stoner geste, which enhances stoner trust in the website. spots that are listed on the hunt machine are considered believable than the runners that are n’t. Quality SEO helps establish business credibility, gives exposure, and enhances its character.
4. This leads to a better consumer experience of the website.
SEO can help in perfecting the consumer experience and furnishing quality content to the consumers. It makes the content dependable through quality backlinks and the right keywords. SEO helps search machines in relating the right spots that are helpful to the stoner. Website speed is another criterion that plays an important part. A slow website will have a high brio and tends to distort the stoner experience.
5. Search Machines aren’t perfect, and if you do n’t take applicable way, your website will be ranked lower.
Hunt Machines need or, as we call, colorful conditions to identify point applicability. SEO enables the hunt machine to effectively judge its applicability and show the same in the hunt results. The better these conditions are satisfied, the advanced the runner ranks, which can help the business get website business, make credibility, and lead to transformations.
6. High website business would lead to advanced transformations.
Transformations can be appertained to the asked thing the point or business has. That can be enabling deals, subscribing to a service, adding readership, etc. Quality SEO promotes high website business which in turn leads to advanced transformations. High-engaging websites are bound to get a better conversion as they can gather maximum eyeballs.
Conclusion
SEO has come a critical element to the online success of businesses. Businesses who want to make sure of their strong online presence need to invest in SEO.
Pop Culture Flashback
Entertainment news, WWE, Hollywood, Australia, Sin City, Las Vegas, gaming and more...
What an exciting time for entertainment, movies, gaming and wrestling fans. WWE new angles and storylines, plus Main Event hits Australian TV
We've also got Hollywood box office reports, pro wrestling scoops, celebrity news and lots more. The Media Man agency with the latest...
James Bond new documentary...
The highs and lows of the James Bond film franchise have been brought into the spotlight with the release of a new documentary. 'Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007' charts the story behind the movie franchise and has been launched to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the films. Director Steven Riley told Reuters he was pleased the producers let him delve into the story behind the stories. 'I wanted to tell a real truthful history of the franchise, so I had requested that we could tackle some of the tricky areas, some of the hard luck story of Bond and they were thankfully very open about that,' he said. 'There were many obstacles in the way, there were changing times to cope with changing generations, tastes, there were changing relations - well personal struggles and personal relationship failures and really how did the films survive despite those obstacles in the way was something I really wanted to get to the root of.' Riley said. The documentary interviews five of the six official bond actors with the original Bond, Sean Connery, a noticeable absence after turning down interview requests. Former Bond girls mingled with the biggest names in James Bond at the premier screening in London earlier this week. Among the guests were the children of the pioneering producers of the film franchise Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. 'Well you know it's our baby and we feel very very protective over the Bond franchise, it's something our father started over 50 years ago and he had great passion for it and we have just been carrying the flame.' Cubby's daughter Barbara Broccoli told Reuters. 'Everything or Nothing' was released in theatres on Friday October 5, branded 'Global James Bond Day'.
Adele's Bond theme tops iTunes...
Adele's theme for the new Bond film Skyfall has shot to the top of the iTunes chart within hours of its release today. The track is hotly tipped to become the first 007 theme to make it to number one in the official chart when it is announced on Sunday. The song - also called Skyfall is her first new material since her career exploded following the success of second album 21 early last year.
The Rock on: Dwayne Johnson’s new competition series, The Hero; U.S auditions...
Adele's Bond theme tops iTunes...
Adele's theme for the new Bond film Skyfall has shot to the top of the iTunes chart within hours of its release today. The track is hotly tipped to become the first 007 theme to make it to number one in the official chart when it is announced on Sunday. The song - also called Skyfall is her first new material since her career exploded following the success of second album 21 early last year.
The Rock on: Dwayne Johnson’s new competition series, The Hero; U.S auditions...
Arnie admits cheating with Stallone's ex-wife...
Arnold Schwarzenegger had an affair with Brigitte Nielsen shortly before she wed Sylvester Stallone. The philandering actor has revealed he had a steamy fling with the actress - who was once married to his good pal Sylvester - during the early years of his relationship with now ex-wife Maria Shriver. Arnold has confessed to having an affair with the Danish actress while he was dating Maria in his new autobiography, according to US gossip website TMZ. He wrote that he and Brigitte became close while filming 'Red Sonja' together in 1985; the same year she married Sylvester. The 'Terminator' film star's admission comes more than a year after Brigitte originally blew the whistle on their "outrageous affair" in her own memoir 'You Only Get One Life', in which she claimed she didn't know he was living with Maria at the time. Maria is said to be furious with the actor for doing an interview about her reaction to his new book on '60 Minutes' because she did not receive an advance copy of his tell-all and was not contacted by the show to give her own reaction before their interview. He has also reportedly told Maria that she should not expect a share of the profits from his autobiography, 'Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story', even though much of the book is about their relationship. Arnold recently admitted his affair was the "stupidest thing" he ever did in his marriage. He said: "I think it was the stupidest thing I've done in the whole relationship. It was terrible. I inflicted tremendous pain on Maria and unbelievable pain on the kids."
WWE Studios 'The Day' positive movie reviews...
"The Day" hit theaters this week and the positive reviews are in on WWE Studios and Anchor Bay Films' chilling horror film about a day in the lives of a group of people living in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Variety by Marc Graser
" 'The Day' is one of the most effective horror movies made in years, successfully delivering a feeling of dread that so many films in the genre lack these days, along with a unique story and captivating characters. Douglas Aarniokoski doesn’t take the easy out in his direction and never relies on camp or amps up the gore quotient to thrill audiences. He’s an impressive filmmaker who is worth keeping an eye on."
HollywoodLife.com by Russ Weakland
"WWE Studios and Anchor Bay Films have always delivered films all over the spectrum and with 'The Day' they continue to entertain us with a story of humanity torn by war, destroying civilizations and most of all life on earth, which makes those that are the survivors realize they must do whatever it takes to stay alive." ...
"So if you want to go out and see a film that will make you think and give you some jumps and chills 'The Day' is your movie. You will not be disappointed!"
The Los Angeles Times by Mark Olsen
"Luke Passmore's screenplay is stingy with his explanations about who these people are or how the world came to be in this state, and that turns out to be one of the film's greatest strengths." ...
"As Mary, the most recent enlistee to the tribe, [Ashley] Bell has a secretive reserve and steely resolve."
The Rock 'foils would-be burglars in London'...
The Rock has apparently foiled an attempted burglary in London.
The actor - also known as Dwayne Johnson - was working on his new movie Fast and Furious 6 in Hackney when he spotted the group of would-be thieves as they attempted to break into vans.
Johnson, who was dressed as an FBI agent for filming, was said to have abandoned a fight scene mid-take in order to confront the group.
"It was so funny. The Rock looked like an action hero because he had his flak jacket on and an FBI badge in his hand," an insider recalled to The Sun. "All of a sudden, there was loads of gunfire and this giant dressed as a copper was about to mow them down. The lads jumped out of their skin and scarpered down the canal path and left the crew in peace.
"It was like the Only Fools [and Horses] 'Batman' sequence - they must have thought they were in the middle of a real-life action movie."
The source also quipped that the crew have suggested that actor - wrestler Johnson should be single-handedly responsible for security on the Fast and Furious 6 set.
The source said: “It was so funny. The Rock looked like an action hero because he had his flak jacket on and an FBI badge in his hand. All of a sudden there was loads of gunfire and this giant dressed as a copper was about to mow them down. The lads jumped out of their skin and scarpered down the canal path and left the crew in peace.
“It was like the Only Fools Batman sequence — they must have thought they were in the middle of a real-life action movie.
“Now the crew are joking that they should drop security and just have The Rock do it.”
Dwayne Johnson wards off burglars...
London - Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson scared off a gang of would-be thieves on the set of his latest film.
The 40-year-old actor spotted a group of youths breaking into a warehouse in Hackney, East London while filming The Fast and the Furious 6 and stormed off the set mid-scene - dressed in full FBI agent costume - to chase the burglars away.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It was so funny. The Rock looked like an action hero because he had his flak jacket on and an FBI badge in his hand.
Quick thinking
"All of a sudden there was loads of gunfire and this giant dressed as a copper was about to mow them down.
"The lads jumped out of their skin and scarpered down the canal path and left the crew in peace. They must have thought they were in the middle of a real-life action movie.
"Now the crew are joking that they should drop security and just have The Rock do it."
The former wrestler managed to prevent the theft of expensive equipment thanks to his quick thinking and his impressive 6'5" frame.
The Fast and the Furious 6 also stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and singer Rihanna, who is set to play a villain in the popular film franchise.
Box Office results for new WWE movie...
WWE Studios's latest movie, "The Day," drew an estimated $10,100 in its first full weekend in theaters. The movie, which was shown in 12 theaters, ranked 52 out of 54 movies tracked over the weekend, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. (Pro Wrestling Torch) - U.S news report
No Holds Barred star facing prison time...
Tommy "Tiny" Lister, who was back in the spotlight this summer when WWE re-released "No Holds Barred" on DVD, faces up to five years of prison time for alleged mortgage fraud. Lister, who played Zeus in the WWE movie, pled guilty to "conspiring to commit mortgage fraud" in federal court on Friday, according to a TMZ report.
According to the plea agreement, Lister and other individuals conspired to obtain mortgages worth $5.7 million, costing lenders $2.6 million. Lister was also accused of defrauding lenders of another $1.1 million. Lister is due back in court in September for sentencing, which could be up to five years in federal prison.
David Otunga talks WWE and movies...
WWE wrestler David Otunga said in a recent interview that he hopes to eventually advance to the top of the card in WWE. "I am very goal oriented and want to see my character go to the top. I am hoping to have the creative freedom to do that and let it pan out the way I would like. It’s exciting for sure and hopefully in the next few weeks my character continues to grow," Otunga told ChicagoNow.com promoting Monday's Raw.
Otunga also discussed his recent movie role for WWE Studios's "The Hive." Otunga said, "The film was unbelievably fun because it came to me second nature. With the WWE, the acting classes, and the improv I do it was very easy to blend in. The only major difference was me having to shave. I haven’t shaved in many, many years but it had to be done and it helped me get into character."
WWE Interested In Lingerie Football Star...
The WWE NXT website has added a profile for Summer Rae and in that profile they acknowledge her past career with the Lingerie Football League. On a related note, WWE apparently has interest in another LFL star - Zipporah Chase.
NWA documentary news...
Charleston Post & Courier columnist Mike Mooneyham's Sunday column features a review of a new NWA documentary, "History and Tradition: The Story of the National Wrestling Alliance," which focuses heavily on the history and prestige of the NWA World Title. The story also reviews the current state of the NWA, which is being re-organized by R. Bruce Tharpe after buying the rights to the organization. Included are quotes from PWTorch senior columnist Bruce Mitchell on the history of and state of the NWA and his view on whether the organization has a place in today's wrestling era.
WWE News: Jericho details WWE's lack of long-term planning & day-of-TV-changes in interview on his 2012 WWE run...
In an interview with the Busted Open satellite radio show, Chris Jericho highlighted WWE's lack of long-term planning and changes on the day of TV tapings, which has been exacerbated by Raw shifting to three hours, in a review of his 2012 WWE run.
Notably, Jericho said he did not find out about his "Contract vs. Contract" send-off match against Dolph Ziggler on the August 20 Raw the night after Summerslam until ten minutes before Raw started.
"I didn’t know until the day I showed up, actually ten minutes before Raw started in Fresno that we were doing this contract vs. contract thing. So, I didn’t even know this was going to happen. I just figured I would have a match with Dolph and that would be the end of it," Jericho said.
"So, people who think that there is some long, drawn-out, plan, it really wasn’t. It was about ten minutes before the show started and I was like 'Oh, we are doing a contract vs contract thing? Oh okay.' So there you go, a little special behind the scenes look."
Jericho also said WWE did not have a plan for his feud with Dolph Ziggler when it started after the Money in the Bank PPV in July. Jericho said he pressed for a back-story to their feud before their strong opening promo.
"I couldn’t wait to work with Dolph but I needed a story. What’s the story? They said, 'we will think of one later.' I said, 'I don’t like that.' I need to think of one now since I have a promo tonight with Dolph. We can't think about this next week," Jericho said.
Jericho added, "That’s when I came up with the concept of everyone was bitching that Jericho never won a match on PPV... I thought it would be real interesting to go with the 'you can’t win the big one' scenario. But sometimes the writers will write 'this old broken down guy who is on the last legs of his career.' I’m like, 'Wait a second, broken down? I’m in the best shape of my life, never been hurt, I’ve never missed a match...' I wanted to focus on the storyline of 'he can’t win the big one.' It gave us a great place to go."
Jericho has said in recent interviews that he wasn't supposed to feud with Ziggler in his send-off program culminating at Summerslam. Jericho expanded on his reaction to being told he wouldn't be feuding with the other candidates, Sheamus and Daniel Bryan.
"Originally I was supposed to feud with Sheamus, and then it was Daniel Bryan. Then the day of Raw, they said I was doing something with Dolph. I was like, 'What happened to Daniel Bryan and Sheamus?' They said it changed and I was fine with it. I’ve been doing this long enough that I roll with the punches," Jericho said.
Regarding future stars on the roster replacing the old guard, Jericho talked about the uphill battle that wrestlers like Ziggler and Miz have in front of them not being having well-rounded wrestling experience outside of WWE. Jericho said, "When that light bulb comes on and they already have ninety percent, but that last ten percent is what makes you a great performer; some guys never figure out that last ten percent and when the guys do, that’s when they become guys you can base companies around and put in main events."
Specifically on whether Ziggler can be a future main-eventer, Jericho said, "Dolph is one of the best guys on the roster, but he is still learning as are a lot of the other guys. People say, 'Oh, Damien Sandow is the next guy or Kofi.' These guys are still learning. In time, I think these guys will be amazing, amazing performers. But, right now they are still on their way up the learning tree. So, yes, I think Dolph is going to be an amazing performer. Yes, I think the Miz is going to be a great performer. Lots of guys are getting into that zone, but they are still learning... It’s a different world out there right now than the way it used to be. There is a lot of great, great performers or potential great performers that are on the way to getting there."
[ FYI: Busted Open with Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman can be heard from 2:00 to 4:00 EST on Sirius 94, XM 208, and Sportszone 860 on the Internet ] (Pro Wrestling Torch)
Ric Flair Comments On 'Hangover 3' Campaign And His Daughter Working For WWE NXT...
We noted before that fans online are trying to get WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair a cameo appearance in The Hangover 3 movie. Scott Fishman of The Miami Herald spoke with Flair this weekend about the campaign and The Nature Boy is perfectly fine with it.
"Oh man, I love my fans. So cool they started this whole campaign. I could play anything, as long as I'm not the guy getting married."
Flair also says he's proud of his daughter Ashley, who is currently working as Charlotte in WWE NXT. Flair said:
"It's my hope that people see that her accomplishments aren't a result of me. She's worked extremely hard for this. It's a very physically and mentally demanding business, and I really just couldn't be more proud."
You can check out the full article by clicking here.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/09/01/2980014/hangover-suits-wwe-hall-of-famer.html
Ric Flair going through fourth divorce, waiting for WWE call up...
Details are scarce at the moment, but Dave Meltzer, in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, reported that Ric Flair is currently going through a divorce, his fourth one, with his current wife, Jacqueline Beems. Apparently, Flair is the one who filed for divorce and cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their break up.
The news is unsurprising as less than two months ago Flair was assaulted by Beems at his home, according to a local police report. This wasn't the first such incident during their marriage together, as Beems was arrested for simple assault on February 21st, 2010 after getting into a fight with Flair upon their return to their residence after a night out. They managed to patch things up after that highly publicised and embarrassing affair, but obviously the second fight that required police intervention was the straw that broke the camel's back.
The cause of their second fight together never came out publicly. But Ric Flair still living The Nature Boy lifestyle and their money problems worsening, what with Flair losing his job with TNA, were all likely at least partly to blame. Ric's adultery was at the heart of his divorce with second wife, Beth; while third wife, Tiffany VanDemark, quickly "had enough" of his inability to retire gracefully and lead a more normal lifestyle with her.
Expect a fifth marriage in the not too distant future for Flair, as he obviously has a psychological need to be in a serious relationship at all times, even though he clearly finds it difficult to fully commit to a partner and amend his behaviour to ensure that a marriage lasts the test of time.
Meltzer also had the latest on his status with WWE:
There was talk surfacing of Flair replacing [Vickie] Guerrero with [Dolph] Ziggler but I don't know how serious that is. Plus, even though Flair can legally start with WWE on 9/10, WWE has yet to sign anyone from TNA since the lawsuit was filed.
This may explain why Ziggler is currently in a holding pattern of putting over the likes of Randy Orton and Sheamus on a seemingly weekly basis. WWE may not want to pull the trigger on him cashing in the Money In The Bank briefcase and winning the World Heavyweight Championship until TNA's lawsuit against them for contract tampering has been dealt with and Flair can return to WWE as his manager.
I have mixed feelings on Flair becoming Ziggler's new manager. Though it should help Ziggler to be taken more seriously, there is the risk that he will be overshadowed by Flair and make it more difficult for him to get heel heat. At least being managed by Vickie ensures plenty of boos. Personally, I think Flair would be much better utilised in an onscreen figurehead role - what do you think Cagesiders? (Cageside Seats)
Joss Whedon: 'The Avengers isn't a perfect movie'...
Joss Whedon has claimed that The Avengers isn't "a great movie".
The film has met with critical acclaim and outstanding commercial success, becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time in just a few months, but Whedon, the superhero blockbuster's writer and director, is determined to keep his feet on the ground.
In an interview with Vulture, the 48-year-old claimed that the box office numbers became, ultimately, "meaningless".
He said: "They're large, and you can't really count that high."
Describing what his goals were with The Avengers, he claimed: "I felt like I had a particular mission in making what I felt was a slightly old-fashioned movie, because I grew up wanting to make summer movies and wanting to make superhero movies, and I got to do both at once.
"I felt like summer movies haven't been what I remember them to be, so I felt like I would love to evoke something that's less hip and ironic and more heartfelt and character-driven, and apparently, other people cared about that in a large way."
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly creator then conceded: "I don't think it's a perfect movie. I don't even think it's a great movie. I think it's a great time, and I'm proud of it, but for me, what was exciting is that people don't go to see a movie that many times unless it's pulling on something from within, unless there's a need there. That's very gratifying."
The film is set to increase its box office even further this weekend, after being re-released in the US to take advantage of the Labour Day holiday.
Whedon will oversee a Marvel-produced SHIELD television show for ABC, before starting work on the Avengers sequel, due for a summer 2015 release.
The Avengers Crosses $1.5 Billion At Worldwide Box Office...
While the re-release of The Avengers at the U.S. box office might have failed to break into the top ten Labor Day weekend movies, it did help The Avengers reach another major milestone. The Avengers has become the third movie in history to cross the $1.5 billion mark at the worldwide box office.
While retaining its number three position on the worldwide box office list, The Avengers took in another estimated $1.7 million over Labor Day weekend, which brought The Avengers U.S. box office total to $619.5 million and The Avengers worldwide box office total to $1.501 billion.
Interestingly enough, The Dark Knight Rises also reached a milestone today, surpassing $1 billion at the worldwide box office, which means that combined The Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises have accounted for $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office this year. If you add in The Amazing Spider-Man, which currently sits at number four on the 2012 worldwide box office list with $734.9 million, then the total rises to $3.2 billion. It’s definitely a good time to be in the superhero movie making business.
Jim Carrey joins Kick-Ass 2 cast...
Jim Carrey has been offered the role of Colonel Stars in Jeff Wadlow's superhero comedy, director Jeff Wadlow has strongly hinted.
Director Jeff Wadlow and creator Mark Millar have hinted that the 50-year-old funnyman has landed the coveted role of Colonel Stars in the sequel to 2010's wacky superhero comedy.
Jeff tweeted: "6 days till we start shooting... and we officially have our Colonel. Alrighty f'n then! @ChloeGMoretz @MintzPlasse @donald_faison #kickass2. (sic)"
After Christopher Mintz-Plasse replied asking who his new co-star was going to be, the original comic book's author Mark replied: "Clue - he lives with 200 raccoons and parrots, owns the mask of Loki and named by spielberg as a genius. (sic)"
During Jim's 1994 film 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective', which sees him play the titular character, his alter-ego is a private investigator who specialises in the retrieval of captive animals.
'The Mask' star Jim is reportedly a big fan of the original 'Kick-Ass' film by Matthew Vaughn and was being courted to play the born again Christian superhero, who assembles a motley crew of superheroes to help fight evil.
The sequel will see several new additions to the cast, including 'Scrubs' actor Donald Faison as Doctor Gravity and John Leguizamo as Red Mist's bodyguard, Javier.
The comedy will begin shooting this Friday (07.08.12) and sees Aaron Johnson returning as the lead Kick-Ass, while co-stars Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Moretz and Nicolas Cage are also reprising their roles from the first film.
'Kick-Ass 2' is set for release in June 2013.
Aussie actors Crowe and Jackman at war...
Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman are at war!
According to various news reports, the actors having been fighting like catty tween girls while shooting the new Les Miserables movie.
“They refuse to be in the same room – trying to get them to promote a film together is a nightmare,” a source tells Star magazine.
“They’ve known each other for a decade, but during this shoot, any shred of civility was thrown aside. They can’t stand each other, each calling the other an embarrassment to the profession.
“Russell sneers at Hugh’s musical-theater background. But Hugh says Russell embarrassed his country with his bad reputation in Hollywood.”
Costar Anne Hathaway has tried to mend fences, but the actors won’t budge.
“Producers hope she can convince them to come to a truce, but it’s not looking very promising,” said the source.
Idea of the moment: Crowe VS Jackman at WWE WrestleMania (Jackman is a known massive WWE fan and has participated in a physical WWE angle in the past, so here's hoping).
Howzat: Kerry Packer's war on cricket may be missing Dennis Lillee...
Many in media and sports circles are now buzzing that the true founding father of one-day cricket was not Kerry Packer but Dennis Lillee - yet the TV smash Howzat! whitewashes him from history, one of the original World Series directors has revealed.
In an rocket on Channel 9's ratings blockbuster, World Series Cricket director Austin Robertson - who also featured as a character in the mini-series - said Australians should thank Lillee for creating the one-day game.
In response, the show's producers launched a broadside of their own, claiming they asked Lillee to contribute but the bowling superstar refused to because he wouldn't get any money.
Mr Robertson, who worked closely with the former Nine king and the rebel team, also defended "the Big Fella" and said he was not the bully he was portrayed to be. Nor was the late batting star David Hookes the simpering and indecisive vacillator depicted in the show.
Mr Robertson said Howzat! was great entertainment and brilliantly produced but riddled with inaccuracies.
"The producers made a nonsense of the way they treated the man really responsible for the whole thing - Dennis Lillee," he said.
"Dennis was visible enough but he is not given the acknowledgement for having the idea in the first place, and his contribution in putting the entire thing together. Other people have put their hands up for having the brainchild of WSC but I am here to say that, without Lillee, it would never have happened at the time.
"Though Packer was determined to get the precious television rights, they would never have been delivered at that time without having the best fast bowler in the world in his corner.
"Curiously, the producers of the show, in the curtain-call of the program, in the segment 'Where are the main players today,' DKL was again overlooked.
"I had to ask myself, why did they do that? It was Lillee who delivered the players and, while it was great to be playing on the Packer team, without Lillee it would have never got off the ground."
Southern Star producer John Edwards, who made the show, hit back at Mr Robertson. He said Lillee boycotted the show and "shut down" Mr Robertson after learning no money was on offer.: "He (Robertson) was invited. There's nothing more to say really. He was mad keen on being involved and Dennis got to him and he was shut down. Dennis wanted money.
"We tried to speak to everybody and not everybody wanted to speak. Some people had grievances and grudges.
"(Writer) Chris Lee tried to involve them as much as as possible in the story and they chose not to be involved."
Mr Robertson confirmed he and Lillee had been approached but declined to take part. He declined to comment further or say whether money was an issue.
Lillee could not be reached but he has consistently refused to comment on Howzat!.
Mr Robertson praised Mr Packer and revealed the media tycoon was not as aggressive as the show portrayed: "The portrayal of Kerry as a constant bully and user of foul language is far from the truth. He could bully. I saw him on many occasions rise up like an out-of-control bull elephant and reduce a grown man to tears. I heard him swear like a storm trooper when out of control. But I never saw him chuck a plate of food.
"I thought Kerry was in the main a humble man, often revealing great compassion, a gentle giant who would talk issues out for hours before making a decision, and then following it through.
"The mini-series gave everybody the impression he was a loud, foul- mouthed bully and we saw precious little of his other side."
Channel 9 declined to comment however sources at the network said they felt the show was spot on in capturing Mr Packer.
Mr Robertson also rejected Howzat!'s portrayal of friend David Hookes, who died after an altercation with a bouncer in Melbourne in 2004.
"David was not a weak, indecisive and nervous character who 'spilled the beans' to The Age's Peter McFarline."
And as for his own portrayal Mr Robertson said: "From birth, and throughout the many years I have enjoyed on the earth I have never had a moustache."
Prince Harry; casino tycoon Steve Wynn and fun and games in Las Vegas and beyond...
As the UK's Daily Mail states it's a rare man who walks away from Las Vegas with nothing to regret.
Prince Harry counts the cost of his escapades in Sin City, he may just be coming to regret the day he ever made the acquaintance of casino tycoon Steve Wynn.
Wynn, the self-proclaimed King of Las Vegas, is the billionaire owner of the five-star Encore Wynn resort, the opulent hotel-casino in whose eight-room, £5,100-a-night suite the prince was photographed playing strip billiards.
Unsubstantiated reports this week have suggested that cocaine was snorted in the suite, and that a known prostitute was among the guests. There are even rumours of a video tape capturing the night's events. So how did the third-in-line to the throne come to meet – even befriend – a septuagenarian gambling mogul?
Steve Wynn, a flamboyant showman with a surgically-enhanced, wrinkle-free face, carefully coiffed hair, a volcanic temper and a trophy wife, is famous for befriending celebrities whose patronage would be good for business.
Last November, 70-year-old Wynn was spotted having dinner with the prince in one of his Vegas steakhouses while the Prince was enjoying a weekend break from an advanced helicopter training course in Arizona.
Waiving the bills of celebrities is common practice in Vegas, and it remains unclear who paid the estimated £30,000 bill for Harry's recent stay. According to Wynn's spokesman, the tab was not picked up by either the tycoon or his hotel.
Is the prince welcome to return? I can't see why not,' the spokesman said.
Wynn is unlikely to be perturbed by Harry's naked shenanigans, but if drugs do turn out to have been involved, he may swiftly seek to distance himself from the events. He may be Las Vegas's most revered casino owner, but he still has his gambling licence and his reputation to think about. It is a reputation that Wynn is eager to protect. He has worked hard to erase the stains of the past.
Today, he is widely credited as the man who single-handedly cleaned up' Vegas and made it into a place in which Wall Street could invest and young families could holiday (if parents don't mind their children collecting the prostitutes' calling cards which litter the pavement).
Yet for all his denials, Wynn, who is worth $2.5 billion, has never shaken off accusations that he was linked for many years to the mobsters who once ruled Las Vegas.
He has weathered successive U.S. investigations over everything from drug-dealing to money-laundering, and has never been found to have committed any wrong-doing.
In Britain, the authorities have proved harder to convince. When he tried to open a casino in London to exploit the influx of rich Arabs in the early Eighties, Scotland Yard denied him a licence. But in the desert city of Las Vegas, he remains a swaggering icon. He has a reputation for being sophisticated' but that's by Vegas standards.
This is a man who bought Impressionist masterpieces only to hang them on the walls of his casinos; who reputedly blew his finger off while playing with a gun given to him by a former Mob hitman, and who boasts that his wife Andrea has the greatest butt in the world'.
Money is no object. In 2005, Wynn sank $2.7 billion into building just one hotel the curved glass and steel Wynn Las Vegas. He then did the same again a few years later with the Encore.
So enamoured is he with the idea of himself as Sin City royalty that he arranged his wedding last year to coincide with that of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Hollywood star Clint Eastwood was best man and lingerie model Caprice a bridesmaid. The reception, held in the ballroom of Wynn's Encore resort, boasted a 500-strong guest list which included Sylvester Stallone, Steven Spielberg, Lionel Richie, Sir Philip Green and Celine Dion.
Each guest left with a five-inch high replica of the tiered wedding cake, but it's unlikely Wynn or his rake-thin new wife enjoyed much of the banquet. Both are vegans, and the youth-obsessed Wynn, who exists on a diet of vitamin pills, liquidised walnuts and the occasional indulgent dribble of olive oil, boasts that he still has a 32in waistline.
After years of hard graft and wheeler-dealing, he has earned the right to behave as he wishes. The son of an East Coast bingo parlour operator and hardened gambler, the brash and handsome Wynn Jnr expanded the family business to Las Vegas with a string of clever investments and ambitious hustling.
In the Seventies and Eighties, when Wynn was building his empire, Las Vegas was full of the mobsters who had originally built its gambling industry.
Some say it was impossible to work in the city and not come into contact with mafiosi, even unwittingly. Others have suggested that, even so, Wynn had an unusually large number of brushes with the Mob.
Wynn himself has vigorously denied any involvement with the Mob, and none of the numerous law enforcement investigations for gambling licences have ever concluded that he worked for or with organised crime.
In 1967, he was with some business associates of noted mobsters on a private yacht cruise on a lake in Nevada when a naked young woman somehow fell over the back of the boat and was chopped almost in half by the propeller blades. Her death prompted an investigation, but everyone on board denied having seen the incident.
And he had trouble with officials in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1986 after investigators discovered mobster Tony Castelbuono, a friend of Wynn, was laundering the profits of heroin trafficking at his gambling tables. Wynn almost lost his gambling licence.
Today, such tales of the Mob are just water under the bridge. Wynn has re-invented himself as the business genius who demolished seedy gambling joints along the Vegas Strip and replaced them with slick hotel-casinos such as the Mirage (the city's first 3,000-bed hotel), the Treasure Island and the Bellagio.
Part of his success has been his ability to turn on the charm with important people. But Wynn is notorious, too, for his temper. In 1991, he reached an out-of-court settlement for an undisclosed sum with the former president of Wynn's Golden Nugget casino, who described Wynn as a womanising, brutal boss.
In allegations made in documents lodged at court, it was said that he would get so angry that his eyes bulged and he started screaming at the top of his lungs and banging his head on the table'. There was no admission of liability by Wynn, who denied the allegations.
His mother Zelma claims his tyrannical behaviour is the result of frustration over his failing eyesight. The tycoon suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive genetic disease which effectively gives him tunnel vision by destroying his ability to see peripheral images. In a dark room, he is completely blind.
His vision may be failing, but for years he was infamous for his roving eye, keeping keys to empty rooms at his various hotels for trysts. He was known to favour his female blackjack croupiers.
All that came to a stop when he met the beautiful Mrs Wynn. Usually described as a British socialite, 48-year-old Andrea was, in fact, born in New York but, as her proud husband likes to stress, was raised in England and France. Tres sophistique.
It all sounds rather less chic when you learn that the family moved to France because her father, a wheeler-dealer named Victor Danenza, fled there in 1976 to escape an FBI fraud investigation.
Before becoming the second Mrs Wynn, Andrea had lived in London with her first husband, Texan banker Robert Hissom, a former polo-playing friend of Prince Charles.
She met Wynn in 2008 in St Tropez, where he keeps a yacht, and the couple began a very public romance. Wynn divorced his long-suffering first wife Elaine, after 46 years of marriage, and wed Andrea last year.
Elaine made around $740 million from the settlement one of the biggest payouts in U.S. divorce history. The costly divorce appears not to have troubled Mr Wynn, who is delighted with his new wife.
It's like God made a woman for me,' he once said, before pointing out the part of his wife he most admired the greatest butt in the world'.
It all goes to show that money can buy you neither taste nor manners. Even Wynn's attempts to acquire a collection of old masterpieces have invited accusastions that he was vulgar and greedily acquisitive.
He has, since the late Nineties, spent hundreds of millions of dollars on paintings by Picasso and Degas, Caravaggio and Titian. He has several times scooped the world's great galleries at auction, only to horrify the art world by hanging his purchases in his casinos.
At 70, he shows no sign of slowing down though controversy continues to dog him. He is embroiled in a three-year court battle with Joe Francis, founder of the soft porn video empire Girls Gone Wild.
In documents lodged at court, Francis claims Wynn threatened in an email that he would kill him over a $2 million gambling debt. Wynn is alleged to have written that he would hit Francis in the back of the head with a shovel'.
Wynn denies the allegations and claims no such email exists.
In Asia, where Wynn now earns 70 per cent of his profits from the gambling mecca of Macau, a resort on the South China Sea, he is embroiled in a battle with a former business partner, Kazuo Okada.
This week, Okada sued Wynn for $140 millino for libel after each accused the other of paying bribes within the Asian gambling industry. No amount of black marble and old masters can hide the sleaziness at the heart of Las Vegas.
It is hard to believe Wynn when he claims he could just as easily have gone into family theme parks if Walt Disney hadn't done it first. Indeed, it seems about as likely as Prince Harry settling for free entry to Sleeping Beauty's Castle rather than a weekend with his colourful acquaintances in Sin City.
One ponders if the prince may be planning to visit in any casino - hotels in the near future, and little doubt that Australia's The Star or Crown Melbourne would love to have him. The smart money say's Prince Harry will no be stepping into any casino in Australia or anywhere else in the near future, perhaps more positive PR appearances will be on the cards however.
The Top 10 best MMA fights of the rest of 2012...
There are plenty of exciting fights to look forward to before 2013. Here’s a look at our top 10 (barring injuries):
10. Rich Franklin vs. Cung Le (UFC on Fuel TV 6, Nov. 10 in Macau)
This one isn’t as much about the fight as it is about the significance of the event – the UFC’s first in China. Neither of these guys is currently in their prime, but they always give crowd-pleasing performances. Le, a native of Vietnam, should have a massive Asian following.
9. Eddie Alvarez vs. Patricky Freire (Bellator 76, Oct. 12 in Windsor, Ontario)
Alvarez might have dropped the Bellator title last year to Michael Chandler, but he’s still one of the top 15 lightweights in the world. This also could be his last Bellator fight with his contract expiring – don’t be surprised if he’s in the UFC in 2013. Explosive knockout artist Freire will be a game opponent.
8. Joseph Benavidez vs. Demetrious Johnson, UFC flyweight title (UFC 152, Sept. 22 in Toronto)
Don’t blink. These are two of the fastest guys in MMA and both challenged for the bantamweight title before the UFC created its flyweight division. This bout will determine the company’s first-ever flyweight champion and these are legitimately the top two guys in the world at 125.
7. Shane Carwin vs. Roy Nelson (TUF 16 finale, Dec. 15 in Las Vegas)
There’s very little chance this one leaves the first round. Carwin and Nelson love to slug it out and after coaching against one another on “The Ultimate Fighter” they probably won’t be too friendly. It’ll be nice to see Carwin, a former heavyweight top contender, back in the cage.
6. Daniel Cormier vs. Frank Mir (Strikeforce: Mir vs. Cormier, Oct. 27 in TBA)
This might be a Strikeforce fight, but it has UFC implications. Mir, the former UFC heavyweight champion, takes on Strikeforce champ Cormier in somewhat of a crossover matchup. But Cormier will be in the UFC right after this fight courtesy of Strikeforce's heavyweight division being disbanded and a win here puts him on path for a title shot in 2013.
5. BJ Penn vs. Rory MacDonald (UFC on Fox 5, Dec. 8 in Seattle)
The trash talk has already been fun between the two, but things will really heat up when they enter the Octagon. Think of this as something of a passing of the torch fight. Penn, in the twilight of his career, will put up a strong challenge against the young lion, but the multi-faceted MacDonald is nearing superstardom in the welterweight division.
4. Benson Henderson (c) vs. Nate Diaz, UFC lightweight title (UFC on Fox 5, Dec. 8 in Seattle)
This could easily be a Fight of the Year candidate if it goes how it’s supposed to. Neither of these guys gives an inch – both Henderson and Diaz are perpetually moving forward. A win here, against a superior standup fighter in Diaz, would put Henderson’s name among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
3. Jose Aldo (c) vs. Frankie Edgar, UFC featherweight title (UFC 153, Oct. 13 in Rio)
Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Aldo was supposed to defend his title against Erik Koch, but Koch had to pull out with an injury and his loss is the fans’ gain. Edgar was the UFC lightweight champion for more than a year and his last two losses were by the slimmest of margins. Aldo, meanwhile, is a buzzsaw – one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. This is, indeed, a superfight.
2. Georges St. Pierre (c) vs. Carlos Condit, UFC welterweight unification (UFC 154, Nov. 17 in Montreal)
It seems like it’s been forever since St. Pierre has fought. One of the best MMA fighters of all time has not competed in more than a year and a half due to injuries, including a torn ACL. He returns to face red-hot Carlos Condit, who is coming off a win over Nick Diaz in January. St. Pierre, a dominant champ, has never faced anyone with the combination of speed, athleticism and technique that Condit has.
1. Junior dos Santos (c) vs. Cain Velasquez, UFC heavyweight title (UFC 155, Dec. 29 in Las Vegas)
This time, we’ll get the incredible battle of wills that we were promised last year. Velasquez lost his title to dos Santos last November in just over a minute via stunning knockout. To make matters worse, it was the UFC’s first show on Fox and the company took undeserved criticism for the quick, flash KO.
Who knew that dos Santos-Velasquez wouldn’t be a war? This one will make up for it, closing the year on a huge high note – the two best heavyweights in the world trading in the center of the cage. Only one will be standing at the end. (New York Post)
Entertainment, Gaming, Casino and Hollywood News Report: Marvel Entertainment, WWE, Movies, James Bond...
Sony Pictures May Emulate Marvel’s Strategy and Tie ‘Venom’ to ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and Other Films...
Some people including some studio executives scoffed as Marvel Studios began to build a franchise of films that would lead up to The Avengers. The team movie was ambitious, and the result of so much planning that it was easy to suspect may fail. We know now, of course, that The Avengers did anything but fail — it is one of the most financially successful films ever released - currently around 3rd most successful of all time.
That means other studios are now willing to consider emulating Marvel’s strategy. Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment haven’t laid the groundwork for a team film in the same fashion Marvel did, but they’re attempting it with Justice League anyway.
And Sony has the rights to some Marvel characters, notably the Spider-Man and Ghost Rider families. And it seems like the character spin-off Venom, which Chronicle director Josh Trank may make, could be designed to fit in with the new wave of Spider-Man movies that begins with The Amazing Spider-Man. Question is… to build up to what?
Hollywood.com talked to The Amazing Spider-Man producers Avi Arad and Matthew Tolmach, who said Venom is being developed with connectivity in mind.
What I’m trying to say to you without giving anything away is hopefully all these worlds will live together in peace someday…Look for the worlds to make sense with one another.
Avi Arad explained what they’re trying to do with Venom, in basic terms:
It’s an Eddie Brock story. We want to be as close to the comics as possible. Especially in Eddie Brock’s story. But again, pseudo-sceince is becoming science. All these tidbits about webs, artificial webs, is a huge industry now. Spiderwebs have unique qualities that will be huge for communications, fibers, and so forth. So we have taken the approach that we want to make the huge amazing movie about Eddie.
The Brock character was played in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 by Topher Grace, but this will be a new take, presumably with a new actor. Brock will be “a journalist. He had the wrong story, he got in trouble for it, he got fired,” explains Tolmach.
Making the films play nice together makes sense, but now the question will be: can we expect a Ghost Rider reboot that places that character in the same universe? In general, is it reasonable to expect that any Marvel characters held by Sony will get films that are connected in at least some vague way? Sony can’t quite make The Avengers, but it could build up to something like the old Marvel Team-Up comic series.
Spiderman comes to South Korea...
A new face of Spider-man came to Seoul on Thursday (June 14) to premiere Parker's untold story, the latest saga of the Spider-Man franchise.
One of this summer's most eagerly awaited blockbusters, "The Amazing Spider-Man" delves into the origins of teenager Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man, and tells of the superhero that the 17-year-old eventually becomes.
The new spider-man, Andrew Garfield, appeared on a news conference stage with a smile, but he was more than serious when he spoke about the new saga of the Spiderman series.
"There is such a long legacy to honour, and to do justice to, and I think our intention was to start from there, and make sure we were doing justice to these timeless mythical characters that Stanley created," said Garfield at the news conference.
Spider-man's latest instalment reboots the modern movie franchise that began with 2002's "Spider-Man", starring Tobey Maguire as the comic book crime fighter.
Over three films, the franchise amassed around 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in ticket sales, and for the fourth movie, its creators decided to take a fresh look at the series, bring in a new director and hire 28-year-old Garfield to replace Maguire, 36.
Talented actor Garfiled advised wearing a Spiderman suit and mask wasn't very easy, but it was also his dream come true.
"No one wants to wear spandex, but Peter has to for many reasons, so yeah, it was a challenge, but of course wearing the suit itself was a dream of mine since I was three years old, so being able to put it on every day," said Garfield.
Emma Stone, 23, who has been linked romantically with Garfield off-screen, portrays Parker's first love interest, Gwen Stacy, in the flick.
She said Gwen is different from Mary Jane Watson from the previous series.
"She's involved in helping Peter save the day as Spiderman of course, and so there are a lot of differences there, she doesn't sit idly by and she doesn't let him being a superhero stop the relationship from continuing or complain about it, she becomes a partner," said Emma Stone.
The movie director Marc Webb, well known in the country for his romantic comedy movie "500 Days of Summer," said the characters and romance made the blockbuster actions more appealing.
"You'll believe in that action more, you'll experience it in a more profound way if you care about the characters, and I think the only way I know how to create that empathy is through finding relatable characters and finding those little tiny moments between, whether it's between Peter and his aunt or uncle, or between Peter and Gwen, obviously romance interests me in cinema," said the film director Marc Webb.
About a thousand of fans gathered to see the new Spiderman and his girlfriend on a red carpet, and a fan couldn't hide his excitement for seeing the hero in person.
"I'd never imagined to actually meeting him like this, so I'm so honoured to see him in person. I got an autograph signed by Andrew Garfield himself.
I love him!!" said South Korean fan Lee Kyung-hoon.
South Korea's popular girl group '2EN1' was also attending the red carpet event to promote the movie.
"The Amazing Spider-Man" opens on June 28 in Seoul.
No official word yet on when the new movie will hit Australian big screens, but it should be around the same time as Korea.
Comics film gives legend respect...
Many people put Marvel creator Stan Lee in the same ranks as Walt Disney and Jim Henson. This is exactly the reason William Lawrence Hess and Nikki Frakes decided to make a documentary about the comic book legend.
“When I met Stan, I began to realize how big the things he created and stories he told were,” Hess says during a recent phone interview. “I’m into history and with Stan, there’s a rich history in what he’s done. You can tell he’s one of the 20th-century creators that people look up to.”
The duo’s result was the documentary “With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story.” The film will screen at 9 tonight at the KiMo Theatre, 420 W. Central.
Lee will introduce the film and then sign autographs during the Albuquerque Comic Expo, which runs today through Sunday at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The documentary took nearly four years to complete. Hess says production began at Comic Con in San Diego in July 2006.
“We shot about 40 hours of footage right before that,” he explains. “When the project was over, we had 480 hours of footage that we managed to fit into an hour and a half documentary.”
Hess says the editing was tiring, but what softened the blow of cutting so much content out was the ability to make bonus footage.
“Nikki worked really close with the editor in carving it down,” he says. “It was a big process to go through, but it worked out in our favor.”
Frakes says it was important to show the man behind the mask.
“He invited us into his house and we got to see what he’s like with his wife,” she says. “It was important that we captured that and tell the story of how he came to be this icon in the comic industry.”
The duo led a team that searched archives and interviewed people associated with Lee. One of the prized interviews was with “Captain America” co-creator Joe Simon, who died in December 2011.
“Joe was basically Stan’s boss six decades ago,” he says. “We wanted to get inside the inner workings of the comic book industry. There were plenty of heavy hitters that came along in the ’40s. This was a huge interview for us.”
Yet for both filmmakers, comics weren’t the first thing they read. Frakes didn’t read them, but says when she learned more about Lee’s story, she wanted to help tell it.
“A lot of people think that he’s an overnight success,” she says. “He’s overcome a lot in his life and managed to become this cultural icon. He’s worked hard to get to his status.”
Hess, who grew up in New Orleans, was introduced to “X-Men” comics and later the Saturday morning comics that Lee participated in.
“I can still hear him saying ‘Stay Tuned Because We’ll be Knee Deep in Danger’ before the commercial break,” he says. “I appreciate that he’s been able to make an impact like that on me.”
'Black Panther' movie rumour: Marvel Studios...
Entertainment Weekly’s inside sources at Marvel Studios advise the news report is no true, however studio representatives declined to comment on the hot rumour.
A news report from the movie website Latino Review by writer El Mayimbe stated Marvel Studios has committed to making one of its next projects a picture based on Black Panther, the leader of the fictional African nation and the character widely regarded as the first major black superhero.
Marvel Studios and its parent company Disney did not immediately comment on the rumor, which has circulated far and wide, causing a buz among comic book movie fans. But now inside sources at Marvel have told EW that it’s simply not true that Black Panther will be one of their next films.
Black Panther is not just a cool codename, it’s the title bestowed on the Wakandan king. In the comics, T’Challa, a Wakandan prince and warrior, passed the trials necessary to ascend to his nation’s throne, thus earning the mantle of Black Panther. Coincidentally, he also fell in love with Ororo Munroe, a.k.a. the weather-controlling Storm from X-Men, during his journeys, but don’t expect her to show up in any Marvel Studios film about him. She remains a part of X-Men mythology still owned by 20th Century Fox.
Black Panther first appeared in a 1966 issue of Fantastic Four, and the name only coincidentally mirrors that of the militant civil rights political party, created that same year. (He also fought as part of The Avengers, which could factor into any sequel for that blockbuster.)
If the look of the character recalls DC Comics’ Batman, the two characters actually have similarities beyond the costume. T’Challa’s superhuman powers are his acute senses of perception and strength, but he is also a brilliant scientist, and as heir to the throne of Wakanda he is every bit as wealthy as Bruce Wayne.
Wakanda was the site of an ancient meteor crash which scattered the element vibranium throughout the land. That fictional element, of course, is one of the rarest and strongest minerals on earth, and is used in the creation of Captain America’s shield. Black Panther’s prime nemesis is Ulysses Klaw, a physicist who murders T’Challa’s father to gain access to the precious vibranium deposits, which he uses to craft a weapon that can create solid objects out of sound waves.
Being the first mainstream black superhero, there were also political elements to Black Panther’s story. In the mid-1970s, comic book story arcs sent him to the American South, where he clashed with the Ku Klux Klan. Black Panther also ventured into an Apartheid-ruled South Africa depicted in the guise of a Marvel nation called Rudyarda.
The Black Panther script was revealed last January, with documentarian Mark Bailey (The Fence, Ghosts of Abu Ghraib, and Pandemic: Facing AIDS) crafting the story — an unusual choice, but not if Marvel would like to add a dose of social commentary to the action hero’s story.
If Latino Review’s report proves to be true, the next big questions are who would star and who would direct.
In breaking the scoop, Mayimbe proposed Nate Parker, who got high marks from critics for Red Tails (even if the movie itself did not) and garnered lots of praise at Sundance for a powerful turn opposite Richard Gere in the Wall Street thriller Arbitrage.
Parker’s a solid choice, but The Wire‘s Idris Elba would also supply endless intensity for the character. Chiwetel Ejiofor has the kick-ass-professor vibe down, and Anthony Mackie, although a little slim physically, could build some muscle for the role. If we’re talking pure star power and charisma, Jamie Foxx could be a good choice, and will be riding high after Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained debuts this year.
Marvel Entertainment movie fans.. if the rumour turns out to be true it sure will be excelsior!
Pro Wrestling News...
The debut of Steve Austin’s Redneck Island on CMT (in the U.S) this past Saturday scored a 0.42 rating with 665,000 viewers. It was the highest rated show for the day. Austin wrote the following about the show last night:
“It’s a damn crying shame that Canada, Australia, England, and other great countries cannot get CMT Redneck Island. A damn shame. Spreading Redneck Island around the globe is my newest task. Yes…To provide quality entertainment and content across the globe. #CMT #BSR”
- Despite what WWE says in the lawsuit from TNA, most people within WWE believe that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair will return to the company as soon as he is legally able to and that WWE officials would love to have him back at the 1,000th RAW in July.
Wrestling companies square off in Nashville, USA court...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lawyers for World Wrestling Entertainment have told a Nashville judge the company has not and will not use confidential information from rival Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
The pledge came during a hearing last week over a lawsuit TNA filed last month against pro wrestling giant - WWE, claiming WWE had obtained secret contract details in an attempt to poach TNA's wrestlers.
Attorneys for WWE told Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle that the company has not contacted any of TNA's contracted personnel. The attorneys also said WWE has returned the only copies of the confidential information to TNA.
Lyle dissolved a May 24 temporary restraining order against WWE that had prohibited it from using the information to solicit TNA wrestlers, but she made no ruling on the merits of the case. Another hearing will be July 12.
TNA, based in Nashville, claimed in the suit that WWE apparently had already tried to hire away veteran wrestler Ric Flair. According to the court record, WWE lawyers said the company "has no intention of doing so."
TNA alleged that one of its former employees, Brian Wittenstein, went to work for WWE and provided his new employer with contract details. WWE said he was fired when he gave them the information.
A TNA suit against Wittenstein is still pending.
Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for Connecticut-based WWE, said Tuesday the company will file clarifying details with the court. He said the latest order "speaks for itself."
Dixie Carter, president of TNA, said in a statement Tuesday that the company "will vigorously protect TNA and its brand from damage at the hands of any and all sources, no matter who is involved." TNA was founded by wrestler Jeff Jarrett.
WWE Legal Letter To TNA Legal Counsel...
WWE Attorney Jerry McDevitt recently sent a letter to TNA legal counsel Erika Blonquist. The letter was filed with the court last week and can be read below:
First, and as I advised you orally on the phone during our recent conference call, WWE has not solicited Ric Flair to leave TNA and enter into a contract with WWE. WWE has made no offer to Flair and has no intention of doing so.
Second, as I also advised you, WWE has not solicited any other current TNA talent to repudiate their contracts and enter into a contract with WWE. WWE has no interest in current TNA talent.
The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK To Air On FX...
TUF: Australia vs. UK broadcasts on FX in Australia this fall
"The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. U.K." will air on FX in Australia in the fall as the latest installment of the reality series from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
UFC officials announced the news yesterday.
Tryouts for the upcoming season of "TUF" are currently underway, featuring fighters from both Australia and England. The coaches for the season have not yet been named, though an official announcement is expected soon.
"We're excited to be part of the FX family in Australia," UFC managing director for international development Marshall Zelaznik stated. "When the first series of 'The Ulimate Fighter' debuted in the United States seven years ago, it brought in millions of new fans who tuned in each and every week to watch their favorite fighters. I have no doubt that 'The Smashes' will do the same in Australia."
"The Smashes" is the title given to this season, referencing a cricket rivalry ("The Ashes") between the two countries.
While the season will air in Australia, no plans have been announced for those hoping to view in the U.S. Fans could watch "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" online earlier this year as it was taping in Brazil, but the season did not broadcast on national television until FUEL TV began airing episodes just recently.
Are you ready? Are you ready? Let's get it on!
KA By Cirque du Soleil And Marvel Entertainment Bring Epic Story From Stage To Page With All-New Comic Book; KA #1 Released to Fans at Comic-Con International in San Diego 2012...
LAS VEGAS, June 13, 2012 - KA by Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular production at MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Marvel Custom Solutions team up to tell the story of this acclaimed live production through an all-new, collectible comic book. KA #1 will debut at the Marvel booth (#2329) during Comic Con International in San Diego, July 12 – 15, 2012.
"To see our live KA performances transform from the theatre to ink on pages in a comic book is an incredible opportunity for our entire team," said Marie-Helene Gagnon, Artistic Director of KA. "By aligning ourselves with the premier brand of comic book creators, we have produced an illustration of KA that depicts the story very vividly and stays true to the plot. Marvel and its team of creators have been great to collaborate with and have embraced the story of KA and the expectations of Cirque du Soleil."
"Marvel's proud to bring the exciting, out of this world action and adventure of KA to life in this all new comic book," said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. "This is a great comic for fans of all ages, whether they're long-time fans of Marvel, KA or new to both exciting brands of storytelling."
KA fans attending Comic Con International can take home the heroic journey of Imperial Twins separated by war who encounter adventure and peril at every turn on their quest to reunite their kingdom.
"What's more jaw-dropping, the majesty of the Imperial Court...the dynamic dance of their martial arts display...the overwhelming might of the invading archer army...the desperate fight for survival in the storm-tossed seas...or the tantalizing glimpses at the future threats that await the Twins?" said Marvel Editor Bill Rosemann. "Readers can decide for themselves when they feast their eyes on the all-out spectacle that writer Bryan J.L. Glass, artist Wellinton Alves and cover artist Michael Del Mundo have crafted in this world premiere debut issue."
KA #1 will be distributed at Comic Con International in San Diego at the Marvel booth in July. A limited amount of books also will be available at comic book stores in select markets. In addition to the print copy of the comic book, fans will be able to access the KA customized comic book by utilizing Marvel's cutting-edge digital comics reader.
Fans can get an inside look at the making of the comic book by visiting www.kacomicbook.com. Featuring sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes information, including line art, storyboards and more, this site will serve as a hub for details on the collaboration. Fans will be able to receive information on how to get their own copy of the comic book. On Twitter, fans can tweet about the collaboration to @Cirque and @Marvel using the #KAComicBook hashtag.
About KA:
KA by Cirque du Soleil is a heroic journey of love and conflict set within ever-changing theatrical landscapes that conjure an entire empire on stage. Presented exclusively at MGM Grand Las Vegas, KA unfolds on a colossal, 360-degree rotating stage which forms the backdrop for this cinematic journey of aerial adventure and perpendicular acrobatics. For more information visit www.ka.com. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KA and Tweet us: @Cirque #KA.
About Marvel Entertainment:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.
To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook. SOURCE Cirque du Soleil
Macquarie takes a stake in Echo...
Investment firm Macquarie Group has bought a five per cent stake in casinos operator Echo Entertainment Group.
Echo said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Wednesday that Macquarie had become a substantial shareholder in Echo on June 7, having acquired about 35.1 million shares, or about 5.1 per cent of Echo.
Echo announced on Tuesday that it proposed to undertake a capital raising - the amount of which was undisclosed - and its shares are currently in a trading halt.
The company last week lost its chairman John Story after Crown's James Packer launched a public campaign against him.
Crown is Echo's largest shareholder, with a 10 per cent stake.
Echo owns The Star casino in Sydney, the Jupiters casinos on the Gold Coast and in Townsville, and Treasury casino in Brisbane.
Shares in Echo last traded at $4.49 before going into a halt.
Crown Undecided on Support for Echo Capital Raising...
Crown Ltd. (CWN), the casino operator controlled by billionaire James Packer, hasn’t decided whether it will buy new stock in a planned capital raising by Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. (EGP)
Echo, based in Brisbane, will seek to raise between A$400 million ($399 million) and A$500 million in a rights offering being managed by UBS AG and Macquarie Group Ltd., according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The details may be announced as early as tomorrow, the person said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.
Crown, which owns 10 percent of Echo, will wait for details of the share sale, Chief Financial Officer Ken Barton said by telephone from Melbourne today.
Packer agreed to cease a campaign against Echo after Chairman John Story stepped down June 8, Acting Chairman John O’Neill said yesterday. Crown is seeking regulatory approval to increase its holding in the operator of the only casino in Sydney above the current 10 percent limit as Genting Singapore Plc (GENS) built a stake of 4.9 percent.
“We’ll wait to see what they’re proposing,” Barton said.
Trading in Echo shares was halted yesterday, ahead of the capital raising. Spokeswomen for UBS and Macquarie in Sydney declined to comment.
Brad Schmitt, a Sydney-based spokesman for Echo, declined to comment on the fundraising plan in an e-mailed statement. The Australian Financial Review reported that Echo is planning to raise A$400 million earlier today, without saying where it got the information.
Genting’s stake may make it harder for Crown to take control of Echo and increases the chances of a bidding war, according to Gary Pinge, Macquarie Group Ltd.’s regional head of gaming and consumer research. Though a joint bid by the two companies is possible, Crown won’t want to see Genting “entering its backyard,” he said.
Story resigned after Crown, which owns casinos in Melbourne and Perth, called a meeting to vote on his removal and ran advertisements in local newspapers criticizing the company’s “underperformance” under his leadership. Packer has now withdrawn his request for a shareholder meeting.
Echo owns the Star in Sydney as well as three casinos in the state of Queensland.
Hot Body of 2012...
ELLE MACPHERSON
Admit it: 48 never looked this good! The Aussie model, known around the world as "The Body," ignited bikini envy from a whole new generation of beachgoers when she flaunted her fit form in the pages of PEOPLE. "I do get jitters," says Macpherson of donning a two-piece 20-plus years after gracing four Sports Illustrated covers. "I was comfortable [at the shoot]. But I had to get my self-conscious 'maybe I don't look my best' head out of the way and go with, 'Let's celebrate where I'm at.'"
James Bond turns 50...
James Bond turns 50 this year but you'd never know it by looking at him. Despite hundreds of skirmishes with the world's scariest villains, not to mention a diet heavy on shaken-not-stirred martinis, the man in the Aston Martin still cuts a dashing figure.
In October, it will have been five decades since 007 -- in the form of Sean Connery -- first sauntered onto movie screens in "Dr. No." And he's still going strong. The Bond movies are not only the longest continuously running series in cinema history but also the most successful, with more than $5 billion in box-office receipts. Take that, George Lucas.
Daniel Craig, the sixth actor to play the world-saving spy, will step into Bond's shoes once again on Oct. 26 with "Skyfall," the 23rd film in the series. Also this October, MGM will celebrate 007's birthday with a 22-disc Blu-ray set that finally makes all of the movies available in high definition.
The movies, which will be presented in 35 mm prints, include "Goldfinger" (June 17), "GoldenEye" (June 26), "The Spy Who Loved Me" (July 2), "Dr. No" (July 10), "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (July 16), "Live and Let Die" (July 24) and "From Russia With Love" (July 30).
The Bond film franchise began in 1962 with "Dr. No." It was not only a worldwide smash but also turned out to be a big influence on popular culture. Think "The Man From U.N.C.L.E," "Our Man Flint," "Get Smart" and "Mission: Impossible."
So where did the idea come from? Ian Fleming, of course. A former journalist and British Naval intelligence officer, he conceived of the book series in 1952 while vacationing in Jamaica in a holiday home he called Goldeneye.
James Bond made his first appearance in "Casino Royale," which was published in 1953. Thirteen more Bond books by Fleming followed.
Since the release of "Dr. No," we have never gone more than five or six years without a new Bond flick. Connery played him five times 1962-1967 and then again in 1971 and 1983. In between, there was a one-off appearance by George Lazenby. In 1973, Roger Moore took over for seven outings.
Next came Timothy Dalton for two films beginning in 1987. Pierce Brosnan got the job in 1995 for four features. The latest Bond is Craig, who has played him in series re-boot "Casino Royale," "Quantum of Solace" and the upcoming "Skyfall."
Did we mention that Bond also enjoys a good game of poker and baccarat and often the stakes have been life or death. Would you like to play with Bond? That's what we thought.
Sony Pictures May Emulate Marvel’s Strategy and Tie ‘Venom’ to ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and Other Films...
Some people including some studio executives scoffed as Marvel Studios began to build a franchise of films that would lead up to The Avengers. The team movie was ambitious, and the result of so much planning that it was easy to suspect may fail. We know now, of course, that The Avengers did anything but fail — it is one of the most financially successful films ever released - currently around 3rd most successful of all time.
That means other studios are now willing to consider emulating Marvel’s strategy. Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment haven’t laid the groundwork for a team film in the same fashion Marvel did, but they’re attempting it with Justice League anyway.
And Sony has the rights to some Marvel characters, notably the Spider-Man and Ghost Rider families. And it seems like the character spin-off Venom, which Chronicle director Josh Trank may make, could be designed to fit in with the new wave of Spider-Man movies that begins with The Amazing Spider-Man. Question is… to build up to what?
Hollywood.com talked to The Amazing Spider-Man producers Avi Arad and Matthew Tolmach, who said Venom is being developed with connectivity in mind.
What I’m trying to say to you without giving anything away is hopefully all these worlds will live together in peace someday…Look for the worlds to make sense with one another.
Avi Arad explained what they’re trying to do with Venom, in basic terms:
It’s an Eddie Brock story. We want to be as close to the comics as possible. Especially in Eddie Brock’s story. But again, pseudo-sceince is becoming science. All these tidbits about webs, artificial webs, is a huge industry now. Spiderwebs have unique qualities that will be huge for communications, fibers, and so forth. So we have taken the approach that we want to make the huge amazing movie about Eddie.
The Brock character was played in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 by Topher Grace, but this will be a new take, presumably with a new actor. Brock will be “a journalist. He had the wrong story, he got in trouble for it, he got fired,” explains Tolmach.
Making the films play nice together makes sense, but now the question will be: can we expect a Ghost Rider reboot that places that character in the same universe? In general, is it reasonable to expect that any Marvel characters held by Sony will get films that are connected in at least some vague way? Sony can’t quite make The Avengers, but it could build up to something like the old Marvel Team-Up comic series.
Spiderman comes to South Korea...
A new face of Spider-man came to Seoul on Thursday (June 14) to premiere Parker's untold story, the latest saga of the Spider-Man franchise.
One of this summer's most eagerly awaited blockbusters, "The Amazing Spider-Man" delves into the origins of teenager Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man, and tells of the superhero that the 17-year-old eventually becomes.
The new spider-man, Andrew Garfield, appeared on a news conference stage with a smile, but he was more than serious when he spoke about the new saga of the Spiderman series.
"There is such a long legacy to honour, and to do justice to, and I think our intention was to start from there, and make sure we were doing justice to these timeless mythical characters that Stanley created," said Garfield at the news conference.
Spider-man's latest instalment reboots the modern movie franchise that began with 2002's "Spider-Man", starring Tobey Maguire as the comic book crime fighter.
Over three films, the franchise amassed around 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in ticket sales, and for the fourth movie, its creators decided to take a fresh look at the series, bring in a new director and hire 28-year-old Garfield to replace Maguire, 36.
Talented actor Garfiled advised wearing a Spiderman suit and mask wasn't very easy, but it was also his dream come true.
"No one wants to wear spandex, but Peter has to for many reasons, so yeah, it was a challenge, but of course wearing the suit itself was a dream of mine since I was three years old, so being able to put it on every day," said Garfield.
Emma Stone, 23, who has been linked romantically with Garfield off-screen, portrays Parker's first love interest, Gwen Stacy, in the flick.
She said Gwen is different from Mary Jane Watson from the previous series.
"She's involved in helping Peter save the day as Spiderman of course, and so there are a lot of differences there, she doesn't sit idly by and she doesn't let him being a superhero stop the relationship from continuing or complain about it, she becomes a partner," said Emma Stone.
The movie director Marc Webb, well known in the country for his romantic comedy movie "500 Days of Summer," said the characters and romance made the blockbuster actions more appealing.
"You'll believe in that action more, you'll experience it in a more profound way if you care about the characters, and I think the only way I know how to create that empathy is through finding relatable characters and finding those little tiny moments between, whether it's between Peter and his aunt or uncle, or between Peter and Gwen, obviously romance interests me in cinema," said the film director Marc Webb.
About a thousand of fans gathered to see the new Spiderman and his girlfriend on a red carpet, and a fan couldn't hide his excitement for seeing the hero in person.
"I'd never imagined to actually meeting him like this, so I'm so honoured to see him in person. I got an autograph signed by Andrew Garfield himself.
I love him!!" said South Korean fan Lee Kyung-hoon.
South Korea's popular girl group '2EN1' was also attending the red carpet event to promote the movie.
"The Amazing Spider-Man" opens on June 28 in Seoul.
No official word yet on when the new movie will hit Australian big screens, but it should be around the same time as Korea.
Comics film gives legend respect...
Many people put Marvel creator Stan Lee in the same ranks as Walt Disney and Jim Henson. This is exactly the reason William Lawrence Hess and Nikki Frakes decided to make a documentary about the comic book legend.
“When I met Stan, I began to realize how big the things he created and stories he told were,” Hess says during a recent phone interview. “I’m into history and with Stan, there’s a rich history in what he’s done. You can tell he’s one of the 20th-century creators that people look up to.”
The duo’s result was the documentary “With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story.” The film will screen at 9 tonight at the KiMo Theatre, 420 W. Central.
Lee will introduce the film and then sign autographs during the Albuquerque Comic Expo, which runs today through Sunday at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
The documentary took nearly four years to complete. Hess says production began at Comic Con in San Diego in July 2006.
“We shot about 40 hours of footage right before that,” he explains. “When the project was over, we had 480 hours of footage that we managed to fit into an hour and a half documentary.”
Hess says the editing was tiring, but what softened the blow of cutting so much content out was the ability to make bonus footage.
“Nikki worked really close with the editor in carving it down,” he says. “It was a big process to go through, but it worked out in our favor.”
Frakes says it was important to show the man behind the mask.
“He invited us into his house and we got to see what he’s like with his wife,” she says. “It was important that we captured that and tell the story of how he came to be this icon in the comic industry.”
The duo led a team that searched archives and interviewed people associated with Lee. One of the prized interviews was with “Captain America” co-creator Joe Simon, who died in December 2011.
“Joe was basically Stan’s boss six decades ago,” he says. “We wanted to get inside the inner workings of the comic book industry. There were plenty of heavy hitters that came along in the ’40s. This was a huge interview for us.”
Yet for both filmmakers, comics weren’t the first thing they read. Frakes didn’t read them, but says when she learned more about Lee’s story, she wanted to help tell it.
“A lot of people think that he’s an overnight success,” she says. “He’s overcome a lot in his life and managed to become this cultural icon. He’s worked hard to get to his status.”
Hess, who grew up in New Orleans, was introduced to “X-Men” comics and later the Saturday morning comics that Lee participated in.
“I can still hear him saying ‘Stay Tuned Because We’ll be Knee Deep in Danger’ before the commercial break,” he says. “I appreciate that he’s been able to make an impact like that on me.”
'Black Panther' movie rumour: Marvel Studios...
Entertainment Weekly’s inside sources at Marvel Studios advise the news report is no true, however studio representatives declined to comment on the hot rumour.
A news report from the movie website Latino Review by writer El Mayimbe stated Marvel Studios has committed to making one of its next projects a picture based on Black Panther, the leader of the fictional African nation and the character widely regarded as the first major black superhero.
Marvel Studios and its parent company Disney did not immediately comment on the rumor, which has circulated far and wide, causing a buz among comic book movie fans. But now inside sources at Marvel have told EW that it’s simply not true that Black Panther will be one of their next films.
Black Panther is not just a cool codename, it’s the title bestowed on the Wakandan king. In the comics, T’Challa, a Wakandan prince and warrior, passed the trials necessary to ascend to his nation’s throne, thus earning the mantle of Black Panther. Coincidentally, he also fell in love with Ororo Munroe, a.k.a. the weather-controlling Storm from X-Men, during his journeys, but don’t expect her to show up in any Marvel Studios film about him. She remains a part of X-Men mythology still owned by 20th Century Fox.
Black Panther first appeared in a 1966 issue of Fantastic Four, and the name only coincidentally mirrors that of the militant civil rights political party, created that same year. (He also fought as part of The Avengers, which could factor into any sequel for that blockbuster.)
If the look of the character recalls DC Comics’ Batman, the two characters actually have similarities beyond the costume. T’Challa’s superhuman powers are his acute senses of perception and strength, but he is also a brilliant scientist, and as heir to the throne of Wakanda he is every bit as wealthy as Bruce Wayne.
Wakanda was the site of an ancient meteor crash which scattered the element vibranium throughout the land. That fictional element, of course, is one of the rarest and strongest minerals on earth, and is used in the creation of Captain America’s shield. Black Panther’s prime nemesis is Ulysses Klaw, a physicist who murders T’Challa’s father to gain access to the precious vibranium deposits, which he uses to craft a weapon that can create solid objects out of sound waves.
Being the first mainstream black superhero, there were also political elements to Black Panther’s story. In the mid-1970s, comic book story arcs sent him to the American South, where he clashed with the Ku Klux Klan. Black Panther also ventured into an Apartheid-ruled South Africa depicted in the guise of a Marvel nation called Rudyarda.
The Black Panther script was revealed last January, with documentarian Mark Bailey (The Fence, Ghosts of Abu Ghraib, and Pandemic: Facing AIDS) crafting the story — an unusual choice, but not if Marvel would like to add a dose of social commentary to the action hero’s story.
If Latino Review’s report proves to be true, the next big questions are who would star and who would direct.
In breaking the scoop, Mayimbe proposed Nate Parker, who got high marks from critics for Red Tails (even if the movie itself did not) and garnered lots of praise at Sundance for a powerful turn opposite Richard Gere in the Wall Street thriller Arbitrage.
Parker’s a solid choice, but The Wire‘s Idris Elba would also supply endless intensity for the character. Chiwetel Ejiofor has the kick-ass-professor vibe down, and Anthony Mackie, although a little slim physically, could build some muscle for the role. If we’re talking pure star power and charisma, Jamie Foxx could be a good choice, and will be riding high after Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained debuts this year.
Marvel Entertainment movie fans.. if the rumour turns out to be true it sure will be excelsior!
Pro Wrestling News...
The debut of Steve Austin’s Redneck Island on CMT (in the U.S) this past Saturday scored a 0.42 rating with 665,000 viewers. It was the highest rated show for the day. Austin wrote the following about the show last night:
“It’s a damn crying shame that Canada, Australia, England, and other great countries cannot get CMT Redneck Island. A damn shame. Spreading Redneck Island around the globe is my newest task. Yes…To provide quality entertainment and content across the globe. #CMT #BSR”
- Despite what WWE says in the lawsuit from TNA, most people within WWE believe that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair will return to the company as soon as he is legally able to and that WWE officials would love to have him back at the 1,000th RAW in July.
Wrestling companies square off in Nashville, USA court...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lawyers for World Wrestling Entertainment have told a Nashville judge the company has not and will not use confidential information from rival Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.
The pledge came during a hearing last week over a lawsuit TNA filed last month against pro wrestling giant - WWE, claiming WWE had obtained secret contract details in an attempt to poach TNA's wrestlers.
Attorneys for WWE told Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle that the company has not contacted any of TNA's contracted personnel. The attorneys also said WWE has returned the only copies of the confidential information to TNA.
Lyle dissolved a May 24 temporary restraining order against WWE that had prohibited it from using the information to solicit TNA wrestlers, but she made no ruling on the merits of the case. Another hearing will be July 12.
TNA, based in Nashville, claimed in the suit that WWE apparently had already tried to hire away veteran wrestler Ric Flair. According to the court record, WWE lawyers said the company "has no intention of doing so."
TNA alleged that one of its former employees, Brian Wittenstein, went to work for WWE and provided his new employer with contract details. WWE said he was fired when he gave them the information.
A TNA suit against Wittenstein is still pending.
Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for Connecticut-based WWE, said Tuesday the company will file clarifying details with the court. He said the latest order "speaks for itself."
Dixie Carter, president of TNA, said in a statement Tuesday that the company "will vigorously protect TNA and its brand from damage at the hands of any and all sources, no matter who is involved." TNA was founded by wrestler Jeff Jarrett.
WWE Legal Letter To TNA Legal Counsel...
WWE Attorney Jerry McDevitt recently sent a letter to TNA legal counsel Erika Blonquist. The letter was filed with the court last week and can be read below:
First, and as I advised you orally on the phone during our recent conference call, WWE has not solicited Ric Flair to leave TNA and enter into a contract with WWE. WWE has made no offer to Flair and has no intention of doing so.
Second, as I also advised you, WWE has not solicited any other current TNA talent to repudiate their contracts and enter into a contract with WWE. WWE has no interest in current TNA talent.
The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK To Air On FX...
TUF: Australia vs. UK broadcasts on FX in Australia this fall
"The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. U.K." will air on FX in Australia in the fall as the latest installment of the reality series from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
UFC officials announced the news yesterday.
Tryouts for the upcoming season of "TUF" are currently underway, featuring fighters from both Australia and England. The coaches for the season have not yet been named, though an official announcement is expected soon.
"We're excited to be part of the FX family in Australia," UFC managing director for international development Marshall Zelaznik stated. "When the first series of 'The Ulimate Fighter' debuted in the United States seven years ago, it brought in millions of new fans who tuned in each and every week to watch their favorite fighters. I have no doubt that 'The Smashes' will do the same in Australia."
"The Smashes" is the title given to this season, referencing a cricket rivalry ("The Ashes") between the two countries.
While the season will air in Australia, no plans have been announced for those hoping to view in the U.S. Fans could watch "The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil" online earlier this year as it was taping in Brazil, but the season did not broadcast on national television until FUEL TV began airing episodes just recently.
Are you ready? Are you ready? Let's get it on!
KA By Cirque du Soleil And Marvel Entertainment Bring Epic Story From Stage To Page With All-New Comic Book; KA #1 Released to Fans at Comic-Con International in San Diego 2012...
LAS VEGAS, June 13, 2012 - KA by Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular production at MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Marvel Custom Solutions team up to tell the story of this acclaimed live production through an all-new, collectible comic book. KA #1 will debut at the Marvel booth (#2329) during Comic Con International in San Diego, July 12 – 15, 2012.
"To see our live KA performances transform from the theatre to ink on pages in a comic book is an incredible opportunity for our entire team," said Marie-Helene Gagnon, Artistic Director of KA. "By aligning ourselves with the premier brand of comic book creators, we have produced an illustration of KA that depicts the story very vividly and stays true to the plot. Marvel and its team of creators have been great to collaborate with and have embraced the story of KA and the expectations of Cirque du Soleil."
"Marvel's proud to bring the exciting, out of this world action and adventure of KA to life in this all new comic book," said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. "This is a great comic for fans of all ages, whether they're long-time fans of Marvel, KA or new to both exciting brands of storytelling."
KA fans attending Comic Con International can take home the heroic journey of Imperial Twins separated by war who encounter adventure and peril at every turn on their quest to reunite their kingdom.
"What's more jaw-dropping, the majesty of the Imperial Court...the dynamic dance of their martial arts display...the overwhelming might of the invading archer army...the desperate fight for survival in the storm-tossed seas...or the tantalizing glimpses at the future threats that await the Twins?" said Marvel Editor Bill Rosemann. "Readers can decide for themselves when they feast their eyes on the all-out spectacle that writer Bryan J.L. Glass, artist Wellinton Alves and cover artist Michael Del Mundo have crafted in this world premiere debut issue."
KA #1 will be distributed at Comic Con International in San Diego at the Marvel booth in July. A limited amount of books also will be available at comic book stores in select markets. In addition to the print copy of the comic book, fans will be able to access the KA customized comic book by utilizing Marvel's cutting-edge digital comics reader.
Fans can get an inside look at the making of the comic book by visiting www.kacomicbook.com. Featuring sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes information, including line art, storyboards and more, this site will serve as a hub for details on the collaboration. Fans will be able to receive information on how to get their own copy of the comic book. On Twitter, fans can tweet about the collaboration to @Cirque and @Marvel using the #KAComicBook hashtag.
About KA:
KA by Cirque du Soleil is a heroic journey of love and conflict set within ever-changing theatrical landscapes that conjure an entire empire on stage. Presented exclusively at MGM Grand Las Vegas, KA unfolds on a colossal, 360-degree rotating stage which forms the backdrop for this cinematic journey of aerial adventure and perpendicular acrobatics. For more information visit www.ka.com. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KA and Tweet us: @Cirque #KA.
About Marvel Entertainment:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing.
To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook. SOURCE Cirque du Soleil
Macquarie takes a stake in Echo...
Investment firm Macquarie Group has bought a five per cent stake in casinos operator Echo Entertainment Group.
Echo said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Wednesday that Macquarie had become a substantial shareholder in Echo on June 7, having acquired about 35.1 million shares, or about 5.1 per cent of Echo.
Echo announced on Tuesday that it proposed to undertake a capital raising - the amount of which was undisclosed - and its shares are currently in a trading halt.
The company last week lost its chairman John Story after Crown's James Packer launched a public campaign against him.
Crown is Echo's largest shareholder, with a 10 per cent stake.
Echo owns The Star casino in Sydney, the Jupiters casinos on the Gold Coast and in Townsville, and Treasury casino in Brisbane.
Shares in Echo last traded at $4.49 before going into a halt.
Crown Undecided on Support for Echo Capital Raising...
Crown Ltd. (CWN), the casino operator controlled by billionaire James Packer, hasn’t decided whether it will buy new stock in a planned capital raising by Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. (EGP)
Echo, based in Brisbane, will seek to raise between A$400 million ($399 million) and A$500 million in a rights offering being managed by UBS AG and Macquarie Group Ltd., according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The details may be announced as early as tomorrow, the person said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.
Crown, which owns 10 percent of Echo, will wait for details of the share sale, Chief Financial Officer Ken Barton said by telephone from Melbourne today.
Packer agreed to cease a campaign against Echo after Chairman John Story stepped down June 8, Acting Chairman John O’Neill said yesterday. Crown is seeking regulatory approval to increase its holding in the operator of the only casino in Sydney above the current 10 percent limit as Genting Singapore Plc (GENS) built a stake of 4.9 percent.
“We’ll wait to see what they’re proposing,” Barton said.
Trading in Echo shares was halted yesterday, ahead of the capital raising. Spokeswomen for UBS and Macquarie in Sydney declined to comment.
Brad Schmitt, a Sydney-based spokesman for Echo, declined to comment on the fundraising plan in an e-mailed statement. The Australian Financial Review reported that Echo is planning to raise A$400 million earlier today, without saying where it got the information.
Genting’s stake may make it harder for Crown to take control of Echo and increases the chances of a bidding war, according to Gary Pinge, Macquarie Group Ltd.’s regional head of gaming and consumer research. Though a joint bid by the two companies is possible, Crown won’t want to see Genting “entering its backyard,” he said.
Story resigned after Crown, which owns casinos in Melbourne and Perth, called a meeting to vote on his removal and ran advertisements in local newspapers criticizing the company’s “underperformance” under his leadership. Packer has now withdrawn his request for a shareholder meeting.
Echo owns the Star in Sydney as well as three casinos in the state of Queensland.
Hot Body of 2012...
ELLE MACPHERSON
Admit it: 48 never looked this good! The Aussie model, known around the world as "The Body," ignited bikini envy from a whole new generation of beachgoers when she flaunted her fit form in the pages of PEOPLE. "I do get jitters," says Macpherson of donning a two-piece 20-plus years after gracing four Sports Illustrated covers. "I was comfortable [at the shoot]. But I had to get my self-conscious 'maybe I don't look my best' head out of the way and go with, 'Let's celebrate where I'm at.'"
James Bond turns 50...
James Bond turns 50 this year but you'd never know it by looking at him. Despite hundreds of skirmishes with the world's scariest villains, not to mention a diet heavy on shaken-not-stirred martinis, the man in the Aston Martin still cuts a dashing figure.
In October, it will have been five decades since 007 -- in the form of Sean Connery -- first sauntered onto movie screens in "Dr. No." And he's still going strong. The Bond movies are not only the longest continuously running series in cinema history but also the most successful, with more than $5 billion in box-office receipts. Take that, George Lucas.
Daniel Craig, the sixth actor to play the world-saving spy, will step into Bond's shoes once again on Oct. 26 with "Skyfall," the 23rd film in the series. Also this October, MGM will celebrate 007's birthday with a 22-disc Blu-ray set that finally makes all of the movies available in high definition.
The movies, which will be presented in 35 mm prints, include "Goldfinger" (June 17), "GoldenEye" (June 26), "The Spy Who Loved Me" (July 2), "Dr. No" (July 10), "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (July 16), "Live and Let Die" (July 24) and "From Russia With Love" (July 30).
The Bond film franchise began in 1962 with "Dr. No." It was not only a worldwide smash but also turned out to be a big influence on popular culture. Think "The Man From U.N.C.L.E," "Our Man Flint," "Get Smart" and "Mission: Impossible."
So where did the idea come from? Ian Fleming, of course. A former journalist and British Naval intelligence officer, he conceived of the book series in 1952 while vacationing in Jamaica in a holiday home he called Goldeneye.
James Bond made his first appearance in "Casino Royale," which was published in 1953. Thirteen more Bond books by Fleming followed.
Since the release of "Dr. No," we have never gone more than five or six years without a new Bond flick. Connery played him five times 1962-1967 and then again in 1971 and 1983. In between, there was a one-off appearance by George Lazenby. In 1973, Roger Moore took over for seven outings.
Next came Timothy Dalton for two films beginning in 1987. Pierce Brosnan got the job in 1995 for four features. The latest Bond is Craig, who has played him in series re-boot "Casino Royale," "Quantum of Solace" and the upcoming "Skyfall."
Did we mention that Bond also enjoys a good game of poker and baccarat and often the stakes have been life or death. Would you like to play with Bond? That's what we thought.
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