Friday, January 28, 2011

bwin and PartyGaming shareholders approve merger

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bwin and PartyGaming shareholders approve merger

The legal measures specified by the merger plan can now be implemented during the next few weeks.

Vienna/Gibraltar, 28 January 2011 – bwin Interactive Entertainment AG (bwin) and PartyGaming Plc (PartyGaming) shareholders have today approved the merger of their two companies. These approvals in both extraordinary general meetings (EGM) were a condition for carrying out the proposed merger.

Commenting on the results of today’s EGMs, Jim Ryan and Norbert Teufelberger, the proposed co-CEOs of bwin.party digital entertainment plc, said: "Today’s shareholder meetings were a key milestone in the overall process, putting the transformational merger of our two companies well on the way to completion. We are delighted that both sets of shareholders have overwhelmingly recognised the strategic, operational and financial benefits of creating the world’s largest listed online gaming company."

bwin EGM details
A total of 335 shareholders attended bwin's EGM, representing a total of 18.1 million shares. The results of voting at the general meeting in Vienna have been published at www.bwin.org. The legal measures specified by the merger plan can now be implemented during the next few weeks. bwin shareholders will receive 12.23 bwin.party shares denominated in GBP for each bwin share. This share exchange will be carried out automatically and free of charge for bwin shareholders.

PartyGaming EGM details
At PartyGaming’s EGM held in Gibraltar today, all 9 resolutions relating to the approval of the merger with bwin and associated matters, including the change of name from PartyGaming Plc to bwin.party digital entertainment plc, were approved by PartyGaming shareholders.

About bwin
The bwin Group has over 20 million registered customers in more than 25 core markets. On a number of different platforms, the Group offers sports betting, poker, casino games, soft and skill games, as well as audio and video streams of top sporting events such as the German Soccer League. The holding company bwin Interactive Entertainment AG is listed in the ATX on the Vienna Stock Exchange (ID code BWIN, Reuters ID code BWIN.VI), and as the parent company provides various services such as software development, marketing, communications, human resources and finance for its subsidiaries and associated companies. The operational business of the bwin Group is carried out by subsidiaries and associated companies on the basis of licences (e.g. Germany, Italy and Gibraltar). Full details about the Company can be found on its investor relations website.

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Gibraltar Raises Taxes on Online Gambling Companies

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The British territory of Gibraltar has announced that it will be drastically inflating its taxes on all online gambling firms starting in January, a decision that could prove costly for several online poker sites. Online gambling companies are currently paying just a 1% tax in Gibraltar, with a ceiling of £425,000, but starting next month, they’ll be forced into the same 10% tax rate as other Gibraltar businesses pay.

Gibraltar has been an ideal location for many online gambling sites due to the low tax rate and has become something of an “online gambling capital” as a result. Poker rooms such as PartyPoker and 888poker currently hold their headquarters in the territory and the online bookmakers Ladbrokes and William Hill made the move to Gibraltar in 2009 – a decision that was expected to cost the Treasury of the United Kingdom about £12 million per year.

Gibraltar’s first minister, Peter Caruana, said the tax increase has been called for by Gibraltar government’s decision to conform to European law. "To comply with EU law, we must phase out the tax exempt company in 2010," Caruana said. "However, in order to sustain our successful economic model, we must retain a commitment to a very competitive corporate tax model."

PartyGaming, which owns and operates PartyPoker from Gibraltar, recently released details concerning its long-awaited merger with online gambling giant bwin. PartyGaming said in a statement that it would keep its headquarters in Gibraltar while bwin continues to operate in Austria. Whether the news of the tax increase changes those plans remains to be seen. "We’ve known about this for some time and we’ve factored it in," said PartyGaming spokesman John Shepherd. "The tax is still going to be very low."

According to a report in The Guardian, while online companies will now pay the standard 10% tax rate paid by other businesses, they will still not be subjected to any Value Added Tax (VAT), meaning that Gibraltar will remain an attractive setting for gambling companies. VAT is a consumption tax only on the "value added" to a product, material or service – similar to the state sales tax that most U.S. residents pay.

Many experts seem confident that the tax increase won’t cause companies like PartyGaming to flee to other locations. Victor Chandler, Chairman of independent bookmaker Victor Chandler International, expressed his assurance in an interview with regional newspaper El Pais: "Nobody will leave, although we’ll all complain about the tax going up." Chandler began his U.K.-based company in 1946 that does much of its business online, including sports betting, casino games, and poker.

The decision will likely add up to big things for Gibraltar in the near future. Under the current 1% tax rate, Gibraltar collected £10.5 million in revenue from online gambling taxes in 2009. So long as online gambling firms decide to stay put, the government can expect to see that number magnify in the coming years.

Online gambling has proven to be an extremely important source of revenue for Gibraltar and it is believed that 2,000 people currently work in the sector, which is around 12% of the island’s workforce. The industry has also helped to protect the local economy against neighboring Spain’s harsh economic conditions. Of Gibraltar’s 30,000 residents, only 600 (2%) are unemployed. The bordering Spanish city of La Línea de la Concepción is estimated to have 10,000 of its 65,000 inhabitants (15%) out of work. (Credit: Poker News Daily)

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Casino News Media: Virgin Casino Offers High Rollers an Industry Leading Sign-Up Bonus

LONDON, January 14, 2011 - Virgin Casino part of the online gaming company - Virgin Games is now offering fantastic new sign-up offers designed uniquely for High Rollers as well as bonus offers for regular players.

Virgin Casino is offering High Rollers one of the best sign-up bonuses in the industry. There are three offers available: GBP350 for a GBP500 deposit, GBP600 for a GBP1,000 deposit, and GBP1,200 for a GBP3,000 deposit. Details of the High Roll sign-up bonuses can be found at VirginCasino.com

For regular players Virgin Casino is offering a 100% sign-up bonus up to GBP100. For details of the promotional offer go to VirginCasino.com

Oliver Wilson, Casino Acquisition Manager at Virgin Games, commented: "For bigger players looking for a better deal than the standard GBP100 sign-up bonus, our High Roller offer is seriously generous and one of the best deals to be had in the industry. We're offering up to GBP1,200 - a great gift for the New Year!"

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.

Notes to editors:

About Virgin Games:

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

- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.

- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry - Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

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

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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Australian Pokie And News Media Wars, by Greg Tingle - 14th January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers, politicians, insiders, outsiders... one and all. The battle for your hearts, minds, wallets and purses continue as Australian gambling and media companies continue to pull out all the stops in order to achieve market domination, or is it world domination? There's something for everyone here, be it casino lovers, haters, media tarts or other. Media Man and Gambling911 with rip snorter of a news roundup for you from the land of Kangaroos, Koalas, convicts and all manner of critters...

Tennis Babe Transforms Into Casino Babe At Packer's Crown; Australian Media's Next Hot Yummie Mummy To Be?

Tennis babe Maria Sharapova commenced the Australian Open Tennis in red hot fashion 2 nights ago the world's hottest and sexiest players landed in Melbourne, home of Australia's original TV 'Underbelly'. The babe of the moment showed off a sparkling engagement ring and smile. This particular Russian babe has taken quite a liking to down under and was more than happy to show off quite a bit of leg, but only a slight bit of cleavage in her new range of tennis gear showcased at a Crown casino media and PR gig. Sharapova's lucky boyfriend, Los Angeles Lakers basketballer Sasha Vujacic, popped the big and brave question to the tennis babe last red October. Her competitors did not seem to be bothered by Sharapova's "media darling" statue or expectational good looks. World #1 Rafael Nadal stripped down during a relaxed practice session on centre court and Ana Ivanovic strutted her stuff on an outside court. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray enjoyed a soccer workout with Melbourne Victory players at AAMI Park. Oh, weather was also a concern, with all the floods that hit Queensland, tipped to also catch part of Victoria. Tourney director Craig Tiley declared the Open weather-proof. "We have two roofs we can close. We also have five indoor courts, so for us rain is - unlike the US Open - easier to deal with. If we are thrown more challenges with the elements we will be able to do what we need to. We have those plans in place to help in terms of scheduling." Isolated showers across southern Victoria could affect the first few days of the event, which starts on Monday. The first week of last year's open was relatively mild but the mercury rose to the mid-30s by the second week of play. In 2009, tennis stars endured scorching conditions with at least three consecutive days above 43C. Paramedics had their work cut out with more than 100 spectators treated for heat exhausting or sunburn. Tiley said major redevelopment work at Melbourne Park would not get in the way of this year's Open. More than 600,000 spectators are expected to flood the Grand Slam venue over two weeks. Insiders reckon the latest range of Tennis babes cum Casino babes, are bound to raise temperates in more ways that one. Feel the heat.

Sin City Sydney - Star City Soccer Fans Ralley...

Sydney FC CEO Edwin Lugt has urged more interaction with supporters across the country after the successful staging of a fan forum in Sydney last night. Lugt spoke at a fan forum organised by Footy Fans Downunder held at Sydney’s Star City Casino Sports Theatre Bar. The forum which will head to Melbourne next month discussed a wide range of topics with fans being given the floor to ask any questions of the panel. Passionate debate and some lively ideas were discussed in front of almost 200 fans. The night also served as a fund-raiser for the Queensland flood tragedy. But as a forum for ideas, it was also a useful exercise, said Lugt. "The fact that we have this (fan forum) means the game is getting serious. It’s maturing". It's understood a few of the fans tried their luck on the pokies and roulette after the forum, some winning, some loosing, and others breaking even. The event was a win - win for both Star City, the fans and soccer big wigs.

Australian Gaming And Gambling Shares...

Company Name Price Change %Change
National Leisure & Gaming 0.01 +0.00 UP +16.66%
Crown Limited 8.57 +0.13 UP +1.54%
Aristocrat Leisure 2.94 +0.04 UP +1.37%
Ainsworth Game Technology 0.27 -0.04 DOWN -12.91%
Centrebet International 1.49 -0.02 DOWN -1.33%
Sky City 2.57 -0.03 DOWN -1.16%

Independent Senator Or Bias Senator; Bluffing The News Media Or Sincere?...

The South Australian based Senator Nick Xenaphon aka 'Mr X's in gambling and media circles, has basically accused Clubs New South Wales of resisting moves to implement new gambling legislation. Senator Xenaphon has backed anti-pokies campaigner Paul Bendat who has took it upon himself to place a full newspaper in the Illawarra Mercury, and is considering doing more. One of his targets is Clubs New South Wales chairman and former Mercury editor Peter Newell. Bendat has been threatened with legal action over the ads. Yep, its getting personal and legal. Senator Xenaphon says the ad calls on Newell to direct his members to "tell the truth" about the Federal Government's mandatory pre-commitment plans for poker machines. "When you consider that literally billions of dollars are lost each year by problem gamblers in this country and that could be avoidable, it could be substantially reduced by a sensible system of pre-commitment. "Then the club's propaganda on this whole issue in terms of how expensive it will be and how impractical it will be, these things need to be exposed." A spokesman for Clubs New South Wales says an earlier advertisement had implied Newell had been untruthful and the ad was overly personal. Joke for readers... How do you know when a politician is lying? Answer: When their lips are moving!

Crown Casino, Melbourne: 2011 Aussie Millions Poker Championship On The Way...

Australia's biggest, best and richest poker tournament has just got on the way. Aussie Millions commenced at James Packers' Crown Casino in beautiful Melbourne, home to the original 'Underbelly' TV series which featured gambling themes. We understand that the $10,600 AUD no-limit hold’em main event will snatch the attention of the poker players and commentators when it fires off on January 23rd. An deep field of 746 punters participated in the 2010 main event, with our own Tyron Krost being crowned champion, picking up $2 million, and soon after being signed u by PartyGaming's PartyPoker. Many other players (and brands) and keen to knock him off as you might expect. The field is expected to be one of the greatest ever, if not the best. High-stakes events include the $100,000 Challenge that commences on January 22, as well as the Aussie Millions high stakes cash game featuring a $200,000 minimum buy-in on Jan 24th. Last year the $100,000 Challenge attracted 24 players for a prize pool of $2.4 million, and it was Dan Shak who bested Phil Ivey heads up to earn a cool $1.2 million. Other substantial buy-in events this year include the $10,500 Australia no-limit hold’em heads-up championship and a $10,500 eight-game mixed event. Stay glued to this dial for more coverage, and don't be surprised if Fox Sports and or / ESPN give it a bit of TV coverage. Poker is big business in Australia and around the world, and media companies are keen to cash in too. Good luck to all players, and on James Packer for your commitment to the "sport".

Aussie Millions Media Run Down...

The Aussie Millions Poker Championship is the largest, richest and most prestigious gaming event in the Southern Hemisphere and ranked fifth largest in the world. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the Aussie Millions is poker's longest running tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, dating back to 1998.

Facts

- The Aussie Millions Poker Championship is held each January at Crown Casino, in Melbourne Australia
- The Aussie Millions ranks as the fifth largest poker tournament in the world by player number
- The championship includes over 20 tournaments culminating in the coveted AUD$10,600 No Limit Holdem ‘Main Event' on Sunday 23 January for Day 1 - Flight 1 (Mon 24 Flight 2, Tues 25 Flight 3 with Day 2 starting on Wednesday 26 January 2011)
- The 2011 Aussie Millions is expected to reach a prize pool of almost AUD$20 million with an expected first prize of AUD$2 million for the AUD$10,600 No Limit Holdem ‘Main Event'
- Over 2,500 individual entrants will participant and more than 600 international visitors are expected to attend including players from the United States, England, Ireland, South Africa, Scandinavia, Canada, Israel, Estonia, Portugal and Russia
- The Aussie Millions generated approximately 8,000 room nights across Melbourne in January 2010, including over 5,000 at Crown alone
- The 2010 Aussie Millions held the largest, cash buy in tournament ever with a $100,500 event attracting 30 players
- It is expected that there will be almost 900 individual players in the $10,600 Buy-In No Limit Holdem ‘Main Event'
What is being billed as the biggest game ever played, the ‘Million Dollar Cash Game' will see 10 of the greatest and most influential poker players of all-time stake a minimum of AUD$1 million to play. However, players can (and will) bring more than a mere million dollars to the table!

IMG Tennis Party: Tennis And Poker Celebs - Sunday 16th January

See some of the world's greatest tennis stars including David Nalbandian, Donald Young, Feliciano Lopez, James Blake, Marcos Baghdatis, Maria Sharapova, Marion Bartoli, Mark Knowles, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Venus Williams. Along with some of the world's greatest poker players in town for the Aussie Millions Poker Championship including 2005 WSOP Champion and Crown Ambassador Joe Hachem, Team Full Tilt pro's Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, John Juanda etc.

This exclusive gathering of world class tennis pro's and entertainment industry heavy weights will make this event one of the best parties of 2011. Crown's IMG Tennis Players Party has become one of the most high profile events of the year. Held on the eve of the Australian Open, the party is also a regular meeting spot for IMG's star players who are staying at Crown.

Aussie Millions Event Number 8 - $100,000 Challenge - Saturday 23rd January...

$100,000 No Limit Holdem Challenge will be for those with deep pockets! Look out for some high profile players with wallets in hand, looking for some wild action including the Phil Ivey and 2007 Aussie Millions Champion Gus Hansen. Up to 30 of the most prestigious and high profile poker players in the world will descend upon the Crown Poker Room for this event. Some of the world's greatest poker players heading the list include; Alexander Kostritsyn, Chris Ferguson, Erick Lindgren, Erik Seidel, Gus Hansen, Howard Lederer, Ivan Demidov, Jeff Lisandro, John Juanda, Patrik Antonius, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, Tong G and Tony Bloom *Total Cost (Buy-In + Entry Fee) $100,500 ($100,000 +$500). *Special thanks to Crown Casino for providing our news media with the detailed information. We look forward to continuing to cover the action.

Melbourne: Gambling Research Agenda Continues At Monash University...

Researchers from Monash University's Department of Marketing are interviewing men and women, from a range of backgrounds and age groups across Victoria, to find out more about the reasons why people gamble and how it makes them feel. Study Principal Investigator Dr Samantha Thomas said research was usually focused on problem gamblers with 'next to no' research being done on people who gamble for fun or those who feel they don't have a problem with it. "Most research is fixated on problem gamblers and psychological and social impacts associated with the negative aspects of gambling. While we're not ignoring that exists we also believe that for most people who gamble, whether it's a problem or not, that gambling has, at some stage, been a social, enjoyable past-time," Dr Thomas said. "At what point does it go from being a 'bit of a harmless flutter' to an issue that consumes their lives? At what point do gamblers realize they have a problem and does public messaging warning of the dangers of gambling have any influence on their thinking or behaviour?" Dr Thomas said public messaging and support group programs specifically responded to problem gambling using poker machines. "We know that people's gambling habits are much broader than poker machines and while the 'pokies' have been portrayed as 'evil' and 'addictive', problem gambling is also evident with people who bet online, through sports betting outlets or on casino tables," Dr Thomas said. Dr Thomas said the research involves extensive interviews and participants will be compensated for their time. "Learning more about why people gamble, when they first started to gamble, and what their social sphere is like is incredibly important in being able to put into perspective behaviours and perceptions of gambling." Dr Thomas said one emerging trend in their research to date is that it appears people who bet on sporting outcomes often do so because they believe it requires skill and knowledge and that winning on 'the punt' is a sign of personal achievement rather than just financial gain. "In contrast we see people who bet on poker machines believing more in 'personal luck' and a desire to 'beat the system' with their goal being a financial reward. Dr Thomas said the team was particularly interested in the experiences of women. "Australia has high rates of gambling in women, and we are particularly interested to how women perceive their gambling activities," Dr Thomas said. Dr Thomas said it was important for government agencies, community help organisations and the industry to be provided with information about gambling behaviours that will contribute to shaping policy and community responses.

A Media Man spokesperson said of the study "Finally, a gambling study that appears fair and balanced, and not just an attack on the great Aussie tradition of having a punt. They will be interviewing a wide array of punters, not just being focused on the so called problem gamblers, which has been quite the fodder of media beat-ups and junk science research for well over a year. We are not certain the gambling hating senators of Australia will use data from this particular study. Why? Because it looks to be honest and straight up, and not just pandering to the Australian government, the like way some Aussie politicians pandered to the American government over Wikileaks. Balanced studies on gambling in Australia are such a breath of fresh air. I might just have a punt to celebrate the good news".

Foxtel Purchases ABC TV Programs; WTF...

ABC Commercial has recently finalized contracts on more than a dozen programs to Foxtel’s owned and operated channels. The deals include the first two series of THE LIBRARIANS (12 x 30’) and all three series of THE GRUEN TRANSFER (32 x 30’), to screen on Foxtel’s Comedy Channel. A further nine programs were sold to Foxtel’s History Channel, including Screen Australia documentary series KOKODA (2 x 56’) and Chinese/Australian co-production PUYI: THE LAST CHINESE EMPEROR (2 x 52’) which will be an Australian premiere for the channel. Two documentaries, GIRLS OWN WAR STORIES (1 x 55’) and ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE (1 x 55’) were also sold to the Bio Channel.
“Our business with Foxtel continues to grow and grow. We are very happy to be able to provide Foxtel with some of the best Australian content in the market,” said Natalie Lawley, ABC Commercial’s Sales Manager for Asia, Australia & NZ. If we hear of more gambling or poker programing on Foxtel or ABC, readers, we will let you know. Be on the lookout for Aussie Millions to get a few mentions on Foxtel - Fox Sports, as well as on the news, and ABC TV is rumoured to do some fair and balanced coverage on their sports reports via TV, radio and online.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (mainly poker and some casino and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? What's your goss for us? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*the writer owns shares in Crown Limited, Ten Network Holdings and Virgin.

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Monday, January 10, 2011

Crown Casino Refuse Jackpot Payment; ClubsNSW VS PokieAct, by Greg Tingle - 10th January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers, politicians, insiders, outsiders... one and all. Media Man and Gambling911 with another hardcore news report hot off the desk...

Crown Casino Refuse Jackpot "Winner"; Wrong Rewards Card!...

Crown casino has thus far refused to pay out many thousands of dollars to an elderly mum (when she was found out to have used her daughter's loyalty card on the winning poker machine.) Crown leaks advise the lady won the 800,000 award points jackpot - worth $8000 grand last Friday but Crown management had told her she had in fact committed fraud! Crown also said the winning jackpot could not be converted into cash. The Crown Signature Club provides points for every dollar spent inside the casino, offering patrons rewards such as free parking, meals and hotel discounts. Folks, you have to read the fine print. Take it from us, its hard to beat Crown, and any casino house for that matter. They are smart cookies to say the least, and that's why Media Man owns some shares in them, and we're up front about it too, unlike some other media companies. Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill said the terms and conditions were made clear to everyone who signed up for the rewards program. "On each machine in that area, the rules of the jackpot are clearly stated, plus at the end of each row of the machines the terms and conditions are clearly explained and the vital term is you must be playing with your own card to be eligible to win," O'Neill said. "As far as we're concerned, the conditions are pretty basic and they're pretty straight forward: to be eligible to get the points you obviously have to have your card in the machine." O'Neill denied the jackpot could be converted into cash, despite a Crown staff member is rumored to have told the press the points could be converted at a rate of 1c a point. "The points go on to your card, it is not a cash jackpot. You don't get money for it." Folks, play by the rules or you could end up very disappointed.

Crown Limited AGM 2010 Recap; Crown Limited Earnings Up...

Folks, Crown is powering along. For those who missed it, and since Crown and 'Our James' remains the talk of the town...Australian casino operator Crown Ltd says revenue from its local gaming and hotels operations since the start of the financial year are up on same period in 2009. Combined gaming revenue from Crown's Melbourne and Burswood casinos between July 1 and November 24 was up abut six per cent on the same period last year, chief executive Rowen Craigie said. Craigie was speaking at the group's annual general meeting in Perth. Non-gaming revenue in the same period was up by about five per cent on the same period last year, excluding the impact of the newly opened Crown Metropol hotel in Melbourne. Including the Metropol, non-gaming revenue was up around 13% on the previous corresponding period, Mr Craigie said. He said turnover from VIP gamblers at the Melbourne and Burswood casinos in the first 21 weeks of the financial year was down 10 per cent on the same period last year. "We are continuing to see an impact from the opening of the two new integrated resorts in Singapore and are yet to capitalise on the opportunity to capture the new business that Singapore potentially offers," Mr Craigie said in a prepared speech. The Metropol hotel, which opened in April, is achieving better than expected occupancy rates and room rates are "firming", he said. Melco Crown Entertainment, in which Crown holds a 33.5 per cent stake, has reported a "broad-based improvement" in the performance of its flagship resort City of Dreams in Macau, the meeting was told. Melco reported improved revenue and earnings in the three months to September 30 compared with the same period last year, Mr Craigie said.

ClubsNSW VS Pokie ACT!; PokieAct Fights Back; Some Documentation Now In Public Domain (Credit: PokieACT)...

Below is my response to an email received on Friday, 7 January around 4:30 in the afternoon. As a matter of professional courtesy, I responded to ClubsNSW's solicitors in the following terms on Sunday morning.

"I refer to your email below. I have not received either your letter nor notification of your letter from Australia Post. My email address is available on the PokieAct.org web site and has been used by the public to contact me.

Please note that because you have stated that your threatening letter is not for publication does not bind me in any way.

The advertisement you attached and commented upon has been revised in accordance with the requirements of Fairfax Media after some debate. To assist you, I have attached the revised advertisement. The revisions may eliminate your concerns.

I reject your suggestion that the advertisement makes any defamatory imputations about ClubsNSW or Mr Newell. There is no allegation that either have concealed anything nor mislead anyone. It is the normal business of ClubsNSW to advocate positions they believe to be in their member's interests and put forward those facts that support that position. In the advertisement, Mr Newell is clearly addressed as chairman of ClubsNSW and in no other capacity. ClubsNSW and Mr Newell as chairman and chief advocate for ClubsNSW are being urged to tell a number of facts that, in my opinion, I consider truths about the pokie gambling pre-commitment reform now being debated.

In substance, you raise four matters of concern to your client. These matters are considered below:

1.
The words you cite ("Casual gamblers won't be inconvenienced. They'll be able to bet safe amounts without a pre-commitment card") as not being presently established are, in fact, an accurate reflection of both the findings of the Productivity Commission and current government policy. Here's the relevant passage from the federal minister Jenny Macklin's speech at Jupiter Casino on 1 December 2010 where she states:

"We also want to minimise the impact on occasional players and overseas visitors. The Productivity Commission’s model would allow occasional gamblers to play outside the pre-commitment system, by purchasing a pre-paid card for example."

This statement was made at the 20th Annual Conference of the National Association for Gambling Studies and was widely reported in the media.

2.
The information about the cost of implementation was obtained as a result of visiting two clubs in Queensland in the company of Rohan Wenn, Senior Adviser to Sen Nick Xenophon. We were both informed by a club manager that the cost of the system in use was $1.50 per day per machine. This system presently provides nearly all of the features of partial pre-commitment as set out by the Productivity Commission. We were informed that alteration to full pre-commitment could be made within the existing pre-commitment system. The present cost of these systems does not take into account the likely economies of widespread adoption or competitive pricing between system suppliers when full pre-committment will be mandated. Those factors are likely to further reduce the cost.

3.
It is open for your client to advocate that the key recommendation and findings of the Productivity Commission about pokie gambling pre-committment are only "conjecture". I do not. I have a high regard for the Commission's research and conclusions. Reports have been published on pre-commitment trials indicating effectiveness that was significant. A report found that for those participating in the system, there was minimal reduction in the pokie gambling spend for recreational and low risk gamblers whereas moderate risk or problem gamblers expenditure was reduced by about 50%. I regard that as significant. In any event, the advertisement prominently indicates that it expresses my opinions. My opinion is reasonably based upon available information.

4.
With regard to the issue of privacy, I again refer to the Minister's speech where Ms Macklin states:

"We will also ensure that the pre-commitment system has very strong privacy arrangements for the data that is collected. The Australian Government has strict privacy legislation to protect people. These are issues that have been successfully resolved in a wide range of areas and we will be applying the highest standards to our gambling reforms."

To speculate that the government will do the complete opposite of what they state is disingenuous. My view is that the Minister is telling the truth.

To indicate that I have any malice whatsoever towards Mr Newell is mistaken. The advertisement addresses Mr Newell strictly with respect to his office as chairman of ClubsNSW. In fact, on the issue of malice, the opposite seems to be the case. Mr Newell declined to attend a meeting with Sen Xenophon if I were to be present. I flew to Canberra and did meet with Mr Ball of ClubsNSW. While there was certainly a conflict of views between myself and Mr Ball, the meeting was cordial and I felt there was mutual respect.

Mr Newell has written an article denigrating my concerns in a ClubsNSW publication. He is recently reported as using the words "panic politics" to describe my endeavours. He is also reported as stating that I have made attacks on his family. This is untrue. As a former editor of the Illawarra Mercury with a high public profile career, I am surprised that, by your letter, Mr Newell seeks to suppress the publication of facts that, in my opinion, are truths of the coming pokie gambling pre-commitment reform even though they run counter to ClubsNSW position. Notwithstanding, I would be happy to meet with Mr Newell at a time and place of mutual convenience. I would welcome a constructive dialogue same as that which has lead to reforms in Woolworths Limited's own pokie policy. Woolworths is Australia's largest pokie operator. My constructive consultation on their gambling policy was publicly acknowledged at Woolworths' recent annual general meeting. My constructive work with Wesfarmers has also been acknowledged.

It is relevant to note the promotional document produced by ClubsNSW that featured former Treasurer Egan was produced while Mr Newell held office at ClubsNSW. That promotion addressed the person ultimately responsible for policy in a similar manner as my advertisement.

Regarding publication, I am informed that it was ClubsNSW itself that provided and therefor published the advertisement to The Australian. I am not responsible for the consequences of that publication let alone Mr Salusinszky's report. In fact, when asked by Mr Salusinszky whether I believed that Mr Newell had mislead ClubsNSW members I stated that he had not. As mentioned above, it is the normal business of ClubsNSW to advocate positions they believe to be in their member's interests and put forward those facts that support that position. In any event, Mr Salusinsky's report is a matter that you should properly take up with the publishers of The Australian based upon my information that it was your client that provided The Australian with a copy of my proposed advertisement.

It is significant that the editorial column of The Australian noted that a mature community debate was under way of pokie gambling pre-committment reform. This characterisation of the advertisement is correct.

Rather than litigation, I respectfully suggest that the better course of action for your client would be to arrange for a public discussion of the issue of pre-commitment reform. Sen Xenophon's staff have informed me that he would be prepared to participate in such an open forum."

Australia's Next Hot Poker Babe; Casino Babes And Media Babes Welcome...

Poker Babes, casino babes, media babes and such have long long a favorite of Media Man and Gambling911. Some poker brands started to pick up the ball (not balls) and run with it, with PartyGaming and Virgin Games touching of things just a tad risque, but now PokerStars is further raising the bar (so to speak). There is now an opportunity for an Australasian-based hostess to follow the PokerStars (.net) Asia Pacific Poker Tour in 2011 and report back all the excitement from each event, capturing every titillating and tantalising moment. Next year you could find yourself partying hard with the boys and girls of the poker tour, celebs and more. It’s not all just fun and games. There's also the bump and grind and travelling from hotel to hotel, give to give, trying you best to keep everyone happy (but there's only 1 of you). Yes, the money is pretty good and some wonderful tips can be garnered for those friendly, open minded and receptive. Yes, you have to work hard, but some say, Party Harder! Cocktails, fine dining, TV cameras, poker gossip, lots of money and fun. Bring your portfolio, career assets and show 'em what you have. If you've got it, flaunt it! Some production exp would be handy, but not required. Lots of on the job training too!!! Bring your passion for poker and party time, and have fun. You might just be the lass (or lad) they are looking for. Oh, check out the Media Man Poker Babes and Casino Babes portfolio. You know you want to. Let Jenny and the girls on the web Woo you, if you follow our lead. Work hard and play harder! Oh, last thing, this month the Media Man Poker Babe of the Month is meeting stiff competition. A 3 way tie thus far between PartyGaming's: PartyPoker's Kara Scott, Australia's Elle Macpherson (coming from nowhere) and Gambling911's Jenny Woo (for her brains and beauty, and ability to get the scoops with her tempting and crafty ways. Carrie Stroup is also making a late charge, and might be in line for the Media Man encouragement award!

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (mainly poker and some casino and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? Do you like the poker babes and casino babe feature? Is Crown Casino right or wrong in encouring there terms and conditions? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Friday, January 07, 2011

Australian Media Man Head Talks Domain Names, by Greg Tingle - 6th January 2011

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Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Hulk Hogan Hulkamania Casino Slot Via Endemol Games UK, by Greg Tingle

G'day punters, gaming entrepreneurs, casino billionaires, journalists, gamers, wrestling fans and Hulk-A-Maniacs!... one and all. The Hulk Hogan Hulkamania slot game will soon be coming to an online casino near you!. Media Man and Gambling911 catch Hulkamania as the red and yellow runs wild...

There's been talk of a Hulk Hogan themed online slot game for years, and it was only last year when Hogan's 'The Hulkamania Experience' slot hit a couple of American land based casinos, thanks to an Eric Bischoff deal inked with Rainmaker Technology, ID Interactive and the Dreamseekers Foundation. In the process some substantial funds were raised to help out Native American Indians with the support of the National Indian Gaming Association.

Hogan's latest gaming effort may be more commercial in nature, but we think just as newsworthy, and you can bet long time rival, Ric Flair aka 'The Nature Boy' is closely watching the situation, Flair with his own themed Carolina Lottery deals in place, with his trademark Woooooo! It's most interesting timing with WWE, Hogan's former home turf promotion where he largely built his fame, launching WWE Poker just last August to mixed, mainly positive response.

To say this is a major coup for Endemol Games UK is an understatement, and numerous media and gaming commentators predict more pro wrestling themed games to follow, with the names of Ric Flair, Andre The Giant, Jimmy Snuka, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Kevin "Big Sexy" Nash being thrown around. Nash, earlier in his career being known as Vinnie Vegas, has featured some online casino games on his website for a few years, so an official slot game for the NWO mainstay would not be a surprise.

A little known fact is that over a decade ago the then World Wrestling Federation purchased a land based casino in Las Vegas, but never got far with the project, actually selling it for a 2 million dollar profit (something unheard of these days).

Online casinos on the surface appear just as good a fit with pro wrestling aka sports entertainment, as action figures and wrestling video games. One may expect for security checks and age verification checks to be ramped up at online casinos as the trend towards pro wrestling slots continues.

A Media Man spokesperson said "This is one of the biggest online casino news stories in years. Hulk Hogan is of course one of the most recognizable people on the planet and a genuine living legend. Having met the man, we can say he's one hell of a great guy, generous of heart and spirit, and an innovator. He was one of the original pro wrestling entrepreneurs, having gained great experience working with the likes of WWE's Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff and Jimmy Hart over the years. Hogan can create buzz and set trends like few other entertainment stars, and we predicate mega success for Hogan and his team on his latest venture. We're hopeful that the likes of PartyGaming and Virgin Games get his world class online slot machine, as we are keen to show it off to our loyal and vast readership. What's ya going to do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?"

For the record, here's the press release...

ENDEMOL AND HULK HOGAN TEAM UP FOR ONLINE GAMING DEAL

Los Angeles / London: 15th October 2010

Hulk Hogan is taking to the ring again, this time online. The world-famous wrestling champion, actor, TV host, entrepreneur and reality-show star has formed a new tag-team with global production company Endemol, and the licensing division of Bischoff Hervey Entertainment, in order to take on the online gaming industry.

Seen weekly in over 120 countries as the star of TNA Wrestling, Hogan has now partnered with Endemol, one of the world’s largest producers of TV, film and digital content. The result is Hulk Hogan’s Hulkamania, an online slot created by Endemol Games UK. The game is slated for worldwide release early next year and will be distributed internationally by Endemol Worldwide Brands, a global division dedicated to brand partnerships and digital media. Hulkamania will be one of the first games of its type to integrate original video content of its star, who appears personally throughout in order to inspire players and personalize the gameplay experience.
Endemol Games UK is the recently launched division specializing in online gaming and headed up by Managing Director, Jurian van der Meer. Van der Meer comments; “Endemol Games UK is expanding into new areas and this deal marks one of our first third party licensing partnerships. Hulk Hogan is an icon with massive global appeal and we aim to attract his fans with creative online slot games. This is a great addition to our portfolio.”

The deal was spearheaded by producers and longtime Hogan partners, Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey, for the licensing division of Los Angeles-based Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment. “Endemol is a major player in international media. Titles like ‘Deal or No Deal’ and ‘Big Brother’ are still setting the standard for media properties across the world. We’re proud to be partners”, said Bischoff.

MX Gaming, a relative newcomer in the online world, is co-producing Hulkamania with Endemol and Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment, and was instrumental in the genesis of the deal. “We’ve worked closely with Bischoff and Hogan on prior projects, and when examining our options for online, Endemol was clearly the perfect fit. They know television, and they know gaming, and that’s precisely what we wanted”, said Ike Mcfadden of MX Gaming. “With a 25-year career and millions of fans, a game based on the exploits of Hulk Hogan is probably as close to a safe bet as exists in the highly competitive online gaming industry.”

For more information:
Eliot Nesmith
Memetix Public Relations
tel: + 1. 561.715.5907
eliot@memetixgroup.com

For more information about Endemol contact:
Rae Langford
Tel: +44 (0) 208 222 4176
Rae.langford@endemoluk.com

About HULK HOGAN
Known most recently as the star of TNA Nonstop Wrestling on SpikeTV, host of NBC’s top-rated “American Gladiator”, host and Executive Producer of CMT’s series, “Celebrity Wrestling”, and star of MTV’s “Hogan Knows Best”, Hulk Hogan is one of the best-recognized celebrities in the world. A twelve- time world wrestling champion, including six WCW World Heavyweight belts, six WWE Championships, and a World Tag Team championship belt, Hulk Hogan is arguably the greatest wrestler in sports entertainment history. Rarely has an athlete held so many professional titles to his name in such a vast career. Hulk Hogan is also well known among young fans for his four “demandments”: which include training, saying prayers, eating vitamins, and believing in one self. As a result, he is one of the most-requested celebrities for the Make-a-Wish Foundation children’s charity.

About BISCHOFF-HERVERY ENTERTAINMENT
Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment specializes in the creation and production of television content, as well as licensing opportunities for established entertainment properties. BHE has created, developed, and produced both television pilots and series for NBC, VH-1, CMT, A&E, E!, and SPIKE TV, including two seasons of the hit series “Scott Baio is 45…and Single” and “Scott Baio is 46…and Pregnant” on VH-1, and “Home Again” with Billy Ray Cyrus on CMT. In 2008 BHE produced “Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling” for CMT and is currently in production for an upcoming series on TruTV. BHE licensing has developed brand strategies, licensing opportunities, and retail distribution for entertainment brands including WWE, Playboy, Socko Energy, Hulk Hogan, LG, and WalMart.

About ENDEMOL
Endemol is a global leader in entertainment programming and the largest independent television and digital production company in the world. Endemol comprises a global network of more than 80 companies in 26 countries. Each year the company produces content and partners with more than 400 broadcasters and cross media platforms worldwide. Endemol is also one of the largest independent distributors of formats and finished programming in the world. The company has a growing library of over 2,000 formats and more than 22,000 hours of content across genres including entertainment, reality TV, game shows, animation, comedy, drama, docu-dramas, features and feature films. Endemol’s credits include international blockbusters formats such as Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 1 vs. 100, Star Academy and Wipeout. Its growing drama portfolio includes worldwide hits such as Home and Away, Rush, McLeod’s Daughters; Wire in the Blood, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Robin Hood and Nini. Endemol is also behind a wide range of multi-media sports content including football, cricket, rugby and motor racing. Endemol is owned by Goldman Sachs, Mediacinco and Cyrte, which acquired the company in May 2007

About MX GAMING
MX Gaming is an independent game developer with offices in Palm Beach and Buenos Aires, distributing games in the US, Western and Eastern Europe, Mexico, Central and South America. MX Gaming Partner Ike Mcfadden placed third in the 2004 Iditarod with a run time of 13 days, 15 hours.


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Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, are you looking forward to running wild with Hulkamania? Any other pro wrestling themes you would like to see? Keep checking daily for updates. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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