Sunday, April 24, 2011

European Poker Websites Sites Boom; Australian Looking Up, by Greg Tingle - 25th April 2011

Online poker websites traffic; Shares Boom - Players Triggered By UIGEA charges

European poker websites, pretty much immune to the issues in the United States, have reported a boom in player activity following the indictment by American authorities of the owners of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker.

American land based casino and resort tycoon Steve Wynn, a long time detractor of online casinos, had overseen a deal with PokerStars inked on approx 25th March, but only two weeks took the option to get out of the deal after PokerStars got named in what is now known in gambling circles as 'Black Friday'. Wynn's press release read:

LAS VEGAS, April 15, 2011—Wynn Resorts, Limited announced today thаt іt terminated іtѕ alliance wіth PokerStars, thе online poker company. Thе сhοісе wаѕ reached аѕ a result οf thе indictment unsealed bу thе U.S. Attorney fοr thе Southern District οf Nеw York.

Online casino websites such as bwin.party digital entertainment's PartyCasino are also understood to be up following the announcement.

Since the US Attorney's Office announced last Friday that it was pressing charges against 11 people over alleged fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling, PKR has seen a rise of around 21% in weekly traffic, while PartyPoker has risen 9%, 888Poker 5% and the iPoker network 4%. In contrast, Full Tilt dropped 48%. The data comes from our friends at Pokerscout.

Several business-savvy poker rooms have launched major promos to capitalize on the unique situation.

Shares in several British online gambling companies have soared in the last week. Bwin shares rose by 30%, 888 was up 18% and online gaming software provider Playtech saw its stocks climb by 8%.

Many media companies including Forbes, Reuters, Bloomberg, Gambling911 and EGR indicate that bwin.party digital entertainment may be the igaming company that ends up doing best out of the situation, given their recent successful merger, settlement with the US Department of Justice in April 2009, and government b2b dealings in a number of countries. Party is also looking to expand is b2b and news media deals with its World Poker Tour brand, currently broadcast in Australia on Rupert Murdoch's Fox Sports via Foxtel subscriber television.

Richard Branson's Virgin Games is watching the situation closely, however as of print Virgin Games are not available to Australians, New Zealanders or Canadians, whereas Party is.

Australian land based casino, Crown Casino in Melbourne, has accepted numerous PartyGaming - PartyPoker satellite poker players over the past few years, a trend that looks to continue. Party and NetGen Gaming are strongly rumoured to want to release a Kerry Packer, Underbelly and Andre The Giant online slot game, but have not publicly commented. Party has existing b2b deals with Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Infinity Ward, StudioCanal, Frank Sinatra Enterprises and Edgar Rice Burroughs, so don't bet against them.

Crown Limited top brass James Packer is yet to publicly comment specifically about online casino or online poker, but he did however sign off an investment deal with online retailing giant DealsDirect.

Ellerston Capital, a fund management company owned by the Packer family's Consolidated Press Holdings, took a “minority cornerstone” investment in the online retailing site DealsDirect yesterday.

“It signals a real coming of age for online retail, with businesses like Ellerston getting into the game, it is well and truly 'game on',” said DealsDirect's co-founder Paul Greenberg.

The transaction, estimated by the Australian Financial Review to be worth $10 million, underscores the deeper embrace of online retail by the media sector and the investment community.

A Media Man spokesperson said of the Packer - Deals Direct deal "James Packer's recent investment into the online retail space shows just how keen he is on the online business. Crown Limited have an impressive portfolio of websites for their properties, however that did not do the man or company justice. Crown Casino Aussie Millions also accepts poker players from a number of online poker brands. Packer also has the 50% investment in Betfair, and rumours persist of a Crown online casino, a venture with a strong possibility of Packer mate Shane Warne getting in on the action. Packer is also keen to see more interaction between Australian television broadcasts of poker on Fox Sports and his traditional media ventures. Mr Packer famously went on recent a few years ago with 'Internet is like electricity', something this very news reports proves correct".

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and has conducted b2b with a number of companies cited in this article.

*Greg Tingle is a regular contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover over a dozen different business sectors, including gaming

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Australian Gambling News Round-up, by Greg Tingle - 15th April 2011

Australian gambling and casino news keeps coming thick and fast. We've got a butcher who slayed his wife over a gambling argument, Tabcorp numbers, pokie lovers vs haters, James Packer's boat for sale, and much more. Media Man and Gambling911 with your regular Aussie gambling fix...

Melbourne Man Butchers Wife Over Gambling...

Butcher Peter Lubik, 42, severed his wife Barbara's carotid artery when he stabbed her in the throat at their Melbourne home in January 2009. It's been described as a "shocking and cowardly" killing. Prior to the the stabbing they had fought about Lubik, who was understood to have been a big gambler, going to a casino, the Victorian Supreme Court heard on Wednesday. Last year, Lubik was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter but acquitted of murder. On Wednesday, Justice Ross Robson jailed Lubik for 9.5 years and ordered he serve a minimum of 6.5 years. Justice Robson said Lubik, of Noble Park North, deliberately stabbed his wife in a very delicate area of the body. He rejected Lubik's defence that his wife had come at him with the knife, finding that only Lubik had a knife. "Your deliberate stabbing of Barbara involved a deliberate intention to harm her," Justice Robson said. "It was a shocking and cowardly crime. You were duty-bound to protect her. "You are a big man. She was small. "There was not the slightest justification for taking up a knife against her in her own home." Justice Robson said Mrs Lubik constantly forgave her husband's abusive, "bullying and boorish" behaviour. "Despite her loyalty, love, forgiveness and companionship, you cruelly and deliberately stabbed her, with a knife, killing her," he said. "I can discern no reason for your conduct, other than your repeated abuse and bullying of your wife." Lubik's two-and-a-half-year marriage had been a turbulent one and included physical violence, the court heard. Lubik was a "good husband" unless he had been drinking. Mrs Lubik came to Australia from Poland in 2004. Lubik has already served more than two years and two months in custody.

James Packer Boat For Sale: $22 million...

Gambling and media king James Packer has put up for sales his 46m motor yacht, Z Sydney, on the market. The vessel is being advertised with an asking price of $22 million. That's about the same price it was bought for by JP back in January of last year. Rumour is that yachts name has been changed to "Ares" (Greek god of war) in attempt to lure in European buyers. The big boat can fit 12 guests and 8 crew. Leaks reckon he's looking to upgrade.

Sin City Sydney's Star City Wants To Take Brownlow AFL Event From Melbourne's Crown Casino...

The AFL code is in talks with the New South Wales Government to take the iconic Brownlow Medal night to 'Sin City' Sydney next year. Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu told the press that if the AFL even thinking about moving its awards night from Melbourne, it would show it is out of touch with Victorian football lovers. The shift would coincide with the launch of Sydney's second AFL team. An $850 million revamp of Sydney's Star City casino is the key in the bid to host the event. A grand hall in the redevelopment will hold up to 4,000 people. That does rather outdo Crown's Palladium, which has a 1,700 capacity. Will the rumor turn to reality? Time will tell, but many celebs keep saying they like it at Crown... and looking forward to doing some Twittering about it also.

Tabcorp 3rd Quarter Up 5.4%...

Gambling giant Tabcorp Holdings Ltd has reported a 5.4% rise in normalised net revenue for the March quarter. Normalised net revenues for the 3 months ended March 31 was $1.06 billion, up 5.4% on the previous corresponding period, Melbourne-based Tabcorp said in a statement on Wednesday. Revenue growth for the first nine months of the financial year was 3.9% to $3.32 billion. All 3 business divisions achieved positive revenue growth. The casinos division experienced revenue growth of 5.9%, wagering's grew 2.6% and gaming gained 8.6%. Revenues in wagering were adversely affected by wet weather in January and early February with abandoned race meetings and reduced field sizes due to the state of the tracks, the company said. Tabcorp said its plans to demerge its casinos business was progressing with shareholders to vote on it in June this year. In Queensland, the January floods impacted significantly on the performance of the Treasury Casino and Hotel during the quarter. Star City Casino in Sydney grew normalised revenues by 11.3 per cent and the other Queensland casinos recorded positive revenue growth. Tabcorp chief executive Elmer Funke Kupper said in a statement that trading in the third quarter was pleasing, in light of the Queensland floods. The recent floods on Australia's east coast had wiped $10 million from its revenue, the company said last month. In better news, last month Tabcorp was awarded Victoria's new exclusive 10-year Keno licence, which will start in April 2012. "Revenue growth in the third quarter improved over the first half of the financial year, which indicates that the businesses are resilient and have good underlying momentum," Kupper said.

PM Gillard Still Hates Pokies...

Julia Gillard stated on record that it's the "right thing" to crack down on problem gambling and she has seen the misery it causes in her own back yard. The PM holds the western Melbourne seat of Lalor, home to Victoria's number one venue for "one armed bandit" losses. "We know what it's like to see people who put so much money into poker machines that they break the family budget, they can't feed the kids. They end up with their houses being repossessed," Gillard said. "Now, that kind of problem gambling causes human misery. I don't think we want to see anybody profiting on human misery. Of course people like to have a bet, but I don't think they like to see their fellow Australians suffer." Despite a $20 million campaign by clubs and hotels, Gillard said the Government would push ahead to introduce technology to require frequent gamblers to set, in advance, how much they would spend. Anti-pokies senator Nick Xenophon said he had lodged a complaint with the ACCC against the Clubs Australia campaign. In the meantime MP Wilkie reckons he got a genuine death threat from pro gambling folks. Clubs Australia have called him to prove it and to refer the matter for police.

Burswood In Line To Get New Sporting Stadium Next To Packer's Casino...

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says a new football stadium for Perth is likely to be built at Burswood, just across the Swan River from the city's centre. But he says a final decision on the site, size and timing of the new stadium will not be made until mid-year. "Burswood is a probable site, maybe even a likely site, but I stress a decision has not been made, cabinet has not yet looked at the matter," he told the press on Wednesday. He said there would not be any announcement about a stadium in the budget in May, though funding would be set aside to do initial engineering tests at the sites and perhaps initial designs. The government has been looking at three different sites for a new stadium, including several different locations within the Burswood precinct. "Much of that area is an old waste site, so we've got to be very careful about that," Barnett said. "I think most people, from the reaction I get, do see a lot of merit in Burswood in the sense that this stadium, when it's built, has to serve the state for another 50 years." Mr Barnett said Burswood, the site of the city's casino, had space for more sporting and entertainment venues and that was in its favour. West Coast coach John Worsfold said he would leave the matter of a stadium to the experts, but the sentimental value of Subiaco would remain. With all of this happening little wonder James Packer remains such a big fan of Perth.

The Aussies continue to love to try their luck. Sure, spin to win, but know the odds, and have fun.

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

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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Friday, April 08, 2011

Kiwi Christchurch Casino Quake Staff Fail Redundancy, by Greg Tingle - 9th April 2011

New Zealand land based casino news is the order of the day. Christchurch Casino workers have failed in their attempt to snatch a larger redundancy payout. Media Man and Gambling911 check out the employment and legal scene in New Zealand...

Financial and emotional aftershocks are still be felt by the casino sector after a series of earthquakes that rocked the Asia Pacific - Japan and New Zealand region.

Christchurch Casino workers are feeling disappointed and even depressed after having failed attempt to get a bigger redundancy payday.

In excess of 500 formally happy and motivated casino employees were offered redundancy at the central Christchurch casino last weekend, which was badly damaged in the February 22 quake and has stayed closed ever since the act of mother nature.

Anyone who wants to stay at the casino will be paid their holiday pay as either a weekly amount or in a "lump sum". Simply put, they will remain as employees of the land based casino on leave without pay until the the gambling den opens again.

The SFWU (Service and Food Workers' Union), which reps for 100 plus casino workers, has a meeting with the casino's managers on Thursday.

SFWU strategic industry boss Len 'Razor' (MM tag) Richards said workers were sombre but firm in their desire about securing a more attractive redundancy package.

The union power that be were also asking for continued pay for employees that choose to stay on until the casino opens again.

However, he advised management was not prepared to increase the amount of redundancy pay for staff, but did agree to request for a government wage subsidy.

Due to a private insurance deal and policy in place, the land based casino has not relied upon the $1.5 million government subsidy available for quake-affected businesses.

Richards stated that the union has contacted earthquake recovery minister Gerry Brownlee to request assistance to help pay workers who remain employed.

SkyCity, half owner of the famous Christchurch Casino, has projected a $130 million plus profit this year. It's not known how much financially the quake cost Christchurch Casino or SkyCity.

Christchurch Casino top sheep er top dog...chief executive Brett 'Ask Him' (MM satire) Anderson said about 70% of employees have indicated they will stay with the company rather than take the offered redundancy.

He said a number of employees are also being offered jobs offshore.

Anderson elaborated "I'm getting phone calls from Australia looking for our people and likewise all over New Zealand, and a few of them have spread their wings. More than a few have gone over to the Gold Coast. It's a lot warmer, it's a lot more stable, you can swim in the sea, the pay rates are better."

Anderson said he still does not know when the casino will reopen.

Employees have a deadline until Monday to decide whether they will take the redundancy package or stay on. Yep, it's the money or the box.

Workers who have not contacted the company by showdown at 5pm on Monday will be deemed to have left their jobs and will be paid out a four-weeks-notice payment, along with their annual leave entitlements. Casino workers, did you get that. D Day is approaching.

A Media Man spokesperson said "In the current global economy anyone with a decent job should be grateful, especially in the casino or gaming sector. Well done to Christchurch Casino management for doing their utmost to assist in their difficult times. Employers will always want to ask for more... its in the nature. Land based casinos generally remain popular around the world so good staff will always be in demand."

Media Man and Gambling911 wish all parties well with their dealings, and hopefully some win - win - wins will still be possible.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on Australian, New Zealand and global casino news, wars, and general land based and online casino news.

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So, whether you prefer land based casinos or online, please take precautions. As always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good luck.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

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Thursday, April 07, 2011

PartyCasino News: Record Jackpots At PartyCasino - Biggest Ever!; The Big One Over $4 Million And Total Jackpots Over $6 Million

Record Jackpots At PartyCasino - Biggest Ever!; The Big One Over $4 Million And Total Jackpots Over $6 Million

Gibraltar – 7th April 2011 – Records are tumbling at PartyCasino.com the world’s largest online casino, with ‘The Big One’ crossing $4 million for the first time and total jackpots amazingly over $6 million, the highest they have ever been!

A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: "To say that people feel a jackpot coming on is an understatement – the total of the jackpots on the site have reached a record high and they can be hit by just wagering one cent! The Big One has never been so big! The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at $1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry and, staggeringly, currently stands at over $4 million. Games where ‘The Big One’ can be hit include the classic 'Melon Madness’ and firm favourite ‘Snowbusiness.’"

In addition, the billionth dollar has been wagered on an online slot machine for the first time! The slot in question was the famous Firedrake, an online casino classic. The lucky player to hit the milestone is Koka11, who not only takes the prestigious honour but is handsomely rewarded with a dream VIP trip to Las Vegas along with $2,500 cash. 665 players also won thanks to Koka11! For more information see: PartyCasino.com

PartyCasino.com has recently introduced a new Gold Jackpot slot game ‘The Sting.’ This hexagon based game features buzzing busy bees and has a pleasant sting in its tail with an expanding honeystick wild and free spins! PartyCasino.com has the most frequent game launches in the industry and offers over 160 games, including over 100 slots. PartyCasino.com pays out easily over $10 million EVERY DAY to players.

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Monday, April 04, 2011

World Casino Directory Blog: India, African - Casino Directory

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TV Week Logies At Crown Casino Again: Nominations, by Greg Tingle - 5th April 2011

G'day punters, casino and gambling millionaires and billionaires, entertainment news junkies, one and all. The TV Week Logie Awards are coming up again in Australia. Nominations have been made and James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne has been chosen as the venue once again. Fancy that! Media Man and Gambling911 check the ballot box and walk the floor at Crown Casino with this special report...

2011 TV Week Logie Award Nominations...

Packed To The Rafters has performed brilliantly in the 2011 TV Week Logie Award nominations for another year, with the awesome cast scoring a collective 13 nominations and the show nominated for Most Popular Drama Series.

We also learn that Big Brother star and The Circle host Chrissie Swan has received four nominations including one for the gold Logie.

And, reader fav, Underbelly, has a total of four nominations, thanks mainly to actor Firass Dirani, who plays Sydney based nightclub owner and entrepreneur, John Ibrahim.

The 2011 TV Week Logie Awards will be held at Melbourne's Crown Casino on May 1st.

And the nominations are:

TV WEEK GOLD LOGIE – Most Popular Personality on Television
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Actor
Callan Mulvey (Rush, Network Ten)
Don Hany (Offspring, Network Ten / Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Michael Caton (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Actress
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Jessica Marais (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Margot Robbie (Neighbours, Network Ten)
Rebecca Gibney (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Zoe Ventoura (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Popular Presenter
Adam Hills (Spicks And Specks, ABC1)
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Hamish Blake (Hamish & Andy 'Specials', Network Ten)
Karl Stefanovic (Today, Nine Network)
Shaun Micallef (Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR NEW MALE TALENT
Charles Cottier (Home And Away, Channel Seven)
Eddie Perfect (Offspring, Network Ten)
Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Manu Feildel (My Kitchen Rules, Channel Seven)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)

MOST POPULAR NEW FEMALE TALENT
Chrissie Swan (The Circle, Network Ten)
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Hannah Marshall (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Julie Goodwin (Home Cooked! With Julie Goodwin, Nine Network)
Poh Ling Yeow (Poh's Kitchen, ABC1)

MOST POPULAR DRAMA SERIES
Home And Away (Channel Seven)
Neighbours (Network Ten)
Offspring (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rush (Network Ten)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Good News Week (Network Ten)
Hey Hey It's Saturday (Nine Network)
Sunrise (Channel Seven)
Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
The Circle (Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR LIFESTYLE PROGRAM
Better Homes And Gardens (Channel Seven)
Domestic Blitz (Nine Network)
Getaway (Nine Network)
Grand Designs Australia (Foxtel [The Lifestyle Channel])
Ready Steady Cook (Network Ten)

MOST POPULAR SPORTS PROGRAM
Before The Game (Network Ten)
The Footy Show (AFL) (Nine Network)
The Footy Show (NRL) (Nine Network)
The Matty Johns Show (Channel Seven)
Wide World Of Sports (Nine Network)

MOST POPULAR REALITY PROGRAM
Dancing With The Stars (Channel Seven)
MasterChef Australia (Network Ten)
The Biggest Loser Australia (Network Ten)
The Farmer Wants A Wife (Nine Network)
The X Factor (Channel Seven)

MOST POPULAR FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Bondi Vet (Network Ten)
RPA (Nine Network)
Undercover Boss Australia (Network Ten)
Who Do You Think You Are? (SBS)

Most Outstanding Nominees

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie
Hawke (Network Ten)
Packed To The Rafters (Channel Seven)
Rake (ABC1)
Rush (Network Ten)
Sisters Of War (ABC1)
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (Nine Network)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Actor
Erik Thomson (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Jason Gann (Wilfred, SBS)
Richard Roxburgh (Hawke, Network Ten)
Richard Roxburgh (Rake, ABC1)

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE -- Most Outstanding Actress
Asher Keddie (Offspring, Network Ten)
Catherine McClements (Rush, Network Ten)
Claire van der Boom (Sisters Of War, ABC1)
Justine Clarke (Tangle, Foxtel [Showcase])
Kat Stewart (Offspring, Network Ten)

GRAHAM KENNEDY AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING NEW TALENT
Emma Booth (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Firass Dirani (Underbelly: The Golden Mile, Nine Network)
Richard Davies (Offspring, Network Ten)
Ryan Corr (Packed To The Rafters, Channel Seven)
Sarah Snook (Sisters Of War, ABC1)

MOST OUTSTANDING NEWS COVERAGE
"Afghanistan Rocket Attack" (Ten News)
"Election 2010" (Sky News)
"Laurie Oakes Election Leaks" (Nine News)
"New Zealand Mine Disaster" (Seven News)
"Pakistan Floods" (ABC News)

MOST OUTSTANDING PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT
"Brothers In Arms" (Sunday Night, Channel Seven)
"Hey Dad..! Scandal" (A Current Affair, Nine Network)
"Iraq's Deadly Legacy" (Dateline, SBS)
"Smugglers' Paradise" (Four Corners, ABC1)
"The Condemned" (Dateline, SBS)

MOST OUTSTANDING LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM
Hamish & Andy's Caravan of Courage: Great Britain & Ireland (Network Ten)
Luke Nguyen's Vietnam (SBS)
Spicks And Specks (ABC1)
Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation (Network Ten)
Yes We Canberra! (ABC1)

MOST OUTSTANDING SPORTS COVERAGE
2010 AFL Grand Final (Channel Seven)
2010 Melbourne Cup (Channel Seven)
Rugby League - 2010 State Of Origin - Game One (Nine Network)
The Ashes 2010 First Test - Day One at the Gabba (Nine Network)
XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (Foxtel)

MOST OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S PROGRAM
Camp Orange: Castle Mountain (Foxtel [Nickelodeon])
Dance Academy (ABC3)
Dead Gorgeous (ABC3)
Hi-5 (Nine Network)
Prank Patrol (ABC3)

MOST OUTSTANDING FACTUAL PROGRAM
Bondi Rescue (Network Ten)
Miracle in the Storm (ABC1)
RPA (Nine Network)
Such Is Life: The Troubled Times Of Ben Cousins (Channel Seven)
Trishna & Krishna: The Quest For Separate Lives (Channel Seven)


Shane Bourne To Host Logie Awards...

TV actor Shane Bourne will host the 2011 Logie Awards. In a statement announcing who would be the host, TV Week said Bourne "promises to deliver what he does best" at the 53rd Annual Logie Awards on May 1 at Melbourne's Crown Entertainment Complex. "I am genuinely thrilled to be involved in TV's night of nights," Bourne said. "It's an honour to be following in the footsteps of such television luminaries as Bert Newton et al - and the timing couldn't be better. "I've always enjoyed myself immensely at the Logies, and since the chances of a nomination coming my way this year look pretty slim, I figure it's not a bad way of making sure I score an invitation." Bourne currently stars in the Seven Network drama series City Homicide, but is also known for his comedic roles. Most recently, he hosted the popular show Thank God You're Here and was a regular on Hey Hey It's Saturday for many years. Thank God You're Here won a Silver Logie for most outstanding comedy in 2007. Bourne was also nominated for the most outstanding actor Logie in 2003 for his leading role in medical drama MDA. This year's Logie nominees will be revealed on April 3. Critics are at the read to praise or pan Bourne. Will Twitter-Gate strike again at Crown Casino. Don't blink!


Crown Casino News

Apple Store Tipped For Crown Casino, Melbourne...


Computer giant Apple is tipped to be opening a new retail store in Melbourne. Leaks advise us the firm is planning a in or very close by to James Packer's Crown Casino. The rumour mill says Ken Gracey reckons an associate is fitting out the new store. Apple also had a job posting on Apple’s website seeking staff and lists a 3205 postcode. Yep, you guessed it - Crown Casino's postcode.

Basketball Star Gary Ervin Named League MVP At Crown Casino...

Wollongong Hawks mega star Gary Ervin has claimed the Andrew Gaze Trophy as the NBL's Most Valuable Player for the 2010-11 season. Ervin accepted the prestigious award at the league's annual presentation dinner last night at Melbourne's Crown Casino. It was only the second time in the NBL's 32-year history that a Hawks player has earned the title as the competition's best player. Ervin was also selected in the All-NBL First Team alongside Kirk Penney, Julian Khazzouh, Damian Martin and Gary Wilkinson.
Last night's event provided a double celebration for the Hawks, as consistent forward Oscar Forman took out the Most Improved Player award. Wollongong's Gordie McLeod made a compelling case for his second straight Coach of the Year trophy, but that honour went to Townsville's Trevor Gleeson. And while Hawks veteran forward Glen Saville was one of five finalists for Defensive Player of the Year, Perth Wildcats guard Martin was a worthy recipient of the award. Ervin was an instant hit with the Hawks and the club is doing everything possible to snatch the guard back for a second season. The 27-year-old averaged a league-leading 20.1 points per game, 4.5 assists (fourth), 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals, earning enough votes to out-poll fellow MVP candidates Penney and Khazzouh. Ervin is expect to stay loyal with the Hawks for sometime yet. Well done to all players and the support team.

James Packer Online Deal; Not Gaming - Retail...

James Packer has snatched a good chunks of the online retail space via an investment in DealsDirect. Ellerston Capital, owned by the Packer family's Consolidated Press Holdings, took a "minority cornerstone" investment in the online retailing site Deals Direct yesterday. "It signals a real coming of age for online retail, with businesses like Ellerston getting into the game, it is well and truly 'game on'," advised DealsDirect's co-founder Paul Greenberg. The transaction, estimated by the AFR at $10 million, shows the keen interest in online retail by the media and investment sector. It will facilitate DealsDirect, one of the biggest online only retailers in Australia, to fund more rapid growth in an industry that is surging ahead to keep up with the market, all the while while traditional bricks and motar retail goes through tough times. "While traditional offline retailers are still facing the challenges of building a sustainable ecommerce strategy, we think we are well poised to build on our first-mover advantage and our years of learning and experience in online sales," said Mr Greenberg. "We intend to grow our market share and enthusiastically pursue growth opportunities and this vote of confidence by Ellerston Capital allows us to do this rapidly." DealsDirect has more than 1.5 million unique browsers each month buying an item about once every 20 seconds, the company said. The investment from the Packer-controlled Ellerston Capital will allow the online retailer to make acquisitions and access strategic support while it seeks to consolidate its position in the e-commerce space. DealsDirect was founded by Greenberg and Mike Rosenbaum in 2004, and grew rapidly within eBay's framework of online partner shops - and independently of the major retail network site. DealsDirect sells 23 categories of retail goods to online shoppers including electronics, kitchenware, watches, toys and games, shipping direct from a warehouse and distribution centre in Sydney. "Given our leadership position in the space combined with Ellerston's appetite, one would expect this to be a substantial cornerstone investment which ensures we are extremely well-capitalised and have the resources to capitalise on the many opportunities in front of us," said Greenberg. The sector is red hot. In January, Yahoo7 took over online group buying site Spreets for $40 million. Cudo, yet another asocial buying site, is owned by NineMSN. Rupert Murdoch - News Ltd backed investment firm netus took a stake in OurDeal, which was created in May 2010. DealsDirect also launched its own group buying site DealMe in February to gain exposure to the trend. Ellerston Capital is not granting interviews at this stage. Packer continues to surge ahead in land based casinos in Australia, Asia, and also via online with Betfair and now DealsDirect - Ellerston Capital.


Melbourne Press Club Does Crown Casino...

The Melbourne Press Club did Crown casino and interesting goss is coming in. Julia Gillard impersonator Amanda Bishop got em talking with a line on Crown Casino and media commentators Andrew Bolt's head...the venue reminded her of nothing so much as the inside of Andrew Bolt’s head. Bolt being a soft target, since he's currently in court fighting for his good name. The joke got mixed reactions. Crown media and events hotshot Anne Peacock is understood to be concerned about Crown's image with the Press Club connection. Master of ceremonies Peter Mitchell gave Peacock special thanks in his address to the crowd. There was no on the record response from Crown Casino powers that be. It's understood that its hard to censor a Press Club speech. or news media in general.

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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

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 (Many of the world's best slot games. Aussies and Kiwi's welcome).

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)

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

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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

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