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 just might 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.
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
News
Australian
Land Based Casino News Update, by Greg Tingle - 8th
May 2010
Australia
is home to some of the world's great casinos, hotels
and resorts.
While
the land down under has over a dozen land based casinos,
there's only three that both rate highly and grab
the majority of headlines on a global stage. Enter
James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne, Tabcorp's
Star City in Sydney, and Jupiters Hotel & Casino
on the Gold Coast.
Media
Man and Gambling911 take our eye in the sky look
at the landscape of the Aussie land based casino sector
and bring you up to speed with what's news down under...
Readers
will be aware that there's a "casino war"
in the land of kangaroos, koalas and goannas at the
moment. You would have to be Blind Fredy not to know
about the ultra competitive showdown (and hunt for
whales and dolphins) between Packer's Crown Casino
down south and Tabcorp's Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Crown
Casino and Star City are following the global trend,
largely driven forward from Las Vegas and Macau, of
offering a total entertainment experience... not just
gambling... you know, slots, poker, table games and
the like. Whales aka high-rollers, have also demanded
the changing face of the sector. Don't get us wrong,
the gambling aspect remains vital to the business
model and to the punters, but for a variety of reasons
Australian casino kings have employed a more holistic
model. The reasons include being more government friendly,
legal eagle elements and complimenting the larger
casino, entertainment and lifestyle sector.
Some
of the ramped up services and offerings as part of
the industry development include but are not limited
to:
Entertainment
complex upgrades (including securing more world class
acts, more often, to attract the crowds and keep all
clients and business partners happy)
Hotel suite refurbishments
Private gambling room upgrades for high rolling VIP's
Sports bar upgrades
Enhanced security - technology and more staff
Gulf Stream Jets aka Lear Jets for international high
rollers in a hurry and who demand and casino afford
the best
Aussie Casino News Bytes
Crown
Casino: Hosted the Logies last week with 1000 guests
in attendance. Broadcast on Network Nine Australia.
Bert Newton did a fine job as host. One journalist
/ columnist was fired for what many saw as inappropriate
Twitter - ing, including the editor of The Age newspaper.
Upgraded website. Management in regular contact with
sister casinos, City of Dreams Macau and Altira Macau.
100s more staff to be employed, some of which under
the GenerationOne employment initiative, dedicated
to helping get Indigenous Australians back into the
workforce
Star
City: Has expanded their budget by another $100,000
or so. Is ordering 1 or 2 Lear Jets to help better
compete with Crown Casino. Upgraded website.
Jupiters
Gold Coast: Upgraded their poker room to the tune
of a few hundred thousand dollars, Mother Africa Circus
of the Senses is showing at Jupiters Theater. Last
week a casino courtesy bus was allegedly nabbed by
a disgruntle contractor owned money. The case is currently
in the courts. Jupiters is nearby to the beaches where
major surfing competitions take place annually. Dreamworld
(Hollywood On The Gold Coast) is only a short drive
away from the casino. Upgraded website.
Burswood
Entertainment Complex: Upgraded security, shows include
Nitro Circus Live, Cats, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson
Tribute Show and Mammi Mia! Burswood is known to put
on fantastic community fundraisers. American pro wrestling
legend Hulk Hogan drew a massive crowd at Burswood
late last year for his charity work with the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. Virgin's Richard Branson also did some
impressive fundraising on site last month, with folks
the world over keen to meet and speak to the entrepreneur.
Branson's Virgin Games remains keen to expand the
gaming globally, including the AWOMO (A World Of My
Own), and perhaps the face to face meetings with the
media and political savvy Aussie Casino king, James
Packer, won't go astray.
Casino
Canberra: Blast From The Past: Are you a baby boomer?
Then don’t dare miss Baby Boomers Blast from
the Past, the ultimate live entertainment experience.
Laugh, dance, party Friday 14 May at Casino Canberra.
Watch comic impersonator Chris De Havilland bring
to life the likes of Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Elvis
Presley, Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, and many more baby
boomer entertainers. On the 3rd of June - Aussie comedian
legends...Austen Tayshus and Elliot Goblet! Austen
Tayshus is described as a drunken yobbo's worst nightmare,
someone who can out gross you, out yell you and out
last you. Austen Tayshus walks a skillful line between
the truly offensive and the truly funny. And Elliot
Goblet, the master of oodles of clever but unrelated
one liners and the odd two liner as well. Both comedians
are on one night of classic Aussie humour. Meet the
Canberra Raiders NRL Raiderettes! Before Raiders games
you have the opportunity to meet some of the Raiderettes
and take advantage of the beer and snack footy pack.
Galaxy Nightclub - Canberra's hottest nightclub opens
from 9pm every Saturday with the beats of the 70's
and the best of the 80's. Come and hear the soundtrack
of our lives. Galaxy has a NO GLASS policy!
The
Reef Hotel Casino: 13th, 14th and 15th May - Lisa
Hunt Returns. Soul, Disco & Motown. The way it
should sound!
Lasseters
Hotel Casino: Dead Centre Show N Shine - Today! -
8th May. Outlaw Drags Spectacular - 9th May
Australian Casino Directory List
New
South Wales
Star City Casino (Sydney)
Victoria
Crown Casino (Melbourne)
Queensland
Conrad Treasury Casino (Brisbane)
Jupiters Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Jupiters Townsville Casino (Townsville)
The Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns)
South
Australia
Skycity Adelaide (Adelaide)
Western
Australia
Burswood Entertainment Complex aka Burswood Casino
(Perth)
Tasmania
Wrest Point Hotel Casino (Hobart)
Country Club Casino (Launceston)
Australian
Capital Territory
Casino Canberra (Canberra)
Northern
Territory
Lasseters Hotel Casino (Alice Springs)
Skycity Darwin (formerly MGM Grand Casino) (Darwin)
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...
Take
the time to research and learn games before placing
down money
Media
Man 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
Know
the odds, set limits and have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man http://www.CasinoNewsMedia.com
is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal
development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen
sectors covered
It
may seem difficult but it is important that all
citizens across the world stay updated with Internet
Betting laws. Below you will find what we understand
as the laws to online betting in certain areas
of the world.
US
Internet Betting Laws
The United States of America has the most ambiguous
online casino laws in the world. They have passed
laws to ban banks from allowing transactions that
are deemed illegal, but no one has any idea what
the United States considers legal or illegal.
Currently, all US citizens are advised to check
with local laws before gambling online. Even the
online casinos aren't sure if you should be allowed
to bet at their site. Some companies don't allow
US players, others allow some US players, and
some could care less where a player is from.
UK
Internet Casino Laws
The UK is the first major country to completely
legalize and regulate online gambling. The Gambling
Act of 2005 was passed while Prime Minister Tony
Blair was in office. Blair had a flair for expanding
gambling, but when Gordon Brown took over as Prime
Minister in the UK he provided a tax structure
that was so high that most online casino companies
were not urged to relocate to England. Today,
all web branded casinos that are in a UK approved
jurisdiction are legal for UK citizens to play
at.
International
Online Betting Laws
As the world gets deeper into the 21st century
and the Internet becomes a more common cultural
tool more and more countries are realizing the
reality that is Internet gambling. Currently,
Spain, Italy, Germany and other countries have
moved to legalize and regulate the industry, while
few still look to protect their homeland gaming
monopolies. It is extremely important to check
all local, state, and federal laws before participating
in any online gambling activities.
