James Packer Media Man

James Packer

Erica Baxter, James Packer, Shane Warne and Joe Hachem

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Gambling Business: James Packer Won’t Pursue Vegas Again, by Greg Tingle - 24th March 2011

The sharp as a sharks tooth James Packer has dismissed a return to the the embattled and politically red hot American gaming market. At least, for the near future, but never say never.

The likable executive chairman of Crown Limited issued the statement in the hard to forget aftermath of the firms horrendous AU$3 billion (US$2.99 billion) expansion into the United States before the global financial crisis. You know, the one that George W's leadership saw in, and the same one that Barack Omama inherited.

Crown still holds a modest a 24.5% stake in the Cannery casino group, which operates three pretty decent casinos in Las Vegas and the Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Pennsylvania.

Punters should note that it's strongly written down the investment after getting loose from a full $US1.75 billion Cannery buyout in March 2009, by cleverly reworking the terms of the deal with the group's private equity owners.

"I have had a bad experience in the US, so I am not rushing to go back," Packer said.

"Crown is not a company looking to issue fresh equity and we are already spending more than our profits on our capital expenditure program. That means there is a limit to what you can do."

Cannery wasn't the only not so good experience JP had in Yankee land Crown took stakes in US casino giants Harrah's Entertainment and Stations Casino Group, which it was subsequently forced to write down.

It also has a ridiculously low 1% stake in Canuck (Canadian) group Gateway Casinos & Entertainment, which was also written down.

In 2009 it closed its Vegas corporate offices after tossing aside its once bold plans to build a Crown Las Vegas casino and hotel complex with private equity partner York Capital Management and Chris Milam, a Texan property developer. Insiders reckon you have to watch them Texans, no offence Chris.

Packer High On Macau Quality, Down On U.S Economy...

Despite continued competition on the Cotai Strip, co-chairman of Melco Crown Entertainment, James Packer is very confident in his City of Dreams property and believes that quality is the thing that will endure in the grand scheme of things.

Packer believes different from analysts who claimed that City of Dreams, which is developed by a joint venture between Packer and Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, has not differentiated itself well enough from its rivals such as media darling, The Venetian Resort Hotel.

While Sands China’s "parcels 5 and 6" consisting of three renowned hotels are being built next door to City of Dreams and Galaxy Entertainment is also due to open its flagship property on the Cotai Strip on May 15, JP seemed not to be too concerned.

"I disagree with the Macquarie analyst. Steve Wynn, whom I know a little bit and respect enormously, gave me a piece of advice once. It was: "Just build things as good as you can and quality will beat out gimmicks over time’," Packer said.

"And that is not to say that The Venetian is not high quality or a gimmick-based hotel, but I am very proud of what we have got up there. Time will be its friend," he added.

'The House of Dancing Water' show that was launched in September last year is another factor that boosts Packer’s confidence in City of Dreams.

He advised the show had lifted December quarter turnover and was drawing a "new breed of clientèle" to the premises.

COD posted a pretty average performance in 2009, but revenues have been improving regardless of its focus on the mass market.

"I think that one of the things that people underestimate is how hard it is to be the sixth player in a market. We started three years after the first five".

Packer also said that he is certain that Macau is the right place for Melco Crown.

"Macau is beginning to work out really well for us. Macau stands on its own two feet on a stand-alone basis, but it also helps us develop new contacts in the region, meet new people, meet new players," he said.

"And it is a great dissemination of our brand. What we are trying to do against some of the biggest and most successful companies in the world is produce a product that is world class," he added.

Packer also stressed out that Macau is "one of the most competitive markets in the world, with a standard of product that is -if not the world’s best already - on the way to being the world’s best".

"What has happened in Macau over the past 10 years has been incredible. It is now an incredibly diverse locale, with some of the most amazing facilities in the world," he said.

Global Perspective...

Australia is the 6th biggest gambling nation on Earth, and a number of experts think we may reach the top 3 within the next few years. The U.S is #1, and James Packer and Co and doing their best to see Macau nudge closer to #2. It's times like these that Team Packer is glad they have a global strategy, but clearly the U.S will have to improve somewhat before the likable Aussie buys in to Yankee land again in a financial way. Yanks, don't worry. Us Aussies still love you, but we just don't love your economic situation right at the moment, but with more positive momentum for gambling regulation in the U.S, pushed along by Crown Limited "partners in crime" (friends), PartyGaming, who do a bit of b2b dealing with Packer's Crown when 'Aussie Millions' time comes upon us. Stay tuned, and don't blink for a second.

Macau...

Casino gambling leaped in Macau soared in 2010 to reach a record high, according to official figures. Revenue totalled $23.5bn (£15.2bn), up 57% on the previous year, reinforcing the territory's position as the world's most lucrative gambling market. Earnings have been driven by an influx of gamblers from mainland China. Macau - a former Portuguese colony returned to China in 1999 - is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal. It opened up its gambling industry to foreign competition in 2002, triggering a building boom. In 2007 gambling revenue there overtook that of the Las Vegas Strip in the US. The figures for 2010 were released by Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. As well as an annual record, gambling revenue also set a monthly record in December 2010 of $2.36bn - up 66% year on the year.

United States Snapshot...

In much of the Unites States casinos are forbidden or tightly regulated. A few places allow casinos, and they have become well-known as centers of legal gambling. Relatively small places such as Las Vegas are best-known for gambling; larger cities such as Chicago are not defined by their casinos in spite of the large turnover.

Las Vegas has the largest concentration of casinos in the United States. Based on revenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey ranks second, and the Chicago region third.

Top American Casino Markets by Revenue (2009 Annual Revenues):

1. Las Vegas Strip $5.550 billion

2. Atlantic City $3.943 billion

3. Chicago region $2.092 billion

4. Connecticut $1.448 billion

5. Detroit $1.36 billion

6. St. Louis $1.050 billion

7. Tunica Resorts, Mississippi $997.02 million

8. Biloxi, Miss. $833.50 million

9. Shreveport, La. $779.65 million

10. Boulder Strip (Las Vegas) $774.33 million

12. Reno, Nevada $715.23 million

15. New Orleans, La. $653.05 million

18. Downtown Las Vegas $523.82 million

19. Laughlin, Nevada $492.51 million

The Nevada Gaming Control Board divides Clark County, which is coextensive with the Las Vegas metropolitan area, into seven regions for reporting purposes. Indian gaming has been responsible for a rise in the number of casinos outside of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Greg Tingle is a Special Contributor to the Gambling911.com website and Runs CasinoNewsMedia.com, a media, publicity and internet portal development company.

James Packer Crown Casino Whale Talks Tourism, by Greg Tingle - 19th March 2011

Australia's foremost gambling tycoon, James Packer, is growing tied of the Australian government's lack of action in improving the tourism sector, which in return effects his casino tourism arm, with the high rollers, schools of "whales", super dolphins and the like tipping to be swimming more for oriental waters, rather than down under Pacific Ocean way. Yep, that's the general school of thought.

Singapore is continuing a roaring trade in the casino and resort tourism dollar, and insiders think this this may be beginning to really snatch away some potential business from Melbourne's Crown Casino and Burswood, which now boasts two of the most valuable and profitable integrated casino resorts in the world, Packer says the time for talk is over.

"One of the problems for state and federal governments of both political persuasions in Australia is that no one sets any key performance indicators for tourism," he told Rupert Murdoch publication, The Weekend Australian.

"That lets people muddle about on things with good intentions without ever actually making the rubber hit the road. Whereas in Singapore, it is all about the rubber hitting the road.

"They are a country that used to get the same number of tourists as Australia, around 5 million. They are now at 11 million tourists. We are at 5 million. And they have stated publicly that they have an aim and ambition that they will receive 17 million tourists in 2015."

Singapore has bragging rights of 13 consecutive months of record visitor numbers, achieving its highest visitor arrivals for a single month in December with 1.1 million visitors, 16% up on last year.

Experts tip the main attribute in seeing Singapore's big numbers is last year's launch of the $4.4 billion Resorts World Sentosa casino and the $5.94bn Marina Bay Sands, the second most expensive casino in the world.

Both casino resorts are understood to have accounted for 1.7% of Singapore's nominal gross domestic product last year when GDP leap frogged 14.7%.

Packer has a few more reasons than the average Joe to be a bit worried about the rise of the Singapore dragons (no offence to dragons, including dragons in training or Singaporeans). Singapore is writing the "who to" book and blueprint on casino tourism, just when many experts thought Macau were the experts.

The Singapore dragons wrath on the regional casino market gave birth to an 8% dip in VIP turnover at Packer's two dinkum Aussie casinos, Crown in Melbourne and Burswood in Perth, in the 6 months to December 31. Burswood really felt the pain, with VIP whale revenue down 14.3% compared with Crown's 5.5 % dive.

Crown states 15% of its casino revenues comes from high-rollers. That's a considerable amount.

Packer points to the way Australia sells itself to the world, and specifically affluent Asians, as a tourist destination, and he chooses his words carefully.

"We are not saying it is the government's fault. We are saying we would like to work with the government to try and make Australia a more attractive and compelling and successful tourism destination".

The recent Japanese natural disasters, along with our our own floods and cyclones in Queensland, are expected to put increased pressure on Japanese tourism, the fifth-largest provider of inbound tourists to Australia behind New Zealand, Britain, the US and China.

"We all thought the Oprah exercise (where Tourism Australia last year paid $1.5m for 100 minutes of US exposure on Oprah Winfrey's TV chat show) was fantastic, but when I was in America just recently I saw an advertisement with three Americans in a Land Rover driving around a paddock watching kangaroos. And I thought to myself, it is a lovely image but to be kind, it is very niche," Packer says.

Packer says Crown wants more from what he terms his "silent majority partners".

"The total taxes we paid last year to the three levels of government...federal, state and municipal...was well over double our net profit after tax. We believe we are investing in our businesses, providing the government with an excellent economic return for our licences and we also think we are working hard to ensure that our other stakeholders benefit from our business," he says.

"The government is doing very well being the silent majority partner of our company and we are competing against some of the biggest and most successful companies in the world and what we are trying to do is bring more people to Australia to spend money and conduct economic activity here."

Crown and competitor Tabcorp Holdings, owner of 'Sin City' Sydney's Star City and the Gold Coast's Jupiters casinos, are spending billions of dollars on big capital expenditure programs, including revamped VIP gaming facilities, hotels, lear jets and more.

"My impression is that we have spent more on capital expenditure in the past five years than any non-mining industrial company in Australia," Packer says. "I think there is a perception out there that these businesses are licences to print money. They are terrific businesses, but they are not that. These businesses have a very significant ongoing capex requirement, which places limits on the real cash available to be returned to shareholders."

A not particularly well known fact is that last year, Crown received the Employer of the Year award at the Australian Government's Australian Training Awards.

Packer's call for a more integrated tourism strategy for Australia is fully supported by Tourism Australia chairman and ex Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon, who is also on the Crown board. "While I am obviously a director of Crown, it doesn't change the fact that our integrated resorts in Australia must be competitive with those in Asia, especially Singapore," Dixon says.

"This is not just about Crown, it is about...the other integrated resort casinos within Australia."

What Crown and Tabcorp are seeking is additional assistance from government and the private sector on co-ordinating visa access and improving facilities at airports for VIP high roller tourists.

In Singapore, high rolling whales are greeted by officials at Changi airport, and promptly escorted through a private lounge area for fast-tracked customs and immigration procedures.

"We have started some initial discussions with Melbourne and Perth airports, and they are quite interested in the concept," says Crown chief executive Rowen Craigie. He advised there have been communications with government and the state and federal tourism authorities. "The doors seem to be open," he says confidently.

Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson agrees casinos have an important role to play in the nation's tourism strategies, as well he should, but he states there needs to be more research before major decisions are taken that affect the sector.

"Casinos attract high-yield visitors that spend on average double that of other international visitors," he shared.

"Through both our marketing efforts such as the $150m global 'There's Nothing Like Australia' campaign and the National Long Term Tourism Strategy, we will continue to work closely with casinos, airlines, hotels, tour operators and the many other hundreds of thousands of small businesses in the tourism sector to ensure Australia remains competitive as a tourism destination.

"That requires encouraging investment in new stock, finding the right staff and reducing barriers to their employment in the sector, while providing comprehensive research to allow informed decisions to be taken."

Chef and restaurant owner Neil Perry, also a mate and business associate of Packer, whose "lucky" seven Australian restaurants include outlets at Crown and Burswood, agrees.

"While I am focused on local clientele, we need a good mix of international tourists to keep this business vibrant," he says.

Chinese tourists account for $2.8bn to the Australian tourism industry and by 2017 analysts expect that market will be worth about $5.5bn.

Korea, Singapore and Malaysia are also developing markets for Australia.

In January, Chinese tourists jumped 63% for the month, largely a spin off from Chinese New Year celebrations falling in February. Hong Kong visits were up 26% and Malaysia 25%.

At times like these Packer must be glad his had a global strategy in place, and is not totally at the mercy of the Australian market.

Packer and his time are also further developing online gaming and revenue aspects of Crown Limited, as well as getting his 50% Betfair better stocked with more online gaming offerings, acutely aware of recession resistance online based businesses like PartyGaming and also watching his mate, Richard Branson, take his airline, tourism, communication and gaming business to the next level.

Don't bet against Packer, but the smart money from betting agencies says that its safe to bet against the Australian state and federal government - with Labor set to fall, and a new and motivated Liberal - Nationals coalition ready to impress the people and the business sector

A Media Man spokesperson said 'There's no doubt that the Oprah Winfrey effect has some positive spin off for Australian tourism, certainly awareness leaped. Just hoe much different was made to the bottom line thanks to O is unclear. James Packer makes a good point about Australian tourism. We have a lot more to offer than just kangaroos. Bondi Beach is great, but so are casinos like Crown and Burswood, and our sports tourism and events are always, and how about our Aboriginal heritage. We are world class. More people need to help give the Australian government the message. Casinos are an idea place to help keep things going in the right direction, with all of the tourists, smart money and entertainment to be found."

CEO Magazine Rejects James Packer Interview Rumour...

Bean Media Group, publishers of the influential and highly-regarded business publication, The CEO Magazine, have today refused to confirm reports that The CEO Magazine will be conducting an exclusive interview with Australian businessman, James Packer. The CEO Magazine is Australia's leading business magazine focused directly at high-level executives in Australian companies. The CEO Magazine is a bi-monthly title that provides its readers with a wealth of articles discussing business strategy, expert opinion, analysis, corporate case studies, emerging trends, leadership, growth opportunities and challenges facing our country's leading business leaders. The CEO Magazine explores how Australian businesses can improve the way they manage their operations, staff, technology and supply chains with a view to creating a more profitable and successful business. Whilst The CEO Magazine is extremely meticulous in selection for interviews within the title, rumours of a one-on-one interview with James Packer have surfaced this week. "Due to the high profile nature of The CEO Magazine, it is impossible for us to confirm who will be included in upcoming magazines until publication date. Content is kept strictly between the publisher and any leading senior executive that have been chosen for selection," said a spokesperson for publisher, Bean Media Group. The next issue of The CEO Magazine is due out next month. About The CEO Magazine, Australia's leading business title specifically for high-level and senior executives. The publisher of The CEO Magazine is Bean Media Group, a multi-award-winning media company based in Sydney, Australia

News

Crown Casino Aussie Millions; James Packer Special, by Greg Tingle - 24th January 2011

G'day punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales, gambling millionaires and billionaires, poker sharks, entertainment and arts news junkies, media tycoons, politicians, insiders, outsiders, legal eagles... one and all. You know who you are. Today we have a massive Crown Casino Aussie Millions update for you, along with other big news from Crown Casino's parent company, Crown Limited, including the one and only 'Our James' (James Packer) and friends. Media Man and Gambling911 with a jam packed report we think the late, great, Kerry Packer would be proud of, and we hope you're delighted with it too...

Shane Warnie M.I.A At Aussie Millions Yesterday (Including Last Night); UK Connection?...

Champion spinner, celeb poker pro (sort of) and face of Crown Poker, Shane "Warnie" Warne was Missing In Action yesterday, including in nocturnal hours, as fellow hot blooded sportsman, Tiger Woods might say. Yep, no show of Warnie and Aussie Millions, but he wasn't seen on a jet either. Maybe one of Crown's private fleet was commissioned for special delivery. Warnie has been getting up nice and cosy to U.K babe aka "poker babe" Liz Hurley in Los Angeles of late, and we wish the happy couple many more winning hands (and kisses and hugs et al). Warne is full expected to show up at Crown Casino later this afternoon or in the evening, or tomorrow at the latest. Warnie, if you're a little behind schedule, its ok. No detailed step by step - blow by blow explanation is required. Great to see the work - life priorities in order. Poke - er, on and off the felt - way to go son. Stay tuned for more of the life and times of Shane Warne, but sorry, no nude shots here, but inside scoops none the less.

Aussie Millions: A History Of Champions...

Who will win this years Aussie Millions Championship? It may be too early to tell, but Phil Ivey is a hot favorite.

Let's take a walk down memory lane and see who has taken out the big one over the years...

2010 Champion

Tyron Krost
Origin: Australia (Sin City Sydney)
Winnings: $2,000,000
Defeated 746 players
*sponsored by PartyGaming's PartyPoker

2009 Champion

Stewart Scott
Origin: Australia
Winnings: $2,000,000
Defeated 681 players
*sponsored by PartyGaming's PartyPoker

2008 Champion

Alexander Kostritsyn
Origin: Russia
Winnings: $1,650,000
Defeated 780 players

2007 Champion

Gus Hansen
Origin: Denmark
Winnings: $1,500,000
Defeated 747 players

2006 Champion

Lee Nelson
Origin: New Zealand
Winnings: $1,295,800
Defeated 418 players

2005 Champion

Jamil Dia
Origin: New Zealand
Winnings: $1,000,000
Defeated 263 players

2004 Champion

Tony Bloom
Winnings: $ 426,500
Defeated 133 players

2003 Champion

Peter Costa
Origin: England
Winnings: $39,4870
Defeated 122 players

Aussie Millions Player Profile: Phil Ivey; Hot Favorite...

He's arguably the world's most famous gambler, only battling for headlines with living legend, Doyle Brunson. He bets, wins and looses fortunes on the flip of a card, and he's certainly living the American Dream... to be continued at Australia's expense many tipsters stay. The 34-year-old shark (affectionate)... we like you Phil, is playing in the Aussie Millions poker tournament at James Packers' Crown Casino but he states it's not the tourney or its million bucks main event first prize that got him down under - its "the action". Ivey is also rumoured to check out Sin City Sydney's Star City, something we're not sure Crown Limited powers that be wanted to read about, but we have to keep things fair in the world famous 'Australian Casino Wars' right? No, we don't own shares in Tabcorp - not yet anyway.

Ivey is understood to have some similar nocturnal habits to Tiger Woods, who he has sometimes been compared to. He's also widely acknowledged by his peers as the best player on at the planet at all 3 main poker disciplines of the poker: online poker, cash games and of course, tournament! Yeah, he's a killer, and he also excels at other casino games.

Master poker player Chris "Jesus" Ferguson generously shares the following to the press: "In the past that was three different people, but over the last few years the best player was just Phil Ivey, and there isn't even an argument, and that's really unusual in a game like poker.

Howard Lederer, another genius poker nut went on record with "It doesn't matter what the game is, Phil's the best". By the way, Lederer has a side bet with Ivey on whether the champ will win another World Series of Poker in the next two years. The bet is rumoured to be $US5 million.

'Aussie Millions' is Australia's undisputed richest poker tournament, but the organised (official) poker games are often quite the distraction for poker professionals playing private cash games and taking side bets, while they enjoy taking in everything that Australia has to offer, including the beaches, Melbourne culture and of course, the beautiful Australian women (and climate).

Ivey started playing card games at his grandfather's house in New Jersey, USA growing up, later moving to Atlantic City in his teen years. He trained 10 to 12 hours a day playing, under a fake ID of course. Hey, it is poker. Legend has it he went on to develop his game at a regular 7-card stud game run by the Hustler (the skin lad's mag and website) media mogul publisher Larry Flynt.

It was in 2002 Ivey won 3 WSOP bracelets thus establishing himself as the world's best.

The champ also plays table games including baccarat and craps, and is a very keen better on sports.

"I enjoy myself when I'm betting, life's just more fun that way," said Ivey.

This guys is loaded, on an off the felt. What's his fortune worth? No one knows for sure. He shares "can't relate to it and to talk about it seem crass". Industry sources say Ivey has made more than $US18 million in online poker games since circa 2007.

Folks, don't change your dials. The Aussie Millions Poker Championships runs until Sunday, and yes, Packer, Warnie and even yours truly are tipped to make a special appearance, planned or a surprise. Security is the strongest its ever been, so no funny business everyone. Don't try to call our bluff.

Aussie Millions: Sam Trickett Wins $100,000 Challenge Yesterday...

Trickett Wins $1.5 Million to Grow his Career Wins to $3 Million after a Challenging 3-Handed Battle against Tony Bloom and Erik Seidel.

7 of the best players in the world, $100,000 each. Just 1 winner!

The Final Table Chip Counts (with thanks to our Crown Casino friends and spies)

1st Sam Trickett 961,000
2nd David Steicke 622,000
3rd James Obst 571,000
4th Jeffrey Lisandro 454,000
5th David Benyamine 363,000
6th Erik Seidel 169,000
7th Tony Bloom 148,000
8th Chris Ferguson 89,000

James Packer To Get High Roller Super VIP's On The Water Off Perth, Western Australia...

Gambling and media billionaire James Packer has an offer (and a boat ride) for you, if you can afford it.

Welcome to 'Infinity', a $50 million, 40m long Italian-made 'super yacht' to be berthed full time in Perth as part of the Crown's 'World Of Entertainment' offering. It's now tied into Burswood Casino, who are looking to lure in more Asian - Oriental gamblers.

The floating 5 star plus pad (if you can rate the unbelievable luxury), along with its crew of lucky seven will be available for the enjoyment of VVIP (very, very important person) high rolling gamblers.

They will lap up 4 guest rooms, including a huge owner's stateroom complete with his and hers bathrooms.

Infinity was unveiled to a group of Perth business folks this past Thursday, strategically ahead of the opening of the $10 million Rockpool restaurant, a new secret weapon of Burswood.

Packer was quoted by our friends at The Western Australia "We regard ourselves as very lucky to be in Perth. Clearly it's the boom city in Australia. I also personally love Western Australia. "I've spent - for an easterner - a lot of time in the west over the years. I think the best of Australia is found in the characters in Western Australia." It's well know that one of Packer's good mates and close business associates, Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest is also based in Western Australia.

Burswood's makeover is targeted at China's billionaires... all 150 of them! Yes, someone counted them.

Packer is aware of the Burwood's casino and entertainment complex mixed reputation and shares "If we keep investing in the facility and we keep making it better and better, then I think that will change. If you look at Crown (casino) in Melbourne, all segments of society frequent (it) from all different stratas - and that is absolutely our desire for Burswood over time."

Also forecast this year are are two Infinity Mansions...total price tag of $25 million - to be built in the grounds at Burswood and the completion of a new and exclusive Infinity gaming room, currently under way via the rooftop of the Intercontinental Hotel of the complex.

"Our genuine hope is that the mansions will be the two best hotel rooms in the world," Packer said. "That was our brief."

A Media Man Int spokesperson said "Don't bet against James Packer. He's proved the knockers wrong so many times before its not funny. If you had believe the naysayers, Packer would have lost all of his fortune a few years ago. He bounced back in champion fashion in is now regarded as one of the very best gambling and media tycoons on the planet. Apart from that, he's also a heck of a nice bloke who is fair and balanced with his dealing with the press and public, and the universe continues to reward the man and his family for their good deeds. Packer is on a roll and nothing not nobody looks to be able to catch him at the moment, including Tabcorp or anyone else that dare try. Yeah, we're glad we bought shares in his company also, and make no secret about it. Of late, just about everything he touches turns to gold. It's going to be a golden year aboard the Packer express".

James Packer Loves Perth: People, Innovation, Lifestyle, His Casino And Food...

JP told The Sunday Times on Friday, "I love the Swan River ... it's better than Sydney Harbour." Packer who is doing Perth with prime goals including the launch the new Rockpool restaurant at his Burswood complex, flew in from Singapore on Friday and posed for photographs before heading off for an appointment with mining heiress Gina Rinehart (a fellow major shareholding in Ten). "We want to invest more money in Perth. We regard ourselves as very lucky to be here. It is clearly the most go-ahead city in Australia and has an enormous future." Ok, so what else can we tell you? His $350 million plans to upgrade the Burswood resort include revamped rooms, a new pool, a private gaming den, an extra 250 electronic gaming machines aka "one armed bandits" (Aussie slang), 50 more gaming tables and a 40m luxury yacht for entertaining high rollers. Packer advised he was looking forward to digging into a steak sourced from five tonnes of beef on site but did not share the same tastes as his late father, Kerry, who famously walked out of the Barrenjoey House restaurant in the 1980s when Neil Perry, head chef at the time, refused to cook him a well-done steak with tomato sauce. "I like my steak medium-rare," JP said. For the record likes with tomato sauce (so do we). "And Neil doesn't cook enough of them for me." Punters, what are you waiting for. Get yourselves over to Burswood for a bit of 2, 4, 6, 8, dig in, don't wait. And, good luck on the slots, tables, and out on the water, if your lucky enough. Crown Limited powers that be - your throw of the dice.

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 special Aussie Millions, Crown Limited and James Packer report? 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 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

Gambling And Media King James Packer; Becoming Property King Of Sydney...

James Packer is building a space age type home - mansion - bunker, in Sydney's eastern suburbs. He even ordered demolition of two neighbouring mansions. Vaucluse will never be the same again. Now earth-moving equipment has moved in. By the time the job is finished in about 18 months time, the pad will have cost 'Our James' in the region of $50 million. It was circa June 2009 he invested A$18 million on a 6-bedroom 1970s mansion, later snatching up two neighbouring pads for more than A$12 million. His estate is massive and is understood to cover 3345sq m of prime real estate. Packer engaged the services of architect Alec Tzannes to design the new extensions, the same bloke responsible for the Point Piper pad owned by property and financial services king John Symond. It's understood the the who family is really looking forward to moving into the palace with toys, treats and fun for kids all all ages. Wife Erica Packer and the happy couple's children, Indigo and Jackson, are really looking forward to giant swimming pool. Yep, the Packer's continue to make waves in the Aussie media, entertainment and lifestyle sector. A Media Man spokesperson said 'The Packers are really doing it in style. It goes to show you want hard work and smart work can do for a person. It's pretty inspirational, considering what he bounced back from a couple of years ago. As is often the case, James Packer has the last laugh". Packer is expect to sometime show up at the Melbourne Aussie Millions to say G'day on site at his Crown Casino down south in Melbourne. Yep, Packer is on a roll, with no signs of slowing down.

Media Man does not represent James Packer

Media Man has conducted some b2b with Crown Casino and its partners

News

Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, Australian Mining Mogul, Wins Media Man Social And Community Entrepreneur Of The Month; Runner Up, James Packer - May 2010

James Packer (Crown Holdings) and Richard Branson (Virgin Enterprises Limited) talk at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Melbourne, Australia -
March 2009

Win your seat at one of Australia's biggest poker tournaments

at Crown Casino, Melbourne, Australia

PartyPoker.com website PartyPoker.com profile PartyGaming profile

James Packer and Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest

News

James Packer Casino King Tribute To Alan Jones Media King, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2010

In a very special getting together in Sydney, Australia's gambling king, and up and coming media tycoon, James Packer, has paid tribute to Australian radio broadcasting legend Alan Jones, in a powerful and emotional speech. Media Man crosses now to the action...

Australian media and gambling business champion, James Packer, gave a powerful, emotional and heartfelt address overnight in tribute to talkback radio king and racing identity Alan Jones.

For the uninitiated, Jones is every part the living legend of media, racing and people power circles. Jones and the guest were celebrating his 25 years as a broadcaster in a glitz event at Sydney's Darling Harbour. Media Man favorite gambling tycoon, Packer headlined the impressive event.

Let's go through some of the highlights...

Packer's voice got croaky after describing how Jones had assisted thousands of people, many totally anonymously, showing just how giving of heart and spirit the great man was.

"Alan, no one will ever take your place. You are without peer my friend," Packer said, looking to get touch teary eyed.

Earlier in the evening he told the story of how his late father, Kerry Packer, has encouraged and then persuaded Jones to give up politics for life as a media commentator on Network Nine and then onto Radio 2UE, and before then representing competitor 2GB Radio.

"What do you want to be son...the Prime Minister or a millionaire," KP (Kerry Packer) said to Jones.

"Alan took the money, not the box."

The magical night, which was hosted by advertising and media legend John Singleton and attended by the whose who of politics, media, and arts, also featured tributes from people as diverse as Liberal Party powerbroker Michael Kroger and pop icons Human Nature.

Jones's long-time colleague at 2UE and a veteran of more than 6 decades in radio, John Brennan said Jones was the best broadcaster he had ever heard because of his ability to connect with listeners and his efficiency of description.

"I think that Alan Jones is the Roger Federer of radio," he wasn't afraid to share with the audience.

Even former Aussie prime minister John Howard touched on a remark from Packer that Jones would "pick and stick" by his mates and friends, describing the legend as "an Australian who never let his cobbers down".

He said Jones, more than anyone else, understood the power of talkback radio to influence politics.

"Alan has understood the temperament and the nature of the Australian people They don't like being told by self-appointed cultural dietitians that we should be ashamed of our past - Alan understood that", Howard shared.

He said he had appreciated Jones's support while in office and paid tribute to the broadcaster's record of winning a massive 155 radio ratings surveys.

Jones, who went on to speak last, said Howard was in his mind "the best prime minister Australia has had".

He thanked the people who attended - friends, family and other guests, including some of his listeners, as well as generously paying tribute to his support team at Radio 2GB.

Jones advised his main campaign would be against opencut mining which he thinks turns too much rich pastoral land into wastelands for profit. He elaborated and said he was hopeful he would be able to continue to make people feel better as a result of his work, both broadcasting, community and more.

"The aim of power in this world is to lift people, not crush them," he shared.

Jones has also greatly contributed to the Australia gaming and horse racing industry, with speaking on what's best for Australian racing being one of his passions. It was Jones who basically told Australian racing to lift its game or see more competition knocking on the door of Australia. Jones and his team are aware of the PartyGaming - PMU deal inked earlier this year, and Jones has also offered commentary in the past on Packer's Betfair and the like. Jones is understood to be a supported of regulated gaming and racing, and a believer in responsible gaming, as is Gambling911 and Media Man.

Well done to everyone involved, and Alan, thank you for assisting some of my mates over the years also, which in turn assisted me, and James, thank you also for the opportunity to offer commentary on you, your company, initiatives like GenerationOne, and to offer some b2b to some of your companies showcase events like Crown Casino Aussie Millions Poker Championship. It is truly appreciated and never taken for granted. Long live the Jones, Packer and 'Singo' (Singleton) legends. All Aussie champions of business, community and people power.

Wrap Up...

It was wonderful to hear about the good deeds of media tycoons wasn't it We salute both Packer, Jones, and the good folks who helped put together such a fantastic happening. It was also a nice change to read about big time Australian media players without all the agro and such. Stay tuned for more of the best on gambling, media, entertainment and sports right here.

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

James Packer Bondi Beach Pad No Jackpot, by Greg Tingle - 5th November 2010

The sellers wanted in the region of $8 million-plus, but the buyers stopped their bidding at $7 million. It was the Bondi Beach house that a young James Packer, casino and gambling mogul in the making, established as his first home in the 90s.

A total of 3 registered bidders still say it failed to sell at this weekend's Raine & Horne auction when offered by the New York-based Lochtenberg family. It last sold when Packer's former fiancee, Kate Fischer, pocketed a cool $2,825,000 in 2000. The 210 sq m pad had been transferred fee free from Packer's development company into Fischer's name in October 1998, showing his well known generosity of heart and spirit.

Packer and Fischer had been in a 5-year personal relationship during which the Notts Avenue property was purchased for a seemly bargain priced $425,000 in 1995. Subsequently Packer moved into a 3-level apartment on nearby Campbell Parade, which remains his abode. He and his wife Erica have also spent roughly $30 million on a Vaucluse home known in today's lingo as "residential compound", not be be confused with gaming figure Calvin Ayre's 'Bodog Compound'.

Packer began living on the Bondi Beach "golden mile#2) sharing an $800-a-week rental apartment with mate David Gyngell in the beautiful Pacific Terraces complex elsewhere on Notts Avenue. JP's late father Kerry Packer had helped finance the Pacific Terraces development by Bill Shipton in 1983.

The Notts Avenue house has been rented out by the Lochtenbergs at about $2500 bucks a week since their purchase in circa 2000.

Ok readers, we know you want to know more about Packer's gaming and media deals, so stick with us as there's much more of that coming on the horizon. It is a Sunday here at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. With that said, we might pop into Berg's Gaming at the famous Bondi Iceberg's club later on today to breath in the fresh air and view, that our decade of blood, sweat and tears in news media has afforded us.

Media Man wishes the Packer's well with their professional and personal lives, and hope to report a positive result for them on the home front very shortly. With Media Man world headquarters just a stone's throw from the Packer's, you can expect an update on this Packer goss er news, much sooner than later.

News

Crown's Packer talks with News, Gambling - iGaming Aussie connection - 24th September 2009

Media Man Australia founder and director buys Crown Limited and Virgin Blue shares - 12th October 2009

Virgin king and Crown Casino king talk shop and Media Man makes a play -
2nd April 2009

Crown Macau Officially Opened by James Packer

Crown Casino, Burswood Casino and City Of Dreams bottom line much better than industry standard - analysts and industry experts agree - October 2009

James Packer defends casinos as doing good for community
(Credit: AAP - News.com.au)

Crown says casinos continue to do well
(Credit: AAP - SMH.com.au)

Crown is not building a casino or gambling den at Double Bay, Sydney

James Packer delivered a keynote address at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Sydney - 1st August 2009

Why funding heart research is a sound social investment, by James Packer
(Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)

Shane Warne and James Packer

News

Australian Casino Entrepreneurs James Packer And Shane Warne In Biz!, by Greg Tingle - 3rd September 2010

Australia is tipped to see a new casino entrepreneur... with a dash of music, entertainment and technology on the side...no stranger to Aussies, Yanks, Pommies or Pakistanis... enter Shane Warne. Warnie has dabbled in gaming over the years, most notably as a face for poker room 888, (getting a one up on PartyGaming), however his upcoming collaborations with Crown casino king James Packer, has sent the gaming, gambling and celeb world into a frenzy. Media Man thinks its music to the ears of Crown Limited investors and WA businessman, Kym Illman aka 'Mr Ambush Marketing'...we turn up the music and let the party begin...

Australian Casino, Gaming And Lifestyle Entrepreneurs Unite: James Packer and Shane "No Spin" Warne; Kym Illman Marketing Aussie Gumleaf Mafia Connection...

Warnie and Packer, long time mates and associates, have been working on something big for quite a while now, and the past Warnie - Kym Illman - Messages On Hold campaigns have been impossible to miss, thanks in part to Max Markson and even everyones favorite... wait for it... Media Man.

Cricket legend, poker player and Aussie larrican, Shane "No Spin" Warnie is officially going into business with Aussie casino and lifestyle king, James Packer. Warnie sure know how to pick mentors, also getting guidance and business opportunities from fellow mate Kym Illman, over the years. Yep, the 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia' is leaping ahead in leaps and bounds. It's enough to make Gambling911 resident and friend to all, Kasino Koala, blush and fall out of his tree.

Back to business at hand, this year the Packer - Warnie collaborating with bit hitting the casinos, and they also have a few tricks up their sleeve for cafes, restaurants, gyms and other venues down under in Australia, and they don't have to be existing 'Gumleaf Mafia' or Warne - Packer inner circle to get in on the action, depending on what b2b deals are of interest. However, the casino joint venture is a Crown Limited thing, and the spinner might just get his own branded poker room at Crown if he plays his cards right.

Warne has been on fire, and not just fired up and pissed about what happened with the Paki fixing scandal. The legend is also tipped to get an 'Ashes' talkback show on Network Nine. No coincidence that Bondi Beach local David Gyngelll, just happens to be the CEO of Nine, and holds a seat on the Crown Limited board. Again, relationships matter, as does loyalty. A couple of Aussie media entrepreneurs have purchased Crown shares over the years in a big picture - holistic type strategy, and the same happened with Virgin, owner Richard Branson also being on good terms with Packer.

The spinner remains tight lipped on some matters, but did tell press a bit about his passion for good music. Ah, his colourful exploits with a few blond goddesses over the years hinted at that. Music does get one in the mood, so does coffee and a few other unspeakables.

Warne, a mark for '80s music, have taken like a duck to water for the music industry. Specifically lyric-free ambient music, set to calm the soul, energise the body and warm the heart. Yep, we're been reading up on the sales blurb too.

Warne yesterday spruiked his latest biz alliance Groove Gallery, a company that sells ambient music to gyms, cafes and restaurants that wish to "sub-consciously" put their customers in the mood to spend a dollar or ideally, much more.

Shane Warne Inc, a spin off from Billionaire Inc, now sports roughly 16 business investments at last count. There's "Advanced Hair, yeah yeah" poker website 888, a Messages on Hold deal, luxury designer Dunhill and a bush tucker bag of paid gigs and appearances et al with Channel Nine, Sky Sports and Cricket Australia, and god knows what else on the boil. Media Man TV?

His family and life after cricket and some key motivators.

Speaking with News Limited Warnie shared "We've got two or three that we are looking at at the moment, there's a business that I have with James Packer that we'll be launching next year. I'm not sure James would want me talking about that yet".

He's seriously cashed up, but he's not really a showoff. More a lifestyle guy who loves his family and big boys toys.

We obtained quite a property asset list of Warnie... $9 million Middle Brighton home, a $3.35 million investment property in Sandringham, and a $2.2 million holiday home in Arthur's Seat and a home in London. Who knows what else he has. How about a Bondi Beach pad too mate, if you haven't already. We might see you up at Icebergs Bergs Gaming

As you might have cottoned on, things are good for the spin man..."Life is going great, never been better," he said.

For Warnie its been about ups, downs, roller coasters, working hard and playing 'n party int harder. Clearly things are on the up and up for Warnie, be it business, pleasure and passion, or more likely, both. Knock em for 6 sport.

Paki Cricket Scandal...Warnie Speaks...

Just on the red hot subject matter of cricket for moment. Warne said "I thought that the game was clean now with the anti-corruption people there". We're not certain if that's music to the ears of inner circle Packer and Illman or not, but this Aussie 'Gumleaf Mafia types have a habit of turning controversy and negatives into bags full of cash' whispered a Media Man insider, (at a well known Bondi Beach cafe interested to give the music a test run... hint Sparrow). Ah, relationships matter. Media Man believes that relationship marketing, buzz marketing, and the simple concept of headline grabbing Shane Warne will pretty much guarantee the success of all or most of Shane Warne linked campaigns in the foreseeable future.

We think the Packer - Warne - Illman collaboration is a can't miss, and poised to knock 'em for 6 success, but what do you think? Tell us in the forum.

Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

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News

James Packer (Crown Holdings) and Richard Branson (Virgin Enterprises Limited) talk at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Melbourne, Australia -
March 2009

James Packer opens the City of Dreams, Macau - 1st June 2009

James Packer and Erica Baxter

James Packer and Lawrence Ho

Rupert Murdoch and James Packer

James Douglas Packer (born September 8, 1967) is an Australian businessman and Australia's third richest man.

Packer is the son of the late billionaire media mogul Kerry Packer and grandson of Frank Packer. James Packer is the Executive Chairman of Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL), which owns some stations of the Australian commercial television network Nine. He also inherited the family private company: Consolidated Press Holdings Pty Ltd, which control investments in PBL and other companies.

Biography
Packer was educated at the Tudor House School in Moss Vale and at Cranbrook School. After obtaining the Higher School Certificate ( HSC ) at Cranbrook, Kerry decided it was time to toughen his son up to prepare him for the world of business. He was sent to his father's massive Newcastle Waters cattle station in the Northern Territory, where he worked as a jackeroo. His father dismissed the idea of sending young James to University by saying "Why would he want to go [to University]. To go learn to smoke marijuana?"]

Besides his father, his toughest mentor has been Albert J. Dunlap. Dunlap is known in American business circles for shedding massive numbers of company workforces to improve the finances of corporations. His tenure at Sunbeam is a specific example.

One.Tel
James Packer was a director of Australian Telecommunications company One.Tel, which was declared insolvent during May 2001. The collapse of One.Tel cost PBL AU$327 million. Packer admitted at a PBL Annual General Meeting that he had learned "painful lessons" from the collapse of One.Tel. Later at the liquidator's inquiry over the collapse he denied that he was apologizing for his own personal conduct. Instead he claimed, "I was making an apology for accepting the bona fides of Mr. Rich and a Mr. Tim Heaney, and the executive directors of One.Tel."

Current interests
Since his father's death, James has moved away from the family's traditional media businesses, and focused on creating a worldwide gambling empire. The purchase of the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth Australia adds to PBL's gaming business. James now wishes to add further gaming assets in Macau in partnership with Stanley Ho. He's also teaming up with Damian Aspinall, son of John Aspinall, in creating a group of casino complexes in Great Britain called Aspers. He already has a stake in casinos in London's West End, Swansea and Newcastle. Unfortunately for Packer, his bid for a UK "supercasino" based in Cardiff fell through when only one licence was granted to the northern city of Manchester. PBL also owns 50% of the only gambling company Betfair. Packer also owns Melbourne's Crown Casino, Australia's largest casino.

Packer is part of the Australian consortium looking to purchase Aston Martin from Ford, a venture viewed with much scepticism due to Aston Martin's turbulent loss-making past.

Wealth
James Packer is reportedly worth over $3 billion.

Personal Life
Packer's past girlfriends have included Tania Bryer and Joan Severance. After breaking off a two year engagement to Kate Fischer, in October 1999, he married swimsuit model Jodhi Meares.

In June 2002 Packer and Meares separated. Despite rumours of reuniting with his ex-wife, Packer became engaged to model Erica Baxter whom he has dated on and off for 4 years.

Update: James Packer married Erica Baxter in July 2008

Scientology
In 2002, Packer began attending the Church of Scientology, taking courses on the Church's Dundas campus. It was reported in the Australian media that Tom Cruise had urged Packer to join Scientology and begin auditing sessions. Tom Cruise had a very close male bonding, especially after his separation from Kidman. The Sydney Morning Herald said "the bond between the two men strengthened in the wake of the collapse of telephony company One.Tel last year and his separation from wife Jodhi in June". During this time, Packer traveled extensively to the Scientology Celebrity Centre in Los Angeles.

It has been reported by the Australian Daily Telegraph that Packer was an extra in Cruise's film The Last Samurai. (Credit: Wikipedia)

Other

James Packer owns property and is often seen at Bondi Beach

James Packer officially opened City of Dreams, Macau, in June 2009

Websites

City of Dreams

Melco Crown Entertainment

Altira Macau

Publishing and Broadcasting Limited

Australian Consolidated Press

Crown Casino

Burswood Casino