Richard Branson's Virgin Casino Runner Up In Casino News Media - Media Man Online Casino Awards
Virgin Casino was the runner up in Media Man "Online Casino Of The Month" awards.
It was a close race and it was Virgin's numerous new game releases and world class service that got them through to the finals. In addition Virgin Games are ramping up their AWOMO (A World Of My Own) product which shows great leadership and planning for the future.
Virgin is focused on being able to service more regions of the world including Australia, South African, South America, France, Spain and The United States with both gambling and non gambling products. Virgin management aims to see the portal become a "total gaming site". Virgin Games was established in 2004 and total enjoys the status of being recognised as one of the world's top online casino and gaming destination websites.
The competition for the coveted awards was intense again this month with massive bids from almost a dozen competitors!
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
The most popular Virgin Casino games of late include King Kong, Cleopatra, Slot Blox, Monty's Millions, Da Vinci Diamonds, Beat The Bank, Super Hoot Loot, The X-Factor, Treasures Of Troy, Elvis, Monopoly, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Fantastic Four and Wheel Of Fortune.
Virgin Casino customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via V*Points. Be certain to check out the promotions which are being championed as some one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Customers and potential customers are reminded that Virgin Games do not currently accept Australian or American players, however they are taking appropriate steps to see their games be available to more parts of the world. Punters, keep it fun, party hard and play harder.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with Virgin Games, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Website
Virgin Casino
Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Enterprises Limited
V*Points
Richard Branson
Friday, February 26, 2010
PartyCasino Wins Media Man Online Casino Award, by Greg Tingle - February 2010
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Roxy Palace, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino, however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Rambo, The Godfather, Sinatra, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $1 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Melon Madness, Tarzan, High Noon and Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that pro wrestling themed online slot games are in the works and that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 3 months. Names been thrown around include Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, but those names are only rumors, however a print feature did showcase Andre earlier in the year, indicating that there is substance to the rumor mill. In any event, PartyCasino already has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Roxy Palace, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino, however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Rambo, The Godfather, Sinatra, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $1 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Melon Madness, Tarzan, High Noon and Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that pro wrestling themed online slot games are in the works and that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 3 months. Names been thrown around include Andre The Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, but those names are only rumors, however a print feature did showcase Andre earlier in the year, indicating that there is substance to the rumor mill. In any event, PartyCasino already has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
Profiles
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour
PartyGaming
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - online "war" between iGaming powerhouses, by Greg Tingle - 25th February 2010
PartyCasino VS Virgin Casino - iGaming and gaming sector heats up - United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, Japan, Germany, South America, India, South Africa and beyond
PartyGaming - Asia Pacific - Australian focus, planning on return to United States; Hollywood themed games and tie ins with World Poker Tour owned brand, Asian Poker Tour collaboration, Maintains lead as world's leading online casino brand
Virgin Games - planning on expanding both Gambling and non gambling gaming products; Plans to add over 100 new games within 12 months
Hundreds of game titles are available to play now at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com
Punters take note...PartyCasino.com can be accessed in most of the Asia Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, and hotspot, Tasmania, while Virgin Casino can not currently be accessed in those regions. Both companies are looking to soon be able to offering paid games to the United States, in a race which numerous experts say PartyGaming is winning. PartyGaming also owns and operates the famous World Poker Tour (which is available to American punters).
Background
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
Background to the war...
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting more smash hit games including the King Kong slot.
In addition Richard Branson's Virgin Games is planning a non gambling service: A World Of My Own (AWOMO), which will be able to provide gamers with a cutting edgy technology service in basically all parts of the world, including in regions where traditional online gambling is not permitted. The strength of the Virgin brand, combined with Virgin's track record of success in new ventures and technology stack the odds in favour of the launch being a huge success. Virgin and competitor, PartyGaming, also have very strong news media, igaming, political and business connections.
Virgin's AWOMO is currently in beta testing, and is expected to launch the complete product in the third quarter of this year.
PartyGaming is pushing the interactive elements of its gaming with "Live Dealer", "Casino Calendar" and "Avatar" type technologies just around the corner.
The Casinos
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year and Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Jackpots
Party offers Gold Mega Jackpot, The Big One, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin offers MegaJackpots, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action, excitement and fun, check out Party and Virgin without delay.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory.net
Virtual Worlds Media
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Manager
PartyGaming - Asia Pacific - Australian focus, planning on return to United States; Hollywood themed games and tie ins with World Poker Tour owned brand, Asian Poker Tour collaboration, Maintains lead as world's leading online casino brand
Virgin Games - planning on expanding both Gambling and non gambling gaming products; Plans to add over 100 new games within 12 months
Hundreds of game titles are available to play now at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and Richard Branson's VirginCasino.com
Punters take note...PartyCasino.com can be accessed in most of the Asia Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, and hotspot, Tasmania, while Virgin Casino can not currently be accessed in those regions. Both companies are looking to soon be able to offering paid games to the United States, in a race which numerous experts say PartyGaming is winning. PartyGaming also owns and operates the famous World Poker Tour (which is available to American punters).
Background
PartyCasino.com VS VirginGames.com
Background to the war...
The "war" between igaming rivals PartyCasino.com and Virgin Games heats up further with the news hot off the press that Richard Branson's Virgin Games will be getting more smash hit games including the King Kong slot.
In addition Richard Branson's Virgin Games is planning a non gambling service: A World Of My Own (AWOMO), which will be able to provide gamers with a cutting edgy technology service in basically all parts of the world, including in regions where traditional online gambling is not permitted. The strength of the Virgin brand, combined with Virgin's track record of success in new ventures and technology stack the odds in favour of the launch being a huge success. Virgin and competitor, PartyGaming, also have very strong news media, igaming, political and business connections.
Virgin's AWOMO is currently in beta testing, and is expected to launch the complete product in the third quarter of this year.
PartyGaming is pushing the interactive elements of its gaming with "Live Dealer", "Casino Calendar" and "Avatar" type technologies just around the corner.
The Casinos
Both online casinos are world class. PartyCasino.com has won the Casino News Media Online Casino of the Month title a number of times and Virgin has made the shortlist for the past 3 months. PartyGaming has won a number of eGaming Review awards and commendations over the years including Socially Responsible Operator Of The Year and Operator Of The Year. PartyCasino.com offers rewards program PartyPoints, while Virgin offers V*Points.
The main point of difference for many potential players is that PartyCasino.com accepts Australian players while Virgin currently does not. PartyCasino also offers a wider variety of multi language and multi currency options. Both casinos offer play for free or play for money options.
Jackpots
Party offers Gold Mega Jackpot, The Big One, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin offers MegaJackpots, Marvel Hero Jackpot and Super Hero Jackpot
Virgin Enterprises Limited is one of the world's most successful companies as is PartyGaming. PartyGaming is listed on the London Stock Exchange and was established in 1997. Virgin Games was established in 2005 and Virgin Enterprises was founded by Richard Branson in 1970.
If your ready for action, excitement and fun, check out Party and Virgin without delay.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Profiles
Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
PartyCasino.com
PartyGaming
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Bingo
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory.net
Virtual Worlds Media
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Manager
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Australian Gambling, Betting, Sports and Political News; Massive News Week Down Under, by Greg Tingle - 19th February 2010
It's been a massive week for the gambling, igaming, sports betting and political news world.
iGaming powerhouses PartyGaming and Virgin Games at "war"
PartyGaming's PartyCasino continues its mega popularity in the Asia Pacific - Australian region. Richard Branson's Virgin Casino has just released Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (which Party already has). Virgin also advises Thor will be released this. With Party and Virgin offering Call of Action, Thor and soon, King Kong, this is likely to further damage InterCasino which had the games over a year ago however failed to make the most of the lucrative and exciting Asia Pacific region. Aussie punters take note... PartyGaming's brands are available for play in Australia and other Asia Pacific regions, while Virgin Games products are not... Sir Richard Branson, can you fix that up? PartyGaming stays #1 in the Australian iGaming - online casino sector for the time being.
Politics
A massive week in Australian politics... Australian casino king James Packer spotted playing golf with Sen Stephen Conroy two Sundays ago. Their spot of golf at Lord Williams private golf club coincidentally (or not) came on the same day that the government announced a $250 million licence fee reduction for free-to-air television stations. Insiders including those at The Sydney Morning Herald reckon that Mr Packer has been twisting Conroy's arm about a fairer deal for Foxtel. Mr Packer owns a 25% interest in pay television station Foxtel.
Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, has labelled the 250 million as an attempt by the government to bribe the networks in return for favourable coverage in an election year.
Mr Abbott backed off only a little yesterday after the networks expressed their displeasure. "The last thing I would ever do is accuse professional journalists of being bribable but certainly this is a government which is always looking for favours."
Mr Packer's casino business in Australia and Macau continue to power along, however Crown Melco has ceased plans to buy into a third casino in downtown Macau. Aussie insiders reckon Sen Conroy doesn't mind being mentioned in the same vein at "Casino Jack and the United States of Money".
Gamers and igamers are a dangerous lot says Australian police and politicians. South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson this week caused a furore by claiming his family was more at risk from gamers than motorcycle gangs!
Australian bookies and Joe Public on the street reckon that there's at least a reasonable chance that the Labor Party will be thrown out of office at the next election. Prime Minster Rudd has even publicly and privately advised that there's a chance they will loose the election. Media Man says never underestimate the power and repercussions of jackass policy (Australian internet censorship filter). Australian are well known for the passion of gambling and porn, both of which can be addictions of sorts, so if you attack that too much, you might kiss the election goodbye nurse.
Tony "The Bruiser" Abbot VS Kevin "Bloody" Rudd
The election polls suggest a comeback and now the punters are starting to see value in the straight-talking Tony Abbott. Bookies say the 2010 federal election is now shaping up as a contest, with 80 per cent of recent bets backing the new Liberal Leader against Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Mr Rudd is still odds-on favourite, returning just $1.20 from Centrebet if he stays in The Lodge. But the Coalition under Mr Abbot has tightened to $3.85 - the first time it has been under $4 in more than a year. The betting market rally follows several polls suggesting a modest turnaround in political fortunes. Centrebet's Neil Evans said the agency had been forced to reassess its prices after several big bets in recent days. One punter wagered $10,000 on Mr Abbott at $4.25, and another invested $5000 at $4. "Of the last 50 bets of any amount that have been laid, nearly 80 per cent is for the Coalition," Mr Evans said. "It's the first crucial sign the Coalition is getting right back into the battle after the Labor government had dominated with punters for two years." He said Centrebet was holding about $160,000 on the election contest, with about 75 per cent on Labor to win. August 28 is firming at the most likely election date, according to Centrebet punters.
Sports and Olympic Fever
Between the Vancouver Games, UFC 110 in Sydney and bits and bobs there's serious betting occurring this week.
Australia's Torah Bright snowboarding champion babe wins Gold!
UFC 110 in Sydney, Australia this Sunday 21st - betting by punters has been hot and heavy with PartyBets, Gamebookers, BetUS.com and others all taking considerable bets, which is not surprising considering UFC's Dana White advised the Sydney live event sold out in less that a day and that Australia is one of the strongest markets for DVD sales.
Real heat exists between Noguiera and Velasquez and things got testy at yesterdays press conference.
George Sotiropoulos is the leading Australian contender at present, a lightweight who is unbeaten in the UFC and facing Joe Stevenson on the UFC 110 main card. Like Sinosic and Haseman before him, he can be this generation’s trailblazer for MMA in Australia. But fight fans won’t soon forget the first two.
“Both of us put in the hard yards,” said Sinosic. “When we started, it wasn’t mixed martial arts, it was no holds barred, and we were really discovering what it was all about. It’s great to get the recognition ourselves, but more importantly to see the sport get the recognition and respect it deserves. To see the mainstream press here treating us like athletes and not like barroom brawlers, I’m just glad to be a part of it all.”
ONE will broadcast the event live in Australia this Sunday.
Casino Legal
The Australian Productivity Commission will finally release the Gambling Report this week, insiders say within days.
PartyGaming delighted with progress in Asia Pacific
PartyGaming CEO and management is very happy with the outfits continued infiltration of Australia and the Asia Pacific region in general. Ryan has given clearance to keep signing up celebs for their poker and casino brands, following up on Aussie Tony G and Pommie Phil "Tuffers" Tufnell.
Party PR man, Warren Lush, expects to be heading back to the Asian Poker Tour in August. The event is likely to be held again in gaming hotspot Macau.
The group finance director Martin Weigold told media on a conference call following the quarter results that casino revenue was boosted by a customer who won $5 million in one of the group's large jackpots and recycled $2 million of that win back into PartyGaming's casino website.
Party also announced the appointment of Per Widerstrom, previously CEO of Mangas Gaming, to the newly created role of COO, effectively freeing up CEO Jim Ryan to focus on M&A and new business opportunities.
Poker
Rennie Carnevale won the Adelaide heat of the Australia New Zealand Poker Tournament held this past weekend. The 21 year old picked up a cool $165,900. PokerStars remains the poker brand behind the well established and respected poker event.
Horse Racing
Veteran bookmaker Con Kafataris will hang up his satchel after 34 years on Sydney racetracks to concentrate on his online betting agency, Centrebet. The managing director of Centrebet said he would close CK Racing, the on-track bookmaking operation, after the Easter racing carnival because of regulatory reforms around corporate rivals and the changing composition of traditional punters. The announcement came as Centrebet recorded a first-half net profit of $6.3 million, up 19 per cent on the same time last year, and declared a 5.5c unfranked dividend which represented a 77 per cent payout ratio. "It's a combination of factors; the global financial crisis which started a year ago has impacted the high-end recreational punter that would come to the track," Mr Kafataris said. "They stopped coming to the track or they reduced their activity". Just maybe Con or his spies noticed that Media Man just joined dozens of others who are in the online racing and betting sector with the launch of http://www.racingnewsmedia.com The worst kept secret in Australian racing is that betting giant Betfair has significantly hurt the bottom line of the traditional TAB and bookie on track takings.
Aussie Female Gamblers - University Of Queensland Report
Typical Australian gamblers are no longer just men playing poker, with more women becoming addicted, isolated and even suicidal, a researcher from The University of Queensland has warned. UQ School of Tourism researcher and hospitality management lecturer, Dr Timothy Lee, says gambling in Australia is becoming more and more ``feminised''. Dr Lee says a third of problem gamblers are women at a time when Australia leads the world in the number of poker machines and $6 million a day is pushed through their slots!
Court orders gambler to pay up US$1m
An Australian gambler who lost more than US$1 million at a Bahamas casino while on his honeymoon in 2006 has been ordered to pay up by a Melbourne court. Former high-flying property developer Harry Kakavas had argued unsuccessfully that Paradise Island Casino in Nassau had taken advantage of his addiction to gambling. It was a second legal setback for Kakavas, who in December last year was ordered to pay Melbourne's Crown Casino the AU$1 million he owed.
Meet Australia's biggest punter
Meet Australia's most mysterious gambling figure: Zeljko Ranogajec, the man acknowledged by sources close to the TAB to be, by some margin, its most prolific gambler.
The size of Mr Ranogajec's betting is extraordinary. It is believed he accounts for 6-8 per cent of Tabcorp's $10 billion Australian betting turnover – or $600-800 million – and bets tens of millions more with local bookmakers.
Once the overseas betting turnover of his 24-hour, seven-day operation is taken into account, his total annual betting spend globally is believed to be well over $1 billion.
Crown Casino Gets Tough On Trouble Makers: Security Beefed Up
Crown casino staff are being trained to use plastic handcuffs under a new push to control violent patrons. The move - which has angered civil libertarians - is aimed at allowing staff to more safely eject patrons who are a threat to themselves, staff and others. The lightweight cuffs would also allow chosen security officers to more easily hold troublemakers while they wait for police to arrive with their force-issued handcuffs. Senior managers have been instructed by former Victoria Police officers working in private industry in how to use the handcuffs. Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill said any move to introduce the handcuffs was at a preliminary stage and, if adopted, would only be used by the senior security staff and managers in "exceptional circumstances". He said such patrons were a risk to many in a busy environment like Crown. "That is a very dangerous situation," he said. "The thought behind it is to provide a safer regime both for our staff who are engaged in these removals, Crown customers and the people involved themselves." Mr O'Neill said Crown management would work with Victoria Police on how best to develop procedures and policies for use of the handcuffs. He said he expected they would be used rarely, if adopted, and the number of "assisted removals" was declining. Mr O'Neill said they would be in use by the end of the year, if approved. "It's at a very, very preliminary stage at the moment. It's not something we're committed to," he said. "We are very conscious that we need to develop a regime that has the approval of Victoria Police." Handcuffs are used at the Burswood Casino in Perth. Australian Council of Civil Liberties president Terry O'Gorman said such a move would be unacceptable. "The only people using handcuffs should be trained police. You invite misuse. Crown can expect a flood of civil lawsuits," Mr O'Gorman said. "Next, they'll want capsicum spray or Tasers." Victoria Police said it was "not in a position to provide comment on whether the carriage or use of equipment by security staff is appropriate without further information".
Events
Gaming, Racing & Wagering Australia - 22nd - 23rd March, Star City Casino
iGB Down Under in Sydney, Australia - 23rd to 25th March, Star City Casino
Do politics, sports and gambling mix? You be the judge! As per usual, punters, bet with your head, not over it, and for Christ's sake, keep it fun. If it stops being fun its likely time to top. Good punting till next time.
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Holdings
*The writer is the director and founder of Media Man, primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company http://www.mediamanint.com
iGaming powerhouses PartyGaming and Virgin Games at "war"
PartyGaming's PartyCasino continues its mega popularity in the Asia Pacific - Australian region. Richard Branson's Virgin Casino has just released Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (which Party already has). Virgin also advises Thor will be released this. With Party and Virgin offering Call of Action, Thor and soon, King Kong, this is likely to further damage InterCasino which had the games over a year ago however failed to make the most of the lucrative and exciting Asia Pacific region. Aussie punters take note... PartyGaming's brands are available for play in Australia and other Asia Pacific regions, while Virgin Games products are not... Sir Richard Branson, can you fix that up? PartyGaming stays #1 in the Australian iGaming - online casino sector for the time being.
Politics
A massive week in Australian politics... Australian casino king James Packer spotted playing golf with Sen Stephen Conroy two Sundays ago. Their spot of golf at Lord Williams private golf club coincidentally (or not) came on the same day that the government announced a $250 million licence fee reduction for free-to-air television stations. Insiders including those at The Sydney Morning Herald reckon that Mr Packer has been twisting Conroy's arm about a fairer deal for Foxtel. Mr Packer owns a 25% interest in pay television station Foxtel.
Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, has labelled the 250 million as an attempt by the government to bribe the networks in return for favourable coverage in an election year.
Mr Abbott backed off only a little yesterday after the networks expressed their displeasure. "The last thing I would ever do is accuse professional journalists of being bribable but certainly this is a government which is always looking for favours."
Mr Packer's casino business in Australia and Macau continue to power along, however Crown Melco has ceased plans to buy into a third casino in downtown Macau. Aussie insiders reckon Sen Conroy doesn't mind being mentioned in the same vein at "Casino Jack and the United States of Money".
Gamers and igamers are a dangerous lot says Australian police and politicians. South Australian Attorney-General Michael Atkinson this week caused a furore by claiming his family was more at risk from gamers than motorcycle gangs!
Australian bookies and Joe Public on the street reckon that there's at least a reasonable chance that the Labor Party will be thrown out of office at the next election. Prime Minster Rudd has even publicly and privately advised that there's a chance they will loose the election. Media Man says never underestimate the power and repercussions of jackass policy (Australian internet censorship filter). Australian are well known for the passion of gambling and porn, both of which can be addictions of sorts, so if you attack that too much, you might kiss the election goodbye nurse.
Tony "The Bruiser" Abbot VS Kevin "Bloody" Rudd
The election polls suggest a comeback and now the punters are starting to see value in the straight-talking Tony Abbott. Bookies say the 2010 federal election is now shaping up as a contest, with 80 per cent of recent bets backing the new Liberal Leader against Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. Mr Rudd is still odds-on favourite, returning just $1.20 from Centrebet if he stays in The Lodge. But the Coalition under Mr Abbot has tightened to $3.85 - the first time it has been under $4 in more than a year. The betting market rally follows several polls suggesting a modest turnaround in political fortunes. Centrebet's Neil Evans said the agency had been forced to reassess its prices after several big bets in recent days. One punter wagered $10,000 on Mr Abbott at $4.25, and another invested $5000 at $4. "Of the last 50 bets of any amount that have been laid, nearly 80 per cent is for the Coalition," Mr Evans said. "It's the first crucial sign the Coalition is getting right back into the battle after the Labor government had dominated with punters for two years." He said Centrebet was holding about $160,000 on the election contest, with about 75 per cent on Labor to win. August 28 is firming at the most likely election date, according to Centrebet punters.
Sports and Olympic Fever
Between the Vancouver Games, UFC 110 in Sydney and bits and bobs there's serious betting occurring this week.
Australia's Torah Bright snowboarding champion babe wins Gold!
UFC 110 in Sydney, Australia this Sunday 21st - betting by punters has been hot and heavy with PartyBets, Gamebookers, BetUS.com and others all taking considerable bets, which is not surprising considering UFC's Dana White advised the Sydney live event sold out in less that a day and that Australia is one of the strongest markets for DVD sales.
Real heat exists between Noguiera and Velasquez and things got testy at yesterdays press conference.
George Sotiropoulos is the leading Australian contender at present, a lightweight who is unbeaten in the UFC and facing Joe Stevenson on the UFC 110 main card. Like Sinosic and Haseman before him, he can be this generation’s trailblazer for MMA in Australia. But fight fans won’t soon forget the first two.
“Both of us put in the hard yards,” said Sinosic. “When we started, it wasn’t mixed martial arts, it was no holds barred, and we were really discovering what it was all about. It’s great to get the recognition ourselves, but more importantly to see the sport get the recognition and respect it deserves. To see the mainstream press here treating us like athletes and not like barroom brawlers, I’m just glad to be a part of it all.”
ONE will broadcast the event live in Australia this Sunday.
Casino Legal
The Australian Productivity Commission will finally release the Gambling Report this week, insiders say within days.
PartyGaming delighted with progress in Asia Pacific
PartyGaming CEO and management is very happy with the outfits continued infiltration of Australia and the Asia Pacific region in general. Ryan has given clearance to keep signing up celebs for their poker and casino brands, following up on Aussie Tony G and Pommie Phil "Tuffers" Tufnell.
Party PR man, Warren Lush, expects to be heading back to the Asian Poker Tour in August. The event is likely to be held again in gaming hotspot Macau.
The group finance director Martin Weigold told media on a conference call following the quarter results that casino revenue was boosted by a customer who won $5 million in one of the group's large jackpots and recycled $2 million of that win back into PartyGaming's casino website.
Party also announced the appointment of Per Widerstrom, previously CEO of Mangas Gaming, to the newly created role of COO, effectively freeing up CEO Jim Ryan to focus on M&A and new business opportunities.
Poker
Rennie Carnevale won the Adelaide heat of the Australia New Zealand Poker Tournament held this past weekend. The 21 year old picked up a cool $165,900. PokerStars remains the poker brand behind the well established and respected poker event.
Horse Racing
Veteran bookmaker Con Kafataris will hang up his satchel after 34 years on Sydney racetracks to concentrate on his online betting agency, Centrebet. The managing director of Centrebet said he would close CK Racing, the on-track bookmaking operation, after the Easter racing carnival because of regulatory reforms around corporate rivals and the changing composition of traditional punters. The announcement came as Centrebet recorded a first-half net profit of $6.3 million, up 19 per cent on the same time last year, and declared a 5.5c unfranked dividend which represented a 77 per cent payout ratio. "It's a combination of factors; the global financial crisis which started a year ago has impacted the high-end recreational punter that would come to the track," Mr Kafataris said. "They stopped coming to the track or they reduced their activity". Just maybe Con or his spies noticed that Media Man just joined dozens of others who are in the online racing and betting sector with the launch of http://www.racingnewsmedia.com The worst kept secret in Australian racing is that betting giant Betfair has significantly hurt the bottom line of the traditional TAB and bookie on track takings.
Aussie Female Gamblers - University Of Queensland Report
Typical Australian gamblers are no longer just men playing poker, with more women becoming addicted, isolated and even suicidal, a researcher from The University of Queensland has warned. UQ School of Tourism researcher and hospitality management lecturer, Dr Timothy Lee, says gambling in Australia is becoming more and more ``feminised''. Dr Lee says a third of problem gamblers are women at a time when Australia leads the world in the number of poker machines and $6 million a day is pushed through their slots!
Court orders gambler to pay up US$1m
An Australian gambler who lost more than US$1 million at a Bahamas casino while on his honeymoon in 2006 has been ordered to pay up by a Melbourne court. Former high-flying property developer Harry Kakavas had argued unsuccessfully that Paradise Island Casino in Nassau had taken advantage of his addiction to gambling. It was a second legal setback for Kakavas, who in December last year was ordered to pay Melbourne's Crown Casino the AU$1 million he owed.
Meet Australia's biggest punter
Meet Australia's most mysterious gambling figure: Zeljko Ranogajec, the man acknowledged by sources close to the TAB to be, by some margin, its most prolific gambler.
The size of Mr Ranogajec's betting is extraordinary. It is believed he accounts for 6-8 per cent of Tabcorp's $10 billion Australian betting turnover – or $600-800 million – and bets tens of millions more with local bookmakers.
Once the overseas betting turnover of his 24-hour, seven-day operation is taken into account, his total annual betting spend globally is believed to be well over $1 billion.
Crown Casino Gets Tough On Trouble Makers: Security Beefed Up
Crown casino staff are being trained to use plastic handcuffs under a new push to control violent patrons. The move - which has angered civil libertarians - is aimed at allowing staff to more safely eject patrons who are a threat to themselves, staff and others. The lightweight cuffs would also allow chosen security officers to more easily hold troublemakers while they wait for police to arrive with their force-issued handcuffs. Senior managers have been instructed by former Victoria Police officers working in private industry in how to use the handcuffs. Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill said any move to introduce the handcuffs was at a preliminary stage and, if adopted, would only be used by the senior security staff and managers in "exceptional circumstances". He said such patrons were a risk to many in a busy environment like Crown. "That is a very dangerous situation," he said. "The thought behind it is to provide a safer regime both for our staff who are engaged in these removals, Crown customers and the people involved themselves." Mr O'Neill said Crown management would work with Victoria Police on how best to develop procedures and policies for use of the handcuffs. He said he expected they would be used rarely, if adopted, and the number of "assisted removals" was declining. Mr O'Neill said they would be in use by the end of the year, if approved. "It's at a very, very preliminary stage at the moment. It's not something we're committed to," he said. "We are very conscious that we need to develop a regime that has the approval of Victoria Police." Handcuffs are used at the Burswood Casino in Perth. Australian Council of Civil Liberties president Terry O'Gorman said such a move would be unacceptable. "The only people using handcuffs should be trained police. You invite misuse. Crown can expect a flood of civil lawsuits," Mr O'Gorman said. "Next, they'll want capsicum spray or Tasers." Victoria Police said it was "not in a position to provide comment on whether the carriage or use of equipment by security staff is appropriate without further information".
Events
Gaming, Racing & Wagering Australia - 22nd - 23rd March, Star City Casino
iGB Down Under in Sydney, Australia - 23rd to 25th March, Star City Casino
Do politics, sports and gambling mix? You be the judge! As per usual, punters, bet with your head, not over it, and for Christ's sake, keep it fun. If it stops being fun its likely time to top. Good punting till next time.
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Holdings
*The writer is the director and founder of Media Man, primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company http://www.mediamanint.com
Thursday, February 18, 2010
PartyGaming rise, broker ups to "buy" - 18th February 2010
Websites
PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com World Poker Tour GetMinted.com PartyBingo.com
Shares in online gambling group PartyGaming add 2.1 percent after Oriel Securities raises its recommendation on the firm to "buy" from "hold", saying it looks undervalued, citing its growth potential.
The broker says based on its forecasts of $158 million of EBITDA in 2010, the shares are trading on an adjusted price earnings ratio of 13.2 times and 8.7 times EBITDA.
"This is an undemanding rating for a growth stock which is active in entering new regions," it says.
"The group is also well positioned to participate in the consolidation of the online gaming sector with clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice and around $120 million of cash resources to pursue M&A opportunities."
Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Party Casino News
Poker News Media
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com World Poker Tour GetMinted.com PartyBingo.com
Shares in online gambling group PartyGaming add 2.1 percent after Oriel Securities raises its recommendation on the firm to "buy" from "hold", saying it looks undervalued, citing its growth potential.
The broker says based on its forecasts of $158 million of EBITDA in 2010, the shares are trading on an adjusted price earnings ratio of 13.2 times and 8.7 times EBITDA.
"This is an undemanding rating for a growth stock which is active in entering new regions," it says.
"The group is also well positioned to participate in the consolidation of the online gaming sector with clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice and around $120 million of cash resources to pursue M&A opportunities."
Profiles
PartyGaming
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
Party Casino News
Poker News Media
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
World Poker Tour® Returns to France for the WPT Grand Prix de Paris
Aviation Club de France Will Host Annual Televised and Non-Televised WPT Events, Kicking off May 8 – 13, 2010
LOS ANGELES - World Poker Tour® (WPT) is returning to France for one of its premier annual European tour stops, WPT Grand Prix de Paris at Aviation Club de France. Scheduled for May 8 – 13, 2010*, the €10,000 main event will be filmed for worldwide television broadcast.
"The Aviation Club de France is delighted to welcome back a WPT event in Paris,” said Bruno Fitoussi, poker consultant for Aviation Club de France. “The WPT Grand Prix de Paris is guaranteed to be a high-class tournament in the highlights of the international poker scene and will, for sure, attract players from all around the world."
Home of the best cash games in Europe, Aviation Club de France is located in the heart of Paris on the Champs-Elysées, known as “the Most Beautiful Avenue in the World.” The Aviation Club de France was created in 1907 by a group of aviators whose achievements conjure the most remarkable moments in aviation history. In addition to elegance and sophistication, the Club offers a variety of table games including Baccarta, poker Black Jack (Parisian Style), Punto Banco, Caribean Stud Poker and more.
Land-based satellites for the WPT Grand Prix de Paris main event will begin at Aviation Club de France on May 1. Schedules and additional details will be available soon at www.aviationclubdefrance.com.
Aviation Club de France will also host a non-televised WPT event in early 2011. For more information and the complete WPT tour schedule, visit World Poker Tour.
*Dates are subject to change.
ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT is now broadcast globally in 150 countries and is currently filming its all-new eighth season for broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see World Poker Tour.
Website Network
Poker News Media
Media Man
Media Man International
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
LOS ANGELES - World Poker Tour® (WPT) is returning to France for one of its premier annual European tour stops, WPT Grand Prix de Paris at Aviation Club de France. Scheduled for May 8 – 13, 2010*, the €10,000 main event will be filmed for worldwide television broadcast.
"The Aviation Club de France is delighted to welcome back a WPT event in Paris,” said Bruno Fitoussi, poker consultant for Aviation Club de France. “The WPT Grand Prix de Paris is guaranteed to be a high-class tournament in the highlights of the international poker scene and will, for sure, attract players from all around the world."
Home of the best cash games in Europe, Aviation Club de France is located in the heart of Paris on the Champs-Elysées, known as “the Most Beautiful Avenue in the World.” The Aviation Club de France was created in 1907 by a group of aviators whose achievements conjure the most remarkable moments in aviation history. In addition to elegance and sophistication, the Club offers a variety of table games including Baccarta, poker Black Jack (Parisian Style), Punto Banco, Caribean Stud Poker and more.
Land-based satellites for the WPT Grand Prix de Paris main event will begin at Aviation Club de France on May 1. Schedules and additional details will be available soon at www.aviationclubdefrance.com.
Aviation Club de France will also host a non-televised WPT event in early 2011. For more information and the complete WPT tour schedule, visit World Poker Tour.
*Dates are subject to change.
ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT is now broadcast globally in 150 countries and is currently filming its all-new eighth season for broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see World Poker Tour.
Website Network
Poker News Media
Media Man
Media Man International
Casino News Media
Casino News Media.net
Global Gaming Directory
Global Gaming Directory.net
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