Tuesday, June 29, 2010

World Poker Tour® Announces Matt Savage As WPT Executive Tour Director

PartyGaming News: World Poker Tour® Announces Matt Savage As WPT Executive Tour Director

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LOS ANGELES (June 16, 2010) – World Poker Tour® (WPT) announced today renowned tournament director Matt Savage will join their team as Executive Tour Director. In his new role, Savage lends his years of experience and vast knowledge base to WPT committing himself to improving player communication, tournament offerings, tour cohesiveness, and event growth.

“Matt is one of the world’s foremost experts on poker tournaments,” said Steve Heller, World Poker Tour CEO. “Matt’s expertise and relationships in the poker community will greatly enhance our upcoming ninth season.”

“I am excited about this opportunity to work with WPT as their Executive Tour Director,” said Savage. “WPT is one of the most respected and recognizable brands in poker and I am happy to be a part of its efforts to improve tournament poker for players, fans and casinos.”

Savage has appeared on more than 300 televised poker shows on Fox Sports Net, Travel Channel, GSN, ESPN, and numerous others. He was also the host of a nationally televised show called “Inside Poker” and is an actor in the Warner Brothers movie “Lucky You.” A founder of the Tournament Directors Association and recipient of the inaugural Benny Binion award for outstanding service in the poker industry, Savage has directed some of the most successful poker tournaments including WPT’s Bay 101 Shooting Star and Los Angeles Poker Classic.

Players may contact Savage directly at msavage@worldpokertour.com to discuss tournament ideas, concerns, or pose questions.

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 has aired globally in 150+ countries, currently airs in the United Sates on Fox Sports Net and is preparing for its all-new ninth season. 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 visit www.worldpokertour.com


About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Notice of Pre-close Trading Update

28 Jun 2010

PartyGaming Plc, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, will announce a pre-close trading update on 6 July 2010.

Reflecting the fact that the Eurozone has become the predominant economic environment in which the Group’s gaming companies operate based on the currencies with which players fund their accounts, as well as the expected opening of a number of newly regulated regimes in France, Italy and other Eurozone markets, the Group intends to change its functional currency from US dollars to Euros.

In line with International Accounting Standard 21 the change will take effect from the date the Group determined that the characteristics required to identify the functional currency had changed. The Group determined this occurred during 2010 and for accounting purposes, this is effective from 1 January 2010.

In addition, the Group will from this date change the reporting currency used for its financial statements of the Group and other reporting from US dollars to Euros.

All prior financial data will be converted using the exchange rate at 1 January 2010 of 1 US dollar = 0.695 Euros. An updated summary containing the Group’s historic financial data in Euros up to and including the Q1 2010 Key Performance Indicators will be made available at www.partygaming.com on 6 July 2010. The Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2010 will be reported in Euros when they are announced on 6 August 2010. A separate notification containing details of the analyst presentation and simultaneous webcast and dial-in broadcast for the interim results announcement will be made in due course.

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Monday, June 28, 2010

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

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28 June 2010

PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, announces that it has been awarded licences by ARJEL, the French Gaming regulator, to operate online poker and sports betting websites for residents in France. The Group can offer sports betting immediately and will offer poker on http://www.partypoker.fr when the market is opened, which is expected to be later this month.

As previously announced, the Group has signed three exclusive B2B deals this year to form a significant French poker network with PMU, the country’s largest pari-mutuel horse racing company, AB Groupe, a leading TV broadcaster, and Aviation Club de France, one of France’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs. This network will now benefit from pooled poker player liquidity that will be provided by PartyPoker.fr

About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Australian Casino And Gambling News: Huge Week, by Greg Tingle - 23rd June 2010

Readers, punters, media and gambling tycoons, and everyone else... yet another huge gambling, gaming and sports betting week. Of course, most of the world still has World Cup fever, and sports betting records are tipped to be broken on that front. Down under in Australia the long awaited Productivity Commission reports has finally made its way into the public domain, and its mainstream news to say the least. Media Man and Gambling911 round up the blood hounds and sniffer dogs with your latest fix on news, with just a dash of PR and ambush marketing on the side for good measure...

Crown Casino News - James Packer Gets Nine Network Australia CEO David Gyngell On The Board...

Yep, long time friend and associate of 'Our James' has shaken things up with an updated Crown Limited board of directors.

Nine Network CEO David Gyngell has been appointed as a director of Crown, as has Sydney University professor of medicine John Horvath.

Mr Packer advised that professor Horvath will chair a new formed arm...a committee of the board and we like the sound of it...the Responsible Gaming Committee. They will oversee and enhance the company’s responsible gaming programs and performance.

The two new directors certainly bring with them significant and diverse experience to the Crown board. Some knockers in the Aussie media are questioning the move, as they almost always try to find negative stories to run on Crown and the gaming and gambling sector.

Mr Packer has long enjoyed an interest (and investment) in both media and the health sector. Media Man understands that Packer's interest in the health sector may have been sparked by his late fathers involvement, which saw Kerry having his life saved several times. Kerry has encountered a number of heart attacks in his later years. The machine that is understood to help kick start the heart was later named the 'Packer Wacker', in tribute and respect to Kerry. Packer Jr and fellow entrepreneur, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest (GenerationOne visionary), also share considerable experience in witnessing the ups and downs of health relating to Australia's indigenous community. Packer Jr did some work on a family cattle station or two in his youth and hence got a close up look at health and well being issues. This is understood to be just one of the motivating factors in seeing Packer hook up with GenerationOne, as well as commit to employing 100s, with the view to 1000s, of suitable and trained up indigenous casinos in his Crown Limited empire.

Gyngell is also health savvy, and is quite the keen surfer, sometimes spotted at Bondi Beach, where Packer also has a pad. Gyngell has not taken to Packer's love of polo, but give him time... he's a nature lover. Gyngell was a driving force is seeing Network Nine get more positive and feel good lifestyle programs and the like on his network. Network Nine is also a long time supporter of beyondblue, as far as offering fair and balanced coverage of well being, mental health and such.

Last year James Packer was a guest of honour at Victor Chang Cardiac Research fundraiser, and is understood to have been extremly generous of heart, spirit and pocketbook.

Back to the situation at hand, Crown Limited announced that Westfield’s David Lowy has resigned from the board of Crown.

For the 2009 financial year, Crown booked a $1.197 billion loss. Readers will be aware that Crown is travelling along nicely this year, with multiply upgrades, new Lear jets, happy casino whales, dolphins, fish and tuna, and positive dealings continue with the creme of the sports, gaming and entertainment world... folks like Richard Branson, Tiger Woods, Tom Cruise, and a good mix of state and federal politicians. Almost 'Casino Jack' like (but done in a legal, ethical and above board way), for a corporate if you understand. Crown's current share price is $8.030.

Australian Casinos May Get Ambush Marketing In Casino War...

Motivated by the massive exposure that the hot and sexy soccer babes aka buxom and leggy beer babes, Bavaria Beer style generated at the World Cup, Crown and Star City powers that be have been reading up on ambush marketing, impossible to miss on the internet in recent days. Of course Perth based Kym Illman and his Messages On Hold are front of mind. Sharne Warne enjoys friendships, if not business relationships, with both Illman and Packer.

Soccer has Bavaria Beer and orange coloured dresses, and could Crown or Star have Warnie and or Messages On Hold. Warne enjoys getting down to Crown several times a year, with with Gyngell now on the Crown board, expect a ramp up in media savvy activity.

Crown Casino Push On To Bankrupt Former Whale Client Gone Bad...

Crown Casino still plans to bankrupt ex casino high-roller Harry Kakavas, who failed to score victory in court last year. Kakavas, a self-proclaimed pathological gambler, was due to be issued with a bankruptcy notice late last month, after an application by Crown to the Federal Magistrates Court.


Aussie Productivity Commission: Treat Gambling Like Drinking!...

Feeling thirsty punters? Drink up, or then again, take it easy. As coverage on Gambling911 recently, the Australian Productivity Commission report into gambling reckons gambling needs to be treated somewhat like drinking alcohol. The commission found there was strong evidence that gambling had adverse health, emotional and financial impacts on many more people than those categorised as problem gamblers.


Proposal For Pokies Limits: Size Of Wagers Included...

Aussies would be able to wager only up to $1 at a time on pokies under proposals outlined in the Productivity Commission’s final report on gambling. Under the initiative, gamblers would also no longer be able to stuff $50 notes into poker machines, in order to limit losses.

Clubs and casinos did get some decent news however. The Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin said the government Did Not agree with the commission’s recommendation to "liberalise" online gaming.

The commish advised if pokies are played at "high intensity", punters can lose $1500 per hour. Of course, you can win big dollars too, if your very lucky.

"The amount of cash that players can feed into machines at any one time should be limited to $20". The current limit is up to $10,000. Spin to win, or don't. It your call grown ups. People need to take responsibily for their own thoughts and actions. Do you trust 'Big Brother' and the 'Thought Police'? Ponder than for a moment, and then think about all the crazy fines and government red tape you have every had to put up with.

Muldura Casino Proposal Continues To Move Forward Despite Detractors...

The smart money is still on Victoria town Mildura to get its' Jewel.

We ask questions of those in the know... Does the opening of a new casino necessarily mean that rates of gambling in a community increase? Professor Alan Jackson, the Director of the Problem Gambling and Treatment Centre at Melbourne University, says there is an "initial surge of participation" and problem gambling levels, but over a period of time those levels drop back as communities adapt to the higher level of opportunity available. He adds a casino is good for tourism initially but over time most places find that the bulk of business comes from the local community. There are interesting measures used in places such as Singapore to mitigate gambling harm that Australians might not find "palatable", but Jackson believes that maximising tourism and limiting harm is also possible in Australia. However, the community is right to be cautious.


Church Bible Bashers Lodge Petition Against Gaming Licences...

A church has lodged a petition with the Mildura Rural City Council opposing any more gaming licences in the municipality.

The Anglican Church's Bendigo Diocese says the 400 signatures on the petition were gathered in only 48 hours.

The petition comes as debate continues over proposals for the Jewel Casino in Mildura.


Aussie - Vietnamese Women Gambling Crime Link?...

Viet women are considerably overrepresented in Victoria's female prison population after moving into crime to repay gambling debts, says community leader of sorts Cam Nguyen.

Nguyen, founder and chief of the Australian Vietnamese Women's Association, said the women were overwhelmingly convicted of drug-related offences or crimes such as receiving stolen goods or fraud.

But she said the motivation for resorting to crime was usually to pay debts from gambling.

She said there was a pattern of women with poor English skills who were socially isolated, being drawn to the casino by its glamour. Hotel poker machines did not have the same appeal.

Mrs Nguyen said that earning up to $30,000 grand acting as a drug "mule" importing illicit drugs could be attractive to women deep in debt. She also advised many Vietnamese women who had not learned English were socially isolated. Gambling was one of their few recreational outlets.

Crown Casino has a number of effective safeguards in place to help prevent punters getting in over their head.

Australian TV - Mr Sin: The Abe Saffron Story on ABC-TV - This Thursday Punters...

Want a business model for organised crime? Look up "Mr Sin", if you haven't already.

Writer-director Hugh Piper has done with the story on the man who satisified the vices, lust, desires of many otherwise law abiding Aussies.

Setting the stadard for the Australian underworld, he amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune in cash, property, goods... you name it. Other crims tryied but useually failed in matching his success.

All the cliches come to mind...power, greed, sex and corruption. Insiders reckon Underbelly fans and anti fans will enjoy this true yarn.

Piper interviewed all sorts in his 'Mr Sin' voyage of discovery. Writers, politicians, ex-police and corrupt investigators...the lot.

His profile was larger than life, and with that came pros and cons... "named by three separate Royal Commissions as the number one Mr Big of Australian crime".

From information Media Man was able to obtain... "Abe used lawyers and accountants to set up businesses that fronted his illegal gambling, sex and liquor empire. He turned the profits from his nefarious activities into real estate which allowed him to reign as the boss of Kings Cross while maintaining the veneer of respectability".

To protect his empire Saffron corrupted or blackmailed anyone he needed. Former NSW Premier Sir Robert Askin, judges, and the like all stand out like dogs "alls. "The police commissioner is a standout", a Media Man crewman was overheard.

'Mr Sin' is understood to have got a lot of his ideas and business formual from Las Vegas... why, of course.


The late Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal would be proud (or at least be tuned in for this Thursday)!

Website

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/netw/201006/programs/DO0842H001D2010-06-24T212500.htm

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Abe Saffron

Tim Bristow

Underbelly


Punters Interested To Bet On Former WWE Superstars Success In UFC And MMA World...

With news that more professional wrestlers aka "sports entertainers" (term thanks to WWE owner Vince McMahon) are set to enter the mixed martial arts world, seems sports betting fans and wrestling fans will have more more to get excited about. Enter Dave Batista, whose next?

Brock Lensar may have been the first former WWE superstar to make his considerable mark on the MMA world (via UFC) but he won't be the last. Enter Dave Batista, fresh off a scripted loss to WWE's who Media Man spys say is heading to StrikeForce...competitor of sorts to the UFC.

Gambling911 and Media Man have been scouring the planet to see who may take odds - bets on Batista's upcoming Strikeforce debut, before year end we understand. Comon' PartyGaming - PartyBets, Gamebookers, BetUS, Betfair, Centrebet, Paddy Power and SBG Global.

Public Challenge To Sports Betting Companies!...

We issue a public challenge to offer betting options on Batista and other pro wrestlers going to the mixed martial arts world!

Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Speaks On UFC (MMA) And WWE Fans...

"MMA doesn’t affect wrestling at all. I’m not saying wrestling fans don’t watch MMA, but it is two different audiences. My take on MMA is that those guys are phenomenal athletes and extraordinarily tough and committed but the people that are crazy about them got nothing going on themselves. I actually think most of the male public that is crazy for that are living vicariously for something they can never be. Wrestling is more entertainment-based. MMA is what it is, those guys are out there trying to kill each other. And the guys that are sitting at home going "Wow" could never find that within themselves on the first day of their life. When Lesnar fights, I like watching Brock… and I recognize a lot of names … you’ve got to have so much respect for what those guys put themselves through but it is a limited time frame [they've got]. It’s hard to develop a star in that business that’s going to have any longevity. In wrestling a guy that develops a name for himself can do it fifteen years."

Gambling911 fans or anti fans. Does Flair's quote piss you off, or do you like his tell it like it is attitude? Tell us in the forum, and we can't wait for Hollywood's crazed comedian nutter Tony Clifton, to offer his 2 cents worth again. Shame about what happened to the late Andy Kaufman (former inter gender pro wrestling champion of the world!!!). Trust us, Andy was not the UFC type... ask Jerry 'The King' Lawler.

'The Nature Boy' has enjoyed previous Gambling911 coverage thanks to his gambling and gaming entrepreneur exploits... namely being former NC Education Lottery front man, and the current man of the moment for the South Carolina Lottery. Woooooo! as Flair would say.

Wrap Up...

As you can see, another big week. Readers, please not, we do not intend to glamorise crime, with or without gambling and gaming. Gambling has been a part of live in most counties for hundreds of years, and in many parts, is a significant part of the culture... look no further than Australia, Las Vegas and Macau. We urge punters...er... readers to bet responsible, and to be aware of the differences between fantasy (not that type mates) and reality. Please obey laws in your state or territory, and bet responsibly and keep it fun.

Entertainment based website portals Media Man and Gambling911 are proud to have brought you this report (internet filter free... as far as we know!).

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. *Media Man is currently ramping up its ambush marketing arm, both online and offline! The company motto is "Putting Your Name Out There!"

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited.

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Saturday, June 19, 2010

PartyGaming News: PartyGaming’s Corporate Responsibility Credentials Receive Four Endorsements

PartyGaming News

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PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, is proud to announce that its corporate and social responsibility (CSR) credentials have been endorsed by four leading corporate, charitable and gaming industry bodies.

FTSE4Good Index:

PartyGaming has retained its membership of the FTSE4Good Index series which measures the performance of companies against globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. Membership is based on transparent criteria including environmental sustainability, upholding and supporting universal human rights, ensuring good supply chain labour standards and countering bribery. All of these criteria are independently assessed by the Experts in Responsible Investment Solutions.

GREaT Foundation:

PartyGaming has won a ‘Gold Award’ from the Gambling Research, Education and Treatment Foundation in recognition of its financial and professional contributions towards tackling problem gambling. Formerly known as the Responsibility in Gambling Trust, the GREaT Foundation was established as a charity in 2002 and is Britain’s largest funding body responsible for tackling problem gambling through financing research, education and treatment from voluntary donations.

Geoffrey Godbold, Director of GREaT, said:
“We are extremely grateful to PartyGaming as one of the industry’s leading companies that has made an extra effort in supporting our fundraising campaign.”

eCOGRA:

PartyPartners, which is PartyGaming’s affiliate marketing programme, has been awarded the eCOGRA Affiliate Trust Seal. The award certifies that PartyPartners observes best practice for fairness and efficiency in dealing with affiliate marketers. eGOGRA is the independent standards authority for the online gaming industry, overseeing fair gaming, player protection and responsible operator conduct.

Commenting on the award, eCOGRA chief executive Andrew Beveridge said:
“We were impressed by the competency of both PartyPartners’ staff and their systems, which we thoroughly tested at full capacity to determine efficiency and consistency levels. In our opinion it is among the most professionally managed businesses we have encountered in hundreds of eCOGRA reviews and audits at major Internet companies.”

GamCare:

For the sixth year in succession, PartyGaming has been certificated as a responsible operator by GamCare, a registered charity which is a leading authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK.

Andy McLellan, Chief Executive of GamCare, said:
“I am delighted to be able to renew PartyGaming’s GamCare Certification in public recognition of their longstanding commitment to player protection. Players who choose PartyGaming have the assurance from GamCare Certification that there are appropriate measures in place to help them gamble responsibly and that the right advice is there for anyone who wants to know more about staying in control.”

Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director who has executive responsibility for PartyGaming’s CSR matters, said:
“These corporate responsibility endorsements are welcome recognition of our commitment to act responsibly, which remains one of the four pillars of our business strategy. Being recognised in this way is a source of genuine pride for all of PartyGaming’s 1,300 employees whose commitment to undertaking pro bono community projects in 2009 was also recognised as ‘placing the Company well ahead of its peers’ by the GoodCorporation that undertakes CSR reviews for a number of public companies around the world.”

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Australia - Asia Pacific Gaming And Casino News Update, by Greg Tingle - 15th June 2010

Australia and the Asia Pacific region remains a hot bed for casino, online casino, gaming, political and internet censorship news. Media Man and Gambling911 have been busy on the phones and pounding the pavement, as we take you on a voyage of casino news discovery that even explorer Captain James Cook may have been proud of.

FIFA World Cup...

Public thank you for your efforts to Australia's Socceroos and congratulations to Germany, who kicked Aussie ass 4-0. It was all that funny soccer balls' fault... just kidding, maybe it effected the Aussie's just a tad, but Germany simply outclassed the convicts. Kangaroos, we wish you better in your next match. Betting and sports experts advise Australians betting on the World Cup will reach roughly $300 million, but insiders tell us the vast majority of Aussies are betting on Australia to loose, of course.

An estimated 2.9 million (16.5%) Australians almost always or occasionally watch FIFA World Cup on TV according to the Roy Morgan Research sports data.
When you take a closer look at the FIFA World Cup viewers, 71% are male. They are also 63% more likely than the average Australian to agree with the statement ‘I love to do as many sports as possible’, and 95% more likely to participate in team sports compared to the general population.
This is an important and valuable group with 28% being in the AB Quintile (top 20%) and 42% being Big Spenders.

Mildura Jewel Casino Proposal Still Alive; Gaining Support ...

The proposal by the Mildura Development Corporation to build a land based casino continues to garner community, council, government and news media support. Victorian Premier John Brumby does however advise more paperwork and consultation is required. Casino and property developer John Haddad has secured a letter from Premier Brumby indicating support for his $400 million plan. Brumby's letter restates his position has not changed and that there is no legal restriction on building a casino more than 150 kilometres from Melbourne. He went on record with "Nobody has ever been interested in building one. He's interested. There's no process in place to do it and all I've said publicly is that it would need to enjoy, firstly, strong community support,". Mr Haddad has responded by saying he has not yet been able to meet Mr Brumby to pass on the indications of support he has received. The local council agreed at its latest meeting that the casino presents a major investment opportunity and asked Mr Haddad to prepare more information on his plans. "That's all I needed and that letter is a very strong letter for me to go back to the Premier in addition to the letters I have from the Mildura Development Corporation and the Mildura tourism body," Mr Haddad said.

Internet Censorship - Australia - Asia Pacific - Indonesia - Philippines - Singapore...

Australian and Singaporean Internet-filtering strategies are not appropriate for Indonesia, a blogger says in response to a government proposal to investigate how other countries regulate the web. Singapore has rigid regulations on Internet censorship and imposes heavy criminal penalties on perpetrators, noted blogger Enda Nasution said on Monday. “They can do so because they already have a solid legal infrastructure in place, including [laws] banning pornography and defamation of the government,” he told the The Jakarta Post. “They don’t have freedom of speech in Singapore,” he added. Internet censorship regulations were still under public scrutiny in Australia, he said. Communications and Information Technology Minister Tifatul Sembiring said on Sunday he would seek to limit Indonesia’s access to pornographic web sites. “We need to make the same regulation as Australia, the same as Singapore, but not like China, I think,” he told The New York Times. “I think today the people understand the usefulness of that type of regulation.” The minister’s statement came in the wake of a scandal involving local pop singer Nazril Ilham, known as Ariel, and his girlfriend, actress Luna Maya. A homemade video that allegedly features the pair spread on the Internet earlier this month and was followed by a second sex video that allegedly features Ariel and television presenter Cut Tari. The video has spread across Indonesia and schools have inspected students’ mobile phones for the pornographic videos. The country needs rules that ban negative web content, Tifatul said last week. The ministry previously proposed regulations aimed at filtering multimedia content. The idea died after a public uproar, which included opposition from the burgeoning online community. Critics said the regulation would have killed the content provider industry in Indonesia. “The regulations fatal mistake was that (it made) content providers responsible for content, when the creators, writers or those who upload the content (should be accountable),” information technology analyst Onno W. Purbo said in February. The draft regulation also said that multimedia service providers be banned from distributing, transmitting and making accessible content deemed pornographic or that violated public decency. The regulation also proposed prohibiting online gambling or “carrying lies and misleading information” on the Internet. Content providers who failed to remove such content could have had their permits revoked. Tifatul said that the sex-video scandal was “a good reason” to revive the regulation. Bottom line, internet censorship is a form of censorship, and goes against the free flow of information as described re human rights and the United Nations!

The Indonesian comms and information technology minister said sex videos allegedly featuring celebrities made him "feverish", adding that the country needed a rule to ban "negative" content on the web. In the absence of such a ban, Mi-nister Tifatul Sembiring said he would summon Internet service providers to help stop the spread of the clips, Antara news agency reported. He said he hadn’t seen the video but a report on them from his subordinates made him "feverish". "Why would anyone tape such a private thing?" he said.

Centrebet Limited Gets Chartwell Games Platform...

("Centrebet") is the latest international gaming brand to select the Chartwell Games Platform ("CGP") to power its online flash casino. Established in 1992, Centrebet has grown into an established brand in its core market of Australia, Greece and Scandinavian regions with over 60,000 active customers. Their competitive advantage comes from highly experienced management in the field of gaming and wagering, highlighted by a broad product offering. Centrebet is well positioned to continue to increase market share in a strong and growing Australian online wagering market. Centrebet listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2006 and since then have achieved a 23% compounded annual growth rate in wagering turnover. In 2009 they reported total revenues of $66.2M and EBITDA of $11.8M and of that the online casino contributed 21% of total revenue at $13.8 M. "Choosing Chartwell to provide our latest Casino platform was an easy decision, the range of content, flexibility, power of CGP and their plans for the future were defining factors. We are looking forward to working with them closely as we continue to grow our business." Comments Chris Bowler, Head of Europe for Centrebet LTD. Centrebet commenced operations in 1992 and in 1996 was the first licensed bookmaker in the Southern Hemisphere to offer online sports betting. Centrebet is now a leading International online wagering and gaming operator offering fixed odds betting on a wide variety of Australian and International sporting, racing, entertainment and political events, as well as online poker and casino products. Online poker and casino products are not offered to Australian residents due to regulatory considerations. Centrebet is a publicly traded company on the Australian Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol "CIL".

Betfair Cleans Up On FIFA World Cup Betting Down Under...

Industry insiders say that up to 65% of sport bets placed on the World Cup by Australians have gone through Betfair. Betfair is 50% owned by James Packer. Huge congratulations Betfair. Tabcorp's PR was putting a word out around town that they had taken about half of all Aussie bets, but we're told it was "spin based". Just maybe Betfair and / or Packer may like provide some extra resources to the Socceroos next time around, as something was a miss, and it was more than that funny soccer ball. Australian sports is known to be not well funded in compassions to many other sporting nations, while Packer's casino and gaming empire is regarded as one of the world's most successful and profitable.


Aussie Casino King James Packer Invests In Marketing And Communications: Photon...

Keeping us on the edge of our seats,'Our James' has further diversified his investment portfolio.

The Australian Financial Review states Packer has been buying shares in the firm over a number of weeks and has now accumulated a 4.5% holding.

Photon is understood to be one of the largest marketing services companies in the world and insiders reckon they own about 50 companies in Australia and offshore.

The outfit was founded by big media players Hughes and legendary Reg Grundy; Grundy is understood to retain a stake of 23.8% in the powerhouse.

Packer is said to be keen to keep his shareholding "low-key" and will keep his stake below the 5% mark at which he needs to formally announce his presence on Photon's share registry as a "substantial shareholder".

Analysts have commented that the investment in Photon reverses a recent trend of Mr Packer selling out his direct equity investment. Last year the king sold his personal stakes in Challenger Financial Services and property group Sunland, as he was starting to hit his straps and prove the knockers wrong again.

Some background and history as to what's likely driving the changes, with Packer getting into Photon.

Photon has enjoyed a recent appointment of new chief executive Jeremy Philips, who used to work at eCorp. That firm was owned by the Packer family's former media holding company, Publishing & Broadcasting Limited.

Phillips recently worked as senior VP at Murdoch's News Corp, was appointed in May.

The Big P share price is good value...it's fallen from a touch below $4 to just 95c over the last 2 years. The buzz is Packer will likely do very well with his new buy in, just as long as he hangs in there. Closer to home... the Bondi Beach - Maroubra Beach connection...Media Man is working on becoming one step closer to becoming fully investor ready.

Aussie Pokies Manufacture Aristocrat Loosing Out To Foreigners...

Pokie maker Aristocrat is facing a possible threat to its long-held dominance of the local market, with its biggest New South Wales hotel customer considering moving to a rival machine maker.

The big cheese of listed National Leisure and Gaming, Andrew Jolliffe, said he was in talks with Aristocrat to replace 100 Aristocrat video poker machines that were just 1 year old.

Jolliffe advised he was considering returning them to Aristocrat under their lease-style system and replacing them with machines from American firms Bally or Aruze, or even local rival Len Ainsworth.

A move away by NLG to another firm won't be a good look for their former supplier... which would point to 'The Big A' Aristocrat's.

NLG are the "largest player" in New South Wales, and other pokie machine buyers are watching the situation with interest. "It could cause a ripple effect, even an alalance", whispered a Media Man insider.

Fairfax and News Limited leaks advise Jolliffe and Aristocrat top brass Jamie Odell are negotiating in Macau at Asia's biggest gambling conference, as covered by Gambling911.

It should be noted that the new machines have enhanced graphics, games and screens with more options and features than the originals - oldies, Aristocrat's "Generation 7" pokies have not been as hot as the decade-old classic slots Queen of the Nile and Five Dragons.

NLG has in excess of 900 pokies spanning 31 New South Wales pubs and hotels. At least 90% are Aristocrat, but fortune tellers (and the well informed), are tipping a decline, but punters keep playing, despite the world's financial crisis.

Readers, there you have it. We trust that satisfied your fix for red hot gaming, casino, igaming and political news.

More Late News!...

Gamers back Sex Party in push for R18+ And Political Fun And Games...

Resistance to the establishment of an adult category for video games has the gamers and political arm of Australia's sex industry talking turkey.

South Australian small time party Gamers4Croydon, which picked up a decent share of votes in the state's last election, has encouraged its members to support the Australian Sex Party at the coming federal contest. It's focus - campaign to win an R18+ category for hardcore and soft core games.

An insider advised that Gamers4Croydon's leadership was trying to swing its supporters into the Sex Party after its own bid to register for the federal election hit a snag. Mr X said the two contemplated a formal merger, but Gamers4Croydon campaign manager David Doe didn't give it the nod.

"We're telling people about the Sex Party because we think it is one of the more progressive parties running in the federal election, but there's been no call put out to members to actively switch to the Australian Sex Party," Mr Doe said. It looked like they were on the same side because their policies were "very well aligned". Th parties have found political common ground in their effort to have Australia's content classification regime overhauled. Gamers4Croydon focused on getting an R18+ category for games, but it also shares the Sex Party's objection to Labor's internet filtering proposal, as do about 90% of Aussies. Overhauling the regime requires agreement from all states' attorneys-general, but South Australia's former attorney-general, Michael Atkinson, had refused to budge. Other R18+ camps are also keeping up the pressure. Game.com.au and the Pal Gaming Network said they had received support from two federal senators to table an 89,000- signature petition in the upper house in August. British Tycoon and his spies are said to be watching the Aussie internet filtering and political space closely, with the upcoming launch of Virgin Gaming in Los Angeles cum 15th June. A Media Man spokesperson said "PartyGaming, Sega, Google, Marvel Entertainment, DC Comics, UFC and Microsoft are also included in the growing list of international giants watching the Australian government's moves on censorship, some of which have already spoke out against Australia's proposed 'Great Firewall' aka internet censorship. Punters, fear not, check out Proxy.com and a host of others re 'proxy'. Internet publishers have already started backing up websites and have back up websites at the ready in a bush tucker bag of geographic regions".

Mrs Crocodile Hunter Via Croc Vegas Crocodile A Mania Gathering Steam...

Media Man can confirm that a number of switched on business folks have made contact with Australia Zoo regarding Team Terri Irwin's ambitious plans to create a crocodile and nature extravaganza on the Las Vegas Strip. The Rumour Mill is a buzz that pro wrestling legend Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka, orginally from Fiji in the South Pacific, is planing to contact Terri. Snuka was part of the main event at WWE WrestleMania and is a genuine wrestling legend. Snuka is also featured in a number of pro wrestling games including 'Legends Of WrestleMania. Snuka has taken note of the success that Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair have enjoyed in the gaming and igaming sector, and we think the Aussie - Las Vegas Strip connection is a bloody riper mate. Long live the Superfly splash, just maybe coming to Las Vegas. Australia's 'Outback Jack', now living in Florida, is keeping a keen eye of the situation. Interestingly, a slot machine is also entitled 'Outback Jack', and we're seen it in action at Sydney's Tabcorp owned Star City Casino. WWE had previously owned a casino in Vegas however didn't complete the project and remarkably sold the building for a profit (that was before Las Vegas started bleeding. Note to Snuka and Team Terri Irwin... "red turns to green" (just ask Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and UFC's Dana White, who is also linked to the casino industry via Station Casinos). Station Casinos is making progress working through their financial challanges as documented over the past months.

MM Online Casino Of The Month Shortlist...

It's anyone's guess who will win the Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month'. At the moment it could be PartyCasino.com, Virgin Casino, PKR or Captain Cooks Casino. A couple of dark horses and wild cards are also making a strong half month big for the top honors. We will keep you posted and the month draws closer to conclusion. Betfair and Centrebet are fighting it out for #1 Aussie sports betting website, and PartyPoker, World Poker Tour, PKR are on the shortlist for Online Poker Room Of The Month. Mixed reports coming in on both Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, so eliminate those couple from awards this month. Insiders say casino and poker room 'rouge pit' reporters are waiting keenly for word on the worst poker and casino rooms! Think red flag to a bull or to borrow a quote from a Aussie politicion, Dracula running the Blood Bank!

Friendly Reminder To Punters...

We share your passion for gaming and sports betting, but, if you think your passion for the punt may be causing you problems, please seek professional assistance. And...try to avoid mixing drugs and alcohol with wagering.

Know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and for Christ's sake, have fun!

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming including sports betting is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. Media Man also publish Media Man Asia and Casino News Media

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Star City Casino Hotbed For Aussie Casino Cheats, by Greg Tingle - 11th June 2010

Down under in Australia, land of the convicts, seems some of those criminal tendencies keep coming to the surface at land based casinos and pubs. As the "Friendly Casino War" continues between James Packer owned Crown Casino in Melbourne and Star City in Sydney, its seems apparent that Sin City's Star have more of a cheating clientele, or at least that's what the official numbers are showing. Media Man and Gambling911 put on our private detective coats and load up the plastic handcuffs and batons with this special report.

Aussie's seem to have quite the cheating casino type make up according to information obtained by Media Man. Just as compulsive gambling may be in the genes as recently reported by Gambling911, so might be cheating and straight out stealing.

The number of cheaters at Sydney's Star City Casino is alarming, and that's only the ones we know about.

Fines are being handed out left, right and centre, yet cheaters keep coming back for more. This may be linked to the face that Star City is Sydney's only land based casino, mind you, a $100 or so plane ticked will fly a punter down to Melbourne so they can try their luck at Crown Casino.

Fines issued to punters at Star are almost an every day occurrences we've learned. Cheats are trying every trick in the book, both old and new. Favorites include moving chips to winning numbers, underage teenagers showing fake IDs and banned patrons trying to worm into the casino.

Infringements at the Star volcanoed roughly 70% circa 2007-08, and this punting financial year is expected to further escalate.

Cheaters caught totals 23 mongrel mug punters.

The casino itself is not off the hook either. Tabcorp, the parent company of Star, has had its knuckles dusted by the casino regulator at least 4 times this punting year for breaches re responsible gaming requirements. Minors being located in gaming areas like slots, table games and the big wheel, are a major problem.

A source choosing to remain anonymous leaked "We understand the teens seem to like the Hollywood themed games and some of them see themselves at James Bond 007 types. Most of them also seem to know about Monopoly, Cleopatra, Queen Of The Nile, and of course poker. Gambling, gaming and poker is always in the news, the TV, the newspapers, magazines, associated with sports, so its just everywhere".

Media Man via News Limited secured figures that show that nine months to March 31 this year, 51 underage teens were busted trying to enter the casino using phony IDs.

Casino Penalties From Gaming Enforcer

20 breaches of responsible gaming rules, including:

* Teenage girl used fake ID to successfully get into the casino and busted drinking and gambling;

* Casino staff member who didn't immediately report a minor to a casino authority inspector;

* 17-year-old young bloke busted gambling on the premises; and

* 13 more kids, all aged under 14, busted in the casino area, however its understood it was accidental.

Star City's spokesman (casino) advised staff are being trained up to spot tech in fake IDs, which made up about 40% of the fines issued.

Sydney leading newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, reveled last week, there is a sophisticated operation run by teenagers that alters driver's licences for $80. It' a bit hit with teens who like casinos and exclusive clubs. Star City said the number of teens caught with fake IDs was fairly steady. They are reviewing its procedures and security staff were being trained to better identify phony cards.

A Star City spokesman "We review all breaches to see how we can improve our procedures to prevent minors gaining access to licensed areas. The numbers have remained pretty steady over the last few years but our security officers are constantly being trained to detect the latest style of fake IDs."

Daring excluded persons caught sneaking back into the casino rose significantly to 55.

Anyone busted using a fake ID is fined $110, banned persons $550 and cheats $660.

Media Man is not a legal advisory service, but recommends Do We Cheatem & How. Just kidding!

Casino lovers, young and old, please obey the law. God knows we have enough serious casino crime to cover already, without listing you by name.

The rumour mill says Tony Clifton and Andy Kaufman are considering doing some jokes about casino cheats, so if you what to make the list, you know what it entails.

In the meantime, online casinos continue to increase their safeguards, with award winning PartyCasino.com getting the gold star and browny points for its outstanding security, safeguards, service and play for free and play for money offerings. Online casinos continue to chip into the traditional gambling market, but the powers that be at Star City and Crown Casino have plans on the way to further incorporate online games. Packer, head of Crown Casino, is a 50% owner of sports betting operator Betfair, which plans to add online poker and online casino. PartyCasino.com remains a favorite with Aussies, and punters keep calling for an online Underbelly and Kerry Packer slot game, but have to make do with The Godfather, Rambo, Cleopatra, Hitman, Sinatra, Tomb Raider and Mission: Impossible and a few others for the meantime.

Punters, feel free to chip in via the Gambling911 forum, and as always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Monday, June 07, 2010

Poker player halts world record at 115 hours

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Poker star Phil Laak halted the longest poker game in history at 115 hours early Monday, nearly two days longer than the current mark recognized as the official world record.

"Wow, 115 hours, I should have my head examined," said Laak, as the number appeared on the running clock on a laptop screen next to his seat at the Bellagio Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. "I am definitely sick."

The 37-year-old pro began playing at 12:00 pm local time last Wednesday at the famous resort and quit at 7:00 am on Monday saying he still felt fine but didn't want to "do any more damage to my body than necessary."

He was permitted a five-minute break for every hour he played and could bank those for longer breaks. While he vowed he did not consume any caffeine or stimulants, he did manage at least one 30-minute nap.

Paperwork and video evidence to document Laak's feat is expected to be submitted this month to Guinness World Records, but it was witnessed live via a webcam by more than 130,000 people each day from more than 90 nations.

The previous official record, 72 hours and 2 minutes, was held by Larry Olmsted set at the Foxwood casino in 2004, but in poker circles the unofficial record -- not sanctioned by Guinness but still part of lore -- is Londoner Paul Zimbler's 78 hour, 45 minute stint last September.

Laak is the boyfriend of Academy Award nominee Jennifer Tilly, an actress who in recent years has also become a poker professional.

Laak promised to donate half his 6,766 dollars in winnings to Camp Sunshine, a Maine camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. In addition, visitors to his blog, Twitter site and the webcam feed were encouraged to donate to the cause via text message.

PKR 3D Casino And 3D Poker News, by Greg Tingle - 7th June 2010

PKR, the world famous online poker and online casino band, is preparing to go fully 3D with their casino offering by year end.

Media and gaming commentators from Media Man, Casino News Media, Gambling911, GPWA, EGR and CAP have been following the developments and progress by PKR for a few years, but as we head towards the second part of 2010 things are ramping up to a whole new level, both for players, front end, back end, for players, business management and futurists.

Our industry friends at EGR have been able to get a number of scoops on PKR, as Media Man and Casino News Media have been more focused on the igaming and online affiliate industry as whole, as well as securing exclusives at PartyGaming and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino - Virgin Games - Virgin Gaming powerhouse. As they say, there's only so much room at the top, but PKR has certainly risen to top 10, if not top 5 status, over the past 6 months.

Team Media Man says PKR is world class these days with innovation, game play, security, affiliate offerings, reliability and customer service.

Speaking to eGaming Review, PKR top brass Malcolm Graham advised a suite of casino games is coming up soon. Furthermore, their 3D poker room has rocketed at an average of one million players per annum since its virgin launch circa 2006.

Mr Graham on the record...“My hypothesis is that there’s an opportunity to leverage a richer visual experience on the table side, hence what we’re doing. At the moment it’s somewhere between 2D and 3D. There are limitations to the movie-esque table experience, which we’re hopeful we can take to another level. We’re in the process of rolling out 3D casino games, which included launching 3D roulette in December. It will be the best roulette product in the market (and) we’ll then be adding table games to that.”

The firm also has grand plans to follow up with blackjack cum July, casino hold ‘em in September and Caribbean stud and baccarat in November. Online slots are on the cards via way of 3rd party agreement.

On 3D casino Mr Graham talks about “world class CRM, payment processing and tournament offerings”.

In addition, expect more online and offline surprises.

Media Man understands 'Avatar' type technology, multi tables, social networking and more aspects like 'Poker In The Park'.

More quotes from 'MR PKR'...“As the online demographic broadens it will attract people who want to chat at the table. But we’re not going to force it down their throats”.

So players, punters, insiders, outsiders, entrepreneurs and everyone else. There you have it.

Most certainly sounds like a big part of the world's poker and casino excitement will remain in the PKR camp, but you can bet the folks at competitors such as PartyGaming - PartyPoker.com, PartyCasino.com, Virgin Games, Centrebet and others will give them a run for their money.

As always, please know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... something easily done at PKR. Shuffle up and deal.

*Media Man has conducted b2b with PKR, as they have with dozens of entertainment, gaming and technology companies.

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Sunday, June 06, 2010

PartyPoker: WSOP for Life - 2nd June 2010

To coincide with the start of the 2010 Word Series of Poker, PartyPoker recently launched their WSOP for Life promotion.The prize up for grabs is exactly what it sounds like: paid entry to the World Series of Poker Main Event for life (which, for the purposes of this promotion, is 20 years).

The details of the giveaway state that one WSOP for Life package will be exclusively available to Bronze, Silver, and Gold level players who will be tracked in a leaderboard challenge. From May 24th to June 20th, all qualified players have the opportunity to accumulate points through regular tournament, sit-and-go, and cash game play. The player with the highest point total when the contest closes will be awarded a Main Event seat for the next 20 years.

Additionally, there will be a total of thee WSOP for Life packages and $50,000 in cash will be given away in a WSOP for Life prize tournament on June 2oth. Entry to this must-play tournament can be achieved by direct buy-in, freeroll, or STT jackpot.

A PartyPoker spokesperson echoed the excitement surrounding the promotion, saying, “WSOP fever is here! There were over 81,000 entries into qualifiers during the first week of WSOP For Life. The regular and VIP leaderboard races are already being tightly fought. The pacesetters amongst the main leaderboard race appear to be Heino74, killedyouu and NeX111, while in the Palladium Lounge VIP challenge the early lead goes to TERMiNATOR1, closely followed by x_AK_47_x in a very open race with everything to play for.”

(Credit: Poker News Daily)

41st Annual World Series of Poker kicks off tomorrow at The Rio - 27th May 2010

Poker players from around the world in record numbers arrive today for tomorrow’s start of the 41st Annual World Series of Poker. WSOP champion and poker legend Doyle Brunson will play in the first of 57 gold bracelet events late afternoon tomorrow in the $50,000 Shuffle Up and Deal Players Championship.

It’s the most expensive buy-in to ever open the WSOP and will feature an eight-game HORSE format over four days. Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Mike Matusow, Chris Ferguson and Jennifer Harman are among the stars expected to play tomorrow.

Defending WSOP champion Joe Cada plays at noon Saturday when thousands of poker players and fans descend on The Rio for the $1,000 buy-in event. There are so many competitors that it will take two days to seat all of them.

The Main Event starts July 5 with the Final Table of the world’s Top Nine players reached by July 17. Those winners will return to The Rio as the November Nine on Nov. 8 for the live primetime coverage to crown the $10 million winner on ESPN.

The one day off in tournament play is July 4 for the celebrity charity Ante Up for Africa hosted by actor Don Cheadle and poker princess Annie Duke. Celebrities are set to jet in from Hollywood to play.

In advance of the record numbers expected, The Rio execs for the first time have turned over the entire convention center to WSOP. Tournament tables are being pushed into final position today in the 58,000-square-foot Pavilion and 38,000-square-foot Amazon Room. Every table is expected to be filled with poker players.

“We are planning for the largest WSOP ever,” said tournament director Jack Effel, who oversees the event for the fifth consecutive year. “Whatever your game and whatever your bankroll, the WSOP schedule offers something for everyone.”

Last year, some 60,875 entries from 115 countries competed for more than $174 million. This year, WSOP officials are expecting to top that record with 20 percent more tables in play over last year’s 295!

A bracelet will be awarded to each winner of the 57 official tournaments, and for the first time no two will be alike. Jewelry designer Steve Soffa was assigned the task by On Tilt Designs, who also have created a collection of poker-themed watches, rings and pendants for fans and players who dream of winning gold bracelets and getting their names in history books like 11-time winner Phil Hellmuth.

Each bracelet ceremony will be held the day after an event concludes, and Steve’s team will engrave the winner’s name into the back of the faceplate. They are made from 14K solid gold with the four card suits in rubies and black diamonds surrounded by princess and round cut diamonds. The Main Event bracelet is 6 ounces of gold and feature 550 handset diamonds weighing 4 carats!

Vegas DeLuxe will cover celebrity events and play for the Main Event, so check back often now that tournament play is about to begin!

(Credit: Las Vegas Weekly)

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Study finds some poker players use performance-enhancing substances - 2nd June 2010

Elite and pro athletes using drugs to enhance performance is nothing new. But poker players? Really?

In a recent study, some players admitted to using drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, Valium, plus other prescription medication. They also said they relied on caffeine, energy drinks and guarana to try to maintain an upper hand against their competitors.

That's what researchers from Nova Southeastern University in Florida found when they interviewed 198 professional, semi-pro, amateur and recreational players from the U.S. and around the world about their use of cognitive and performance-enhancing drugs, as well as dietary supplements and other substances, to improve performance while playing poker. Researchers also asked how the drugs were acquired and the motivation for using them. The preliminary results of the study were presented recently at the annual meeting of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists in San Antonio, Texas.

The study did not include the use of anabolic steroids.

Among the players (most of them men in their mid-20s), 28% said they took at least one prescription medication to improve their performance. Of those who took a cognitive and performance-enhancing medication, 73% said it was to help them focus or concentrate. The most popular medication was amphetamines or dextroamphetamines, followed by benzodiazepines (tranquilizers), hydrocodone (a painkiller), and methylphenidate (usually used to treat attention deficit disorders).

As to how they got the medications, 38% obtained them from a physician, 26% were given the drugs by players, 26% bought drugs from players and 10% purchased them online.

Prescription drugs weren't the only substances the players relied on -- 71% used caffeine, 51% drank energy drinks, 34% smoked marijuana and 30% used alcohol. In addition, 46% took a dietary supplement such as vitamin B-12 or guarana.

"The use of these substances could allow poker players to stay awake longer, as well as focus and concentrate better, which would be a competitive advantage," said Kevin Clauson, an associate professor at NSU's college of pharmacy, in a news release. Clauson, the principle investigator in the study, added, "Stamina is important for any poker player because tournament poker and cash games can go on for many hours.' (Credit: Los Angeles Times)

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Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Regional Australia To Ban Sale Of Playing Cards, by Greg Tingle - 1st June 2010

Readers... dear punters, casino entrepreneurs, sports betting lovers, poker playing sharks and newbies, you know who you are.... poker is once again under attack down under in Australia. No, not online poker this time... playing cards are the target. If its not the God Squad trying to ban FHM, Maxim and the like off supermarket shelves, its their cousins campaigning against the dreaded pack of cards... Media Man and Gambling911 aren't buying the bluff, nor should you! Shuffle up and read on..

Down under in Aussie Land, Kimberley Shire, to be precise, a campaign is on to prohibit the sale of playing cards. Local Kununurra is the main offender, and seems children of all ages are playing 'Poker In The Park'! (maybe they were watching PKR 3D poker TV, PartyPoker or something). WSOP season is kicking off for Aussies in a most unusual fashion.

Yep, poker has hit the parks big time.

For the record Media Man does not condone children breaking the law, but comon', its bloody poker. Just because someone is playing the game doesn't mean they are gambling - playing wagers. They are not playing Strip Poker either, so where's the harm... (big kids 16 or 18 plus depending upon where you live...can play Strip Poker ok, but no minors ok).

Wyndham-East Kimberley Shire chief executive Mr Gaffney advises a ban on playing cards being sold was "negotiated" with town retailers. He says they have been getting a positive result from the ban over the past few weeks.

However, before you can say Bluff, an itinerant vendor filled the void and sold cards from a van. Man with a van!

A few months ago the town shire officials noticed increased "gambling" in parks, and both youth from 10 years of age, up to fully grown adults were spotted. Oh My God... send them all to jail (satire). Late night games were also on the increase.

Police could only break the groups up and move them on, Gaffney aka "Killjoy" said.

"We were walking the parks with the police, our rangers were trying to break it up during the day and the general public was feeling it was pretty poor".

"It was quite evident that kids had quite a lot of money on them from cards. We're not talking 10, 20, we're talking hundreds of dollars. We were exasperated by it."

When retails stopped selling playing cards the poker games are the park cooled off, but we're not sure about the kids and parents online poker gaming exploits.

When the itinerant vendor started selling cards, other retailers decided they were missing out and dropped out of the moratorium!

"We actually achieved something for a short time. All we are trying to do is modify behaviour"! They you go punters, The Thought Police - Control Thoughts, Control Actions, Control Lives! Where's the PPA when you needs them... get down under boys.

Mr "Anti Gambling" Gaffney advised the local council would "work with retailers and police" to try to revive the initiative.

Fellas, should we order a warrant to search their homes for playing cards and poker software also.

Gambling with your rights... don't let it happen to you.

Media Man and Gambling911 advise readers to try to abide to laws, rules and regulation, but do not give in to The Thought Police. Need more clarification, go rent John Carpenter's sci fi classic 'They Live' with Roddy Piper, and then if your ready for the next level, look up 'Casino Jack And The United States Of Money', California Split and 'The Sting'. Don't do anything we wouldn't do. Now, shuffle up and deal!


The Late News

Roulette "Winner" At Crown Casino Takes Them To Court

A female patron of Crown Casino who won $3600 on a spin of the roulette wheel, later to have her winnings paid to another happy customer is taking the casino to court.

The punter put down a $100 chip on a number of the roulette wheel a few weeks ago but did not realise the croupier paid her winnings to a lucky gent until that person departed the winning table.

Marite Martin said a review of video footage by the casino pit boss had backed up her story.

She said she returned to the casino the following day and believed she again saw the man but no action was taken.

Crown spokesman Gary O'Neill said he could not comment on the case as it was due to go before the courts but said the casino was still reviewing the matter. Procedures for resolving bet disputes at Crown are approved by the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority. Might be a case for Aussie casino king James Packer to green light even more employment of honest and switched folks at Crown. Yep, Crown Casino...'A World Of Entertainment', especially for gaming and media analysts. Bet with your head, not over it, and for Christ's sake, watch those croupiers. See you at the bar.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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