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James
Packer Gambling On 3rd Macau Casino, by Greg Tingle
- 18th June 2011
JP's
Macau casino joint venture plans to build a massive
$US2.5 billion ($2.3bn) casino resort...the group's
lucky third in the Chinese territory. This will see
them look capitalise on surging gaming revenues in
the red hot part of the world.
Melco
Crown Entertainment yesterday signed off on a $US360
million deal to gain control of the Macau Studio City
project, an "integrated resort project"
on hold since the global financial crisis and in planning
for more than 10 years.
The
firms chief executive, Lawrence Ho, advised the property's
theme and demographic target focus would be differentiated
from the company's existing Macau property assets,
the City of Dreams and the Altira Macau.
Construction
is due to start early next year and it is believed
the partners have no plans for an equity issue to
fund the project.
"We
believe Macau Studio City's existing land grant and
previously completed site work will allow us to significantly
expedite its construction timetable," Ho told
the press yesterday.
It
will be Melco Crown's second project on Macau's Cotai
strip, a vast stretch of reclaimed land situated between
the islands of Taipa and Coloane that land based casino
developers in Macau, such as Ho and Packer, are promoting
as the orient's answer to the Las Vegas strip aka
"Sin City". City of Dreams is in Cotai.
Last
year, Ho said Melco Crown was prepared to build more
casino resort developments in Macau and elsewhere
in Asia. Packer's Crown holds a 33.4% stake in Melco
Crown.
The
Studio City site is one of the last prime land sites
available in Macau for development.
It
is located at the Lotus Bridge immigration point,
making it the virgin resort that tourists encounter
via entering Cotai.
Before
the financial meltdown, Melco Crown had a management
arrangement with Studio City's owners to run the casino
at the site, but elected to take control of the project
after it became troublesome for the owners to properly
fund it within the prior structure.
Melco
Crown is understood to have codenamed the deal Project
Eagle.
The
deal ends 3 long years of delays caused by legal matters
and a range of dramas between the Hong Kong and US
investors.
Studio
City was previously owned by a joint venture between
Hong Kong-listed entertainment company eSun Holdings
and New Cotai Holdings, an entity controlled by funds
managed by US firms Silver Point Capital and Oaktree
Capital Management.
New
Cotai Holdings will hold a 40% stake.
Melco
Crown will pay New Cotai $US100m in 3 instalments
over two years.
Before
the financial crunch, the casino development was to
have included a specially designed 4000-seat arena,
a 2300-seat theatre, Asia's first "Playboy Mansion"
and 4 new classy hotels - a Ritz-Carlton, a W Hotel,
a Marriott and the world's first Tang Hotel.
Last
month, Macau gaming revenues rose 42.4% to a record
$US3.03bn, what Vegas casino operators dream of.
They
were rocketed by the opening of Galaxy Entertainment
Group's $US2bn resort development at Cotai, which
is nearby to the City of Dreams.
"We
remain bullish on Macau's prospects and believe high-quality
new supply, such as Macau Studio City, will continue
to drive incremental demand," Ho said.
Media
Man has been speaking to property and gaming experts
about the Packer - Macau developments, with 95% believing
that the latest Packer Macau project with be a "good
to great business and investment".
Friends,
good punting, know your limits and bet with your head,
not over it.
News
Asia
Pacific Mega Gambling News Update, by Greg Tingle
- 9th April 2011
Newcastle
NSW War Pokie Laws...
New
poker machine restrictions proposed by Tasmanian independent
Andrew Wilkie will "annihilate" pubs and
clubs in the Hunter, leaving hundreds out of work,
ClubsNSW Newcastle councillor Jon Chin says. Clubs
Australia is launching a $20 million advertising campaign
on Monday in an attempt to prevent the introduction
of mandatory pre-commitment technology for all poker
machines. Banjo, a John "Singo" Singleton
company is behind the campaign. Mandatory pre-commitment
requires pokies users to commit to a spending limit
before they begin gambling. Once they reach that limit
they will be unable to gamble again until the following
day or longer, depending on what restrictions the
player sets for themselves. Chin said the cost of
implementing the new technology in the Hunter region
would surpass $100 million. This figure did not include
the 40% in revenue clubs would experience once the
restrictions were imposed, he said. "This means
Hunter clubs will lose another $100 million, making
it impossible for us to sustain our businesses,"
he said. Australian Hotels Association Hunter sub-branch
vice-president Bruce Woods said there was no evidence
to suggest the restrictions would discourage people
from gambling. "This won't help pathological
gamblers at all but it will lead to a loss of jobs,"
he said. "We support the clubs' campaign against
this, it will affect pubs just as much as clubs".
Online
Gaming Strong Growth In Asia...
Online
gaming industry has grown into a $US3 billion business
that provides a good standard of living to migrant
workers in Asia who play games all day and sometimes,
all night! Virtual currency is all the rage, it sometimes
gets sold to punters abroad for cash. A World Bank
study demonstrates an emerging industry in which firms
seeking to boost their brands' popularity pay low-skilled
workers overseas to become their Facebook fans or
Twitter followers. The study, Knowledge Map of the
Virtual Economy, is the World Bank's first in-depth
look at the impact of online gaming and social media
in the developing world. Vili Lehdonvirta, a co-author
of the report, advised that the bank should not pour
its money into the industry, because he said the deal
making violated some of the game publishers' terms
of service and was cheating. Known in the business
as "gold farming", the game-playing boomed
in the early 2000s with games like World of Warcraft
and has evolved considerably. Labourers in Asia spend
numerous hours each day advancing through levels of
an online game, picking up gold, swords and gems that
enhance a game player's status. Then gaming studios,
which employ the players, sell those virtual goods
to online retailers. Next step, the retailers sell
on those goods to more than 120 million players globally,
many of them in Europe and North America, who don't
want to play the games day and night to gather their
own. The bank's report indicates that online gaming
has a positive impact in Asia because 70% of the industry's
revenue remains in the gaming countries, with most
of that money going to the gaming studios. Compared
with the $US70 billion coffee market...in which only
a tiny fraction of the revenue remains in the bean-growing
countries...the gaming industry had a "much better
development impact", the report states. A report
survey checks out on a group of 26 players and studio
managers that offers a rough, yet rare demographic
look at their lives. Most of the players work out
of studios in China, in Beijing or Changsha, capital
of Hunan province. They earn an average wage of $US2.70
an hour, $US1 more than Beijing's minimum wage for
part-time factory work. "The larger point is
that online gaming is often viewed as exploitation,
Lehdonvirta said. "Certainly it's not a dream
career, but the players are not at sweatshop levels."
The gaming studios keep about 60% of the industry's
$US3 billion in revenue. Readers, would you like to
be a prize gather for the gaming studios on that level
of pay? Better not answer!
Samoan
Casino Proposal Has Social Concerns For Kiwi, Samoan
Locals...
All
these places have land based casinos - Las Vegas,
Monte Carlo, Macau, Melbourne and just maybe soon
- Apia in Samoa. Some business folks have earmarked
it as a future gambling destination, and Kiwi group,
the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand, is
advising against it, citing social harms of a casino
will outweigh any economical benefits that the Samoan
government will hope to achieve. In an admission of
the dangers of gambling, the proposed casino in Apia
will attempt to bar locals by only allowing the holders
of foreign passports to gamble. Problem #1... many
locals have duplicate passports, so getting in to
a casino for locals may not be that hard, and don't
even bring up the subject of fake ID. Will the region
get a land based casino? Stay tuned for updates.
Clubs
Australia War On Gillard Labor Government Re Pokie
Laws...
Clubs
Australia has declared "open warfare" on
the Gillard government, preparing a $20 million media
campaign to try to stop laws to limit how much punters
can spend on poker machines. Last year "Tasmanian
Devil" (MM satire) independent MP Andrew Wilkie
backed Labor to form a minority government in return
for a clampdown on the use of poker machines. Now,
the lobby that represents clubs and pubs is wrestling
and punching back, with a media blitz targeting Wilkie
and Prime Minister Julie Gillard. Both Wilkie and
Gillard are in big trouble in the popularity polls,
with Labor set to lose the next federal election,
following their NSW loss, where it was bloody and
crimson mass. Billboards, a website, beer coasters
and more It's war on nationwide. The campaign has
been criticised as misleading for claiming punters
will need a licence to gamble. Clubs Australia executive
director Anthony Ball rejects that. "What we
do know is that everyone who plays a poker machine
will need to register and obtain a card, and then
insert it into a poker machine and set a binding limit.
There needs to be player tracking, because how else
does the machine know what the player is doing? It
will have your private details and your gambling history
on it. Now if that's not a licence, I don't know what
is." Under Wilkie's master plan, gamblers would
have to nominate a dollar figure for how much they
are prepared to lose before they start gambling, a
scheme known as "mandatory pre-commitment".
Wilkie wants the law in place by 2014 and he has the
backing of South Australian independent Senator Nick
'Mr X' (MM satire) Xenophon. Senator Xenophon describes
the Clubs Australia campaign as a "joke".
"This industry is willing to spend $20 million
of tax-break money that they get from community clubs
- effectively taxpayers' monies, indirectly - to peddle
lies in terms of a campaign where they haven't even
seen what the final report will say. Whether it's
$20 million or $200 million, this mob can spend as
much as they like, but they can't spin that they are
causing enormous damage out in the community. There
are 300,000 Australians who either have a severe gambling
problem because of poker machines, or are already
showing the signs of one."
Proposed
Pokie Laws With Cost 10,000's of Aussie Jobs...
Clubs
Australia advise the changes will cost jobs. They
want it to be a voluntary scheme and have rejected
a government request to hold off on the ad war. "It
will cost jobs, for the simple reason that asking
Australians to sign on to this licence to gamble will
mean they'll do something else," Mr Ball said.
"They'll go and gamble online where none of these
controls exist, or they they'll go to the TAB - they
won't do it at the club.Even the proponent of this,
Andrew Wilkie, is saying that this will cost up to
40% of revenue."
It's all hot fodder in Aussie Parliament too. Liberal
Steve Ciobo sits on the joint committee on gambling
reform, which has been hearing arguments pro and con
against a mandatory pre-commitment scheme. "The
committee was charged by the Labor party with the
responsibility to look at a roll-out of pre-commitment,"
he said. "But Coalition members will be putting
in a dissenting report because the evidence is clear
that it's going to cost jobs, it's going to cost investment,
and I'm concerned based on the evidence that it will
make problem gambling potentially worse." The
committee is due to report in the next few weeks.
The states and territories have until the end of May
to decide if they will agree to the Wilkie-led reforms.
If they refuse, the Commonwealth believes it has the
power to introduce overriding legislation to impose
a national scheme. The pokie industry has shown the
willingness to wrestle all the way to the next election,
and perhaps even beyond. It's the lovers VS the haters.
Who will win, and when will the final victor emerge.
Stay tuned.
Sky
City Entertainment Group Stocks Fall From Sky...
Sky
City Entertainment Group, the casino and hotel operator,
fell 0.9% to $3.41 amid media reports that overseas
competitors were looking to hire the 500 staff made
redundant or on leave without pay due to the closure
of the Christchurch Casino. SkyCity owns a 50% stake
in the business.
Casino
Bouncer Thought Disabled Bloke Was Drunk...
A
South Australian man with deasiese cerebral palsy
says he was refused entry to the Adelaide Casino because
the bouncer thought he was drunk. Mark Thiele was
on a big night out with friends when he attempted
to enter the casino, but was refused by a bouncer
aka "gorilla". Thiele says the bouncer mistakenly
thought he was drunk, but the casino is sticking by
its decision. "I had said to the man that I wasn't
a drunk, I was crippled," said Thiele, talking
about his rejection on 7.30 South Australia. "He
had said to me he was convinced I was intoxicated
even though we said that I had only had a few drinks
earlier on in the evening. "So I can't see why
I was singled out and everybody else in my party wasn't.
There was no difference between any of us besides
the obvious. It's a mystery to me really." Last
month, he and his friends had walked to the casino
from the city's Hindley Street entertainment strip
a few blocks away. Thiele has trouble moving his body
and for him, walking distances is a big effort. His
mate Aaron Nettlebeck says the casino bouncer did
not understand. "Walking that sort of distance
does get very, very sweaty over that sort of short
period. It was a bit infuriating that it happened
like that after such a nice evening." Thiele
says he has not had a problem at venues until now.
"For the vast majority it's never been a problem.
Bouncers that I've come into contact with have been
understanding and even let me skip the line a few
times just to put me at ease," he said. "Obviously
it's a stamina thing that I can't walk these long
distances and stand in lines and all of these things."
He says he is considering lodging a complaint with
the commission or under South Australia's liquor laws.The
casino's general manager, David Christian, has offered
an apology of sorts. "It was certainly not our
intention that Mark would have felt discriminated
against and I'm sorry that he does feel that way,"
he said. But he is defending the actions of his staff.
"They believe that they made the right call.
I would believe that with the calibre we have and
the training we put into our security officers, and
the level of management that oversees it, that they
would be right most of the time."
New
Zealand Christchurch Casino Workers Hurting From Earthquake
Financial Aftershocks...
Financial
and emotional aftershocks are still be felt by the
casino sector after a series of earthquakes that rocked
the Asia Pacific - Japan and New Zealand region. Christchurch
Casino workers are feeling disappointed and even depressed
after having failed attempt to get a bigger redundancy
payday.In excess of 500 formally happy and motivated
casino employees were offered redundancy at the central
Christchurch casino last weekend, which was badly
damaged in the February 22 quake and has stayed closed
ever since the act of mother nature. Anyone who wants
to stay at the casino will be paid their holiday pay
as either a weekly amount or in a "lump sum".
Simply put, they will remain as employees of the land
based casino on leave without pay until the the gambling
den opens again. The SFWU (Service and Food Workers'
Union), which reps for 100 plus casino workers, has
a meeting with the casino's managers on Thursday.
SFWU strategic industry boss Len 'Razor' (MM tag)
Richards said workers were sombre but firm in their
desire about securing a more attractive redundancy
package. The union power that be were also asking
for continued pay for employees that choose to stay
on until the casino opens again. However, he advised
management was not prepared to increase the amount
of redundancy pay for staff, but did agree to request
for a government wage subsidy. Due to a private insurance
deal and policy in place, the land based casino has
not relied upon the $1.5 million government subsidy
available for quake-affected businesses. Richards
stated that the union has contacted earthquake recovery
minister Gerry Brownlee to request assistance to help
pay workers who remain employed. SkyCity, half owner
of the famous Christchurch Casino, has projected a
$130 million plus profit this year. It's not known
how much financially the quake cost Christchurch Casino
or SkyCity. Christchurch Casino top sheep er top dog...chief
executive Brett 'Ask Him' (MM satire) Anderson said
about 70% of employees have indicated they will stay
with the company rather than take the offered redundancy.
He said a number of employees are also being offered
jobs offshore. Anderson elaborated "I'm getting
phone calls from Australia looking for our people
and likewise all over New Zealand, and a few of them
have spread their wings. More than a few have gone
over to the Gold Coast. It's a lot warmer, it's a
lot more stable, you can swim in the sea, the pay
rates are better." Anderson said he still does
not know when the casino will reopen.Employees have
a deadline until Monday to decide whether they will
take the redundancy package or stay on. Yep, it's
the money or the box. Workers who have not contacted
the company by showdown at 5pm on Monday will be deemed
to have left their jobs and will be paid out a four-weeks-notice
payment, along with their annual leave entitlements.
Casino workers, did you get that. D Day is approaching.
A
Media Man spokesperson said "In the current global
economy anyone with a decent job should be grateful,
especially in the casino or gaming sector. Well done
to Christchurch Casino management for doing their
utmost to assist in their difficult times. Employers
will always want to ask for more... its in the nature.
Land based casinos generally remain popular around
the world so good staff will always be in demand."
Media
Man and Gambling911 wish all parties well with their
dealings, and hopefully some win - win - wins will
still be possible.
States
Probe Sports Betting Ads...
Aussie
states are uniting to consider a crackdown on an explosion
in advertising of sports betting, Victoria's Gaming
Minister says. Michael O'Brien last night revealed
the betting blitz on sport was being examined by the
Council of Australian Governments. "There is
growing concern at the extent to which is becoming
inseparable from the coverage of major sporting events.
Kids are being exposed to it constantly just by watching
the footy or cricket," he said.AFL chief executive
Andrew Demetriou said the league had expressed its
concerns to stadium managers. Goal posts, boundary
line fences and scoreboards at the MCG and Etihad
Stadium have been plastered with ads from bookmakers.
Demetriou said the alarm was raised during last year's
Brownlow Medal telecast. "There seemed to be
an enormous amount of (gambling) advertising after
each break," he told press. O'Brien said the
AFL, which enjoys lucrative sponsorship arrangements
with gambling giants, could take responsibility through
its media and stadium deals. "It may be that
there's an opportunity for this influence to be exercised
to ensure the promotion of sports betting isn't allowed
to detract from family-friendly objectives of (such)
sports," he said. This week, former Demon Daniel
Ward revealed in the the newspapers his battle with
gambling. "It's always in your face," he
said of the ads. "It's like being a drug addict
and an advert comes on saying, 'The first 50 people
to ring will get a free bag of marijuana'."
Hawkins
Former Ms Univervese Lookalike Kahili Blundell Wins
Ralph Swimwear Title At Star...
Sin
City Sydney babe Kahili Blundell has snatched the
Ralph Australian Swimwear Model of the Year comp.
The Crows Nest bikini super babe bested more than
2000 babes from all over Australia and Kiwi land to
grab the coveted title at Sin Sydney's Star City Casino
on Thurday. "I feel more than special right now,
I'm blown away and so honoured to be given this position,"
Blundell said. "I was expecting him to call another
number and I stood there thinking 27, is that me?
"It's also my boyfriend's birthday, but I realised
it was me and I was shivering." The 21-year-old
Jennifer Hawkins lookalike works as a personal assistant
and dabbles in makeup artistry in her spare time.
Blundell says modelling has been tough, slogging it
out for 3 years. "Since November I've been training
every week for this, thinking about it every night,"
she said. "I've been brought up to eat very healthy,
so I don't have too much trouble doing that, but I
definitely exercise a lot. I've been working very
hard so thank god it's all paid off." The comp
saw the 38 finalists strut their stuff in catwalk
parades. Sex bikinis were all the rage. A select group
of a bakers dozen were picked, then reigning champ
Emmi Moore handed over her sash and championship title
to Blundell. "I've been doing this for three
years now and this is exactly what I've been dreaming
and hoping for," Blundell said. "I'm open
to any opportunity and I love challenges. I've obviously
done well in the bikini field, so I might just continue
on this track for a little while." Burlesque
babe Sina King from Underbelly home Melbourne snatched
runner-up while second runner-up went to 21-year-old
writer - journo type Tiffany Baker from Fremantle
in Western Australia.
Australian
Boxer Katsidis To Fight Guerrero In MGM Grand Casino
Las Vegas Bloody Sunday...
Down
under's Australia's Michael Katsidis and his opponent
in Sunday's (AEST) interim lightweight world-title
fight at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Casino, America's Robert
"The Ghost" Guerrero, also have powerful
stories. Guerrero's world was crushed big time circa
2007 when his wife, Casey, was diagnosed with leukemia.
The Californian gave up boxing, giving up his world-title,
so he could be by Casey's side and stay close to their
young children as she underwent a bone-marrow transplant.
Things are now looking up for Guerrero. "Casey
has been cancer free for almost a year now,"
28-year-old Guerrero, the number one ranked lightweight
in the world and a former featherweight and super
featherweight champion, said. Last year Katsidis'
was having a dream run. The likable 30-year-old blokefrom
Toowoomba celebrated his first wedding anniversary
with wife Kumiko. He loved being a dad to their one-year-old
daughter Kalia and was preparing for the biggest bout
of his career, a world-title fight in Las Vegas against
Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez. Things quickly
went downhill when five weeks before the Marquez fight
he learned his 31-year-old brother, champion Australian
jockey (horse racing) Stathi Katsidis, had passed
away. Just days later Katsidis' longtime trainer,
Brendon Smith, received two more bad news calls. Smith's
nephew got paralysed from the chest down in an accident
and one of the trainer's former boxers passed away.
"We got it all within three weeks and just before
the Marquez fight," Smith said. Katsidis and
Smith made the call to keep training at their Thai
boxing camp and take on Marquez at the MGM Grand Casino,
a match that would be voted the Fight of the Year
after Katsidis floored Marquez to the mat in the third
round. Marquez guts and balls by getting up and pounding
Katsidis so badly ref Kenny Bayless ended the match
in the ninth round, giving Marquez a ninth round technical
knockout victory. On the eve of the Guerrero fight,
Katsidis and Smith, who kept quite before the Marquez
bout, finally opened up about their personal tragedies.
Katsidis did not sleep two days before the Marquez
fight. "He was emotionally spent before he got
in the ring and to do what he did under the circumstances
was incredible," Smith said. "I believe
if something doesn't kill you it only makes you stronger,"
Katsidis said. Guerrero has 22 knockouts in his 27
professional victories. "This is truly a fight
for boxing fans," Guerrero, who has a 28 win
(18 KO), one loss professional record, said. "You
are going to see two guys go at it and give it their
all." The winner of the match will be named the
interim World Boxing Association and World Boxing
Organisation lightweight champions. Promoter 'Golden
Boy' Oscar De La Hoya has named the MGM card "Action
Heroes", with another Mexican legend, Erik Morales,
fighting Argentina's exciting welterweight contender
Marcos Maidana and in another welterweight battle,
Brooklyn's Paulie Malignaggi VS Jose Miguel Cotto.
The matches will be broadcast live in Australia on
Sunday from 11am AEST by Main Event pay-per-view.
"For a boxing card, sounds like it will be value
for money for a bit of a change", said a Media
Man insider.
News
James
Packer Crown Casino Whale Talks Tourism, by Greg Tingle
- 19th March 2011
Australia's
foremost gambling tycoon, James Packer, is growing
tied of the Australian government's lack of action
in improving the tourism sector, which in return effects
his casino tourism arm, with the high rollers, schools
of "whales", super dolphins and the like
tipping to be swimming more for oriental waters, rather
than down under Pacific Ocean way. Yep, that's the
general school of thought.
Singapore
is continuing a roaring trade in the casino and resort
tourism dollar, and insiders think this this may be
beginning to really snatch away some potential business
from Melbourne's Crown Casino and Burswood, which
now boasts two of the most valuable and profitable
integrated casino resorts in the world, Packer says
the time for talk is over.
"One
of the problems for state and federal governments
of both political persuasions in Australia is that
no one sets any key performance indicators for tourism,"
he told Rupert Murdoch publication, The Weekend Australian.
"That
lets people muddle about on things with good intentions
without ever actually making the rubber hit the road.
Whereas in Singapore, it is all about the rubber hitting
the road.
"They
are a country that used to get the same number of
tourists as Australia, around 5 million. They are
now at 11 million tourists. We are at 5 million. And
they have stated publicly that they have an aim and
ambition that they will receive 17 million tourists
in 2015."
Singapore
has bragging rights of 13 consecutive months of record
visitor numbers, achieving its highest visitor arrivals
for a single month in December with 1.1 million visitors,
16% up on last year.
Experts
tip the main attribute in seeing Singapore's big numbers
is last year's launch of the $4.4 billion Resorts
World Sentosa casino and the $5.94bn Marina Bay Sands,
the second most expensive casino in the world.
Both
casino resorts are understood to have accounted for
1.7% of Singapore's nominal gross domestic product
last year when GDP leap frogged 14.7%.
Packer
has a few more reasons than the average Joe to be
a bit worried about the rise of the Singapore dragons
(no offence to dragons, including dragons in training
or Singaporeans). Singapore is writing the "who
to" book and blueprint on casino tourism, just
when many experts thought Macau were the experts.
The
Singapore dragons wrath on the regional casino market
gave birth to an 8% dip in VIP turnover at Packer's
two dinkum Aussie casinos, Crown in Melbourne and
Burswood in Perth, in the 6 months to December 31.
Burswood really felt the pain, with VIP whale revenue
down 14.3% compared with Crown's 5.5 % dive.
Crown
states 15% of its casino revenues comes from high-rollers.
That's a considerable amount.
Packer
points to the way Australia sells itself to the world,
and specifically affluent Asians, as a tourist destination,
and he chooses his words carefully.
"We
are not saying it is the government's fault. We are
saying we would like to work with the government to
try and make Australia a more attractive and compelling
and successful tourism destination".
The
recent Japanese natural disasters, along with our
our own floods and cyclones in Queensland, are expected
to put increased pressure on Japanese tourism, the
fifth-largest provider of inbound tourists to Australia
behind New Zealand, Britain, the US and China.
"We
all thought the Oprah exercise (where Tourism Australia
last year paid $1.5m for 100 minutes of US exposure
on Oprah Winfrey's TV chat show) was fantastic, but
when I was in America just recently I saw an advertisement
with three Americans in a Land Rover driving around
a paddock watching kangaroos. And I thought to myself,
it is a lovely image but to be kind, it is very niche,"
Packer says.
Packer
says Crown wants more from what he terms his "silent
majority partners".
"The
total taxes we paid last year to the three levels
of government...federal, state and municipal...was
well over double our net profit after tax. We believe
we are investing in our businesses, providing the
government with an excellent economic return for our
licences and we also think we are working hard to
ensure that our other stakeholders benefit from our
business," he says.
"The
government is doing very well being the silent majority
partner of our company and we are competing against
some of the biggest and most successful companies
in the world and what we are trying to do is bring
more people to Australia to spend money and conduct
economic activity here."
Crown
and competitor Tabcorp Holdings, owner of 'Sin City'
Sydney's Star City and the Gold Coast's Jupiters casinos,
are spending billions of dollars on big capital expenditure
programs, including revamped VIP gaming facilities,
hotels, lear jets and more.
"My
impression is that we have spent more on capital expenditure
in the past five years than any non-mining industrial
company in Australia," Packer says. "I think
there is a perception out there that these businesses
are licences to print money. They are terrific businesses,
but they are not that. These businesses have a very
significant ongoing capex requirement, which places
limits on the real cash available to be returned to
shareholders."
A
not particularly well known fact is that last year,
Crown received the Employer of the Year award at the
Australian Government's Australian Training Awards.
Packer's
call for a more integrated tourism strategy for Australia
is fully supported by Tourism Australia chairman and
ex Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon, who is also
on the Crown board. "While I am obviously a director
of Crown, it doesn't change the fact that our integrated
resorts in Australia must be competitive with those
in Asia, especially Singapore," Dixon says.
"This
is not just about Crown, it is about...the other integrated
resort casinos within Australia."
What
Crown and Tabcorp are seeking is additional assistance
from government and the private sector on co-ordinating
visa access and improving facilities at airports for
VIP high roller tourists.
In
Singapore, high rolling whales are greeted by officials
at Changi airport, and promptly escorted through a
private lounge area for fast-tracked customs and immigration
procedures.
"We
have started some initial discussions with Melbourne
and Perth airports, and they are quite interested
in the concept," says Crown chief executive Rowen
Craigie. He advised there have been communications
with government and the state and federal tourism
authorities. "The doors seem to be open,"
he says confidently.
Federal
Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson agrees casinos have
an important role to play in the nation's tourism
strategies, as well he should, but he states there
needs to be more research before major decisions are
taken that affect the sector.
"Casinos
attract high-yield visitors that spend on average
double that of other international visitors,"
he shared.
"Through
both our marketing efforts such as the $150m global
'There's Nothing Like Australia' campaign and the
National Long Term Tourism Strategy, we will continue
to work closely with casinos, airlines, hotels, tour
operators and the many other hundreds of thousands
of small businesses in the tourism sector to ensure
Australia remains competitive as a tourism destination.
"That
requires encouraging investment in new stock, finding
the right staff and reducing barriers to their employment
in the sector, while providing comprehensive research
to allow informed decisions to be taken."
Chef
and restaurant owner Neil Perry, also a mate and business
associate of Packer, whose "lucky" seven
Australian restaurants include outlets at Crown and
Burswood, agrees.
"While
I am focused on local clientele, we need a good mix
of international tourists to keep this business vibrant,"
he says.
Chinese
tourists account for $2.8bn to the Australian tourism
industry and by 2017 analysts expect that market will
be worth about $5.5bn.
Korea,
Singapore and Malaysia are also developing markets
for Australia.
In
January, Chinese tourists jumped 63% for the month,
largely a spin off from Chinese New Year celebrations
falling in February. Hong Kong visits were up 26%
and Malaysia 25%.
At
times like these Packer must be glad his had a global
strategy in place, and is not totally at the mercy
of the Australian market.
Packer
and his time are also further developing online gaming
and revenue aspects of Crown Limited, as well as getting
his 50% Betfair better stocked with more online gaming
offerings, acutely aware of recession resistance online
based businesses like PartyGaming and also watching
his mate, Richard Branson, take his airline, tourism,
communication and gaming business to the next level.
Don't
bet against Packer, but the smart money from betting
agencies says that its safe to bet against the Australian
state and federal government - with Labor set to fall,
and a new and motivated Liberal - Nationals coalition
ready to impress the people and the business sector
A
Media Man spokesperson said 'There's no doubt that
the Oprah Winfrey effect has some positive spin off
for Australian tourism, certainly awareness leaped.
Just hoe much different was made to the bottom line
thanks to O is unclear. James Packer makes a good
point about Australian tourism. We have a lot more
to offer than just kangaroos. Bondi Beach is great,
but so are casinos like Crown and Burswood, and our
sports tourism and events are always, and how about
our Aboriginal heritage. We are world class. More
people need to help give the Australian government
the message. Casinos are an idea place to help keep
things going in the right direction, with all of the
tourists, smart money and entertainment to be found."
CEO
Magazine Rejects James Packer Interview Rumour...
Bean
Media Group, publishers of the influential and highly-regarded
business publication, The CEO Magazine, have today
refused to confirm reports that The CEO Magazine will
be conducting an exclusive interview with Australian
businessman, James Packer. The CEO Magazine is Australia's
leading business magazine focused directly at high-level
executives in Australian companies. The CEO Magazine
is a bi-monthly title that provides its readers with
a wealth of articles discussing business strategy,
expert opinion, analysis, corporate case studies,
emerging trends, leadership, growth opportunities
and challenges facing our country's leading business
leaders. The CEO Magazine explores how Australian
businesses can improve the way they manage their operations,
staff, technology and supply chains with a view to
creating a more profitable and successful business.
Whilst The CEO Magazine is extremely meticulous in
selection for interviews within the title, rumours
of a one-on-one interview with James Packer have surfaced
this week. "Due to the high profile nature of
The CEO Magazine, it is impossible for us to confirm
who will be included in upcoming magazines until publication
date. Content is kept strictly between the publisher
and any leading senior executive that have been chosen
for selection," said a spokesperson for publisher,
Bean Media Group. The next issue of The CEO Magazine
is due out next month. About The CEO Magazine, Australia's
leading business title specifically for high-level
and senior executives. The publisher of The CEO Magazine
is Bean Media Group, a multi-award-winning media company
based in Sydney, Australia
Aussie
Millions profile PartyPoker.com
profile Crown
Casino Online
Poker
PartyPoker.com
Aussie Millions website PartyPoker.com
website PartyPoker
News
Australia
Day Special, by Greg Tingle - 26th January 2011
G'day
and Happy Australia Day everyone. Ok, we know some
of you punters, journos, high rollers - casino whales,
entertainment news junkies, politicians, insiders,
outsiders and legal eagles are from across the globe
are not Australia, nor have ever been down under,
but you get the idea. Did you know that some indigenous
Australia's call Australia Day 'Invasion Day'! That's
because most history books show that Captain James
Cook and his crew invaded Australia on this day in
1988. They are known by a new names including the
First Fleet, while some aborigines will always think
of them and murderous mongrels, who stole their land
and pride. It's easy for many of us to get the point
of the blackfellas (affectionate). Media
Man and Gambling911
with a bush tucker bag full of Australian gambling,
casino, poker, media and sports news. Fair winds...
Queensland
Banana Bender State: Pub Pokies And Online Pokies
Becoming More Popular?...
One
armed bandits are maintaining their popularity in
'The Sunshine State'. It's understand that punters
might have only a 1 in a million chance of winning
really big, lotto - millionaire style, but they just
keep coming back for more. Yep, throw another dime
in the pokie baby. Queenslanders "invested"
close to $2 billion last year as the punters passion
for the slots maintained its fever pace. The total
pokies expenditure of $1.81 billion was slightly down
on the previous year, it was the third year consecutively
the number exceeded $1.8 billion. We're also learned
that the 2008 figure of $1.83 billion was an all-time
record. Now, this is important - those numbers Do
Not take into account the rabid take up and roll our
of online poker or sports betting. You know, betting
over the global medium - the internet. Overall, Queenslanders
spent $7 million less on pokies than last year and
$28 million less than in 2008, but it still works
out at in excess of $150 million every month down
the slots August was the year's biggest month for
slot gamblers, who put close to $170 million in the
throats of the one armed bandits. August was also
the biggest month for gamblers in 2008, with more
than $173 million lost. Pokies remain by far the most
popular games for punters in Australia, bringing in
most of the estimated $17 billion spent on all forms
of gambling down under each year. Some insiders think
that the reduction in official spending was more a
sign of the increased popularity of internet and sports-based
gambling. Concentrating on pokie figures, it appears
Queenslanders gambled more at the height of the global
financial crisis two years ago than they did throughout
2010.
Tassie
'Devil' Gambling Tycoon Devilish Quotes...
David
Walsh from Tasmania was such a big hit with the readership
we thought we would dig up a few more of the red hot
'The Devil's' quotes, that are too good not to share.
First a refresher...Art and gambling do mix, at least
that's the experience of Brits Damian Aspinall, Phil
'Tuffers' Tufnell, Australian artist Gina Sinozich,
Media Man
(bodypaint and burlesque "fetish") and Tasmanian
gambling whale - tycoon, David 'Wicked' (satire) Walsh.
You will pick up on Dave's affectionate nickname by
us later. We like you David, ok mate. Tasmania's most
famous or infamous gambling figure, millionaire, David
Walsh yesterday gave us a peak into his art exhibit...the
biggest (and weirdest) private art gallery in Tasmania,
if not the Asia Pacific. The $110 million Museum of
Old and New Art is nestled on the banks of Hobart's
Derwent River.
Quotes
By The Tasmanian Devil!...
"FUCK
the art, let's rock'n'roll."
"I
think formal curation is a form of mental masturbation."
"I'm
not really that interested in a bunch of big names.
Most of the works are by people most people haven't
heard of and still won't have heard of because there's
no wall labels."
"I
don't want to lose control (or) something that ends
up looking like a pale version of the National Gallery
of Victoria".
"Subversive
adult Disneyland".
"Please
see reception if you are planning a pool party or
a ritualistic orgy."
"It's
the opportunity to mess with your head. I like the
idea of people having a couple of beers and looking
at the art, having a couple more and changing their
mind."
"Just
a privileged guy with a megaphone"
"It’s
like a rich man’s soap box. I’m standing
on my soapbox and I’m shouting my views like
they mean something."
"I’ll
take all the popular stuff out. And if you go to the
toilet two or three times we’ll recommend a good
urologist."
“My
brother once said about me that I’d rather be
outside a barrel pissing in than inside the barrel
pissing out. I’m anti this idea that we know
what we’re doing with certainty. I kinda think
that most things that are good happen to people largely
by accident, but then they start looking for explanations.
You see the views of rich, successful people on television,
and they tell you why they got rich and successful;
they don’t interview all the people who went
through the same process and didn’t. I think
most things are complete crap. I want to show that
you can be fortunate without believing that your fortune
was anything other than fortune."
"There
are so many things we do that we hide from. We hack
open cows and eat their guts but we compartmentalise
that away from our lives so we can pretend it’s
not happening. And on a larger, more important scale,
if each of us acted individually to say ‘OK,
we f…ed up the atmosphere, it is our personal
responsibility’, humanity would behave in a very
different way."
"One
of the things about having money is that … I
feel a bit of guilt and a level of privilege, and
it seems to be an obligation to do something, and
since art is what I’ve been doing....but it wasn’t
really like that. It was: I bought this small gallery,
bought a bigger one, and gradually it became something
of this scale. It’s become a lot more serious
endeavour than I intended it to be. There’s a
bit of thumbing my nose at the establishment and trying
to bypass academia, but mainly I just wanted it to
be a bit of fun. And it is. And it will be."
"The
gambling is all a computer thing that is going on
right now".
Website
Museum
of Old and New Art
Queensland:
Cairns Reef Hotel Casino Poised To Raise Big Bucks
For Flood Relief On Australia Day...
Punters,
let's all spare a thought for those who have been
attacked by the floods on Australia Day. Numerous
events are being planed around Australia, from 'Sound
Relief' to and initiative from the Cairns Reef Hotel
Casino 'Bring on the Sun' It will be one of the biggest
events on the Australia Day calendar for the city
and all funds raised will go to the Premier’s
Flood Relief Appeal. There's a good old fashioned
sausage sizzle, competitions and female performers
including the Marlins’ cheer squad. "The
whole idea is slanted towards the female performer,"
entertainment manager Bruce Stewart said. "We’ve
got an eclectic blend of female artists coming to
perform as well." Cazalys, El Mundo Tapas Bar
and the Marlin Coast Bowls Club will also host events
to raise money for flood victims. Cairns Regional
Council will hold events across the region, including
the ever-popular celebrations on the Esplanade. Mayor
Val Schier said the council was expecting a good attendance
as usual with residents keen to get outside and celebrate
our sunburnt country in the green and gold. "Even
last year when it poured, a huge number of people
came to the Aussie breakfast; we expect the same will
happen this year, rain, hail or shine. It is one of
those days where people can come together as a community
and help celebrate why it is great to be an Australian.
We live in a fantastic country and it is good for
people to get out and enjoy it." Pubs and clubs
will also get into the Aussie spirit with a number
of activities on offer. Paradise Palms Resort and
Country Club has a patriotic, fun-filled day planned
with activities that pay homage to Australia’s
heritage such as the much-anticipated pie-eating competition.
"Everybody is welcome to come along and have
some fun while tucking into our Aussie selection of
meat pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic Australian
music by DJ Danny from Millennium Sounds," director
of sales and marketing Darlene Holdsworth said.
Events
Join
the celebrations
Paradise
Palms Resort and Country Club Australia Day celebrations
What’s on: Australian menu served from noon in
Restaurant 59, pie-eating and thong-throwing competitions
start at 1.30pm. Pies, icy beers, lamingtons and classic
Australian music on offer at the resort.
Time: 12pm. Entry free.
Bring on the Sun at Cairns Reef Hotel Casino
What’s on: Entertainment, sausage sizzle, raffles,
jumping castle and more with all proceeds going to
the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
Time: 2pm. Entry free.
Shane Warne And Poker Mates Get VIP Star Treatment
At Australian Open Tennis Sunday Night...
The
spinner got there at 8pm hoping to get star VIP treatment
for 14 of his closest mates. In the mix was was Joe
Hachem, who he had earlier caught up with at the launch
of the Aussie Millions Poker Tournament at Crown Casino.
Warne requested an escort (no, not that type silly)
when he arrived and posed mostly for photographs with
his sunglasses on. He also spent time in Andy Roddick's
player's box during his loss to Swissman Stanislas
Wawrinka. It been a big couple of days for "poker
her" for the legend, playing rendezvous with
Liz Hurley in LA. He is expected to play in the second
round of the poker tournament and could face off against
Gary Ablett Jr and Jeff Fenech tomorrow. Blett made
it through to the second round.
Australian Financial Review Goes Gaga For Lady Gaga;
Gets Facts Wrong (We Think)...
It
took us a few months of going through newspapers but
we finally found the AFR to make a slip up, and its
a doozy....An article reads "the complex will
have a few upmarket bars, including one on the roof,
and an events theatre to house live acts – think
Lady Gaga – as well as awards nights." With
Gaga's level of popularity she would require a much
larger venue than Star City. Earlier this year, she
- they played two concerts at the Sydney Entertainment
Centre, capacity 12,000 or thereabouts. Do the math.
Australia's
Kylie Minogue To Do The Colosseum At Caesars Palace
Las Vegas: Aphrodite Live...
Mark
is down Kylie fans the word over. She's doing Ceasers
Sunday May 22, 2011 8pm
Melbourne: Aussie Joker Comedian Performs At Packer's
Crown; Raises Cash For Flood Relief...
Melbourne
folks at Crown Casino recently enjoyed 'The Jokers
Comedy That Rocks' at Crown Casino. James Packer's
casino donated all proceeds from last Friday night’s
show to Queensland flood victims. Organiser William
Leitch has happy with the way things went and showcased
an evening with some of the city’s top stand-up
artists, including Brad Oakes, Christine Basil and
Greg Fleet. It's understood he got close to 150 people
to come along, and he may be invited back on upcoming
Friday nights.
Top 100 ASX Listed Companies Respond To Flood Cry
For Help; Gambling And Gaming Industry Steps Up; Mining
Firms and Banking Bastards Lead Charge...
1.
BHP Billiton: $1.3 million (in addition, matching
employee donations)
2.
CBA: $1.35 million
3.
Westpac: $1 million
4.
ANZ: $1 million
5.
NAB: $1 million
6.
News Corp: $500,000 and Blue Ribbon campaign
7.
Rio Tinto: $1 million ($700,000 to Premier Relief,
$300,000 to Emerald community)
8.
Wesfarmers: $7.5 million (plus $3.5 million from Coles
customers)
9.
Telstra Corp: up to $1 million by matching staff contributions
(so far $338,000; is also supplying phones and free
calls to people affected)
10.
Woolside Petroleum: $122,395 (corporate + employees)
11.
Woolworths: $6.9 million (matching customer donations
in Woolies, Big W, Dick Smith dollar for dollar)
14.
Fortescue Metals: Matching staff donations dollar
for dollar
15.
CSL: $250,000
16.
QBE Insurance: not releasing a statement
17.
Origin energy: $1 million
18.
Macquarie Group: $200,000 (combined staff and company
effort with fundraising activities continuing both
here and overseas)
19.
AXA Asia Pacific: No response
20.
Santos: $500,000 plus use of helicopters and vehicles
for clean up. Also $50,000 for flooding in WA
21.
Coal and Allied Industries: (see Rio Tinto)
22.
AMP: $250,000 + matching employee contributions to
WA flood appeal up to $250,000
23.
Suncorp Group: $100,000 (staff and customers have
donated $1.5million)
24.
Foster's Group: $500,000
25.
Brambles: No response
26.
Leighton Holdings: No response
27.
Orica: No response
28.
Oil Search: No response
29.
Stockland: Donated $250,000 to the Premier's flood
relief appeal, another $30,000 to the Mayoress Rockhampton
regional flood appeal and are matching employee donations
dollar for dollar
30.
Coca. Cola Amatil: No response
31.
Amcor: No response
32.
Westfield Retail Trust: No response
33.
IAG: No response
39.
Crown: Donation tins in Crown complexes and have committed
to matching all donations as well as staff contributions
52.
Tabcorp Holdings: $1 million
78.
Tatts Group: Going to run a dedicated lottery for
the Queensland flood appeal where all profits will
go to the Premier's Flood Appeal. They ran the same
thing in Victoria after the Black Saturday bushfires.
It will run on Wednesday 2 Feb in Queensland and is
expected to raise $200,000. In addition, another donation
will be made from the unclaimed prizes fund of an
as. yet undecided amount
79.
Fairfax Media: Matching staff donations
100.
Seek: Reported it had made a donation to the Premier's
Flood Appeal but chose not to disclose how much
Brisbane:
Flood Relief Money Gets Spend On Pokies, Vice - Piss
Up At Pubs...
It's
been reported in a number of Queensland newspapers
that the $1000 flood relief grants that went to many
good folks in Granville are being used to feed slots
and buy piss (beer) rather than food and necessities.
Two Maryborough publicans say that in some instances
the answer to that is yes, and they are disgusted.
One of the publicans was so incensed by the misuse
of flood relief money she telephoned Fairfax Media
to complain. "A man came in bragging about how
he’d got the $1000 payout because he told Centrelink
he was stuck in Granville – but he was here the
whole time. It makes me sick that people are openly
admitting they’ve got the money for nothing,
while there are people who’ve died or lost everything."
She said Centrelink should have screened the applications
more carefully to make sure only people who were genuinely
in need received the cash. Another pub owner said
his one armed bandits had not stopped buzzing since
the grants became available. "We were quiet during
the actual floods but this week’s been totally
different. The pokies and the bottle shop have been
going non-stop." Yeah, Aussie continue to love
a punt, rain, hail, shine or flood!
Aussie
Millions Game 8 Results...
The
London based chap took down the $1,100 8 game mixed
event title at Crown Casino in Melbourne adding AUD$23,800
to his almost $1.2 million in career tournament earnings.
He entered the final table as the short stack, but
managed to grind his way to victory and nudge away
Australia's Bruno Portaro for the victory. The event
marked Ashby's 8th final table appearance at the Aussie
Millions that includes a side-event win back in 2005
and a seventh-place finish in the main event in 2009.
Ashby also won his first WSOP bracelet this summer
in the $1,500 7 Card Stud event and went well in the
$10k H.O.R.S.E. for his biggest career score of $378,027.
The 2011 Aussie Millions $1,100 8-Game Mixed event
drew 68-players and paid the final 7.
Here
are the results:
1 Richard Ashby AUD$23,800
2 Bruno Portaro AUD$16,320
3 Casey Kastle AUD$10,880
4 Daniel Ospina AUD$6,800
5 Oliver Gill AUD$4,760
6 Dane Coltman AUD$3,400
7 Paul Ravesi AUD$2,040
Aussie
Main Event Day 1b: PartyPoker And Full Tilt Poker
Players Feel The Pain...
PartyGaming's
PartyPoker
and Full Tilt Poker's powers that be likely won't
be celebrating. Ok, they got news coverage and exposure,
but its because their players are out. Yep, history
maties. Full Tilt went well on Day 1a but Day 1b was
rooted. Many of the big name pros went down for the
count as locals stepped up. 209 players entered the
Crown Poker room but after 7 levels of play, 80 remained.
David Oppenheim, Annette Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen,
David Benyamine, Andrew Feldman, Steve Yea, Andy Bloch
and Gus Hansen were some of the Full Tilt players
who died. Other casualties included Luke Santo, Raj
Ramakrishnan, George Moussa, Michael Pedley, Graeme
Putt, Martin Comer, Dennis Huntly, Jamie Pickering,
Bruno Portaro, Casey Kastle, Ben Savage and Tim Marsters.
2005 World Champion Joe Hachem (tweeting he struggled
with jetlag following a recent trip to the PokerStars
Caribbean Adventure.) Defending champ, 2010 Aussie
Millions Main Event winner Tyron Krost (PartyGaming's
PartyPoker
pro went down too). A new champ will be crowned in
2011 with plenty of Aussies still in contention. The
field kicked off with Jeff Rossier in the lead with
154,900, closely followed by Michael Ottobra (143,400)
and Martin Drewe, After winning the Opening Event
last week and going deep in another event, Drewe is
now set in the chip leaders in the Main Event after
getting to 136,100. Jay “SEABEAST” Kinkade
did nicely with 128,700, Haibo Chu (113,900), Manny
Stavropoulos (85,600), Sorel Mizzi (74,400), Michael
Egan (61,100), Kent Hunter (56,400), Jeff Lisandro
(55,000), Eric Assadourian (50,300), Scott Montgomery
(49,200), Chris Ferguson (45,400), Lee Nelson (30,200),
Neil Channing (28,800), Roland de Wolfe (26,100),
Aleks Brkovic (24,600), Jackie Glazier (21,900), Grant
Levy (18,300), Gary Benson (10,500) and Mel Judah
(7,200) amongst those who will return on Day 2. The
3rd and final flight of the 2011 Aussie Millions Main
will commence Tuesday with another strong field and
a few big names expected. Even Van Marcus will front
up. Van, is your Red Ferrari safe this time mate?
We're looking for more good fodder to write about.
How about do a publicity stunt and make world wide
headlines ago. Maybe someone at Crown Casino - Crown
Limited might be open to it. Stanger things have happened...
like Ferrari's getting stolen on site, casino fights
and a man getting stuck in the Crown Casino kitchen
grease vacuum.
Aussie
Millions Event #9 Day 1b: Rossiter In Front...
It
was down to business with players investing AUD$10,600
to buy in all with the goal of becoming the 2011 Aussie
Millions Champion. 7 seven levels of play, and the
209-player field went to 80. Jeff Rossiter is in front
with 154,900. Martin Drewe, 2011 Aussie Millions Event
#1 winner with 136,100 - now 3rd on the leaderboard.
Australian Jay Kinkade is on 128,700, and European
Poker Tour mainstay Jeff Sarwer sits 5th with 120,500.
Randy "nanonoko" Lew has 110,000 and Gavin
Griffin 101,700 in 9th ninth and 10th place. Sorel
Mizzi, Jeffrey Lisandro, Eric Assadourian, Team Full
Tilt's Chris Ferguson, Full Tilt Poker Red Pros Scott
Montgomery and Roland de Wolfe, Neil Channing, and
Lee Nelson have also all made it to Wednesday's Day
2, but it was touch and go for some of them, testing
the skill VS luck debate. Full Tilt Poker $25,000
Shootout Invitational winner David Oppenheim, Annette
Obrestad, Carlos Mortensen, Andy Bloch, David Benyamine,
Andrew Feldman, Gus Hansen, Joe Hachem, and David
Steicke all had to say goodnight nurse. PartyGaming's
- PartyPoker
Tyron Krost was eliminated in a hand VS Gavin Griffin
where his Ace-Queen couldn't best Griffin's Aces.
The 3rd and final Day 1 flight commences Tuesday in
Melbourne, Australia at 12:30 p.m. local time.
Getting
board of poker yet? If so, try your luck er skill
at Baccarat or Craps. If your more into luck, check
out the slots like Cleopatra, Sinatra, Rambo, Goanna
Gold and The Terminator. Rumour goes PartyGaming
also have, or will soon get, a World
Poker Tour themed online slot game. We recommend
punters open an account with PartyCasino,
PartyGaming
and World
Poker Tour, just to have all based covered. Party
appears to still be the most popular online casino
brand in Australia despite big efforts by the likes
of 888. Marvel
slot games are forecast to be some of the most
popular of this year with Captain
America and Thor
tipped to hit Australia cinema's this year, with Spider-Man
also getting a remake. Whatever your casino game of
choice, good luck, and let us know how you go guys
and girls. Spin to win.
Take
the time to research and learn games before placing
down money
Media
Man, Casino
News Media and Gambling911
are website portals. Not casinos as such, however
are recognised as world leading websites that cover
the sector and act as central points to games, news,
reviews and more.
Readers...
er, punters, how did you like our report? Tell us
in the forum.
If
you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over
it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet
portal development company. Gaming is just one of
a dozen sectors covered
News
Aussiewood
- Hollywood Entertainment News, by Greg Tingle - 29th
November 2010
Sylvester
Stallone Sex Film 'The Party at Kitty and Stud's'
Sells For $400K on eBay...
Sly,
The Italian Stallion himself, is back in action…erotic
action, sort of... The rights to a soft-porn film
starring Sylvester Stallone four decades ago, was
sold on e-Bay for $412,100. The then strapped-for-cash
star made his on-screen debut in the 1970 film "The
Party at Kitty and Stud's." Stallone played Stud,
a young man who, along with his oversexed lover Kitty,
enjoys inviting various women into their bed. The
71-minute movie was eventually renamed "The Italian
Stallion" by Bryanston Distributors after the
actor became famous in "Rocky." Now that
the rights have been purchased (the owner has not
yet been identified), it's likely the film will be
re-released, The Sun reported. In an interview in
the 1970s, Stallone, now 64, told Playboy that he
was so poor that he had to take the role. "It
was either do that movie or rob someone because I
was at the end—at the very end—of my rope.
Instead of doing something desperate, I worked two
days for $200." After filming "Rocky,"
the erotic filmmakers tried to sell the movie back
to Stallone for $100,000, but the actor said he "wouldn't
pay two bucks for it," according to AOL's Moviefone.
Last year MGM unsuccessfully tried to buy the flick.
Sly, you've cum a long way since then.
U2
legend Bono Waits For Table At Australian Bondi Beaches'
Icebergs...
Bono
snuck into 'Sin City' Sydney on Saturday. He headed
for a eat and a drink as he often does when down under.
The renowned Irish rock singer, who spent two weeks
at Sydney's Bungan Beach with his family in 2006 completely
undetected, casually strolled into Rose Bay nosherie
Catalina on Sunday for a seafood feed with guitarist
The Edge (David Evans) and the eatery's owner, Michael
McMahon. On Saturday night he arrived unannounced
at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar at Bondi Beach and
like a normal person waited or a table at the "no
reservations" restaurant. "He was having
a red cocktail but didn't finish it because a table
became available," advised a deepthroat. No,
not a Stallone type of deepthroat you rascals. The
U2 360 tour begins in Melbourne this Wednesday night.
Avatar
Michelle Rodriguez Star Teams Up With Sea Shepherd
In Perth...
Hollywood
babe actress Michelle Rodriguez, star of Avatar, was
in Fremantle supporting anti-whaling activist group
Sea Shepherd. Rodriguez has been aboard Sea Shepherd’s
flagship vessel MY Steve Irwin. The crew are replenishing
supplies before heading to the Southern Ocean in December.
The trip, dubbed 'Operation No Compromise', will be
Sea Shepherd’s seventh mission into the frigid
waters of Antarctica to attempt to stop the slaughter
of whales by Japanese "scientific researchers".
Among the crew are three Perth residents including
former Labor Attorney General Jim McGinty’s brother
Kevin McGinty, Steven Bennett and Georgie Dicks. Captain
Locky MacLean said the crew are looking forward to
having Rodriguez on board. The group, which uses rather
militant art of war tactics in its fight against whaling,
made headlines early this year when their stealth
vessel the Ady Gill was "cut in half" by
Japanese whalers. This year, a new monohull fast vessel
called the Ocean Adventurer will replace the Ady Gill.
SS are currently seeking a large sponsor which would
give them the naming rights to use 'Godzilla'. Something
like that. Sea Shepherd’s Australian Director
Jeff Hansen said: "It is great to see high profile
people like Miss Rodriguez giving up their spare time
to help promote our fight to defend the whales being
illegally targeted in New Zealand and Australian waters".
Media Man lost good mate Peter Carrette this past
weekend, approximately 48 hours after doing photography
at the Bondi Beach 'No Compromise' gig at Bondi Beach
last Friday. R.I.P Peter. We miss you mate.
Darren
Aronofsky Explains 'The Wolverine' Aussie Hugh Jackman...
If
you're wondering why "Black Swan" director
Darren Aronofsky was hired to tackle "The Wolverine"
for 20th Century Fox, wonder no more. Aronofsky himself
has broken his silence on the "Wolverine"
front in an extensive interview with Movie City News.
According to the filmmaker, his reasons for choosing
the "Wolverine" non-sequel as his next project
are quite simple: in the end, he just wanted to have
a good time. "I'm just trying to have fun,"
he said. "I think, for the first time in my life,
you know, every single film that I've done so far
I've been the only person in the room who wants to
make the movie. And, I kind of am excited about doing
a film where actually everyone wants to make it just
to see what the experience is like and to see if I
can do what I do in that world." It's not like
I'm going to change my process," he added. "I'm
going to be working with the same team, and making,
you know, really trying to do something very, very
different and see what happens." During the interview,
Aronofsky said that he's received a large amount of
support both from franchise lead Hugh Jackman and
Fox Studios head Tom Rothman, joking that Rothman
"doesn't even know how gutsy it is" that
he hired the outside-the-box filmmaker for "The
Wolverine." "I've been looking for a situation
where everything lines up really well. This just makes
sense; I think I'm being hired because of who I am.
I'm not being hired to turn into someone. I'm being
hired to do what I do. I don't know if (Rothman) knows
exactly what he's bought, but we're definitely going
to make something great, you know, but it will be
very different, and that's what I do. We're going
to try and have a great time with it."
John
Travolta and Kelly Preston 'Overjoyed' With New Baby
Benjamin; Travolata Not Gay...
Living
legend and iconic star of Saturday Night Fever (the
movies and the online slot game), is delighted with
his new baby, but very unhappy about the gay rumours.
Actors John Travolta and Kelly Preston took to Travolta's
website earlier this week to announce the birth of
their 8-pound, 3-ounce son, Benjamin Travolta. "We
are overjoyed to announce the arrival of our son,
Ella's baby brother, Benjamin Travolta. Born November23,
2010 in Florida, Benjamin is healthy and doing beautifully.
Thank you for the congratulations messages and wishes...we
are beyond happy about the newest addition to our
family," the family said in the message. Travolta,
56, and Preston, 48, announced the pregnancy earlier
this year, celebrating with a dozen close friends
at a shower held at their Los Angeles-area home. "This
baby is such a healing baby," a family friend
told People magazine. The pregnancy was the first
bit of good news they had shared in a long time. "It's
impossible to keep a secret," they wrote in a
statement on Travolta's website in May, "especially
one as wonderful as this." We want to be the
first to share this great news with everyone that
we are expecting a new addition to our family,"
the online statement continued and like this week's
update, was signed "Love, John, Kelly and Ella."
John Travolta's family has been dealt another blow
as reports emerge that he has been allegedly cheating
on his wife...engaging in "lewd sex acts with
other men" as part of a "secret gay spa
subculture." Perez Hilton posted the story on
his website along with a cover of the National Enquirer,
carrying the headline "John Travolta Caught In
Cheating Scandal! "John Travolta has been cheating
on Kelly for years!" said Robert Randolph, author
of the memoir, You'll Never Spa in This Town Again.
"And when the details emerge, he's gonna make
Tiger Woods look like a boy scout." John has
been married to Kelly Preston for 19 years, with the
pair expecting their third child this year. They lost
their eldest son Jett in 2009 to an autism-related
seizure.
WWE
Studios Films Flop At Box Office; Perform Well In
DVD Rental Market...
Entertainment
trade publication Variety published a report today
on WWE Studios's new films strategy "flopping"
at the box office, but perhaps finding a market on
home video. Variety followed up on WWE's third quarter
earnings report last Thursday by noting WWE reported
$3.8 million in revenue related to "Legendary,"
despite the movie drawing a measly $200,000 at the
box office. WWE executive Jim Connelly told Variety
that WWE is banking on strong storefront marketing
at retail locations such as Walmart to help boost
DVD and Blu-ray sales of their movies. Variety also
reported on WWE pushing their slate of movies to theaters
simply for marketing purposes before pulling the movies
and releasing them on DVDs. That was apparent with
WWE Studios's theatrical release schedule for "Legendary"
and "Knucklehead." Related to the planned
launch of the WWE TV Network potentially in 2011,
Variety reports that WWE is looking to their slate
of movies to serve as "more high-profile programming"
on the new cable tele channel. Going forward, Jim
Connelly told Variety that WWE will be re-evaluating
their movie release schedule for 2011 as they begin
to roll out the next slate of low-budget movies in
theaters with an eye on home video. Variety concluded:
"For now, it appears as if the future of WWE
Studios will play out on the smallscreen."
Aussie's
Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban To Appear On Oprah Winfrey
Show Tomorrow; Australia Catches Oprah - Oprah House
Mania...
Australian
actress Nicole Kidman and huby singer Keith Urban
will be on The Oprah Winfrey Show tomorrow. Urban
has earlier confirmed that he would be performing
in the shows Ultimate Australian Adventure episodes
to be filmed later this year. "Tomorrow, two
of the hottest Aussies are here! Nicole Kidman and
Keith Urban! The countdown to Oprah's Ultimate Australian
Adventure starts now!," says a post on the official
Facebook page for The Oprah Winfrey Show. Keith Urban
was in The Oprah Winfrey Show earlier this November
where he confirmed his performance at the much anticipated
episodes set to be shot in Sydney this December. Urban
promoted his sixth studio album Get Closer to in the
United States. However, the Australia singer did not
comment on rumours that his wife Nicole Kidman will
also be on Oprah's Australian show. Tomorrow's episode
might just confirm if Nicole Kidman will indeed be
a guest on December 14 and 15 at the Sydney Opera
"Oprah" House.
Mad
Max Revamped Movie #4 Will Happen Says Aussiewood
Insiders; Fury Road?!...
Remember
the Aussie cult film classic that went on to mainstream...Max
Max. They got to #3, always with Aussie tough guy
Mel Gibson in the lead as 'Max Rockatansky' aka 'The
Road Warrior'. Filming will take place near Broken
Hill, New South Wales. Gibson will not be reprising
his old role in Mad Max 4: Fury Road which will star
British actor Tom Hardy alongside Charlize Theron.
In November 2006, George Miller had stated that he
still had full intentions to make Fury Road, telling
the press that he was considering doing the film without
Mel Gibson, saying, “There's a real hope. The
last thing I wanted to do is another Mad Max, but
this script came along, and I'm completely carried
away with it." The film's screenplay was co-written
with cult British comic creator Brendan McCarthy,
who also designed many of the new characters and vehicles.
Miller again confirmed his desire to make another
Mad Max at the 2007 Aurora film maker initiative.
However, he did say he thought Mel Gibson would not
be interested in the film because he is too old (not
too nuts!)
Billionaire
Branson To Launch Apple iPad Lifestyle Mag...
Aussie's
live Branson and Virgin, so you'll love this...Word
of Sir Dick's plans to publish "Project"
for delivery on iPads came shortly after media mogul
Rupert Murdoch hinted that his News Corp empire will
soon publish a digital newspaper for the hot Apple
gadgets. News Corp, owner of The Australian, has been
tight-lipped about the project but 79-year-old mogul
Murdoch acknowledged in an interview last week that
"The Daily" is in the works. Sir Richard
said in invitations to the press that "Project"
themes will include entertainment, travel, business,
design, and international culture. The event in New
York City on Wednesday did not indicate whether "Project"
would be provided as passenger reading on flights.
Billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard owns about half
of Virgin Atlantic airline with its aircraft that
boast internet-age amenities such as power outlets
at seats and wireless connections to the web. He recently
said that his Virgin Galactic enterprise is on track
to offer commercial space travel within 18 months,
and that space hotels are next on the drawing board.
Yeah, we know, Branson has appeared in films such
as Casino Royale, Around The World in 80 days, and
a good spread of other movies and TV specials. If
your going to be a media tart, you might as well be
very good at it.
Lachlan
Murdoch Acquires Ten Network Stake, Joins Shareholder
Aussie James Packer...
Lachlan
Murdoch, son of News Corp. Chairman Rupert, has recently
acquired a little over half of James Packer’s
stake in Ten Network Holdings Ltd. Packer bought a
17.88% stake, or 172.2 million shares, in the media
group last month through Cavalane Holdings Ltd. Murdoch,
through Illyria Nominees Television Pty Ltd. has agreed
to buy 93.4 million shares for A$128.2 million, according
to a regulatory filing to the ASX (Australian Stock
Exchange). The two gents will act in concert in relation
to the exercise of their votes, the statement said.
Packer and Murdoch agreed to join the board of Australia’s
third-ranked television broadcaster last month. Gina
Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman, lifted her
stake in the company to 10%. Packer also owns 49%
of Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. which in turn
has 25% of Foxtel, down under's largest pay television
operator.
Media
Man Showcases Movies; Reviews...
Want
more? Check out Media Man Movies here
and Media Man Movie Reviews here.
Try
not to get square eyes. We're told PartyGaming still
has the best movie blockbuster themed slot games on
the planet, but you be the judge, jury and executioner.
The Media Man has left the building.
News
Australian
Land Based Casino News Update, by Greg Tingle - 8th
May 2010
Australia
is home to some of the world's great casinos, hotels
and resorts.
While
the land down under has over a dozen land based casinos,
there's only three that both rate highly and grab
the majority of headlines on a global stage. Enter
James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne, Tabcorp's
Star City in Sydney, and Jupiters Hotel & Casino
on the Gold Coast.
Media
Man and Gambling911 take our eye in the sky look
at the landscape of the Aussie land based casino sector
and bring you up to speed with what's news down under...
Readers
will be aware that there's a "casino war"
in the land of kangaroos, koalas and goannas at the
moment. You would have to be Blind Fredy not to know
about the ultra competitive showdown (and hunt for
whales and dolphins) between Packer's Crown Casino
down south and Tabcorp's Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney.
Crown
Casino and Star City are following the global trend,
largely driven forward from Las Vegas and Macau, of
offering a total entertainment experience... not just
gambling... you know, slots, poker, table games and
the like. Whales aka high-rollers, have also demanded
the changing face of the sector. Don't get us wrong,
the gambling aspect remains vital to the business
model and to the punters, but for a variety of reasons
Australian casino kings have employed a more holistic
model. The reasons include being more government friendly,
legal eagle elements and complimenting the larger
casino, entertainment and lifestyle sector.
Some
of the ramped up services and offerings as part of
the industry development include but are not limited
to:
Entertainment
complex upgrades (including securing more world class
acts, more often, to attract the crowds and keep all
clients and business partners happy)
Hotel suite refurbishments
Private gambling room upgrades for high rolling VIP's
Sports bar upgrades
Enhanced security - technology and more staff
Gulf Stream Jets aka Lear Jets for international high
rollers in a hurry and who demand and casino afford
the best
Aussie Casino News Bytes
Crown
Casino: Hosted the Logies last week with 1000 guests
in attendance. Broadcast on Network Nine Australia.
Bert Newton did a fine job as host. One journalist
/ columnist was fired for what many saw as inappropriate
Twitter - ing, including the editor of The Age newspaper.
Upgraded website. Management in regular contact with
sister casinos, City of Dreams Macau and Altira Macau.
100s more staff to be employed, some of which under
the GenerationOne employment initiative, dedicated
to helping get Indigenous Australians back into the
workforce
Star
City: Has expanded their budget by another $100,000
or so. Is ordering 1 or 2 Lear Jets to help better
compete with Crown Casino. Upgraded website.
Jupiters
Gold Coast: Upgraded their poker room to the tune
of a few hundred thousand dollars, Mother Africa Circus
of the Senses is showing at Jupiters Theater. Last
week a casino courtesy bus was allegedly nabbed by
a disgruntle contractor owned money. The case is currently
in the courts. Jupiters is nearby to the beaches where
major surfing competitions take place annually. Dreamworld
(Hollywood On The Gold Coast) is only a short drive
away from the casino. Upgraded website.
Burswood
Entertainment Complex: Upgraded security, shows include
Nitro Circus Live, Cats, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson
Tribute Show and Mammi Mia! Burswood is known to put
on fantastic community fundraisers. American pro wrestling
legend Hulk Hogan drew a massive crowd at Burswood
late last year for his charity work with the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. Virgin's Richard Branson also did some
impressive fundraising on site last month, with folks
the world over keen to meet and speak to the entrepreneur.
Branson's Virgin Games remains keen to expand the
gaming globally, including the AWOMO (A World Of My
Own), and perhaps the face to face meetings with the
media and political savvy Aussie Casino king, James
Packer, won't go astray.
Casino
Canberra: Blast From The Past: Are you a baby boomer?
Then don’t dare miss Baby Boomers Blast from
the Past, the ultimate live entertainment experience.
Laugh, dance, party Friday 14 May at Casino Canberra.
Watch comic impersonator Chris De Havilland bring
to life the likes of Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Elvis
Presley, Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond, and many more baby
boomer entertainers. On the 3rd of June - Aussie comedian
legends...Austen Tayshus and Elliot Goblet! Austen
Tayshus is described as a drunken yobbo's worst nightmare,
someone who can out gross you, out yell you and out
last you. Austen Tayshus walks a skillful line between
the truly offensive and the truly funny. And Elliot
Goblet, the master of oodles of clever but unrelated
one liners and the odd two liner as well. Both comedians
are on one night of classic Aussie humour. Meet the
Canberra Raiders NRL Raiderettes! Before Raiders games
you have the opportunity to meet some of the Raiderettes
and take advantage of the beer and snack footy pack.
Galaxy Nightclub - Canberra's hottest nightclub opens
from 9pm every Saturday with the beats of the 70's
and the best of the 80's. Come and hear the soundtrack
of our lives. Galaxy has a NO GLASS policy!
The
Reef Hotel Casino: 13th, 14th and 15th May - Lisa
Hunt Returns. Soul, Disco & Motown. The way it
should sound!
Lasseters
Hotel Casino: Dead Centre Show N Shine - Today! -
8th May. Outlaw Drags Spectacular - 9th May
Australian Casino Directory List
New
South Wales
Star City Casino (Sydney)
Victoria
Crown Casino (Melbourne)
Queensland
Conrad Treasury Casino (Brisbane)
Jupiters Hotel & Casino (Gold Coast)
Jupiters Townsville Casino (Townsville)
The Reef Hotel Casino (Cairns)
South
Australia
Skycity Adelaide (Adelaide)
Western
Australia
Burswood Entertainment Complex aka Burswood Casino
(Perth)
Tasmania
Wrest Point Hotel Casino (Hobart)
Country Club Casino (Launceston)
Australian
Capital Territory
Casino Canberra (Canberra)
Northern
Territory
Lasseters Hotel Casino (Alice Springs)
Skycity Darwin (formerly MGM Grand Casino) (Darwin)
Media
Man International Profile On Australia
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australia.html
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting
Ok
readers, we hear you... you also want to know some
of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies)
if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia
(including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain
Cooks Casino
Betfair
(sports betting only)
PKR.com
(mainly poker and some casino and sports betting)
PokerStars.com
Media
Man and Gambling911
remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take
the time to research and learn games before placing
down money
Media
Man and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos
as such, however are recognised as world leading websites
that cover the sector and act as central points to
games, news, reviews and more
Know
the odds, set limits and have fun.
*Greg
Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media
Man http://www.mediamanint.com
is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal
development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen
sectors covered
*The
writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Australia's
Aussie Millions in January 2010 tipped to be biggest
and best to date; Stewart Scott, Doyle Brunson, Mike
Sexton, Shane Warne, Jeff Fenech, Paris Hilton, Pam
Anderson, Tony G, Elle MacPherson all strongly rumored
to attend. Rumors that Mickey Rourke and Mike Tyson
may check out Aussie Millions
Win
your seat at one of Australia's biggest poker tournaments
Asia-Pacific
or APAC is that part of the world in or near the Western
Pacific Ocean. The area includes much of East Asia,
Southeast Asia, Australasia and Oceania). Sometimes
the term Asia-Pacific includes South Asia, though
India
and its neighbours are on or near the Indian Ocean
rather than the Pacific Ocean. The term may also include
Russia
(on the North Pacific) and countries in North and
South
America which are on the coast of the Eastern
Pacific Ocean.
Although an imprecise geographical descriptor, the
term Asia-Pacific became popular from the late 1980s
as the economies within the heterogeneous region flourished
due to increased regional capital flow, trade and
other forms of economic and political interaction.
The inclusion of Oceanian countries such as Australia
and New
Zealand is largely based upon the economic relationships
between those countries and their East Asian trading
partners to the north.
In some contexts, the region may extend further to
include major Asian countries, as well as those around
the Pacific Rim, stretching from Oceania, up to Russia,
and down the western coast of the Americas. The Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation, for example, includes Canada,
Chile, Russia,
Mexico,
Peru, and the United
States. (Credit:
Wikipedia).
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