WagerWorks, the igaming powerhouse, has just released a new branded slot game - Monopoly Multiplier.
Media Man can confirm that 'Monopoly' branded online slots are available at both PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com and competitor, Richard Branson's Virgin Casino.
Virgin Games and PartyGaming have both won numerous ERG and Media Man awards and commendations over the years, so your in safe hands. Virgin was established circa 1970 and PartyGaming in 1997. Party is listed on the London Stock Exchange and industry experts list them as the world's leading igaming company. Virgin have been gaining ground on Party in recent years.
However, punters... important... PartyCasio can be accessed by Australians, while Virgin Games can not. Neither is available for U.S players, but both brands can accept Canadians and South Africans.
Virgin Casino has more versions of Monopoly, a game brand owned by Hasbro.
Virgin sports Monopoly with Pass Go Bonus and Monopoly Here & Now. It has just released the third slot, Monopoly Multiplier.
Monopoly Multiplier is a three reel slot.
Be on the lookout for Red Hotels, Green Hotels, Go, Community Chest, Free Parking and Electric Company and more!
Mr. Monopoly also makes and appearance.
There's are no paylines however there are 27 ways to win!
The player also gets to choose one of the eight pieces to reveal a bonus multiplier, that can range from x2 to x10, up to x25. The pieces are the standard Monopoly icons including ship, shoe, car, dog, hat and iron.
Betting starts at 10.00 and goes up to a 40,000. Bets cover all 27 paylines. Monopoly Multiplier also has an Auto Play feature that permits punters to choose 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 auto spins at the selected stake.
Virgin Casino is celebrates its brand new Monopoly Multiplier online slot game with a Monopoly Giveaway event that gives online casino players the chance to win cash prizes daily.
The Monopoly Giveaway runs until Friday 7 May.
Virgin Casino Slot Game Promo Selection
The online slots that can be played as part of the Monopoly Giveaway are The 50,000 Pyramid, Amazon Wild, Bejeweled, Big Top Tombola, Call of Duty 4, Cleopatra, Cleopatra II, Clover Rollover, Da Vinci Diamonds, Double Diamond, Dynamite Digger, Emerald Isle, Fantastic Four, King Kong, Kitty Glitter, Monopoly with Pass GO Bonus, Monty's Millions, Play Your Cards Right and Wolf Run.
Australian based players fear not. Check out the Media Man World Casino Directory and party hard and have fun.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
VirginCasino.com
VirginGames.com
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Classic Slots Online
Classic Casino Games
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Media Man International Blog. Media Man International is part of the Media Man Group of companies.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
New Australian Snooker Champ Overshadowed By Scandal, by Greg Tingle - 4th May 2010
Snooker has made massive national and international news, however as is often the case, bigger news stories often have a huge negative aspect, as is the case here.
Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe (and the snooker cue Underbelly style) to see what the real story is, and where from now to see Australian and international snooker return to its former glory.
Firstly, congratulations to the new world snooker champion, Australian Neil Robertson.
Robertson won the world snooker championship title at Sheffield, England. Robertson, 28, def Scotland’s Graeme Dott 18-13 in the best-of-35 frames final at The Crucible Theatre. He’s only the second Aussie to ever win the crown, after Horace Lindrum in 1952! Quite a few of us weren't even alive back then, or even a thought for that matter.
"It's absolutely incredible. I just can't believe it," Robertson said after his victory, watched by his mother, who had flown over from down under Oz on a "leap of faith".
Robertson's wife Millie is expecting with the couple's first baby, which was due on Sunday. Yesterday Robertson said "Every part of my life is exciting. We were talking about the due date, how wouldn't it be funny if I got to the final."
The champ now has five professional titles to his name. He turned pro at 16, around the same age a number of poker professionals step up and go all in.
Robertson is currently ranked number nine in the world.
Robertson's mother Alison used her credit cards to fund Neil's world snooker circuit antics. She made a surprise trip to cheer on her son yesterday.
Robertson would like to play poker again soon in Australia.
Unfortunately the sport (and therefore his victory) has a dark cloud over it at the moment, with snooker joining the tarnished (largely sports betting and fixing to blame) of cricket, NRL (Melbourne Storm recently) and European soccer. Horse racing and professional boxing also have some dirt on them at the moment, with with the racing and boxing its almost to be expected.
Mail Online has been covering the scandal in great depth and their website also carries multimedia footage, even more interesting with Higgin's caught on camera.
Higgins has been suspended over match-fixing allegations which is having a massive negative effect on the sport.
He filmed shaking hands on a £260,000 deal in which he appears to agree to deliberately lose frames for an illegal gambling syndicate... well, I never!
Higgins, insists his conscience was "100%" and claimed he had feared he was being intimidated by Russian gangsters... its always the bloody mob... if not the Russians, the triads, and of late, Melbourne and Sydney's 'Underbelly' types.
Snooker legend Steve Davis said it was "a dark day for snooker".
Manager Pat Mooney was also caught in the News of the World sting and resigned from his role on the board of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, which polices the game.
The two men were secretly filmed by undercover journalists posing as members of a gambling syndicate.
Websites
News Of The World
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/801641/How-world-snooker-champion-John-Higgins-plots-to-betray-his-fans-for-cash.html
The Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1270983/John-Higgins-Snooker-champion-match-fixing-row.html
Media Man and Gambling911 are hopeful that new Aussie champ Robertson can generate more positive press and represent his sport like a true champion. Questions are going to be asked of Robertson's victory, and we hope he has the correct (and true) answers.
The fallout gives more power to the argument by sport purists that there should be no betting on sport. Not even the horses!
Stay tuned to Gambling911 as they tell is straight, in a no hold barred, internet filter - censorship free approach.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe (and the snooker cue Underbelly style) to see what the real story is, and where from now to see Australian and international snooker return to its former glory.
Firstly, congratulations to the new world snooker champion, Australian Neil Robertson.
Robertson won the world snooker championship title at Sheffield, England. Robertson, 28, def Scotland’s Graeme Dott 18-13 in the best-of-35 frames final at The Crucible Theatre. He’s only the second Aussie to ever win the crown, after Horace Lindrum in 1952! Quite a few of us weren't even alive back then, or even a thought for that matter.
"It's absolutely incredible. I just can't believe it," Robertson said after his victory, watched by his mother, who had flown over from down under Oz on a "leap of faith".
Robertson's wife Millie is expecting with the couple's first baby, which was due on Sunday. Yesterday Robertson said "Every part of my life is exciting. We were talking about the due date, how wouldn't it be funny if I got to the final."
The champ now has five professional titles to his name. He turned pro at 16, around the same age a number of poker professionals step up and go all in.
Robertson is currently ranked number nine in the world.
Robertson's mother Alison used her credit cards to fund Neil's world snooker circuit antics. She made a surprise trip to cheer on her son yesterday.
Robertson would like to play poker again soon in Australia.
Unfortunately the sport (and therefore his victory) has a dark cloud over it at the moment, with snooker joining the tarnished (largely sports betting and fixing to blame) of cricket, NRL (Melbourne Storm recently) and European soccer. Horse racing and professional boxing also have some dirt on them at the moment, with with the racing and boxing its almost to be expected.
Mail Online has been covering the scandal in great depth and their website also carries multimedia footage, even more interesting with Higgin's caught on camera.
Higgins has been suspended over match-fixing allegations which is having a massive negative effect on the sport.
He filmed shaking hands on a £260,000 deal in which he appears to agree to deliberately lose frames for an illegal gambling syndicate... well, I never!
Higgins, insists his conscience was "100%" and claimed he had feared he was being intimidated by Russian gangsters... its always the bloody mob... if not the Russians, the triads, and of late, Melbourne and Sydney's 'Underbelly' types.
Snooker legend Steve Davis said it was "a dark day for snooker".
Manager Pat Mooney was also caught in the News of the World sting and resigned from his role on the board of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, which polices the game.
The two men were secretly filmed by undercover journalists posing as members of a gambling syndicate.
Websites
News Of The World
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/801641/How-world-snooker-champion-John-Higgins-plots-to-betray-his-fans-for-cash.html
The Mail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-1270983/John-Higgins-Snooker-champion-match-fixing-row.html
Media Man and Gambling911 are hopeful that new Aussie champ Robertson can generate more positive press and represent his sport like a true champion. Questions are going to be asked of Robertson's victory, and we hope he has the correct (and true) answers.
The fallout gives more power to the argument by sport purists that there should be no betting on sport. Not even the horses!
Stay tuned to Gambling911 as they tell is straight, in a no hold barred, internet filter - censorship free approach.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australian Casino News: Jenny Woo Poker Babe of Month, by Greg Tingle
It's been a huge week for Australian gambling, gaming, sports betting and censorship news. This is likely the biggest Australian casino and gambling news week in modern history. Let's see... NRL Melbourne Storm sports betting scandal, Melbourne Gangland Killer Carl Williams dies and gets buried, Sin City Sydney Crime & Corruption Expo, Computer kiosk gambling device tested by law, Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff to remain in Vegas jail facing money laundering charges, Aussie internet filter delayed for months, Melbourne's Crown Casino to host The Logies tomorrow night, with 'Underbelly' nominated for awards... wait, there's more!...
Australia - Asia Pacific casino king, James Packer and his City Of Dreams Macau also faces its latest challenge with the opening of competitor casino, Marina Bay Sands in downtown Singapore, and New Zealand's SKYCITY was host to the 2010 New Zealand Gaming Expo.
Oh, how could we forget...Gambling911's Jenny Woo, wooing us (and 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair), picked up Media Man 'Poker Babe Of The Month' and PartyPoker's Kara Scott grabbed 'Casino Babe Of The Month', so it was a jam packed week and month.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise its time to take our the probe and dig a little deeper...
NRL Melbourne Storm Sports Betting Scandal...
Apart from whispers in the industry, it all started when punters starting betting on The Storm to take out the "wooden spoon" (last place). A day or two late alarm bells were ringing loud and sports betting outlets effected are estimated to be out of pocket by at least $100,000, possibly at much as $200,000. The Storm are fighting for survival and now allegations are being laid against other NRL footy teams are are also understood to have cheated their way to winning. This story is far from over.
Melbourne Gangland Killer Carl Williams dies in prison bashing; Gets buried in gold coffin
Not a well known gambler, but self described "semi professional gambler" Williams was buried yesterday, in a gold plated coffin no doubt. Police warned the grave diggers and other "need to know" people (like direct family) not to disclose where the coffin is buried. We wonder why... just kidding. Williams luck ran out for good, that much we know. More real life 'Underbelly' news is bound to surface in the near future, helped in part by our sometimes contact Bert Wrout, 'Underbelly' survivor, leaking news and and information to the press. Insiders say the killings are over, and no one is (smartly) willing to attempt to hurt Melbourne "consultant" Mick Gatto.
Sin City Sydney Crime & Corruption Expo - Opens 1st May
Gambling themes and figures a plenty. Touted as the real 'Underbelly' history, focusing on the 1940's to 1980's, George Freeman ('Colourful Racing Identity) and 'Mr Sin' Abe Saffron are the main event (dead) draw cards.
Of all the black-market trades, casinos played the most active role in corrupting police and politicians, paying them thousands of dollars a week in bribes.
Baccarat king Richard Reilly was shot dead in 1967. With him gone, other operators moved in and transformed the city's basic gambling houses into substantial, plush 'Las Vegas'-style casinos. Business-minded criminals such as George Freeman, Lennie McPherson and Stan Smith joined forces to revolutionise gambling and protection rackets in a massive restructuring of the underworld.
Illegal SP (‘starting price') bookmaking exploited off-track betting restrictions to generate huge profits for savvy criminal operators. George Freeman, at one time the largest SP operator in the state, bought influence by using his ability to guarantee winning bets as a powerful form of bribery. Freeman was not alone. Illegal bookies were both the favoured betting choice for punters and the most consistent earner for Sydney's criminal syndicates until the 1980s, collectively turning over as much as $6.4 billion in today's dollars each year. The very integrity of racing was threatened nationwide by corrupt bookmaking that encouraged horse doping and race fixing.
I'm the toughest man in f***king Sydney. I can kill anyone I f***king well want to, but I can't get my f***king dinner on time!
Lennie McPherson to his first wife, 1960
... there was only one thing I wanted out of life. I wanted to be a crook. Not just any crook, but the crook, the BIGGEST - the man with money, power, influence. Working for a living never entered my head.
George Freeman, 1988
Mr saffron should be employed by the Australian forces as a camouflage expert, sir. He's done it successfully for many many years.
Jim Anderson, 1983
Website
http://www.hht.net.au/sincity
Marina Bay Sands VS Aussie James Packer's City of Dreams Macau
The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action. Packer's Crown Casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge. Packer has enough top line connections to stay on top and in favor with the whales, should an all out "war" erupt, as is the case in Australia, where Tabcop Owned Star City Casino has now spent $600 on a revamp, part of which is designed to lure "whales" and the world's top entertainers.
Computer Kiosk Gambling Device (Not) Tested By Law (And Returned)
Following our report on the 25th of the month, there's been some very important developments on the legal situation re the internet kiosks located in Australian pubs and hotels that Australia's Tabcorp called a "gambling device". The courts do not agree! Victory for VenueNet and Australian internet lovers... Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
Yesterday a computer terminal with internet access that gaming authorities claim is an "unauthorised instrument of betting", was reinstalled! A computer being plugged back in is not normally so newsworthy, but because of the gaming, legal and political connection, it is, so there you go! Back to the pub from where you were seized, you good computer. The (kangaroo not) court ordered it, so hop to it son.
The manufacture of the device er machine, VenueNet, has a business arrangement with Darwin-based bookmaker Sportsbet to offer customers access to their betting accounts through the computer kiosk. The full details of the agreement are commercially sensitive in nature, but its a win-win.
VenueNet is hopeful the court's ruling will facilitate a planned roll out by the truck full of some 200 devices er machines.. up and down the east coast of Australia.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation confiscated the device er machine from the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne last August, after receiving a complaint from Aussie gaming and racing giant Tabcorp, which currently holds Victoria's exclusive retail wagering licence. Tabcorp are also the current owners of Star City Casino in Sydney (which James Packer of Crown is rumored to have an interest in... a deal once stopped by his late farther Kerry, close to a decade ago).
The 'Kiosk Case' as its now known as in gaming circles is seen as being a test of Australian gambling and igaming laws that have failed miserably to keep pace with technology and has raised doubts about the value of the Victorian wagering licence, which is up for tender. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy take note "failed miserably"..."raised doubts"... its the Kiosk Case, not the Aussie internet filter case.
Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff To Remain In Vegas Jail Facing Money Laundering Charges
Tzvetkoff, also exposed as also processing porn company transactions, remains in jail. He faces up to a 75 year term (if he lives that long). Federal prosecutors said that Intabill utilized the automated clearinghouse system to transfer funds between U.S. checking accounts and various Internet gambling businesses, including online gambling and porn. They charge that Tzvetkoff and others disguised those gambling transactions as repayment of payday loans that consumers had taken out online, as well as transferred funds applied to pre-paid debit cards. He was indicted for money laundering.
"Tzvetkoff and his co-conspirators obtained unique websites and toll-free numbers for these shell companies and developed phony websites to make the companies appear to have a valid, non-gambling purpose," the indictment said.
Aussie Internet Filter Delayed
The prospect of Internet filtering in Australia is highly unlikely in either the May or June sittings of Federal Parliament. Online gambling websites were among those that appeared on a leaked list of "banned sites".
The Late Mail
Report urges government to take over gambling regulation
A new report urges the federal government to take over the regulation of gambling, which costs Australians $18 billion a year and which states rely on for $4.69bn in tax revenue annually.
The report by Deakin University and the Australia Institute urged the Rudd government to put a 2% tax on all gambling revenue, while using some of that $378 million to give state governments that reduce gambling levels incentive payments to reduce their reliance on tax from poker machines.
Crown Casino Groupier's Scammers Caught
A Crown Casino croupier and his gambling housemate (almost inmate) who teamed up to try beat the house have had the scheme die out.
Quoc Tran, 27, manned the roulette wheel as his mate Hoa Nguyen, 34, placed bets over at least three days in April last year.
A Melbourne court heard while Nguyen placed some legal wagers, other chips downed after Tran called "no more bets" and the ball had landed on its number!
Mr Tran allowed Nguyen to repeat such illegal transactions 15 times, which got them "winnings" of $15,750.
Crown security spied them and called police who arrested the pair, later to plead guilty to charges of theft.
David Grace, QC, advised Nguyen had turned his life around and had also repaid his $7857 to Crown. Nguyen's legal eagle said he had so far repaid $900 bucks.
Deputy chief magistrate Jelena Popovic said the men's efforts went in their favour.
The Footscray pair were released on non-conviction undertakings with orders they pay $750 to the "court fund". Media Man and Gambling911 with them well with their rehab from their past ways.
So readers, er punters, what a week its been. Freeman, Saffron and our old mate, 'Big' Tim Bristow would be proud, and most likely reading the world famous Gambling911 website for updates, if there were still with us. Network Nine's 'Hey Hey' top bloke, 'Pluka Duck', and his handlers, have been reading with great interest.
Till next time, don't do anything we wouldn't do. Know the odds, good hunting and happy punting.
*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 industry sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australia - Asia Pacific casino king, James Packer and his City Of Dreams Macau also faces its latest challenge with the opening of competitor casino, Marina Bay Sands in downtown Singapore, and New Zealand's SKYCITY was host to the 2010 New Zealand Gaming Expo.
Oh, how could we forget...Gambling911's Jenny Woo, wooing us (and 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair), picked up Media Man 'Poker Babe Of The Month' and PartyPoker's Kara Scott grabbed 'Casino Babe Of The Month', so it was a jam packed week and month.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise its time to take our the probe and dig a little deeper...
NRL Melbourne Storm Sports Betting Scandal...
Apart from whispers in the industry, it all started when punters starting betting on The Storm to take out the "wooden spoon" (last place). A day or two late alarm bells were ringing loud and sports betting outlets effected are estimated to be out of pocket by at least $100,000, possibly at much as $200,000. The Storm are fighting for survival and now allegations are being laid against other NRL footy teams are are also understood to have cheated their way to winning. This story is far from over.
Melbourne Gangland Killer Carl Williams dies in prison bashing; Gets buried in gold coffin
Not a well known gambler, but self described "semi professional gambler" Williams was buried yesterday, in a gold plated coffin no doubt. Police warned the grave diggers and other "need to know" people (like direct family) not to disclose where the coffin is buried. We wonder why... just kidding. Williams luck ran out for good, that much we know. More real life 'Underbelly' news is bound to surface in the near future, helped in part by our sometimes contact Bert Wrout, 'Underbelly' survivor, leaking news and and information to the press. Insiders say the killings are over, and no one is (smartly) willing to attempt to hurt Melbourne "consultant" Mick Gatto.
Sin City Sydney Crime & Corruption Expo - Opens 1st May
Gambling themes and figures a plenty. Touted as the real 'Underbelly' history, focusing on the 1940's to 1980's, George Freeman ('Colourful Racing Identity) and 'Mr Sin' Abe Saffron are the main event (dead) draw cards.
Of all the black-market trades, casinos played the most active role in corrupting police and politicians, paying them thousands of dollars a week in bribes.
Baccarat king Richard Reilly was shot dead in 1967. With him gone, other operators moved in and transformed the city's basic gambling houses into substantial, plush 'Las Vegas'-style casinos. Business-minded criminals such as George Freeman, Lennie McPherson and Stan Smith joined forces to revolutionise gambling and protection rackets in a massive restructuring of the underworld.
Illegal SP (‘starting price') bookmaking exploited off-track betting restrictions to generate huge profits for savvy criminal operators. George Freeman, at one time the largest SP operator in the state, bought influence by using his ability to guarantee winning bets as a powerful form of bribery. Freeman was not alone. Illegal bookies were both the favoured betting choice for punters and the most consistent earner for Sydney's criminal syndicates until the 1980s, collectively turning over as much as $6.4 billion in today's dollars each year. The very integrity of racing was threatened nationwide by corrupt bookmaking that encouraged horse doping and race fixing.
I'm the toughest man in f***king Sydney. I can kill anyone I f***king well want to, but I can't get my f***king dinner on time!
Lennie McPherson to his first wife, 1960
... there was only one thing I wanted out of life. I wanted to be a crook. Not just any crook, but the crook, the BIGGEST - the man with money, power, influence. Working for a living never entered my head.
George Freeman, 1988
Mr saffron should be employed by the Australian forces as a camouflage expert, sir. He's done it successfully for many many years.
Jim Anderson, 1983
Website
http://www.hht.net.au/sincity
Marina Bay Sands VS Aussie James Packer's City of Dreams Macau
The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action. Packer's Crown Casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge. Packer has enough top line connections to stay on top and in favor with the whales, should an all out "war" erupt, as is the case in Australia, where Tabcop Owned Star City Casino has now spent $600 on a revamp, part of which is designed to lure "whales" and the world's top entertainers.
Computer Kiosk Gambling Device (Not) Tested By Law (And Returned)
Following our report on the 25th of the month, there's been some very important developments on the legal situation re the internet kiosks located in Australian pubs and hotels that Australia's Tabcorp called a "gambling device". The courts do not agree! Victory for VenueNet and Australian internet lovers... Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
Yesterday a computer terminal with internet access that gaming authorities claim is an "unauthorised instrument of betting", was reinstalled! A computer being plugged back in is not normally so newsworthy, but because of the gaming, legal and political connection, it is, so there you go! Back to the pub from where you were seized, you good computer. The (kangaroo not) court ordered it, so hop to it son.
The manufacture of the device er machine, VenueNet, has a business arrangement with Darwin-based bookmaker Sportsbet to offer customers access to their betting accounts through the computer kiosk. The full details of the agreement are commercially sensitive in nature, but its a win-win.
VenueNet is hopeful the court's ruling will facilitate a planned roll out by the truck full of some 200 devices er machines.. up and down the east coast of Australia.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation confiscated the device er machine from the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne last August, after receiving a complaint from Aussie gaming and racing giant Tabcorp, which currently holds Victoria's exclusive retail wagering licence. Tabcorp are also the current owners of Star City Casino in Sydney (which James Packer of Crown is rumored to have an interest in... a deal once stopped by his late farther Kerry, close to a decade ago).
The 'Kiosk Case' as its now known as in gaming circles is seen as being a test of Australian gambling and igaming laws that have failed miserably to keep pace with technology and has raised doubts about the value of the Victorian wagering licence, which is up for tender. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy take note "failed miserably"..."raised doubts"... its the Kiosk Case, not the Aussie internet filter case.
Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff To Remain In Vegas Jail Facing Money Laundering Charges
Tzvetkoff, also exposed as also processing porn company transactions, remains in jail. He faces up to a 75 year term (if he lives that long). Federal prosecutors said that Intabill utilized the automated clearinghouse system to transfer funds between U.S. checking accounts and various Internet gambling businesses, including online gambling and porn. They charge that Tzvetkoff and others disguised those gambling transactions as repayment of payday loans that consumers had taken out online, as well as transferred funds applied to pre-paid debit cards. He was indicted for money laundering.
"Tzvetkoff and his co-conspirators obtained unique websites and toll-free numbers for these shell companies and developed phony websites to make the companies appear to have a valid, non-gambling purpose," the indictment said.
Aussie Internet Filter Delayed
The prospect of Internet filtering in Australia is highly unlikely in either the May or June sittings of Federal Parliament. Online gambling websites were among those that appeared on a leaked list of "banned sites".
The Late Mail
Report urges government to take over gambling regulation
A new report urges the federal government to take over the regulation of gambling, which costs Australians $18 billion a year and which states rely on for $4.69bn in tax revenue annually.
The report by Deakin University and the Australia Institute urged the Rudd government to put a 2% tax on all gambling revenue, while using some of that $378 million to give state governments that reduce gambling levels incentive payments to reduce their reliance on tax from poker machines.
Crown Casino Groupier's Scammers Caught
A Crown Casino croupier and his gambling housemate (almost inmate) who teamed up to try beat the house have had the scheme die out.
Quoc Tran, 27, manned the roulette wheel as his mate Hoa Nguyen, 34, placed bets over at least three days in April last year.
A Melbourne court heard while Nguyen placed some legal wagers, other chips downed after Tran called "no more bets" and the ball had landed on its number!
Mr Tran allowed Nguyen to repeat such illegal transactions 15 times, which got them "winnings" of $15,750.
Crown security spied them and called police who arrested the pair, later to plead guilty to charges of theft.
David Grace, QC, advised Nguyen had turned his life around and had also repaid his $7857 to Crown. Nguyen's legal eagle said he had so far repaid $900 bucks.
Deputy chief magistrate Jelena Popovic said the men's efforts went in their favour.
The Footscray pair were released on non-conviction undertakings with orders they pay $750 to the "court fund". Media Man and Gambling911 with them well with their rehab from their past ways.
So readers, er punters, what a week its been. Freeman, Saffron and our old mate, 'Big' Tim Bristow would be proud, and most likely reading the world famous Gambling911 website for updates, if there were still with us. Network Nine's 'Hey Hey' top bloke, 'Pluka Duck', and his handlers, have been reading with great interest.
Till next time, don't do anything we wouldn't do. Know the odds, good hunting and happy punting.
*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 industry sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Asia
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Australian Sports Entertainment
Monday, May 03, 2010
Underbelly Gambles On 3D Tech, by Greg Tingle - 3rd May 2010
Underbelly is still super popular with national audiences, advertisers - sponsors and Gambling911 readers, despite getting killed (donut award - nil) at the Logies held at James Packer's Crown Casino last night.
Media Man and Gambling911 dig for dirt, er, information, as we go undercover and get embedded into Australia's 'Underbelly' landscape.
Such is the confidence show by 'Underbelly' producers and powers that be bean counters, they are to expand into 3D.
Mind you, going 3D is apparently easier said than done, with experts pointing to major challenges (tech and financial), as experienced with the James Bond and Iron-Man franchises. Iron-Man already has a happy ending as far as return on investment goes, but Bond has ended up on the scrap heap due to cash flow, if you believe the news media reports.
Nine Network Australia has ambitious plans to film the next 'Underbelly' series in 3D, hoping that it will help keep positive buzz, audiences and the bottom line looking good. Underbelly has already been heralded as one of the great Australian TV success stories, as far as drawing people in, fostering talent, getting top dollars from advertisers and catapulting Aussie's up on the international radar.
"It's helped employ 100s of Australians, if you count in the flow on factors", said a Media Man insider.
The tech revolution brought on by James Cameron's Avatar is already hitting the lounge room thanks in part to the launch of 3D TV sets! Network Nine boss David Gyngell (currently out of the country but in touch with casino king James Packer) says he is blown away by the potential.
"It's an amazing experience. Next year we can go out and shoot Underbelly in 3D," he told News Limited in "Sin City" (Sydney).
Gyng's positive energy, vision and deep pockets, sees Nine say they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and nine will be flying over tech from the United States to make it happen.
Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.
Media Man visited Sydney's 'Sin City' Expo at the Justice & Police Museum this past weekend and it was totally packed. Audio visual highlights dominated, with punters been able to view rare documentary and film footage on Sydney's underworld history and there was plenty of gaming and gambling themes and info to be seen including Sydney's famous 33 club. Some old coin operated slot machines were only on display that you could even pull the handle on. One of the highlights was an unidentified man who kept complaining to our crew that the media was to blame for all the crime, violence and gambling on TV. Media Man pointed out that gambling and crime have been in the movies for a long time. When asked what his interest was in the expo the mystery man refused to answer the question, and left in a huff.
The Media Man crew also shot footage from the expo, some of contains rare and unique Australian casino and gambling content which is likely to hit YouTube within a week.
The rumor mill says that now not only are talks going on about an 'Underbelly' online and offline slot game, but also a board game. Loads of fun for the whole family... not sure, but it may depend on the type of family. Classification guidelines are being considered, as Australia looks to overhaul its gaming industry laws following the long awaited Productivity Commission report.
Australia was settled by convicts, many of whom enjoyed a punt n wager, depending upon what set of history books you tend to believe.
One things for sure... Underbelly has helped put Australia's long history with gambling and the underworld on the map, and the buzz doesn't look like its doing to die anytime soon.
Punters, know the odds, stay healthy, 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.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man and Gambling911 dig for dirt, er, information, as we go undercover and get embedded into Australia's 'Underbelly' landscape.
Such is the confidence show by 'Underbelly' producers and powers that be bean counters, they are to expand into 3D.
Mind you, going 3D is apparently easier said than done, with experts pointing to major challenges (tech and financial), as experienced with the James Bond and Iron-Man franchises. Iron-Man already has a happy ending as far as return on investment goes, but Bond has ended up on the scrap heap due to cash flow, if you believe the news media reports.
Nine Network Australia has ambitious plans to film the next 'Underbelly' series in 3D, hoping that it will help keep positive buzz, audiences and the bottom line looking good. Underbelly has already been heralded as one of the great Australian TV success stories, as far as drawing people in, fostering talent, getting top dollars from advertisers and catapulting Aussie's up on the international radar.
"It's helped employ 100s of Australians, if you count in the flow on factors", said a Media Man insider.
The tech revolution brought on by James Cameron's Avatar is already hitting the lounge room thanks in part to the launch of 3D TV sets! Network Nine boss David Gyngell (currently out of the country but in touch with casino king James Packer) says he is blown away by the potential.
"It's an amazing experience. Next year we can go out and shoot Underbelly in 3D," he told News Limited in "Sin City" (Sydney).
Gyng's positive energy, vision and deep pockets, sees Nine say they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and nine will be flying over tech from the United States to make it happen.
Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.
Media Man visited Sydney's 'Sin City' Expo at the Justice & Police Museum this past weekend and it was totally packed. Audio visual highlights dominated, with punters been able to view rare documentary and film footage on Sydney's underworld history and there was plenty of gaming and gambling themes and info to be seen including Sydney's famous 33 club. Some old coin operated slot machines were only on display that you could even pull the handle on. One of the highlights was an unidentified man who kept complaining to our crew that the media was to blame for all the crime, violence and gambling on TV. Media Man pointed out that gambling and crime have been in the movies for a long time. When asked what his interest was in the expo the mystery man refused to answer the question, and left in a huff.
The Media Man crew also shot footage from the expo, some of contains rare and unique Australian casino and gambling content which is likely to hit YouTube within a week.
The rumor mill says that now not only are talks going on about an 'Underbelly' online and offline slot game, but also a board game. Loads of fun for the whole family... not sure, but it may depend on the type of family. Classification guidelines are being considered, as Australia looks to overhaul its gaming industry laws following the long awaited Productivity Commission report.
Australia was settled by convicts, many of whom enjoyed a punt n wager, depending upon what set of history books you tend to believe.
One things for sure... Underbelly has helped put Australia's long history with gambling and the underworld on the map, and the buzz doesn't look like its doing to die anytime soon.
Punters, know the odds, stay healthy, 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.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Australian Pokies Reform PM Too Hard Basket? by Greg Tingle - 3rd May 2010
The Australian Prime Minister is under a lot of pressure at the moment.
Gambling, health, education, hospital system revamp, censorship, tax, human rights, broadband network roll out, work - life pressures, and it seems apparent to numerous media and political commentators... who go on record, that the internet filter censorship, related to the bigger picture that is the Australian gaming and gambling landscape, is getting the better of the PM. Mind you, the word is that Senator Stephen Conroy's mishandling and delays regarding internet censorship and policy pertaining to online gambling is getting the better of PM Rudd. Our friends in the Oval Office... downtown Washington USA haven't been so impressed with Rudd's current internet policy, and we're a step or ten behind the U.S, Canada and France on gaming and gambling experts say. Reporters Without Boarders and Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance are not too impressed either. Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe to Aussie PM Rudd...
PM Rudd hasn't delivered in cracking down on pokies, rejecting a Henry Review call for an end to gaming tax concessions for clubs, pubs and hotels.
The review for reforms...gaming taxation system, stating that if governments believe clubs need financial support, they should help them with "direct payments" (not by using the existing concessions on pokies tax).
The Henry Review...
"Governments should eliminate gambling tax concessions for particular types of gambling businesses, such as clubs".
When he was in opposition PM Rudd stated he was "uncomfortable" with the amount of pokies and wanted to explore ways in which the commonwealth could help get the government states governments off strong reliance on the massive revenue generated by the "one armed bandits".
The Aussie Productivity Commission in gaming has come out, with a strong focus on poker machines, but it seems the PM is yet to act (unless there's secret meetings... which is possible, giving the stealth nature of the current government... exampled in online censorship matters, blacklist - great Australian Firewall and the like).
The Henry Review recommendations tabled yesterday highlight poker machine recommendations.
Media Man, Gambling911, friends and associates reckon the PM could so better, and maybe its time to shuffle around a few chairs in Parliament to get the job done. Shuffling a few chairs ala board of directors at PBL a few years ago sure worked wonders for Aussie casino king, James Packer. Packer was able to mount a comeback of the decade worthy of a Mickey Rourke effect, wrestling back control and return to positive numbers... and public opinion to boot).
If things don't improve soon (and Rudd stops pandering to the god squad and bible bashers), it might be his head on the platter sooner, rather than later.
The smart money says Rudd is even odds to loose the upcoming election, triggered by the internet censorship and human rights concerns, and recently the "sin tax", punters having to pay another $2 per packed of cigarettes. Targeting vice and citizens addictions historically has been proved to be a good way to loose an election.
Media Man believes that Australia's gaming system needs a compete overhaul... online, offline, clubs, casinos, the works. Too many more delays and the PM's luck will run out. Speaking of luck... and gambling... know the odds (PM's are 50% or so), and keep it 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
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Gambling, health, education, hospital system revamp, censorship, tax, human rights, broadband network roll out, work - life pressures, and it seems apparent to numerous media and political commentators... who go on record, that the internet filter censorship, related to the bigger picture that is the Australian gaming and gambling landscape, is getting the better of the PM. Mind you, the word is that Senator Stephen Conroy's mishandling and delays regarding internet censorship and policy pertaining to online gambling is getting the better of PM Rudd. Our friends in the Oval Office... downtown Washington USA haven't been so impressed with Rudd's current internet policy, and we're a step or ten behind the U.S, Canada and France on gaming and gambling experts say. Reporters Without Boarders and Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance are not too impressed either. Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe to Aussie PM Rudd...
PM Rudd hasn't delivered in cracking down on pokies, rejecting a Henry Review call for an end to gaming tax concessions for clubs, pubs and hotels.
The review for reforms...gaming taxation system, stating that if governments believe clubs need financial support, they should help them with "direct payments" (not by using the existing concessions on pokies tax).
The Henry Review...
"Governments should eliminate gambling tax concessions for particular types of gambling businesses, such as clubs".
When he was in opposition PM Rudd stated he was "uncomfortable" with the amount of pokies and wanted to explore ways in which the commonwealth could help get the government states governments off strong reliance on the massive revenue generated by the "one armed bandits".
The Aussie Productivity Commission in gaming has come out, with a strong focus on poker machines, but it seems the PM is yet to act (unless there's secret meetings... which is possible, giving the stealth nature of the current government... exampled in online censorship matters, blacklist - great Australian Firewall and the like).
The Henry Review recommendations tabled yesterday highlight poker machine recommendations.
Media Man, Gambling911, friends and associates reckon the PM could so better, and maybe its time to shuffle around a few chairs in Parliament to get the job done. Shuffling a few chairs ala board of directors at PBL a few years ago sure worked wonders for Aussie casino king, James Packer. Packer was able to mount a comeback of the decade worthy of a Mickey Rourke effect, wrestling back control and return to positive numbers... and public opinion to boot).
If things don't improve soon (and Rudd stops pandering to the god squad and bible bashers), it might be his head on the platter sooner, rather than later.
The smart money says Rudd is even odds to loose the upcoming election, triggered by the internet censorship and human rights concerns, and recently the "sin tax", punters having to pay another $2 per packed of cigarettes. Targeting vice and citizens addictions historically has been proved to be a good way to loose an election.
Media Man believes that Australia's gaming system needs a compete overhaul... online, offline, clubs, casinos, the works. Too many more delays and the PM's luck will run out. Speaking of luck... and gambling... know the odds (PM's are 50% or so), and keep it 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
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Underbelly Cops A Beating At Crown Casino Logies, by Greg Tingle - 3rd May 2010
Australia's night of nights, The Logies, took centre stage last night at James Packer owned Crown Casino, down under in Melbourne Australia.
Ever wondered if the Logies were "rigged"? We didn't, but know it crossed the mind of some, given the strong history between Crown Casino owner Packer, Network Nine and ACP Magazines (publisher of TV Week). Last night should have answered that question without a doubt.
Beloved 'Underbelly', Network Nine darling and dear friend to the Gambling911 readership copped an absolute flogging, copping a donut... that's right 0. Belly up you might say, but the show returns to TV next Sunday night, expected to once again draw in huge audience numbers.
Underbelly had five nominations across the popular and outstanding categories and was expected to dominate!
Ray Meagher picked up the Gold Logie.
The veteran Home And Away actor triumphed over Packed To The Rafters actress Rebecca Gibney to take the coveted award.
He also beat his Home And Away co-star Esther Anderson, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation's Shaun Micallef, Good News Week's Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and the ABC's Wil Anderson and Adam Hills.
"In 1965 at the Regatta Hotel in Brisbane I won a chook raffle," a beaming Meagher said as he took to the stage.
"It's been a long time between drinks".
Host Bert Newton could not hide his feelings about Meagher's big win.
"I have had the opportunity over the years to present many Gold Logies," he said.
"None have given me more joy than to present this to Ray Meagher."
Bert's son Matthew (Mr Asia in Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities) is currently in rehab.
'Underbelly' star Firass Diriani (plays John Ibrahim) was in attendance, and was very well behaved we understand. Dirani recently picked up that Cleo 'Bachelor Of The Year' award.
Sigrid Thornton who plays a hardened federal officer in Underbelly: The Golden Mile was also in attendance and also enjoyed the gala evening incident free.
Nine Network won only one Logie for the NRL Footy Show.
"Well Channel Nine is certainly cleaning up this year, aren't they?", joked host Bert Newton.
Bragging rights of the corporate variety remain in full swing...Packer's Crown Casino certainly won its "casino war" last night against Sydney's Tabcorp owned Star City Casino, but Star City is planning a counter attack, so don't change your dial!
Media Man spies advise no plastic handcuffs were needed last night for footballers, cricketers, or any other guests.
Loyal readers, we're sorry that 'Underbelly' with its strong gambling themes and all got shot down, at Crown Casino to add salt into the wound. None the less, here's the winners list to help ease the pain...
2010 LOGIE AWARD WINNERS
GOLD LOGIE - Ray Meagher, Home and Away (Seven)
SILVER LOGIE (Popular Awards)
Most Popular Actor - Hugh Sheridan, Packed to the Rafters (Seven)
Most Popular Actress - Rebecca Gibney, Packed to the Rafters (Seven)
Most Popular Drama - Packed to the Rafters (Seven)
Most Popular Presenter - Shaun Micallef, Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)
Most Popular Reality Program - MasterChef Australia (Ten)
Most Popular Lifestyle Program - Better Homes and Gardens (Seven)
Most Popular Light Entertainment - Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)
Most Popular Sports Program - The Footy Show NRL (Nine)
Most Popular Factual Program - Bondi Rescue (Ten)
Most Popular New Male Talent - Luke Mitchell, Home and Away (Seven)
Most Popular New Female Talent - Carrie Bickmore, The 7pm Project (Ten)
SILVER LOGIE (Outstanding Awards)
Outstanding Children’s Program - My Place (ABC)
Outstanding Factual Program - Law and Disorder (SBS)
Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent - Matt Preston, MasterChef Australia (Ten)
Outstanding News Coverage - Victorian Bushfires (Seven)
Outstanding Public Affairs Report - Code of Silence, Four Corners (ABC)
Outstanding Sports Coverage - V8 Supercars: Supercheap Auto Bathurst (Seven)
Outstanding Light Entertainment - Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)
Outstanding Drama Series, Mini-series or Telemovie - East West 101 (SBS)
Outstanding Actress - Claudia Karvan, Saved (SBS)
Outstanding Actor - Don Hany, East West 101 (SBS)
Network Shows By The Numbers
Seven Network - 8 awards
Network Ten - 7 awards
SBS - 4 awards
ABC - 2 awards
Nine Network - 1 award
Which shows did best?
Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation - 3 awards
Packed to the Rafters - 3 awards
East West 101 - 2 awards
MasterChef - 2 awards
Home and Away - 2 awards
Underbelly fans, you can play catch up with 'Underbelly' on the official website:
http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly
Media Man also have an 'Underbelly' showcase:
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/underbelly.html
Readers, er punters. Don't do anything we wouldn't do. Let's keep the winning attitude despite last night's "crime of the century"... maybe Crown Casino powers that be just wanted to show the world that the Logies were a fair fight, and with Australian football and sports betting under the microscope re The Melbourne Storm and Aussie cricketers in India being whispered about, maybe that's a very good thing. Good luck.
*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
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Ever wondered if the Logies were "rigged"? We didn't, but know it crossed the mind of some, given the strong history between Crown Casino owner Packer, Network Nine and ACP Magazines (publisher of TV Week). Last night should have answered that question without a doubt.
Beloved 'Underbelly', Network Nine darling and dear friend to the Gambling911 readership copped an absolute flogging, copping a donut... that's right 0. Belly up you might say, but the show returns to TV next Sunday night, expected to once again draw in huge audience numbers.
Underbelly had five nominations across the popular and outstanding categories and was expected to dominate!
Ray Meagher picked up the Gold Logie.
The veteran Home And Away actor triumphed over Packed To The Rafters actress Rebecca Gibney to take the coveted award.
He also beat his Home And Away co-star Esther Anderson, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation's Shaun Micallef, Good News Week's Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and the ABC's Wil Anderson and Adam Hills.
"In 1965 at the Regatta Hotel in Brisbane I won a chook raffle," a beaming Meagher said as he took to the stage.
"It's been a long time between drinks".
Host Bert Newton could not hide his feelings about Meagher's big win.
"I have had the opportunity over the years to present many Gold Logies," he said.
"None have given me more joy than to present this to Ray Meagher."
Bert's son Matthew (Mr Asia in Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities) is currently in rehab.
'Underbelly' star Firass Diriani (plays John Ibrahim) was in attendance, and was very well behaved we understand. Dirani recently picked up that Cleo 'Bachelor Of The Year' award.
Sigrid Thornton who plays a hardened federal officer in Underbelly: The Golden Mile was also in attendance and also enjoyed the gala evening incident free.
Nine Network won only one Logie for the NRL Footy Show.
"Well Channel Nine is certainly cleaning up this year, aren't they?", joked host Bert Newton.
Bragging rights of the corporate variety remain in full swing...Packer's Crown Casino certainly won its "casino war" last night against Sydney's Tabcorp owned Star City Casino, but Star City is planning a counter attack, so don't change your dial!
Media Man spies advise no plastic handcuffs were needed last night for footballers, cricketers, or any other guests.
Loyal readers, we're sorry that 'Underbelly' with its strong gambling themes and all got shot down, at Crown Casino to add salt into the wound. None the less, here's the winners list to help ease the pain...
2010 LOGIE AWARD WINNERS
GOLD LOGIE - Ray Meagher, Home and Away (Seven)
SILVER LOGIE (Popular Awards)
Most Popular Actor - Hugh Sheridan, Packed to the Rafters (Seven)
Most Popular Actress - Rebecca Gibney, Packed to the Rafters (Seven)
Most Popular Drama - Packed to the Rafters (Seven)
Most Popular Presenter - Shaun Micallef, Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)
Most Popular Reality Program - MasterChef Australia (Ten)
Most Popular Lifestyle Program - Better Homes and Gardens (Seven)
Most Popular Light Entertainment - Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)
Most Popular Sports Program - The Footy Show NRL (Nine)
Most Popular Factual Program - Bondi Rescue (Ten)
Most Popular New Male Talent - Luke Mitchell, Home and Away (Seven)
Most Popular New Female Talent - Carrie Bickmore, The 7pm Project (Ten)
SILVER LOGIE (Outstanding Awards)
Outstanding Children’s Program - My Place (ABC)
Outstanding Factual Program - Law and Disorder (SBS)
Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent - Matt Preston, MasterChef Australia (Ten)
Outstanding News Coverage - Victorian Bushfires (Seven)
Outstanding Public Affairs Report - Code of Silence, Four Corners (ABC)
Outstanding Sports Coverage - V8 Supercars: Supercheap Auto Bathurst (Seven)
Outstanding Light Entertainment - Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (Ten)
Outstanding Drama Series, Mini-series or Telemovie - East West 101 (SBS)
Outstanding Actress - Claudia Karvan, Saved (SBS)
Outstanding Actor - Don Hany, East West 101 (SBS)
Network Shows By The Numbers
Seven Network - 8 awards
Network Ten - 7 awards
SBS - 4 awards
ABC - 2 awards
Nine Network - 1 award
Which shows did best?
Talkin’ ’Bout Your Generation - 3 awards
Packed to the Rafters - 3 awards
East West 101 - 2 awards
MasterChef - 2 awards
Home and Away - 2 awards
Underbelly fans, you can play catch up with 'Underbelly' on the official website:
http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly
Media Man also have an 'Underbelly' showcase:
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/underbelly.html
Readers, er punters. Don't do anything we wouldn't do. Let's keep the winning attitude despite last night's "crime of the century"... maybe Crown Casino powers that be just wanted to show the world that the Logies were a fair fight, and with Australian football and sports betting under the microscope re The Melbourne Storm and Aussie cricketers in India being whispered about, maybe that's a very good thing. Good luck.
*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
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Casinos
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Australian Logie Awards Update, by Greg Tingle - 2nd May 2010
Tonight's the night...
The 52nd annual Logie Awards. Australia is a buzz with what shows and celebs will win.
Gold Logie predictions for Rebecca Gibney, playing Julie Rafter in Seven's Packed to the Rafters.
Ray Meagher (Home and Away) and Rove McManus a wild cards.
The eight Gold Logie nominees have been the talk of the town in cafes, internet social networking and on-air calls for votes through the SMS voting system!
Centrebet on Friday had Gibney and Meagher as most likely to win, at $1.50 and $1.85 respectively. Rove was tipped at $26, Adam Hills $51. Go Adam!
Channel Seven's Home and Away has 13 nominations in various categories. Network Nine also has lucky 13 in the running.
Media Man tips at least a few awards for Nine's Underbelly, given Australia's fascination with crime, and we were settled by convicts right, so its in the blood.
Network Nine ratings are sure to be a winner, as are Crown Casino coffers. Tune in at 7.30pm as host Bert "Moonface" Newton prepares to entertain us to the nines.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
The 52nd annual Logie Awards. Australia is a buzz with what shows and celebs will win.
Gold Logie predictions for Rebecca Gibney, playing Julie Rafter in Seven's Packed to the Rafters.
Ray Meagher (Home and Away) and Rove McManus a wild cards.
The eight Gold Logie nominees have been the talk of the town in cafes, internet social networking and on-air calls for votes through the SMS voting system!
Centrebet on Friday had Gibney and Meagher as most likely to win, at $1.50 and $1.85 respectively. Rove was tipped at $26, Adam Hills $51. Go Adam!
Channel Seven's Home and Away has 13 nominations in various categories. Network Nine also has lucky 13 in the running.
Media Man tips at least a few awards for Nine's Underbelly, given Australia's fascination with crime, and we were settled by convicts right, so its in the blood.
Network Nine ratings are sure to be a winner, as are Crown Casino coffers. Tune in at 7.30pm as host Bert "Moonface" Newton prepares to entertain us to the nines.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Australian Pokies Link To Melbourne Storm Footy, by Greg Tingle - 2nd May 2010
Punters er readers, we told you the embattled Melbourne Storm had more hard news elements to come out, as is the case with a number of Australian Rugby League clubs.
We learn that that Storm had a significantly bigger connection with club pokies that most, if not all, of the NRL clubs. It's more than a connection, its a sponsorship deal. Storm put the 'Business' in 'Show Business', but legalities of deals are being questioned, and it extends well above NRL or News Limited level. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe...
The Melbourne Storm are now under investigation by Victoria's gambling watchdog!
It's $1.1 million in sponsorship payments made by a pokie venue owned by pokies king Bruce Mathieson and Woolworths aka "The Fast Food People aka "The Fast Buck People" (insider term). For those readers unacquainted, he is to Australian pokies and clubs what James Packer is to the Australia - Asia Pacific land based casino sector. It's only in recent years that Mathieson's name has often been referenced to pokies in Australian newspaper and online media report.
The deal is also being probed by Deloitte auditors and the NRL. Folks are concerned that the payments may have possibly been part of salary cap breaches.
Our research thus far, including figures obtained by Fairfax Media, has Aces Sporting Club paying $1,113,829 in "sport sponsorships" post 2003, but did not declare the recipient in five annual statements lodged with the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation. Mathiesons' Aces acknowledged for the first time in 2008-2009 that a payment of $165,000 had been made to Melbourne Storm.
Last week, NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert advised the Storm had broken the salary cap by $150,000 more than the original estimates that were given from the acting chief executive Matt Hanson, who has since been stood down.
The commission's executive commissioner, Peter Cohen, confirmed an investigation into the sponsorship payments had been launched.
"The VCGR is investigating the Aces Sporting Club and its relationship with the Melbourne Storm. [We] will examine the community benefit statements submitted by Aces Sporting Club to review the legitimacy of claims for payments made in statements, in particular payments made to Melbourne Storm," Cohen advised.
He told Fairfax Media that the relationship between Storm's former chief executive Brian Waldron and the gaming house located in Keysborough would also be put under the microscope.
News Limited chief executive John Hartigan claimed Waldron was the "chief architect" of the NRL club's salary cap scandal, linked in with unusual sports betting wagers. The strange wagers placed on Storm to win the "wooden spoon" (loosing team) were a major trigger of the investigation which until that time were heavy whispers in the NRL fraternity.
Under the commission's guidelines, all gaming venues are required to maintain a list of approved individuals and companies who hold a financial stake or beneficial interest. Waldron and his predecessor, John Ribot, both appear on the commission's list of approved associates of Aces Sporting Club.
Storm nor its owner, News Limited, was ever an "approved corporate entity", despite the considerable sponsorship deal with the pokies den. Holding company, Valimanda, was established to oversee the teams sponsorships and corporate agreements, also does not appear on the list of approved entities.
Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group chief executive Ross Blair-Holt provided clarification that Aces Sporting Club had in fact sponsored Melbourne Storm for about a decade. Sweet deal hey.
Probed why Aces had not declared the relationship until 2008, he said: "I don't know, but it is all above board." He said Aces' payments met the government definition of a "community benefit". Media Man and a host of insiders and other interested parties are trying to work out who is (or was) benefiting the most... Storm, Aces, the fans, pokie players (pretty much ruled out at this stage), pensioners getting cheap meals and drinks at the club, or some other x factor ala 'Casino Jack'.
At the time of publication Waldron's spokesman, Michael Smith, refused to ask Waldron about the issue. If silence can the louder than thunder, we hear alarm bells and a squad of fire trucks on the way. The industry and fans await to see if the storms fire is to be put out for good, or if its more a case of a phoenix to rise from the ashes, and have the scandals buried, facilitating Storm to get back some of their Thor like glory.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
We learn that that Storm had a significantly bigger connection with club pokies that most, if not all, of the NRL clubs. It's more than a connection, its a sponsorship deal. Storm put the 'Business' in 'Show Business', but legalities of deals are being questioned, and it extends well above NRL or News Limited level. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe...
The Melbourne Storm are now under investigation by Victoria's gambling watchdog!
It's $1.1 million in sponsorship payments made by a pokie venue owned by pokies king Bruce Mathieson and Woolworths aka "The Fast Food People aka "The Fast Buck People" (insider term). For those readers unacquainted, he is to Australian pokies and clubs what James Packer is to the Australia - Asia Pacific land based casino sector. It's only in recent years that Mathieson's name has often been referenced to pokies in Australian newspaper and online media report.
The deal is also being probed by Deloitte auditors and the NRL. Folks are concerned that the payments may have possibly been part of salary cap breaches.
Our research thus far, including figures obtained by Fairfax Media, has Aces Sporting Club paying $1,113,829 in "sport sponsorships" post 2003, but did not declare the recipient in five annual statements lodged with the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation. Mathiesons' Aces acknowledged for the first time in 2008-2009 that a payment of $165,000 had been made to Melbourne Storm.
Last week, NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert advised the Storm had broken the salary cap by $150,000 more than the original estimates that were given from the acting chief executive Matt Hanson, who has since been stood down.
The commission's executive commissioner, Peter Cohen, confirmed an investigation into the sponsorship payments had been launched.
"The VCGR is investigating the Aces Sporting Club and its relationship with the Melbourne Storm. [We] will examine the community benefit statements submitted by Aces Sporting Club to review the legitimacy of claims for payments made in statements, in particular payments made to Melbourne Storm," Cohen advised.
He told Fairfax Media that the relationship between Storm's former chief executive Brian Waldron and the gaming house located in Keysborough would also be put under the microscope.
News Limited chief executive John Hartigan claimed Waldron was the "chief architect" of the NRL club's salary cap scandal, linked in with unusual sports betting wagers. The strange wagers placed on Storm to win the "wooden spoon" (loosing team) were a major trigger of the investigation which until that time were heavy whispers in the NRL fraternity.
Under the commission's guidelines, all gaming venues are required to maintain a list of approved individuals and companies who hold a financial stake or beneficial interest. Waldron and his predecessor, John Ribot, both appear on the commission's list of approved associates of Aces Sporting Club.
Storm nor its owner, News Limited, was ever an "approved corporate entity", despite the considerable sponsorship deal with the pokies den. Holding company, Valimanda, was established to oversee the teams sponsorships and corporate agreements, also does not appear on the list of approved entities.
Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group chief executive Ross Blair-Holt provided clarification that Aces Sporting Club had in fact sponsored Melbourne Storm for about a decade. Sweet deal hey.
Probed why Aces had not declared the relationship until 2008, he said: "I don't know, but it is all above board." He said Aces' payments met the government definition of a "community benefit". Media Man and a host of insiders and other interested parties are trying to work out who is (or was) benefiting the most... Storm, Aces, the fans, pokie players (pretty much ruled out at this stage), pensioners getting cheap meals and drinks at the club, or some other x factor ala 'Casino Jack'.
At the time of publication Waldron's spokesman, Michael Smith, refused to ask Waldron about the issue. If silence can the louder than thunder, we hear alarm bells and a squad of fire trucks on the way. The industry and fans await to see if the storms fire is to be put out for good, or if its more a case of a phoenix to rise from the ashes, and have the scandals buried, facilitating Storm to get back some of their Thor like glory.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
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Sports Entertainment News
Australian Casino News Weekly Wrap Up - 30th April 2010
It's been a huge week for Australian gambling, gaming, sports betting and censorship news. This is likely the biggest Australian casino and gambling news week in modern history. Let's see... NRL Melbourne Storm sports betting scandal, Melbourne Gangland Killer Carl Williams dies and gets buried, Sin City Sydney Crime & Corruption Expo, Computer kiosk gambling device tested by law, Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff to remain in Vegas jail facing money laundering charges, Aussie internet filter delayed for months, Melbourne's Crown Casino to host The Logies tomorrow night, with 'Underbelly' nominated for awards... wait, there's more!...
Australia - Asia Pacific casino king, James Packer and his City Of Dreams Macau also faces its latest challenge with the opening of competitor casino, Marina Bay Sands in downtown Singapore, and New Zealand's SKYCITY was host to the 2010 New Zealand Gaming Expo.
Oh, how could we forget...Gambling911's Jenny Woo, wooing us (and 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair), picked up Media Man 'Poker Babe Of The Month' and PartyPoker's Kara Scott grabbed 'Casino Babe Of The Month', so it was a jam packed week and month.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise its time to take our the probe and dig a little deeper...
NRL Melbourne Storm Sports Betting Scandal...
Apart from whispers in the industry, it all started when punters starting betting on The Storm to take out the "wooden spoon" (last place). A day or two late alarm bells were ringing loud and sports betting outlets effected are estimated to be out of pocket by at least $100,000, possibly at much as $200,000. The Storm are fighting for survival and now allegations are being laid against other NRL footy teams are are also understood to have cheated their way to winning. This story is far from over.
Melbourne Gangland Killer Carl Williams dies in prison bashing; Gets buried in gold coffin
Not a well known gambler, but self described "semi professional gambler" Williams was buried yesterday, in a gold plated coffin no doubt. Police warned the grave diggers and other "need to know" people (like direct family) not to disclose where the coffin is buried. We wonder why... just kidding. Williams luck ran out for good, that much we know. More real life 'Underbelly' news is bound to surface in the near future, helped in part by our sometimes contact Bert Wrout, 'Underbelly' survivor, leaking news and and information to the press. Insiders say the killings are over, and no one is (smartly) willing to attempt to hurt Melbourne "consultant" Mick Gatto.
Sin City Sydney Crime & Corruption Expo - Opens 1st May
Gambling themes and figures a plenty. Touted as the real 'Underbelly' history, focusing on the 1940's to 1980's, George Freeman ('Colourful Racing Identity) and 'Mr Sin' Abe Saffron are the main event (dead) draw cards.
Of all the black-market trades, casinos played the most active role in corrupting police and politicians, paying them thousands of dollars a week in bribes.
Baccarat king Richard Reilly was shot dead in 1967. With him gone, other operators moved in and transformed the city's basic gambling houses into substantial, plush 'Las Vegas'-style casinos. Business-minded criminals such as George Freeman, Lennie McPherson and Stan Smith joined forces to revolutionise gambling and protection rackets in a massive restructuring of the underworld.
Illegal SP (‘starting price’) bookmaking exploited off-track betting restrictions to generate huge profits for savvy criminal operators. George Freeman, at one time the largest SP operator in the state, bought influence by using his ability to guarantee winning bets as a powerful form of bribery. Freeman was not alone. Illegal bookies were both the favoured betting choice for punters and the most consistent earner for Sydney’s criminal syndicates until the 1980s, collectively turning over as much as $6.4 billion in today’s dollars each year. The very integrity of racing was threatened nationwide by corrupt bookmaking that encouraged horse doping and race fixing.
I’m the toughest man in f***king Sydney. I can kill anyone I f***king well want to, but I can’t get my f***king dinner on time!
Lennie McPherson to his first wife, 1960
... there was only one thing I wanted out of life. I wanted to be a crook. Not just any crook, but the crook, the BIGGEST - the man with money, power, influence. Working for a living never entered my head.
George Freeman, 1988
Mr saffron should be employed by the Australian forces as a camouflage expert, sir. He’s done it successfully for many many years.
Jim Anderson, 1983
Website
http://www.hht.net.au/sincity
Marina Bay Sands VS Aussie James Packer’s City of Dreams Macau
The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action. Packer's Crown Casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge. Packer has enough top line connections to stay on top and in favor with the whales, should an all out "war" erupt, as is the case in Australia, where Tabcop Owned Star City Casino has now spent $600 on a revamp, part of which is designed to lure "whales" and the world's top entertainers.
Computer Kiosk Gambling Device (Not) Tested By Law (And Returned)
Following our report on the 25th of the month, there's been some very important developments on the legal situation re the internet kiosks located in Australian pubs and hotels that Australia's Tabcorp called a "gambling device". The courts do not agree! Victory for VenueNet and Australian internet lovers... Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
Yesterday a computer terminal with internet access that gaming authorities claim is an "unauthorised instrument of betting", was reinstalled! A computer being plugged back in is not normally so newsworthy, but because of the gaming, legal and political connection, it is, so there you go! Back to the pub from where you were seized, you good computer. The (kangaroo not) court ordered it, so hop to it son.
The manufacture of the device er machine, VenueNet, has a business arrangement with Darwin-based bookmaker Sportsbet to offer customers access to their betting accounts through the computer kiosk. The full details of the agreement are commercially sensitive in nature, but its a win-win.
VenueNet is hopeful the court's ruling will facilitate a planned roll out by the truck full of some 200 devices er machines.. up and down the east coast of Australia.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation confiscated the device er machine from the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne last August, after receiving a complaint from Aussie gaming and racing giant Tabcorp, which currently holds Victoria's exclusive retail wagering licence. Tabcorp are also the current owners of Star City Casino in Sydney (which James Packer of Crown is rumored to have an interest in... a deal once stopped by his late farther Kerry, close to a decade ago).
The 'Kiosk Case' as its now known as in gaming circles is seen as being a test of Australian gambling and igaming laws that have failed miserably to keep pace with technology and has raised doubts about the value of the Victorian wagering licence, which is up for tender. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy take note "failed miserably"..."raised doubts"... its the Kiosk Case, not the Aussie internet filter case.
Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff To Remain In Vegas Jail Facing Money Laundering Charges
Tzvetkoff, also exposed as also processing porn company transactions, remains in jail. He faces up to a 75 year term (if he lives that long). Federal prosecutors said that Intabill utilized the automated clearinghouse system to transfer funds between U.S. checking accounts and various Internet gambling businesses, including online gambling and porn. They charge that Tzvetkoff and others disguised those gambling transactions as repayment of payday loans that consumers had taken out online, as well as transferred funds applied to pre-paid debit cards. He was indicted for money laundering.
"Tzvetkoff and his co-conspirators obtained unique websites and toll-free numbers for these shell companies and developed phony websites to make the companies appear to have a valid, non-gambling purpose," the indictment said.
Aussie Internet Filter Delayed
The prospect of Internet filtering in Australia is highly unlikely in either the May or June sittings of Federal Parliament. Online gambling websites were among those that appeared on a leaked list of "banned sites".
Crown Casino to host The Logies This Sunday
Australia's tourism and entertainment icon, Crown Casino, gets to show of its wares on a national and international scale this coming Sunday night, with the TV smash hit 'Underbelly' in line for a number of awards. Folks, this event is all about entertainment, not table games, slots or the bottom line, or at least that's the official world. Mind you, someone has to put the 'Business' in show business, and Crown continues to deliver the goods, year after year.
Media Man and Gambling911 have been hitting the phones and pounding the pavement in order to work out who the smart money is on.
Casino tycoon, James Packer, owner of Crown, enjoys a long and largely very positive history with both Network Nine's David Gyngell, and print press publication, ACP Magazines, not that we are suggesting that would be instrumental in who gets gold, silver or a donut (0).
James Packer owned Crown Casino in Melbourne, will be host to the 2010 Logie Awards on Sunday 2nd May.
'Underbelly', which frequently features gambling (illegal dens in most cases), has been nominated for a modest bush tucker bag full of awards. The list, correct at time of publication:
Asher Keddie (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), broadcast on Network Nine is up for
the Outstanding Actress award.
Anna Hutchison, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities is nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.
'Underbelly' is also up for the Most Popular Drama award.
Bouncers and security...a number of football and cricket stars will be present, many of which are known to get a bit boisterous when on the grog. Please don't bring out the plastic handcuffs, unless absolutely necessary. Mind you, it would make bloody good television and provide plenty of fodder for paparazzi attending the gala affair. Celebs, sportsmen... you've been forewarned.
Bert Newton is hosting this year, being seen by the powers that be as a safe bet. Meantime, Bert's son, Matthew, has recently booked himself into rehab, in a step we applaud. Newton Jr played Terry 'Mr Asia' Clark in 'Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities'.
Our loyal and worldwide readership is looking forward to the goss following the event, so have a couple of drinks on us, but don't overdo it either. Drink too much... just slip on over to Crown Towers or Crown Metropol. They will be happy to look after you, for a price.
The Late Mail
Report urges government to take over gambling regulation
A new report urges the federal government to take over the regulation of gambling, which costs Australians $18 billion a year and which states rely on for $4.69bn in tax revenue annually.
The report by Deakin University and the Australia Institute urged the Rudd government to put a 2% tax on all gambling revenue, while using some of that $378 million to give state governments that reduce gambling levels incentive payments to reduce their reliance on tax from poker machines.
Crown Casino Groupier's Scammers Caught
A Crown Casino croupier and his gambling housemate (almost inmate) who teamed up to try beat the house have had the scheme die out.
Quoc Tran, 27, manned the roulette wheel as his mate Hoa Nguyen, 34, placed bets over at least three days in April last year.
A Melbourne court heard while Nguyen placed some legal wagers, other chips downed after Tran called "no more bets" and the ball had landed on its number!
Mr Tran allowed Nguyen to repeat such illegal transactions 15 times, which got them "winnings" of $15,750.
Crown security spied them and called police who arrested the pair, later to plead guilty to charges of theft.
David Grace, QC, advised Nguyen had turned his life around and had also repaid his $7857 to Crown. Nguyen's legal eagle said he had so far repaid $900 bucks.
Deputy chief magistrate Jelena Popovic said the men's efforts went in their favour.
The Footscray pair were released on non-conviction undertakings with orders they pay $750 to the "court fund". Media Man and Gambling911 with them well with their rehab from their past ways.
So readers, er punters, what a week its been. Freeman, Saffron and our old mate, 'Big' Tim Bristow would be proud, and most likely reading the world famous Gambling911 website for updates, if there were still with us. Network Nine's 'Hey Hey' top bloke, 'Pluka Duck', and his handlers, have been reading with great interest.
Till next time, don't do anything we wouldn't do. Know the odds, good hunting and happy punting.
*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 industry sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Australia - Asia Pacific casino king, James Packer and his City Of Dreams Macau also faces its latest challenge with the opening of competitor casino, Marina Bay Sands in downtown Singapore, and New Zealand's SKYCITY was host to the 2010 New Zealand Gaming Expo.
Oh, how could we forget...Gambling911's Jenny Woo, wooing us (and 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair), picked up Media Man 'Poker Babe Of The Month' and PartyPoker's Kara Scott grabbed 'Casino Babe Of The Month', so it was a jam packed week and month.
Media Man and Gambling911 advise its time to take our the probe and dig a little deeper...
NRL Melbourne Storm Sports Betting Scandal...
Apart from whispers in the industry, it all started when punters starting betting on The Storm to take out the "wooden spoon" (last place). A day or two late alarm bells were ringing loud and sports betting outlets effected are estimated to be out of pocket by at least $100,000, possibly at much as $200,000. The Storm are fighting for survival and now allegations are being laid against other NRL footy teams are are also understood to have cheated their way to winning. This story is far from over.
Melbourne Gangland Killer Carl Williams dies in prison bashing; Gets buried in gold coffin
Not a well known gambler, but self described "semi professional gambler" Williams was buried yesterday, in a gold plated coffin no doubt. Police warned the grave diggers and other "need to know" people (like direct family) not to disclose where the coffin is buried. We wonder why... just kidding. Williams luck ran out for good, that much we know. More real life 'Underbelly' news is bound to surface in the near future, helped in part by our sometimes contact Bert Wrout, 'Underbelly' survivor, leaking news and and information to the press. Insiders say the killings are over, and no one is (smartly) willing to attempt to hurt Melbourne "consultant" Mick Gatto.
Sin City Sydney Crime & Corruption Expo - Opens 1st May
Gambling themes and figures a plenty. Touted as the real 'Underbelly' history, focusing on the 1940's to 1980's, George Freeman ('Colourful Racing Identity) and 'Mr Sin' Abe Saffron are the main event (dead) draw cards.
Of all the black-market trades, casinos played the most active role in corrupting police and politicians, paying them thousands of dollars a week in bribes.
Baccarat king Richard Reilly was shot dead in 1967. With him gone, other operators moved in and transformed the city's basic gambling houses into substantial, plush 'Las Vegas'-style casinos. Business-minded criminals such as George Freeman, Lennie McPherson and Stan Smith joined forces to revolutionise gambling and protection rackets in a massive restructuring of the underworld.
Illegal SP (‘starting price’) bookmaking exploited off-track betting restrictions to generate huge profits for savvy criminal operators. George Freeman, at one time the largest SP operator in the state, bought influence by using his ability to guarantee winning bets as a powerful form of bribery. Freeman was not alone. Illegal bookies were both the favoured betting choice for punters and the most consistent earner for Sydney’s criminal syndicates until the 1980s, collectively turning over as much as $6.4 billion in today’s dollars each year. The very integrity of racing was threatened nationwide by corrupt bookmaking that encouraged horse doping and race fixing.
I’m the toughest man in f***king Sydney. I can kill anyone I f***king well want to, but I can’t get my f***king dinner on time!
Lennie McPherson to his first wife, 1960
... there was only one thing I wanted out of life. I wanted to be a crook. Not just any crook, but the crook, the BIGGEST - the man with money, power, influence. Working for a living never entered my head.
George Freeman, 1988
Mr saffron should be employed by the Australian forces as a camouflage expert, sir. He’s done it successfully for many many years.
Jim Anderson, 1983
Website
http://www.hht.net.au/sincity
Marina Bay Sands VS Aussie James Packer’s City of Dreams Macau
The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action. Packer's Crown Casino faces increased competition down under in Australia from Sydney's revamped Star City, and now Sands has opened in Singapore, in a move that insiders say will lure whales and dolphins away from Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. The Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is one of the biggest and most expensive casinos every built. Having opened its doors two days ago, throwing down the gauntlet... the dust is just starting to settle. Insiders say James Packer is at the top of the list of other operators who need to stay on guard and answer the challenge. Packer has enough top line connections to stay on top and in favor with the whales, should an all out "war" erupt, as is the case in Australia, where Tabcop Owned Star City Casino has now spent $600 on a revamp, part of which is designed to lure "whales" and the world's top entertainers.
Computer Kiosk Gambling Device (Not) Tested By Law (And Returned)
Following our report on the 25th of the month, there's been some very important developments on the legal situation re the internet kiosks located in Australian pubs and hotels that Australia's Tabcorp called a "gambling device". The courts do not agree! Victory for VenueNet and Australian internet lovers... Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...
Yesterday a computer terminal with internet access that gaming authorities claim is an "unauthorised instrument of betting", was reinstalled! A computer being plugged back in is not normally so newsworthy, but because of the gaming, legal and political connection, it is, so there you go! Back to the pub from where you were seized, you good computer. The (kangaroo not) court ordered it, so hop to it son.
The manufacture of the device er machine, VenueNet, has a business arrangement with Darwin-based bookmaker Sportsbet to offer customers access to their betting accounts through the computer kiosk. The full details of the agreement are commercially sensitive in nature, but its a win-win.
VenueNet is hopeful the court's ruling will facilitate a planned roll out by the truck full of some 200 devices er machines.. up and down the east coast of Australia.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation confiscated the device er machine from the Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne last August, after receiving a complaint from Aussie gaming and racing giant Tabcorp, which currently holds Victoria's exclusive retail wagering licence. Tabcorp are also the current owners of Star City Casino in Sydney (which James Packer of Crown is rumored to have an interest in... a deal once stopped by his late farther Kerry, close to a decade ago).
The 'Kiosk Case' as its now known as in gaming circles is seen as being a test of Australian gambling and igaming laws that have failed miserably to keep pace with technology and has raised doubts about the value of the Victorian wagering licence, which is up for tender. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Senator Stephen Conroy take note "failed miserably"..."raised doubts"... its the Kiosk Case, not the Aussie internet filter case.
Aussie Daniel Tzvetkoff To Remain In Vegas Jail Facing Money Laundering Charges
Tzvetkoff, also exposed as also processing porn company transactions, remains in jail. He faces up to a 75 year term (if he lives that long). Federal prosecutors said that Intabill utilized the automated clearinghouse system to transfer funds between U.S. checking accounts and various Internet gambling businesses, including online gambling and porn. They charge that Tzvetkoff and others disguised those gambling transactions as repayment of payday loans that consumers had taken out online, as well as transferred funds applied to pre-paid debit cards. He was indicted for money laundering.
"Tzvetkoff and his co-conspirators obtained unique websites and toll-free numbers for these shell companies and developed phony websites to make the companies appear to have a valid, non-gambling purpose," the indictment said.
Aussie Internet Filter Delayed
The prospect of Internet filtering in Australia is highly unlikely in either the May or June sittings of Federal Parliament. Online gambling websites were among those that appeared on a leaked list of "banned sites".
Crown Casino to host The Logies This Sunday
Australia's tourism and entertainment icon, Crown Casino, gets to show of its wares on a national and international scale this coming Sunday night, with the TV smash hit 'Underbelly' in line for a number of awards. Folks, this event is all about entertainment, not table games, slots or the bottom line, or at least that's the official world. Mind you, someone has to put the 'Business' in show business, and Crown continues to deliver the goods, year after year.
Media Man and Gambling911 have been hitting the phones and pounding the pavement in order to work out who the smart money is on.
Casino tycoon, James Packer, owner of Crown, enjoys a long and largely very positive history with both Network Nine's David Gyngell, and print press publication, ACP Magazines, not that we are suggesting that would be instrumental in who gets gold, silver or a donut (0).
James Packer owned Crown Casino in Melbourne, will be host to the 2010 Logie Awards on Sunday 2nd May.
'Underbelly', which frequently features gambling (illegal dens in most cases), has been nominated for a modest bush tucker bag full of awards. The list, correct at time of publication:
Asher Keddie (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), broadcast on Network Nine is up for
the Outstanding Actress award.
Anna Hutchison, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities is nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.
'Underbelly' is also up for the Most Popular Drama award.
Bouncers and security...a number of football and cricket stars will be present, many of which are known to get a bit boisterous when on the grog. Please don't bring out the plastic handcuffs, unless absolutely necessary. Mind you, it would make bloody good television and provide plenty of fodder for paparazzi attending the gala affair. Celebs, sportsmen... you've been forewarned.
Bert Newton is hosting this year, being seen by the powers that be as a safe bet. Meantime, Bert's son, Matthew, has recently booked himself into rehab, in a step we applaud. Newton Jr played Terry 'Mr Asia' Clark in 'Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities'.
Our loyal and worldwide readership is looking forward to the goss following the event, so have a couple of drinks on us, but don't overdo it either. Drink too much... just slip on over to Crown Towers or Crown Metropol. They will be happy to look after you, for a price.
The Late Mail
Report urges government to take over gambling regulation
A new report urges the federal government to take over the regulation of gambling, which costs Australians $18 billion a year and which states rely on for $4.69bn in tax revenue annually.
The report by Deakin University and the Australia Institute urged the Rudd government to put a 2% tax on all gambling revenue, while using some of that $378 million to give state governments that reduce gambling levels incentive payments to reduce their reliance on tax from poker machines.
Crown Casino Groupier's Scammers Caught
A Crown Casino croupier and his gambling housemate (almost inmate) who teamed up to try beat the house have had the scheme die out.
Quoc Tran, 27, manned the roulette wheel as his mate Hoa Nguyen, 34, placed bets over at least three days in April last year.
A Melbourne court heard while Nguyen placed some legal wagers, other chips downed after Tran called "no more bets" and the ball had landed on its number!
Mr Tran allowed Nguyen to repeat such illegal transactions 15 times, which got them "winnings" of $15,750.
Crown security spied them and called police who arrested the pair, later to plead guilty to charges of theft.
David Grace, QC, advised Nguyen had turned his life around and had also repaid his $7857 to Crown. Nguyen's legal eagle said he had so far repaid $900 bucks.
Deputy chief magistrate Jelena Popovic said the men's efforts went in their favour.
The Footscray pair were released on non-conviction undertakings with orders they pay $750 to the "court fund". Media Man and Gambling911 with them well with their rehab from their past ways.
So readers, er punters, what a week its been. Freeman, Saffron and our old mate, 'Big' Tim Bristow would be proud, and most likely reading the world famous Gambling911 website for updates, if there were still with us. Network Nine's 'Hey Hey' top bloke, 'Pluka Duck', and his handlers, have been reading with great interest.
Till next time, don't do anything we wouldn't do. Know the odds, good hunting and happy punting.
*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 industry sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
Australian Casino News
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Expands Gambling Deals, by Greg Tingle - 1st May 2010
Professional wrestling living legend, 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair, has expanded on his gambling and gaming deals. Enter South Carolina Education Lottery.
As Media Man and Gambling911 have long suspected, there is a cross over audience in wrestling fans and punters, be it lottery, poker, casino, online and offline. We've also noticed an increase in PKR (3D) poker advertising on a number of Wrestling News Media and sports car - lifestyle websites, but that's another story. Flair didn't miss long time nemesis Hulk Hogan doing business with a Native American tribe via The Hulk-a-Mania Experience slot machine, but Flair's opted for "softer" gambling (thus far) via being a face of lottery tickets in the Carolina's.
Flair took a life gamble some 30 years ago when when his bleached his hair blond an transformed his image into a somewhat modern 'Gorgeous George' inspired character, known for his jet flying, limousine riding, wheelin', dealing, son of a gun antics. Flair became the thinking man's wrestler, and quite the entrepreneur in the process.
His biggest wrestling related pay days came around the time of his signing with World Wrestling Entertainment and 1991, soon after having his first match with Hulk Hogan. Today Flair still wrestles the occasional match against Hogan and his mates in WWE rival, TNA Wrestling, but Flair remains on the lookout for worthwhile business deals to help maintain his lifestyle and fuel his considerable expense account which experienced an increase with family matters and the like.
'The Man' is one of Charlotte’s best-known celebs, and one of the world's most famous wrestlers, will be showcased on 'Woooooo!' South Carolina Education Lottery tickets, kicking off next week.
Flair will be in the think of the action with the $5 scratch-off ticket, starting Monday, according to Flair management and of the South Carolina Lottery.
Some six months ago Flair fronted that $5 scratch-off lottery ticket in North Carolina. The Flair tickets were among the state’s best-selling lottery items. The ticket sale was pushed along by television commercials featuring Flair, which later became a bit of a viral hit on the YouTube website portal via Media Man creation American Gaming News.
Paula Harper Bethea, executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery, said Flair will also help promote the ticket sales in the Palmetto State.
"We look forward to hosting Ric Flair in South Carolina at various events and anticipate an increase in ticket sales to generate more funds for education," Bethea said.
She also advised he is scheduled to appear on behalf of the lottery on 8th May at NASCAR’s Southern 500 racing mega event in Darlington; and again June 5 at the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach.
The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) began in 2002. South Carolina is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), best known for Powerball. Like most US lotteries, on January 31, 2010, it participated in the cross-sell lottery expansion, adding Mega Millions.
Pro Wrestlers Connection
Other pro wrestlers who have an interest to get involved in gaming of the gambling variety include Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Snuka and Piper also already in a number of traditional video games. Kevin "Big Sexy" Nash from TNA and NWO fame has some gambling links on his official website. Rumors persist of PartyGaming and / or Australia's NextGen Gaming developing an Andre The Giant online slot game, which would be certain to be a hit with punters down under in Australia, and around the world. Andre toured Australia a number of times including in the 70s and later in the mid 80's with the then World Wrestling Federation.
Punters, into wrestling? Check out the Media Man website network... interviews, articles, profiles et al of many of the world's greatest and most colourful wrestling stars. No pro wrestling slot games... the closest is The Incredible Hulk online slot. Hogan came to terms with Marvel Entertainment a couple of decades ago to the turn of a few million dollars. Captain Cooks Casino is understood to have a 'My Slot' game which can be customized, so if you want to incorporate pro wrestling stars, you can. All we have to say is have fun and Woooooo!
Websites
PartyCasino.com official website
PartyCasino Marvel Slots (The Incredible Hulk slot)
Captain Cooks Casino (My Slot)
South Carolina Education Lottery
Wrestling News Media
Ric Flair - Media Man profile
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Wrestling News Media is a Media Man creation
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Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
American Casino News
American Gaming News
Wrestling News Media
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Sports Entertainment News
As Media Man and Gambling911 have long suspected, there is a cross over audience in wrestling fans and punters, be it lottery, poker, casino, online and offline. We've also noticed an increase in PKR (3D) poker advertising on a number of Wrestling News Media and sports car - lifestyle websites, but that's another story. Flair didn't miss long time nemesis Hulk Hogan doing business with a Native American tribe via The Hulk-a-Mania Experience slot machine, but Flair's opted for "softer" gambling (thus far) via being a face of lottery tickets in the Carolina's.
Flair took a life gamble some 30 years ago when when his bleached his hair blond an transformed his image into a somewhat modern 'Gorgeous George' inspired character, known for his jet flying, limousine riding, wheelin', dealing, son of a gun antics. Flair became the thinking man's wrestler, and quite the entrepreneur in the process.
His biggest wrestling related pay days came around the time of his signing with World Wrestling Entertainment and 1991, soon after having his first match with Hulk Hogan. Today Flair still wrestles the occasional match against Hogan and his mates in WWE rival, TNA Wrestling, but Flair remains on the lookout for worthwhile business deals to help maintain his lifestyle and fuel his considerable expense account which experienced an increase with family matters and the like.
'The Man' is one of Charlotte’s best-known celebs, and one of the world's most famous wrestlers, will be showcased on 'Woooooo!' South Carolina Education Lottery tickets, kicking off next week.
Flair will be in the think of the action with the $5 scratch-off ticket, starting Monday, according to Flair management and of the South Carolina Lottery.
Some six months ago Flair fronted that $5 scratch-off lottery ticket in North Carolina. The Flair tickets were among the state’s best-selling lottery items. The ticket sale was pushed along by television commercials featuring Flair, which later became a bit of a viral hit on the YouTube website portal via Media Man creation American Gaming News.
Paula Harper Bethea, executive director of the South Carolina Education Lottery, said Flair will also help promote the ticket sales in the Palmetto State.
"We look forward to hosting Ric Flair in South Carolina at various events and anticipate an increase in ticket sales to generate more funds for education," Bethea said.
She also advised he is scheduled to appear on behalf of the lottery on 8th May at NASCAR’s Southern 500 racing mega event in Darlington; and again June 5 at the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach.
The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) began in 2002. South Carolina is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), best known for Powerball. Like most US lotteries, on January 31, 2010, it participated in the cross-sell lottery expansion, adding Mega Millions.
Pro Wrestlers Connection
Other pro wrestlers who have an interest to get involved in gaming of the gambling variety include Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Snuka and Piper also already in a number of traditional video games. Kevin "Big Sexy" Nash from TNA and NWO fame has some gambling links on his official website. Rumors persist of PartyGaming and / or Australia's NextGen Gaming developing an Andre The Giant online slot game, which would be certain to be a hit with punters down under in Australia, and around the world. Andre toured Australia a number of times including in the 70s and later in the mid 80's with the then World Wrestling Federation.
Punters, into wrestling? Check out the Media Man website network... interviews, articles, profiles et al of many of the world's greatest and most colourful wrestling stars. No pro wrestling slot games... the closest is The Incredible Hulk online slot. Hogan came to terms with Marvel Entertainment a couple of decades ago to the turn of a few million dollars. Captain Cooks Casino is understood to have a 'My Slot' game which can be customized, so if you want to incorporate pro wrestling stars, you can. All we have to say is have fun and Woooooo!
Websites
PartyCasino.com official website
PartyCasino Marvel Slots (The Incredible Hulk slot)
Captain Cooks Casino (My Slot)
South Carolina Education Lottery
Wrestling News Media
Ric Flair - Media Man profile
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Wrestling News Media is a Media Man creation
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
American Casino News
American Gaming News
Wrestling News Media
Bingo News Media
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
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