Thursday, June 10, 2010
Australian Sports: Melbourne Catches Tiger Woods By The Tail, by Greg Tingle - 10th June 2010
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Macau prepares for gaming expo
Macau will this week host a three-day gaming expo as the former Portuguese colony powers ahead as the world's biggest gambling centre, defying dire predictions of a slowdown.
Several thousand people will attend Global Gaming Expo Asia from Tuesday, where industry leaders will discuss a range of issues from the region's future growth to combating cheating at the tables.
The expo comes as Macau continues to post record-setting revenue figures with May gaming sales up 95 per cent year-over-year to 17 billion Macau patacas ($A2.56 billion), according to Hong Kong brokerage CLSA.
Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, has already leapfrogged Las Vegas in gaming revenue after opening up its market to overseas operators in 2002.
"We've been saying for eight months that things would slow down, but they haven't," said Aaron Fischer, a CLSA gaming analyst.
"Logic would say it's going to slow down."
Fischer said he expects Macau tourist arrivals to increase about 10 per cent annually with construction of several stalled casino-hotel developments being restarted on the reclaimed Cotai Strip.
Soaring revenues in the high-roller market are driving the huge gains, rather than an across-the-board surge in money spent on the gaming tables, he added.
Frank Fahrenkopf, head of the American Gaming Association, said the city's record-breaking revenues stood in sharp contrast to US destination venues such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, which have been hit by the global downturn.
"Those are big numbers - people in Asia love to gamble," he told AFP.
"Proximity is an important factor. You've got millions of people within two hours of Macau."
Other Asian countries have keyed in to Macau's success with Singapore opening its second casino in April as part of a bid to lure big spenders from across the region.
The 5.5 billion US dollar Marina Bay Sands was opened by US gaming giant Las Vegas Sands, already a big player in Macau, as part of the firm's bet on Asia as the future of the gaming industry.
Asians "see gaming as a form of entertainment" while Westerners would rather spend money on dining and going out with friends, Sands Chief Executive Sheldon Adelson said when Marina Bay opened its doors.
An expected growth in the number of Asian multimillionaires and middle class following the region's sharp rebound from the economic slump should drive regional travel, including people playing at casinos, observers have said.
Despite concerns over its social impact, Singapore gave the green light for casino gambling in 2005 in a bid to increase tourist arrivals and cash in on a growing trend in Asia.
Outside Macau, casinos are authorised in Australia, Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines among others, while more are underway.
Fahrenkopf dismissed speculation that Macau could face hard times as Singapore and other Asian destinations challenge its dominance.
Las Vegas in the US state of Nevada shivered when New Jersey's Atlantic City opened its doors in the late Seventies, he noted.
"When Atlantic City came online ... everyone in Nevada was deeply concerned," Fahrenkopf said.
"But all it did was introduce more people to casino gaming."
Poker player halts world record at 115 hours
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Poker star Phil Laak halted the longest poker game in history at 115 hours early Monday, nearly two days longer than the current mark recognized as the official world record.
"Wow, 115 hours, I should have my head examined," said Laak, as the number appeared on the running clock on a laptop screen next to his seat at the Bellagio Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. "I am definitely sick."
The 37-year-old pro began playing at 12:00 pm local time last Wednesday at the famous resort and quit at 7:00 am on Monday saying he still felt fine but didn't want to "do any more damage to my body than necessary."
He was permitted a five-minute break for every hour he played and could bank those for longer breaks. While he vowed he did not consume any caffeine or stimulants, he did manage at least one 30-minute nap.
Paperwork and video evidence to document Laak's feat is expected to be submitted this month to Guinness World Records, but it was witnessed live via a webcam by more than 130,000 people each day from more than 90 nations.
The previous official record, 72 hours and 2 minutes, was held by Larry Olmsted set at the Foxwood casino in 2004, but in poker circles the unofficial record -- not sanctioned by Guinness but still part of lore -- is Londoner Paul Zimbler's 78 hour, 45 minute stint last September.
Laak is the boyfriend of Academy Award nominee Jennifer Tilly, an actress who in recent years has also become a poker professional.
Laak promised to donate half his 6,766 dollars in winnings to Camp Sunshine, a Maine camp for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. In addition, visitors to his blog, Twitter site and the webcam feed were encouraged to donate to the cause via text message.
PKR 3D Casino And 3D Poker News, by Greg Tingle - 7th June 2010
PKR, the world famous online poker and online casino band, is preparing to go fully 3D with their casino offering by year end.
Media and gaming commentators from Media Man, Casino News Media, Gambling911, GPWA, EGR and CAP have been following the developments and progress by PKR for a few years, but as we head towards the second part of 2010 things are ramping up to a whole new level, both for players, front end, back end, for players, business management and futurists.
Our industry friends at EGR have been able to get a number of scoops on PKR, as Media Man and Casino News Media have been more focused on the igaming and online affiliate industry as whole, as well as securing exclusives at PartyGamingand Richard Branson's Virgin Casino - Virgin Games - Virgin Gaming powerhouse. As they say, there's only so much room at the top, but PKR has certainly risen to top 10, if not top 5 status, over the past 6 months.
Team Media Man says PKR is world class these days with innovation, game play, security, affiliate offerings, reliability and customer service.
Speaking to eGaming Review, PKR top brass Malcolm Graham advised a suite of casino games is coming up soon. Furthermore, their 3D poker room has rocketed at an average of one million players per annum since its virgin launch circa 2006.
Mr Graham on the record...“My hypothesis is that there’s an opportunity to leverage a richer visual experience on the table side, hence what we’re doing. At the moment it’s somewhere between 2D and 3D. There are limitations to the movie-esque table experience, which we’re hopeful we can take to another level. We’re in the process of rolling out 3D casino games, which included launching 3D roulette in December. It will be the best roulette product in the market (and) we’ll then be adding table games to that.”
The firm also has grand plans to follow up with blackjack cum July, casino hold ‘em in September and Caribbean stud and baccarat in November. Online slots are on the cards via way of 3rd party agreement.
On 3D casino Mr Graham talks about “world class CRM, payment processing and tournament offerings”.
In addition, expect more online and offline surprises.
Media Man understands 'Avatar' type technology, multi tables, social networking and more aspects like 'Poker In The Park'.
More quotes from 'MR PKR'...“As the online demographic broadens it will attract people who want to chat at the table. But we’re not going to force it down their throats”.
So players, punters, insiders, outsiders, entrepreneurs and everyone else. There you have it.
Most certainly sounds like a big part of the world's poker and casino excitement will remain in the PKR camp, but you can bet the folks at competitors such as PartyGaming - PartyPoker.com, PartyCasino.com, Virgin Games,Centrebet and others will give them a run for their money.
As always, please know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... something easily done at PKR. Shuffle up and deal.
*Media Man has conducted b2b with PKR, as they have with dozens of entertainment, gaming and technology companies.
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Monday, June 07, 2010
Australian Political Casino Wars, by Greg Tingle - 7th June 2010
The proposal tabled, which would permit Star to compete on a level playing field with Packer's Crown Casino, would have been in addition to the well publicised $575 million casino upgrade that is on the go, Gulfstream Jets, $100 million "sports bar" etc al.
Leaks pointed to Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, who had expressed interest in the concept as a way to raise gaming tax revenue after meeting Star City execs.
Earlier, Star City spokesman Peter Grimshaw said advised "We're looking to build an events centre which would hold about 4000 people and it could host some really big international events and we're looking at varying funding options with the Government. We're hoping we can fund it without cost to the taxpayer. At this stage the Government has given no indication it will agree to it. What we have got approved is a $575 million upgrade."
Star City was keen to purchase 1000 pokies from the Government so money earned from them could fund the $65 million centre. Yes, there's that much moolah to be made in the pokies aka "one armed bandits".
Star's newly appointed MD Sid Vaikunta had previously advised a $640 million revamp was needed because the casino was treated by the public as an "RSL club on steroids", but Media Man insiders say the term being used more frequently was "Pyrmont Workers Club".
The casino is currently building a five-star hotel as part of the upgrade and desires to elevate visitor numbers from 24,000 a day to approximately double that figure...what Crown Casino attracts. Packer's Crown aka 'World Of Entertainment' has about 2500 poker machines, compared with Star's 1500.
In a legal 'Casino Jack' type fashion Star City is understood to have lobbied Opposition politicians, with mixed results.
Wind father time back 2 years to 2007...a 12-year deal to allow Star City Casino to function as the only (legal) casino in New South Wales, it paid the Government $100 million and was permitted up to 140 extra gaming tables. Under the deal gaming tax was also raised from 24.1 per cent to 27.5 per cent in 2013.
Today NSW Premier Keneally poured cold water on the extra pokies component.
"Today I can rule out the 1000 extra poker machines," the Premier advised in a media statement.
Something tells us that Team James Packer - Crown Limited are not going to loose any sleep over the news.
In the meantime, much of the coastal regions of Sydney and Melboune are experiencing rain, and the water connection continues up to Macau with Packer's City Of Dreams announcing 'The House of Dancing Water'. Yep, Star City news is likely water off a duck's back to the powers that be at Crown.
Journey up north to Queensland and Team Terri Irwin and her Australia Zoo are gaining interest to see a Aussie Crocodile A Mania hunter type extravaganza be developed on the Las Vegas Strip, a move that would see both Aussies and Yankees employed, with insiders saying up to a 1000 jobs being created.
As the Australian casino wars play out and start to take on a more international scope, just who will shed Crocodile Tears remains to been see. As is always the case, winners will be grinners.
Guess we'll be seeing you at one of the Crown Casino bars soon.
Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911, as we will soon be releasing more information into the proposed Crown Casino sponsorship of the Melbourne Storm. Storm in a teacup, hype, or fair dinkumthe real deal? You be the judge, jury and executioner!
NSW VS QLD NRL State Of Origin match round 2 next Monday punters. Cheers me maties.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Sunday, June 06, 2010
Australian Crocodile Hunter: Viva Croc Vegas, by Greg Tingle - 6th June 2010
Las Vegas is set to get a massive shake up Aussie style, thanks to Australia's Team Terri Irwin. The wife of the late, great, Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, and her world class team have a vision of everyone doing the Crocodile Rock at an upcoming Croc themed show and expo on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Media Man and Gambling911 take the croc probe to the smiling crocodile situation...
An Irwin extravaganza in Las Vegas has been talked about for years, even as far back as to when the late, great, Steve Irwin was still alive. Talk coming from camp Irwin of late suggests the dream is closer to becoming a reality, which is great news for those in the United States who are not quite ready for a trip down under to visit the Irwin's Australia Zoo in Queensland.
The ambitious project doesn't come cheap... put $AUD 300 million in your jaws to chomp on.
Terri is aware of the downturn in Las Vegas, however her Crocodile A Mania may be the thing to help bring the Strip back to life, in a totally wild way. Might give Vegas wild life and famed wild lifestyles a complete new meaning.
Ms Crocodile Hunter said she was hopeful of purchasing the land site before year end and is on the lookout for investors (aren't we all ... Media Man, Gambling911, Virgin Gaming, casino entrepreneurs et al). Still, Irwin offers a unique opportunity to be part of history plugging into the Irwin legacy. Irwin remains a powerful brand and larger than life.
Some naysayers are saying Terri has bitten off more than she can chew, but not Team Media Man. A Media Man spokesperson said "Don't underestimate the power, vision and capability of Team Terri Irwin. Terri largely put Steve on the map in a global fashion, and for about a decade the Irwin path was paved with gold. If anyone can rejuvenate Vegas it would be Terri and her team, much the same as what Australia's James Packer has done in Macau. Aussie's are street smart. Look no further than 'Crocodile Dundee... ok, he's a Hollywood creation, but you get the idea. The smart money is on Terri to succeed in Las Vegas".
Terri's crocodile eyes are wide open and she's excited, yet realistic offering some words of wisdom...
"It's hard to predict how the economy is going to recover but we'd hope by next year we'd have the investors so we can look towards a date for breaking ground. But it's very much on the go-ahead and it'll be such a brilliant icon for Australia. It's going to be so much about Steve and his dreams, and his philosophy and his message. They'll be nothing jumping through a hoop of fire but they'll be incredible effects instead. Like, instead of the Crocoseum, you'll be in, like a rainforest, with waterfalls and they can make the water levels change height so the croc rises out of the water. It'll be an incredible experience without compromising the animals' needs.
Terri advised said the Croc Vegas initiative would employ roughly 900 folks, plenty o them Aussies.
Media Man thinks its part of the continued Irwin global strategy, which helps ride out the world's financial crisis. She will have teams of Aussies and Yankee's working in both Las Vegas and down under in Aussie land at the Steve Irwin Wildwife Reserve on Cape York.
Mrs Crocodile Hunter explains "Once we have the reserve protected then we'll maintain our presence in the Cape with opportunities in Las Vegas".
See's got the fighting spirit all the way, having to employ it in her battle with Cape Alumina, which intends to mine bauxite from a section of the park entitled Pisolite Hills.
"We've got dance troupes we're working in with now and . . . we won't be taking commission. We'll let all the money come back to the indigenous people. There are opportunities for temporary employment. Young people who want to give it a go . . . can go for three months and not feel alienated from their families"
Media Man and Gambling 911 encourage the loyal readership to take a closer look at the Irwin Croc Vegas project. Maybe, (casino) whales, dolphins and crocodiles do mix. Pubic G'day to James Packer, Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson. Comon' fellas, don't be shy. I bet your bottom dollar Terri and the crew at Australia Zoo would love to hear from you.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen industries that they cover.
*Media Man is the former agent (Thank God) of Irwin nemesis 'Crocodile' Mick Pitman.
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Media Man International Blog: Their chips are down as crisis-hit casinos go all in to draw tourists instead of hardcore gamblers
Media Man International Blog
Their chips are down as crisis-hit casinos go all in to draw tourists instead of hardcore gamblers
Saturday, June 05, 2010
PartyCasino News: Avatar type technology and innovation at PartyGaming's PartyCasino, by Greg Tingle
PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com, established since 1997, is widely acknowledged as the world's biggest and best online casino... a big claim, we know.
Evidence... hundreds of games... slots, table games, skill games, poker and more.
Exclusive Hollywood blockbusters... Rambo, Saturday Night Fever, Sinatra, Tarzan, High Noon, Top Gun, Resident Evil, The Naked Gun, Mission: Impossible.
Classic slots like Cleopatra, Monopoly, Cluedo, Wheel Of Fortune...
Marvel super hero fans? Don't just watch the movies, play the games! The Incredible Hulk, Thor, The Amazing Spider-Man and Fantastic Four. Excelsior!
Rewards... PartyGaming's PartyPoints and Palladium Lounge
Trust and credibility... listed on the London Stock Exchange and winner of numerous igaming and business awards and commendations including eGaming Review "Operator Of The Year" and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month"
Easy for players... multi currency and multi language, and PartyCasino is available for most European, Canadian, South African, South American and Australian customers. Go Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!
PartyGaming also own and operate the world famous World Poker Tour, a claim only one igaming operator can make... that's PartyGaming. Check out WPTCasino.com andWPTPoker.com
Play for free or play for money. Feel the excitement at PartyCasino.com
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PartyCasino News: PartyGaming $1.88 Million Casino Jackpot Superstar Sparks Maserati Gran Turismo Payout
“It didn’t hit me until the next day that by winning the jackpot someone else had won a Maserati. All I can say is enjoy your drive mate and get in touch – fancy taking me for a spin?” said Arkry222. “Winning this jackpot has been so surreal – I really needed convincing that it was true – I thought there simply had to be a catch somewhere.”
“It was a Friday night and I wasn’t far off going to bed and I was sat at the computer. I actually had the volume down on the computer as I had the television on. I was playing SuperStar and all of a sudden these squares came up – I hit complete and the screen lit up in loads of colour. Then the number appeared on the screen – I had never seen so many numbers in my life – it was an international phone number!” Arkry222’s partner of 13 years was half asleep and called out in disbelief: “that’s play money.”
Soon the realization hit home that this was very real and that he had just won over US$1.88million. “I was numb - I was on a different planet. It was then I realized that I had missed a call from the VIP team at PartyCasino.com and it started to sink in a little bit more. I hadn’t been feeling well all week, now I was just in this strange kind of happy limbo. I went back into my account and there it was - over US$1.8 million dollars – unbelievable – I would count myself as an infrequent player.”
“I think I am going to have to spend the money on the standards: a holiday, a new car and new house! It will also allow me to be become more flexible with my working hours - I am going to go freelance! I will also have time to play a few more games on PartyCasino.com and love the concepts of Melon Madness and The Circus.”
A PartyCasino.com spokesman said: “We’d like to congratulate Arkry222 on winning the Gold Mega Jackpot – he is a super guy and very deserving. We would like to congratulate the winner who enjoyed the spin off from this win too. We thought the Grand Win Auto promotion would last longer than one day but that’s casino!”
PartyCasino.com now offers over 150 games, including 100 slots, and easily pays out over US$10 million EVERY DAY to players. PartyCasino.com is the home of the largest progressive seeded jackpot in the online gaming industry in the form of ‘The Big One’ and has introduced classic slot Melon Madness. The Big One is structured as a five tiered pool. The highest tier - Colossal Cash - seeds at US$1.5 million, the biggest online jackpot seed in the industry. Melon Madness is designed to be a classic 30 line video slot. Play is fast and the free spin feature is played in-reel. The Big One currently stands at over US$3 million and is waiting to be won!
‘The Circus,’ also recently came to PartyCasino.com and is a five reel, 20 line slot that includes 16 features and four characters and it is heavily influenced by the golden years of ‘The Circus’ between the 1850’s and the 1950’s. Added to this unique look and feel is the special role-playing element. A customer can choose to be one of four characters and the aim is to learn the story of all the characters. Through play, a customer increases the ‘abilities’ of their character, which in turn influences their real win multiplier – all four characters’ abilities are carried over session to session and the character in play can be changed after any spin.
**The trademark ‘Maserati’ is a registered trademark of Maserati S.p.A. This promotion is not affiliated with or sponsored or endorsed by Maserati S.p.A. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Maserati S.p.A or any member of its group. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement by Maserati S.p.A is claimed, or should be inferred. **
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Friday, June 04, 2010
Virgin Gambling On Gaming With Sony And AWOMO, by Greg Tingle - 4th June 2010
Those switched on folks at Virgin, Virgin Gaming to be precise, having been teasing us for months, every week releasing a new clue or two to the highly anticipated release of Virgin Gaming. The Media Man machine has been adding to the clues with inside tips offs on Twitter and its own Media Man website.
A Bit Of History Re Virgin in gaming
Circa 1981 Virgin Interactive launched
In May 2002, the Spanish arm of Virgin Interactive, known as Virgin Interactive España, was purchased. The offspring was then separated from the main Virgin Interactive company, already part of Titus Software, and retained its own identity as a Virgin brand. Renamed Virgin Play in October 2002, this Spanish publisher has remained as the sole representation of the Virgin Group in the video game industry, until now!
Circa 2004 Virgin Games in born, hatching Virgin Casino, Virgin Poker and Virgin Bingo. Virgin also launch an impressive affiliate program.
This week
The VirginGaming.com domain name and website go live, albeit in a partial, soft fashion. Check out www.VirginGaming.com/modnation Virgin staffers, management and / or those with too much time on their hands may like to attempt to qualify for ModNation Racers. The website also sports logos from the likes of PS3, Playstation, EB Games and Game Stop. The site graphics also display a Sony branded gaming controller.
Media Man Inside Tips Of Potential Games (you won't read anywhere else)
James Bond 007 (Sony Pictures connection)
Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future (Virgin Comics and Virgin Play connection)
Marvel VS Capcom (don't ask, Excelsior!)
Doom II
Resident Evil: Gaiden
Inside The Playboy Mansion (no comment, tipster remaining anonymous)
Please enjoy your gaming and gambling, but don't forget to look after your general wellbeing. Tactics such as skipping meals and sleep to enhance gaming time is not recommended.
*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The gaming sector is just one of a bakers of dozen of industries they cover.
*Media Man has conducted b2b with a number of business arms of Virgin Enterprises Limited, including Virgin Games.
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