Friday, April 30, 2010

Property News Media: New Zealand And Australian Casinos Expect Changes, by Greg Tingle - 30th April 2010

Australian and New Zealand casino bosses, top brass and insiders expect significant changes to the Asia pacific casino, club and gaming sector.

The gaming sector down under in the land of Kiwi's, New Zealand, points out the substantial financial and other contributions they make in the community, while anti gaming campaigners say casinos, clubs and the like overstate their contribution. We cross over to the Tasman as Media Man and Gambling911 continue their probe for truth, justice and the American, Kiwi and Australian way...

It's time the true contribution of gaming machines to the New Zealand economy was recognised and acknowledged...that's part of the key message from conference participants at the 2010 New Zealand Gaming Expo.

The venue...the beautiful SKYCITY in Auckland, New Zealand.

Chief Executive Officer Gaming Technologies Association (GTA), Ross Ferrar, advised revenue from gaming machines benefited many...charities, schools, community bodies and sporting groups, to name but a few. The machines also returned a large proportion of their earnings back to the government in the form of compliance costs and taxes.

"Gaming machines are designed to entertain and the casino, and gaming rooms in pubs and clubs exist so people can do this in a safe, controlled and regulated environment. There are just under 20,000 gaming machines throughout New Zealand which contribute over $300 million to deserving groups around the country. The government earns around $242 million annually from the machines," points out Mr Ferrar.

SKYCITY CEO, Nigel Morrison, echoed the message in his opening address to the conference that the 2003 Gambling Act focused on harm minimisation and ignored the economic contribution gaming made to the economy.

Mr Morrison advised the gaming industry was struggling to grow within a tightly regulated framework and there continued to be uncertainty about the operating environment.

"We still don't know what the New Zealand reaction is going to be to the Australian Productivity Commission's report into gambling. There seems to be a focus on pre-commitment and we are concerned about the recommendations to limit player expenditure on gaming machines.

"We anticipate change within the industry and it's unlikely that the three main casino players in Australasia, SKYCITY, Crown and Tabcorp will remain as they are in the next two years."

Change was also the message from Chief Executive Pub Charity Mr Martin Cheer who told delegates the anti-gaming lobby had switched from its position of highlighting harm to challenging the integrity of the Trusts.

"Accusations of harm from gaming machines have run their course, largely because the claims can't be substantiated. The move now is to attack the gaming machine Trusts. This makes it important that everything they do is above board. The debate needs to come back to the centre because it's been one-side for too long. The gaming industry needs to participate and become more involved in taking charge of its own future."

The CEO of Hospitality Association Of NZ, Mr Bruce Robertson who told conference delegates gaming machines were a significant fundraising business which was slowly being strangled.

"The Department of Internal Affairs unfortunately has a single minded focus on optimising returns through cost minimisation. If the Trusts don't present a cohesive face to the industry the Department of Internal Affairs will be able to pick them off one by one. This will continue to weaken the industry."

Mr Robertson added that the current rules being applied to the sector were not sustainable. "The result will be a reduction in the money that goes to the community.

Minister of Revenue and Associate Minister of Health, Hon Peter Dunne told delegates that gaming machine operators needed to continue to find new and better ways to work with communities.

"The whole premise of charity gaming in New Zealand is that the proceeds are returned to the local community. The implicit partnership has always been that gaming machine proceeds were available for distribution for the betterment of local communities.

The call from the CEO of the Community Gaming Association, Mr Francis Wevers was the need for the industry to work together to protect its interests.

"The benefits of gaming to the local community are often overlooked in the welter of criticism but steps are being taken to bridge the gap between the anti-gambling sector and the Class 4 venues. We work in a market that has a unique set of parameters and we need to stop apologising for it."

Mr Ferrar reiterated that the gaming industry sector should be proud of the economic contribution it made.

"Gaming is good for the community because it can make a positive difference."

Should the Aussies follow the Kiwi ways and follow like sheep, or should the sheep follow the Aussie Kangaroos, or should both animals look further afield to the American eagles?

We think sustainable solutions and answers are likely to be found by looking globally, not just in our own backyards. Certainly there's many success stories in America with the Native American Indians being able to nurture and support communities thanks to gaming and casino tourism. Many tribes also have plans to suitable incorporate online poker and online casino ventures, rather than see it as a threat to their enterprise. If Las Vegas and Atlantic City was able to better embrace the online world perhaps they wouldn't be in the mess they are in, but that's another story. The late Charles Darwin famously pointed out that adapting to change was vital for the species who are to survive.

Media Man is currently in liaison with Australian based GenerationOne and other government bodies as to how best go about employing a couple more Australians (qualified and trained up Indigenous Aussies), whilst minimizing red tape. Australian mining magnate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and Aussie casino king, James Packer (Crown Limited) are driving forces behind the GenerationOne initiative.

Media Man and many of their business partners, associates and friends in the media, new media and interactive entertainment space are concerned that some of the online (internet filter) and offline censorship initiatives from Australia's Rudd government are going to cost Australian's jobs and international trade opportunities. In addition newspapers and magazines are forecast to become further censored. Companies set to be adversely effected in their trade with Australia and New Zealand include Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Sony, Sega, Playboy, AussieBum, Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Virgin Enterprises Limited, UFC, Hasbro, EA, MTV and News Corporation. Media Man recently documented some of their concerns to the United Nations, Virgin Unite, Reporters Without Borders and MP Tony Abbott's office, as was thanked for their contribution... no, not a 'Casino Jack' monetary contribution! No, we didn't have to play golf with any of the top brass concerned either.

Tell us what you think in the forum, and as our friends at New Corp - Fox say, keep it fair and balanced... can we trust you with that. Know the odds, and keep it fun.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry sectors they cover.

*The writer is a shareholder in Crown Limited, Virgin and a pro active member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, and Richard Branson's Virgin Unite

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Crown Casino To Show Off Underbelly At Logie Awards, by Greg Tingle - 29th April 2010

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 word. 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.

'Underbelly' is also up for the Most Popular Drama award.

Anna Hutchison, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities is nominated for the Graham Kennedy Award for Outstanding New Talent.

Last Word

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 writer 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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Singapore's Marina Bay Sands May Give Packers Crown City Of Dreams Run For Money, by Greg Tingle - 29th April 2010

The land based casino wars continue to heat up, and 'Our James'... Australian James Packer is in the thick of the action.

Packer's Star City 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's City Of Dreams and Crown Macau, but don't underestimate the loyalty to Packer. Many have bet against the Aussie - Asia Pacific casino king before and lost. Media Man and Gambling911 with the story...

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.

The US based gambling monster Las Vegas Sands constructed the complex, understood to have a price tag of $US5.5 billion (AUD$5.9 billion), on Singapore's prime waterfront. Eventually it will sport some 2500 hotel rooms and suites, but how many will be used, and by whom, remain questions front of mind.

Like many modern day casinos, they are incorporating more entertainment themes and amenities, getting away from being a pure gambling den. Try your luck on the cleo and monopoly slots, Wheel Of Fortune and table games, then head on over to the theme parks and concert stages. Stage left, stage right.

CEO of Marina Bay Sands, Thomas Arasi, says look forward to the opening of 963 hotel rooms, part of a shopping mall and convention centre, celeb chef restaurants, dining outlets and no doubt a few other surprises.

The powers that be are rolling out the finishing touches in phases.

Phase 2 includes the Sands SkyPark on the rooftop, Event Plaza along Marina Bay, a retail plaza and additional dining amenities. Can't wait for the 60-seat restaurant spearheaded by chef master Tetsuya Wakuda. Mark your calenders for 23rd June.

The project is owned by worlds leading casino tycoon Steve Wynn, the brains and money behind the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas as well as developing the Cotai Strip and Venetian Resort in Macau.

Marina Bay Sands, the second casino in Singapore, following the Sentosa Island project, will be run by a former Crown executive, Mr Andrew McDonald, who has also represented Malaysian developer Genting and who has the experience and apparent connections to lure gamblers (whales and dolphins on the radar) away from Packer's Crown. Just play nice McDonald, or bad fortune and 'Underbelly' themes may get written into the script. We think the region is big enough for all to do well, even prosper, so lets keep it friendly competition, with emphasis on the "friendly".

A Media Man birdie reckons the new casino is surely targeting the same patrons as Crown Melbourne, some understood to also frequent Crown Macau. Cast the rods far and wide boys... you don't know what you'll catch on the other end! Primarily Oriental high rolling VIP's plus. Singapore is home to one or two of the whales.

Singapore enjoys its status as a financial and private banking icon and this is just another measuring stick whales and dolphins are understood to take into consideration.

Packer connected Crown is well aware of the threat from Singapore dragon by throwing some $212 million into further upgrading its VIP facilities to appeal to high-rollers. Excuse me sir, jot that down... Mr Packer and Billionaire Inc want your business. Can we offer you some lucky money, and perhaps some lady company for you're pleasant stay with us? A Media Man insider whispered, "I think some new games are going to be released... catch a fishy and catch a pussy slot, or something. James Bond would be proud of what these Crown boys are coming up with to help counter ... and count her!"

It plans to extend the casino's Mahogany Room by 50 per cent and build a new exclusive gambling club containing private suites.

Singapore, with its two super casinos, is unlikely to overtake Macau, says our spies, but may steal or at least borrows high-rollers from China as operators shift premium business to the city-state, taking advantage of an effective tax rate of 12% compared with roughly 39% in the Chinese territory.

Neighbouring Malaysia's sole casino, run by Genting Singapore's parent, Genting Bhd is also tipped to lose some business to Singapore's newer casinos with extras plus, for those who can afford the best.

Marina Bay Sands has also teamed up with coach operators to offer 130 daily trips from various Malaysian cities to its kingdom, but make not mistake... whales and a good catch of dolphins on the side, are what this is about. It's about return on investment and the bottom line... oh, and happy customers also.

May all fortunes be showered with good luck and let's keep the "casino war" friendly shall we. Still plenty of fish in the sea (but only so many super sized whales). Happy hunting and good punting.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company

*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino

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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Marina Bay Sands Opens Its Doors

Grand Opening Celebration on Track for June 23

SINGAPORE, Apr 27, 2010 - At the Feng Shui approved time of 3:18 pm, Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson and other company officials snipped the celebratory ribbon and with it, Marina Bay Sands, the most ambitious and architecturally stunning leisure and convention facility ever built opened its doors and welcomed its first guests.

On May 26, 2006, the Singapore government chose Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) to build one of only two approved integrated resorts in the Southeast Asian city-state. Marina Bay Sands will open progressively over the course of the year, with today's first phase including 963 hotel rooms, parts of the shopping mall and convention center, some restaurants and bars, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, and the casino. On June 23, during the official grand opening celebration, the remainder of the property's 2,560 guest rooms, more shops from the world's leading retailers, additional dining options, and exciting nightlife offerings, will open. The Sands SkyPark, which sits 60 stories off the ground and is perched atop the property's three hotel towers, will also debut on June 23.

"Singapore's reputation as a world-class international tourist destination will be further enhanced with the opening of Marina Bay Sands and our company's reputation for building economy-changing tourism developments will be cemented around the world. For both of those reasons, I am happy to be in Singapore today to open the first phase of the property and look forward to the grand opening celebration," said Mr. Adelson.

"We are proud to have a fine team of people with the professional skills needed to build Marina Bay Sands, open it, and operate it. With that team, we are confident we will deliver the promise of a facility Singaporeans expected when they honored us with this opportunity," said Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands.

Mr. Adelson said its unique urban location provides Marina Bay Sands an opportunity to become one of the world's most successful hotel-resort properties. "The peak period of operations for most urban hotels is midweek, as they tend to cater to business travelers. The peak period for resort hotels is obviously the weekend when people have free time. For us, with our meeting and convention business and a multitude of leisure amenities, the entire week is our peak period," he said.

The company's industry-leading experience in the MICE (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) business was a key reason Singapore selected Las Vegas Sands. To date, Marina Bay Sands has more than 160 events booked in its Sands Expo and Convention Center. Those events, beginning in May 2010, are expected to draw more than 250,000 total attendees. Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi said those numbers will increase quickly and dramatically as meeting planners and convention organizers now have the opportunity to see the property themselves.

"This is a magnificent destination. From the specially commissioned, multi-million dollar collection of art that greets you as you enter our hotel lobby to our attentive staff taking care of your every need after you check in, Marina Bay Sands is committed to making sure the interiors and service of our property matches the brilliance of its architecture," said Marina Bay Sands President and CEO Thomas Arasi.

In October, one of the property's two state-of-the-art theatres will welcome Disney's "The Lion King." The second theatre, which will also open later this year, will be home to a variety of special events and famous headline acts. The iconic Marina Bay Sands museum, expected to open by December, will not only feature international exhibitions, but it will also serve -- with its unique lotus-inspired design -- as a symbolic welcome to guests from around the globe.

About Las Vegas Sands Corp. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is the leading global developer of integrated resorts -- destination properties which feature premium accommodations, world-class gaming and entertainment, convention and exhibition facilities, celebrity chef restaurants, and many other amenities.

The Venetian and The Palazzo, both Five-Diamond luxury resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, are among the company's properties in the United States. Marina Bay Sands, the company's iconic project opened its first phase on April 27, 2010.

Through its majority-owned subsidiary Sands China Ltd, the company also owns a portfolio of properties in Macau, including The Venetian Macao, Four Seasons Hotel Macao and the Four Seasons-branded serviced-apartments on the Cotai Strip(TM), as well as the Sands Macao Hotel on the Macau peninsula.

The Cotai Strip is a master-planned development of destination resort properties where the company is currently constructing a 6,400-room complex which will feature the Shangri-La, Traders, Sheraton, and St. Regis hotel brands and is scheduled to open in 2011.

Las Vegas Sands is also committed to global sustainability through its Sands Eco360 program and is an active community partner through its various charitable organizations. For more information, please visit www.lasvegassands.com

About Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands will be the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It will feature large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, a museum, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants, a casino, Paiza Club for premium players, an outdoor event plaza and theaters debuting with "The Lion King." For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com.

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

Monday, April 19, 2010

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Offers Marilyn Monroe Boobs, by Greg Tingle - 19th April 2010

Planet Hollywood may have had its ups and downs over the years, but with revelations that the casino is going to offer patrons the opportunity to see Marilyn Monroe’s boobs in a most unique ways, patrons and punters are bound to get a high, and it's even tipped to help the chains bottom line.

Media Man and Gambling911 probe Planet Hollywood and Ms Monroe... not that sort of probe!

Ok punters, its an X-ray of the babes figure (eyes on the boobs for certain) that will be hitting the auction block cum summer time. Those in the know reckon it will fetch about a grand ($1000 bucks).

The virgin shot was snapped 1954 at the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Florida as the blonde bombshell underwent surgery for a condition of the womb.

One of the surgeons snapped it and passed it to the family for safe keeping. His daughter has elected to put it up for sale at the vintage Hollywood-themed Vegas casino.

A wide selection on MM memorabilia which will go up for auction at Planet Hollywood on 26th June includes her therapy couch, a pair of skis and her Chanel No5 perfume.

Monroe fans the world over are expected to flock in like bees to honey.

Las Vegas casino bean counters are expecting some rise in takings, as are restaurants, nightclubs and call girls. Websites sporting stories, photos, multimedia and MM items for sale are also expecting a traffic spike. Rumors persist of an upcoming Marilyn Monroe online slot games. NextGen Gaming, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, FremantleMedia and Virgin have all said to expressed interest.

The Planet Hollywood brand was launched in New York on October 22 1991, with the backing of Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

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Poker News Media: The Rise And Fall Of Daniel Tzvetkoff

AUGUST 2001: BT Projects founded

FEBRUARY 2007: Online payment company Intabill registered

MARCH 2008: Tzvetkoff buys Hedges Avenue mansion for $28 million. Has additional property portfolio of more than $21 million

AUGUST 2008: Features on Sunday Mail Rich List worth $82 million

MARCH 2009: Buys V8 supercar team, Inta Racing

APRIL 2009: Sacks 96 staff at his Intabill office

JULY 2009: BT Projects placed in liquidation with debts of $80 million

JULY 2009: Business partner Sam Sciacca sues Tzvetkoff for $100 million

JULY 2009: Online poker house Kolyma sues for $52 million

JULY 2009: Sells partnership in Zuri nightclub

AUGUST 2009: Sells 30m superyacht Maximus

NOVEMBER 2009: Hedges Ave mansion sold for $17 million

JANUARY 2010: Files for bankruptcy

APRIL 2010: Charged by US authorities with money laundering. Faces 75 years in jail

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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Joe Francis: Steve Wynn Threatened to Kill Me - TMZ - 12th April 2010

Joe Francis just told a judge he fears for his life -- and the man allegedly making the threats is none other than hotel tycoon Steve Wynn.

During a hearing over a gambling debt Francis owes the Wynn Las Vegas, Francis told the judge, "Mr. Wynn has threatened to kill me ... He said he would hit me in the back of the head with a shovel and bury me in the desert."

The judge asked Francis if he had gotten a restraining order -- Francis said he hadn't, but he was in the process.

Francis lost a $2,000,000 judgment to Wynn last year over a casino debt. Francis hasn't paid the judgment (he's currently appealing) and was hauled into court today to reveal where he keeps his assets.

A rep for Wynn did not return a call for comment.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Australian Pokies Sports Club Connection, by Greg Tingle - 10th April 2010

Australia remains one of the world's biggest gambling nations.

We investigative and learn that some patches of corporate Australia are getting into the pokie business, lured by massive revenue opportunities, while anti pokie activists fight back.

It's a mix of politics, beer, cigarettes, bible bashers, sports clubs, spin and money...lots of it. Enjoy! Media Man and Gambling911 probe the situation...

Anti-pokie activists are calling on gaming revenue tax discounts for clubs to be stripped, claiming the "community benefits" provided by clubs are B.S.

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, the Reverend Tim Costello and activist Paul Bendat are calling for the tax break to be stopped.

Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH), a J.V between Woolworths (The Fast Food ... er, Fast Cash People) and pokies kingpin Bruce Mathieson, struck business deals seeing 660 plus one armed bandits in up to 10 major venues registered as clubs.

Footy clubs Collingwood, Richmond, Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn football are in on the action (the take).

The current Victorian gaming law states commercial operators of pokies pubs must pay a 33.3% tax on gambling revenue. The 33.3% is a key reason governments won't give up pokies, says detractors.

Clubs on the other hand snatch 8.3% discount on the pokies tax and pay 25% to the State Government (if they can demonstrate a "community benefit"), even including employee pay, operating costs and TV's for patrons.

"This is clearly debatable and I think it's scandalous that the Woolworths joint venture is greedily exploiting pokies club tax breaks and the Victorian Government needs to close this loophole soon," Senator Xenophon stressed.

"This highlights the difficulties with the concept of community benefit is when the money is being made off the backs of problem gamblers.

"The great irony here is that people hooked on the pokies can't even afford to buy the groceries that Woolworths sells."

Costello said governments promoted pokies as good things because of the tax revenue they generated.

"But now we see there is effectively unethical tax avoidance going on," he said.

ALH owns the venues and leases out the pokies area to the clubs. It then charges the sports clubs rent and a "management fee" to operate the machines.

A search of Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation documents shows lion's share of the revenue goes to ALH. Not all the financials show up however.

The business arrangements between the clubs and the ALH are totally legal, but detractors advised they are averting taxes.

Community Benefit Statements do not require a full accounting of all payments.

Monash University gambling expert Prof Charles Livingstone, who has studied the community benefit claims of AFL clubs, said: "Expenses of operating venues, including wages, direct and indirect expenses and fixed assets, amounted to more than 94% ($12.73 million) of the value of community benefits claimed by AFL-operated club venues."

"Clearly charitable or philanthropic expenditures amounted to $462,264, a little more than 3.4 per cent of claims for community benefit".

Pokies activist Paul Bendat is calling on Woolworths' shareholders to question their company's involvement in the gambling industry.

"Woolworths should not be in the pokie business," he said.

"It has nothing to do with their core retail objectives. Woolworths's exploitation of these tax breaks is a disgrace."

The Australian Productivity Commission report into Gambling is due to go into the public domain any day now, however the Government is late again, just as they were with their proposed internet filter, much to the delight of the gaming media and news media who are having a field day take the Rudd - Conroy duo to task on an every increasing frequency.

Australian land based casinos also enjoy generous tax breaks and incentives, with most insiders agreeing James Packer, Crown Casino king, gets the best deals, including a rumoured $1 per year rent - lease on the Crown site in Melbourne. If you can get a great deal, take it.

May you have good punting on the pokies, fruit machines, slots, or whatever the lingo is in you're neck of the woods. Bet responsibly 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

*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino

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Station Casinos reorganization plan: Sell several properties - 25th March 2010

Station Casinos Inc. filed a reorganization plan in its bankruptcy case Wednesday proposing the sale of its interests in certain land holdings and 13 of its 18 gaming properties.

Four major hotel-casinos generating the bulk of the company's revenue and a fifth property would remain under control of the reorganized Station Casinos, which would be owned by lenders to those properties and existing Station owners Colony Capital of Los Angeles and the Fertitta family of Las Vegas.

Those major properties are Red Rock Resort, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station and are known as the "PropCo" properties. The fifth property is the Wild Wild West motel and casino and associated land on Tropicana Avenue west of Interstate 15.

Court records show the Fertittas and Colony Capital would pay $85.6 million for a 50 percent stake in the new company holding Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Sunset Station, the Wild Wild West and certain land holdings -- and that company would assume $1.6 billion in mortgage debt. The Fertittas would manage these five properties.

The Fertittas would own 46 percent of the reorganized company and Colony Capital would hold 4 percent. Since there are several lenders, the Fertittas would be the largest shareholder.

"Reaching a deal on the PropCo Properties marks a significant step toward the restructuring of Station Casinos," Frank Fertitta III, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Station Casinos, said in a statement. "I’m committed to the successful reorganization of the company that my family founded."

The plan, if approved, would lead to the sale of the remaining company assets.

The assets include Indian casino management contracts as well as Texas Station, Santa Fe Station, Fiesta Rancho, Fiesta Henderson, Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Boulder, the Gold Rush, Lake Mead Casino and the company's 50 percent interest in Green Valley Ranch Resort, Aliante Station and the smaller Barley's, the Greens and Wildfire Lanes.

The assets to be sold include extensive land holdings in California (1,321 acres), the Reno area (200 acres) and at key gaming-entitled sites in the Las Vegas Valley at Durango Road and the southern Las Vegas Beltway, Town Center Dive and the Beltway and in Henderson's Inspirada development. The land holdings also include 52 acres south of Palace Station planned as a retail, entertainment and residential development.

Besides keeping the Wild Wild West acreage, once proposed as the site for a $10 billion "Viva" megaresort that would compete with Las Vegas Strip properties, the new Fertitta-run company would continue to own gaming-entitled land at Cactus Avenue and the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard.

The Greenspun family, owner of the Las Vegas Sun, is Station's partner in Green Valley Ranch, Aliante Station and the smaller 50 percent-owned properties. A Greenspun affiliate is suing in a separate bankruptcy case to remove Station as the manager of Green Valley Ranch Resort in Henderson, charging mismanagement there. Station has denied those allegations and said they were made by a disgruntled fired former manager.

Based on their previous interest in expanding in the Las Vegas market, potential bidders of the assets to be sold likely would include Boyd Gaming Corp., Penn National Gaming and investor Carl Icahn. Icahn controls Las Vegas-based Tropicana Entertainment and the mothballed Fontainebleau resort. The Fertittas are also expected to bid for the assets, which the company hopes will be sold as a package and not separately.

"Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta remain keenly interested in these properties and Fertitta Gaming would like to aggressively pursue the acquisition of these assets," said a statement from Marc Falcone, chief financial officer of the brothers' company Fertitta Gaming.

Lorenzo Fertitta has served as a Station director since 1991 and was its president through June 2008. He co-owns Zuffa LLC, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and has served as its chairman and chief executive since June 2008.

"The plan contemplates that Station Casinos will conduct an orderly sale process for the ... properties on a going concern basis, under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court and in a manner designed to procure the highest and best transaction available," Station said in court papers.

Station said the reorganization plan is supported by lenders of nearly all of the $2.475 billion in debt encumbering Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station.

Bondholders owed $2.3 billion have yet to weigh in on the plan. Attorneys for the bondholders, organized as the bankruptcy case's Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, said Thursday they had no immediate comment on the reorganization plan.

Station's filing extends for 60 days the period in which Station alone can file a reorganization plan.

The bondholders have previously sought permission to sue Station over 2007's $8.8 billion going-private transaction in which the company was sold to Colony and the Fertittas, charging the deal crippled Station with an additional $1.7 billion in debt.

Station last reported in November that its debt and liabilities totaled $6.8 billion -- a sum the company has been unable to service because the recession has reduced spending at its hotels and casinos. Station's inability to meet its debt obligations and the refusal of some creditors to agree to a consensual reorganization led to last summer's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.

Station, which has been targeted by a Culinary Union labor organizing campaign, said in Wednesday's filing that after emerging from bankruptcy it intends to "mitigate the impact on its team members of the restructuring process."

Workers at the new Fertitta-run company would receive pay increases and restoration of a match for their 401(K) investment plan and the new company would "take other steps to ensure that its team members enjoy competitive wages and benefits," Station said in its filing.

Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer D. Taylor issued this statement in response to the reorganization plan:

“Workers are organizing to form a union at Station Casinos and what is important to these workers is not who ends up running their casinos and what financial maneuverings are going on in the bankruptcy proceedings, but that their jobs, benefits, and rights are protected. They have suffered greatly at Station Casinos. Their retirement benefits have been slashed, their health insurance costs have gone up, and hundreds of workers have lost jobs as a result of subcontracting. These workers are concerned about their future and their ability to take care of themselves and their families and that is why they came to the union. They don’t want their employer, whoever it may end up being, to be able to turn their lives upside down on a whim. They also want their right to form a union to be respected. They don’t want to be harassed, intimidated or coerced simply because they support the union.”

Station has denied union charges of harassing workers supportive of the union.

Besides being a potential bidder for assets if Station's reorganization plan is approved, Boyd Gaming on Thursday signaled the reorganization plan itself may face objections.

"Based on the limited information Station has provided regarding their proposed reorganization plan, it appears to favor Station insiders and includes the transfer of certain unspecified 'OpCo' assets to PropCo. Such a transfer of assets could harm the value of OpCo at the expense of creditors. It's important to note that Station’s entire plan of reorganization will be unsuccessful without the support of the OpCo creditors," Boyd said in a statement. "We remain interested in acquiring all of Station’s assets and continue to believe that Boyd Gaming is in the best position to offer maximum value to Station’s creditors, and to protect the interests of its employees, customers and the Las Vegas community."

The "OpCo" assets Boyd referred to are Station assets other than Red Rock, Palace Station, Boulder Station and Sunset Station.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Australian Casino News: Crown Casino PR Style With `Disarray', by Greg Tingle - 9th April 2010

In the land "down under" sometimes hard news is kept quite for a while, but invariably the cat gets out of the bag. You want evident, well look no further than the Australian Government internet "blacklist" and proposed internet filter. The more they tried to keep it quite, the bigger the story got, pushed along nicely by Media Man and Gambling911 we might add.

Today the blacklist may be the Australian governments biggest headache, on both a national and international scale. Even the U.S President and his Administrative army are none too pleased to hear that Australia is becoming one of the world's biggest 'Enemys Of The Internet' according to Reporters Without Boarders.

Now Conroy and Rudd are trying their luck of rolling out a multi million (or billion) dollar broadband network, something that may take up to a decade to complete, and yes, its supposed to come with censorship measures included (which the majority of technology experts say will slow the bloody thing down), but that's another story and scandal building for the dynamic duo of Kevin "Bloody" Rudd and Stephen "Mr Censorship" Conroy. We think Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott will have defeated Rudd via knockout punch soon enough.

Recently our friends at James Packer's Crown Casino had a problem to iron out in relation to the annual Logie awards, which Packer and Billionaire Inc have managed to keep under the hat of Crown City Casino in Melbourne.

Media Man and Gambling911 go undercover with this report...

Crown Casino has been the hosting venture of the TV Week Logie Awards for years now, despite competitors such as Tabcorp's Jupiters on the Gold Coast trying to steal it away.

Less than a month before Australian television's "night of nights", ACP Magazines furiously fired the PR outfit it engaged to handle this year's Logie's at Crown.

The PR in the lead-up to the Crown Casino event on the 2nd has put cold water on what is Australia's major annual red carpet and television event.

The event is usually good PR for Packer's Crown aka 'World Of Entertainment', but this year is proving more challenging that most, even though Crown bean counters and legal eagles are happy.

The firing of specialist fashion PR outfit Torstar came just four days after News Limited revealed the Logie nominations breaky held at Sydney's Ivy Bar 10 days prior had been heavily criticised and panned severely by the television networks for being "disorganised".

Insiders said one of the Torstar publicists had not known who Rebecca Gibney (last year's Gold Logie Award winner and star of Packed to the Rafters), was.

Media Man and Gambling911 advise that its possible that there was a conspiracy to get rid of the original PR firm, especially giving the often "bitchy" and "precious" nature of the Australian entertainment - showbiz landscape, and the high stakes involved. A Media Man insider whispered "The Australian media and entertainment landscape and business is extremely political. If certain folks decide they want to get rid of X, that's it, it happens".

Gibney is one of a eight contenders going for the coveted Gold Logie, including comedians Shaun Micallef, Paul McDermott, Rove McManus and Wil Anderson, and actors Ray Meagher and Esther Anderson. Australian casino king James Packer has not being nominated for any awards (but we enjoyed his guitar smashing antics anyway exhibited at City Of Dreams Macau last year). A birdie tells us a few folks from 'Underbelly' fame have been nominated, some of which played out gambling themes in the international smash hit.

Last week ACP Magazines (owner of The Logies), made an approach to The Lantern Group about taking over the event. "ACP and Torstar have mutually agreed not to continue to work together on the remainder of the TV Week Logies project 2010," ACP advised in a media statement.

Torstar's Tory Archbold told News Limited's The Australian that her contract with ACP was secure and she remained the "mouthpiece for TV Week".

"I know we did a good job" she proclaimed.

However, last night, ACP confirmed that The Lantern Group had been engaged to run the event.

Media Man - Jac Bowie burlesque queen and main squeeze, is rumored to attend the Logie's with of or two of her world class burlesque performers. MM and JB partner in crime, Grant Galea, famous for his Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra act, is also strongly rumored to appear. Buzz builds that communications and property entrepreneur, Kym Illman, may show up with his famous 'Money Girl' in toe (dressed in nothing but $50 and $100 notes we understand!). Illman, a former Media Man client (from a Shane Warne spinner campaign) is understood to be a key Media Man "secret weapon" in Australia's casino war. Bowie and Galea are extremely excited about Australia's casino was opening up more opportunities for the elite of the Australian and international entertainment industry. At the time of publication it remains unclear if Shane Warne will attend the event, as Warnie has been very busy of late (and that's not including the 888 poker brand situation). Media analysts reckon Warnie would do well to change brands, maybe jumping ship to PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com and friends, if a deal can be reached. Betfair may also be another option. Ah, its nice to be wanted isn't it Warnie. Warne enjoys a long and largely positive history with Network Nine and ACP, as does most of the Media Man family and friends.

Team Packer and Team ACP Magazines will likely be glad when their affair is history. Crown Casino has bigger fish to fry, such as their focus to lure in the world's biggest gamblers, Gulfstream Jets and all, as NSW competitor, Star City Casino gets jets of their own, as Australia's casino wars continue to heat up. No word as yet if plastic handcuffs will be used on guests, performers or burlesque queens, but we promise to keep you posted.

If its true that news is something, someone, somewhere, doesn't want someone else to know, everything else is PR, I think we proved the point once again here at your uncensored, unfiltered, friendly gaming, igaming, betting, entertainment and political window to the world. Gambling911, dedicated to providing you with the news... not always what you want to hear, but what you need to know... just ask Jesse "The Body" Ventura at 'Conspiracy Theory', if he's not too busy investigating the Australian political and casino landscape 'Casino Jack' style. A bridie tells us one of his key targets is Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications aka Minister of Censorship and Silly Lists). Good hunting and 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 bakers dozen of industry verticals they report on. Media Man operates website portals in Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe and the United States.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino

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Thursday, April 08, 2010

Casino Cash Rolls In To Australia Political Parties, by Greg Tingle - 8th April 2010

Australian political parties and land based casino operators remain under the spotlight as more revelations about substantial donations from casinos to politics goes public.

Media Man and Gambling911 investigate 'Casino Jack' style, as we explore a new patch of Australia's 'Underbelly'.

From the get go, let it be said that it is not illegal (yet anyway) to make donations to Aussie political parties. Cash and cheques hit their coffers from any number of business sectors, certainly not restricted to the casino, hotel, club and resort sector et al. It's almost part of Australia business culture to cough up dollars to the majority of the political parties.

However, just because something is legal, or illegal for that matter, doesn't mean it is just.

In recent months Labor and Liberal have been inundated with buckets of cash from corporate Australia, and it doesn't get much more corporate that Tabcorp's Star City Casino and Crown Limited's Crown Casino.

Numbers obtained by the NSW Election Funding Authority show state Labor accepted $2.5 million in donations and union affiliation fees between July and December, while the Liberals and Nationals took in $1.9 million. Ah, Jack Abramoff from 'Casino Jack' fame would be proud.

The massive donations are a sign that big business aims win favour and positive history with an incoming Coalition government, the Liberals and Nationals have raised $19.5 million since the 2007 election from the hotels (inc casinos), clubs (pokie heaven), finance, pharmaceutical, lobbyist and property (more casinos) sector.

We've learned that in the same window, Labor snatched $16.5 million to its coffers, some of which is used for television commercials promoting NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally. We alert readers to the fact that Australian TV stations have been extremely quite on the internet censorship debate, while newspapers and radio, and internet forums, have been very vocal, but more on that non - coincidence later, if we're not busy playing a spot of golf with the 'Minister Of Silly Lists' and Censorship... if he's not busy being summoned to a "Please Explain" meeting with Prime Minster Kevin Rudd... (if he's not busy getting an "ear bashing" from U.S President Barack Obama about censorship). Readers, are you following this trail?

The political donations are putting intense pressure on the Australian government to implement recommendations handed down by a parliamentary committee last week, including a cap on donations at just $2000 per political party, group or independent candidate each financial year.

It's no secret that Labor received $115,000 from Star City Casino in the second half of last year, around the same times as the laws regulating the casino were being loosened and its exclusive licence was extended in Parliament. In 2008 Star donated $110,000 just two months before it was granted approval for a $575 million redevelopment, and readers will recall that their budget has just been increased by $100 million or so, which helps build more entertainment rooms, and may even go towards learjets for high rolling VIP's, as they go to "war" with Packer's Crown.

A spokeswoman for Ms Keneally said any suggestion that political donations had influenced concessions that allowed gambling controls and surveillance to be watered down was not correct. "Donations have no impact on the timing of bills going through Parliament.".

Political donations are keenly watched as an indication of which companies and wealthy individuals may be lobbying government. The Australian and international gaming community is watching closely to see what moves PartyGaming and Betfair may make in this space.

PartyGaming famously came to financial terms with the United States Department Of Justice last year to the tune of $100 million or thereabouts. It wasn't a pure donation, however the U.S knew Party had the money, and it was an opportunity for PartyGaming to move forward. PartyGaming and its brands such as PartyCasino and PartyPoker are making strategic moves to return to the U.S market and regulation changes are afoot, just its World Poker Tour is making pro active steps to boost things along with a pending play in the North American - Canadian region, which may see much of the U.S change its stance on igaming, poker tournaments and the like. Last fortnight PartyGaming inked an impressive business deal with France horse racing operator PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain). PartyGaming also enjoys b2b dealings with such mainstream brands as Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Frank Sinatra Enterprises, StudioCanal, Blizard Entertainment, Infinity Ward, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Hasbro, MGM and FremantleMedia. PartyGaming are understood to be in the "good books" of internet giants Google, Yahoo! and Bing!... something that has also served Gambling911 and Media Man International well over the years. Google is currently developing its own advanced web hosting and ISP services in a move that has has generated massive interest from mainstream media, new media and gaming operators.

Back to the pure political news...Figures Gambling911 and Media Man sourced via Fairfax Media and News Limited state the following...

In the second half of last year the biggest donors included: Clubs NSW, which gave $59,000 to Labor and $101,555 to the Coalition; Manildra Group, $40,850 (Labor) and $19,050 (Coalition); property developer Memo Corporation, $36,850 (Labor) and $22,200 (Liberal); and the Independent Retailers Association, $77,820 (Labor) and $9000 (Liberal). The Liberals accepted $57,926 from the Australian Hotels Association and $49,750 from British American Tobacco.

The Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell, personally raised $174,650 at 10 fund-raisers held in his name and in his electorate, including raising some $108,100 at the Ku-ring-gai Business Breakfast last September.

Not to be outdone Labor collected in excess of $1 million in "affiliation fees" paid by unions between July and December.

In the coming weeks and months we will continue our probe into the relationships between Australian political parties and casinos, igaming operator, SP bookmakers and the like. Firms on our radar include but are not limited to Betfair, Centrebet, Full Tilt Poker (Easts Roosters NRL team connection), 888 (Warnie's the face of them for Australia), and a few others that will remain nameless for the moment.

Aussie's, anyone taking bets on what Australian land based casino operators are interested to enjoy a spot of golf with Senator Stephen Conroy (Minster of Communications, Censorship and "Silly Lists") Last time a casino exec played golf with our friend cash registers hit the jackpot. Ah, life is full of coincidences, just ask 'Casino Jack', coming soon to a movie theater near you if your an Aussie, Yankee or Kanok, but if your behind "The Great Internet Firewall" Of China, good luck, you will need it.

Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, stay on Kevin "Bloody" Rudd, we sense Rudd's corner man Conroy is going down for the count as we approach the 12th round of action, broadcast from Sydney to Las Vegas, Macau, Florida and beyond via the internet channel (that no one owns, Australian government included). Special referee Jesse "The Body" Ventura and his 'Conspiracy Theory' actuality TV show remain pro actively interested in the connection between Australian casinos, political parties and proposed internet filter and blacklist initiatives.

Media Man and Gambling911 offer this public service announcement: Bet with your head, not over it, and keep it fun (and that messages is also applicable to Australian political parties).

*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 network attracts approximately 6 million hits per month and has portals in Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States

*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino

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Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Crown Casino Ready For War With Sydney's Star City, by Greg Tingle - 7th April 2010

Casino wars are about to explode down under between Sydney (The Blues) and Melbournites (Melbourne).

Experts are divided as to who deal the first strike, but James Packer's "sweet deals" from the Victorian Government, along with the pending private jet purchase for VIP high flyers have certainly raised the ante.

Star City chiefs promise to turn it around from "an RSL club on steroids" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club" into a glamour showbiz icon of mammoth proportions. Vegas, look out baby! is the word.

They desire to crack Melbourne's lockdown on VIP high rollers, a couple of which are also being lured to Jupiters on the Gold Coast.

The action comes only one week after the New South Wales Government announced it indented to nab Melbourne's Formula 1 Grand Prix, Star City "mafia" have unleashed a new interstate - State Of Origin type war.

Sydney's "Star", owned by corporate "whale" Tabcorp, is expected to change its name and keep expanding, including adding a massive showbiz section... all part of a now a $640 million revitalisation, blowing the original budget by approximately $100 million. "It certainly has shades of the Crown Macau, now Altira Macau transformation up north in the Asia Pacific land of the dragons" whispered a Media Man insider.

The casino desires to host some of the world's biggest stars and entertainment icons with a new 4000 plus seat, $65 million international events centre.

Elton John, Lady Gaga, Rolling Stones, KISS, UFC and WWE are said to be on the want list, however the venue still may not be big enough to host them! Star wants Virgin's Richard Branson to pop in for a beer and photos, but Media Man spies advise Packer's got Branson nicely locked down and "more than satisfied with Crown", as is Tom Cruise. Sydney's Grant Galea and his world famous Dean Martin (and sometimes Frank Sintra act) is expected to make a return performance to Star City as the stakes climb. Hot off the heels of a Queen Elizabeth cruise liner show to a thousand patrons, Deano is hot, rocked, locked and ready to roll at Star and Crown. Galea and Media Man burlesque PR queen squeeze, Jac Bowie, is super excited about the casino wars heating up and sees the opportunity to showcase some more of Australia's and the world's burlesque queens... watch out Dita Von Teese! Sydney's icon sex symbol, Madame Lash, is rumoured to be interested to bring her VIP "Provocateur Package" (as enjoyed at Sydney's Hilton Hotel) to Star City and Crown. Some of the name wants by Star may be ambitions, but not all are Mission: Impossible.

Crown Casino is understood to be attracting 46,000 visitors a day (17 million a year), just about double Star City's patronage. Who said casinos are not tourism attractions... just another media beat up from detractors, but Packer's Crown and Star City are used to the knockers, so its water off a 'Pluka' ducks back.

Sydney is prepared for an epic battle with Crown, and wallets and passionate punters, and a few dolphins and whales are largely seen as the ultimate "catch" er prize. The bait is on the lure and rod, and they are looking forward to a happy hunting season, one which will break their drought of sorts.

Tabcorp top brass Larry Mullin advised Star City holds 20% of the lucrative VIP market.

He estimates Crown has 80% of turnover from high rollers, worth a cool $25 billion a year. So that's where Packer is pulling in the big bucks for big boys toys.

"We're getting the same high rollers, we're just not getting as many," Mullin said.

Crown cemented its place as The destination for international high rolling VIPs by offering the works, including a fleet of Gulfstream jets, soon to be expanded, as Gambling911 reported last week.

Sydney is fighting back, with a makeover to its VIP high rollers' den and plans to purchase its own fleet of jets. Why not buy a share in Virgin Galactic and the Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner and other toys while the cash splash is on.

Star's new MD, Sid Vaikunta, advised the revamp was imperative because the casino was treated by the general public as an "RSL club on steroids" aka "Pyrmont Workers Club".

Crown was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.

Sydney has warned Victoria that it wanted the Australian Grand Prix when the Melbourne contract expires in 2014.

The was sees Major Events Minister Tim Holding name calling the NSW Government the "nation's biggest blowhards", but we reckon its better to blow hard, than not blow at all.

Media Man and Gambling911 advise burlesque performers, "casino babes" and "poker babe tournaments and events" may be a "secret weapon in the process", and maybe some risque b2b may factor in the process, be it casino and entertainment website portals, pole dancers and maybe even some sort of escort VIP "service" for VIP's, of course. Star City and Crown Casino remain tight lipped on such initiatives. If its not talked about, it doesn't exist... yeah right!

Sydney and Melbourne's nightlife is expected to prosper as the casino war heats up, and the big winners are expected to be the NSW and VIC state governments, and maybe even Rudd's Federal government might make a dollar or two out of it also (even though Rudd and "Minster Of Silly Lists", Stephen Conroy, don't like pokies) and have recently displayed what many see as their blatant favoritism to "bible bashers" and fun police as "save the children" campaigners continue to try to spoil everyones fun, even dissing our beloved FHM, Playboy, Penthouse, Zoo and Maxim poker babes. Ya bloody mongrels!

Rest assured Media Man and Gambling911 will continue to cover the scene in an uncensored and no holds barred type approach, one that may or may not get caught up in the "Great Australian Firewall" as D Day approaches.

Australia's land based casinos are also being seen to be taking the fight to online casinos aka cyber casinos, as Betfair, PartyGaming and others compete for the new breed of gambler, one who prefers to do it from home, without the need for limos, let alone learjets.

*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of a dozen industry verticals covered.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Thursday, April 01, 2010

Frank Sinatra Land Based Casino To Close But Sinatra Slot Lives On At PartyGaming, by Greg Tingle - 1st April 2010

A Nevada casino once owned by legend Frank Sinatra and patronised by Hollywood stars and mobsters has closed due to plunging gambling rates and competition from the Vegas strip.

Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as we mix it up with Hollywooders, journos, academics and mobsters...

Associations with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior has not been enough to save the Cal Neva Lodge Casino from the distressed US land based casino industry.

The casino, situated on Lake Tahoe near the California border, last year saw its revenues fall to approximately 50% of what they enjoyed in 1992 allowing for inflation, tipped Mr William Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada.

Other local casinos continue to close or have downsized, unable to compete with Las Vegas, not in good shape itself – and the growing number of gambling resorts on Native American Indian reservations.

"The realities are when you have that kind of decline the weakest operators typically get pushed out," advised Mr Eadington. "The older, tired casinos and the Cal Neva is a great example, don't have much to offer for gaming."

Understood to be America's oldest licensed casino, the Cal Neva opened for business in 1926. The Cal Veva enjoyed its peak in the early 1960s when it was bought by Sinatra, reportedly in partnership with Sam Giancana, a Chicago mobster.

Adding a 35-seat celebrity showroom and rooftop helicopter pad, Samy and Frank ensured film stars, singers and Mafiosi enjoyed its blackjack games and roulette tables.

A network of underground tunnels, built to smuggle alcohol during Prohibition, allowed the VIP guests to move around the establishment without being seen by the general public.

Monroe actually spent the last weekend of her colourful life at The Cal in 1962 as a guest of the infamous 'Rat Pack' actor Peter Lawford and his wife.

Various stories circulate as to why the blond goddess was there. One story goes on to say she discussed making a film with Dean Martin and to patch things up with her second husband, baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, yet another Cal Neva regular. The other side of the story we learn is that a 1999 biography claimed Monroe was brought there to be threatened not to reveal her Mafia links, drugged in her cabin and photographed in compromising positions! Another Cal Neva rumour claims she used the resort for a tryst with John F Kennedy.

Staff concede the resort has traded off its colourful history but Guy Rocha, a former Nevada state archivist, said it would not register with younger gamblers. The hotel and restaurant remain open, but the tables, slots and other gambling activity are history.

"The Cal Neva doesn't capture people's imagination the way it once did," he said.

The Sinatra name is however alive and strong on the internet. Media Man has created an online tribute (with the help of Wikipedia) which is found here
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/sinatra.html and an authentic Sinatra online slot game, developed by 'The Games Studio' of PartyGaming fame is also showcased. Frank Sinatra Enterprises came to business terms with PartyGaming last year and the slot game has proven to be one of the most popular of all time, even competing with the legendary Cleopatra, developed by IGT (International Gaming Technology) and WagerWorks. Gangster and mob related games are some of the most popular found anywhere in the world. 'The Godfather' franchise also has an online slot game and rumours are circulating that Australia's late Kerry Packer (code named "The Goanna" in The Costigan Commission report) may also get the same treatment.

PartyGaming is also currently rumoured to be in discussions with the Canadian Poker Tour aka HeadsUp Entertainment, as well as enjoying M&A talk with Bwin and others. This past week PartyGaming inked a b2b multi year deal with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Party will provide its poker product to its horse racing website. Party continues its global strategy with France, South America, India, the U.S and Australia in its sights.

Media Man remains optimistic about America's igaming industry growth, having created http://www.americangamingnews.com and http://www.hollywoodslotgames.com

A Media Man insider was overheard, "If only the U.S igaming market would open up sooner rather than later. We could kick some major goals under Gambling911 and the Sly Stallone - Arnie connection guidance. I guess we will have to stick mainly to poker and sports betting in the U.S sector for now, but when things change those Gambling911 guys, PartyGaming and the Media Man crew might just take over Vegas and Atlantic City... we could back door it in via Canada and North America with those Canadian Poker tournament guys. It will be just like the good old days, and you know history repeats my friend".

*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 firm covers approximately a dozen business vertical markets including gaming and igaming

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