The Australian gaming, casino and political wars are reaching new heights, with at least 2 Aussie MP's seemingly making it their mission in life to take on the pokies. Some insiders say they should get a a life, with others say they are fighting the good fight. Yep, Australia's thought police are having another crack. What's interesting in that most agree that further regulation would be a good thing, but for most change isn't happening soon enough, despite the release of the Australian Productivity Report into gaming and gambling. Media Man and Gambling911 probe the relationship between politics and Aussie casinos, gaming and gambling...
Much stronger regulation of Australia's $10 billion slot machine aka "pokie" industry may become a significant issue in determining the nation's next government, after a independent lawmaker called for gambling reform this past Friday.
MP Andrew 'Wild & Witty' (MM tag) Wilkie is one of (gang of) 5 cross-bench lawmakers who will help determine which of Australia's two major political parties form a minority government after an inconclusive election.
The 'wild and witty' one called for a crackdown on slot machines, blaming them for causing addiction and misery for families.
One may pose the question, are the people or the machines this problem, or is it a combination? Or, are some MP's just looking for a point of difference and platform to stand out from the pack? Some saw a Melbourne media identity playing the anti pokies card and slogan as not much more than an elaborate media stunt.
Let's now cross for some rip snorted quotes from our learned friend...
"This in particular is one issue where I would demand reform," he told the press, joined by a sitting independent senator who has been a passionate advocate of tighter regulation. "I would not regard inaction any longer as acceptable."
Slots aka pokies are prevalent in pubs, not just casinos, and account for the majority of the gambling - gaming industry's turnover. Aussies gambled A$10.5 billion on slots in pubs and clubs in the year to June 2009, and another A$1.4 billion on machines in casinos, according to government data. Just quite how much goes to online casinos isn't as clear, and website portals such as Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory are doing well out of it, but the number is thought to be millions, perhaps billions. Let's see.. x website portals x 200 games, plus a Hitwise top ten website portal and news media... strong combo. Leading brand names such as Marvel Entertainment (Thor and Hulk etc), Paramount Pictures, Google, Sony, FremantleMedia, IGT (Cleopatra etc) and Hasbro (Monopoly) are also in on the act. The punters and casinos often prefer the branded slots, as they command a loyal audience.
Listed Aussie companies that are plugged into slot machine revenues include gaming and wagering groups Tabcorp Holdings, Tatts and Crown Limited as well as Aristocrat Leisure, which just happens to be the world's 2nd largest maker of pokies aka "one armed bandits".
Regulation of gambling sits with Australia's 6 states, but national and state governments work together, or so they say, to ensure a coordinated approach to regulatory issues.
The states currently rely heavily on taxes from slots but they also rely on Canberra for funding support, which is understood to give the national government leverage in areas of state influence. You know, 'How to win friends and influence people'. Look it up, if you haven't already. It's a great read.
Wilkie said he desired single bets limited to A$1 ($0.89) each and players prevented from spending more than A$120 an hour. Currently, players can wager as much as A$10 every time they activate the bandit. Some say the 'thought police' should but out, but others say some people need protection from themselves, so the machines need to be adjusted or replaced. Cleopatra was not open to an interview on the matter when probed... just kidding... inside joke.
"This is something that will reduce the hurt," he said. The witty one went on to add that that 40-50% of slot-machine losses were suffered by problem gamblers, but many media commentators have disputed his % claim saying its closer to 2 - 10%, and that he's going for shock value and headlines, and needs to stick to the facts, or end up looking like a goose... one without a golden egg.
Wilkie advised he would raise his plan during his meetings with Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and with opposition leader Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, set for today at this stage.
Both Gillard's Labor party and Abbott's conservative coalition have been reluctant to crack down on the gambling industry because of its funding importance to the states, which are also traditionally governed by one of the major parties.
Both mainstream news media and gaming media will be watching this space with bated breath, so don't change your dial.
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Readers, what's your take on the situation? What's your favorite games? Who is your favorite politician, if you have one? Should further regulation be introduced, and why or why not.
Aussie MP's may find encouragement in this classic line... One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man (Elbert Hubbard).
We can't help wondering what would have the late, great, Kerry Packer proposed if he were still with us. Maybe there's an opportunity here for Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, to go public on this thoughts about the way the Australian traditional and internet gaming landscape should be further developed and regulated. Possible or 'Mission: Impossible'? Over to you Mr Packer, punters, one and all. Let them know you heard it on the Gambling911 and Media Man 'Bush Telegraph', just around the corner from 'Goanna Gold' and Bondi Beaches' Golden Mile. 'Casino Jack', stay on hold, we won't call unless we need to, or decide to add a surge of additional fun and games to the giant political chess board. Cheque, cash or Check Mate?
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good punting, and keep your politicians honest.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
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Property News Media is the property, property news, property and financial news and investment arm of Media Man Australia. News, reviews, trends, profiles, interviews, multimedia and more.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Property News Media Website Network Updated
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Australian Casino, Gaming And Politics News, by Greg Tingle - 25th August 2010
Australian casino, gaming and political news remains crazy. Australia is counting the final ballots as Australia awaits the announcement of who the Prime Minister actually is! Crown casino has signed up more world class entertainment acts and online gaming and gambling moves forward down under, as the industry awaits internet laws to catch up to reality, in line with much of the rest of the world. James Packers' Crown Casino marketing, internet and legal is going to be very busy, as they updated system and websites to the evolution of the online gaming world, with a bit of Aussie Casino Wars on the side. Media Man and Gambling911 once again dominate the world of online gaming reporting, with just enough politics to keep them honest. Enjoy the ongoing journey of discovery...
Crown Casino Getting More Top Line Entertainment Acts...
The Australian Bee Gees Show returns to The Palms with a brand new show celebrating 50 years of wonderful music by the Brothers Gibb. This multimedia concert event is the only Melbourne show in the Australian leg of their 2010 world tour. Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show has played to capacity houses around the world, cementing their reputation as an exceptional live concert act and the world's leading Bee Gees show. For one night only be a part of the magic that is, The Australian Bee Gees Show. Date Saturday 28 August 2010
Time: Doors Open: 7:30pm
Australian Hip Hop Championships 2010 - 18th September
Tommy Fleming - 1 - 2 October
Village People - 8 - 9 October
Cirque Mother Africa - 12 - 24 October
Bjorn Again - 18 - 21 October
Leo Sayer - 27 November
World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...
BJORN AGAIN plus Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010
Tabcorp May Take On US Private Debt!...
Australian gaming gaint Tabcorp Holdings is looking at refinancing options as debt repayments near, and declared a preference for placing bonds in the US private debt market, its finance top brass says.. The firm would consider Australia dollars and other currencies, but the US traditional private placement market would be a natural place to revisit since the company has issued $US1 billion ($A1.11 billion) of bonds there, chief financial officer Matt Bekier told the press. "Ideally, I'd like to get 12 to 15-year money," Bekier said.
Traditional private placements in the United States have been a popular source of funds for Australian companies looking for long-dated debt. 7 Australian borrowers raised a total of $US2.2 billion so far this year. Bekier also said he was committed to keeping the firm's investment grade ratings, as Tabcorp embarks on an $860 million expansion strategy. Tabcorp is trying to fill a looming hole in its earnings from 2012 when it and Tatts Group are due to lose their duopoly on gaming machines in the Australian state of Victoria. This month, ratings agency Standard & Poor's warned it may cut Tabcorp's BBB-plus ratings due to higher debt levels after spending money on a revamp of Sydney's Star City Casino. "We want to remain investment grade, whether they are BBB flat or BBB-plus," Mr Bekier said. The lowest ratings for investment grade is BBB-minus. Bekier said his main focus was ensuring gross debt did not exceed a ratio of 2-2.5 times the firm's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. He did not say where the ratio stood currently, though it was within that range. "That is, to me, the bigger metric," Bekier said. As to whether Tabcorp would consider raising equity to protect its ratings downgrade, as suggested by a Merrill Lynch research report, Bekier is unequivocal. "The idea we would raise equity just to maintain a specific rating is a bit outlandish," Bekier said. Tabcorp has $450 million of debt maturing in just over one year and is looking at refinancing into long-term debt. Typical buyers of US traditional private placements are "buy and hold" US insurance companies keen on long-dated paper to match their liabilities. Bekier said the Australian dollar bond market would always be part of Tabcorp's funding strategy but would not be its core, mostly because of the firm's focus on long-term debt. The gaming outfit could also sell Australian dollar retail bonds, as it did last year when all other long-term funding avenues were shut in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, Bekier highlighted the high costs associated with selling retail bonds. "It was relatively expensive," Bekier said, adding that the all-in cost of issuing retail bonds was around 100 basis points above what Tabcorp could get elsewhere. Unlike Japan and New Zealand, retail bond offers are rare in Australia, where bonds are typically reserved for professional investors. The Aussie authorities introduced this year measures to to ease documentation and speed up the lengthy process to give that market a boost. Yet Tabcorp's Bekier said the regulators would have to go much further still to attract borrowers. Looks like the Aussie Casino Wars are taking on more of an international flavor. Debt anyone?
Greens Exclude Themselves From Cabinet: Betfair Fun And Games...
The two Greens members of the Tasmanian Cabinet have excluded themselves from Cabinet deliberations over Betfair. Greens leader Nick McKim and the Greens Cabinet secretary Cassy O'Connor 48 hours ago exercised their right to abstain from Cabinet deliberations on an area of policy difference. Labor members of Cabinet approved legislation to enact a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government and the online betting agency Betfair before the March state election. It includes a reduction in the company's state tax contribution, a move opposed by the Greens. McKim says it is simply a policy clash that will happen from time to time in the power-sharing Cabinet. Bartlett says it's the first time the Greens Cabinet members have abstained from deliberations under the power-sharing model. He says the difference was handled with maturity. "The spirit of cabinet is a very positive one," he said. Bartlett says the rest of Cabinet supported legislation to reduce the company's state tax contribution to secure its future in Tasmania for another 10 years. "This is a clear indication that this relationship is maturing and that the protocols that we have put in place to provide for certainty and stability are working." Liberal leader Will Hodgman says it is a split that highlights the uncertainty and instability of the Labor-Green Government. His statement did not indicate whether the Liberals would support the Betfair bill. Political analyst Richard Herr says if the Greens oppose the Betfair bill, the Government will need the support of the Liberals to pass the legislation. "Well the Government will realise that if it proceeds to present this to the House and the Greens do not support it and the Liberals don't support it then it will fall over, it'll fail," he said. "Either they're betting the Opposition will or they are manoeuvring to oppose the legislation in hopes that it will embarrass the opposition." Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for more political and gaming fun and games, and Packer's Betfair (now understood to be off the ACMA blacklist) is tipped to remain in the thick of the action.
Punters Remain Excited On Aussie Election Result...
Australian punters wagered as much as $10 million on the election poll, with 1000s taking their changes on the craze that is election betting. There's is no sign of when the bookies will pay out or even when betting markets will actually close. Many are still taking bets on the final results two major betting agencies reported a flood of money rushing back to Julia Gillard on Monday afternoon. Prime Minister Gillard is neck and neck with Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten for the top job, says many punters. Betfair insiders Daniel Hoare went on record with "By Friday afternoon we had somewhere around $2.5 million on the federal election market overall. But at that point in time about mid-afternoon Friday there was about $3,000 a minute being traded on the election. That market now is bordering on $3.5 million. In the past few hours there's been a significant move towards Labor. This morning the Coalition were red-hot favourites to find a way to form government, but for some reason in the past few hours those odds have tightened right in for Labor and it's almost pretty much a toss-of-the-coin market at the moment and it's heavily fluctuating as we speak." Analyst Neil Evans from online betting agency Centrebet also noticed an increase in the total amount gambled and advised about $5.5 million has been wagered through Centrebet. "Certainly in the main book, the prime ministerial book, the market's still powering away," he said. "Hung Parliament punters of course have been paid and those who took the Coalition with the start, they're all in the winners' queue and of course most of the seats, but the battle goes on. It's been a very big day for the Australian Labor Party, who went from being favourite for so long out to a clear outsider overnight, with negotiations continuing. "But they've been backed from as high as $2.75 right down to $1.85 equal now with the Coalition. So the momentum back with Labor, the Coalition coming a long way out from $1.40 out to $1.85.". Some academic research suggests betting trends are a more reliable indicator of a likely election result than opinion polls. Newspoll, which is published in The Australian newspaper, was the closest to predicting the result with its final poll on Saturday. "We came out with a 50.2 two-party to a 49.8 in favour of Labor, which shows that we're very likely to have a hung Parliament. It was so close to 50-50 it wasn't funny," said Newspoll chief executive Martin O'Shannessy. Most of the other national polls showed a narrow Labor win, with the party ahead of the Coalition 52 to 48 on a two-party preferred basis. Newspoll had also been predicting a 52 to 48 result for most of the campaign and Mr O'Shannessy admits to being slightly nervous about Saturday's poll. "Obviously when you see a change like that, and especially the big negative swing in Queensland, you worry. "Then you look at it and you think well, a big move like that is much more than what you'd expect from sampling error, so the odds are then hundreds to one against it actually being sampling error. "And so while your hands shake, you have to remind yourself of the rules of sampling and you know and go with it."
Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...(But Keeps Changing)!!!
Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election.
Aristocrat Not Concerned About Poker Machine Rules And Regulations...
Tougher rules and regulations on Aussie pokies are not likely to be a big ticket item of the new federal government, the gambling machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure has gone on record with. The company's half-year results went public less than 48 hours ago, and showed a 23% drop in revenue and a net profit of $49.5 million, Aristocrat's chief executive, Jamie Odell, advised he did not expect a new government would act soon on recommendations of the Productivity Commission's recent report on gambling, and did not factor it into his outlook. The report, published way back in June, proposes $1 bet limits with a maximum of $20 to be fed into a machine at any one time and recommends a pre-commitment system by 2016, for players to set a limit on the amount they are prepared to lose. The former prime minister Kevin Rudd referred the report to a council of state governments to consider. First things first...Once the election results are known, the new parliament may include the independent anti-pokie campaigner Andrew Wilkie. The Greens, who support greater restrictions on poker machines, will hold the balance of power in the Senate. 'O' told analysts earlier in the week that it was too early to know what all this might mean, and any changes would need to be managed "in an orderly manner through new product coming through. In the short term I'm not factoring anything in around the government because, like you, I don't know which government we will take or what influence that will have, but I would think with all the other issues around it wouldn't be the first cab off the block." Aristocrat's profit includes a $12.7 million sale of an asset, but also represents a turnaround from the $33 million loss the company reported this time last year, and its $157 million full-year loss. It reported encouraging results in its biggest market, North America, where profit rose 5.5% in local currency, but it made a 199 million-yen loss in Japan. Aussie revenue fell 22% and profit fell 46% to $11.8 million. Odell described the local result as unacceptable and attributed it to difficult market conditions "legacy issues" within the company. Aristocrat reported some good news with strong sales in Macau and in Singapore's 2 new casinos but Odell said he expected trading conditions to remain difficult in most markets. "We do not expect any improvement over the balance of 2010." Aristocrat declared an unfranked 3.5% dividend to be paid on September 30. Profit results were roughly in line with expectations, and shares rose 2.62% to close off at $3.52.
James Packer: Casino And Media King News Report...
James Packer's pay television investment group Consolidated Media Holdings last week said it would not seek a new standstill agreement with Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings when the current agreement expires on September 10. The 2 groups reached the agreement last year following Seven raids on Consolidated Media, which raised Seven's stake in the group to 19.9%, compared to James Packer's 40.8% holding.
Mildura Jewel Casino Prop: Up To Public...
If Mildura wants a casino now is the time for the city’s “movers and shakers” to back the proposed $400 million development. That is the view of the man behind the Mildura Jewel entertainment and convention centre plan, casino and property developer John Haddad. In an exclusive interview with the Sunraysia Daily this week, Mr Had dad said the time for him to “push” the project had lapsed – it was now up to Mildura to show it wanted the development. It was a development he labelled “a once in a lifetime opportunity” for Mildura, one he hoped people would see as critical to underpinning the city’s future. “It’s a Mildura thing now, not a John Haddad thing anymore,” he said. “I’m not pushing it now – I’m standing back. “I’ve put the project and the idea together for everybody to look at. “I’ll await the outcome. “All I will say is that it’s an extraordinary opportunity that has been handed to Mildura by the government, to be able to decide whether it wants the Jewel or not.” Casino proponents have been buoyed in recent weeks by the level of backing from various interest groups around the city. Last week, a group calling itself the Mildura Progress Action Group met for the first time, its immediate aim to gain information on the development and the processes needed to move it forward. It followed earlier backing from the newly formed Advance Northwest Association, a resident-based, pro-development lobby group.
South Australian Govt Missing Millions Thanks To Online Gambling; Could Be National Trend...
Online gambling is clearly understood to be diverting tax money from state coffers as punters go colder on poker machines and give online pokies from the likes of PartyGaming, Centrebet, PKR, Virgin, Roxy Palace, Captain Cooks Casino and Media Man white label type deals a go. The most recent figures show a significant dip in the amount gamblers pour into the state's pokies and a $10 million annual fall in tax revenue. State Government analysis shows punters put $729 million into pokies in the past financial year, compared with $750 million in the 12 months to June 30, 2009. The result is the lowest annual outlay on poker machines for 6 years and has resulted in a Government gaming tax revenue drop from $292 million to $282 million in the past year. Experts say mass-media advertising campaigns have driven a dramatic rise in the popularity of internet gambling, which sidesteps traditional tax regulations. South Australian pubs and clubs have also suffered an $11 million revenue hit, which comes as smoking bans look to further harm the sector. Australian Hotels Association general manager Ian Horne said competition from both sports betting and online gambling outlets was placing major pressure on the industry. "The sports betting market is expanding enormously," he said. "Just look at the betting options for the federal election. The promotion of betting odds was unprecedented. It's becoming the normal way of life to bet on anything and everything." Horne said poker machines had been unfairly "demonised" while other gambling options were considered socially acceptable. A spokeswoman for Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the decline could be attributed to reduced household expenditure for recreational activities. "This expenditure is also affected by the Reserve Bank's increasing of interest rates over the past 12 months," she said. The spokeswoman also said the Government was working to reduce the number of pokies, despite figures showing 7 more in use now than last year. "There is always some variation in the number of live machines, as gaming venues may not use all of their entitlements, for example during renovations," she said.
"The Rann Government is committed to reducing pokie machine entitlements by 3000. "So far the Government has removed more than 2200 gaming machine entitlements from SA venues." Treasurer Kevin Foley has warned the state to brace for a tough September 14 Budget, saying the lingering impact of the global financial crisis has diminished revenue. Media Man and Gambling911 have strong reason to believe that online gaming and gambling will continue to grow in the Australian - Asia Pacific region, and many land based venues will continue to be hit hard.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Online gambling and gaming is here to stay in Australia. The internet is of course a global medium. Website portals, affiliate programmes, and media agency deals help determine where the traffic, players, entertainment dollar and media coverage goes to. Even Fairfax Media, News Limited and Google are big industry players now. YouTube may ramp up also. Website portal developers such as us have also done well. This is all fueled by media and gaming press speculation, and remains hot fodder for news articles. PartyGaming, Virgin, World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker remain some of the biggest brands that often get major articles in mainstream press, so of which we help facilitate, be it officially or unofficially. Smart Australian casino operators such as Crown Casino are starting to plug into the action, exampled by Crown accepting PartyGaming - PartyPoker.com online poker players as part of their Aussie Millions promo last year... one by an Aussie, and will be doing the same again this year. Google is pushing forward with Google Games on the back of Pac-Man. Marvel Entertainment, Sega, DC Comics and even Harrah's are expected to ramp up. Gambling911 and Media Man will remain in the thick of the action, even though gaming and sports betting are only 2 of about a dozen of sectors covered. Many media companies are heding thier bets are offering strong coverge, while also covering many of industries like tech, politics, entertainment and the like. Some brands like Party and Virgin are in a number of sectors which is very exciting and profitable. Online variations of Cleopatra, Monopoly and Sinatra remain the top slots, with Tomb Raider enjoying a second wind, with 3D games like Heist on the upswing too. The industry is looking forward to a further improved remainder of the year, and punters will be able to benifit from great promos and deals, so its a win - win - win".
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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...
Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January.
Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.
Crown Limited Shares...
$8.350
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good 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. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Crown Casino Getting More Top Line Entertainment Acts...
The Australian Bee Gees Show returns to The Palms with a brand new show celebrating 50 years of wonderful music by the Brothers Gibb. This multimedia concert event is the only Melbourne show in the Australian leg of their 2010 world tour. Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show has played to capacity houses around the world, cementing their reputation as an exceptional live concert act and the world's leading Bee Gees show. For one night only be a part of the magic that is, The Australian Bee Gees Show. Date Saturday 28 August 2010
Time: Doors Open: 7:30pm
Australian Hip Hop Championships 2010 - 18th September
Tommy Fleming - 1 - 2 October
Village People - 8 - 9 October
Cirque Mother Africa - 12 - 24 October
Bjorn Again - 18 - 21 October
Leo Sayer - 27 November
World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...
BJORN AGAIN plus Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010
Tabcorp May Take On US Private Debt!...
Australian gaming gaint Tabcorp Holdings is looking at refinancing options as debt repayments near, and declared a preference for placing bonds in the US private debt market, its finance top brass says.. The firm would consider Australia dollars and other currencies, but the US traditional private placement market would be a natural place to revisit since the company has issued $US1 billion ($A1.11 billion) of bonds there, chief financial officer Matt Bekier told the press. "Ideally, I'd like to get 12 to 15-year money," Bekier said.
Traditional private placements in the United States have been a popular source of funds for Australian companies looking for long-dated debt. 7 Australian borrowers raised a total of $US2.2 billion so far this year. Bekier also said he was committed to keeping the firm's investment grade ratings, as Tabcorp embarks on an $860 million expansion strategy. Tabcorp is trying to fill a looming hole in its earnings from 2012 when it and Tatts Group are due to lose their duopoly on gaming machines in the Australian state of Victoria. This month, ratings agency Standard & Poor's warned it may cut Tabcorp's BBB-plus ratings due to higher debt levels after spending money on a revamp of Sydney's Star City Casino. "We want to remain investment grade, whether they are BBB flat or BBB-plus," Mr Bekier said. The lowest ratings for investment grade is BBB-minus. Bekier said his main focus was ensuring gross debt did not exceed a ratio of 2-2.5 times the firm's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. He did not say where the ratio stood currently, though it was within that range. "That is, to me, the bigger metric," Bekier said. As to whether Tabcorp would consider raising equity to protect its ratings downgrade, as suggested by a Merrill Lynch research report, Bekier is unequivocal. "The idea we would raise equity just to maintain a specific rating is a bit outlandish," Bekier said. Tabcorp has $450 million of debt maturing in just over one year and is looking at refinancing into long-term debt. Typical buyers of US traditional private placements are "buy and hold" US insurance companies keen on long-dated paper to match their liabilities. Bekier said the Australian dollar bond market would always be part of Tabcorp's funding strategy but would not be its core, mostly because of the firm's focus on long-term debt. The gaming outfit could also sell Australian dollar retail bonds, as it did last year when all other long-term funding avenues were shut in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, Bekier highlighted the high costs associated with selling retail bonds. "It was relatively expensive," Bekier said, adding that the all-in cost of issuing retail bonds was around 100 basis points above what Tabcorp could get elsewhere. Unlike Japan and New Zealand, retail bond offers are rare in Australia, where bonds are typically reserved for professional investors. The Aussie authorities introduced this year measures to to ease documentation and speed up the lengthy process to give that market a boost. Yet Tabcorp's Bekier said the regulators would have to go much further still to attract borrowers. Looks like the Aussie Casino Wars are taking on more of an international flavor. Debt anyone?
Greens Exclude Themselves From Cabinet: Betfair Fun And Games...
The two Greens members of the Tasmanian Cabinet have excluded themselves from Cabinet deliberations over Betfair. Greens leader Nick McKim and the Greens Cabinet secretary Cassy O'Connor 48 hours ago exercised their right to abstain from Cabinet deliberations on an area of policy difference. Labor members of Cabinet approved legislation to enact a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government and the online betting agency Betfair before the March state election. It includes a reduction in the company's state tax contribution, a move opposed by the Greens. McKim says it is simply a policy clash that will happen from time to time in the power-sharing Cabinet. Bartlett says it's the first time the Greens Cabinet members have abstained from deliberations under the power-sharing model. He says the difference was handled with maturity. "The spirit of cabinet is a very positive one," he said. Bartlett says the rest of Cabinet supported legislation to reduce the company's state tax contribution to secure its future in Tasmania for another 10 years. "This is a clear indication that this relationship is maturing and that the protocols that we have put in place to provide for certainty and stability are working." Liberal leader Will Hodgman says it is a split that highlights the uncertainty and instability of the Labor-Green Government. His statement did not indicate whether the Liberals would support the Betfair bill. Political analyst Richard Herr says if the Greens oppose the Betfair bill, the Government will need the support of the Liberals to pass the legislation. "Well the Government will realise that if it proceeds to present this to the House and the Greens do not support it and the Liberals don't support it then it will fall over, it'll fail," he said. "Either they're betting the Opposition will or they are manoeuvring to oppose the legislation in hopes that it will embarrass the opposition." Stay tuned to Media Man and Gambling911 for more political and gaming fun and games, and Packer's Betfair (now understood to be off the ACMA blacklist) is tipped to remain in the thick of the action.
Punters Remain Excited On Aussie Election Result...
Australian punters wagered as much as $10 million on the election poll, with 1000s taking their changes on the craze that is election betting. There's is no sign of when the bookies will pay out or even when betting markets will actually close. Many are still taking bets on the final results two major betting agencies reported a flood of money rushing back to Julia Gillard on Monday afternoon. Prime Minister Gillard is neck and neck with Parliamentary Secretary Bill Shorten for the top job, says many punters. Betfair insiders Daniel Hoare went on record with "By Friday afternoon we had somewhere around $2.5 million on the federal election market overall. But at that point in time about mid-afternoon Friday there was about $3,000 a minute being traded on the election. That market now is bordering on $3.5 million. In the past few hours there's been a significant move towards Labor. This morning the Coalition were red-hot favourites to find a way to form government, but for some reason in the past few hours those odds have tightened right in for Labor and it's almost pretty much a toss-of-the-coin market at the moment and it's heavily fluctuating as we speak." Analyst Neil Evans from online betting agency Centrebet also noticed an increase in the total amount gambled and advised about $5.5 million has been wagered through Centrebet. "Certainly in the main book, the prime ministerial book, the market's still powering away," he said. "Hung Parliament punters of course have been paid and those who took the Coalition with the start, they're all in the winners' queue and of course most of the seats, but the battle goes on. It's been a very big day for the Australian Labor Party, who went from being favourite for so long out to a clear outsider overnight, with negotiations continuing. "But they've been backed from as high as $2.75 right down to $1.85 equal now with the Coalition. So the momentum back with Labor, the Coalition coming a long way out from $1.40 out to $1.85.". Some academic research suggests betting trends are a more reliable indicator of a likely election result than opinion polls. Newspoll, which is published in The Australian newspaper, was the closest to predicting the result with its final poll on Saturday. "We came out with a 50.2 two-party to a 49.8 in favour of Labor, which shows that we're very likely to have a hung Parliament. It was so close to 50-50 it wasn't funny," said Newspoll chief executive Martin O'Shannessy. Most of the other national polls showed a narrow Labor win, with the party ahead of the Coalition 52 to 48 on a two-party preferred basis. Newspoll had also been predicting a 52 to 48 result for most of the campaign and Mr O'Shannessy admits to being slightly nervous about Saturday's poll. "Obviously when you see a change like that, and especially the big negative swing in Queensland, you worry. "Then you look at it and you think well, a big move like that is much more than what you'd expect from sampling error, so the odds are then hundreds to one against it actually being sampling error. "And so while your hands shake, you have to remind yourself of the rules of sampling and you know and go with it."
Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...(But Keeps Changing)!!!
Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election.
Aristocrat Not Concerned About Poker Machine Rules And Regulations...
Tougher rules and regulations on Aussie pokies are not likely to be a big ticket item of the new federal government, the gambling machine manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure has gone on record with. The company's half-year results went public less than 48 hours ago, and showed a 23% drop in revenue and a net profit of $49.5 million, Aristocrat's chief executive, Jamie Odell, advised he did not expect a new government would act soon on recommendations of the Productivity Commission's recent report on gambling, and did not factor it into his outlook. The report, published way back in June, proposes $1 bet limits with a maximum of $20 to be fed into a machine at any one time and recommends a pre-commitment system by 2016, for players to set a limit on the amount they are prepared to lose. The former prime minister Kevin Rudd referred the report to a council of state governments to consider. First things first...Once the election results are known, the new parliament may include the independent anti-pokie campaigner Andrew Wilkie. The Greens, who support greater restrictions on poker machines, will hold the balance of power in the Senate. 'O' told analysts earlier in the week that it was too early to know what all this might mean, and any changes would need to be managed "in an orderly manner through new product coming through. In the short term I'm not factoring anything in around the government because, like you, I don't know which government we will take or what influence that will have, but I would think with all the other issues around it wouldn't be the first cab off the block." Aristocrat's profit includes a $12.7 million sale of an asset, but also represents a turnaround from the $33 million loss the company reported this time last year, and its $157 million full-year loss. It reported encouraging results in its biggest market, North America, where profit rose 5.5% in local currency, but it made a 199 million-yen loss in Japan. Aussie revenue fell 22% and profit fell 46% to $11.8 million. Odell described the local result as unacceptable and attributed it to difficult market conditions "legacy issues" within the company. Aristocrat reported some good news with strong sales in Macau and in Singapore's 2 new casinos but Odell said he expected trading conditions to remain difficult in most markets. "We do not expect any improvement over the balance of 2010." Aristocrat declared an unfranked 3.5% dividend to be paid on September 30. Profit results were roughly in line with expectations, and shares rose 2.62% to close off at $3.52.
James Packer: Casino And Media King News Report...
James Packer's pay television investment group Consolidated Media Holdings last week said it would not seek a new standstill agreement with Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings when the current agreement expires on September 10. The 2 groups reached the agreement last year following Seven raids on Consolidated Media, which raised Seven's stake in the group to 19.9%, compared to James Packer's 40.8% holding.
Mildura Jewel Casino Prop: Up To Public...
If Mildura wants a casino now is the time for the city’s “movers and shakers” to back the proposed $400 million development. That is the view of the man behind the Mildura Jewel entertainment and convention centre plan, casino and property developer John Haddad. In an exclusive interview with the Sunraysia Daily this week, Mr Had dad said the time for him to “push” the project had lapsed – it was now up to Mildura to show it wanted the development. It was a development he labelled “a once in a lifetime opportunity” for Mildura, one he hoped people would see as critical to underpinning the city’s future. “It’s a Mildura thing now, not a John Haddad thing anymore,” he said. “I’m not pushing it now – I’m standing back. “I’ve put the project and the idea together for everybody to look at. “I’ll await the outcome. “All I will say is that it’s an extraordinary opportunity that has been handed to Mildura by the government, to be able to decide whether it wants the Jewel or not.” Casino proponents have been buoyed in recent weeks by the level of backing from various interest groups around the city. Last week, a group calling itself the Mildura Progress Action Group met for the first time, its immediate aim to gain information on the development and the processes needed to move it forward. It followed earlier backing from the newly formed Advance Northwest Association, a resident-based, pro-development lobby group.
South Australian Govt Missing Millions Thanks To Online Gambling; Could Be National Trend...
Online gambling is clearly understood to be diverting tax money from state coffers as punters go colder on poker machines and give online pokies from the likes of PartyGaming, Centrebet, PKR, Virgin, Roxy Palace, Captain Cooks Casino and Media Man white label type deals a go. The most recent figures show a significant dip in the amount gamblers pour into the state's pokies and a $10 million annual fall in tax revenue. State Government analysis shows punters put $729 million into pokies in the past financial year, compared with $750 million in the 12 months to June 30, 2009. The result is the lowest annual outlay on poker machines for 6 years and has resulted in a Government gaming tax revenue drop from $292 million to $282 million in the past year. Experts say mass-media advertising campaigns have driven a dramatic rise in the popularity of internet gambling, which sidesteps traditional tax regulations. South Australian pubs and clubs have also suffered an $11 million revenue hit, which comes as smoking bans look to further harm the sector. Australian Hotels Association general manager Ian Horne said competition from both sports betting and online gambling outlets was placing major pressure on the industry. "The sports betting market is expanding enormously," he said. "Just look at the betting options for the federal election. The promotion of betting odds was unprecedented. It's becoming the normal way of life to bet on anything and everything." Horne said poker machines had been unfairly "demonised" while other gambling options were considered socially acceptable. A spokeswoman for Gambling Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the decline could be attributed to reduced household expenditure for recreational activities. "This expenditure is also affected by the Reserve Bank's increasing of interest rates over the past 12 months," she said. The spokeswoman also said the Government was working to reduce the number of pokies, despite figures showing 7 more in use now than last year. "There is always some variation in the number of live machines, as gaming venues may not use all of their entitlements, for example during renovations," she said.
"The Rann Government is committed to reducing pokie machine entitlements by 3000. "So far the Government has removed more than 2200 gaming machine entitlements from SA venues." Treasurer Kevin Foley has warned the state to brace for a tough September 14 Budget, saying the lingering impact of the global financial crisis has diminished revenue. Media Man and Gambling911 have strong reason to believe that online gaming and gambling will continue to grow in the Australian - Asia Pacific region, and many land based venues will continue to be hit hard.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Online gambling and gaming is here to stay in Australia. The internet is of course a global medium. Website portals, affiliate programmes, and media agency deals help determine where the traffic, players, entertainment dollar and media coverage goes to. Even Fairfax Media, News Limited and Google are big industry players now. YouTube may ramp up also. Website portal developers such as us have also done well. This is all fueled by media and gaming press speculation, and remains hot fodder for news articles. PartyGaming, Virgin, World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker remain some of the biggest brands that often get major articles in mainstream press, so of which we help facilitate, be it officially or unofficially. Smart Australian casino operators such as Crown Casino are starting to plug into the action, exampled by Crown accepting PartyGaming - PartyPoker.com online poker players as part of their Aussie Millions promo last year... one by an Aussie, and will be doing the same again this year. Google is pushing forward with Google Games on the back of Pac-Man. Marvel Entertainment, Sega, DC Comics and even Harrah's are expected to ramp up. Gambling911 and Media Man will remain in the thick of the action, even though gaming and sports betting are only 2 of about a dozen of sectors covered. Many media companies are heding thier bets are offering strong coverge, while also covering many of industries like tech, politics, entertainment and the like. Some brands like Party and Virgin are in a number of sectors which is very exciting and profitable. Online variations of Cleopatra, Monopoly and Sinatra remain the top slots, with Tomb Raider enjoying a second wind, with 3D games like Heist on the upswing too. The industry is looking forward to a further improved remainder of the year, and punters will be able to benifit from great promos and deals, so its a win - win - win".
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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...
Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January.
Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.
Crown Limited Shares...
$8.350
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good 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. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Monday, August 23, 2010
Australian Casino News: Crown Casino And Crown Limited Special, by Greg Tingle - 22nd August 2010
Australian casino, gaming and politic news remains red hot. The Australian Parliament may be hung...with the balance of power scenarios upon us, complete Labor getting a beating from Liberal's Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott and the Coalition...and Crown casino king James Packer is riding the high seas, but its business as usual at Crown Casino and its swinging sister, Burswood Entertainment Complex. Media Man and Gambling911 pick up the baton sticks and plastic handcuffs with this special report on the good, the bad, the ugly and the sexy at Crown Limited aka Billionaire Inc...
World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...
The world's #1 ABBA tribute show, BJORN AGAIN, return to The Palms to present THE ABBA GOLD CONCERT. Bjorn Again will perform all songs from "ABBA GOLD", the definitive collection of ABBA's greatest hits. This album has sold over 26 million copies worldwide and is in the top 30 best-selling albums of all time. This will be an amazing show and a great experience not to be missed. Bjorn Again were formed in Melbourne in 1988 and have performed in over 70 countries to critical acclaim. Bjorn Again have developed a world-wide following, even gaining praise from the original ABBA members, including Benny Anderson who stated: "Fans had better make the most out of Bjorn Again as that's the closest they are going to get to seeing ABBA". Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010
Is Crown Casino Management In A Battle With Chef Gordon Ramsay?...What's Cooking?...
That's the question on the lips of Australia's foodie and casino industry. Numerous Australian editors and journalists are now saying the fight is on. Too many cooks in the kitchen, or not enough good ones, and what's happened on eh bean counter (money making and paying) front. Chef Gordon Ramsay is understand to be at war with Crown Casino, and its hotter than Hell's Kitchen. This news comes less than six months after media "custard tart" (Media Man inside joke) launch of his flagship restaurant in the Metropol complex section of Crown. Ramsay's Maze and Maze Grill are rumored (not fact - don't call the lawyers) to be flushing down the loo towards $20 grand a friggen week after the casino invested more than $10 million bucks on refurbishing the eateries and the like, leaked a number of sources, one known to MM and G911 as "Deep Throat" (not real name, nor a star in the movie sharing the same title). The restaurants' financial woes have soured and porked relations between Crown powers that be and the foul-mouthed chef, who are now commenced negotiations over Maze's future! A Network Nine reality TV show was previously on the cards but now looks to be in doubt. Crown pays roughly 6% of gross sales and a small percentage of profits to Gordon Ramsay Holdings, a deal which provides things like branding and marketing. Ramsay is understood to invoice Crown for the salaries of Maze's chef de cuisine Josh Emett and several senior cooks and assorted staffers. Crown is understood to not have its taste buds satisfied from the biz deal in recent supper sittings, as Ramsay's hospitality empire continues to suffer from the global slump in corporate dining. Sweeeet has turned to sour, and figure pointing goes on to who is a goose, turkey. Speculation also runs rife is Maze will last to see this Christmas' turkey roast dinner party. Crown Casino spokesman Gary O'Neill denied that Maze has gone sour. He spoke with Fairfax Media on the matter and advised "I don't know who has been calling you or for what reason but there is absolutely no truth in that accusation whatsoever. Crown has a very good relationship with Maze. It has exceeded our expectations quite significantly. A large number of people are going there." He also said Maze and Rockpool Bar and Grill were Crown's best-performing restaurants, both by patron numbers and dollars spent. He didn't get into what Maze's profits may or may not in fact be, and bean counters are silent. Restaurant deep throats told our friends at Fairfax Media that Maze and Maze Grill, which combined have more than 250 seats, have struggled somewhat to serve 100 covers a day, particularly early in the week. "Obviously winter is a factor and most places are quieter this time of year, but Mr Ramsay has certainly had a tough introduction to Melbourne,'" one local restaurateur shared. A spokeswoman for Gordon Ramsay Holdings said its agreement with Crown was strictly confidential. 'Ms X' she said Maze was meeting expectations. The king of the chefs also faces problems outside Australia. He was recently hit with a tax bill for $US2 million ($A2.3 million) by United States authorities and is now dealing with a series of lawsuits from unhappy creditors. Ramsay was also forced to close his restaurant in Cape Town last month and sold ("fire sale style")his TV production company for £40 million ($69AUD million) just last week. He disclosed that restaurants in New York, Paris, Los Angeles and Prague were "haemorrhaging" up to £200,000 pounds each month at the climax of the financial recession. Last year, Fairfax Media published that other exclusive Crown eateries were struggling, largely attributed to the global economic downturn, including once ultra exclusive Bistro Guillaume, which won Gourmet Traveller's best new restaurant back in 2009. At the time, owner Guillaume Brahimi and Crown management denied any problems, but it has since closed. Funny that. Punters, is Ramsay's goose cooked? Hot air or hot under the collar of bean counters? Off with his head, or not? Got a beef? Tell us in the forum. You be the judge, jury and executioner!
Burswood Casino Accused Thief Hid Jewels Inside Own Body...
Yuk. Those jewels would have sure required some polishing. International readers, please don't confuse the "jewels" with the proposed 'Mildura Jewel' casino in Melbourne, just saying...Western Australian Police have now formally charged a mug er man...with stealing after he allegedly concealed jewellery inside himself after smashing a display case at Perth's Burswood casino. A glass panel in the display case in the gaming area was smashed in the early hours of Saturday, police told press. A suspect was later located but a search failed to find any stolen items until some dislodged from inside him (via his anus - arse we understand), police said. "He was then transported to Royal Perth Hospital for X-rays and further property was recovered," Inspector Gary Lewis advised. 6 rings and a necklace worth a total of $329,000 were recovered and a 29-year-old man is in custody after being charged to appear in court at a date to be determined. That's what we call an expensive and uncomfortable toilet sitting.
Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...
Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election. Sportingbet Australia has the Coalition at $1.40, while Labor is at $2.80. Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael 'Mr Sums' Sullivan advised it looked very hard for Labor to form government, and punters had instantly backed the Coalition to come to an agreement with the 3 re-elected independent MPs. "The Coalition are a clear favourite, as it is hard to see how a Labor government relying on support from a Green and essentially conservative independents would ever reach a consensus and be able to function effectively," Sullivan said. Sportingbet opened the book on Sunday with the Coalition at $1.50 and instantly took two bets of $5000 at $1.50 and $1.45. A rival agency, Centrebet, has the Coalition at $1.40 and Labor on $2.85. Ah, what a different a few days can make. Who are you picking? Don't be shy.
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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...
Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January. Americans might be up for a 20 hour or so flight to get down under, but there's nothing on the planet quite like Aussie biffo, and we hear that Tyron Krost, Stewart Scott, Joe Hachem (2005 WSOP champion), Tony Hachem, Tony G, Shane Warne and Jeff Fenech are ready to serve up biffo in giant size quantities. Insiders are hopefully that Annette 15, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu and Annie Duke will bring their poker feuds down under. Maybe some one will end up in the river! (pun intended).
Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.
James Packer VS Kerry Stokes: ConsMedia War May Erupt...
When now relaxing or make the big decisions at Asia Pacific's most successful casinos, James Packer continues to build up his media empire. Let's take a peek shall we...An understood "peace deal" between Packer and Kerry Stokes over control of Consolidated Media will end next month with the two competitors set to raise the stakes. ConsMedia revealed its annual results yesterday and the executive chairman, John Alexander, said the standstill agreement would not be renewed! A media war to add to the casino wars! "It is a 12-month agreement that will expire and business will continue as usual" he said. Last year, Mr Stokes's Seven Network used a $243 million hostile share raid to increase its stake from just over 4.8 per cent to 19 per cent, then agreed to stop buying ConsMedia shares in exchange for two board seats. With the addition of Ashok Jacob from the Packer camp, this gave the board 10 directors - more than twice the number of the company's employees. ConsMedia's revenue comes from its 25 per cent share of Foxtel and a 50 per cent stake in Premier Media Group, whose other owner is News Limited. Premier produces and buys sporting content for pay television. It generated $447 million in revenue this year, up 2.9 per cent, and contributed $54 million to ConsMedia's net profit, a rise of $1.2 million. The Foxtel share contributed $29.9 million to profits, up $5.1 million. During the year, ConsMedia sold its 25 per cent share in the job site Seek.com for a $305 million profit and sold a Sydney property for $50 million. Despite the sales, the company's net profit fell 8.2 per cent to $392 million, as the previous year was boosted by ConsMedia selling down its stake in PBL Media, which it now values at nil. Punters, its all very complex, but Packer has another war on the horizon, and is set to do more media deals, not just throwing around the dice and shuffling the deck in the casino and gaming sector. You want more... ok, just a teaser.. Packer, through Consolidated Press Holdings, has a 47% stake, up from 38% last July. Channel Seven has a 23% share. Industry analysts expect the buy-back will eventually give Packer a 51% stake and Stokes 25%. What happens next might be up to the Gods. "For Stokes to take out Packer he'd have to offer a pretty big price," 'Mr X' tipped. "Packer's not going to take out Stokes - he could have owned 100% of it previously. So it's whether they get together and privatise it together and take out the minorities, but they'd have to pay a bit of a premium to do that." ConsMedia declared an unfranked dividend of 6¢ to be paid on Red October 15. Hopefully, red turns to green, as it goes in the UFC and formally in the WWE, before blood all but disappeared. Packer's favorite non blood sport is polo, if you forgot, and he also loves sailing the ocean in his prized Arctic P, sometimes catching up with mates overseas like Tom Cruise from 'Top Gun' and 'Mission: Impossible' fame. What Packer has shown is more than possible is cementing his place at the top of the world's gaming, gaming and tourism sector, having the Crown Limited empire ranked in numerous top 10 lists like Forbes, Google and WSJ. That's with or without the media empire arm, recently his media getting a boost from Bondi Beach based media icon David Gyngell, a part of the Media Man "Gumleaf Mafia" media puzzle (ask us over a beer). Packer's main business focus remains casinos with a lifestyle and tourism edge, but continues to hit runs in traditional media and new media. The world awaits a 'Kerry Packer' and 'Underbelly' slot game. Comon' Crown top brass, we know you read this. See you at Bondi Icebergs.. a bit easier than a flight to Melbourne, Perth or Macau...maybe Berg's Gaming hey.
Crown Limited Shares...
$8.390
Crown Casino Connection Colourful Crimes...
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
'Crown Casino Shaft Man Probed and Charged'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-shaft-man-probed-and-charged-080310.html
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Don't mix your passion for casinos and gaming with crime, and don't do anything we wouldn't do. Up for a punt? Perhaps invest in Crown Limited... we have, and we're up front about it. Feeling really brave... try Tabcorp Holdings, but beware... many tipsters say it might be a few years before a predicated Packer buyout of Tabcorp happens, but it's not a lock in. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good punting and fair winds.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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World's Top ABBA Show BJORN AGAIN Coming To Crown Casino 'The Palms' This November...
The world's #1 ABBA tribute show, BJORN AGAIN, return to The Palms to present THE ABBA GOLD CONCERT. Bjorn Again will perform all songs from "ABBA GOLD", the definitive collection of ABBA's greatest hits. This album has sold over 26 million copies worldwide and is in the top 30 best-selling albums of all time. This will be an amazing show and a great experience not to be missed. Bjorn Again were formed in Melbourne in 1988 and have performed in over 70 countries to critical acclaim. Bjorn Again have developed a world-wide following, even gaining praise from the original ABBA members, including Benny Anderson who stated: "Fans had better make the most out of Bjorn Again as that's the closest they are going to get to seeing ABBA". Special guest support are The Old Romantics who are a highly entertaining parody of the New Romantic music era in the 80's, featuring songs by Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Culture Club. Get ready to have the time of your life! Tickets available from 9:00am 24 August, 2010. Dates: Thursday 18 - Sunday 23 November 2010
Is Crown Casino Management In A Battle With Chef Gordon Ramsay?...What's Cooking?...
That's the question on the lips of Australia's foodie and casino industry. Numerous Australian editors and journalists are now saying the fight is on. Too many cooks in the kitchen, or not enough good ones, and what's happened on eh bean counter (money making and paying) front. Chef Gordon Ramsay is understand to be at war with Crown Casino, and its hotter than Hell's Kitchen. This news comes less than six months after media "custard tart" (Media Man inside joke) launch of his flagship restaurant in the Metropol complex section of Crown. Ramsay's Maze and Maze Grill are rumored (not fact - don't call the lawyers) to be flushing down the loo towards $20 grand a friggen week after the casino invested more than $10 million bucks on refurbishing the eateries and the like, leaked a number of sources, one known to MM and G911 as "Deep Throat" (not real name, nor a star in the movie sharing the same title). The restaurants' financial woes have soured and porked relations between Crown powers that be and the foul-mouthed chef, who are now commenced negotiations over Maze's future! A Network Nine reality TV show was previously on the cards but now looks to be in doubt. Crown pays roughly 6% of gross sales and a small percentage of profits to Gordon Ramsay Holdings, a deal which provides things like branding and marketing. Ramsay is understood to invoice Crown for the salaries of Maze's chef de cuisine Josh Emett and several senior cooks and assorted staffers. Crown is understood to not have its taste buds satisfied from the biz deal in recent supper sittings, as Ramsay's hospitality empire continues to suffer from the global slump in corporate dining. Sweeeet has turned to sour, and figure pointing goes on to who is a goose, turkey. Speculation also runs rife is Maze will last to see this Christmas' turkey roast dinner party. Crown Casino spokesman Gary O'Neill denied that Maze has gone sour. He spoke with Fairfax Media on the matter and advised "I don't know who has been calling you or for what reason but there is absolutely no truth in that accusation whatsoever. Crown has a very good relationship with Maze. It has exceeded our expectations quite significantly. A large number of people are going there." He also said Maze and Rockpool Bar and Grill were Crown's best-performing restaurants, both by patron numbers and dollars spent. He didn't get into what Maze's profits may or may not in fact be, and bean counters are silent. Restaurant deep throats told our friends at Fairfax Media that Maze and Maze Grill, which combined have more than 250 seats, have struggled somewhat to serve 100 covers a day, particularly early in the week. "Obviously winter is a factor and most places are quieter this time of year, but Mr Ramsay has certainly had a tough introduction to Melbourne,'" one local restaurateur shared. A spokeswoman for Gordon Ramsay Holdings said its agreement with Crown was strictly confidential. 'Ms X' she said Maze was meeting expectations. The king of the chefs also faces problems outside Australia. He was recently hit with a tax bill for $US2 million ($A2.3 million) by United States authorities and is now dealing with a series of lawsuits from unhappy creditors. Ramsay was also forced to close his restaurant in Cape Town last month and sold ("fire sale style")his TV production company for £40 million ($69AUD million) just last week. He disclosed that restaurants in New York, Paris, Los Angeles and Prague were "haemorrhaging" up to £200,000 pounds each month at the climax of the financial recession. Last year, Fairfax Media published that other exclusive Crown eateries were struggling, largely attributed to the global economic downturn, including once ultra exclusive Bistro Guillaume, which won Gourmet Traveller's best new restaurant back in 2009. At the time, owner Guillaume Brahimi and Crown management denied any problems, but it has since closed. Funny that. Punters, is Ramsay's goose cooked? Hot air or hot under the collar of bean counters? Off with his head, or not? Got a beef? Tell us in the forum. You be the judge, jury and executioner!
Burswood Casino Accused Thief Hid Jewels Inside Own Body...
Yuk. Those jewels would have sure required some polishing. International readers, please don't confuse the "jewels" with the proposed 'Mildura Jewel' casino in Melbourne, just saying...Western Australian Police have now formally charged a mug er man...with stealing after he allegedly concealed jewellery inside himself after smashing a display case at Perth's Burswood casino. A glass panel in the display case in the gaming area was smashed in the early hours of Saturday, police told press. A suspect was later located but a search failed to find any stolen items until some dislodged from inside him (via his anus - arse we understand), police said. "He was then transported to Royal Perth Hospital for X-rays and further property was recovered," Inspector Gary Lewis advised. 6 rings and a necklace worth a total of $329,000 were recovered and a 29-year-old man is in custody after being charged to appear in court at a date to be determined. That's what we call an expensive and uncomfortable toilet sitting.
Australian Punters Back Coalition To Form Government...
Aussie bookies have installed the coalition as the favourite to form government following an inconclusive result from Saturday's federal election. Sportingbet Australia has the Coalition at $1.40, while Labor is at $2.80. Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael 'Mr Sums' Sullivan advised it looked very hard for Labor to form government, and punters had instantly backed the Coalition to come to an agreement with the 3 re-elected independent MPs. "The Coalition are a clear favourite, as it is hard to see how a Labor government relying on support from a Green and essentially conservative independents would ever reach a consensus and be able to function effectively," Sullivan said. Sportingbet opened the book on Sunday with the Coalition at $1.50 and instantly took two bets of $5000 at $1.50 and $1.45. A rival agency, Centrebet, has the Coalition at $1.40 and Labor on $2.85. Ah, what a different a few days can make. Who are you picking? Don't be shy.
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Aussie Millions Poker Championship At Crown Casino This January...
Folks, mark it down in your diary. Australia's richest poker tournament is coming back to Crown in Melbourne this January. Americans might be up for a 20 hour or so flight to get down under, but there's nothing on the planet quite like Aussie biffo, and we hear that Tyron Krost, Stewart Scott, Joe Hachem (2005 WSOP champion), Tony Hachem, Tony G, Shane Warne and Jeff Fenech are ready to serve up biffo in giant size quantities. Insiders are hopefully that Annette 15, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu and Annie Duke will bring their poker feuds down under. Maybe some one will end up in the river! (pun intended).
Readers, is it time for Crown and Burswood to get their own branded online casino games like 'Underbelly' and 'Kerry Packer'? Has Crown now got its security levels to the right level? What other developments would you like to see at Packer's world of entertainment? What's your favorite casino games and why? Tell us in the forum.
James Packer VS Kerry Stokes: ConsMedia War May Erupt...
When now relaxing or make the big decisions at Asia Pacific's most successful casinos, James Packer continues to build up his media empire. Let's take a peek shall we...An understood "peace deal" between Packer and Kerry Stokes over control of Consolidated Media will end next month with the two competitors set to raise the stakes. ConsMedia revealed its annual results yesterday and the executive chairman, John Alexander, said the standstill agreement would not be renewed! A media war to add to the casino wars! "It is a 12-month agreement that will expire and business will continue as usual" he said. Last year, Mr Stokes's Seven Network used a $243 million hostile share raid to increase its stake from just over 4.8 per cent to 19 per cent, then agreed to stop buying ConsMedia shares in exchange for two board seats. With the addition of Ashok Jacob from the Packer camp, this gave the board 10 directors - more than twice the number of the company's employees. ConsMedia's revenue comes from its 25 per cent share of Foxtel and a 50 per cent stake in Premier Media Group, whose other owner is News Limited. Premier produces and buys sporting content for pay television. It generated $447 million in revenue this year, up 2.9 per cent, and contributed $54 million to ConsMedia's net profit, a rise of $1.2 million. The Foxtel share contributed $29.9 million to profits, up $5.1 million. During the year, ConsMedia sold its 25 per cent share in the job site Seek.com for a $305 million profit and sold a Sydney property for $50 million. Despite the sales, the company's net profit fell 8.2 per cent to $392 million, as the previous year was boosted by ConsMedia selling down its stake in PBL Media, which it now values at nil. Punters, its all very complex, but Packer has another war on the horizon, and is set to do more media deals, not just throwing around the dice and shuffling the deck in the casino and gaming sector. You want more... ok, just a teaser.. Packer, through Consolidated Press Holdings, has a 47% stake, up from 38% last July. Channel Seven has a 23% share. Industry analysts expect the buy-back will eventually give Packer a 51% stake and Stokes 25%. What happens next might be up to the Gods. "For Stokes to take out Packer he'd have to offer a pretty big price," 'Mr X' tipped. "Packer's not going to take out Stokes - he could have owned 100% of it previously. So it's whether they get together and privatise it together and take out the minorities, but they'd have to pay a bit of a premium to do that." ConsMedia declared an unfranked dividend of 6¢ to be paid on Red October 15. Hopefully, red turns to green, as it goes in the UFC and formally in the WWE, before blood all but disappeared. Packer's favorite non blood sport is polo, if you forgot, and he also loves sailing the ocean in his prized Arctic P, sometimes catching up with mates overseas like Tom Cruise from 'Top Gun' and 'Mission: Impossible' fame. What Packer has shown is more than possible is cementing his place at the top of the world's gaming, gaming and tourism sector, having the Crown Limited empire ranked in numerous top 10 lists like Forbes, Google and WSJ. That's with or without the media empire arm, recently his media getting a boost from Bondi Beach based media icon David Gyngell, a part of the Media Man "Gumleaf Mafia" media puzzle (ask us over a beer). Packer's main business focus remains casinos with a lifestyle and tourism edge, but continues to hit runs in traditional media and new media. The world awaits a 'Kerry Packer' and 'Underbelly' slot game. Comon' Crown top brass, we know you read this. See you at Bondi Icebergs.. a bit easier than a flight to Melbourne, Perth or Macau...maybe Berg's Gaming hey.
Crown Limited Shares...
$8.390
Crown Casino Connection Colourful Crimes...
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
'Crown Casino Shaft Man Probed and Charged'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-shaft-man-probed-and-charged-080310.html
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Don't mix your passion for casinos and gaming with crime, and don't do anything we wouldn't do. Up for a punt? Perhaps invest in Crown Limited... we have, and we're up front about it. Feeling really brave... try Tabcorp Holdings, but beware... many tipsters say it might be a few years before a predicated Packer buyout of Tabcorp happens, but it's not a lock in. Want more good Aussie fodder... check out Media Man and the 'Australian Casino Wars' portfolio at Gambling911 of course. Good punting and fair winds.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
MMA fighter charged in fatal Vegas hotel scuffle
LAS VEGAS — Prosecutors have filed a broad criminal murder charge against a 25-year-old one-time mixed martial arts fighter in the slaying of a former UNLV football player in a scuffle at a Las Vegas party.
A complaint filed Tuesday accuses Jason Sindelar of open murder in the June 19 death of 26-year-old DeMario Reynolds Sr.
The charge gives a jury several options at trial, including manslaughter.
A judge gave Sindelar until Friday to post $50,000 bail pending trial.
Witnesses say Reynolds intervened in a 4 a.m. altercation between Sindelar and Sindelar's girlfriend in a room at the Luxor hotel-casino.
The Clark County coroner ruled that Reynolds died of cocaine, Ecstasy and alcohol intoxication, with injuries received in the fight a contributing factor.
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A complaint filed Tuesday accuses Jason Sindelar of open murder in the June 19 death of 26-year-old DeMario Reynolds Sr.
The charge gives a jury several options at trial, including manslaughter.
A judge gave Sindelar until Friday to post $50,000 bail pending trial.
Witnesses say Reynolds intervened in a 4 a.m. altercation between Sindelar and Sindelar's girlfriend in a room at the Luxor hotel-casino.
The Clark County coroner ruled that Reynolds died of cocaine, Ecstasy and alcohol intoxication, with injuries received in the fight a contributing factor.
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
Crown Casino Chinatown Crime Figures Busted, by Greg Tingle - 13th August 2010
Australian casino news sees the crime theme continue with this report that a major Aussie - Chinatown criminal syndicate has been busted. Casino chips, drugs, guns... you name it. Crown Casino has been attracting colourful and worldwide headlines of late, and this latest turn of events is no exception. Media Man and Gambling911 call on the sniffer dogs. Something fishy in Chinatown and in Crown's VIP mahogany room. Pink Panther, Naked Gun and Heist to the scene...
A Crown Casino VIP high roller and a Chinatown restaurateur personality are accused of heading up a Melbourne crime syndicate targeted by police over the past 48 hours in a series of explosive raids, arrests and record-breaking asset seizures.
The alleged crime bosses of the multi-million dollar Melbourne drug ring that spent massive sums on property, gambling and overseas interests are set to appear in court after overnight out-of-sessions hearing.
Crown Casino high roller Thi Nho Le and husband Thanh Hai Pham, both 46, spent the night in police cells with 6 other alleged members of the syndicate.
Police allege it trafficked more than 30 kilograms of heroin in Melbourne and earned over $20 million in the past 9 months.
Named and known as the Le Syndicate after the family that allegedly controls it, Ms Le's younger sister Thi Nho Em Le, her brother and their partners all faced a court hearing at St Kilda Road police complex early yesterday morning.
Thi Nho Em Le's partner, businessman and restaurateur Kai Sin Mong, is also alleged to be a key player in the syndicate that police state has built a business empire including a Chinatown restaurant and a western-suburbs based petrol station.
The group is accused of manufacturing and distributing large amounts of heroin, from locations including a flat in Napier Street, Fitzroy, laundering money and loaning money to other drug cartels and gamblers.
Detective Acting Sergeant James Cole told the court that members did business at James Packers' Crown Casino's high-roller Mahogany Room, purchased a number of properties and businesses to conceal the proceeds of crime and sent money offshore to Vietnam, including a recent whopping $920,000 money transfer.
This was allegedly used to create a multi-million dollar property portfolio, which may have been kicked along by plans to purchase a United States $2.5 million hotel.
The mob aka triad were among 21 people arrested in a series of raids at properties in Melbourne's western and inner-northern suburbs, including Fitzroy commission flats, after a painstaking 10-month investigation.
The Australian Crime Commission and Victoria Police operation, code-named Sethra, seized an estimated $3 million of heroin and about $20 million in houses and assets - a Victorian record.
All 8 accused, speaking through a Vietnamese interpreter during the out-of-sessions hearing, applied for bail, with most advising they had to care for their children or grandchildren.
Each alleged syndicate member, ages from 32 to 60, was deemed an unacceptable flight risk to say the least.
The court heard that the alleged drug ring operated partly out of the Napier Street commission flats, with Thi Nho Em Le, her brother Muoi Van Le and their partners sharing an apartment.
Detective Acting Sergeant Cole told the hearing that covert surveillance detected people regularly going there to purchase heroin.
One of the accused, Kim Thi Huynh, who lived in a nearby flat, allegedly used a minor (human - not bird breed) to pick up heroin that she then sold to street dealers.
Police allegedly recovered a modest $21,000 from the Le residence in Napier Street in yesterday's raids.
They also are understood to have located $345,970 in cash, $54,500 in Crown Casino chips and 350 grams of heroin.
A raid earlier this month on a Carlton flat linked to the syndicate allegedly netted police around $595,000 in cash, $50,000 in Crown Casino chips and 1.66 kilograms of heroin.
This allegedly prompted Thi Nho Le and her sister to discuss selling the property without ever returning there, in a conversation captured on phone intercepts and relayed to the court.
Thi Nho Le and Thanh Hai Pham, of Keilor Downs, and Thi Nho Em Le, Kai Sin Mong, Muoi Van Le and Nea Thi Pham, of Fitzroy, all face charges relating to trafficking large commercial quantities of a "drug of dependence".
Houng Vo, of Fitzroy, faces one charge of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence while Kim Thi Huynh faces a similar charge along with trafficking a drug of dependence to a child.
They will face Melbourne Magistrates Court, along with four other alleged members of the organisation who were charged with drug related offences in and bailed in.
The syndicate is 1 of many connected multimillion-dollar crime cells targeted by the ACC and police agencies in Melbourne and Sydney in the 7. It's understood only a small amount of these crime fun and and games were covered in Network Nine hit 'Underbelly', next season tipped to cover Brisbane as well as the Gold Coast.
ACC national manager Richard Grant alleged that "this is a group that, not that long ago, we seized 5 blocks of heroin and $645,000 cash and this group didn't miss a heartbeat".
Victoria Police sources advised the operation was successful due to the powers and reach of the small but powerful ACC, which targets Australia's most senior crime figures.
The $40 million in assets expected to be seized in Operation Sethra equates to almost half the ACC's yearly budget! Go the bean counters.
The operation flowed from an earlier ACC inquiry into the movement of suspected drug money offshore via money remitters, international airline staff and bank transfers.
The 2005 inquiry, code-named Gordian-Katakan, confirmed that the majority of illicit drug shipments enter down under Australia undetected and are then distributed for massive profits, often sent offshore. The inquiry uncovered more than a dozen drug-trafficking cells operating down the east coast, netting hundreds of millions of dollars.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Doug Potter said further arrests would be made.
"The syndicate that has been operating in Melbourne has international links and we will be following up a number of inquiries in regards to those links."
Crown Casino powers that be have been cooperating with Police and the crime syndicate arrests are music to the ears of Crown. The Mahogany Room will not miss the alleged triad element.
A leak advised, "Crown loves their whales and high rolling VIPs, but not those engaged in criminal enterprises. Crown is focused on a total entertainment experience and undesirables are not welcome. It's been out pleasure to assist Australian and international law enforcement agencies".
Crown Casino is considering if they should upgrade their casino chips policy and procedures.
The Late News...
Crown Casino (and Burswood Entertainment Complex in WA) budgets to further open up, partly in response to aggressive moves and counter strike by Australia's other gaming giant, Tabcorp. Crown Casino is playing its cards right with Australian government powers that be. Crown Casino security is frequently reviewed and a repeat case of a client's Ferrari been nicked has odds of about 1 in a million, so the Crown bar talk says. Crown is aware that Aussie punters would like to see an online and / or offline Kerry Packer, 'Underbelly', and Mark Webber - Red Bull themed slot game. PartyGaming NextGen Gaming and IGT online games are on the radar of Crown Limited. PartyPoker b2b online poker satellite qualifiers likely to start again circa November 2010, ready for January 2011 'Aussie Millions'. PartyGaming is tipped to give away more Aston Martin's and Maserati's following the PartyCasino 'Grand Win Auto' and PartyPoker 'Drive The Dream' promotions, but Media Man and others reckon Party should get a deal in place with Ferrari pronto.
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Wrap Up...
Readers, do you think Crown Casino should ride off the publicity and get an Underbelly or Kerry Packer themed slot game? What's your predication for the next colourful crime to happen at an Australian land based casino? Should online casinos like PartyCasino, PKR Casino and Virgin Casino plug more into the casino crime connection? Tell us in the forum or jump on Twitter and see if you can create your own version of Twitter-Gate.
Crown Casino Connection Colourful Crimes...
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
Background on the Crown Casino shaft man case...
'Crown Casino Shaft Man Probed and Charged'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-shaft-man-probed-and-charged-080310.html
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Don't mix your passion for casinos and gaming with crime, and don't do anything we wouldn't do.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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A Crown Casino VIP high roller and a Chinatown restaurateur personality are accused of heading up a Melbourne crime syndicate targeted by police over the past 48 hours in a series of explosive raids, arrests and record-breaking asset seizures.
The alleged crime bosses of the multi-million dollar Melbourne drug ring that spent massive sums on property, gambling and overseas interests are set to appear in court after overnight out-of-sessions hearing.
Crown Casino high roller Thi Nho Le and husband Thanh Hai Pham, both 46, spent the night in police cells with 6 other alleged members of the syndicate.
Police allege it trafficked more than 30 kilograms of heroin in Melbourne and earned over $20 million in the past 9 months.
Named and known as the Le Syndicate after the family that allegedly controls it, Ms Le's younger sister Thi Nho Em Le, her brother and their partners all faced a court hearing at St Kilda Road police complex early yesterday morning.
Thi Nho Em Le's partner, businessman and restaurateur Kai Sin Mong, is also alleged to be a key player in the syndicate that police state has built a business empire including a Chinatown restaurant and a western-suburbs based petrol station.
The group is accused of manufacturing and distributing large amounts of heroin, from locations including a flat in Napier Street, Fitzroy, laundering money and loaning money to other drug cartels and gamblers.
Detective Acting Sergeant James Cole told the court that members did business at James Packers' Crown Casino's high-roller Mahogany Room, purchased a number of properties and businesses to conceal the proceeds of crime and sent money offshore to Vietnam, including a recent whopping $920,000 money transfer.
This was allegedly used to create a multi-million dollar property portfolio, which may have been kicked along by plans to purchase a United States $2.5 million hotel.
The mob aka triad were among 21 people arrested in a series of raids at properties in Melbourne's western and inner-northern suburbs, including Fitzroy commission flats, after a painstaking 10-month investigation.
The Australian Crime Commission and Victoria Police operation, code-named Sethra, seized an estimated $3 million of heroin and about $20 million in houses and assets - a Victorian record.
All 8 accused, speaking through a Vietnamese interpreter during the out-of-sessions hearing, applied for bail, with most advising they had to care for their children or grandchildren.
Each alleged syndicate member, ages from 32 to 60, was deemed an unacceptable flight risk to say the least.
The court heard that the alleged drug ring operated partly out of the Napier Street commission flats, with Thi Nho Em Le, her brother Muoi Van Le and their partners sharing an apartment.
Detective Acting Sergeant Cole told the hearing that covert surveillance detected people regularly going there to purchase heroin.
One of the accused, Kim Thi Huynh, who lived in a nearby flat, allegedly used a minor (human - not bird breed) to pick up heroin that she then sold to street dealers.
Police allegedly recovered a modest $21,000 from the Le residence in Napier Street in yesterday's raids.
They also are understood to have located $345,970 in cash, $54,500 in Crown Casino chips and 350 grams of heroin.
A raid earlier this month on a Carlton flat linked to the syndicate allegedly netted police around $595,000 in cash, $50,000 in Crown Casino chips and 1.66 kilograms of heroin.
This allegedly prompted Thi Nho Le and her sister to discuss selling the property without ever returning there, in a conversation captured on phone intercepts and relayed to the court.
Thi Nho Le and Thanh Hai Pham, of Keilor Downs, and Thi Nho Em Le, Kai Sin Mong, Muoi Van Le and Nea Thi Pham, of Fitzroy, all face charges relating to trafficking large commercial quantities of a "drug of dependence".
Houng Vo, of Fitzroy, faces one charge of trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence while Kim Thi Huynh faces a similar charge along with trafficking a drug of dependence to a child.
They will face Melbourne Magistrates Court, along with four other alleged members of the organisation who were charged with drug related offences in and bailed in.
The syndicate is 1 of many connected multimillion-dollar crime cells targeted by the ACC and police agencies in Melbourne and Sydney in the 7. It's understood only a small amount of these crime fun and and games were covered in Network Nine hit 'Underbelly', next season tipped to cover Brisbane as well as the Gold Coast.
ACC national manager Richard Grant alleged that "this is a group that, not that long ago, we seized 5 blocks of heroin and $645,000 cash and this group didn't miss a heartbeat".
Victoria Police sources advised the operation was successful due to the powers and reach of the small but powerful ACC, which targets Australia's most senior crime figures.
The $40 million in assets expected to be seized in Operation Sethra equates to almost half the ACC's yearly budget! Go the bean counters.
The operation flowed from an earlier ACC inquiry into the movement of suspected drug money offshore via money remitters, international airline staff and bank transfers.
The 2005 inquiry, code-named Gordian-Katakan, confirmed that the majority of illicit drug shipments enter down under Australia undetected and are then distributed for massive profits, often sent offshore. The inquiry uncovered more than a dozen drug-trafficking cells operating down the east coast, netting hundreds of millions of dollars.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Doug Potter said further arrests would be made.
"The syndicate that has been operating in Melbourne has international links and we will be following up a number of inquiries in regards to those links."
Crown Casino powers that be have been cooperating with Police and the crime syndicate arrests are music to the ears of Crown. The Mahogany Room will not miss the alleged triad element.
A leak advised, "Crown loves their whales and high rolling VIPs, but not those engaged in criminal enterprises. Crown is focused on a total entertainment experience and undesirables are not welcome. It's been out pleasure to assist Australian and international law enforcement agencies".
Crown Casino is considering if they should upgrade their casino chips policy and procedures.
The Late News...
Crown Casino (and Burswood Entertainment Complex in WA) budgets to further open up, partly in response to aggressive moves and counter strike by Australia's other gaming giant, Tabcorp. Crown Casino is playing its cards right with Australian government powers that be. Crown Casino security is frequently reviewed and a repeat case of a client's Ferrari been nicked has odds of about 1 in a million, so the Crown bar talk says. Crown is aware that Aussie punters would like to see an online and / or offline Kerry Packer, 'Underbelly', and Mark Webber - Red Bull themed slot game. PartyGaming NextGen Gaming and IGT online games are on the radar of Crown Limited. PartyPoker b2b online poker satellite qualifiers likely to start again circa November 2010, ready for January 2011 'Aussie Millions'. PartyGaming is tipped to give away more Aston Martin's and Maserati's following the PartyCasino 'Grand Win Auto' and PartyPoker 'Drive The Dream' promotions, but Media Man and others reckon Party should get a deal in place with Ferrari pronto.
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Australia
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Ferrari
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Wrap Up...
Readers, do you think Crown Casino should ride off the publicity and get an Underbelly or Kerry Packer themed slot game? What's your predication for the next colourful crime to happen at an Australian land based casino? Should online casinos like PartyCasino, PKR Casino and Virgin Casino plug more into the casino crime connection? Tell us in the forum or jump on Twitter and see if you can create your own version of Twitter-Gate.
Crown Casino Connection Colourful Crimes...
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
Background on the Crown Casino shaft man case...
'Crown Casino Shaft Man Probed and Charged'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-shaft-man-probed-and-charged-080310.html
Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Don't mix your passion for casinos and gaming with crime, and don't do anything we wouldn't do.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Monday, August 09, 2010
Star City Casino Gunman Stared Down In Court, by Greg Tingle - 9th August 2010
Australian casino news remains all the rage, with crime, revamps and politics dominating the news. Today we update you on Australia's Star City Casino gunman and the ex casino model who is moving forward with her life, beating the odds. Media Man and Gambling911 give you a front row seat at the courtroom.
Star City Casino Gunman Stared Down In Court; Ex Casino Model Moves Forward With Life...
Former model Holly Graham has faced the violent and crazed ex-boyfriend who aimed a hand gun at her and opened fire at Sydney's Star City Casino.
This was the first time the 30-year-old former model and fitness instructor had seen Todd Devaney since he attempted to murder her on 5th May 2008.
She was overheard whispering to her parents that she was "scared". The still attracting and brave Holly said it was important that she was there at the District Court in Sydney when he finally pleaded guilty to the crime.
Holly had not seen the mongrel for close to 5 years on the day she was shot, having cut off their troubled relationship in August 2004.
One needs little imagine to how frightened Holly was when he suddenly emerged inside the exclusive Star City gym, accessible only by members and casino guests.
Devaney proceed to move his right hand from behind his back and revealed a gun, which he cold bloodily pointed at the middle of Holly's, "like something out of the movies", before shooting 3 rounds.
The then casino model turned and ran for her life, "never been so scared".
Round 1 passed through her ribs and a 2nd shattered a glass window. The 3rd hit Holly's lower abdomen and exited close to her right hip.
She was certain death was coming with medical records documenting she was extremely lucky to have not passed away.
Evidence emerged that a casino cleaner who witnessed the shooting advised Devaney turned towards him after opening fire "seeming confident and not afraid as he placed the pistol into his backpack and walked to the fire exit door."
On his way out of the casino he has the nerve to ask a staff member for directions, this time appearing "breathless". Soon after police cornered him in a nearby street where he was sweating profusely and had put on a fake moustache and beard attempting to hide this true identity. Needless to say it didn't work.
In the crims clothing were 3 guns, a latex face mask, a police badge and a set of rosary beads.
A police search of his backpack revealed yet another another police badge, multiple rounds of ammunition, gloves, a balaclava, a black wig and two Star City swipe cards - one to access the gym.
He had gone to some effort to plan and get away with the murder, however his devious vision had been foiled. He was known to be a dangerous and edgy individual and some people were not surprised the evil one has attempted such a crime.
Devaney pleaded guilty to shooting Holly with intent to murder her and 3 counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm.
Outside the court, with a brave smile, Holly said she was lucky to have made a full recovery and that seeing Devaney again had been "nerve-wracking".
"I'm very, very happy he has pleaded guilty. I wanted to hear the words. It means he accepted what he did. I just hope he's put away for a long time."
Happy Holly said she had to summon all of her courage to see him and was helped by her parents and a male friend.
Those close to the former model advise she is moving forward with her life in leaps and bounds.
Media Man has confirmed that security at Star City has been beefed up considerably at the premises since the shooting.
Devaney will be sentenced in red October.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Star City Casino
Australian Casinos
Casino Babes
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, good to get justice and a happy ending isn't it. Gambling911 and Media Man are currently following a number of casino crime leads down under and will be bringing you the uncensored findings in the coming days and weeks.
The Late News...
Tabcorp, the owner of Star City Casino, says their revamp of many of their Australian casinos is low risk and will provide return on investment. This news comes as various media and gaming analysts question the heavy cost of the upgrades, now over budget by the tune of about $500,000, depending upon what source you choose to believe. Whales aka high roller VIP's are triggering the investment, as well as following competitor Crown Limited's strategy of providing a total entertainment and lifestyle experience. More on the upcoming Australian Casino Wars in coming days. Whet your appetite in the meantime at
'Australian Casino Wars: Casualties Upcoming?'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australian-casino-wars-causalities-upcoming-080510.html
Readers, known the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
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Media Man Australia
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Global Gaming Directory
Star City Casino Gunman Stared Down In Court; Ex Casino Model Moves Forward With Life...
Former model Holly Graham has faced the violent and crazed ex-boyfriend who aimed a hand gun at her and opened fire at Sydney's Star City Casino.
This was the first time the 30-year-old former model and fitness instructor had seen Todd Devaney since he attempted to murder her on 5th May 2008.
She was overheard whispering to her parents that she was "scared". The still attracting and brave Holly said it was important that she was there at the District Court in Sydney when he finally pleaded guilty to the crime.
Holly had not seen the mongrel for close to 5 years on the day she was shot, having cut off their troubled relationship in August 2004.
One needs little imagine to how frightened Holly was when he suddenly emerged inside the exclusive Star City gym, accessible only by members and casino guests.
Devaney proceed to move his right hand from behind his back and revealed a gun, which he cold bloodily pointed at the middle of Holly's, "like something out of the movies", before shooting 3 rounds.
The then casino model turned and ran for her life, "never been so scared".
Round 1 passed through her ribs and a 2nd shattered a glass window. The 3rd hit Holly's lower abdomen and exited close to her right hip.
She was certain death was coming with medical records documenting she was extremely lucky to have not passed away.
Evidence emerged that a casino cleaner who witnessed the shooting advised Devaney turned towards him after opening fire "seeming confident and not afraid as he placed the pistol into his backpack and walked to the fire exit door."
On his way out of the casino he has the nerve to ask a staff member for directions, this time appearing "breathless". Soon after police cornered him in a nearby street where he was sweating profusely and had put on a fake moustache and beard attempting to hide this true identity. Needless to say it didn't work.
In the crims clothing were 3 guns, a latex face mask, a police badge and a set of rosary beads.
A police search of his backpack revealed yet another another police badge, multiple rounds of ammunition, gloves, a balaclava, a black wig and two Star City swipe cards - one to access the gym.
He had gone to some effort to plan and get away with the murder, however his devious vision had been foiled. He was known to be a dangerous and edgy individual and some people were not surprised the evil one has attempted such a crime.
Devaney pleaded guilty to shooting Holly with intent to murder her and 3 counts of possessing an unauthorised firearm.
Outside the court, with a brave smile, Holly said she was lucky to have made a full recovery and that seeing Devaney again had been "nerve-wracking".
"I'm very, very happy he has pleaded guilty. I wanted to hear the words. It means he accepted what he did. I just hope he's put away for a long time."
Happy Holly said she had to summon all of her courage to see him and was helped by her parents and a male friend.
Those close to the former model advise she is moving forward with her life in leaps and bounds.
Media Man has confirmed that security at Star City has been beefed up considerably at the premises since the shooting.
Devaney will be sentenced in red October.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Star City Casino
Australian Casinos
Casino Babes
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, good to get justice and a happy ending isn't it. Gambling911 and Media Man are currently following a number of casino crime leads down under and will be bringing you the uncensored findings in the coming days and weeks.
The Late News...
Tabcorp, the owner of Star City Casino, says their revamp of many of their Australian casinos is low risk and will provide return on investment. This news comes as various media and gaming analysts question the heavy cost of the upgrades, now over budget by the tune of about $500,000, depending upon what source you choose to believe. Whales aka high roller VIP's are triggering the investment, as well as following competitor Crown Limited's strategy of providing a total entertainment and lifestyle experience. More on the upcoming Australian Casino Wars in coming days. Whet your appetite in the meantime at
'Australian Casino Wars: Casualties Upcoming?'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/australian-casino-wars-causalities-upcoming-080510.html
Readers, known the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Two towers, five stars - 23rd July 2010
Two towers will house five-star luxury when the Gold Coast's newest hotel opens in September.
Mantra Group today announced it would manage the $850 million Peppers Broadbeach development.
Peppers Broadbeach would be the Gold Coast's first new five-star hotel in a decade, after the Palazzo Versace at Main Beach opened in 2000.
The hotel, developed by Niecon Developments, will provide 505 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Ben Pole said the new hotel would further enhance the Glitter Strip's tourism reputation.
"The Palazzo Versace absolutely raised the profile of the Gold Coast luxury offering," he said.
"Having another five-star resort in the middle of the Gold Coast will only take that reputation further."
Mr Pole said the decision of Mantra to invest in Peppers Broadbeach - and the construction of the Hilton Surfers Paradise - were an indication of tourism industry's strength on the coast.
"We've seen a lot of new investment and new development coming into the Gold Coast and that just demonstrates that businesses have confidence in the Gold Coast as a city as well as the Gold Coast tourism industry," he said.
Bordered by Elizabeth Avenue, Surf Parade and Charles Avenue, Peppers Broadbeach will be close to Jupiter's Casino, the Gold Coast Convention Centre and Pacific Fair.
It will be launched in three phases with a "soft opening" in September and an official opening in March next year.
Mantra CEO Bob East said the towers would become the cornerstone of the organisation's presence on the Gold Coast.
"The architectural design of the hotel reflects a distinct fusion of city sophistication and coastal relaxation, with both towers featuring an extensive use of life spaces including Zen gardens, tai chi lawns, private cinemas, guest lounges, teppanyaki barbecues, steam rooms, saunas and lap, plunge and resort pools,” he said.
Rooms would provide a pillow menu, gourmet mini-bar with local and organic products and a pre-order gourmet pantry delivery service.
Mantra Group is the second largest accommodation operator in the country, managing 130 hotels, apartments and resorts.
The Hilton Surfer's Paradise is currently under construction and is expected to be completed next year.
(Credit: Fairfax Media)
Mantra Group today announced it would manage the $850 million Peppers Broadbeach development.
Peppers Broadbeach would be the Gold Coast's first new five-star hotel in a decade, after the Palazzo Versace at Main Beach opened in 2000.
The hotel, developed by Niecon Developments, will provide 505 one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Gold Coast Tourism spokesman Ben Pole said the new hotel would further enhance the Glitter Strip's tourism reputation.
"The Palazzo Versace absolutely raised the profile of the Gold Coast luxury offering," he said.
"Having another five-star resort in the middle of the Gold Coast will only take that reputation further."
Mr Pole said the decision of Mantra to invest in Peppers Broadbeach - and the construction of the Hilton Surfers Paradise - were an indication of tourism industry's strength on the coast.
"We've seen a lot of new investment and new development coming into the Gold Coast and that just demonstrates that businesses have confidence in the Gold Coast as a city as well as the Gold Coast tourism industry," he said.
Bordered by Elizabeth Avenue, Surf Parade and Charles Avenue, Peppers Broadbeach will be close to Jupiter's Casino, the Gold Coast Convention Centre and Pacific Fair.
It will be launched in three phases with a "soft opening" in September and an official opening in March next year.
Mantra CEO Bob East said the towers would become the cornerstone of the organisation's presence on the Gold Coast.
"The architectural design of the hotel reflects a distinct fusion of city sophistication and coastal relaxation, with both towers featuring an extensive use of life spaces including Zen gardens, tai chi lawns, private cinemas, guest lounges, teppanyaki barbecues, steam rooms, saunas and lap, plunge and resort pools,” he said.
Rooms would provide a pillow menu, gourmet mini-bar with local and organic products and a pre-order gourmet pantry delivery service.
Mantra Group is the second largest accommodation operator in the country, managing 130 hotels, apartments and resorts.
The Hilton Surfer's Paradise is currently under construction and is expected to be completed next year.
(Credit: Fairfax Media)
Palazzo Versace gets its itsy bitsy bikini ready as it unveils its new Water Salon poolside experience
QUEENSLAND, 19 APRIL 2010 – Guests can dip, sip, relax and unwind in their own private Versace cabana when they indulge in the exclusive Palazzo Versace Water Salon poolside experience, opening to visitors 1 May 2010. It’s only at Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast that guests can enjoy that incredible European poolside vibe in Australia, all year round.
The Water Salon provides guests with the kind of stylish VIP treatment that Palazzo Versace’s celebrity, rock star and royalty guests have come to enjoy when they stay at the world’s only fully fashion-branded hotel. The poolside Water Salon makes the most of Southern Queensland’s perfect year round climate and takes poolside lounging to a whole new level of glamourous luxury.
The Water Salon concept encompasses:
· A lagoon beach of pure white Surfer’s Paradise sand
· Custom-made Versace daybeds and cabanas with gorgeous, soft white Versace cushions and silky, sheer white curtains for those who want to luxuriate in private
· A happening, hip Palazzo Versace poolside vibe with chilled-out summer tunes
· A range of Cabana packages so that whether you need to relax, get ready or luxuriate there is a rental option for you
· The coolest summer cocktails and sensational summer season cuisine
All guests need to do to enjoy the Water Salon the way it is truly meant to be enjoyed, is to book one of the fabulous poolside cabana packages:
Cabana at the Water Salon
· Half day private cabana rental (7am – 12pm or 12.30pm-17.30pm)
· 500ml bottle of still or sparkling Italian mineral water
· Chilled face spray
· Frosted black and white grapes
· Icy cold spears of seasonal fruit
· 30+ Sunscreen lotion
· Cold towels
· Chilled bottle of Cloudy Bay ‘Pelorus’ sparkling wine
Cabana at the Water Salon poolside cabana package for two is $150.00
Salon at the Water Salon
· Half day private cabana rental (7am – 12pm or 12.30pm-17.30pm)
· Waterside wellbeing treatments for two:
o Petite manicure
o Petite foot massage with Italian minerale foot soak
· Chilled face spray
· Frosted black and white grapes
· Icy cold spears of seasonal fruit
· 30+ Sunscreen lotion
· Cold towels
· 500 ml bottle of still or sparkling Italian mineral water
· Chilled bottle of Cloudy Bay ‘Pelorus’ sparkling wine
Salon at the Water Salon poolside cabana package for two is $250.00
Picnic at the Water Salon
· Full day private cabana rental (7am -17.30pm)
· Waterside wellbeing treatments for two:
o Petite manicure
o Petite pedicure with Italian minerale foot soak
o Petite back & shoulder massage
· Chilled face spray
· Frosted black and white grapes
· Icy cold spears of seasonal fruit
· 30+ Sunscreen lotion
· Cold towels
· 500 ml bottle of still or sparkling Italian mineral water
· Veuve Clicquot Picnic for two
Picnic at the Water Salon poolside cabana package for two is $500.00
To book a Water Salon cabana package phone (07)5509 8000. For more information on Palazzo Versace visit www.palazzoversace.com
Note to Editors
In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, Palazzo Versace opened its doors on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater.
Following the success of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the two companies signed an exclusive global rollout agreement to develop 15 Palazzo Versace hotels worldwide over the next 30 years.
The second Palazzo Versace development, currently under construction in Dubai and opening in 2010, is a joint venture development between Sunland Group Limited and Emirates International Holdings. The luxury hotel is located in the Culture Village on the Dubai Creek, and will offer 169 luxury residences ranging from one to six bedrooms, a health spa, restaurant and 217 hotel rooms and suites, all entirely designed by Versace and furnished with an exclusive line of products from the Versace Home Collection. Future Palazzo Versace hotel and residential projects will be located in cities where there is an established property investment market, strong tourism and leisure growth, and an appreciation and demand for international brands and luxury.
The Water Salon provides guests with the kind of stylish VIP treatment that Palazzo Versace’s celebrity, rock star and royalty guests have come to enjoy when they stay at the world’s only fully fashion-branded hotel. The poolside Water Salon makes the most of Southern Queensland’s perfect year round climate and takes poolside lounging to a whole new level of glamourous luxury.
The Water Salon concept encompasses:
· A lagoon beach of pure white Surfer’s Paradise sand
· Custom-made Versace daybeds and cabanas with gorgeous, soft white Versace cushions and silky, sheer white curtains for those who want to luxuriate in private
· A happening, hip Palazzo Versace poolside vibe with chilled-out summer tunes
· A range of Cabana packages so that whether you need to relax, get ready or luxuriate there is a rental option for you
· The coolest summer cocktails and sensational summer season cuisine
All guests need to do to enjoy the Water Salon the way it is truly meant to be enjoyed, is to book one of the fabulous poolside cabana packages:
Cabana at the Water Salon
· Half day private cabana rental (7am – 12pm or 12.30pm-17.30pm)
· 500ml bottle of still or sparkling Italian mineral water
· Chilled face spray
· Frosted black and white grapes
· Icy cold spears of seasonal fruit
· 30+ Sunscreen lotion
· Cold towels
· Chilled bottle of Cloudy Bay ‘Pelorus’ sparkling wine
Cabana at the Water Salon poolside cabana package for two is $150.00
Salon at the Water Salon
· Half day private cabana rental (7am – 12pm or 12.30pm-17.30pm)
· Waterside wellbeing treatments for two:
o Petite manicure
o Petite foot massage with Italian minerale foot soak
· Chilled face spray
· Frosted black and white grapes
· Icy cold spears of seasonal fruit
· 30+ Sunscreen lotion
· Cold towels
· 500 ml bottle of still or sparkling Italian mineral water
· Chilled bottle of Cloudy Bay ‘Pelorus’ sparkling wine
Salon at the Water Salon poolside cabana package for two is $250.00
Picnic at the Water Salon
· Full day private cabana rental (7am -17.30pm)
· Waterside wellbeing treatments for two:
o Petite manicure
o Petite pedicure with Italian minerale foot soak
o Petite back & shoulder massage
· Chilled face spray
· Frosted black and white grapes
· Icy cold spears of seasonal fruit
· 30+ Sunscreen lotion
· Cold towels
· 500 ml bottle of still or sparkling Italian mineral water
· Veuve Clicquot Picnic for two
Picnic at the Water Salon poolside cabana package for two is $500.00
To book a Water Salon cabana package phone (07)5509 8000. For more information on Palazzo Versace visit www.palazzoversace.com
Note to Editors
In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, Palazzo Versace opened its doors on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater.
Following the success of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the two companies signed an exclusive global rollout agreement to develop 15 Palazzo Versace hotels worldwide over the next 30 years.
The second Palazzo Versace development, currently under construction in Dubai and opening in 2010, is a joint venture development between Sunland Group Limited and Emirates International Holdings. The luxury hotel is located in the Culture Village on the Dubai Creek, and will offer 169 luxury residences ranging from one to six bedrooms, a health spa, restaurant and 217 hotel rooms and suites, all entirely designed by Versace and furnished with an exclusive line of products from the Versace Home Collection. Future Palazzo Versace hotel and residential projects will be located in cities where there is an established property investment market, strong tourism and leisure growth, and an appreciation and demand for international brands and luxury.
Palazzo Versace announces exciting new relationship with the world's largest global electronic distribution system
QUEENSLAND, 13 JULY 2010 – To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Palazzo Versace has forged a new strategic alliance with Sabre Hospitality Solutions encompassing their Global Distribution System (GDS) and SynXis technology. The new alliance reinforces the Palazzo Versace’s success as a stand-alone hotel, giving it the freedom to style its own relationships with the industry and provide wholesalers and retailers even greater support. As a result of the new relationship with Sabre Hospitality Solutions, Palazzo Versace’s GDS code will change from LW to PZ on 31 July 2010.
Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace’s lower lobby
Australia’s most glamorous hotel Palazzo Versace continually strives to provide the smoothest and most efficient customer service experience to industry, clients and guests alike. The world’s largest global distribution service, Sabre Hospitality Solutions will integrate their SynXis technology with the iconic hotel to provide greater distribution technology and marketing services. The new PZ GDS code will benefit agents and wholesalers by making the reservations process even more streamlined. The new GDS gives the hotel and its industry partners’ access to the largest and most innovative online tools that will enable them to secure the best rates and availability at Australia’s only fashion-branded hotel.
Palazzo Versace’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew St Ledger is thrilled to be announcing this new alliance. “We are determined to make every Palazzo Versace touch point the best it can be. The move to Sabre Hospitality Solutions means that we are using the most user-friendly system for our industry partners,” he said. “In this, our 10th year of operation, we have learnt that wholesalers and retailers want confidence in knowing they have access to the latest availability and best rates at Palazzo Versace. Our relationship with world’s largest online distribution system will achieve this,” he added.
Palazzo Versace’s move to Sabre’s integrated GDS is one of many of the hotel’s innovative and vibrant concepts which are being implemented during 2010 as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations.
Palazzo Versace
In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, the $300 million Palazzo Versace opened its doors on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater.
Following the success of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the two companies signed an exclusive global rollout agreement to develop 15 Palazzo Versace hotels worldwide over the next 30 years.
The second Palazzo Versace development, currently under construction in Dubai and opening in 2011, is a joint venture development between Sunland Group Limited and Emirates International Holdings. The luxury hotel is located in the Culture Village on the Dubai Creek, and will offer 169 luxury residences ranging from one to six bedrooms, a health spa, restaurant and 217 hotel rooms and suites, all entirely designed by Versace and furnished with an exclusive line of products from the Versace Home Collection. Future Palazzo Versace hotel and residential projects will be located in cities where there is an established property investment market, strong tourism and leisure growth, and an appreciation and demand for international brands and luxury.
Property News Media Profiles
Palazzo Versace
Gold Coast
Luxury
Property
News
Property News
Palazzo Versace
Palazzo Versace’s lower lobby
Australia’s most glamorous hotel Palazzo Versace continually strives to provide the smoothest and most efficient customer service experience to industry, clients and guests alike. The world’s largest global distribution service, Sabre Hospitality Solutions will integrate their SynXis technology with the iconic hotel to provide greater distribution technology and marketing services. The new PZ GDS code will benefit agents and wholesalers by making the reservations process even more streamlined. The new GDS gives the hotel and its industry partners’ access to the largest and most innovative online tools that will enable them to secure the best rates and availability at Australia’s only fashion-branded hotel.
Palazzo Versace’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew St Ledger is thrilled to be announcing this new alliance. “We are determined to make every Palazzo Versace touch point the best it can be. The move to Sabre Hospitality Solutions means that we are using the most user-friendly system for our industry partners,” he said. “In this, our 10th year of operation, we have learnt that wholesalers and retailers want confidence in knowing they have access to the latest availability and best rates at Palazzo Versace. Our relationship with world’s largest online distribution system will achieve this,” he added.
Palazzo Versace’s move to Sabre’s integrated GDS is one of many of the hotel’s innovative and vibrant concepts which are being implemented during 2010 as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations.
Palazzo Versace
In 1998, Sunland Group, a publicly-listed company on the Australian Stock Exchange, together with Gianni Versace SpA had a bold vision to create the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and residence experience. In September 2000, the $300 million Palazzo Versace opened its doors on Australia’s famous Gold Coast and a new luxury address was born.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the world’s first luxury designer hotel, incorporates 200 classically elegant rooms and suites, 72 neighbouring condominiums, three award-winning restaurants and a private marina, all on a historic site in Southern Queensland on the edge of the Gold Coast Broadwater.
Following the success of Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, the two companies signed an exclusive global rollout agreement to develop 15 Palazzo Versace hotels worldwide over the next 30 years.
The second Palazzo Versace development, currently under construction in Dubai and opening in 2011, is a joint venture development between Sunland Group Limited and Emirates International Holdings. The luxury hotel is located in the Culture Village on the Dubai Creek, and will offer 169 luxury residences ranging from one to six bedrooms, a health spa, restaurant and 217 hotel rooms and suites, all entirely designed by Versace and furnished with an exclusive line of products from the Versace Home Collection. Future Palazzo Versace hotel and residential projects will be located in cities where there is an established property investment market, strong tourism and leisure growth, and an appreciation and demand for international brands and luxury.
Property News Media Profiles
Palazzo Versace
Gold Coast
Luxury
Property
News
Property News
Friday, August 06, 2010
Australian Casino Wars: Casualties Upcoming?, by Greg Tingle - 6th August 2010
The famed Australian casino wars continue to evolved with Tabcorp's Star City Casino in 'Sin City' spending an additional $285 million in upgrades including Lear jets, answering James Packer's Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Entertainment Complex) who are also upgrading with Crown focusing on a full entertainment and lifestyle experience. Star City (Tabcorp) remaining the main players on the giant casino chess board down under. Jupiters on the Gold Coast continues to remain a relative minor player but recently made headlines for its crime rate. Cairns in Northern Queensland still wants to make a major strike into the action with political fun and games a plenty. Expect a rally of missile exchanges from Star City and Crown Casino forecast to play out for months, even over a year, as rumours persist that Packer will eventually buy Star out. Media Man and Gambling911 fire up the rocket launchers and play a serious session of Star Wars and Battle Star Galactica with this special report from the war zone down under...
Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion...
Never completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his ever growing "war chest", even while sailing the high seas in his Artic P, with both Melbourne based Crown Casino and Perth's Burswood to get major boosts, adding to the giant chess board in the world renown Aussie casino wars.
Crown Casino is in advanced stages of planning a significant redevelopment of the Southbank promenade that will further increase the casino's floor space, including extra gaming areas. Punters, be it whales, dolphins, tuna or other will be pleased.
The strategic chess move is in fact the biggest redevelopment of the promenade since Crown relocated to the banks of the scenic Yarra River in 1997. At least 6 restaurants along Southbank will either be redeveloped or replaced and planter boxes will be replaced by new landscaping along the waterfront.
These moves will bring new life to the promenade, making the casino complex more relaxing, accessible and providing more room for gambling and dining (including drinking).
Fairfax Media advise that revamp plans show a new gambling area above the Lucky Chan restaurant. The Waterfront and Cafe Greco restaurants will be replaced by a giant 300-seat Atlantic seafood restaurant.
The casino has lodged a planning application with the state government called the 'Crown Promenade Masterplan' to rework the Southbank precinct between Spencer St and Queens Bridge St.
The massive project is forecast to take 2 to 3 years to complete, should it get the green light from the state government.
Crown could not (or would not - speculation only) say how much the refurbishment would cost or how much larger the famed casino would be in the aftermath.
In a very sweet and smart deal, er... agreement, it remunerates the state government $1 a year rent on its Southbank location under a deal which lasts until 2034. Yes, you read correctly folks - $1 per year rent. Pluck a duck... we're paying too much for our Bondi Beach digs.
Casinos spokesman, Gary O'Neill, advised some of the expansion of the gaming floor was linked to the casino's deal with the state government last year to provide an additional 150 gambling tables. Shuffle up and deal with red hot poker, war and more. Cool.
O'Neill said the Southbank refurbishment was "part of our strategy to grow the number of international tourists visiting Crown and Melbourne. Under the terms of the legislation setting up the casino in the first instance, Crown is charged with maintaining a world-class and internationally competitive facility,".
He said the new Atlantic restaurant was expected to open early next year but no date had been set.
Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told reporters last year after the new tables were approved "If people ultimately want to have the boiled-sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled-gold, dark chocolate experience, they're going to keep coming to Melbourne, and we're going to ensure that."
Crown executives have now met Department of Planning officials to discuss the master plan and a duplicate copy has been whipped away pronto to the Melbourne City Council for kind consideration.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello, always up for a quote or wise crack, criticised the casino expansion plans. "Again it proves that 'ministers of the crown' has a particular meaning in Victoria. They (Crown) get whatever they want as the first citizen," he said. Tim, we understand your passion and being a man of God and all, but mate, its getting very long in the tooth. It's about tourism, jobs (and business).
The man of God (we believe too ok) said the expansion failed the "commonsense test" as the community was opposed to more gambling in Victoria? Who said... did you do your own survey?
Gamblers lost $1.2 billion at Crown in the 2008-09 financial year and the state government collected $136 million in taxes. How much gamblers won has proved to be a challenge to find out, even for the Media Man group.
Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for the Gaming Minister, went on record with "In December last year there was bipartisan approval so the casino could expand its gaming operations." Nuff said.
Star City Casino In Sydney Seeking Whales, VIPs With Upgrades, Lear Jets...
Tabcorp, Australia’s biggest (but less famous than Crown) casino owner, will spend at least $160 million in attempt to woo high-stakes VIP's aka "whales" to Star City in Sydney with new luxury suites, private gambling rooms and its first couple of jet fighters... sorry, planes. No, they are not retired F1 11's from the Australian Air Force.
The plan is to win back big gamblers from rival Crown, and Asian hot spots like Macau and Singapore, Chief Executive Elmer "Fudd" (affectionate) Funke Kupper said in a press interview less than 24 hours ago.
It's all part of a $860 million "facelift" for Star City, Sydney’s first and only (legal) casino, which makes about 50% as Crown’s Melbourne money maker while being in a city 30% larger! What's up doc? Time to shake things up and they are, at a price. Tabcorp has lost market share among high rollers as its domestic rival is investing A$212 million upgrading VIP facilities, including adding its third "fighter" (satire) plane for high rollers - whales, whatever you wish to be addresses as kind sirs.
"It makes sense to go after that segment because it’s so lucrative but it’s going to be very hard to close the gap," advised Theo Maas, who helps manage $5 billion of equities at Arnhem Investment Management in Sydney. "Star City has the potential to do much better."
Tabcorp shares fell 2.2% to A$6.76 yesterday after reporting a 10% drop in annual earnings. The stock has declined 2.7% this year, compared with a 6.2% fall in the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index. Experts are divided as to when the stock will see a real recovery.
Tabcorp Boss Speaks On Record...
Tabcorp’s full-year financial results demonstrate earnings from its casino division were $260 million - 29% below the past financial year.
Chairman John Story advised gaming markets in Victoria, where Tabcorp owns half the state’s poker machines, and Queensland, where it holds 3 casinos, had declined in the past financial year, "reflecting the economic circumstances".
Media Man should use that fantastic one liner more often.
As the government stimulus money ran out, this decline amplified, he went on.
The company attributed its drop in overall profits to its VIP casino gamblers being "luckier" this year than last. Not more skillful?
In the previous year, the win rate for Tabcorp was above its theoretical level by $25.5 million, while in 2010 the win rate was only $7.7 million below the theoretical level. Online pokie returns to players are frequently about 95%.
Revenue from all activities was unchanged at $4.2 billion, driven by growth in wagering and at Star City. Tabcorp’s expenses were up 2.9%.
Tabcorp is going to battle extra race fields charges in wagering and higher gaming taxes in Queensland casinos. These were offset by a lower effective income tax rate, due to one-off tax credits and the resolution of a long-running dispute with the Australian Taxation Office. Net profit for Tabcorp was $470 million, compared to $522 million last year. The investment at Star City, where renovations are already underway, will include a 3000-seat events centre that overlooks Sydney Harbour. The project will require state government approval. It will also fund two private aircraft to bring VIPs from Asia and improvements to VIP facilities and the like. Ask around town for where the ladies are or rush for the phone book or internet. Tabcorp announced a final dividend of 25 cents. So, in summary, Tabcorp is spending big, has massive expenses, is battling a bad economy, and is betting on a big result. Good luck. That's the casino economy!
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Numbers...
Return On Investment - circa 2013.
450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).
Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.
"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.
Mildura Jewel Casino: Victoria Update...
The Mildura casino development proposal is still alive. Developer Mr Haddad met with Premier John Brumby, Nationals leader Peter Ryan and Liberal leader Ted Baillieu on the proposed riverfront based casino and entertainment complex. He advised Mr Brumby was happy to receive letters of in-principle support from Mildura Council and tourism and development boards, however he still requires "bipartisan" support. "It is legislation for a casino, which is something that is a bit more sensitive," he said. "It would be foolish for the Government to come out with some sort of direction if they know that issue is not going to have at least any indication of support. I have to step back and just hope the National Party and the Liberal Party ... have no objection to a second casino being issued in Victoria."
The Late News...
Major Australian and Asia Pacific based media and new media companies continue to ramp up their online and offline coverage of the Australian gaming, igaming, casino and sports betting sector. Major media and non casino players include Fairfax Media, News Limited, NineMSN, Yahoo! and Google (Search, AdWords and other) and of course Media Man, now sporting Media Man Games and Media Man Poker, adding to Global Gaming Directory and Casino News Media.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Many major Australian and Asia Pacific based media companies, agencies and internet giants are continuing to increase their coverage and sometimes involvement in the casino, igaming, poker and sports betting world. From Google (search engine results), NineMSN (articles and multimedia) to News Limited and Fairfax, both carrying in-house sports betting brands, to us who cover the sector in a holistic fashion with news, pr, campaigns, articles, content, multimedia and portal development, its all happening. Many of these companies like us target the world and have a global strategy, marketing and media plan, but the Australian region remains on the radar and is an important part of the master plan. Of course, the internet is a global medium and not restricted to any one part of the world, so it ideally covers coverage of the casino and gaming sector, be it content, journalism, publicity of other. Different brands are also handing out casino and gaming awards and commendations following in the eGaming Review path, like Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award which PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino have both won over the years. It's an extremely exciting time to be covering the casino and gaming sector, something our friends at Gambling911, CAP, GPWA and eGaming Review can vouch for. Expect Crown Limited, Tabcorp, Centrebet, PartyGaming and Virgin to make waves, and Media Man and Gambling911 to remain in the thick of the action."
Media Man Profiles
Australian Casinos
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html
Crown Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/crown_casino.html
Burswood Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/burswood.html
Star City Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/star_city.html
Jupiter's Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/jupiters_hotel.html
Aus Vegas
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/aus_vegas.html
Mildura Jewel
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/mildura_jewel.html
Gaming
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/gaming.html
Portals
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/portals.html
Google
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/google.html
Media Companies
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/media_companies.html
Folks, we hope you enjoyed this special follow up 'Australian Casino Wars - Casualties Upcoming?' edition. Know something we don't? Tell us in the forum which has been red hot of late. Stay tuned and in the coming days and weeks we will also expand on the coverage with New Zealand and Asia Pacific - Macau land based and online components of the ongoing war, along with special igaming reports which remain important chess pieces in the war zone, as as Yankee property developer friends Donald Trump and Hugh Hefner can vouch for, unlike their foe of sorts Steve Wynn, sticking with land based battles while expanding into the Asia Pacific region. Check or cheque mate? Bombs Away captain.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown, PartyGaming, Virgin, Fairfax Media, News Limited and Betfair
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Casino
Media Man Poker
Casino News Media
Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Crown Limited's Burswood Entertainment Complex Expansion...
Never completely satisfied with his casino interests and portfolio down under and in the greater Asia Pacific region, Australian casino and lifestyle king, James Packer, is investing in his ever growing "war chest", even while sailing the high seas in his Artic P, with both Melbourne based Crown Casino and Perth's Burswood to get major boosts, adding to the giant chess board in the world renown Aussie casino wars.
Crown Casino is in advanced stages of planning a significant redevelopment of the Southbank promenade that will further increase the casino's floor space, including extra gaming areas. Punters, be it whales, dolphins, tuna or other will be pleased.
The strategic chess move is in fact the biggest redevelopment of the promenade since Crown relocated to the banks of the scenic Yarra River in 1997. At least 6 restaurants along Southbank will either be redeveloped or replaced and planter boxes will be replaced by new landscaping along the waterfront.
These moves will bring new life to the promenade, making the casino complex more relaxing, accessible and providing more room for gambling and dining (including drinking).
Fairfax Media advise that revamp plans show a new gambling area above the Lucky Chan restaurant. The Waterfront and Cafe Greco restaurants will be replaced by a giant 300-seat Atlantic seafood restaurant.
The casino has lodged a planning application with the state government called the 'Crown Promenade Masterplan' to rework the Southbank precinct between Spencer St and Queens Bridge St.
The massive project is forecast to take 2 to 3 years to complete, should it get the green light from the state government.
Crown could not (or would not - speculation only) say how much the refurbishment would cost or how much larger the famed casino would be in the aftermath.
In a very sweet and smart deal, er... agreement, it remunerates the state government $1 a year rent on its Southbank location under a deal which lasts until 2034. Yes, you read correctly folks - $1 per year rent. Pluck a duck... we're paying too much for our Bondi Beach digs.
Casinos spokesman, Gary O'Neill, advised some of the expansion of the gaming floor was linked to the casino's deal with the state government last year to provide an additional 150 gambling tables. Shuffle up and deal with red hot poker, war and more. Cool.
O'Neill said the Southbank refurbishment was "part of our strategy to grow the number of international tourists visiting Crown and Melbourne. Under the terms of the legislation setting up the casino in the first instance, Crown is charged with maintaining a world-class and internationally competitive facility,".
He said the new Atlantic restaurant was expected to open early next year but no date had been set.
Gaming Minister Tony Robinson told reporters last year after the new tables were approved "If people ultimately want to have the boiled-sweets experience of casinos, let them go to Sydney. If they want the rolled-gold, dark chocolate experience, they're going to keep coming to Melbourne, and we're going to ensure that."
Crown executives have now met Department of Planning officials to discuss the master plan and a duplicate copy has been whipped away pronto to the Melbourne City Council for kind consideration.
Anti-gambling campaigner Tim Costello, always up for a quote or wise crack, criticised the casino expansion plans. "Again it proves that 'ministers of the crown' has a particular meaning in Victoria. They (Crown) get whatever they want as the first citizen," he said. Tim, we understand your passion and being a man of God and all, but mate, its getting very long in the tooth. It's about tourism, jobs (and business).
The man of God (we believe too ok) said the expansion failed the "commonsense test" as the community was opposed to more gambling in Victoria? Who said... did you do your own survey?
Gamblers lost $1.2 billion at Crown in the 2008-09 financial year and the state government collected $136 million in taxes. How much gamblers won has proved to be a challenge to find out, even for the Media Man group.
Rebecca Harrison, spokeswoman for the Gaming Minister, went on record with "In December last year there was bipartisan approval so the casino could expand its gaming operations." Nuff said.
Star City Casino In Sydney Seeking Whales, VIPs With Upgrades, Lear Jets...
Tabcorp, Australia’s biggest (but less famous than Crown) casino owner, will spend at least $160 million in attempt to woo high-stakes VIP's aka "whales" to Star City in Sydney with new luxury suites, private gambling rooms and its first couple of jet fighters... sorry, planes. No, they are not retired F1 11's from the Australian Air Force.
The plan is to win back big gamblers from rival Crown, and Asian hot spots like Macau and Singapore, Chief Executive Elmer "Fudd" (affectionate) Funke Kupper said in a press interview less than 24 hours ago.
It's all part of a $860 million "facelift" for Star City, Sydney’s first and only (legal) casino, which makes about 50% as Crown’s Melbourne money maker while being in a city 30% larger! What's up doc? Time to shake things up and they are, at a price. Tabcorp has lost market share among high rollers as its domestic rival is investing A$212 million upgrading VIP facilities, including adding its third "fighter" (satire) plane for high rollers - whales, whatever you wish to be addresses as kind sirs.
"It makes sense to go after that segment because it’s so lucrative but it’s going to be very hard to close the gap," advised Theo Maas, who helps manage $5 billion of equities at Arnhem Investment Management in Sydney. "Star City has the potential to do much better."
Tabcorp shares fell 2.2% to A$6.76 yesterday after reporting a 10% drop in annual earnings. The stock has declined 2.7% this year, compared with a 6.2% fall in the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index. Experts are divided as to when the stock will see a real recovery.
Tabcorp Boss Speaks On Record...
Tabcorp’s full-year financial results demonstrate earnings from its casino division were $260 million - 29% below the past financial year.
Chairman John Story advised gaming markets in Victoria, where Tabcorp owns half the state’s poker machines, and Queensland, where it holds 3 casinos, had declined in the past financial year, "reflecting the economic circumstances".
Media Man should use that fantastic one liner more often.
As the government stimulus money ran out, this decline amplified, he went on.
The company attributed its drop in overall profits to its VIP casino gamblers being "luckier" this year than last. Not more skillful?
In the previous year, the win rate for Tabcorp was above its theoretical level by $25.5 million, while in 2010 the win rate was only $7.7 million below the theoretical level. Online pokie returns to players are frequently about 95%.
Revenue from all activities was unchanged at $4.2 billion, driven by growth in wagering and at Star City. Tabcorp’s expenses were up 2.9%.
Tabcorp is going to battle extra race fields charges in wagering and higher gaming taxes in Queensland casinos. These were offset by a lower effective income tax rate, due to one-off tax credits and the resolution of a long-running dispute with the Australian Taxation Office. Net profit for Tabcorp was $470 million, compared to $522 million last year. The investment at Star City, where renovations are already underway, will include a 3000-seat events centre that overlooks Sydney Harbour. The project will require state government approval. It will also fund two private aircraft to bring VIPs from Asia and improvements to VIP facilities and the like. Ask around town for where the ladies are or rush for the phone book or internet. Tabcorp announced a final dividend of 25 cents. So, in summary, Tabcorp is spending big, has massive expenses, is battling a bad economy, and is betting on a big result. Good luck. That's the casino economy!
Burswood Entertainment Complex: Numbers...
Return On Investment - circa 2013.
450 new jobs in 3 years, some of which earmarked for GenerationOne (an Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and James "Casino King" Packer and friends initiative).
Mr Barry Felstead, Burswood chief exec advised along with $130 million of capital expenditure already made, Burswood would be investing almost half a billion dollars over a 5-year period.
"The investment will bring significant and sustained benefits to Perth and Western Australia," Mr Felstead told the press.
Mildura Jewel Casino: Victoria Update...
The Mildura casino development proposal is still alive. Developer Mr Haddad met with Premier John Brumby, Nationals leader Peter Ryan and Liberal leader Ted Baillieu on the proposed riverfront based casino and entertainment complex. He advised Mr Brumby was happy to receive letters of in-principle support from Mildura Council and tourism and development boards, however he still requires "bipartisan" support. "It is legislation for a casino, which is something that is a bit more sensitive," he said. "It would be foolish for the Government to come out with some sort of direction if they know that issue is not going to have at least any indication of support. I have to step back and just hope the National Party and the Liberal Party ... have no objection to a second casino being issued in Victoria."
The Late News...
Major Australian and Asia Pacific based media and new media companies continue to ramp up their online and offline coverage of the Australian gaming, igaming, casino and sports betting sector. Major media and non casino players include Fairfax Media, News Limited, NineMSN, Yahoo! and Google (Search, AdWords and other) and of course Media Man, now sporting Media Man Games and Media Man Poker, adding to Global Gaming Directory and Casino News Media.
A Media Man spokesperson said "Many major Australian and Asia Pacific based media companies, agencies and internet giants are continuing to increase their coverage and sometimes involvement in the casino, igaming, poker and sports betting world. From Google (search engine results), NineMSN (articles and multimedia) to News Limited and Fairfax, both carrying in-house sports betting brands, to us who cover the sector in a holistic fashion with news, pr, campaigns, articles, content, multimedia and portal development, its all happening. Many of these companies like us target the world and have a global strategy, marketing and media plan, but the Australian region remains on the radar and is an important part of the master plan. Of course, the internet is a global medium and not restricted to any one part of the world, so it ideally covers coverage of the casino and gaming sector, be it content, journalism, publicity of other. Different brands are also handing out casino and gaming awards and commendations following in the eGaming Review path, like Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award which PartyGaming's PartyCasino and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino have both won over the years. It's an extremely exciting time to be covering the casino and gaming sector, something our friends at Gambling911, CAP, GPWA and eGaming Review can vouch for. Expect Crown Limited, Tabcorp, Centrebet, PartyGaming and Virgin to make waves, and Media Man and Gambling911 to remain in the thick of the action."
Media Man Profiles
Australian Casinos
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/australian_casinos.html
Crown Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/crown_casino.html
Burswood Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/burswood.html
Star City Casino
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/star_city.html
Jupiter's Hotel and Casino, Gold Coast
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/jupiters_hotel.html
Aus Vegas
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/aus_vegas.html
Mildura Jewel
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/mildura_jewel.html
Gaming
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/gaming.html
Portals
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/portals.html
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/google.html
Media Companies
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/media_companies.html
Folks, we hope you enjoyed this special follow up 'Australian Casino Wars - Casualties Upcoming?' edition. Know something we don't? Tell us in the forum which has been red hot of late. Stay tuned and in the coming days and weeks we will also expand on the coverage with New Zealand and Asia Pacific - Macau land based and online components of the ongoing war, along with special igaming reports which remain important chess pieces in the war zone, as as Yankee property developer friends Donald Trump and Hugh Hefner can vouch for, unlike their foe of sorts Steve Wynn, sticking with land based battles while expanding into the Asia Pacific region. Check or cheque mate? Bombs Away captain.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover. They also offer political analysis and commentary
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin and has conducted b2b with Crown, PartyGaming, Virgin, Fairfax Media, News Limited and Betfair
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Casino
Media Man Poker
Casino News Media
Casino Travel Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
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