G'day punters, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, politicians and one and all. This week we take you a bit further afield that Australian waters. We paddle across to Fiji where talk of the counties first ever casino project is all the rage. Media Man and Gambling911 with this Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka body splashing report...
Fiji's notorious military government called for keen expressions of interest in developing and operating the embattled Pacific nation's first casino.
Tourism Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum advised a casino would help Fiji attract more visitors from the emerging markets of China, India and from Europe, in addition to building on the potentially lucrative US market.
The invitation to gaming companies will be a strong test for international investor confidence in the nation, where the economy has faltered since a military coup in 2006 led by current Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Sayed-Khaiyum said there were very obvious economic benefits from a casino development, which could create jobs of course, and also help raise additional revenue for the government.
He would not give a timeline for the casino at this time, saying Fiji was looking for reputable international gaming operators to develop a casino that would increase leisure activities in the country.
"At the same time we do not want to harm Fiji's tourism brand, which the government and the people of Fiji have invested so much in," Sayed-Khaiyum said in a statement to the press.
He said laws would be put in place to minimise possible negative social impact from the casino, citing Malaysia and Singapore as countries where such protective mechanisms had been very successfully installed. He did not mention the Australian experience and productivity commission findings into the gambling business, which are questionable in nature we have learned in our own probe over the past months.
Tourism is Fiji's major export earner following a decline in its former economic bread and butter, the sugar industry.
More than 540,000 international visitors, 65% of them from "downunder" in Australia and "Kiwi Land" New Zealand, flocked to the the island nation's white sandy beaches last year, according to official data.
The World Bank this month said Fiji's economy was expected to grow 0.5-1.0% in 2010, only partially recovering from a 3.0% contraction last year.
It said Fiji's public debt, including state-owned enterprises, was about 67% of gross domestic product and government revenues this year were were likely to fall below budget forecasts.
The non-profit organisation International Budget Partnership this week ranked Fiji bottom in a survey of budget transparency covering 94 countries, saying publicly-available information on government accounts was inadequate.
Media Man's bodyguards and Fiji cultural experts Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Adam Yarad and John "Vucan" Seru aka "The Fijian Warrior" are not commenting on the proposed casino development at this time, but we will advise if the situation changes. Ni Sa Moce (Goodbye in Fijian).
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Asia Pacific
New Zealand
Fiji
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, do you think Fiji should get a land based casino, or are online casinos enough to service our native friends? Tell us in the forum. If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Nicklaus Design Named Architect of the Year in Asia Pacific
For third year in a row, Nicklaus Design named
Golf Course Architect of the Year in Asia Pacific
Jack Nicklaus becomes first American inducted into Asia Pacific Hall of Fame
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla.—For the third straight year and the fourth time in eight years, the readers of Asian Golf Monthly magazine have named Nicklaus Design as “Golf Course Architect of the Year in Asia Pacific.” The honor was announced last week at the 2010 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, and capped an event during which Jack Nicklaus became the first American inductee into the inaugural class of the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame.
As Asia has become arguably the most important market in the game’s future, Nicklaus Design continues to be lauded for its impact on golf’s past, present and future there. The 2010 Asia Pacific Golf Summit not only recognized the top course architect, but honored the top courses in different countries and regions throughout Asia Pacific. Nicklaus Design took top honors in two countries—China and Korea—as well as the Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific, with Empire Hotel & Country Club in Brunei, which is anchored by a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The Mountain Course at Spring City Resort in Kunming, a 1997 Jack Nicklaus design, repeated as Best Golf Course in China. For the third year in a row and just three years after opening, The Ocean Course at Sky 72 Golf Club was named Best Golf Course in Korea. Located in Incheon, this Nicklaus Design layout plays host this week to the LPGA’s Hana Bank Championship.
Three other Jack Nicklaus-designed courses were named in the top three of their respective countries: Miramar Linkou Golf & Country Club (No. 2 in Chinese Taipei); Bumi Serpong Damai Course at Damai Indah Golf & Country Club (No. 3 in Indonesia); and The Kinloch Club (No. 3 in New Zealand), which is only 3 years old and was named in 2007 to Travel & Leisure Golf’s Best New Courses in the World.
“We are honored and want to thank everyone associated with Asian Golf Monthly, especially its readers, for again recognizing Nicklaus Design as Asia’s Golf Course Architect of the Year,” said Executive Vice President Paul Stringer, who accepted the award on behalf of Nicklaus Design. “Having the support and confidence of the golfers in Asia is a tribute to Jack Nicklaus and to our designers in Asia. To be recognized three years in a row with this honor is a reflection of the hard work of all the personnel we have throughout the Asia Pacific region. Our Nicklaus Design team has done a terrific job in providing great customer service and quality design for our Asian clients. This recognition will inspire our team to continue to create great golf experiences and to further the mission of growing the game throughout Asia Pacific.”
Nicklaus Design Asia has offices or representation in Hong Kong; Beijing; Seoul, Korea; Manila, Philippines; and the burgeoning golf market of India.
Nicklaus Design has 19 courses under construction in Asia, including 14 in China, three in Korea, one in India and one in Cambodia. The firm also has another 25 signed and active projects spread throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim, representing China, Korea, Japan, India, Papua New Guinea, Palau and Australia.
The 400 or so delegates in attendance at this year’s Summit also witnessed the unveiling of the inaugural class of inductees into the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame. Jack Nicklaus was the first and only American inducted, and he joined the likes of Lu Liang Huan, the Taiwanese golf legend who lost out to Lee Trevino in the 1971 British Open by a solitary stroke, and Boonchu Ruangkit, Thailand's top senior golfer and the current leader of the European Champions Tour Order of Merit.
“It is an honor and privilege to join the others in this first class, and I look at this as not only an acknowledgment of what I accomplished playing the game, but more important, what I have tried to do outside the ropes in growing the game in this great continent,” Jack Nicklaus said. “The Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame is representative of how far the game has really grown in the region and I would hope it has a major impact on how Asian golf is viewed by the rest of the world. Needless to say, I am proud to be a part of it.
“I think I spend more time in Asia now than I do in the United States, working on golf courses, and I must say that I’m really enjoying it—great sites, great golf courses, and great clients. The game has just grown beyond belief and it is both fun and satisfying to be a part of its continued growth.”
The Golden Bear was at the forefront of golf development in Asia, as Nicklaus Design opened its first course there 37 years ago in Japan, and now has no fewer than 80 spread throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim, including 16 courses in the vibrant golf market of China. Nicklaus Design’s first course in China was Chung Shan Hot Spring Golf Club in Zhongshan City, Guangdong, which opened in 1993. Jack’s ground-breaking design of the World Cup Course at Mission Hills followed in 1994. The World Cup course was named in 2008 by LINKS Magazine as one of the 10 Most Influential Designs in Golf History, as it set the bar for golf in China and sparked a boom at Mission Hills, which now boasts a world-record 12 courses at the facility.
Jack continues to take the lead in the growth and development of golf in Asia, having made multiple visits this year to projects from China to South Korea. These include the recently opened Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in New Songdo City, South Korea, which last month hosted Asia’s first full-field PGA Tour event, and more than a half-dozen projects spread throughout five cities in China, including Beijing, Kunming, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Changbaishan.
For 40 years, the mission of the Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience, and to bring to the national and international consumer golf-related businesses and services that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus. These services include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of golf products and services. Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has been involved with 356 courses open for play in 34 countries and 39 states. Of those, Jack Nicklaus has designed, co-designed or re-designed 285 courses around the globe, 63 of which have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists. Nicklaus Design currently has projects under development in 34 different countries, including 16 in which it has never been involved before.
Golf Course Architect of the Year in Asia Pacific
Jack Nicklaus becomes first American inducted into Asia Pacific Hall of Fame
NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla.—For the third straight year and the fourth time in eight years, the readers of Asian Golf Monthly magazine have named Nicklaus Design as “Golf Course Architect of the Year in Asia Pacific.” The honor was announced last week at the 2010 Asia Pacific Golf Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, and capped an event during which Jack Nicklaus became the first American inductee into the inaugural class of the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame.
As Asia has become arguably the most important market in the game’s future, Nicklaus Design continues to be lauded for its impact on golf’s past, present and future there. The 2010 Asia Pacific Golf Summit not only recognized the top course architect, but honored the top courses in different countries and regions throughout Asia Pacific. Nicklaus Design took top honors in two countries—China and Korea—as well as the Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific, with Empire Hotel & Country Club in Brunei, which is anchored by a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The Mountain Course at Spring City Resort in Kunming, a 1997 Jack Nicklaus design, repeated as Best Golf Course in China. For the third year in a row and just three years after opening, The Ocean Course at Sky 72 Golf Club was named Best Golf Course in Korea. Located in Incheon, this Nicklaus Design layout plays host this week to the LPGA’s Hana Bank Championship.
Three other Jack Nicklaus-designed courses were named in the top three of their respective countries: Miramar Linkou Golf & Country Club (No. 2 in Chinese Taipei); Bumi Serpong Damai Course at Damai Indah Golf & Country Club (No. 3 in Indonesia); and The Kinloch Club (No. 3 in New Zealand), which is only 3 years old and was named in 2007 to Travel & Leisure Golf’s Best New Courses in the World.
“We are honored and want to thank everyone associated with Asian Golf Monthly, especially its readers, for again recognizing Nicklaus Design as Asia’s Golf Course Architect of the Year,” said Executive Vice President Paul Stringer, who accepted the award on behalf of Nicklaus Design. “Having the support and confidence of the golfers in Asia is a tribute to Jack Nicklaus and to our designers in Asia. To be recognized three years in a row with this honor is a reflection of the hard work of all the personnel we have throughout the Asia Pacific region. Our Nicklaus Design team has done a terrific job in providing great customer service and quality design for our Asian clients. This recognition will inspire our team to continue to create great golf experiences and to further the mission of growing the game throughout Asia Pacific.”
Nicklaus Design Asia has offices or representation in Hong Kong; Beijing; Seoul, Korea; Manila, Philippines; and the burgeoning golf market of India.
Nicklaus Design has 19 courses under construction in Asia, including 14 in China, three in Korea, one in India and one in Cambodia. The firm also has another 25 signed and active projects spread throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim, representing China, Korea, Japan, India, Papua New Guinea, Palau and Australia.
The 400 or so delegates in attendance at this year’s Summit also witnessed the unveiling of the inaugural class of inductees into the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame. Jack Nicklaus was the first and only American inducted, and he joined the likes of Lu Liang Huan, the Taiwanese golf legend who lost out to Lee Trevino in the 1971 British Open by a solitary stroke, and Boonchu Ruangkit, Thailand's top senior golfer and the current leader of the European Champions Tour Order of Merit.
“It is an honor and privilege to join the others in this first class, and I look at this as not only an acknowledgment of what I accomplished playing the game, but more important, what I have tried to do outside the ropes in growing the game in this great continent,” Jack Nicklaus said. “The Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame is representative of how far the game has really grown in the region and I would hope it has a major impact on how Asian golf is viewed by the rest of the world. Needless to say, I am proud to be a part of it.
“I think I spend more time in Asia now than I do in the United States, working on golf courses, and I must say that I’m really enjoying it—great sites, great golf courses, and great clients. The game has just grown beyond belief and it is both fun and satisfying to be a part of its continued growth.”
The Golden Bear was at the forefront of golf development in Asia, as Nicklaus Design opened its first course there 37 years ago in Japan, and now has no fewer than 80 spread throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim, including 16 courses in the vibrant golf market of China. Nicklaus Design’s first course in China was Chung Shan Hot Spring Golf Club in Zhongshan City, Guangdong, which opened in 1993. Jack’s ground-breaking design of the World Cup Course at Mission Hills followed in 1994. The World Cup course was named in 2008 by LINKS Magazine as one of the 10 Most Influential Designs in Golf History, as it set the bar for golf in China and sparked a boom at Mission Hills, which now boasts a world-record 12 courses at the facility.
Jack continues to take the lead in the growth and development of golf in Asia, having made multiple visits this year to projects from China to South Korea. These include the recently opened Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in New Songdo City, South Korea, which last month hosted Asia’s first full-field PGA Tour event, and more than a half-dozen projects spread throughout five cities in China, including Beijing, Kunming, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Changbaishan.
For 40 years, the mission of the Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience, and to bring to the national and international consumer golf-related businesses and services that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus. These services include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of golf products and services. Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has been involved with 356 courses open for play in 34 countries and 39 states. Of those, Jack Nicklaus has designed, co-designed or re-designed 285 courses around the globe, 63 of which have been ranked in various national or international Top-100 lists. Nicklaus Design currently has projects under development in 34 different countries, including 16 in which it has never been involved before.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Crown Casino Strike To Cost Millions?, by Greg Tingle - 13th October 2010
Australian and international punters, casino millionaires, billionaires, entrepreneurs, journalists, politicians and everyone else... G'day. The world famous Australian Casino Wars continue to take new forms, and in the latest twist the upcoming Crown Casino staff strike is set to cost the firm millions according to bush tucker swag of experts, and this is likely music to the ears of competitor Tabcorp, now known on the world stage for their Sin City Sydney based Star City Casino. Media Man and Gambling911 once again play 'Casino Jack' with this special report from the front line of the Australian casino wars...
In what is understood to be Australia's most famous strike in recently history, James Packer owned Crown Casino will suffer massive disruptions during this coming Saturday’s Caulfield Cup happening with pretty cunning casino workers planning to strike over a pay dispute, a union official has told us.
Jess Walsh, spokeswoman for the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU), advised casino workers notified Crown of the pending strike action yesterday following the "no thanks" of the casino’s offer to increase worker wages by 3.75% a year, and this change the union says could end up costing casino dealers about $5000 bucks annually. Yep, it all adds up, and you were worried about how much you put into the land based and online casino slot machines!
Walsh reckons the strike which is planned for both Friday and Saturday will end up costing the casino a whopping $4 million plus in revenue and $1 million in profits each day, and to top it off the Victorian government could lose $400,000 in tax revenue per day. Just how much PR damage will be done is not known, but what is know that "casino haters" and "bible bashers" won' be loosing any sleep over this news, and may even be celebrating, some likely calling it "Gods Will" or you get the idea.
"Crown staff are demanding recognition and respect for being the best casino workers in the country,” Walsh said.
"Crown Melbourne dwarfs other Australian casinos by every measure. It needs to attract and retain the best staff and now it has an opportunity to do just that — by creating the best conditions at work. This strike will cost Crown dearly. It will cost Crown up to $180,000 in lost revenue every hour workers are on strike or more than $4 million for the day. Obviously, strike action is a last resort. Casino workers still hope Crown will put a fair offer on the table so this action can be averted."
It was just last week Crown upped its wage offer by 0.25% over three years, following the successful strike ballot, but most workers were none to impressed.
Crown spokesman Gary O’Neill said at the time the casino was confident its contingency plans were adequate to ensure the precinct continued to operate efficiently.
He went on to claim that 4448 employees were covered by the casino’s enterprise bargaining agreement and only 19% of those voted in the ballot.
He said the company regretted the union’s threat but would take the "necessary steps to protect its business and the interests of its customers and shareholders".
Media Man and Gambling911 are hopeful that the Crown Limited top brass and casino workers can work it out. Other than that, may the best side win. Game on?
*The Media Man founder and director is a shareholder in Crown Limited, just thought we better spell it out folks.
The Latest And Greatest On Australia Right Here At Gambling911...
Gambling911 - Australia
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html
Keep checking for updates at Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.
Will The Upcoming Strike Effect Crown's Entertainment Line Up? Gigs Books Include:
Crown Casino Ramps Up World Class Entertainment Acts; Combats War With Sydney's Star City...
Cirque Mother Africa
12 - 24 October 2010
An exciting and spectacular circus of senses
Rock of Ages 3
29 October 2010
The third instalment of our popular Baby Boomer concerts
Diesel | 7 Axes to Grind
30 October
National Tour
Tom Burlinson
5 November 2010
A feast for lovers of swing
Time Warp
6 November 2010
A musical tribute to Rocky Horror
Gary Puckett
12 November 2010
A night filled with Rock’n’roll hits and great memories
Bjorn Again
18 - 21 November 2010
The world’s number 1 ABBA show present The ABBA Gold Concert
Kate Ceberano
26 November 2010
A special evening with Kate Ceberano and special guest Mark Vincent
Leo Sayer
27 November 2010
Come and celebrate Leo's 40 year career in the music industry
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
A never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You...
A 2 hour spectacular with an emphasis on Queen's hard rock sound and the brilliance of Freddie Mercury!
DATE & SHOW TIME:
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 February 2011
Time:
Doors / Pre show bar opens: 7:15pm
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how badly do you think the staff strike will effect things at Crown Casino? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.720
*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 and offer political commentary and analysis.
*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
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Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
In what is understood to be Australia's most famous strike in recently history, James Packer owned Crown Casino will suffer massive disruptions during this coming Saturday’s Caulfield Cup happening with pretty cunning casino workers planning to strike over a pay dispute, a union official has told us.
Jess Walsh, spokeswoman for the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU), advised casino workers notified Crown of the pending strike action yesterday following the "no thanks" of the casino’s offer to increase worker wages by 3.75% a year, and this change the union says could end up costing casino dealers about $5000 bucks annually. Yep, it all adds up, and you were worried about how much you put into the land based and online casino slot machines!
Walsh reckons the strike which is planned for both Friday and Saturday will end up costing the casino a whopping $4 million plus in revenue and $1 million in profits each day, and to top it off the Victorian government could lose $400,000 in tax revenue per day. Just how much PR damage will be done is not known, but what is know that "casino haters" and "bible bashers" won' be loosing any sleep over this news, and may even be celebrating, some likely calling it "Gods Will" or you get the idea.
"Crown staff are demanding recognition and respect for being the best casino workers in the country,” Walsh said.
"Crown Melbourne dwarfs other Australian casinos by every measure. It needs to attract and retain the best staff and now it has an opportunity to do just that — by creating the best conditions at work. This strike will cost Crown dearly. It will cost Crown up to $180,000 in lost revenue every hour workers are on strike or more than $4 million for the day. Obviously, strike action is a last resort. Casino workers still hope Crown will put a fair offer on the table so this action can be averted."
It was just last week Crown upped its wage offer by 0.25% over three years, following the successful strike ballot, but most workers were none to impressed.
Crown spokesman Gary O’Neill said at the time the casino was confident its contingency plans were adequate to ensure the precinct continued to operate efficiently.
He went on to claim that 4448 employees were covered by the casino’s enterprise bargaining agreement and only 19% of those voted in the ballot.
He said the company regretted the union’s threat but would take the "necessary steps to protect its business and the interests of its customers and shareholders".
Media Man and Gambling911 are hopeful that the Crown Limited top brass and casino workers can work it out. Other than that, may the best side win. Game on?
*The Media Man founder and director is a shareholder in Crown Limited, just thought we better spell it out folks.
The Latest And Greatest On Australia Right Here At Gambling911...
Gambling911 - Australia
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html
Keep checking for updates at Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.
Will The Upcoming Strike Effect Crown's Entertainment Line Up? Gigs Books Include:
Crown Casino Ramps Up World Class Entertainment Acts; Combats War With Sydney's Star City...
Cirque Mother Africa
12 - 24 October 2010
An exciting and spectacular circus of senses
Rock of Ages 3
29 October 2010
The third instalment of our popular Baby Boomer concerts
Diesel | 7 Axes to Grind
30 October
National Tour
Tom Burlinson
5 November 2010
A feast for lovers of swing
Time Warp
6 November 2010
A musical tribute to Rocky Horror
Gary Puckett
12 November 2010
A night filled with Rock’n’roll hits and great memories
Bjorn Again
18 - 21 November 2010
The world’s number 1 ABBA show present The ABBA Gold Concert
Kate Ceberano
26 November 2010
A special evening with Kate Ceberano and special guest Mark Vincent
Leo Sayer
27 November 2010
Come and celebrate Leo's 40 year career in the music industry
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
A never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You...
A 2 hour spectacular with an emphasis on Queen's hard rock sound and the brilliance of Freddie Mercury!
DATE & SHOW TIME:
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 February 2011
Time:
Doors / Pre show bar opens: 7:15pm
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how badly do you think the staff strike will effect things at Crown Casino? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.720
*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 and offer political commentary and analysis.
*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
Monday, October 11, 2010
Crown Casino Management Restructure, by Greg Tingle - 11th October 2010
Australian and international punters, casino billionaires, entrepreneurs, journalists...politicians... G'day one and all. The world famous Australian Casino Wars continue, and in the latest turn of events both Crown Casino and its competitor see more management and staff shuffles, with just the slightest hint of in fighting. At the same time Crown is still tipped to suffer industrial strike action. Media Man and Gambling911 once again report from the front line of the Australian casino wars...
Crown Casino top brass - Operations Head David Courtney has been confirmed as loosing his position after a company restructure of management to help combat expenses.
The pride of James Packer owned Crown Limited issued a press statement this past Friday advising that Crown Casino would now be overseen by the current Crown Limited chief executive Rowen Craigie, who will now combine the two roles.
"The stand alone position of chief executive officer of Crown Melbourne, previously held by David Courtney, has now ceased to exist," the document said.
"The restructure is part of Crown's ongoing strategy to reduce overheads and confirms the group's focus on its Australian and Macau businesses."
It went on to say the new management structure was similar to that which existed in the gaming division of TV and print company, Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, prior to its demerger in December 2007. P&B was the pride and joy of the late, great, Kerry Packer, Australia's original "super whale" and king of the high rollers in Australia.
The company statement publicly thanked Courtney for his contribution in the role he has held since 2007.
Crown Limited said Courtney had taken a period of leave and was in discussions regarding his future with the company.
Courtney is understood to be well liked and respected at Crown as well as across the larger Australian gambling and gaming industry. Media Man and Gambling911 wish him continued success.
Competitor Star City Casino has adopted a number of American management team members now known around the traps as 'The Americans'. Read up more on the Aussie - Americans calling the shots at Star City in the Gambling911 Australian section.
Gambling911 - Australia
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html
Keep checking for updates at Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.
Crown Casino Ramps Up World Class Entertainment Acts; Combats War With Sydney's Star City...
Cirque Mother Africa
12 - 24 October 2010
An exciting and spectacular circus of senses
Rock of Ages 3
29 October 2010
The third instalment of our popular Baby Boomer concerts
Diesel | 7 Axes to Grind
30 October
National Tour
Tom Burlinson
5 November 2010
A feast for lovers of swing
Time Warp
6 November 2010
A musical tribute to Rocky Horror
Gary Puckett
12 November 2010
A night filled with Rock’n’roll hits and great memories
Bjorn Again
18 - 21 November 2010
The world’s number 1 ABBA show present The ABBA Gold Concert
Kate Ceberano
26 November 2010
A special evening with Kate Ceberano and special guest Mark Vincent
Leo Sayer
27 November 2010
Come and celebrate Leo's 40 year career in the music industry
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
A never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You...
The music of Queen and the spirit of Freddie Mercury like you've never experienced before. Craig Pesco is widely regarded and respected around the world for keeping the spirit and music of Freddie Mercury & Queen alive over the last decade. Since 2001 he has toured the world, performing to sell out audiences in over 13 countries, and Pesco's portrayal of Freddie Mercury was also witnessed by over 47,000 people in Hamburg, Germany at the 2006 World Cup. Closer to home, Craig Pesco has sold out many theatres across the country including seven sold out shows at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre. Craig Pesco is the only person to be endorsed by Peter Freestone, PA and best friend to Freddie Mercury from 1979. Peter was Freddie's constant companion and by his side when he passed away on November 24, 1991. "It was an eye-opener for me" Freestone says of his first encounter with Pesco. "Craig is Freddie down to his fingertips. There is an amazing energy."
FREDDIE MERCURY - LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
A 2 hour spectacular with an emphasis on Queen's hard rock sound and the brilliance of Freddie Mercury!
*Tickets on sale Monday 27 September 2010
DATE & SHOW TIME:
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 February 2011
Time:
Doors / Pre show bar opens: 7:15pm
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how to you think management and staff changes will effect things at Crown Casino? Is Crown aiming for a takeover of Tabcorp's Star City Casino sooner, rather than later? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.490
*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 and offer political commentary and analysis.
*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
Crown Casino top brass - Operations Head David Courtney has been confirmed as loosing his position after a company restructure of management to help combat expenses.
The pride of James Packer owned Crown Limited issued a press statement this past Friday advising that Crown Casino would now be overseen by the current Crown Limited chief executive Rowen Craigie, who will now combine the two roles.
"The stand alone position of chief executive officer of Crown Melbourne, previously held by David Courtney, has now ceased to exist," the document said.
"The restructure is part of Crown's ongoing strategy to reduce overheads and confirms the group's focus on its Australian and Macau businesses."
It went on to say the new management structure was similar to that which existed in the gaming division of TV and print company, Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, prior to its demerger in December 2007. P&B was the pride and joy of the late, great, Kerry Packer, Australia's original "super whale" and king of the high rollers in Australia.
The company statement publicly thanked Courtney for his contribution in the role he has held since 2007.
Crown Limited said Courtney had taken a period of leave and was in discussions regarding his future with the company.
Courtney is understood to be well liked and respected at Crown as well as across the larger Australian gambling and gaming industry. Media Man and Gambling911 wish him continued success.
Competitor Star City Casino has adopted a number of American management team members now known around the traps as 'The Americans'. Read up more on the Aussie - Americans calling the shots at Star City in the Gambling911 Australian section.
Gambling911 - Australia
http://www.gambling911.com/regional-news/australia.html
Keep checking for updates at Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911.
Crown Casino Ramps Up World Class Entertainment Acts; Combats War With Sydney's Star City...
Cirque Mother Africa
12 - 24 October 2010
An exciting and spectacular circus of senses
Rock of Ages 3
29 October 2010
The third instalment of our popular Baby Boomer concerts
Diesel | 7 Axes to Grind
30 October
National Tour
Tom Burlinson
5 November 2010
A feast for lovers of swing
Time Warp
6 November 2010
A musical tribute to Rocky Horror
Gary Puckett
12 November 2010
A night filled with Rock’n’roll hits and great memories
Bjorn Again
18 - 21 November 2010
The world’s number 1 ABBA show present The ABBA Gold Concert
Kate Ceberano
26 November 2010
A special evening with Kate Ceberano and special guest Mark Vincent
Leo Sayer
27 November 2010
Come and celebrate Leo's 40 year career in the music industry
Burlesque Royale
28 January 2011
A never before seen spectacular of old fashioned showgirl glamour
Freddie Mercury - Let Me Entertain You...
The music of Queen and the spirit of Freddie Mercury like you've never experienced before. Craig Pesco is widely regarded and respected around the world for keeping the spirit and music of Freddie Mercury & Queen alive over the last decade. Since 2001 he has toured the world, performing to sell out audiences in over 13 countries, and Pesco's portrayal of Freddie Mercury was also witnessed by over 47,000 people in Hamburg, Germany at the 2006 World Cup. Closer to home, Craig Pesco has sold out many theatres across the country including seven sold out shows at Melbourne's Her Majesty's Theatre. Craig Pesco is the only person to be endorsed by Peter Freestone, PA and best friend to Freddie Mercury from 1979. Peter was Freddie's constant companion and by his side when he passed away on November 24, 1991. "It was an eye-opener for me" Freestone says of his first encounter with Pesco. "Craig is Freddie down to his fingertips. There is an amazing energy."
FREDDIE MERCURY - LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
A 2 hour spectacular with an emphasis on Queen's hard rock sound and the brilliance of Freddie Mercury!
*Tickets on sale Monday 27 September 2010
DATE & SHOW TIME:
Friday 4 - Saturday 5 February 2011
Time:
Doors / Pre show bar opens: 7:15pm
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Australian Casinos
Crown Casino
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how to you think management and staff changes will effect things at Crown Casino? Is Crown aiming for a takeover of Tabcorp's Star City Casino sooner, rather than later? Tell us in the forum.
If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun.
Crown Limited Share Price: $8.490
*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 and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Tuesday, October 05, 2010
American Wiseguys; Australian Wiseguys Uprising?, by Greg Tingle - 4th October 2010
Wiseguy hey? What is a wiseguy? The United States has them... heard of 'The Mob'? So does Italy. The casino and larger gambling industry is understood to be home to a few "wiseguys", some recently busted lurking in the entertainment - ticketing sector, and now speculation rises as to who may be a wiseguy down under in Australia. Media Man and Gambling911 load up the Cadillac, shovels, knock squad and navigate the odd horses' head with this special 'Wiseguys" report...
American Wiseguys online ticketing scheme...
Legal eagles for a foursome of Americans accused of illegally purchasing more than 1 million concert tickets online, then going on to sell them for a massive $30 million profit, are seeking to have the case thrown out of court.
The four Californian natives are charged with the serious offences of conspiracy and fraud.
They are accused of bypassing safeguards meant to restrict the number of tickets each customer can buy.
The US government alleges their company... wait for it...Wiseguy Tickets, resold the tickets for $30 million in estimated profit.
According to a 43-count indictment unsealed in March of this year, the foursome used a nationwide network of computers to flood websites such as Ticketmaster and Major League Baseball and even developed a computer program that could automatically get past web pages that require purchasers to manually type in sample words before they can proceed. Cleaver cookies hey.
The quad squad focused on highly coveted premium tickets to high-profile events such as concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews and Hannah Montana and sporting events such as the baseball playoffs, the 2009 Sugar Bowl and the 2007 BCS college football championship game, federal authorities have gone on record with.
The case is being prosecuted in New Jersey as many of the live events were held at Giants Stadium, Izod Centre and Prudential Centre; others were spread across the United States at venues in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa, Florida, according to the indictment.
Kenneth Lowson, Kristofer Kirsch and Faisal Nahdi, all of LA, and Joel Stevenson, of Alameda, California, face charges that include conspiracy, wire fraud and unauthorised computer access.
The wire fraud counts are the most serious and carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years per count upon conviction.
Lowson, Kirsch and Stevenson have been freed on bail since their arrests, while Nahdi is a fugitive and is believed to be abroad... on the run, as they say.
Mark Rush, a lawyer for Lowson, argued in federal court on Monday that the foursome might have violated websites' terms of service - use, but are not liable under existing federal law.
Federal prosecutors sought to play down the unusual nature of the men's alleged crimes.
"We see cases like this in federal court all the time," Assistant US Attorney Erez Lieberman said during a motion hearing before US District Judge Katherine Hayden.
Lieberman said the defendants "lied, lied and lied some more" when they purchased tickets using hundreds of fake internet domain names and created a method of bypassing safeguards meant to limit the number of tickets available to individual buyers.
"Each and every step of the way it was a traditional fraud," Lieberman said.
The judge heard arguments on the defence's motion to dismiss the indictment on the grounds that federal law does not cover what Rush said were merely violations of the terms of use on internet sites including Ticketmaster.
Rush argued that while the defendants' actions might be deemed unsavoury to say the least, they did not rise to the level of criminal activity but should more appropriately be taken up as a civil matter.
"This isn't Ticketmaster versus Wiseguy, but perhaps it should be. But it shouldn't be the United States of America versus Wiseguy. Congress has not criminalised ticket brokers or ticket scalpers. What if they hired 100,000 people to all get on the site at the same time? Would we be here?" Rush asked.
"Or was it because it was a computer? If we are struggling to figure out if this is a violation of federal criminal law, then the indictment should be dismissed."
Australian Wiseguys Background And Uprising?...
Australian history books show a bit of ticketing "funny business" going back to Harry M. Miller circa 1982, with Computicket but that's ancient history now. If you want to find out more about Harry and Computerticket, you can buy his book 'Confessions of a Not-So-Secret-Agent'.
Speculation is rife about who is, or will be, the new breed of Australian born and breed "Wiseguys".
Casino, gambling and sports betting types have likely heard of the "Australian Gumleaf Mafia", but are they also the "Aussie Wiseguys"?
It's often been joked that "The Mafia" runs American media, Hollywood and Australia's entertainment, gambling, but how much is talked up and what's fact or fiction can be very difficult to ascertain.
Talk around 'Sin City' Sydney of late speculates that Kings Cross nightclub owner - operator John Ibrahim may be described as a "wiseguy". What is interesting is that in July 2009, Ibrahim's bodyguard, Semi "Tongan Sam" Ngata, was arrested following a raid on his home by a special gang violence taskforce that netted bulk quantities of a methamphetamine precursor. Ibrahim is portrayed by Firass Dirani in the 2010 television miniseries Underbelly: The Golden Mile. Media Man talent, part time bodyguard, and new 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia' recruit, John 'Vulcan' Seru, also featured with Dirani on a number of 'Underbelly' episodes last season. A few months back Durani scored a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. Readers will recall that it was De Niro who played Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal) in the Martin Scorsese film 'Casino'. Ah, small world isn't it.
So, who are Australia's real life 'Wiseguys'? Are they more likely to be Harry M. Miller types? 'Gumleaf Media types', sports betting fixes seen around the Australian - Indian - Pakistan cricket matches, or more of the types that are invisible to all but those in the underworld? We would suggest the later wiseguys!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Mafia
Events
Punters, a friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... Wiseguys!
*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 and offer political commentary and analysis.
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American Wiseguys online ticketing scheme...
Legal eagles for a foursome of Americans accused of illegally purchasing more than 1 million concert tickets online, then going on to sell them for a massive $30 million profit, are seeking to have the case thrown out of court.
The four Californian natives are charged with the serious offences of conspiracy and fraud.
They are accused of bypassing safeguards meant to restrict the number of tickets each customer can buy.
The US government alleges their company... wait for it...Wiseguy Tickets, resold the tickets for $30 million in estimated profit.
According to a 43-count indictment unsealed in March of this year, the foursome used a nationwide network of computers to flood websites such as Ticketmaster and Major League Baseball and even developed a computer program that could automatically get past web pages that require purchasers to manually type in sample words before they can proceed. Cleaver cookies hey.
The quad squad focused on highly coveted premium tickets to high-profile events such as concerts by Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews and Hannah Montana and sporting events such as the baseball playoffs, the 2009 Sugar Bowl and the 2007 BCS college football championship game, federal authorities have gone on record with.
The case is being prosecuted in New Jersey as many of the live events were held at Giants Stadium, Izod Centre and Prudential Centre; others were spread across the United States at venues in New York City, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Tampa, Florida, according to the indictment.
Kenneth Lowson, Kristofer Kirsch and Faisal Nahdi, all of LA, and Joel Stevenson, of Alameda, California, face charges that include conspiracy, wire fraud and unauthorised computer access.
The wire fraud counts are the most serious and carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years per count upon conviction.
Lowson, Kirsch and Stevenson have been freed on bail since their arrests, while Nahdi is a fugitive and is believed to be abroad... on the run, as they say.
Mark Rush, a lawyer for Lowson, argued in federal court on Monday that the foursome might have violated websites' terms of service - use, but are not liable under existing federal law.
Federal prosecutors sought to play down the unusual nature of the men's alleged crimes.
"We see cases like this in federal court all the time," Assistant US Attorney Erez Lieberman said during a motion hearing before US District Judge Katherine Hayden.
Lieberman said the defendants "lied, lied and lied some more" when they purchased tickets using hundreds of fake internet domain names and created a method of bypassing safeguards meant to limit the number of tickets available to individual buyers.
"Each and every step of the way it was a traditional fraud," Lieberman said.
The judge heard arguments on the defence's motion to dismiss the indictment on the grounds that federal law does not cover what Rush said were merely violations of the terms of use on internet sites including Ticketmaster.
Rush argued that while the defendants' actions might be deemed unsavoury to say the least, they did not rise to the level of criminal activity but should more appropriately be taken up as a civil matter.
"This isn't Ticketmaster versus Wiseguy, but perhaps it should be. But it shouldn't be the United States of America versus Wiseguy. Congress has not criminalised ticket brokers or ticket scalpers. What if they hired 100,000 people to all get on the site at the same time? Would we be here?" Rush asked.
"Or was it because it was a computer? If we are struggling to figure out if this is a violation of federal criminal law, then the indictment should be dismissed."
Australian Wiseguys Background And Uprising?...
Australian history books show a bit of ticketing "funny business" going back to Harry M. Miller circa 1982, with Computicket but that's ancient history now. If you want to find out more about Harry and Computerticket, you can buy his book 'Confessions of a Not-So-Secret-Agent'.
Speculation is rife about who is, or will be, the new breed of Australian born and breed "Wiseguys".
Casino, gambling and sports betting types have likely heard of the "Australian Gumleaf Mafia", but are they also the "Aussie Wiseguys"?
It's often been joked that "The Mafia" runs American media, Hollywood and Australia's entertainment, gambling, but how much is talked up and what's fact or fiction can be very difficult to ascertain.
Talk around 'Sin City' Sydney of late speculates that Kings Cross nightclub owner - operator John Ibrahim may be described as a "wiseguy". What is interesting is that in July 2009, Ibrahim's bodyguard, Semi "Tongan Sam" Ngata, was arrested following a raid on his home by a special gang violence taskforce that netted bulk quantities of a methamphetamine precursor. Ibrahim is portrayed by Firass Dirani in the 2010 television miniseries Underbelly: The Golden Mile. Media Man talent, part time bodyguard, and new 'Aussie Gumleaf Mafia' recruit, John 'Vulcan' Seru, also featured with Dirani on a number of 'Underbelly' episodes last season. A few months back Durani scored a role opposite Robert Di Niro in 'The Killer Elite'. Readers will recall that it was De Niro who played Sam "Ace" Rothstein (Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal) in the Martin Scorsese film 'Casino'. Ah, small world isn't it.
So, who are Australia's real life 'Wiseguys'? Are they more likely to be Harry M. Miller types? 'Gumleaf Media types', sports betting fixes seen around the Australian - Indian - Pakistan cricket matches, or more of the types that are invisible to all but those in the underworld? We would suggest the later wiseguys!
Media Man Profiles
Australia
Mafia
Events
Punters, a friendly reminder... bet with your head, not over it, and have fun... Wiseguys!
*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 and offer political commentary and analysis.
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
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