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Asia Pacific gambling is on fire. Much of today's coverage involved Aussie gambling king James Packer from Crown Limited fame being none to impressed with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and Packer is using the media as a war against the "anti business" and "business unfriendly" PM. In addition Crown is rumoured to be interested in Echo Entertainment owned Star City casino in Sydney, understood to be at risk of having a number of brothel's and other vice related enterprises close by to its city location. Up to Asia, Crown may sell it's stake in Crown Macau to help raise funds for the takeover of Star City... Media Man , Gambling911 and James Packer dish it out in spades with today's ace update from down under...
Crown Limited May Sell Out Macau Casino Investment To Raise Cash For Echo Entertainment Star City Bid...
JP's Crown could fund a $3.6 billion move on casino rival Echo Entertainment next year by exiting its growing Macau venture, analysts say. Crown this week confirmed a 4.9% interest in Echo and Tabcorp Holdings by way of derivatives, which it acquired before Tabcorp's demerger of the casino group this month. Crown talked down its interested in Echo and Star City et al. Despite Crown saying it has no "current" intention of increasing its interest in either, Merrill Lynch analyst Nathan Gee said it could make a move next year on Echo after the relaunch of its Star City casino in Sydney. Echo is also upgrading its three land based casinos in Queensland in a $1.6bn expansion investment. Gee advised Crown acquired a stake in its Burswood casino in Perth in 2003 before its full takeover in 2004. "The Star relaunch in late 2011 will be a critical time for Echo management, so we think it makes sense for bidders to allow management to concentrate," he said. "We can't discount a Crown takeover of Echo, but we think a deal is unlikely until 2012. A combination of Crown and Echo could create about $600m of net present value synergy benefits." Crown is expected to be weighed down by its holding in Echo and yesterday ended down 1.15%at $8.57. Echo dropped 1.7% to $4.10. Takeover speculation has been rife around Echo Entertainment and Tabcorp since its demerger in a similar vein to beer firm Foster's, which this week attracted a $9.5bn offer from brewing giant SAB Miller after it demerged its wine unit. While some analysts have seriously questioned Crown moving on Echo, particularly given its mixed merger and aquition record, Gee said Crown could pay up to $5.25 per share, or $3.6bn, for Echo and make the deal "valuation neutral". He said Crown could fund a bid without a large equity raising by selling its $2bn or so stake in its Macau venture, Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL), plus up to $700m of debt. "We can't rule out Crown looking to divest MPEL, particularly if the Australian market continues to discount the value of Macau relative to the Melco Crown share price," Gee went on record with to the press. Crown currently holds a 33.4% stake in Melco Crown, which has signed a $US360m deal to secure the group's third casino resort in Macau. Citi yesterday initiated coverage of Echo at a buy and a $4.70 target price but said private equity was a more likely near-term buyer than Crown. "The numbers are challenging for Crown . . . private equity may have interest, as the casino cashflows facilitate high leverage, and the ultimate exit strategy is clear, through a sell-down of Star to Crown and Queensland casinos to Sky City," analyst Jenny Owen said. On Macquarie's numbers, predators would struggle to offer more than $5 a share for Echo. On Crown's Tabcorp holding, Gee said it could hold in the hope of Tatts making its mooted move on Tabcorp. A Media Man analyst said "The Star City casino opportunity could go either way. It's too early to tell but James Packer keeps downplaying interest in the opportunity for a buy out. Is he bluffing? Only time will tell, but expect to get a clearer picture in the next 6 to 12 months".
Aussie Gambling And Media King James Packer Not Impressed With PM Gillard...
Pokie machine reforms that considerably threaten earnings for casino owner James Packer have prompted Packer to label Prime Minister Julia Gillard as "anti-business", according to leading newspaper, the Australian Financial Review. Packer has expanded his casino holdings by taking a 4.9% stake in Tabcorp Holdings Ltd, which gives him a small stake in Echo Entertainment, which owns Star City casino in Sydney. Packer has engaged ex ALP national secretary Karl Bitar to raise the pressure of lobbying efforts against the government on gambling reforms, which have been led by Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie. In recent weeks, many of Gillard's cabinet ministers have been reportedly meeting one-on-one with Packer to discuss the impact of the proposed reforms, according to the AFR. Packer appears to climb in popularity while Gillard's popularity is well... not. She's extremely unpopular in the polls and in the pubs, clubs and casinos!
Australian Economy Not Good; Packer Says Gillard Is Anti Business...
Casino and media magnate James Packer has publicly attacked prime minister Julia Gillard, claiming the corporate world believes her to be anti-business. In an interview with The Australian Financial Review, Packer was quoted" "I think the problem for the prime minister at the moment is that while she keeps saying she’s pro-business, there is a real perception in the corporate world that she’s not. This perception is a real problem which she needs to address soon.".
Star City Casino In Sin City Sydney Getting Surrounded By Brothels?...
The mean and sometimes seedy streets around 'Sin City Sydney's' Star City casino could be overrun by brothels, pawnbrokers and money-lending businesses if Sydney council's draft city plan is not urgently fixed, the government's casino regulator has warned. The Casino Liquor and Gaming Control Authority has written to the City of Sydney, asking it to amend its new draft city plan to continue a longstanding ban on money-lending businesses near the casino and to impose a new ban on brothels within 150 metres of the site. The letter puts the casino regulator in conflict with the Department of Planning, which refused the bans when council proposed them as part of the city plan. The risk of "illegal or undesirable activity" concentrating around Star City was identified as a problem in a series of reports before it opened in 1995. It resulted in a statutory ban on pawnshops and money-lending operations, and government working with council to actively discourage brothels opening nearby. In its submission on the draft city plan, the regulator told council "it is noted that pawnbrokers and money lending businesses will no longer be prohibited from operating in the Pyrmont area, nor have any reasons for the proposed lifting of this long-standing prohibition been articulated. In the circumstances, this proposed arrangement cannot be supported. "The letter from the acting chief executive, David Greenhouse, also said that the regulator and council had worked together many times to prevent brothels operating in the area. The best solution would be for council's draft plan to create a ban on brothels within 150 metres of the casino, Greenhouse wrote. However, the regulator appeared to be unaware the city had proposed the bans to the Department of Planning and been refused permission. A department spokesman said it did not support the proposed bans because they would have constituted a sub-zone, which is not permitted under the government's new standard template for local environment plans. However, the spokesman said the department "is not formally opposed to the general position on this issue put forward by the CLGCA and is keen to work with Council and the CLGCA on an alternative solution." Any ban would impact at least one legal brothel already operating near the casino in Pyrmont Street. It comes as a development application for a new 14-room brothel across the road from the casino in Union Square was withdrawn by the applicant following a community outcry in May. Elizabeth Elenius from the Pyrmont Action group said residents were alarmed about the consequences of standard zoning in the draft city plan, saying it would open the area to undesirable uses. "We don't know on what grounds council can knock back undesirable things like a brothel in Union Square, where we have our Anzac Day ceremonies and carol services, unless they did have [a ban on brothels close to the casino] in place," she said. Council planners are considering more than 1000 submissions on the draft LEP 2011, the document controlling development in central Sydney in the next decade.
Telstra-NBN Broadband Update; What Happens To Gaming?...
The federal government is today expected to unveil an $11 billion deal that will provide the National Broadband Network access to Telstra’s fixed-line network. The deal will involve the NBN renting Telstra’s underground network and taking over its fixed-line customers. The federal opposition has criticised the move, saying it will prove expensive and wipe out any competition to the NBN. What may happen to gaming on the Australian internet remains to be seen, but if PM Gillard is anti business as James Packer says, that's not a great sign of things to come.
Lucky Tasmanian Devils; Thanks James Packer...
Solid efforts to save the Tasmanian Devil have received a boost, with the first joeys arriving in an insurance population of the species at a Hunter Valley property. A year ago 50 devils were released in a free-range enclosure at a property owned by media mogul James Packer, as part of a plan to produce a thousand disease-free little devils by 2021. The Devil Ark program is run by the Australian Reptile Park and spokeswoman Liz Vella says the ambitious plan is paying off. "We have got several mums with babies," she said. "We can't really confirm numbers because the babies are so small. "We try not to interfere with them too much, until they are at a safe size. "So we won't really know numbers until spring time." The Reptile Park says the enormity of the fight to save the Tasmanian Devil population cannot be under-estimated, despite success with the local breeding program. Ms Vella says the situation in Tasmania is dire, with devils across more than 60 per cent of the state affected by a deadly facial tumour. "It's really been a rapid decrease in numbers," she said. "It's horrific the way that they go as well, so the best chance they've got is this insurance population to make sure the species doesn't die out. "So the more work and time that we can put into this program the better." Ms Vella says she could not have hoped for a better start to the program. "The devils arrived in January and they started breeding in February," she said. "We weren't sure if they had enough time to settle in prior to breeding and how they would go in these yards, it's all so new, so to have success in this first year is really amazing. "It just shows how the program is going to go."
Packer's Crown Cools On Echo Entertainment...
Casino operator Crown says it has no current plan to increase its 4.9% stake in Echo Entertainment, a casino owner seen as a ripe takeover target. Echo, the owner of Sydney's Star City casino and three casinos in Queensland, is seen as a potential fit for billionaire James Packer's Crown, but analysts said international casinos group or private equity firms may also have their eye the firm. Crown confirmed today it has a 4.9 per cent in both Echo and gaming firm Tabcorp, acquired before Tabcorp offloaded Echo and the casino assets earlier this month. "Crown has no current intention of increasing its interest in either company," the firm said in a statement today. The statement followed a report in the Australian Financial Review which said Packer had confirmed taking the stake in Tabcorp before the demerger, which automatically gave Crown an equivalent stake in Echo. Analysts are divided on whether a takeover is more likely to happen before or after Echo completes a $960 million renovation at Star City, designed to help it attract Asian high-rollers away from Crown's Melbourne casino. Tabcorp spun Echo off to shareholders after being hit by smoking bans, equine influenza, competition from new casinos in Singapore and Macau. The remaining Tabcorp is seen as ripe for a merger with rival Tatts , but not before the state of Victoria decides later in June whether to award Tabcorp a new wagering license from 2012. Crown shares are currently sitting on $8.570. Echo Entertainment is on $4.10.
Man Charged Over Legendary Lloyd Williams' Robbery...
A man has been charged over a burglary at a property owned by the high-profile business identity, Lloyd Williams. Police say thieves broke into Macedon Lodge, north of Melbourne, earlier this month and stole two vehicles and veterinary equipment, including an X-ray machine worth $40,000. A 21-year-old man from Coburg was arrested yesterday and charged. He will face the Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court next week. Detectives say they believe more people were involved and investigations are continuing. Williams is a prominent horse owner and former boss of Melbourne's Crown Casino, the Australian showcase casino of James Packer.
Constuction Worker Not Getting Ahead At Crown Casino; Banged In Head...
A Melbourne man is in a very serious condition in hospital after an a lift plummeted three storeys and struck him in the head. The 38-year-old was working on a construction site at Crown Casino at Southbank when the lift dropped on him at 8:30am (AEST). Paramedic Christine Edney states the punter suffered serious cuts to his neck and his jaw was fractured. "The man lost blood from injuries to his neck, face and parts of his head," she said. "Our priority was to control the bleeding." She says he was incredibly lucky that he did not sever any major arteries in his neck. "If he had been a few centimetres either way, he may not be with us today," she said.
Casino And Gaming Share Prices 24th June 2011 ...
Symbol Company $AUD
CWN Crown Limited 8.57
EGP Echo Entertainment Group 4.10
RCT Reef Casino Trust 1.65
TAH Tabcorp Holdings Limited 3.12
NPT Netplay TV Plc 8.25
PREZQ President Casinos, Inc. 0.750
0628 Dore Holdings Limited 0.125
CGAQ Caribbean Casino and Gaming 0.0185
MNTG MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 2.86
SFCA Societe Francaise de Casino 2.38
LACO Lakes Entertainment, Inc. 2.22
PLS Paddy Power plc 35.26 EUR
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publishes Media Man News
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Spider-Man Tobey Maguire Star Caught In Web Of Gambling Ring; Leonardo DiCaprio Rounders Up, by Greg Tingle - 23rd June 2011
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Spider-Man star... Mr Spider-Man himself, Tobey Maguire, is one of a dozen or Hollywood stars being sued in connection with an illegal gambling ring that allegedly ran multi-million dollar underground poker games.
And you wonder why Hollywood so embraced the popular poker themed game 'Rounders'.
According to the suit, Maguire took more than $US300,000 worth of illegal funds embezzled from hedge fund investor Bradley Ruderman, who is currently in jail for a ponzi scheme.
The underground games, allegedly led by Ruderman, CEO of Ruderman Capital Partners, were unlicenced and thus illegal under California law.
According to the investigation, Ruderman lost $US25 million of investor money in the games, which were held bi-weekly in luxurious suites at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Viper Room and Four Seasons Hotel.
With Ruderman's company now in bankruptcy, trustees are attempting to seize some of Maguire's winnings to pay off creditors.
Nick Cassavetes, who directed The Notebook, and Welcome Back, Kotter star Gabe Kaplan are among the names facing hefty lawsuits for their participation in the high stakes Texas Hold'em games, according to leaks and a range of online and traditional media outlets.
Other stars who allegedly took part in the gatherings, which had a buy-in of $US100,000, included 'Catch Me If You Can' megastar Leonardo DiCaprio, Good Will Hunting actor Ben Affleck and Bourne star Matt Damon. Damon was also in the poker themed movie 'Rounders'.
Tens of millions of dollars is understood to have changed hands in the illegal games.
Marvel Entertainment does not offer marvel themed poker games but does offer Marvel Entertainment themed online slot games, available in website portals such as Media Man Int and via online gaming brands such as Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino. PartyCasino.com, the online casino leading brand by Bwin.Party is understood to be in negotiation with both the United States, Canadian and Australian governments regarding b2 gaming. Party came to a settlement with the United States Department Of Justice two years ago to the tune of approximately $100 million, and are looking to expand gaming in the U.S beyond their World Poker Tour brand.
Who are you betting on? Spider-Man or the 'Catch Me If You Can' man? Maybe you would prefer not to say and just place a silent bet!
Tobey Maguire sued over illegal poker winnings...
Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire and other celebrities have been caught in a web of lawsuits seeking to reclaim more than $US4 million ($3.8 million) won during unlicensed poker matches at upscale Beverly Hills hotels, court records show.
The lawsuits were filed by a bankruptcy trustee attempting to recoup money for investors who were duped in a Ponzi scheme.
The legal actions claim the clandestine Texas Hold 'em matches were played between 2006 and 2009, with some of the money taken in the Ponzi scheme used to pay off debts incurred by its architect, Bradley Ruderman.
Maguire is being sued for $US311,000 plus interest that the lawsuit says was won from Ruderman. In all, 22 people have been individually sued to try to recoup money.
Among them was Nick Cassavettes, director of The Notebook. The trustee is attempting to recover nearly $US73,000 plus interest from the actor-director.
Maguire's attorney, Robert Barta, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment but was expected to file a response to the suit later this week.
Cassavettes's agent Jeff Berg also did not immediately respond to a phone message.
Also being sued is billionaire businessman Alec Gores, who along with his brother attempted to buy Miramax Films last year.
Gores is being sued for $US445,500. Phone message left for Frank Stefanik, a spokesman at The Gores Group, and his attorney, Patricia Glaser, were not immediately returned.
Ruderman was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison earlier this year after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of investment adviser fraud and willful failure to file taxes.
Bankruptcy trustee Howard Ehrenberg filed the lawsuits in late March, attempting to recoup money on behalf of people who invested in what the legal action called a Ponzi scheme organised by Ruderman.
The suits contend the defendants have no right to keep money won from Ruderman, since the games did not have the appropriate government licenses.
Tournaments were held in luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and organised by a woman identified as Molly Bloom, who is being sued for nearly $US475,000 paid to her by Ruderman, the lawsuits said.
The claims were first reported Wednesday by RadarOnline and Star Magazine. (Credit: AP)
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Spider-Man star... Mr Spider-Man himself, Tobey Maguire, is one of a dozen or Hollywood stars being sued in connection with an illegal gambling ring that allegedly ran multi-million dollar underground poker games.
And you wonder why Hollywood so embraced the popular poker themed game 'Rounders'.
According to the suit, Maguire took more than $US300,000 worth of illegal funds embezzled from hedge fund investor Bradley Ruderman, who is currently in jail for a ponzi scheme.
The underground games, allegedly led by Ruderman, CEO of Ruderman Capital Partners, were unlicenced and thus illegal under California law.
According to the investigation, Ruderman lost $US25 million of investor money in the games, which were held bi-weekly in luxurious suites at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Viper Room and Four Seasons Hotel.
With Ruderman's company now in bankruptcy, trustees are attempting to seize some of Maguire's winnings to pay off creditors.
Nick Cassavetes, who directed The Notebook, and Welcome Back, Kotter star Gabe Kaplan are among the names facing hefty lawsuits for their participation in the high stakes Texas Hold'em games, according to leaks and a range of online and traditional media outlets.
Other stars who allegedly took part in the gatherings, which had a buy-in of $US100,000, included 'Catch Me If You Can' megastar Leonardo DiCaprio, Good Will Hunting actor Ben Affleck and Bourne star Matt Damon. Damon was also in the poker themed movie 'Rounders'.
Tens of millions of dollars is understood to have changed hands in the illegal games.
Marvel Entertainment does not offer marvel themed poker games but does offer Marvel Entertainment themed online slot games, available in website portals such as Media Man Int and via online gaming brands such as Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment and Richard Branson's Virgin Casino. PartyCasino.com, the online casino leading brand by Bwin.Party is understood to be in negotiation with both the United States, Canadian and Australian governments regarding b2 gaming. Party came to a settlement with the United States Department Of Justice two years ago to the tune of approximately $100 million, and are looking to expand gaming in the U.S beyond their World Poker Tour brand.
Who are you betting on? Spider-Man or the 'Catch Me If You Can' man? Maybe you would prefer not to say and just place a silent bet!
Tobey Maguire sued over illegal poker winnings...
Spider-Man star Tobey Maguire and other celebrities have been caught in a web of lawsuits seeking to reclaim more than $US4 million ($3.8 million) won during unlicensed poker matches at upscale Beverly Hills hotels, court records show.
The lawsuits were filed by a bankruptcy trustee attempting to recoup money for investors who were duped in a Ponzi scheme.
The legal actions claim the clandestine Texas Hold 'em matches were played between 2006 and 2009, with some of the money taken in the Ponzi scheme used to pay off debts incurred by its architect, Bradley Ruderman.
Maguire is being sued for $US311,000 plus interest that the lawsuit says was won from Ruderman. In all, 22 people have been individually sued to try to recoup money.
Among them was Nick Cassavettes, director of The Notebook. The trustee is attempting to recover nearly $US73,000 plus interest from the actor-director.
Maguire's attorney, Robert Barta, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment but was expected to file a response to the suit later this week.
Cassavettes's agent Jeff Berg also did not immediately respond to a phone message.
Also being sued is billionaire businessman Alec Gores, who along with his brother attempted to buy Miramax Films last year.
Gores is being sued for $US445,500. Phone message left for Frank Stefanik, a spokesman at The Gores Group, and his attorney, Patricia Glaser, were not immediately returned.
Ruderman was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison earlier this year after pleading guilty to two counts of wire fraud, two counts of investment adviser fraud and willful failure to file taxes.
Bankruptcy trustee Howard Ehrenberg filed the lawsuits in late March, attempting to recoup money on behalf of people who invested in what the legal action called a Ponzi scheme organised by Ruderman.
The suits contend the defendants have no right to keep money won from Ruderman, since the games did not have the appropriate government licenses.
Tournaments were held in luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and organised by a woman identified as Molly Bloom, who is being sued for nearly $US475,000 paid to her by Ruderman, the lawsuits said.
The claims were first reported Wednesday by RadarOnline and Star Magazine. (Credit: AP)
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Playtech making its return to US gambling - 21st June 2011
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Playtech earlier today became the virgin British firm in the online gambling - gaming sector to return to the United States, five years after President George Bush outlawed the industry.
The strategic move also comes weeks after "Black Friday" when the federal authorities indicted three of the world's largest online poker sites, PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker, on charges of money laundering, bank fraud and violating anti-gambling statutes. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, the world's leading igaming firm, is not facing the same dramas, having come to terms with the United States Department Of Justice a few years ago to the tune of over a $100 million.
Playtech and its joint-venture partner Scientific Games have signed an agreement with the California Online Poker Association. Copa represents 31 card clubs and 29 native tribal governments who own rights to gambling proceeds in the state. Playtech will supply COPA with the technology to launch "free-to-play" online poker sites ahead of widely expected legislation allowing state-by-state online gambling.
With two bills before the Senate, Playtech said the timing of when it would go live depended on the change in regulation but could become a "very substantial revenue source". It's estimated that two million Californians gamble illegally on offshore online poker websites.
Insiders noted that competitor online UK gambling company Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment - formally PartyGaming, paid $105 million (£65 million) to settle with the US authorities. Playtech was never targeted by the US authorities.
Playtech is also understood to be eyeing off a number of other countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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Playtech earlier today became the virgin British firm in the online gambling - gaming sector to return to the United States, five years after President George Bush outlawed the industry.
The strategic move also comes weeks after "Black Friday" when the federal authorities indicted three of the world's largest online poker sites, PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker, on charges of money laundering, bank fraud and violating anti-gambling statutes. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, the world's leading igaming firm, is not facing the same dramas, having come to terms with the United States Department Of Justice a few years ago to the tune of over a $100 million.
Playtech and its joint-venture partner Scientific Games have signed an agreement with the California Online Poker Association. Copa represents 31 card clubs and 29 native tribal governments who own rights to gambling proceeds in the state. Playtech will supply COPA with the technology to launch "free-to-play" online poker sites ahead of widely expected legislation allowing state-by-state online gambling.
With two bills before the Senate, Playtech said the timing of when it would go live depended on the change in regulation but could become a "very substantial revenue source". It's estimated that two million Californians gamble illegally on offshore online poker websites.
Insiders noted that competitor online UK gambling company Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment - formally PartyGaming, paid $105 million (£65 million) to settle with the US authorities. Playtech was never targeted by the US authorities.
Playtech is also understood to be eyeing off a number of other countries including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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Monday, June 20, 2011
'Casino Royale' Director: 'Quantum of Solace' a 'Mess', by Greg Tingle - 20th June 2011
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James Bond 23 Will Be Better Than Quantum of Solace...
With comic book based movie Green Lantern currently at the box office, its director, Martin Campbell, is taking the opportunity to get some three-year-old gripes off his chest. The director is credited with giving the James Bond franchise the reboot it needed with 2006’s Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig, but he says the movie’s sequel, 2008's Quantum of Solace, didn’t quite keep the momentum going. “Oh, I thought it was lousy,” Campbell tells CraveOnline. “And hopefully this next one will be terrific. Sam Mendes is directing it and I’m sure it’ll be terrific.” We do hope that Mendes (Revolutionary Road) lives up to Martin’s expectations on Bond 23, because it seems he’ll probably hear about it later. “I just thought the story was pretty uninteresting,” Campbell goes on to say about Quantum of Solace. “I didn’t think the action was related to the characters. I just thought overall it was a bit of a mess really.” The currently untitled Bond 23 is slated for release next year, now that MGM has sorted out many of their previous financial challenges, a key reason for the delay of the Bond film.
The New Bond Girl?...
Pirates Of The Caribbean star Naomie Harris has confirmed she is in the running for the role of a sexy and smart Bond girl in the next 007 movie. The British actress, 34, was reported to have been in talks with filmmakers to star in the long-delayed 23rd film. Harris told the press she had no issues with a Bond girl role, despite demanding a body double for sex scenes in Miami Vice and telling Michael Mann, the director of the 2006 film, she would not do nudity. "What makes them (Bond movies) work is that they are responsive to the times," she said. "(Former Bond girl) Eva Green's character in Casino Royale was not scantily clad. She was an intelligent, strong, modern woman. "The older idea of the Bond movie is in the past. Now it appeals to all generations, ages and sexes." She said while "nothing is confirmed", she would "love to be part of the Bond movies". Asked about her views on female nudity in films, the actress added: "It's the objectification that I don't like. I didn't sign up to be a stripper. "I'm very anti the pressure that is put on women to take their clothes off." Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace star Daniel Craig is returning to star in the as-yet untitled Bond adventure, directed by Sam Mendes, which is due for release next year. Media Man is the go-to man for Australian - Fijian actor and pro wrestler, John "Vulcan" Seru, who played 'Gabor' in James Bond flick 'The World Is Not Enough'. Seru also played 'Kiwi Steve' on a number of recent Underbelly episodes, often featured in scenes opposite Australian heartthrob and Cleo Bachelor Of The Year, Firass Dirani. Seru is tipped to attend the action packed upcoming WWE Australian tour with Media Man and friends. Dirani advised the Underbelly connection helped him get into Hollywood where he was cast into The Killer Elite, staring Robert De Niro. Many movie buffs and gambling fans will recall that De Niro played Sam "Ace" Rothstein in Casino, a 1995 acclaimed crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Readers, be it as a director, producer, actor, punter or publisher, bet with your head, not over it. You're throw of the dice.
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James Bond 23 Will Be Better Than Quantum of Solace...
With comic book based movie Green Lantern currently at the box office, its director, Martin Campbell, is taking the opportunity to get some three-year-old gripes off his chest. The director is credited with giving the James Bond franchise the reboot it needed with 2006’s Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig, but he says the movie’s sequel, 2008's Quantum of Solace, didn’t quite keep the momentum going. “Oh, I thought it was lousy,” Campbell tells CraveOnline. “And hopefully this next one will be terrific. Sam Mendes is directing it and I’m sure it’ll be terrific.” We do hope that Mendes (Revolutionary Road) lives up to Martin’s expectations on Bond 23, because it seems he’ll probably hear about it later. “I just thought the story was pretty uninteresting,” Campbell goes on to say about Quantum of Solace. “I didn’t think the action was related to the characters. I just thought overall it was a bit of a mess really.” The currently untitled Bond 23 is slated for release next year, now that MGM has sorted out many of their previous financial challenges, a key reason for the delay of the Bond film.
The New Bond Girl?...
Pirates Of The Caribbean star Naomie Harris has confirmed she is in the running for the role of a sexy and smart Bond girl in the next 007 movie. The British actress, 34, was reported to have been in talks with filmmakers to star in the long-delayed 23rd film. Harris told the press she had no issues with a Bond girl role, despite demanding a body double for sex scenes in Miami Vice and telling Michael Mann, the director of the 2006 film, she would not do nudity. "What makes them (Bond movies) work is that they are responsive to the times," she said. "(Former Bond girl) Eva Green's character in Casino Royale was not scantily clad. She was an intelligent, strong, modern woman. "The older idea of the Bond movie is in the past. Now it appeals to all generations, ages and sexes." She said while "nothing is confirmed", she would "love to be part of the Bond movies". Asked about her views on female nudity in films, the actress added: "It's the objectification that I don't like. I didn't sign up to be a stripper. "I'm very anti the pressure that is put on women to take their clothes off." Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace star Daniel Craig is returning to star in the as-yet untitled Bond adventure, directed by Sam Mendes, which is due for release next year. Media Man is the go-to man for Australian - Fijian actor and pro wrestler, John "Vulcan" Seru, who played 'Gabor' in James Bond flick 'The World Is Not Enough'. Seru also played 'Kiwi Steve' on a number of recent Underbelly episodes, often featured in scenes opposite Australian heartthrob and Cleo Bachelor Of The Year, Firass Dirani. Seru is tipped to attend the action packed upcoming WWE Australian tour with Media Man and friends. Dirani advised the Underbelly connection helped him get into Hollywood where he was cast into The Killer Elite, staring Robert De Niro. Many movie buffs and gambling fans will recall that De Niro played Sam "Ace" Rothstein in Casino, a 1995 acclaimed crime drama film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Readers, be it as a director, producer, actor, punter or publisher, bet with your head, not over it. You're throw of the dice.
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Saturday, June 18, 2011
James Packer Gambling On 3rd Macau Casino, by Greg Tingle - 18th June 2011
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Asia Pacific gambling news remains red hot with Crown Limited's James Packer busy in Macau with Mr Lawrence Ho aiming to build a third land based casino... Media Man and Gambling911 with the hottest Aussie and Asia Pacific gambling news available anywhere...
JP's Macau casino joint venture plans to build a massive $US2.5 billion ($2.3bn) casino resort...the group's lucky third in the Chinese territory. This will see them look capitalise on surging gaming revenues in the red hot part of the world.
Melco Crown Entertainment yesterday signed off on a $US360 million deal to gain control of the Macau Studio City project, an "integrated resort project" on hold since the global financial crisis and in planning for more than 10 years.
The firms chief executive, Lawrence Ho, advised the property's theme and demographic target focus would be differentiated from the company's existing Macau property assets, the City of Dreams and the Altira Macau.
Construction is due to start early next year and it is believed the partners have no plans for an equity issue to fund the project.
"We believe Macau Studio City's existing land grant and previously completed site work will allow us to significantly expedite its construction timetable," Ho told the press yesterday.
It will be Melco Crown's second project on Macau's Cotai strip, a vast stretch of reclaimed land situated between the islands of Taipa and Coloane that land based casino developers in Macau, such as Ho and Packer, are promoting as the orient's answer to the Las Vegas strip aka "Sin City". City of Dreams is in Cotai.
Last year, Ho said Melco Crown was prepared to build more casino resort developments in Macau and elsewhere in Asia. Packer's Crown holds a 33.4% stake in Melco Crown.
The Studio City site is one of the last prime land sites available in Macau for development.
It is located at the Lotus Bridge immigration point, making it the virgin resort that tourists encounter via entering Cotai.
Before the financial meltdown, Melco Crown had a management arrangement with Studio City's owners to run the casino at the site, but elected to take control of the project after it became troublesome for the owners to properly fund it within the prior structure.
Melco Crown is understood to have codenamed the deal Project Eagle.
The deal ends 3 long years of delays caused by legal matters and a range of dramas between the Hong Kong and US investors.
Studio City was previously owned by a joint venture between Hong Kong-listed entertainment company eSun Holdings and New Cotai Holdings, an entity controlled by funds managed by US firms Silver Point Capital and Oaktree Capital Management.
New Cotai Holdings will hold a 40% stake.
Melco Crown will pay New Cotai $US100m in 3 instalments over two years.
Before the financial crunch, the casino development was to have included a specially designed 4000-seat arena, a 2300-seat theatre, Asia's first "Playboy Mansion" and 4 new classy hotels - a Ritz-Carlton, a W Hotel, a Marriott and the world's first Tang Hotel.
Last month, Macau gaming revenues rose 42.4% to a record $US3.03bn, what Vegas casino operators dream of.
They were rocketed by the opening of Galaxy Entertainment Group's $US2bn resort development at Cotai, which is nearby to the City of Dreams.
"We remain bullish on Macau's prospects and believe high-quality new supply, such as Macau Studio City, will continue to drive incremental demand," Ho said.
Media Man has been speaking to property and gaming experts about the Packer - Macau developments, with 95% believing that the latest Packer Macau project with be a "good to great business and investment".
Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man and Gambling911 reports for more "can't miss" information on Asia Pacific pokies, gaming and casino wars.
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publishes Media Man News
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Thursday, June 09, 2011
James Packer Gambling Tycoon: Echo's Of Takeover, by Greg Tingle - 9th June 2011
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Australian gambling news continues to be all the rage with the Tabcorp - Echo Entertainment deal dominating headlines, now with word that Crown Limited's James Packer is pretty bloody interested in a slice of the action. Yep, word is that Packer smells blood and quite an opportunity, but previously has downplayed his interest. Media Man and Gambling911 go shark and whale hunting in this titanic edition of Australian gambling news...
Crown's James Packer Smells Blood At Echo Entertainment - Tabcorp Connection...
Australian casino and media whale James Packer will possibly launch a takeover bid for Echo Entertainment. This has caused the casino operator's shares to spike on Tuesday, its first day as an independently listed company.
Shares in Echo Entertainment, which was last week born from gaming firm Tabcorp, jumped as high as $4.52 after reports that JP had snatched up 4.9% of his competitor Tabcorp.
The curious chess move would give Packer a matching stake in Echo, which owns Sydney's famous and rather controversial Star City casino.
Echo shares dropped back in late trading on Wednesday to finish at $4.36, giving the new kid on the block a market capitalisation of a cool $3 billion.
Tabcorp shares fell 57% to $3.35 Wednesday, a flow on effect from the removal of the company's casino assets. We told you there's money in casino products and services Casino Jack.
Now we learn that in a note to clients last Friday, Merrill Lynch analyst Nathan Gee named Packer's Crown group as the most likely company to mount a takeover bid for Echo, but advised there was unlikely to be any action until next year.
Gee estimated a Crown takeover would unlock $600 million worth of value in the combined group, comprised of cost savings and high-rolling VIP aka "whale" revenue.
But he said any move would be unlikely before Echo rolls out its $960 million Star City redevelopment, due to be finished by the end of the year or early next year.
Holding off on a takeover bid would enable Crown to see whether the extra investment in Star City had paid off and avoid distracting casino management, he said.
"The Star relaunch in late 2011 will be a critical time for Echo management, so we think it makes sense for bidders to allow management to concentrate its efforts on maximising the impact of the relaunch, rather than being distracted by corporate activity," he said.
Packer does not appear among Echo's top 20 shareholders, filed by the company with the stock exchange yesterday.
The top three shareholders are nominee companies, holding shares on behalf of unidentified investors.
NAB subsidiary National Nominees has emerged as Echo's No.1 shareholder with 17.9% of the company.
The bank's stake in Tabcorp has been hovering around the substantial shareholder threshold of 5 per cent for months.
Since January, it has filed 31 substantial shareholder notices with the ASX as its stake rose and fell above and below 5%.
Companies controlled by HSBC and JPMorgan are Echo's second and third-largest shareholders.
James Packer: Online Catch Of The Day Update...
Fresh from closing one of the biggest e-commerce deals in Australian history, the Melbourne brothers behind a daily deals website say they will use the backing of James Packer and other investors to launch two new sites. Just don't mention the impending lawsuit, which could see the Australian company and its new investors embroiled in a grisly court case with the US giant of the daily deals industry, Groupon. Gabby and Hezi Leibovich today confirmed they had sold a 40 per cent stake of their online retail business Catch Of The Day to a consortium of leading Australian businessmen - including Packer of Consolidated Press Holdings, Andrew Bassat of Seek and Glenn Poswell of Gannet Capital - and New York-based investment manger Tiger Global Management. The deal nets the brothers $80 million, which they say they will use to launch two new sites: one in the grocery space and one in the apparel fashion space. The business already operates two sites: Scoopon.com.au, which lists a daily deal which a certain number of users must commit to before it goes live, and Catchoftheday.com.au, which lists items for purchase at low prices. Gabby Leibovich told the press that a chunk of the $80 million received in the much-anticipated deal was in "big suitcases at my grandmother's house". Packer said he was "excited" to align with the "market leader in the online daily deals sector in Australia". However, Leibovich was less willing to comment on impending court cases brought by Groupon, the American giant that has launched legal action against the brothers. The legal action - launched both here and in the US - seeks to enable Groupon to get the Groupon.com.au domain name from the brothers, who purchased it before Groupon did, forcing Groupon to launch under the name Stardeals.com.au in Australia. When asked about the legal battle that could test the laws over cyber-squatting, Leibovich declined to comment. "Let's leave it" he said.
Star City Casino Plays Free Music Card; Accusers Say Turns Fans Into Punters...
A free music night held at Star City Casino in 'Sin City' Sydney has aroused suspicions from some quarters. The Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says it's an attempt to get young music fans addicted to gambling. He's called for the new venue, the Rock Lily to be moved away from the casino to protect young people. But the casino says the free night is filling an important void in the live music scene and shouldn't be stopped. The presser included: showcase the best Australian music acts plus a number of international performers. It also boasts the largest selection of tequila in Australia, plus an inviting, warm decor which encourages you to "come as you are". So far those top Aussie artists have included Aria award winner Washington and the festival favourite Art vs Science. The gigs held from Wednesday to Sunday are free. John Barwick from Hell City Glamours was interviewed...
"It was actually very awesome. Around 400 people - it was packed. Once there's a couple of hundred people in the place it was pretty kickin'."
"You've got to do the same thing everybody else does who's going there to gamble. You know you've got to go and get your ID checked. You go up the escalators. You've got to walk through the blackjack or backgammon or whatever they hell they're betting on these days. It's a casino. It's definitely a casino".
Victorian Sports Club Gets Pokies Green Light...
Victoria's gaming regulator will allow a Bendigo club to install more poker machines. The Kangaroo Flat Sports Club currently has 48 one armed bandits and the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has approved the lifting of that number to 60. Bendigo council has previously endorsed the move.
Media Man Online Casino Top Pick: Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment...
PartyCasino.com keep the Australian's happy with Robin Hood Mini (Russell Crowe connection) and the oldie but goodie, Goanna Gold. No Underbelly or Kerry Packer themed slots as yet, but Thor, Rambo and interestingly, The Terminator, all enjoyed a spike with Australian and New Zealander players. Similar results in Canada. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment keep attempting to get back into the U.S, and are watching the online space in the Asia Pacific region very closely, where Centrebet, Sporting Bet and Tabcorp continue to shake things up. Party remains the top online casino brand for Hollywood themed slot games down under.
Australian Sports Codes Head Want Urgent Action On Online Betting...
Down under's top sporting bodies are demanding much stronger laws to safeguard the integrity of their codes against betting corruption, including veto power over "exotic" in-play bets and jail terms for match fixers. The proposals from the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports, which includes the AFL and NRL, will be included in proposals Sports Minister Mark Arbib takes to a meeting tomorrow of Australia's sports ministers on the Gold Coast. "There has been a proliferation in terms of sports betting. We need to ensure that government regulation keeps up with the changes that are taking place," Arbib said. The working group report and recommendations come a week after the NRL announced a crackdown on sports betting and follow Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's announcement that the promotion of betting odds during the broadcast of sporting events would be phased out by June next year.
Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man and Gambling911 reports for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publishes Media Man News
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Australian gambling news continues to be all the rage with the Tabcorp - Echo Entertainment deal dominating headlines, now with word that Crown Limited's James Packer is pretty bloody interested in a slice of the action. Yep, word is that Packer smells blood and quite an opportunity, but previously has downplayed his interest. Media Man and Gambling911 go shark and whale hunting in this titanic edition of Australian gambling news...
Crown's James Packer Smells Blood At Echo Entertainment - Tabcorp Connection...
Australian casino and media whale James Packer will possibly launch a takeover bid for Echo Entertainment. This has caused the casino operator's shares to spike on Tuesday, its first day as an independently listed company.
Shares in Echo Entertainment, which was last week born from gaming firm Tabcorp, jumped as high as $4.52 after reports that JP had snatched up 4.9% of his competitor Tabcorp.
The curious chess move would give Packer a matching stake in Echo, which owns Sydney's famous and rather controversial Star City casino.
Echo shares dropped back in late trading on Wednesday to finish at $4.36, giving the new kid on the block a market capitalisation of a cool $3 billion.
Tabcorp shares fell 57% to $3.35 Wednesday, a flow on effect from the removal of the company's casino assets. We told you there's money in casino products and services Casino Jack.
Now we learn that in a note to clients last Friday, Merrill Lynch analyst Nathan Gee named Packer's Crown group as the most likely company to mount a takeover bid for Echo, but advised there was unlikely to be any action until next year.
Gee estimated a Crown takeover would unlock $600 million worth of value in the combined group, comprised of cost savings and high-rolling VIP aka "whale" revenue.
But he said any move would be unlikely before Echo rolls out its $960 million Star City redevelopment, due to be finished by the end of the year or early next year.
Holding off on a takeover bid would enable Crown to see whether the extra investment in Star City had paid off and avoid distracting casino management, he said.
"The Star relaunch in late 2011 will be a critical time for Echo management, so we think it makes sense for bidders to allow management to concentrate its efforts on maximising the impact of the relaunch, rather than being distracted by corporate activity," he said.
Packer does not appear among Echo's top 20 shareholders, filed by the company with the stock exchange yesterday.
The top three shareholders are nominee companies, holding shares on behalf of unidentified investors.
NAB subsidiary National Nominees has emerged as Echo's No.1 shareholder with 17.9% of the company.
The bank's stake in Tabcorp has been hovering around the substantial shareholder threshold of 5 per cent for months.
Since January, it has filed 31 substantial shareholder notices with the ASX as its stake rose and fell above and below 5%.
Companies controlled by HSBC and JPMorgan are Echo's second and third-largest shareholders.
James Packer: Online Catch Of The Day Update...
Fresh from closing one of the biggest e-commerce deals in Australian history, the Melbourne brothers behind a daily deals website say they will use the backing of James Packer and other investors to launch two new sites. Just don't mention the impending lawsuit, which could see the Australian company and its new investors embroiled in a grisly court case with the US giant of the daily deals industry, Groupon. Gabby and Hezi Leibovich today confirmed they had sold a 40 per cent stake of their online retail business Catch Of The Day to a consortium of leading Australian businessmen - including Packer of Consolidated Press Holdings, Andrew Bassat of Seek and Glenn Poswell of Gannet Capital - and New York-based investment manger Tiger Global Management. The deal nets the brothers $80 million, which they say they will use to launch two new sites: one in the grocery space and one in the apparel fashion space. The business already operates two sites: Scoopon.com.au, which lists a daily deal which a certain number of users must commit to before it goes live, and Catchoftheday.com.au, which lists items for purchase at low prices. Gabby Leibovich told the press that a chunk of the $80 million received in the much-anticipated deal was in "big suitcases at my grandmother's house". Packer said he was "excited" to align with the "market leader in the online daily deals sector in Australia". However, Leibovich was less willing to comment on impending court cases brought by Groupon, the American giant that has launched legal action against the brothers. The legal action - launched both here and in the US - seeks to enable Groupon to get the Groupon.com.au domain name from the brothers, who purchased it before Groupon did, forcing Groupon to launch under the name Stardeals.com.au in Australia. When asked about the legal battle that could test the laws over cyber-squatting, Leibovich declined to comment. "Let's leave it" he said.
Star City Casino Plays Free Music Card; Accusers Say Turns Fans Into Punters...
A free music night held at Star City Casino in 'Sin City' Sydney has aroused suspicions from some quarters. The Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says it's an attempt to get young music fans addicted to gambling. He's called for the new venue, the Rock Lily to be moved away from the casino to protect young people. But the casino says the free night is filling an important void in the live music scene and shouldn't be stopped. The presser included: showcase the best Australian music acts plus a number of international performers. It also boasts the largest selection of tequila in Australia, plus an inviting, warm decor which encourages you to "come as you are". So far those top Aussie artists have included Aria award winner Washington and the festival favourite Art vs Science. The gigs held from Wednesday to Sunday are free. John Barwick from Hell City Glamours was interviewed...
"It was actually very awesome. Around 400 people - it was packed. Once there's a couple of hundred people in the place it was pretty kickin'."
"You've got to do the same thing everybody else does who's going there to gamble. You know you've got to go and get your ID checked. You go up the escalators. You've got to walk through the blackjack or backgammon or whatever they hell they're betting on these days. It's a casino. It's definitely a casino".
Victorian Sports Club Gets Pokies Green Light...
Victoria's gaming regulator will allow a Bendigo club to install more poker machines. The Kangaroo Flat Sports Club currently has 48 one armed bandits and the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has approved the lifting of that number to 60. Bendigo council has previously endorsed the move.
Media Man Online Casino Top Pick: Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment...
PartyCasino.com keep the Australian's happy with Robin Hood Mini (Russell Crowe connection) and the oldie but goodie, Goanna Gold. No Underbelly or Kerry Packer themed slots as yet, but Thor, Rambo and interestingly, The Terminator, all enjoyed a spike with Australian and New Zealander players. Similar results in Canada. Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment keep attempting to get back into the U.S, and are watching the online space in the Asia Pacific region very closely, where Centrebet, Sporting Bet and Tabcorp continue to shake things up. Party remains the top online casino brand for Hollywood themed slot games down under.
Australian Sports Codes Head Want Urgent Action On Online Betting...
Down under's top sporting bodies are demanding much stronger laws to safeguard the integrity of their codes against betting corruption, including veto power over "exotic" in-play bets and jail terms for match fixers. The proposals from the Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports, which includes the AFL and NRL, will be included in proposals Sports Minister Mark Arbib takes to a meeting tomorrow of Australia's sports ministers on the Gold Coast. "There has been a proliferation in terms of sports betting. We need to ensure that government regulation keeps up with the changes that are taking place," Arbib said. The working group report and recommendations come a week after the NRL announced a crackdown on sports betting and follow Communications Minister Stephen Conroy's announcement that the promotion of betting odds during the broadcast of sporting events would be phased out by June next year.
Friends, good punting, know your limits and bet with your head, not over it.
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man and Gambling911 reports for more "can't miss" information on Australian pokies, gaming and casino wars.
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming. Media Man also publishes Media Man News
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Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Tabcorp shareholders back casinos spin-off
Tabcorp faces risk of losing Victoria betting license
MELBOURNE, June 1 - Shareholders of Tabcorp, Australia's biggest gaming group, approved plans to spin off the company's casinos on Wednesday, a move that could open the way to takeovers of the independent betting and casino businesses.
The decision was based on proxy votes released at a shareholders' meeting which were close to unanimously in favour of the split.
Tabcorp decided to split the company after a series of blows, from smoking bans and equine influenza to the loss of its gaming machine duopoly in the state of Victoria, slammed its shares over the past four years.
"The cleanest, most effective outcome for shareholders is for the companies to go their separate paths," Chairman John Story told shareholders.
"Time will tell, but we believe the outcome will be successful," he said.
Story is set to become chairman of Echo Entertainment, which will operate the casinos business. Analysts see Echo Entertainment as a potential takeover target for Crown Ltd , Australia's top casinos group, international casinos groups and private equity firms.
"The creation of two companies potentially enables each company to participate in any consolidation or corporate activity in their respective industries," Story said.
The split needed approval from a majority of Tabcorp shareholders voting and at least 75 percent of the votes cast.
The stock was down 0.8 percent at A$7.75 at 0049 GMT, down 56 percent from a record high of A$17.59 four years ago.
Tabcorp is hoping the separated betting and casinos companies will perform better as more focused businesses and be more open to takeovers, matching a move last month by top brewer Foster's Group , which spun off its wine arm.
A merger between Tabcorp and wagering rival Tatts Group has long been touted.
The key risk for Tabcorp ahead of any deal is a decision due this month by the Victorian government on the new wagering license from 2012. Tabcorp is the current owner of the license and is bidding against Tatts for the new 12-year license.
Tabcorp is considered the favourite to win the license, as it already has the infrastructure in place, but the state government could shock the market like it did in 2008 when it stripped Tabcorp and Tatts of their duopoly on gaming machines.
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