Welcome to another jam packed news update from down under in Australia. We're got pro casino and gaming VS the haters, news media players, politic, entertainment goss and lots more. Media Man and Gambling911 take bring you the best in Aussie gambling and entertainment news. Lights, camera, action...
Biggest Police Raid In Victorian History; Gambling And Pokies Connection; Real Life Underbelly...
34 people, mainly Aussies and some Chinese and Taiwani are locked up after the biggest drug operation in Victoria's history sent 650 police storming into scores of properties allegedly linked to a $400 million cannabis-farms syndicate. Police raided 68 properties all allegedly connected to a cannabis cartel producing indoor hydroponic crops – each worth $80,000. Deputy Commissioner Sir Ken Jones revealed the raids would have happened sooner but US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Melbourne had diverted too many resources. But Sir Ken said suggestions the raids had been timed to benefit the State Government days before the election were "absolute rubbish". "We're not going to threaten our operations to suit any political cycle," he said. Today's raids are part of a long-term police investigation codenamed Entity.
Many of the properties raided today were used as hydroponic "farms’’. As part of the investigation police have previously raided 50 properties in Victoria and New Zealand, seizing more than $20 million in assets. The investigation involves Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, customs, tax and immigration officials. Investigators say the main targets are members of the Vietnamese community. Police say some of the funds reaped from the marijuana crops have been used to buy heroin in Vietnam, which has been imported into Australia. Detective Superintendent Gerry Ryan said early reports were the operation was going well. Police have long maintained there is a direct link between Vietnamese syndicates trafficking in both cannabis and heroin. Police have identified seven major heroin syndicates, which have recruited more than 100 Melbourne-based couriers. Police were ready to raid the houses two weeks ago, however the operation had to be delayed because of US Secretary of State Hillary Ms Clinton's visit. Drug Taskforce investigators say the syndicates target members of the Vietnamese community with gambling debts who are susceptible to pressure from loan sharks. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade figures show 25 Australian nationals are in Vietnamese jails on drug charges. Since 2003, seven Australians sentenced to death in Vietnam have had their penalty commuted after pleas for clemency from the Australian Government. A police taskforce of drug taskforce detectives, Customs and Border Protection officers, the Australian Crime Commission and Australian Federal Police has been set up to investigate the syndicates. Operation Ripsaw has resulted in the arrest of more than 30 suspects in Australia and Vietnam in the past two years. In August police seized commercial and residential properties valued at $20 million they allege had been purchased through laundered funds made by the syndicates through heroin trafficking. More than 20 suspects have been arrested and $3 million in cash seized during the raids in Fitzroy, Brunswick, St Albans, Maribyrnong, Footscray, Sunshine and Collingwood. Detectives say heroin couriers fly into Melbourne from Vietnam every week and some have made several trips.
They have identified one female syndicate leader in her 30s, who bet $3.7 million at Crown Casino in six months and regularly wagered $50,000 a hand. Another key figure bet $12 million in Australian casinos in just over five years. Couriers are paid up to $24,000 to import four 70-gram heroin pellets (80 percent pure). Syndicates can net more than $700,000 from the drugs sold on Melbourne streets. On June 4, 2006, Australian Federal Police arrested Vietnam Airlines pilot Van Dang Tranas at Sydney International Airport with more than $540,000 concealed in his cabin luggage. The Australian Crime Commission money-laundering Taskforce Gordian found that he had smuggled $6.5 million out of Australia in less than 12 months. He pleaded guilty and in 2007 was sentenced to a minimum of two years' jail. It is alleged that crime syndicates used the Long Thanh Money Transfer Company in Footscray to launder more than $93 million.
Shane Warne Has Nerves About New TV Show...
Warne has he and Aussie gambling and media king, James Packer, were nervous before his interview before new show, Warnie. The interview is Packer's first one-on-one TV interview in 20 years and a real coup for Warne. Speaking at Channel 9's Ashes launch this week, Warne said the two had been friends for two decades, which contributed to the nerves. "Not many people know James Packer that well," he said. "He is a wonderful guy. He's been a good friend to me for 20 years." Warne's interview subjects for his new show include Dannii Minogue, Coldplay's Chris Martin and Sting. He said he just tried to be himself when interviewing the big names. "I think the one thing about this show is, when I'm doing the interview, I'm not one of those guys who ask those silly questions about the past and that sort of crap. "I want to know how you spend your life away from this, how you relax and have a bit of a laugh. "I think people will see a good side to so many different people." Joining Warne on the show is his old mate Merv Hughes, who will be a reporter on the street, and Nine's rising star in the world of news, Today reporter Alicia Gorey. The first episode of Warnie airs on Wednesday - that's tonight on Channel 9, of course! Ok, it could of been Network Ten, but 10 out of 10 for 9, for putting this show together.
Poker Machined Banned From Shopping Centre...
Electronic gaming machines have been banned from the Mansfield strip shopping centre. The amendment to the Mansfield Planning Scheme banning the machines has been approved by the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development. A survey conducted by the shire found 87 per cent of respondents did not want gaming machines in the Mansfield Shopping Centre. The CEO of Mansfield Shire, David Roff, says the shire's research shows the amendment is in line with community beliefs. "Effectively, what the amendment does is it identifies the Mansfield strip shopping centre as an area where gaming machines are prohibited but it recognises that gaming is a legitimate activity but for areas not so close to the centre of town," he said.
Candidates’ Each Way Bet On Casino; Says National Party...
All of the data used by Mildura accounting academic Larry O’Connor in his report Gambling With Mildura’s Future was sourced from publicly available information material. “The pro-casino Independent candidate claims that I used statistics from Mr O’Connor’s report in the week before it was released,” says Member for Mildura Peter Crisp. “Actually, I’ve been using facts and figures on casino operations for much longer, because they’ve been available in documents produced by the Productivity Commission and in a report produced for the Australasian Casino Association by the Allen Consulting Group. “For example, I said via a news release on October 26 that: “More than 80% of customers of casinos in Australia are drawn from the city/state in which the casino is located, according to a 2009 report to the Australasian Casino Association by the Allen Consulting Group”. “I was making the point that a casino would drag patrons away from local community-owned clubs, which I reiterated throughout the campaign. “The Workers Club made the same point in a full-page advertisement in the Sunraysia Daily in early November. “Had the pro-casino Independent candidate done even a scrap of research he would know that a casino in Mildura would bankrupt a number of existing community-owned clubs.
Murdoch Media Power; Sarah Murdoch Fires Production Company After Model Mistake...
If you stuff up big time at work, the firm you work for decide to sack you: that's how it usually works. Not if you're Sarah Murdoch, part of the powerful media family dynasty it doesn't. If you're Sarah Murdoch, you fire the company. Foxtel, which is partially owned by the Murdoch family, had, at her insistence, dumped Granada Media Australia, the production company behind the past 6 series of Australia's Next Top Model...which Murdoch presents and executive-produces...to slide in with a new production company for the show's 11th series. Media Man has been hitting the phones... AAP, Fairfax Media, News Limited, and this amazing news is confirmed. Exactly what new production company will get the gig now open is not known at this time, but the favourite was Shine, which is owned by sister-in-law Elisabeth Murdoch. When called Granada, where a spokesperson couldn't confirm that it had lost the show. Calls were also placed to to Foxtel, explaining the nature of the enquiry, but no one called back. Then Murdoch went on record, confirming the change in production company and gave the following: "Granada produced Australia's Top Model for six years. I worked with them for two years. They are a very talented and hard working crew. But after what happened this year I thought very hard about it and decided it was probably time for a change." The readerership might recall that on the final live episode of the show, Murdoch momentarily panicked after a breakdown in communication with the backstage production team, and announced the wrong model as the series winner. It was a simple, embarrassing and pretty exciting misunderstanding that had everyone in a bit of a fluster, but also generated extra publicity. Murdoch is understood to be a driving force to firing Granada. So Sarah's stirred up things, and husband Lachlan now involved with Network Ten, Elisabeth at Shine and old man Rupert still plugging away, there's a Murdoch's everywhere. We expect James Packer to enjoy much smoother sailing with his Lachlan Murdoch and Network Nine dealings, and even Shane Warne wouldn't likely get a gaffe as rough as this one.
'Grandfather' Of Australian Paparazzi Peter Carrette Dies At 63...
Good friend of Bondi Beach's Media Man, Peter Carrette, and friend to many, died on the weekend we are sad to report. Veteran paparazzo Peter Carrette, who infamously fired a water pistol at Heath Ledger, has died in his Bondi Beach office. The man dubbed the "grandfather of Australian paparazzi" was discovered by a friend slumped at his desk at his home at Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs. "They found him this morning - he was still at his computer," said his friend of 11 years, journalist Natalie O'Brien. The 63-year-old Carrette had worked around the world, including Paris and New York, and is survived by a son and a daughter. "He was just a beautiful guy," O'Brien told AAP. "In a dog-eat-dog world, he was a very kind man." Asked about the key to his success and long career, O'Brien said: "He knew everybody and everybody trusted him. They would come to him with information and he did the right thing by people. Everyone who knew him loved him."
Man Man Tribute To Peter...
RIP Peter Carrette. Peter, you were an angel among us. I feel blessed to have known you. Glad we caught up at the Bondi Beach Sea Shepherd on Friday. It was strange how we first met at Kerry Packer's funeral in 2005, at the Sydney Opera House, on a day which was more a celebration of life, rather than a focus on his death. When I moved to Bondi Beach in 2008 our friendship blossomed, and you were always an attentive ear, and a wonderful source of information and humor. Your Packer and nightlife stories were fantastic and music to my years. Being able to make modest donations to your orphanage in Cambodia was and always will occupy a special place in my heart and memory, as it will for our dear friend, Eva, who also just loved your presence, generosity of heart and sprit, and your photos of course. Eva and I just loved the gifts we got from you at the beach on the weekend, having been sent over from your orphanage in Cambodia. Your Tony Abbott costume you wore to the Sea Shepherd No Compromise! event on Friday night was a classic, just as you were. Knowing you enriched my life, and that of so many of my friends and acquaintances. You were one of the Australian media's great guys, and I think you knew that I saw you as a bit of a father figure or uncle also, even though I never said those words. You were smart enough to know. The visits to the "best office in the world' at the pad at Bondi Beach were also a fun and memorable experience. Your beautify energy, passion and warmth will always be remembered. You made me, and others, probably look so much better than we actually were, thanks to your artistic and creative gifts. Your colorful shoes will be hard to fill. Always in my mind, and whenever I walk down the hill to the beach I will continue to think of you fondly. You were way too good, in too many ways, to only be remembered as a great photographer. You were a wonderful human being. Another legend has been lost, but will never be forgotten
Greg Tingle, Founder and Director, Media Man
Australian Media and Photographer Legend Dies, by Greg Tingle
One of Australia's most colorful and successful photographers Peter Carrette has died of a heart attack this past weekend. Regarded as one of the good guys in the pap and photography biz, London born Carrette first came to prominence when he photographed a sick Marianne Faithful in a drug coma in her hospital bed circa 1969. Faithful had tripped to Australia with musician Mick Jagger who was to star in a film about Ned Kelly. She had over-dosed after, it was claimed in the British press, she had discovered Jagger in bed as it were, with another woman. Carrette donned a white doctor's coat and stethoscope and sneaked into Faithful's room, snapped the photo that was flashed around the world as one of the first examples of intrusive photography. Earlier this year when Faithful was in town for the Sydney Festival, she advised new media outlet 'The Shuttle' she'd still like to give the snapper a "quick boot in the backside". However she later revealed she had forgiven him. After a stint of studying photography in London, Carrette traveled to Sydney and picked up gig as Sir Frank Packer's copy boy when the media baron owned Daily Mirror newspaper. Once established he worked for various publications photographing news. He ambushed the US invasion of Grenada by hiring a smuggler's boat while the world's news media waited for official transport in downtown Barbados. He also did well in New York for 6 years and photographed for leading fashion title Vogue in Paris for 2 years. A few years back here in Sydney he and another pap squirted the actor Heath Ledger with water pistols at a Sydney film premiere. The images of a startled and wet Ledger was flashed around the world. He was ever so briefly banned by film companies from movie premieres and the like, but later made peace with Ledger shortly before he died in New York. Carrette also supported an orphanage in Cambodia by donating the fees received from his exclusive candid photos of celebrities often taken around Bondi Beach. He ran his own studio and photo biz from a Bondi Beach flat, "The greatest office in the world" he said, where he had lived for the past 20 years. The flat is owned by his good mate, Jack Thompson. Carrette was well liked in the industry, a keen philanthropist, and gave a lot back to the industry. He attended the Sea Shepherd Bondi No Compromise! event at the beach on Friday night at the invitation of Media Man, who has collaborated closely with Peter over the past 3 years, usually at Bondi Beach and often on community based projects. It's understood he passed away on Sunday evening from heart failure while working at his computer.
James Packer Likely Inspired Australia's Richest Woman Share Raid On Network Ten...
It all happened at the event to celebrate Alan Jones's 25 years in radio. Gina Rinehart witnesses history, and decided to play a big part in it. Australia's richest woman was in the mix of the 1100 media and political in crowd who gathered at Sydney's Darling Harbour on November 5 to toast Jones and witness tributes from the likes of former prime minister John Howard, Liberal powerbroker Michael Kroger, opposition Treasury spokesman Joe Hockey, NSW Premier Kristina Keneally and British conservative icon Jeffrey Archer. An emotional address from gaming and media mogul James Packer clearly made an impression. In a rare public display, Packer opened up about Jones. "Alan, no one will ever take your place," he said. "You are without peer, my friend." Packer had just raised his already considerable public profile by grabbing 18% of Ten Network Holdings in a shock sharemarket raid. Here was confirmation he was back in town after some moments of severe doubt during the global financial crisis. Rinehart was paying attention. It is understood the mining heiress wrote to her fellow billionaire afterwards, congratulating him on his speech, expressing her support for Jones and wishing Packer luck with his $280 million Ten investment. Within days, traders noticed that Morgan Stanley Smith Barney...a retail brokerage that accounts for less than 1% of Ten trading on an average day...was responsible for a whopping 24.3% of turnover. That was November 10. The brokerage continued to soak up stock in the following days. Seek co-founder Paul Bassat, adman John Singleton and media company News Limited (publisher of The Australian) were all rumoured to be behind the trades. But this week the mystery buyer was revealed as power woman Rinehart. Nobody could have guessed, except perhaps Packer, who received another letter from Rinehart yesterday, telling him she had spent more than $150m on 10 per cent of Ten. Without being too specific, Rinehart indicated broad support for the Ten shake-up and said she liked the look of the new board. Here was confirmation that Georgina Hope Rinehart was not content to confine her $4.5 billion fortune to the mining sector. Rinehart is said to resent the description "mining heiress", believing she deserves credit for building on her father's legacy. She also does not want to be remembered as the person who took Porteous to court. Some associates believe she wants to make her mark on a bigger stage, much as fellow iron ore magnate Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest has in championing the cause of indigenous Australians in recent years. She hinted at issues of national interest in the short statement released on late Monday. "Our company group is interested in making an investment towards the media business, given its importance to the nation's future, and has selected Channel 10 for this investment," it said. So notions of legacy and influence perhaps explain why Rinehart jumped on the truck to help lead the big crowd in a chant of "axe the tax". She used a megaphone to do it that day. Others have found owning part of a media company is another way to open doors in Canberra. Media Man will be following up the fun, games and media power plays of Australia's Richest women and think she might be the source of more major news for media friends and partners across the global, especially for the good folks at the always hard hitting and switched on Gambling911.
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? 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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Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Crown Casino Forced To Defend Reputation In Press, by Greg Tingle - 23rd November 2010
Crown Casino, Australia's leading land based casino and prize jewel of gambling and media tycoon James Packer, is publicly fighting back against a number of serious allegations being thrown at them. Media Man and Gambling911 play devil's advocate as we bring you this special report on the cafe and pub talk about Crown...
In the past year or so most of the media reports on James Packer owned Crown Casino have been balanced, with a number of even positive reports, but now a new batch of negative stories, allegations and even a spot of "attack journalism" is starting to read its ugly head again.
Casino Casino bosses are not happy in the least about a bush tucker bag of allegations being leveled at their gambling and entertainment premises.
One of the more gross allegations is that Crown was accused of letting desperate gamblers urinate at machines during 24-hour pokie marathon sessions!
Other leaks say Crown throws fights into the street and tries to cover up crimes and other unwanted attention.
The hard hitting allegations are found in a report based on interviews with 225 current and former Crown casino staff who spoke out about their impressions of the level of violence, problem gambling and alcohol abuse inside Australia's biggest gambling venue.
A number of Australian media and gambling commentators believe the reports may have been geared to generate negative results for the casino, and that a large number of former staff and disgruntled current staff may have been tricked into focusing on negatives, and that somehow the Uni compiled report was designed to make Crown Limited look bad.
The so call "study" was conducted by Deakin University researchers, sphere headed by Associate Prof Linda Hancock. Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union staff agreed to participate in the industry-wide research.
The most disgusting allegation was that some one armed bandit players stood by the same pokies for up to 24 hours, with one respondent saying they "sit there and just wee, go to the toilet at the machine"
Crown Casino advises that allegation is not true.
Some staff also allege that Crown Casino is:
Permits patrons to gamble when drunk, even though it is against the law in Victoria
Calling taxis RSL cabs, Silver Service etc) for injured patrons and staff to avoid an ambulance incident report.
Permitting punters to stay on pokies for 24 hours plus marathon sessions or more.
Forcing drunks onto the street.
Covering up up 20 to 30 brawls per evening, with up to 40 punters a night being escorted out onto the street. This is mostly due to fighting, and sometimes patrons used knives and bottles.
Dr Hancock states her research showed a "systematic breakdown between Crown, government and regulators who don't enforce codes of practice".
The report that some say is bias, was rigged, and not accurate, also demonstrates poor awareness among staff of problem gambling, with half of those interviewed saying they wouldn't intervene if a gambler was in a distressed state.
A media spokesperson at Media Man said "The results of the report are not a total surprise. It's well known that there is an agenda from certain parts of the educational and political sector to get negative press on Crown Casino. Whispers are that the report was focusing on negatives and that they interviewed people who were not happy at Crown and has an axe to grind. They have used this report to try to create a media beat up, and also trying to generate attack journalism. University reports are often used to try to give certain agendas more credibility Do not believe everything you read, including from University reports. We know Crown Casino to do an excellent job of dealing with problems and are a very responsible employer. The report smells of a rat".
Crown casino spokesman Gary O'Neill said the comments in the report were all false and did not deserve to be described as "research: (a term also used to describe Japanese whaling).
"Crown absolutely denies that staff are encouraged or allowed to permit patrons to gamble while intoxicated," he said.
O'Neill said ambulances were regularly called to Crown and he denied claims that responsible gaming codes were being ignored.
At the time of press more media outlets are starting to go public saying there are flaws in the "research" and that Crown Casino haters are trying to create media beat-ups.
Crown Casino is understood to be considering some reality TV concepts and also is pursuing more national and international top line acts to add to its overall entertainment experience, as the famous Aussie casino wars continue with its main competitor being the embattled Tabcorp, owner - operator of Sydney's Star City, who are spending roughly 1 million dollars to try to play catch up to Crown - eventually wanting to become #1. Good luck Tabcorp, you will need it in spades.
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Is Crown Casino good or evil? 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.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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In the past year or so most of the media reports on James Packer owned Crown Casino have been balanced, with a number of even positive reports, but now a new batch of negative stories, allegations and even a spot of "attack journalism" is starting to read its ugly head again.
Casino Casino bosses are not happy in the least about a bush tucker bag of allegations being leveled at their gambling and entertainment premises.
One of the more gross allegations is that Crown was accused of letting desperate gamblers urinate at machines during 24-hour pokie marathon sessions!
Other leaks say Crown throws fights into the street and tries to cover up crimes and other unwanted attention.
The hard hitting allegations are found in a report based on interviews with 225 current and former Crown casino staff who spoke out about their impressions of the level of violence, problem gambling and alcohol abuse inside Australia's biggest gambling venue.
A number of Australian media and gambling commentators believe the reports may have been geared to generate negative results for the casino, and that a large number of former staff and disgruntled current staff may have been tricked into focusing on negatives, and that somehow the Uni compiled report was designed to make Crown Limited look bad.
The so call "study" was conducted by Deakin University researchers, sphere headed by Associate Prof Linda Hancock. Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union staff agreed to participate in the industry-wide research.
The most disgusting allegation was that some one armed bandit players stood by the same pokies for up to 24 hours, with one respondent saying they "sit there and just wee, go to the toilet at the machine"
Crown Casino advises that allegation is not true.
Some staff also allege that Crown Casino is:
Permits patrons to gamble when drunk, even though it is against the law in Victoria
Calling taxis RSL cabs, Silver Service etc) for injured patrons and staff to avoid an ambulance incident report.
Permitting punters to stay on pokies for 24 hours plus marathon sessions or more.
Forcing drunks onto the street.
Covering up up 20 to 30 brawls per evening, with up to 40 punters a night being escorted out onto the street. This is mostly due to fighting, and sometimes patrons used knives and bottles.
Dr Hancock states her research showed a "systematic breakdown between Crown, government and regulators who don't enforce codes of practice".
The report that some say is bias, was rigged, and not accurate, also demonstrates poor awareness among staff of problem gambling, with half of those interviewed saying they wouldn't intervene if a gambler was in a distressed state.
A media spokesperson at Media Man said "The results of the report are not a total surprise. It's well known that there is an agenda from certain parts of the educational and political sector to get negative press on Crown Casino. Whispers are that the report was focusing on negatives and that they interviewed people who were not happy at Crown and has an axe to grind. They have used this report to try to create a media beat up, and also trying to generate attack journalism. University reports are often used to try to give certain agendas more credibility Do not believe everything you read, including from University reports. We know Crown Casino to do an excellent job of dealing with problems and are a very responsible employer. The report smells of a rat".
Crown casino spokesman Gary O'Neill said the comments in the report were all false and did not deserve to be described as "research: (a term also used to describe Japanese whaling).
"Crown absolutely denies that staff are encouraged or allowed to permit patrons to gamble while intoxicated," he said.
O'Neill said ambulances were regularly called to Crown and he denied claims that responsible gaming codes were being ignored.
At the time of press more media outlets are starting to go public saying there are flaws in the "research" and that Crown Casino haters are trying to create media beat-ups.
Crown Casino is understood to be considering some reality TV concepts and also is pursuing more national and international top line acts to add to its overall entertainment experience, as the famous Aussie casino wars continue with its main competitor being the embattled Tabcorp, owner - operator of Sydney's Star City, who are spending roughly 1 million dollars to try to play catch up to Crown - eventually wanting to become #1. Good luck Tabcorp, you will need it in spades.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Is Crown Casino good or evil? 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.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Blog: Casinos are generally a property - venue where games of chance take place as well as other entertainment for adults
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Casinos are generally a property - venue where games of chance take place as well as other entertainment for adults
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Woolworths: The Fast Cash People?, by Greg Tingle - 19th November 2010
Gambling and especially potential harm re "problem gambling" continues to get a strong news run in Australia. Today we explore the business relationship that retailer Woolworths (slogan - 'The Fast Food People') aka 'The Fast Cash People' (satire) enjoys in the Australian gaming and gambling industry. Media Man and Gambling911 take a ride on the shopping trolley jackpot with this special report...
Woolworths on Thursday found itself defending its significant business involvement in Australian pokies, as the echoes that they are causing social harm continues.
What's the one armed bandit link we hear you ask. Woolworths, via its majority holding in the ALH Group venture with Melbourne businessman and Aussie pokies king Bruce Mathieson, is Australia's largest poker machine operator and is likely to face more negative press and noise over "problem gambling" due to the anti-pokies stance of some key federal Independent MPs and senators. It's mainly a small but vocal minority, but it gives they a platform to get noticed.
A Media Man insider said 'For some MP's the pokies thing is gold. Some of them see pokies as the new thing to jump upon. Rather like pokies is the new porn to jump up an down about. For the past few years in Australia porn and also the environment were big issues for polies, then mining, not pokies gets a lot of heat. Next year it will be something else".
Woolies Chief executive Michael Luscombe, speaking after the company's annual shareholder meeting in Brisbane said it had no plans at all to exit the poker machines business.
Luscombe advised the firm was planning to introduce a policy to help reduce problem gambling, but he could not or would not immediately name the specific nature.
A communications assistant type then went on to describe the voluntary precommitment policy, under which punters can choose to set limits for wager amounts.
Stephen Maybe, political and media commentator, and anti pokies activist quizzed if Woolworths had decided to pursue court action to prevent councils from such a move or had agreed to a deal with the Victorian Labor Party to use legislation to prevent council action if the Brumby Government was re-elected. Luscombe said he was not aware of any agreement with Labor.
Mayne also said nationwide more than $10 billion was lost on pokies each year. He said Manningham council was investigating the possibility of increasing the rate bill of Woolworths' gaming venues from $100,000 to $400,000.
Woolworths' hotels business enjoyed about $176.7 million in fiscal 2010 pretax earnings and added 6 properties, taking its total number of hotels and clubs to 284.
Woolworths issued a special report on its social, environmental and governance policies, however the report's one-page summary of key 2010 challenges did not mention action to address "problem gambling".
The company noted it adhered to gambling-related laws and planned voluntary measures.
Woolworths also came under fire over its approach to executive pay, with the Australian Shareholders Association citing concern over lack of transparency as the reason for rejecting the remuneration report.
The outfit had good news on its latest trading, with Luscombe stating there had been no direct impact on its business from the latest official rate rise. He expected Christmas trading this year would be "reasonably good".
The company continued to expect 8-11% growth in fiscal 2011 net profit.
He said the company was likely to open more than the 150 home-improvement stores targeted. It has secured 90 sites and planned to open the first stores in Victoria from about July..
Chairman James Strong said the company was keeping its eye out for takeover opportunities.
"The board remains open and alert to a wide range of possibilities that could add value for our shareholders," he said.
Woolies shares rose 24 cents to $27.74 yesterday.
By all accounts Woolworths is making a killing with its current links to the Australian pokies business, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Christmas jackpots are on the way, as the pokies lovers vs pokies haters war down under continues.
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? What do you think about Woolworths being involved in gambling? 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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Woolworths on Thursday found itself defending its significant business involvement in Australian pokies, as the echoes that they are causing social harm continues.
What's the one armed bandit link we hear you ask. Woolworths, via its majority holding in the ALH Group venture with Melbourne businessman and Aussie pokies king Bruce Mathieson, is Australia's largest poker machine operator and is likely to face more negative press and noise over "problem gambling" due to the anti-pokies stance of some key federal Independent MPs and senators. It's mainly a small but vocal minority, but it gives they a platform to get noticed.
A Media Man insider said 'For some MP's the pokies thing is gold. Some of them see pokies as the new thing to jump upon. Rather like pokies is the new porn to jump up an down about. For the past few years in Australia porn and also the environment were big issues for polies, then mining, not pokies gets a lot of heat. Next year it will be something else".
Woolies Chief executive Michael Luscombe, speaking after the company's annual shareholder meeting in Brisbane said it had no plans at all to exit the poker machines business.
Luscombe advised the firm was planning to introduce a policy to help reduce problem gambling, but he could not or would not immediately name the specific nature.
A communications assistant type then went on to describe the voluntary precommitment policy, under which punters can choose to set limits for wager amounts.
Stephen Maybe, political and media commentator, and anti pokies activist quizzed if Woolworths had decided to pursue court action to prevent councils from such a move or had agreed to a deal with the Victorian Labor Party to use legislation to prevent council action if the Brumby Government was re-elected. Luscombe said he was not aware of any agreement with Labor.
Mayne also said nationwide more than $10 billion was lost on pokies each year. He said Manningham council was investigating the possibility of increasing the rate bill of Woolworths' gaming venues from $100,000 to $400,000.
Woolworths' hotels business enjoyed about $176.7 million in fiscal 2010 pretax earnings and added 6 properties, taking its total number of hotels and clubs to 284.
Woolworths issued a special report on its social, environmental and governance policies, however the report's one-page summary of key 2010 challenges did not mention action to address "problem gambling".
The company noted it adhered to gambling-related laws and planned voluntary measures.
Woolworths also came under fire over its approach to executive pay, with the Australian Shareholders Association citing concern over lack of transparency as the reason for rejecting the remuneration report.
The outfit had good news on its latest trading, with Luscombe stating there had been no direct impact on its business from the latest official rate rise. He expected Christmas trading this year would be "reasonably good".
The company continued to expect 8-11% growth in fiscal 2011 net profit.
He said the company was likely to open more than the 150 home-improvement stores targeted. It has secured 90 sites and planned to open the first stores in Victoria from about July..
Chairman James Strong said the company was keeping its eye out for takeover opportunities.
"The board remains open and alert to a wide range of possibilities that could add value for our shareholders," he said.
Woolies shares rose 24 cents to $27.74 yesterday.
By all accounts Woolworths is making a killing with its current links to the Australian pokies business, and shows no sign of slowing down.
Christmas jackpots are on the way, as the pokies lovers vs pokies haters war down under continues.
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? What do you think about Woolworths being involved in gambling? 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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Friday, November 19, 2010
This Is Your Life; Crown Casino Style, by Greg Tingle - 19th November 2010
James Packer owned Crown Casino is to be the host of the return of the Australian version of smash hit television show, 'This Is Your Life', in a move that is bound to add spark and cash into both Crown Limited and Network Nine Australia. Media Man and Gambling911 take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about both the good times and the bad, as we jump the cue with this special report on the return of 'This Is Your Life' and what it all means to you and the powers that be...
This Is Your Life is an Aussie television documentary show based on the American show of the same name, in which the host surprises guests with a show documenting their lives, with audience participation from their friends and family.
Down Under in Australia, the show was aired on the Nine Network on Thursday nights for a relatively short annual season. It began in 1975 on the Seven Network, hosted by Andrew Barbeler. Subsequent seasons were compered by Digby Wolfe (1976), Roger Climpson (1977), and Geordi Hunt (1977 - 1980). The program was re-launched on the Nine Network in 1995, hosted by Mike Munro until 2008.
Now we learn that Australian media legend Eddie McGuire will be hosting the show as we draw closer to the last month of the year 2010, and what a year it has been for Crown Casino, James Packer, and mates in the super inner circle like Shane Warne and David Gyngell.
Ok, it's one of the most loved tv shows of all time, but its undergoing a facelift (so to speak), and hopefully for the better. Our spies tell us that it will be a more contemporary format and done in a way that is basically more "now" and current for the times. Time will tell what exactly that translates into once the show kicks off.
A new set and big name musical acts - performances and a live theatre-style setting will help make This Is Your Life appeal to a whole new generation of couch potatoes, while long-term audiences will likely welcome back its somewhat familiar format with a fresh as a daisy lineup of A-list stars and other entertaining surprise guests.
This Is Your Life will delight viewers to a series of special event shows filmed at The Palms at Crown Casino in Melbourne in front of a live audience, with performances by Australia’s leading music acts and appearances by local and international celebrities.
"The brand new series of This is Your Life will be an entertaining show filled with laughter, tears and surprises," the show’s Executive Producer, Adrian Dellevergin, said.
"We will adopt a whole new look as we celebrate the lives of our most treasured and admired Australians. We’re taking a much loved format out of its studio setting and turning it into major event television."
This Is Your Life honours Australians who have forged brilliant careers and have had extraordinary life journeys.
The new series will include legends and heroes from the fields of entertainment, music, sport and the media.
Host Eddie 'Everywhere' McGuire will surprise the guest of honour with heartfelt reunions, spontaneous revelations and stories from friends and family from around the globe.
Since 1975 almost 400 of Australia’s greatest achievers have been honoured on This Is Your Life, including Peter Allen, Greg Norman, Steve Irwin, Olivia Newton-John and country music legend Slim Dusty.
Media Man has heard the exciting news that there's a reasonable possibility that some of the names on the list include James Packer, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Jack Thompson, Bryan Brown, John Singleton, Alan Jones, Bert Newtwon or Rupert Murdoch will be appearing. Just quietly, we hope its Warnie, Murdoch, Brown, Singo or Thompson. Packer would be the jackpot, but it might look funny, since he's still young and he owns the venue!
Host McGuire said "This Is Your Life is one of the all-time great television shows. There are so many wonderful stories to be told. I fell victim myself one time, so I know what it is like from both sides. I can't wait to be involved in the stings for which the show is so well known. Every time I walk into someones house, they're going to look to see if I have a big red book under my arm."
Crown Casino is also host venue of the Australian Logie Awards, and home to the Twitter Gate scandal, that a saw an Aussie comedian - writer lose her job from 'The Age' newspaper more than a year ago, after inappropriate remarks were Tweaked towards guests at Crown Casino on 'Australian entertainment's night of nights', as its known in the biz.
This Is Your Life will go to air on the Nine Network in 2011.
Return Of 'This Is Your Life' At Crown Casino Comes At The Same Time As Warnie TV...
Shane Warne Talk Show 'Warne's World'; May Mention Poker, Gambling...
It's going to be called Warne’s World, the chat show is scheduled to air on Thursdays at 9.30pm once the Ashes series kicks off next month. "We’ve secured two or three big-name guests at this stage so things are going well," Warne said. The hunt is on for potential co-hosts. It will also feature a slew of international mates. A production source said, "Warnie knows so many people – there are many closet cricket fans out there – so we’re expecting anyone who’s in town, whether it be a superstar singer or a Hollywood actor, to be called on by Shane." Maybe it will possibly work as a summer cricketing counterpart to The Footy Show? Warne also recently appeared Top Gear Australia, the show he was heavily rumoured to be hosting, but the host gig didn't come off, of course. Warne's World sounds like a better fit for the former spinner.
Australian TV and entertainment fans rejoice. We're in for a treat, and of course, for the ones feeling really positive and lucky, don't forget to take a good look around Crown Casino, with lots of world class entertainment offerings (and casino games).
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Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Did it bring back memories for you? Who would you like to see on the Australian version of the show? Is Crown Casino a good, bad or great venue for it, and why? 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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This Is Your Life is an Aussie television documentary show based on the American show of the same name, in which the host surprises guests with a show documenting their lives, with audience participation from their friends and family.
Down Under in Australia, the show was aired on the Nine Network on Thursday nights for a relatively short annual season. It began in 1975 on the Seven Network, hosted by Andrew Barbeler. Subsequent seasons were compered by Digby Wolfe (1976), Roger Climpson (1977), and Geordi Hunt (1977 - 1980). The program was re-launched on the Nine Network in 1995, hosted by Mike Munro until 2008.
Now we learn that Australian media legend Eddie McGuire will be hosting the show as we draw closer to the last month of the year 2010, and what a year it has been for Crown Casino, James Packer, and mates in the super inner circle like Shane Warne and David Gyngell.
Ok, it's one of the most loved tv shows of all time, but its undergoing a facelift (so to speak), and hopefully for the better. Our spies tell us that it will be a more contemporary format and done in a way that is basically more "now" and current for the times. Time will tell what exactly that translates into once the show kicks off.
A new set and big name musical acts - performances and a live theatre-style setting will help make This Is Your Life appeal to a whole new generation of couch potatoes, while long-term audiences will likely welcome back its somewhat familiar format with a fresh as a daisy lineup of A-list stars and other entertaining surprise guests.
This Is Your Life will delight viewers to a series of special event shows filmed at The Palms at Crown Casino in Melbourne in front of a live audience, with performances by Australia’s leading music acts and appearances by local and international celebrities.
"The brand new series of This is Your Life will be an entertaining show filled with laughter, tears and surprises," the show’s Executive Producer, Adrian Dellevergin, said.
"We will adopt a whole new look as we celebrate the lives of our most treasured and admired Australians. We’re taking a much loved format out of its studio setting and turning it into major event television."
This Is Your Life honours Australians who have forged brilliant careers and have had extraordinary life journeys.
The new series will include legends and heroes from the fields of entertainment, music, sport and the media.
Host Eddie 'Everywhere' McGuire will surprise the guest of honour with heartfelt reunions, spontaneous revelations and stories from friends and family from around the globe.
Since 1975 almost 400 of Australia’s greatest achievers have been honoured on This Is Your Life, including Peter Allen, Greg Norman, Steve Irwin, Olivia Newton-John and country music legend Slim Dusty.
Media Man has heard the exciting news that there's a reasonable possibility that some of the names on the list include James Packer, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Jack Thompson, Bryan Brown, John Singleton, Alan Jones, Bert Newtwon or Rupert Murdoch will be appearing. Just quietly, we hope its Warnie, Murdoch, Brown, Singo or Thompson. Packer would be the jackpot, but it might look funny, since he's still young and he owns the venue!
Host McGuire said "This Is Your Life is one of the all-time great television shows. There are so many wonderful stories to be told. I fell victim myself one time, so I know what it is like from both sides. I can't wait to be involved in the stings for which the show is so well known. Every time I walk into someones house, they're going to look to see if I have a big red book under my arm."
Crown Casino is also host venue of the Australian Logie Awards, and home to the Twitter Gate scandal, that a saw an Aussie comedian - writer lose her job from 'The Age' newspaper more than a year ago, after inappropriate remarks were Tweaked towards guests at Crown Casino on 'Australian entertainment's night of nights', as its known in the biz.
This Is Your Life will go to air on the Nine Network in 2011.
Return Of 'This Is Your Life' At Crown Casino Comes At The Same Time As Warnie TV...
Shane Warne Talk Show 'Warne's World'; May Mention Poker, Gambling...
It's going to be called Warne’s World, the chat show is scheduled to air on Thursdays at 9.30pm once the Ashes series kicks off next month. "We’ve secured two or three big-name guests at this stage so things are going well," Warne said. The hunt is on for potential co-hosts. It will also feature a slew of international mates. A production source said, "Warnie knows so many people – there are many closet cricket fans out there – so we’re expecting anyone who’s in town, whether it be a superstar singer or a Hollywood actor, to be called on by Shane." Maybe it will possibly work as a summer cricketing counterpart to The Footy Show? Warne also recently appeared Top Gear Australia, the show he was heavily rumoured to be hosting, but the host gig didn't come off, of course. Warne's World sounds like a better fit for the former spinner.
Australian TV and entertainment fans rejoice. We're in for a treat, and of course, for the ones feeling really positive and lucky, don't forget to take a good look around Crown Casino, with lots of world class entertainment offerings (and casino games).
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? Did it bring back memories for you? Who would you like to see on the Australian version of the show? Is Crown Casino a good, bad or great venue for it, and why? 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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Thursday, November 18, 2010
James Packer And Shane Warne Casino Deal; Tiger Gossip, by Greg Tingle - 18th November 2010
What sort of business deals might an Aussie cricket legend and Australian casino king James Packer get up to? How about a Warnie branded poker room, and opening a bar or two, and plenty more win - wins in the works say those in the know. Warnie and Packer have also taken a liking to Tiger Woods, and some more good business is understood to be on the horizon for the daily double, soon to become a trio. Media Man and Gambling911 take a swing with the bats and balls and sink a cold one with this special report...
Shane Warne Expands Business Empire...
Aussie cricket living legend Shane Warne is further expanding his business.
He's the face of a poker brand, might have a poker room named after him, has a hair care endorsement, a venue music deal with Media Man mate Kym Illman, and now word leaks of both a Warnie talk show coming up on Network Nine, and perhaps a drinking bar - watering hole at Crown too. What a party animal, (with brains, and friends in all of the right places).
The champion spinner is coming back from more business deals offered to him from good mate and self appointed mentor, James Packer. Get this, the Crown Casino rooftop bar might also offer cigars and be smoker friendly, but details are a tad sketchy at the moment.
Warne was happy to confirm he and Packer were looking at a joint venture deal but wasn't able to, or willing, to discuss details at this stage of the game.
"Myself and James Packer are going into business and doing something at Crown," he said. "There might be something happening at Crown in the next 12 months."
Quizzed if it would be on the rooftop, cheeky Warne replied with "It should be very good views."
Both Packer and Warnie are smokers and the former cricketer is known to enjoy a good cigar. Warnie new mate, golfer, Tiger Woods, is understood to be keen to spend more time with the spinner, but if he will brave the night air and a ciggy on the roof at Crown Casino is unclear.
A Crown spokesperson yesterday said Crown had "no comment on this matter at this stage".
Warne is also strongly rumoured to have a hamburger business deal in the worlds. We got a report he was seen eating a McDonald's burger, that might have been branded as his own. How hot or not the burger might be is the talk of cafes and bars in Melbourne. On the burger he's understood to have said "I don't do spicy stuff. Too many years in India."
He also said he had no problem endorsing Maccas, noting they offered many healthy options.
"We did a bit of due diligence on McDonalds," he said.
Warne event went as far to say his three kids don't mind a bit of Maccas.
"Once a week I say, 'What would you like to have?' ... eight out of 10 times, it's McDonald's."
Shane Warne Talk Show; May Mention Poker, Gambling...
It's going to be called Warne’s World, the chat show is scheduled to air on Thursdays at 9.30pm once the Ashes series kicks off next month. "We’ve secured two or three big-name guests at this stage so things are going well," Warne said. The hunt is on for potential co-hosts. It will also feature a slew of international mates. A production source said, "Warnie knows so many people – there are many closet cricket fans out there – so we’re expecting anyone who’s in town, whether it be a superstar singer or a Hollywood actor, to be called on by Shane." Maybe it possibly work as a summer cricketing counterpart to The Footy Show? Warne also recently appeared Top Gear Australia, the show he was heavily rumoured to be hosting, but the host gig didn't come off, of course. Warne's World sounds like a better fit for the former spinner.
Warnie Mate Tiger Woods Also Likes His Twitter...
Tiger Woods is now on Twitter. In his first tweet , the world's former No.1 golfer said, "What’s up everyone. Finally decided to try out twitter!" In a second tweet, TigerWoods said, "Yep, it’s me. I think I like this twitter thing. You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the love." Woods' public image has taken a beating since last November, when a car accident outside his Florida home triggered reports of numerous extramarital affairs. Woods and ex-wife Elin Nordegren finalised their divorce in August. Woods has also struggled on the golf course in 2010, failing to win a tournament for the first time in his professional career. He lost the world No.1 ranking to Lee Westwood on October 31. Woods, currently "down under" in Australia, is understood to have a chance of winning the Australian Masters, and insiders reckon his time with Aussie cricket legend and lady lover, Shane Warne, are helping the Tiger mindset. At the Masters - Crown Casino press conference their similar nocturnal habits were brought up, which got a smile and laugh from the "dream team". Granted, with the ladies or the press, Tiger is no Shane Warne, but he doesn't need to be. Go get 'em Tiger.
Warnie Did Not Have Facelift; Hair Treatment Works!...
Warne has denied having plastic surgery after a spat of rumours and innuendo about his appearance. The famous cricketer was finally forced to use his Twitter account to set the record straight after a picture of him at an event in Melbourne sparked a whirl of speculation. "No have not had facelift or any work done to face, training hard and lost 5kg. Yes have had teeth whitened," he tweeted. He later added: "NO have not had hair transplant, have re-grown my own hair with laser therapy!! It works and happy with results!!"
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How's things looking for a Packer - Warnie, and maybe Tiger Woods deal? 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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Shane Warne Expands Business Empire...
Aussie cricket living legend Shane Warne is further expanding his business.
He's the face of a poker brand, might have a poker room named after him, has a hair care endorsement, a venue music deal with Media Man mate Kym Illman, and now word leaks of both a Warnie talk show coming up on Network Nine, and perhaps a drinking bar - watering hole at Crown too. What a party animal, (with brains, and friends in all of the right places).
The champion spinner is coming back from more business deals offered to him from good mate and self appointed mentor, James Packer. Get this, the Crown Casino rooftop bar might also offer cigars and be smoker friendly, but details are a tad sketchy at the moment.
Warne was happy to confirm he and Packer were looking at a joint venture deal but wasn't able to, or willing, to discuss details at this stage of the game.
"Myself and James Packer are going into business and doing something at Crown," he said. "There might be something happening at Crown in the next 12 months."
Quizzed if it would be on the rooftop, cheeky Warne replied with "It should be very good views."
Both Packer and Warnie are smokers and the former cricketer is known to enjoy a good cigar. Warnie new mate, golfer, Tiger Woods, is understood to be keen to spend more time with the spinner, but if he will brave the night air and a ciggy on the roof at Crown Casino is unclear.
A Crown spokesperson yesterday said Crown had "no comment on this matter at this stage".
Warne is also strongly rumoured to have a hamburger business deal in the worlds. We got a report he was seen eating a McDonald's burger, that might have been branded as his own. How hot or not the burger might be is the talk of cafes and bars in Melbourne. On the burger he's understood to have said "I don't do spicy stuff. Too many years in India."
He also said he had no problem endorsing Maccas, noting they offered many healthy options.
"We did a bit of due diligence on McDonalds," he said.
Warne event went as far to say his three kids don't mind a bit of Maccas.
"Once a week I say, 'What would you like to have?' ... eight out of 10 times, it's McDonald's."
Shane Warne Talk Show; May Mention Poker, Gambling...
It's going to be called Warne’s World, the chat show is scheduled to air on Thursdays at 9.30pm once the Ashes series kicks off next month. "We’ve secured two or three big-name guests at this stage so things are going well," Warne said. The hunt is on for potential co-hosts. It will also feature a slew of international mates. A production source said, "Warnie knows so many people – there are many closet cricket fans out there – so we’re expecting anyone who’s in town, whether it be a superstar singer or a Hollywood actor, to be called on by Shane." Maybe it possibly work as a summer cricketing counterpart to The Footy Show? Warne also recently appeared Top Gear Australia, the show he was heavily rumoured to be hosting, but the host gig didn't come off, of course. Warne's World sounds like a better fit for the former spinner.
Warnie Mate Tiger Woods Also Likes His Twitter...
Tiger Woods is now on Twitter. In his first tweet , the world's former No.1 golfer said, "What’s up everyone. Finally decided to try out twitter!" In a second tweet, TigerWoods said, "Yep, it’s me. I think I like this twitter thing. You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the love." Woods' public image has taken a beating since last November, when a car accident outside his Florida home triggered reports of numerous extramarital affairs. Woods and ex-wife Elin Nordegren finalised their divorce in August. Woods has also struggled on the golf course in 2010, failing to win a tournament for the first time in his professional career. He lost the world No.1 ranking to Lee Westwood on October 31. Woods, currently "down under" in Australia, is understood to have a chance of winning the Australian Masters, and insiders reckon his time with Aussie cricket legend and lady lover, Shane Warne, are helping the Tiger mindset. At the Masters - Crown Casino press conference their similar nocturnal habits were brought up, which got a smile and laugh from the "dream team". Granted, with the ladies or the press, Tiger is no Shane Warne, but he doesn't need to be. Go get 'em Tiger.
Warnie Did Not Have Facelift; Hair Treatment Works!...
Warne has denied having plastic surgery after a spat of rumours and innuendo about his appearance. The famous cricketer was finally forced to use his Twitter account to set the record straight after a picture of him at an event in Melbourne sparked a whirl of speculation. "No have not had facelift or any work done to face, training hard and lost 5kg. Yes have had teeth whitened," he tweeted. He later added: "NO have not had hair transplant, have re-grown my own hair with laser therapy!! It works and happy with results!!"
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How's things looking for a Packer - Warnie, and maybe Tiger Woods deal? 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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Friday, November 12, 2010
Australian Casino News: Burswood Casino Patrons Targets For Crime, by Greg Tingle - 12th November 2010
Australia, namely Perth, and its Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex is the subject of today's extremely disturbing news report. The Western Australian Police Force, the casino and patrons are looking for solutions on how to stop an apparent crime wave that is seeing criminals target Burswood patrons. Media Man and Gambling911 with not what you want to hear, but what you need to know...
Police in Perth, West Australia are confident that criminals appear to be targeting people as they leave the James Packer - Crown Limited owned Burswood Casino.
West Australian Police are investigating a number of attacks on women who were apparently followed home from the casino in the wee hours of yesterday morning and had their handbags and contents stolen.
Sergeant Graham Clifford advised that in both cases the women were about to open the front door at their homes in Fremantle and Cannington when they had their handbags nabbed from their person.
"We don't believe the two incidents are connected with the victims but by the same token it would appear that some of the criminals out there are taking advantage of people when they leave the casino and attacking them when they are by themselves just about to enter their home," he said.
Police are now also investigating a third incident where a woman was targeted by the thieves.
The woman has contacted WA police saying she was attacked just outside her home in Warnbro this morning after returning from the casino.
It is understood she had several thousand dollars in her bag.
Gaming industry insiders strongly believe that the latest string on attacks in Perth will see more people stay at home and play slots, poker and other games online, such is the current perceived risk of a visit to Burswood. Media Man and Gambling911 both feature and review some online casinos available for Australians.
Police say further information about the thieves will be released soon.
WA Police, Media Man and Gambling911 encourage Burswood Casino patrons to please take precautions at the casino and on your journey back home.
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Readers, what would you do with the situation at Burswood Casino? Will this news see you more likely to play casino games on the internet? 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.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Police in Perth, West Australia are confident that criminals appear to be targeting people as they leave the James Packer - Crown Limited owned Burswood Casino.
West Australian Police are investigating a number of attacks on women who were apparently followed home from the casino in the wee hours of yesterday morning and had their handbags and contents stolen.
Sergeant Graham Clifford advised that in both cases the women were about to open the front door at their homes in Fremantle and Cannington when they had their handbags nabbed from their person.
"We don't believe the two incidents are connected with the victims but by the same token it would appear that some of the criminals out there are taking advantage of people when they leave the casino and attacking them when they are by themselves just about to enter their home," he said.
Police are now also investigating a third incident where a woman was targeted by the thieves.
The woman has contacted WA police saying she was attacked just outside her home in Warnbro this morning after returning from the casino.
It is understood she had several thousand dollars in her bag.
Gaming industry insiders strongly believe that the latest string on attacks in Perth will see more people stay at home and play slots, poker and other games online, such is the current perceived risk of a visit to Burswood. Media Man and Gambling911 both feature and review some online casinos available for Australians.
Police say further information about the thieves will be released soon.
WA Police, Media Man and Gambling911 encourage Burswood Casino patrons to please take precautions at the casino and on your journey back home.
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Readers, what would you do with the situation at Burswood Casino? Will this news see you more likely to play casino games on the internet? 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.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Crown Casino Catches Tiger Woods By Tail Again, by Greg Tingle - 9th November 2010
Tiger Woods has been successful lured by the Australian Open, and more impressively, Crown Casino again. James Packer and his team just keep working the magic that will see 'The Tiger' return to the scene of the crime er action at Crown Towers, that was a significant part of the 'Tiger' scandal that made worldwide headlines last year. Media Man and Gambling911 go Tiger hunting, in a good way. Go get 'em tiger...
Woods' family friendly image was wrecked after his stay at Packer's Crown Towers last year when it came to light that New York party queen Rachel Uchitel was his very special guest.
Uchitel was photographed by a US newspaper pap in the hotel foyer, igniting a scandal that destroyed his marriage and made worldwide headlines, with Tiger jokes still all the rage.
Woods, whose $3 million appearance fee will once again be partly paid for by Victorian taxpayers, was a massive fan of the casino's ultra exclusive riverside restaurant Koko, where he dined up to three times, and hit the gaming tables in private gaming suites.
The world #2 ranked player enjoyed a dream working holiday in Melbourne last year, winning the Australian Masters and picking up some new fans in the process.
Aussie mum Kultida joined Tiger at Crown. After being wined, dined and maybe romanced, at Crown Casino and enjoying a CBD shopping spree, the happy mum told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited she was "loving Melbourne".
Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey.
Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Australian Sports
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Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Woods' family friendly image was wrecked after his stay at Packer's Crown Towers last year when it came to light that New York party queen Rachel Uchitel was his very special guest.
Uchitel was photographed by a US newspaper pap in the hotel foyer, igniting a scandal that destroyed his marriage and made worldwide headlines, with Tiger jokes still all the rage.
Woods, whose $3 million appearance fee will once again be partly paid for by Victorian taxpayers, was a massive fan of the casino's ultra exclusive riverside restaurant Koko, where he dined up to three times, and hit the gaming tables in private gaming suites.
The world #2 ranked player enjoyed a dream working holiday in Melbourne last year, winning the Australian Masters and picking up some new fans in the process.
Aussie mum Kultida joined Tiger at Crown. After being wined, dined and maybe romanced, at Crown Casino and enjoying a CBD shopping spree, the happy mum told Rupert Murdoch's News Limited she was "loving Melbourne".
Woods is set to attend a dinner at Crown Palladium tonight where he will speak along with other international golf players.
Ticket sales for the Masters are understood to be strong but not totally sold out, which means spectators will now be able to get up close and personal with Woods at the Victoria Golf Club. Good hey.
Crown top brass and especially James Packer are understood to be delighted that Tiger has returned to their famous digs. They should be, last time he brought in up to $10 million bucks to Crown, thanks in part to a group of touring Japanese "whales" and "dolphin" high rollers and sports nuts.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish 'Tiger' all success with his holes and putter, on and off the field, and we are hopeful that his 'woodie' and all returns to champion form.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Golf
Australian Sports
Sports Betting
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, odds on Tiger returning to champion form, on and off the field? How will he place in the championship? How many Aussie women might his score this trip down under? Are holes in one or more in line? 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.
*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
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Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Sunday, November 07, 2010
James Packer Bondi Beach Pad No Jackpot, by Greg Tingle - 7th November 2010
G'day punters, casino and media millionaires and billionaires, politicians and one and all. What's happening with Australia's casino and new media king, James Packer, on the domestic - home front? Well, Packer's Bondi Beach based pay is not enjoying the same financial success and the majority of his other ventures we learn. Media Man and Gambling911 put on the thongs and board shorts checking out the casino kings' property happenings at Bondi Beach...
The sellers wanted in the region of $8 million-plus, but the buyers stopped their bidding at $7 million. It was the Bondi Beach house that a young James Packer, casino and gambling mogul in the making, established as his first home in the 90s.
A total of 3 registered bidders still say it failed to sell at this weekend's Raine & Horne auction when offered by the New York-based Lochtenberg family. It last sold when Packer's former fiancee, Kate Fischer, pocketed a cool $2,825,000 in 2000. The 210 sq m pad had been transferred fee free from Packer's development company into Fischer's name in October 1998, showing his well known generosity of heart and spirit.
Packer and Fischer had been in a 5-year personal relationship during which the Notts Avenue property was purchased for a seemly bargain priced $425,000 in 1995. Subsequently Packer moved into a 3-level apartment on nearby Campbell Parade, which remains his abode. He and his wife Erica have also spent roughly $30 million on a Vaucluse home known in today's lingo as "residential compound", not be be confused with gaming figure Calvin Ayre's 'Bodog Compound'.
Packer began living on the Bondi Beach "golden mile#2) sharing an $800-a-week rental apartment with mate David Gyngell in the beautiful Pacific Terraces complex elsewhere on Notts Avenue. JP's late father Kerry Packer had helped finance the Pacific Terraces development by Bill Shipton in 1983.
The Notts Avenue house has been rented out by the Lochtenbergs at about $2500 bucks a week since their purchase in circa 2000.
Ok readers, we know you want to know more about Packer's gaming and media deals, so stick with us as there's much more of that coming on the horizon. It is a Sunday here at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. With that said, we might pop into Berg's Gaming at the famous Bondi Iceberg's club later on today to breath in the fresh air and view, that our decade of blood, sweat and tears in news media has afforded us.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish the Packer's well with their professional and personal lives, and hope to report a positive result for them on the home front very shortly. With Media Man world headquarters just a stone's throw from the Packer's, you can expect an update on this Packer goss er news, much sooner than later.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Property
Bondi Beach
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our domestic James Packer report? 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. They also publish Property News Media http://www.propertynewsmedia.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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The sellers wanted in the region of $8 million-plus, but the buyers stopped their bidding at $7 million. It was the Bondi Beach house that a young James Packer, casino and gambling mogul in the making, established as his first home in the 90s.
A total of 3 registered bidders still say it failed to sell at this weekend's Raine & Horne auction when offered by the New York-based Lochtenberg family. It last sold when Packer's former fiancee, Kate Fischer, pocketed a cool $2,825,000 in 2000. The 210 sq m pad had been transferred fee free from Packer's development company into Fischer's name in October 1998, showing his well known generosity of heart and spirit.
Packer and Fischer had been in a 5-year personal relationship during which the Notts Avenue property was purchased for a seemly bargain priced $425,000 in 1995. Subsequently Packer moved into a 3-level apartment on nearby Campbell Parade, which remains his abode. He and his wife Erica have also spent roughly $30 million on a Vaucluse home known in today's lingo as "residential compound", not be be confused with gaming figure Calvin Ayre's 'Bodog Compound'.
Packer began living on the Bondi Beach "golden mile#2) sharing an $800-a-week rental apartment with mate David Gyngell in the beautiful Pacific Terraces complex elsewhere on Notts Avenue. JP's late father Kerry Packer had helped finance the Pacific Terraces development by Bill Shipton in 1983.
The Notts Avenue house has been rented out by the Lochtenbergs at about $2500 bucks a week since their purchase in circa 2000.
Ok readers, we know you want to know more about Packer's gaming and media deals, so stick with us as there's much more of that coming on the horizon. It is a Sunday here at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia. With that said, we might pop into Berg's Gaming at the famous Bondi Iceberg's club later on today to breath in the fresh air and view, that our decade of blood, sweat and tears in news media has afforded us.
Media Man and Gambling911 wish the Packer's well with their professional and personal lives, and hope to report a positive result for them on the home front very shortly. With Media Man world headquarters just a stone's throw from the Packer's, you can expect an update on this Packer goss er news, much sooner than later.
Media Man Profiles
Australia
James Packer
Crown Casino
Property
Bondi Beach
Wrap Up...
Readers... er, punters, how did you like our domestic James Packer report? 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. They also publish Property News Media http://www.propertynewsmedia.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Saturday, October 30, 2010
Asia Pacific Casino News: Fiji To Get First Casino, by Greg Tingle - 30th October 2010
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.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
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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.
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
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
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
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
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
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.
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
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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