Today was a significant day in our professional and personal lives.
As some of you know, my background includes bodypainting, creative arts and education.
I've been a passionate photographer for over a decade, however today I was recognised as a professional photographer by both the mainstream news media in Australia and in the U.S.
The subject at hand was the relationship between photographers and paparazzi, celebrities, agents and other news media entities.
I was joined in the Channel Seven 'The Morning Show' studio with my agent and very good friend, Greg Tingle, plus Hollywood media expert and correspondent, Tomm Taylor. Hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies conducted the interview in forum style, and I was impressed how they covered the case in a fair and balanced capacity. I could tell how not only Greg but also Kylie was quite concerned for me, as I had decided to go public about getting roughed up at various press events including the Hall Pass red carpet that took place at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, just yesterday.
As various people have told me, "just another day in the office", but it shouldn't be that way. It's just wrong. Physical and verbal assault in the workplace should not be tolerated. It's not in most other industries. Granted, there's quite a few cowboys in the pro photography business including right here in Sydney, Australia, and I don't plan on being a "cowgirl", even if we do sometimes get treated like cattle at events.
The trigger point to the broadcast discussion was the recent altercation that Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglas suffered at the hands of the paparazzi while visiting London.
It reminded of an incident that happened quite a months back when the photographers crossed the line and disrespected me. I'm also familiar with some of the unsavory and unethical "art of war" tactics that some photographers use to try to get bad shots of celebrities. They sometimes swear at them and even use obscene body language gestures towards them. Sometimes I may suggest to some celebrities that they do something interesting on the red carpet (like kiss), which is a loving thing to share. I go out of my way to try to capture beautiful, warm and complimentary photographs. Sure, sometimes an Aussiewood or Hollywood goddess might wear a partly see-through dress or low cut top, with a good eyeful of cleavage, but that's their business. "Upskirts" are a no go zone, as are swearing, pushing, shoving and punching.
Back to the Zeta-Jones - Douglas story at hand... the lovely couple were visiting London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening. When returned from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Michael had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on. For those of you who don't know, the award winning actor has been winning his battle with cancer, and extra stress facilitated by unethical members of the press is the last thing they want or need. It reminded me somewhat of the way the late Princess Diana was treated by the press at times, and who can forget the terrible circumstances in which she died. Yes, some paps chased her and her partner on the road at high speed which increased the level of danger.
I don't preach or suggest that I have all of the solutions to the problem, however, any reasonable person could see that there's room for a ton of improvement as far as ethics and behavior go in and around the pro photography - celebrity spectrum. It appears that the only practical way to find some solutions to the issues are to build photography - press guidelines into law, which would be enforced by the likes of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance and law courts of Australia. It's a business where money talks, and clearly proposed regulations will need to have more bite than bark.
I'm pleased to say that I still enjoy photography as much as ever, and I do not want or need special treatment just because I am a women. I just think all people should be treated with respect.
A big thank you to the Channel Seven team for making this possible.
Multimedia
Channel Seven 'The Morning Show': Greg Tingle, Eva Rinaldi and Tomm Taylor
http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/24340132/zeta-jones-paparazzi-punch-up
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Fox 8
http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
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The Morning Show
Michael Douglas (IMDB)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000140
Catherine Zeta-Jones (IMDB)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001876
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28 February 2011
27 February 2011
Hall Pass Red Carpet Does Entertainment Quarter With Owen Wilson, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th February 2011
It was a bit of a case of crawl, walk and run today at Fox Studios - The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, for the Hall Pass red carpet event.
An insider growing inpatient with Owen Wilson's arrival joked when he finally arrived "He's doing the quarter mile sprint", he being not particularly keen to stop and speak with photographers.
A number of other celebs did the red carpet also including Nicky Whelan, the Farrelly Brothers, and my old friend Salvatore Coco from 'Heartbreak High' and 'Underbelly' fame.
Ok, I hear you want to know about the movie too...
Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best mates with lots of common ground, including both having been married for many years. Both men decide they want to "sex up" things and it isn't long before both of their respective wives (Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate) get dragged into the action and their fantasies. Each guys gets a "hall pass," which is in essence 1 week of freedom to do whatever they want...fantasies, including sex, with absolutely no questions asked. Rick and Fred lap and lick up the wonderful opportunity, but as things develop the fantasy and titillation starts to turn into a nightmare.
The film has received mix reviews, but maybe it might be just the thing to add a bit of spice and / of fantasy into your love life. No, I'm not endorsing it, but there is some entertainment value to be found here. Guys, not sure you would want to take your female friend on a first date to this flick, but if you want to test the emotions and open mind factor soon into your new liaison, maybe this is just the medicine. I'm in a generous mood so I'm going to give it 5 out of 10, and sorry, before you ask, thank you but I'm taken and not up for a 'Hall Pass'.
Websites
Hall Pass
The Entertainment Quarter
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man Int
An insider growing inpatient with Owen Wilson's arrival joked when he finally arrived "He's doing the quarter mile sprint", he being not particularly keen to stop and speak with photographers.
A number of other celebs did the red carpet also including Nicky Whelan, the Farrelly Brothers, and my old friend Salvatore Coco from 'Heartbreak High' and 'Underbelly' fame.
Ok, I hear you want to know about the movie too...
Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best mates with lots of common ground, including both having been married for many years. Both men decide they want to "sex up" things and it isn't long before both of their respective wives (Jenna Fischer and Christina Applegate) get dragged into the action and their fantasies. Each guys gets a "hall pass," which is in essence 1 week of freedom to do whatever they want...fantasies, including sex, with absolutely no questions asked. Rick and Fred lap and lick up the wonderful opportunity, but as things develop the fantasy and titillation starts to turn into a nightmare.
The film has received mix reviews, but maybe it might be just the thing to add a bit of spice and / of fantasy into your love life. No, I'm not endorsing it, but there is some entertainment value to be found here. Guys, not sure you would want to take your female friend on a first date to this flick, but if you want to test the emotions and open mind factor soon into your new liaison, maybe this is just the medicine. I'm in a generous mood so I'm going to give it 5 out of 10, and sorry, before you ask, thank you but I'm taken and not up for a 'Hall Pass'.
Websites
Hall Pass
The Entertainment Quarter
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Media Man Int
Catherine Zeta Jones And Michael Douglas Involved In Paparazzi Scuffle - 26th February 2011
Catherine Zeta Jones and her husband Michael Douglas were recently involved in a scuffle with paparazzi while in London.
The couple were in London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening.
When they came back from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Douglas had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on.
Catherine Zeta-Jones in Paparazzi Swarm: He Punched Me!...
A hushed crowd, poised to strike, waited as a sleek vehicle pulled up to a London hotel Thursday.
As the rear door cracked, camera shutters chattered and lights flashed, capturing Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas emerging.
Exclusive video from ET shows the pair slipping past the swarm to their hotel just feet away. Suddenly, angry shouts paint the picture of a paparazzi scuffle.
"He punched me!" Zeta-Jones exclaims from somewhere beyond the crowd.
ET's video continues with Douglas storming back at the photographers, demanding an explanation.
Watch below to see how it all pans out...
Credit: Fox 8 http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
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The couple were in London as guests of the Royal Family and had visited Buckingham Palace earlier in the evening.
When they came back from the event and they were about to enter the hotel that they were staying in, the paparazzi were taking pictures when all of a sudden it was said that Jones yelled that she had been punched and that she wanted the assistance of the police.
Douglas had already entered the hotel lobby but eye witnesses said he came back outside where he confronted the photographer and was ready to fight. The scuffle quickly ended and the parties carried on.
Catherine Zeta-Jones in Paparazzi Swarm: He Punched Me!...
A hushed crowd, poised to strike, waited as a sleek vehicle pulled up to a London hotel Thursday.
As the rear door cracked, camera shutters chattered and lights flashed, capturing Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas emerging.
Exclusive video from ET shows the pair slipping past the swarm to their hotel just feet away. Suddenly, angry shouts paint the picture of a paparazzi scuffle.
"He punched me!" Zeta-Jones exclaims from somewhere beyond the crowd.
ET's video continues with Douglas storming back at the photographers, demanding an explanation.
Watch below to see how it all pans out...
Credit: Fox 8 http://www.fox8.com/entertainment/wjw-catherine-zeta-jones-paparazzi-scuffle-txt,0,4485687.story
Profiles
Photography
Paparazzi
Media Man
Media Man, Friends And Associates On Paparazzi And Professional Photography Business
Media Man, Friends And Associates On Paparazzi And Professional Photography Business
Stay tuned. More details in the coming days. News will be from Sydney, Australia.
Keep checking the internet, social media websites, Australian television and Media Man International.
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Stay tuned. More details in the coming days. News will be from Sydney, Australia.
Keep checking the internet, social media websites, Australian television and Media Man International.
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
Casino News Media: Australia And New Zealand Gaming Stocks; Beancounter Special, by Greg Tingle - 27th February 2011
G'day punters, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, beancounters and everyone else. Today we look at whose numbers and up, down and steadyMedia Man and Gambling911 with your beancounter special for the weekend...
Crown Limited Profit Up 33%...
James Packer’s Crown Ltd (ASX:CWN) has reported a 33% lift in its first half net profit. The casino, hotel and gaming operator says net profit increased to $153 million while revenue lifted just 0.8% to $1.2 billion in the 6 months to 31 December, 2010. Crown says growth in non-gaming and main floor gaming revenues at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne offset a weaker performance from VIPs. An interim dividend of 18 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Crown fell 1.79 per cent to close at $8.23.
SkyCity Entertainment: New Zealand Based Media Darling Attracting High Rollers; Boosting Profits...
High rolling VIP's greatly assisted a lift to NZ based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s revenue since New Year but its traditional gaming machine revenue is also growing strongly. SkyCity advised revenue in the first 6 weeks of the calendar year was up more than 9%. Chief exec Nigel 'Money Man' Morrison told the press stripping out its international, or VIP, business, revenue was up 6% or 7%. "International adds a bit of cream to that. Auckland, Hamilton, Darwin have all been good for us – Adelaide’s been flat." The Auckland casino, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of first-half operating earnings, had a rotten first quarter. Its first-half revenue was down slightly and operating earnings fell 3.6% to $96.9 million. The company said Auckland’s second-quarter gaming revenue was up 5% and that momentum has continued since. Operating earnings from its next biggest asset, its Darwin land based casino, fell 13.4% in Australian dollar terms, understood to reflect the impact of the smoking ban introduced in January last year. Morrison said historically it's taken between 18 months to 2 years for casinos to recover from the imposition of smoking bans. "If we can do it with 18 months we would be pretty pleased," he said. The modest Auckland and Darwin results contributed to a 5.5% fall in overall net profit to $67.1 million in the six months ended Dec. 31. The October increase in GST added nearly $3 million in costs while the year-on-year comparison was also damaged by earnings from the cinemas business, sold in February last year, being included in the year-earlier result. On a normalised basis, profit was up 2% while revenue rose 2.6% to $447.7 million. The latest results were more or less in line with analysts’ expectations and the company reiterated previous guidance that "we would be disappointed if we did not achieve normalised NPAT (net profit after tax) of $127.4 million for the 2011 financial year." Consensus forecasts are currently about $130 million for the full-year. Experts and industry analysts advise more time is needed to get the full picture of what's in store. In addition, the Chinese New Year period x factor and Oriental high roller whales and larger dolphins are in the mix of Sky City patrons. While the share market reacted negatively to begin with, marking down the shares 8 cents to $3.25, they gradually recovered and are currently 2 cents higher at $3.35. The shares have traded between $2.79 and $3.45 during the last 12 months. One of the firms smaller casinos, the Adelaide land based found its revenue up just 0.7% but its operating earnings were up 5.9%, boosted by strong 12% bar and restaurant sales growth which offset a 2.9% in revenue generated from gambling - gaming machines. Morrison advised the retail environment in Australia has softened and is especially weak in Adelaide. "It’s going to be pretty tough for the next six months at least." SkyCity’s Hamilton casino jumped earnings 3.1% while the contribution from its Queenstown and Christchurch operations was flat. The outfit is well advanced on a number of projects which will be completed in time for the expected flow of 85,000 plus visitors for the Rugby World Cup, Morrison said. SkyCity will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents per share, unchanged from last year, at the upper spectrum of the company’s policy to distribute between 60% and 70% of net profit. The company has introduced a dividend reinvestment plan allowing shareholders to take shares at either the market price or a discount up to 5% at the company’s discretion.
Sportingbet: Aussie - British Connection Serving Bottom Line Well...
We are not big fans of them, but you have to give the devil's their due. They are performing well, both in the UK and down under. Pommie online gambling co Sportingbet (SBT.L) reported an increase in second-quarter earnings on Thursday and said strong growth in Australia, Turkey and its emerging markets had offset weakness in Europe. The company said EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose to 14.5 million pounds ($23.5 million) in the three months to end January from 13.6 million the year before. "Strong growth in Australia, Emerging Markets and Turkey more than offset the recessionary weakness of Europe, particularly notable in our larger markets of Greece and Spain. This demonstrates the attractiveness of a geographically diverse operation," said chief executive Andy McIver. Sportingbet is paying an interim dividend of 0.6 pence, up from 0.5 pence the year before. Shares in Sportingbet closed on Thursday at 45 pence, valuing the business at 228 million pounds.
Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming Company Comeback Of The Decade?...
Go Aussie Go, who they have so quickly recovered from being down in the dumps (share price and image) over the past year or so is anyones guess (unless you might be too close for your own good), but you have to hand it to these guys. They even got the IGT (International Game Technology) legal case sorted (or stopped the leaks). Aristocrat Leisure has announced profits of $54.6 million for the 2010 full year and says its turnaround program is on-track to deliver growth in 2011. The operating profit was down from the $116.4 recorded for 2009 but in-line with its November guidance to the market. Aristocrat revealed that 2010 had been a challenging year for the group but added that the business was only 18 months into a 5-year turnaround program to deliver a much sustained improvement in performance. Significant headwinds, including the generally weak market conditions and ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, dampened reported results for 2010. CEO and managing director Jamie Odell said he was encouraged by the progress the company had seen in these markets where it has delivered new generation games and more competitive products with state of the art technology. "Our impressive widescreen innovation in North America helped the group achieve value and share growth in the outright sale segment in 2010, despite a double-digit fall in overall demand," he said. "The fee per day performance of our new gaming operations products is also very encouraging, and significantly ahead of the average fee per day performance of our legacy products. "Portfolio quality is key to performance improvement. As a result, we expect to continue to see faster progress in those markets such as North America where our turnaround program is more advanced, than Australia and Japan." Shares in Aristocrat have rallied since the announcement and were trading at $3.26 at 1pm today (Feb 25), up from $3.04 a full week days ago. The firm is looking good.
Other International Stocks (17th Feb): Credit Google News, Wires / Agencies...
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) slid 0.40% to $15. The stock has a 52-week range of $8.92-$16.94. The stock has average daily volume of 26.20 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $7.33 billion.
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ:MPEL) is down 0.48% to $7.30. Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and, through its subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The stock opened at $7.26 and is trading within the range of $7.25-$7.33.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) added 0.19% to $48.36. The stock has a 52-week range of $15.50-$55.47. The stock has average daily volume of 26.80 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $33.11 billion.
Boyd Gaming Corporation
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is up 0.69% to $11.70. The stock opened at $11.61 and is trading within the range of $11.55-$11.74.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Crown Limited Profit Up 33%...
James Packer’s Crown Ltd (ASX:CWN) has reported a 33% lift in its first half net profit. The casino, hotel and gaming operator says net profit increased to $153 million while revenue lifted just 0.8% to $1.2 billion in the 6 months to 31 December, 2010. Crown says growth in non-gaming and main floor gaming revenues at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne offset a weaker performance from VIPs. An interim dividend of 18 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Crown fell 1.79 per cent to close at $8.23.
SkyCity Entertainment: New Zealand Based Media Darling Attracting High Rollers; Boosting Profits...
High rolling VIP's greatly assisted a lift to NZ based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s revenue since New Year but its traditional gaming machine revenue is also growing strongly. SkyCity advised revenue in the first 6 weeks of the calendar year was up more than 9%. Chief exec Nigel 'Money Man' Morrison told the press stripping out its international, or VIP, business, revenue was up 6% or 7%. "International adds a bit of cream to that. Auckland, Hamilton, Darwin have all been good for us – Adelaide’s been flat." The Auckland casino, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of first-half operating earnings, had a rotten first quarter. Its first-half revenue was down slightly and operating earnings fell 3.6% to $96.9 million. The company said Auckland’s second-quarter gaming revenue was up 5% and that momentum has continued since. Operating earnings from its next biggest asset, its Darwin land based casino, fell 13.4% in Australian dollar terms, understood to reflect the impact of the smoking ban introduced in January last year. Morrison said historically it's taken between 18 months to 2 years for casinos to recover from the imposition of smoking bans. "If we can do it with 18 months we would be pretty pleased," he said. The modest Auckland and Darwin results contributed to a 5.5% fall in overall net profit to $67.1 million in the six months ended Dec. 31. The October increase in GST added nearly $3 million in costs while the year-on-year comparison was also damaged by earnings from the cinemas business, sold in February last year, being included in the year-earlier result. On a normalised basis, profit was up 2% while revenue rose 2.6% to $447.7 million. The latest results were more or less in line with analysts’ expectations and the company reiterated previous guidance that "we would be disappointed if we did not achieve normalised NPAT (net profit after tax) of $127.4 million for the 2011 financial year." Consensus forecasts are currently about $130 million for the full-year. Experts and industry analysts advise more time is needed to get the full picture of what's in store. In addition, the Chinese New Year period x factor and Oriental high roller whales and larger dolphins are in the mix of Sky City patrons. While the share market reacted negatively to begin with, marking down the shares 8 cents to $3.25, they gradually recovered and are currently 2 cents higher at $3.35. The shares have traded between $2.79 and $3.45 during the last 12 months. One of the firms smaller casinos, the Adelaide land based found its revenue up just 0.7% but its operating earnings were up 5.9%, boosted by strong 12% bar and restaurant sales growth which offset a 2.9% in revenue generated from gambling - gaming machines. Morrison advised the retail environment in Australia has softened and is especially weak in Adelaide. "It’s going to be pretty tough for the next six months at least." SkyCity’s Hamilton casino jumped earnings 3.1% while the contribution from its Queenstown and Christchurch operations was flat. The outfit is well advanced on a number of projects which will be completed in time for the expected flow of 85,000 plus visitors for the Rugby World Cup, Morrison said. SkyCity will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents per share, unchanged from last year, at the upper spectrum of the company’s policy to distribute between 60% and 70% of net profit. The company has introduced a dividend reinvestment plan allowing shareholders to take shares at either the market price or a discount up to 5% at the company’s discretion.
Sportingbet: Aussie - British Connection Serving Bottom Line Well...
We are not big fans of them, but you have to give the devil's their due. They are performing well, both in the UK and down under. Pommie online gambling co Sportingbet (SBT.L) reported an increase in second-quarter earnings on Thursday and said strong growth in Australia, Turkey and its emerging markets had offset weakness in Europe. The company said EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose to 14.5 million pounds ($23.5 million) in the three months to end January from 13.6 million the year before. "Strong growth in Australia, Emerging Markets and Turkey more than offset the recessionary weakness of Europe, particularly notable in our larger markets of Greece and Spain. This demonstrates the attractiveness of a geographically diverse operation," said chief executive Andy McIver. Sportingbet is paying an interim dividend of 0.6 pence, up from 0.5 pence the year before. Shares in Sportingbet closed on Thursday at 45 pence, valuing the business at 228 million pounds.
Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming Company Comeback Of The Decade?...
Go Aussie Go, who they have so quickly recovered from being down in the dumps (share price and image) over the past year or so is anyones guess (unless you might be too close for your own good), but you have to hand it to these guys. They even got the IGT (International Game Technology) legal case sorted (or stopped the leaks). Aristocrat Leisure has announced profits of $54.6 million for the 2010 full year and says its turnaround program is on-track to deliver growth in 2011. The operating profit was down from the $116.4 recorded for 2009 but in-line with its November guidance to the market. Aristocrat revealed that 2010 had been a challenging year for the group but added that the business was only 18 months into a 5-year turnaround program to deliver a much sustained improvement in performance. Significant headwinds, including the generally weak market conditions and ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, dampened reported results for 2010. CEO and managing director Jamie Odell said he was encouraged by the progress the company had seen in these markets where it has delivered new generation games and more competitive products with state of the art technology. "Our impressive widescreen innovation in North America helped the group achieve value and share growth in the outright sale segment in 2010, despite a double-digit fall in overall demand," he said. "The fee per day performance of our new gaming operations products is also very encouraging, and significantly ahead of the average fee per day performance of our legacy products. "Portfolio quality is key to performance improvement. As a result, we expect to continue to see faster progress in those markets such as North America where our turnaround program is more advanced, than Australia and Japan." Shares in Aristocrat have rallied since the announcement and were trading at $3.26 at 1pm today (Feb 25), up from $3.04 a full week days ago. The firm is looking good.
Other International Stocks (17th Feb): Credit Google News, Wires / Agencies...
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) slid 0.40% to $15. The stock has a 52-week range of $8.92-$16.94. The stock has average daily volume of 26.20 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $7.33 billion.
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ:MPEL) is down 0.48% to $7.30. Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and, through its subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The stock opened at $7.26 and is trading within the range of $7.25-$7.33.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) added 0.19% to $48.36. The stock has a 52-week range of $15.50-$55.47. The stock has average daily volume of 26.80 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $33.11 billion.
Boyd Gaming Corporation
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is up 0.69% to $11.70. The stock opened at $11.61 and is trading within the range of $11.55-$11.74.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man International
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Media Man Asia
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Media Man Games
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Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australia And New Zealand Gaming Stocks; Beancounter Special, by Greg Tingle - 27th February 2011
G'day punters, gaming and casino millionaires, billionaires, beancounters and everyone else. Today we look at whose numbers are up, down and steady Media Man and Gambling911 with your beancounter special for the weekend...
Crown Limited Profit Up 33%...
James Packer’s Crown Ltd (ASX:CWN) has reported a 33% lift in its first half net profit. The casino, hotel and gaming operator says net profit increased to $153 million while revenue lifted just 0.8% to $1.2 billion in the 6 months to 31 December, 2010. Crown says growth in non-gaming and main floor gaming revenues at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne offset a weaker performance from VIPs. An interim dividend of 18 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Crown fell 1.79 per cent to close at $8.23.
SkyCity Entertainment: New Zealand Based Media Darling Attracting High Rollers; Boosting Profits...
High rolling VIP's greatly assisted a lift to NZ based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s revenue since New Year but its traditional gaming machine revenue is also growing strongly. SkyCity advised revenue in the first 6 weeks of the calendar year was up more than 9%. Chief exec Nigel 'Money Man' Morrison told the press stripping out its international, or VIP, business, revenue was up 6% or 7%. "International adds a bit of cream to that. Auckland, Hamilton, Darwin have all been good for us – Adelaide’s been flat." The Auckland casino, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of first-half operating earnings, had a rotten first quarter. Its first-half revenue was down slightly and operating earnings fell 3.6% to $96.9 million. The company said Auckland’s second-quarter gaming revenue was up 5% and that momentum has continued since. Operating earnings from its next biggest asset, its Darwin land based casino, fell 13.4% in Australian dollar terms, understood to reflect the impact of the smoking ban introduced in January last year. Morrison said historically it's taken between 18 months to 2 years for casinos to recover from the imposition of smoking bans. "If we can do it with 18 months we would be pretty pleased," he said. The modest Auckland and Darwin results contributed to a 5.5% fall in overall net profit to $67.1 million in the six months ended Dec. 31. The October increase in GST added nearly $3 million in costs while the year-on-year comparison was also damaged by earnings from the cinemas business, sold in February last year, being included in the year-earlier result. On a normalised basis, profit was up 2% while revenue rose 2.6% to $447.7 million. The latest results were more or less in line with analysts’ expectations and the company reiterated previous guidance that "we would be disappointed if we did not achieve normalised NPAT (net profit after tax) of $127.4 million for the 2011 financial year." Consensus forecasts are currently about $130 million for the full-year. Experts and industry analysts advise more time is needed to get the full picture of what's in store. In addition, the Chinese New Year period x factor and Oriental high roller whales and larger dolphins are in the mix of Sky City patrons. While the share market reacted negatively to begin with, marking down the shares 8 cents to $3.25, they gradually recovered and are currently 2 cents higher at $3.35. The shares have traded between $2.79 and $3.45 during the last 12 months. One of the firms smaller casinos, the Adelaide land based found its revenue up just 0.7% but its operating earnings were up 5.9%, boosted by strong 12% bar and restaurant sales growth which offset a 2.9% in revenue generated from gambling - gaming machines. Morrison advised the retail environment in Australia has softened and is especially weak in Adelaide. "It’s going to be pretty tough for the next six months at least." SkyCity’s Hamilton casino jumped earnings 3.1% while the contribution from its Queenstown and Christchurch operations was flat. The outfit is well advanced on a number of projects which will be completed in time for the expected flow of 85,000 plus visitors for the Rugby World Cup, Morrison said. SkyCity will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents per share, unchanged from last year, at the upper spectrum of the company’s policy to distribute between 60% and 70% of net profit. The company has introduced a dividend reinvestment plan allowing shareholders to take shares at either the market price or a discount up to 5% at the company’s discretion.
Sportingbet: Aussie - British Connection Serving Bottom Line Well...
We are not big fans of them, but you have to give the devil's their due. They are performing well, both in the UK and down under. Pommie online gambling co Sportingbet (SBT.L) reported an increase in second-quarter earnings on Thursday and said strong growth in Australia, Turkey and its emerging markets had offset weakness in Europe. The company said EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose to 14.5 million pounds ($23.5 million) in the three months to end January from 13.6 million the year before. "Strong growth in Australia, Emerging Markets and Turkey more than offset the recessionary weakness of Europe, particularly notable in our larger markets of Greece and Spain. This demonstrates the attractiveness of a geographically diverse operation," said chief executive Andy McIver. Sportingbet is paying an interim dividend of 0.6 pence, up from 0.5 pence the year before. Shares in Sportingbet closed on Thursday at 45 pence, valuing the business at 228 million pounds.
Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming Company Comeback Of The Decade?...
Go Aussie Go, who they have so quickly recovered from being down in the dumps (share price and image) over the past year or so is anyones guess (unless you might be too close for your own good), but you have to hand it to these guys. They even got the IGT (International Game Technology) legal case sorted (or stopped the leaks). Aristocrat Leisure has announced profits of $54.6 million for the 2010 full year and says its turnaround program is on-track to deliver growth in 2011. The operating profit was down from the $116.4 recorded for 2009 but in-line with its November guidance to the market. Aristocrat revealed that 2010 had been a challenging year for the group but added that the business was only 18 months into a 5-year turnaround program to deliver a much sustained improvement in performance. Significant headwinds, including the generally weak market conditions and ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, dampened reported results for 2010. CEO and managing director Jamie Odell said he was encouraged by the progress the company had seen in these markets where it has delivered new generation games and more competitive products with state of the art technology. "Our impressive widescreen innovation in North America helped the group achieve value and share growth in the outright sale segment in 2010, despite a double-digit fall in overall demand," he said. "The fee per day performance of our new gaming operations products is also very encouraging, and significantly ahead of the average fee per day performance of our legacy products. "Portfolio quality is key to performance improvement. As a result, we expect to continue to see faster progress in those markets such as North America where our turnaround program is more advanced, than Australia and Japan." Shares in Aristocrat have rallied since the announcement and were trading at $3.26 at 1pm today (Feb 25), up from $3.04 a full week days ago. The firm is looking good.
Other International Stocks (17th Feb): Credit Google News, Wires / Agencies...
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) slid 0.40% to $15. The stock has a 52-week range of $8.92-$16.94. The stock has average daily volume of 26.20 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $7.33 billion.
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ:MPEL) is down 0.48% to $7.30. Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and, through its subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The stock opened at $7.26 and is trading within the range of $7.25-$7.33.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) added 0.19% to $48.36. The stock has a 52-week range of $15.50-$55.47. The stock has average daily volume of 26.80 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $33.11 billion.
Boyd Gaming Corporation
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is up 0.69% to $11.70. The stock opened at $11.61 and is trading within the range of $11.55-$11.74.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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 Limited Profit Up 33%...
James Packer’s Crown Ltd (ASX:CWN) has reported a 33% lift in its first half net profit. The casino, hotel and gaming operator says net profit increased to $153 million while revenue lifted just 0.8% to $1.2 billion in the 6 months to 31 December, 2010. Crown says growth in non-gaming and main floor gaming revenues at its casinos in Perth and Melbourne offset a weaker performance from VIPs. An interim dividend of 18 cents per share has been declared. Shares in Crown fell 1.79 per cent to close at $8.23.
SkyCity Entertainment: New Zealand Based Media Darling Attracting High Rollers; Boosting Profits...
High rolling VIP's greatly assisted a lift to NZ based casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group’s revenue since New Year but its traditional gaming machine revenue is also growing strongly. SkyCity advised revenue in the first 6 weeks of the calendar year was up more than 9%. Chief exec Nigel 'Money Man' Morrison told the press stripping out its international, or VIP, business, revenue was up 6% or 7%. "International adds a bit of cream to that. Auckland, Hamilton, Darwin have all been good for us – Adelaide’s been flat." The Auckland casino, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of first-half operating earnings, had a rotten first quarter. Its first-half revenue was down slightly and operating earnings fell 3.6% to $96.9 million. The company said Auckland’s second-quarter gaming revenue was up 5% and that momentum has continued since. Operating earnings from its next biggest asset, its Darwin land based casino, fell 13.4% in Australian dollar terms, understood to reflect the impact of the smoking ban introduced in January last year. Morrison said historically it's taken between 18 months to 2 years for casinos to recover from the imposition of smoking bans. "If we can do it with 18 months we would be pretty pleased," he said. The modest Auckland and Darwin results contributed to a 5.5% fall in overall net profit to $67.1 million in the six months ended Dec. 31. The October increase in GST added nearly $3 million in costs while the year-on-year comparison was also damaged by earnings from the cinemas business, sold in February last year, being included in the year-earlier result. On a normalised basis, profit was up 2% while revenue rose 2.6% to $447.7 million. The latest results were more or less in line with analysts’ expectations and the company reiterated previous guidance that "we would be disappointed if we did not achieve normalised NPAT (net profit after tax) of $127.4 million for the 2011 financial year." Consensus forecasts are currently about $130 million for the full-year. Experts and industry analysts advise more time is needed to get the full picture of what's in store. In addition, the Chinese New Year period x factor and Oriental high roller whales and larger dolphins are in the mix of Sky City patrons. While the share market reacted negatively to begin with, marking down the shares 8 cents to $3.25, they gradually recovered and are currently 2 cents higher at $3.35. The shares have traded between $2.79 and $3.45 during the last 12 months. One of the firms smaller casinos, the Adelaide land based found its revenue up just 0.7% but its operating earnings were up 5.9%, boosted by strong 12% bar and restaurant sales growth which offset a 2.9% in revenue generated from gambling - gaming machines. Morrison advised the retail environment in Australia has softened and is especially weak in Adelaide. "It’s going to be pretty tough for the next six months at least." SkyCity’s Hamilton casino jumped earnings 3.1% while the contribution from its Queenstown and Christchurch operations was flat. The outfit is well advanced on a number of projects which will be completed in time for the expected flow of 85,000 plus visitors for the Rugby World Cup, Morrison said. SkyCity will pay a first-half dividend of 8 cents per share, unchanged from last year, at the upper spectrum of the company’s policy to distribute between 60% and 70% of net profit. The company has introduced a dividend reinvestment plan allowing shareholders to take shares at either the market price or a discount up to 5% at the company’s discretion.
Sportingbet: Aussie - British Connection Serving Bottom Line Well...
We are not big fans of them, but you have to give the devil's their due. They are performing well, both in the UK and down under. Pommie online gambling co Sportingbet (SBT.L) reported an increase in second-quarter earnings on Thursday and said strong growth in Australia, Turkey and its emerging markets had offset weakness in Europe. The company said EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) rose to 14.5 million pounds ($23.5 million) in the three months to end January from 13.6 million the year before. "Strong growth in Australia, Emerging Markets and Turkey more than offset the recessionary weakness of Europe, particularly notable in our larger markets of Greece and Spain. This demonstrates the attractiveness of a geographically diverse operation," said chief executive Andy McIver. Sportingbet is paying an interim dividend of 0.6 pence, up from 0.5 pence the year before. Shares in Sportingbet closed on Thursday at 45 pence, valuing the business at 228 million pounds.
Aristocrat Leisure: Gaming Company Comeback Of The Decade?...
Go Aussie Go, who they have so quickly recovered from being down in the dumps (share price and image) over the past year or so is anyones guess (unless you might be too close for your own good), but you have to hand it to these guys. They even got the IGT (International Game Technology) legal case sorted (or stopped the leaks). Aristocrat Leisure has announced profits of $54.6 million for the 2010 full year and says its turnaround program is on-track to deliver growth in 2011. The operating profit was down from the $116.4 recorded for 2009 but in-line with its November guidance to the market. Aristocrat revealed that 2010 had been a challenging year for the group but added that the business was only 18 months into a 5-year turnaround program to deliver a much sustained improvement in performance. Significant headwinds, including the generally weak market conditions and ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, dampened reported results for 2010. CEO and managing director Jamie Odell said he was encouraged by the progress the company had seen in these markets where it has delivered new generation games and more competitive products with state of the art technology. "Our impressive widescreen innovation in North America helped the group achieve value and share growth in the outright sale segment in 2010, despite a double-digit fall in overall demand," he said. "The fee per day performance of our new gaming operations products is also very encouraging, and significantly ahead of the average fee per day performance of our legacy products. "Portfolio quality is key to performance improvement. As a result, we expect to continue to see faster progress in those markets such as North America where our turnaround program is more advanced, than Australia and Japan." Shares in Aristocrat have rallied since the announcement and were trading at $3.26 at 1pm today (Feb 25), up from $3.04 a full week days ago. The firm is looking good.
Other International Stocks (17th Feb): Credit Google News, Wires / Agencies...
MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) slid 0.40% to $15. The stock has a 52-week range of $8.92-$16.94. The stock has average daily volume of 26.20 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $7.33 billion.
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd
Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd (NASDAQ:MPEL) is down 0.48% to $7.30. Melco Crown Entertainment Limited is a developer, owner and, through its subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. The stock opened at $7.26 and is trading within the range of $7.25-$7.33.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) added 0.19% to $48.36. The stock has a 52-week range of $15.50-$55.47. The stock has average daily volume of 26.80 million shares. At current market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $33.11 billion.
Boyd Gaming Corporation
Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is up 0.69% to $11.70. The stock opened at $11.61 and is trading within the range of $11.55-$11.74.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
PartyGaming News: PartyCasino Wins Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Award
PartyCasino.com Wins Media Man Online Casino Award
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
PartyCasino.com has been awarded the Media Man and Casino News Media "Online Casino Of The Month".
PartyGaming's igaming suite has grown a custom to winning awards since they first opened for business in 1997.
The competition for the coveted award was intense again this month with massive bids from both WPTCasino.com, Captain Cooks Casino, Virgin Casino, Betfair, PKR and Noble Casino however there can only be one winner... ladies and gentlemen, that's PartyCasino.com
The award follows PartyPoker's EGR Poker Operator Of The Year and PartyGaming also made the shortlist for EGR Operator Of The Year. Recently PartyGaming's PartyPoker.com also won the Casino News Media "Online Poker Website Of The Month".
The Media Man - Casino News Media accolade is based on a combination of elements including user experience, innovation, trustworthiness, customer service, gameplay, affiliate program offerings, newsworthiness and company values.
PartyCasino.com is one of a number of PartyGaming brands.
The most popular PartyCasino.com games of late include Heist, Circus, Rambo, Palladium Slot, The Godfather, Sinatra, Slotbox, Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Mission: Impossible, The Terminator, Cleopatra, Sinatra, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spider-Man, Monopoly, Resident Evil, Melon Madness, Wheel Of Fortune and Mega Fortune Wheel.
The PartyCasino.com jackpot is currently approaching the $2 million mark. Players can also compete for The Big One and Marvel Hero Jackpot, playing the Marvel super hero themed online slot games.
PartyCasino's most recent game releases include Shaaark! SuperBet, Crocodopolis, Alice's Wonderland, Glamour Puss, Super Cubes, Heist, Palladium Slot and Circus Slot.
PartyGaming CEO Jim Ryan has gone on record advising PartyCasino will soon feature more Hollywood blockbuster themed slots. A few in the know journalists and media agents have been recently tipped off that an all time classic movie adaption will be showcased in the PartyCasino portfolio within 1 month. PartyCasino has the world's most impressive line up of Hollywood themed games, and more are just around the corner.
PartyCasino.com and PartyPoker.com customers can also benefit from rewards and bonuses via PartyPoints and the Palladium Lounge. Be certain to check out the PartyCasino exclusive "Cash Machine" that is being championed as one of the greatest online casino promos ever.
Media Man, Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory do have a b2b relationship with PartyGaming, as they do with dozens of other companies in the gaming, igaming, media and entertainment industry.
Websites
PartyCasino.com
PartyPoker.com
World Poker Tour Casino
Profiles
PartyGaming PartyCasino PartyPoker PartyBingo Circus PartyCasino Marvel Slots The Big One Melon Madness Casino World Poker Tour PartyCasino Promotions
26 February 2011
The Waifs do Enmore Theatre, by Eva Rinaldi - 26th February 2011
The Waifs created their musical career in music on platforms in just about every city and regional country town around the great land of Australia. To mark the release of their sixth studio album, Temptation, they will tour down under via many of their favorite venues.
Tonight the Enmore Theatre in Sydney was treated to the Australian country music greats.
It's been two years since they played to Australian fans so I felt especially privileged.
Oh, public thank you to lead singer Donna Simpson, who smiled and waved for me and my camera. My camera smiled back for you also.
Their new release Temptation, is due to hit in early March 2011.
Websites
The Waifs
Enmore Theatre
Live Guide
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Tonight the Enmore Theatre in Sydney was treated to the Australian country music greats.
It's been two years since they played to Australian fans so I felt especially privileged.
Oh, public thank you to lead singer Donna Simpson, who smiled and waved for me and my camera. My camera smiled back for you also.
Their new release Temptation, is due to hit in early March 2011.
Websites
The Waifs
Enmore Theatre
Live Guide
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Aussie Media Wars: Murdoch Jr Heads Ten; Nine On Guard, by Greg Tingle - 26th February 2011
G'day everyone. It's the Australian media wars, that ugly cousin to the Australian gambling wars, largely dominated by Crown Limited top top brass James Packer, who also happens to be a major stake holder in Network Nine, and good mates with Nine Entertainment Co chief, David Gyngell. Media Man and Gambling911 with your news media fix for the weekend...
Network Ten New Boss Lachlan Murdoch Looking To Fill His Shoes; Bean Counting...
The new acting chief exec of Ten Network Holdings, Lachlan Murdoch... yep, that one, no the old guard, is looking for a new and steady CEO, so he can focus on what he is supposed be doing. Murdoch Jr has been a Ten director since December and took over the posy last Wednesday after Ten's board lost confidence in CEO Grant Blackley. It is believed Murdoch has lined up an appointment with at least one suitable person into the new week. Profit is the name of the game, while they also look to cuts costs where possible, and maintain some quality. Can't let the image slip too much hey. There's not a lot of suitable folks around to run Ten, but rest assured they will find their man (or woman). Funny enough ten's largest shareholder, WIN Corporation owner Bruce Gordon, went on record with News Limited back in December with "If Ten tomorrow wanted a new program director instead of Blackley, we couldn't find one. It's a private club." Seven Media Group's chief sales and digital officer James Warburton is considered a chance since his contract is up for renewal. Channel Seven's CEO David Leckie's contract runs out in June 2012, but Seven leaks state he will remain at the channel beyond that. SMG is the subject of a $4.1 billion takeover offer from West Australian Newspapers. Murdoch sits on the board of News Corporation which has interests in pay-television group Foxtel, and also chairs DMG Radio Australia. His private investment company Illyria also has an interest in Prime Media Group. He gained television experience working for News in the US, but has made it known he does not want to be Ten's CEO for long. The power four shareholders Murdoch, Gordon, James Packer and Gina Rinehart - currently hold 42% of Ten between them. Not all the board is happy with the full on digital strategy which sees Ten also having a Channel 11. Ten chairman Brian Long announced a strategic review run by Murdoch and said no concrete decisions had been made. Analysts and sources close to the board believe it is only a matter of time. "We believe some of the options include giving the existing strategy more time, scrapping the news programming and returning the primary channel to the low-cost network it has historically been or changing the format of One HD away from a niche sports channel, given its ratings share has remained around 1-1.5 per cent," said Deutsche Bank analyst Andrew Anagnostellis. Citigroup's Justin Diddams went on record with "The return to a youth audience strategy appears sensible but the additional programming costs make it difficult to execute. The cost of running a TV network has increased, and it's impacted Ten's earnings."
Aussie News Media, Fun And Games, And Power Relationships...
The Aussie news media rumour mill has been running hot with email leaks and phones, if not phone taps, being the order of the day. Ok, we might be thinking of The News Of The World scandal, but the hot news might be reason to try to tap phones for some. Lachlan Murdoch and James Packer are both in the think of the action as far as taking action to get people talking. Grant Blackley is no longer on the team at Ten. What a difference a few weeks makes. Packer mate David Gyngell is understood to have got a call from Ten, plus a face to fact joke about watching his back re media shuffles close to home. Could 'Gyng' join Ten so soon? Not likely, but in this business it can be a never say never. The cleaning house at Ten is understood to have got the green light from shareholders Bruce Gordon and Gina Rinehart. Now get this, Kerry Stokes was even welcomed on a tour of Foxtel's headquarters late last year at the invitation of Packer. He had a large legal case going on with Telstra Telstra, News Limited and Packer's Consolidated Media, but its history now. Packer and Stokes even spent some time at Xmas at Stokes's ski resort in Colorado, US of A. Foxtel's CEO Kim Williams and Austar's John Porter even caught a flight together to Colorado where they touched the flesh with US cable hot shot John Malone. Maybe a merger between Foxtel and Austar could be in the works? What to become of Australia's National Broadband Network? Well, big media companies want it to work for them. Telstra and Foxtel reached agreement last month for the latter to start providing content to Telstra's T-Box digital recorder. Fairfax seems to be a bit of a white elephant in the room at the moment. Yes, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and thei 30 or 40 new media websites, but the direction does not look totally clear, and little presence in mainstream TV. Mind you, Media Man only had YouTube TV, and that didn't stop profitability and maintaining a strong brand. Folks, you know the drum, don't change your dial. You might just miss something, in a business that often moves faster than the speed of sound!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Network Ten, Crown Limited and Virgin
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
Network Ten New Boss Lachlan Murdoch Looking To Fill His Shoes; Bean Counting...
The new acting chief exec of Ten Network Holdings, Lachlan Murdoch... yep, that one, no the old guard, is looking for a new and steady CEO, so he can focus on what he is supposed be doing. Murdoch Jr has been a Ten director since December and took over the posy last Wednesday after Ten's board lost confidence in CEO Grant Blackley. It is believed Murdoch has lined up an appointment with at least one suitable person into the new week. Profit is the name of the game, while they also look to cuts costs where possible, and maintain some quality. Can't let the image slip too much hey. There's not a lot of suitable folks around to run Ten, but rest assured they will find their man (or woman). Funny enough ten's largest shareholder, WIN Corporation owner Bruce Gordon, went on record with News Limited back in December with "If Ten tomorrow wanted a new program director instead of Blackley, we couldn't find one. It's a private club." Seven Media Group's chief sales and digital officer James Warburton is considered a chance since his contract is up for renewal. Channel Seven's CEO David Leckie's contract runs out in June 2012, but Seven leaks state he will remain at the channel beyond that. SMG is the subject of a $4.1 billion takeover offer from West Australian Newspapers. Murdoch sits on the board of News Corporation which has interests in pay-television group Foxtel, and also chairs DMG Radio Australia. His private investment company Illyria also has an interest in Prime Media Group. He gained television experience working for News in the US, but has made it known he does not want to be Ten's CEO for long. The power four shareholders Murdoch, Gordon, James Packer and Gina Rinehart - currently hold 42% of Ten between them. Not all the board is happy with the full on digital strategy which sees Ten also having a Channel 11. Ten chairman Brian Long announced a strategic review run by Murdoch and said no concrete decisions had been made. Analysts and sources close to the board believe it is only a matter of time. "We believe some of the options include giving the existing strategy more time, scrapping the news programming and returning the primary channel to the low-cost network it has historically been or changing the format of One HD away from a niche sports channel, given its ratings share has remained around 1-1.5 per cent," said Deutsche Bank analyst Andrew Anagnostellis. Citigroup's Justin Diddams went on record with "The return to a youth audience strategy appears sensible but the additional programming costs make it difficult to execute. The cost of running a TV network has increased, and it's impacted Ten's earnings."
Aussie News Media, Fun And Games, And Power Relationships...
The Aussie news media rumour mill has been running hot with email leaks and phones, if not phone taps, being the order of the day. Ok, we might be thinking of The News Of The World scandal, but the hot news might be reason to try to tap phones for some. Lachlan Murdoch and James Packer are both in the think of the action as far as taking action to get people talking. Grant Blackley is no longer on the team at Ten. What a difference a few weeks makes. Packer mate David Gyngell is understood to have got a call from Ten, plus a face to fact joke about watching his back re media shuffles close to home. Could 'Gyng' join Ten so soon? Not likely, but in this business it can be a never say never. The cleaning house at Ten is understood to have got the green light from shareholders Bruce Gordon and Gina Rinehart. Now get this, Kerry Stokes was even welcomed on a tour of Foxtel's headquarters late last year at the invitation of Packer. He had a large legal case going on with Telstra Telstra, News Limited and Packer's Consolidated Media, but its history now. Packer and Stokes even spent some time at Xmas at Stokes's ski resort in Colorado, US of A. Foxtel's CEO Kim Williams and Austar's John Porter even caught a flight together to Colorado where they touched the flesh with US cable hot shot John Malone. Maybe a merger between Foxtel and Austar could be in the works? What to become of Australia's National Broadband Network? Well, big media companies want it to work for them. Telstra and Foxtel reached agreement last month for the latter to start providing content to Telstra's T-Box digital recorder. Fairfax seems to be a bit of a white elephant in the room at the moment. Yes, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and thei 30 or 40 new media websites, but the direction does not look totally clear, and little presence in mainstream TV. Mind you, Media Man only had YouTube TV, and that didn't stop profitability and maintaining a strong brand. Folks, you know the drum, don't change your dial. You might just miss something, in a business that often moves faster than the speed of sound!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Network Ten, Crown Limited and Virgin
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
25 February 2011
Asia Pacific Casino Wars: Burswood Casino Targets High Roller VIPs, by Greg Tingle - 25th February 2011
G'day everyone. It's yet another episode of the Australian casino wars, with a dash of the Australians VS the Singaporeans, with a dash of Aussie political wars to boot. Media Man and Gambling911 with your special report from the war zone...
James Packer's Burswood Casino is continuing to feel a bit of pressure from from a couple of resorts in Singapore, as its high roller takings drops about 14%, but it would be worse, and most experts expect Crown Limited casinos in Australia to close the gap within 6 months.
Crown, owner of Burswood Entertainment Complex, Melbourne’s Crown Casino and a range of entities in the Asia Pacific just released its first-half financial report.
We learned of a 32.9% lift in first half net profit to $153.14 million on a "solid" performance from its Australian non-VIP businesses and non-gaming operations.
Normalised net profit, which takes into account variations via "theoretical win rate" against VIP gamblers and pre-opening costs in respect of the jointly owned City of Dreams casino-resort in Macau, thanks to the Ho family connection, was 13.9% higher at $165.8 million.
VIP revenue dropped 8% to $290.8 million, a result of the opening of 2, yes 2, new casino "integrated resorts" in downtown Singapore.
At Burswood, VIP revenue dropped 14.3% to $78.3 million on turnover of $5.8 billion.
Normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation was $107.3 million, down 4.4%, while normalised revenue was pretty steady at $376.8 million.
Crown chief exec Rowen Craigie told the press that the VIP market was growing strongly, evidenced by the uplift of the VIP market in Macau.
"The Singapore casinos are going gang-busters - they're probably the two most profitable casinos in the world at the moment," Craigie said.
"So, the market is there. The challenge for us is to replace the business we've lost to Singapore with new business out of China but also new business out of South East Asia.
"What Macau has proved and what Singapore will also prove is that additions to the supply of quality-integrated resorts triggers the demand."
Craigie said facility upgrades in progress at Crown and Burswood would help boost Crown's share of VIP numbers.
The casinos owned and operated by Crown Limited also had to focus on providing quality service, and Crown had to ensure that it had the right sales force in key markets to persuade well to do gamblers (whales and good size dolphins) to come down under to Australia.
Craigie advised many VIP gamblers from South East Asia were now choosing to play their games of choice locally, and some of Crown's key VIP customers were back and forward between Australia, Macau, Las Vegas, and Singapore.
The boss said an upgrade of facilities by Australian rival casino operator Tabcorp would also make a visit to Australia by VIP gamblers a more attractive proposition.
"We know they property hop," Craigie said.
Crown also announced today that it had received regulatory approval in Nevada and Pennsylvania in the U.S to convert a "preferred instrument" held in Cannery Casino Resorts into equity. Upon conversion, Crown will hold a 24.5% share in Cannery. Craigie said that once the conversion took place, Crown would be entitled to share in any profit distribution and a seat on Cannery's management committee. This marks a return to American gaming and casino action for Crown, which successfully got out of a few deals over the past few years, preferring to cut their losses and run. One such well documented deal was March 2009 - Crown abandoned a $US1.8 billion deal to acquire Cannery. Crown chief financial officer Ken Barton said the Cannery investment was valued in Crown's books at $US60 million ($A59.54 million).
Craigie said Crown "still needs to see what happens" with the Cannery investment. "In terms of future plans for Cannery, we're only a 25% shareholder. That's a wait-and-see," Craigie said.
Crown said trading in the new calendar year had so far been good, however the first 7 weeks of 2011 was not comparable to the same period in 2010 due to the difference in the timing of Chinese New Year. Chinese people are very suspicious, and the calender effects their gambling habits. Craigie said Crown Melbourne was benefiting from capital refurbishments.
However, Burswood had been affected by complex-wide renovations during the half year. Crown's revenue for the 6 months to December 31, 2010 grew 0.8% to $1.2 billion. Crown declared an interim dividend of 18cc per share, with 10.8 cents franked, steady on the dividend in the prior corresponding period. Shares in Crown were down 18 cents at $8.20.
Numerous media and gaming insiders have told Media Man that both Crown's Burswood Casino in Perth and Crown Casino in Melbourne are fully expected to close the gap on Singapore casino resorts in the coming months, as Crown and competitor, Tabcorp (Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney) continue to lobby the Australian government for enhanced facilities at major Australian airports to ensure high rollers VIP's are looked after like gold, easing restrictions on paperwork ala immigration and other entry requirements. Ah, let the Australian casino wars and Aussie political fun and games wars continue. Incoming!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
James Packer's Burswood Casino is continuing to feel a bit of pressure from from a couple of resorts in Singapore, as its high roller takings drops about 14%, but it would be worse, and most experts expect Crown Limited casinos in Australia to close the gap within 6 months.
Crown, owner of Burswood Entertainment Complex, Melbourne’s Crown Casino and a range of entities in the Asia Pacific just released its first-half financial report.
We learned of a 32.9% lift in first half net profit to $153.14 million on a "solid" performance from its Australian non-VIP businesses and non-gaming operations.
Normalised net profit, which takes into account variations via "theoretical win rate" against VIP gamblers and pre-opening costs in respect of the jointly owned City of Dreams casino-resort in Macau, thanks to the Ho family connection, was 13.9% higher at $165.8 million.
VIP revenue dropped 8% to $290.8 million, a result of the opening of 2, yes 2, new casino "integrated resorts" in downtown Singapore.
At Burswood, VIP revenue dropped 14.3% to $78.3 million on turnover of $5.8 billion.
Normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation was $107.3 million, down 4.4%, while normalised revenue was pretty steady at $376.8 million.
Crown chief exec Rowen Craigie told the press that the VIP market was growing strongly, evidenced by the uplift of the VIP market in Macau.
"The Singapore casinos are going gang-busters - they're probably the two most profitable casinos in the world at the moment," Craigie said.
"So, the market is there. The challenge for us is to replace the business we've lost to Singapore with new business out of China but also new business out of South East Asia.
"What Macau has proved and what Singapore will also prove is that additions to the supply of quality-integrated resorts triggers the demand."
Craigie said facility upgrades in progress at Crown and Burswood would help boost Crown's share of VIP numbers.
The casinos owned and operated by Crown Limited also had to focus on providing quality service, and Crown had to ensure that it had the right sales force in key markets to persuade well to do gamblers (whales and good size dolphins) to come down under to Australia.
Craigie advised many VIP gamblers from South East Asia were now choosing to play their games of choice locally, and some of Crown's key VIP customers were back and forward between Australia, Macau, Las Vegas, and Singapore.
The boss said an upgrade of facilities by Australian rival casino operator Tabcorp would also make a visit to Australia by VIP gamblers a more attractive proposition.
"We know they property hop," Craigie said.
Crown also announced today that it had received regulatory approval in Nevada and Pennsylvania in the U.S to convert a "preferred instrument" held in Cannery Casino Resorts into equity. Upon conversion, Crown will hold a 24.5% share in Cannery. Craigie said that once the conversion took place, Crown would be entitled to share in any profit distribution and a seat on Cannery's management committee. This marks a return to American gaming and casino action for Crown, which successfully got out of a few deals over the past few years, preferring to cut their losses and run. One such well documented deal was March 2009 - Crown abandoned a $US1.8 billion deal to acquire Cannery. Crown chief financial officer Ken Barton said the Cannery investment was valued in Crown's books at $US60 million ($A59.54 million).
Craigie said Crown "still needs to see what happens" with the Cannery investment. "In terms of future plans for Cannery, we're only a 25% shareholder. That's a wait-and-see," Craigie said.
Crown said trading in the new calendar year had so far been good, however the first 7 weeks of 2011 was not comparable to the same period in 2010 due to the difference in the timing of Chinese New Year. Chinese people are very suspicious, and the calender effects their gambling habits. Craigie said Crown Melbourne was benefiting from capital refurbishments.
However, Burswood had been affected by complex-wide renovations during the half year. Crown's revenue for the 6 months to December 31, 2010 grew 0.8% to $1.2 billion. Crown declared an interim dividend of 18cc per share, with 10.8 cents franked, steady on the dividend in the prior corresponding period. Shares in Crown were down 18 cents at $8.20.
Numerous media and gaming insiders have told Media Man that both Crown's Burswood Casino in Perth and Crown Casino in Melbourne are fully expected to close the gap on Singapore casino resorts in the coming months, as Crown and competitor, Tabcorp (Star City in 'Sin City' Sydney) continue to lobby the Australian government for enhanced facilities at major Australian airports to ensure high rollers VIP's are looked after like gold, easing restrictions on paperwork ala immigration and other entry requirements. Ah, let the Australian casino wars and Aussie political fun and games wars continue. Incoming!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*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
Roxy Rocks Sydney Entertainment Centre, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th February 2011
Roxy Music rocked the house tonight - the house being the iconic Sydney Entertainment Centre, confirmed for demolition in about a year occurring to various Australian media reports.
Who could have missed the sharp dressing and handsome one - Bryan Ferry, who has being doing the media rounds in Australia over the past few days.
Yes, Australia certainly seems to be hooked on the Ferry 'love drug', and judging by tonight, we seem to have caught 'Roxy Fever' in a big way too.
Roxy Music showed Sydney just why they are seen as one of the most influential art rock bands of all time. Ferry is essentially an artist, plus performer and musician, and since 2001 has reunited with the band - Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone and oboe) and Paul Thompson (drums and percussion). This arty and unique blend is yet another classic example of the ongoing resurgence of 80's popular music.
My favorite performances tonight were Avalon and Let's Stick Together.
Oh, the rumour mill has been buzzing that Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body', was spotted backstage, and later seen jumping into a limo with Ferry, but its only a rumour and not confirmed. In days prior the two had been publicly spotted together, albeit at Ferry's CD and book signing at Myer Sydney, but only a fool would have thought it was all business - it was most definitely business with pleasure, pleasure being something Mr Ferry knows a thing or two about, judging by one or two of his hits.
For the record, the Sydney Entertainment Centre appeared to be close to capacity, and many of the paying public took up the 2 for the price of 1 offering, and in Sydney on a hot, sexy Friday night, that's not particularly surprising.
Ferry did perform some numbers from his new release, 'Olympia', but for my money you can't beat the classics.
Ferry and the band engaged with the audience and genuinely looked like they were really enjoying performing for Sydney. If they keep up the standard, the rest of their Australian tour will be a success.
Thank you Roxy Music for giving it your all, and I dare say that for many folks in Sydney you have set the scene for a Roxy, loving Friday night and weekend.
We shall look forward to you doing Sydney again, but the question has to be asked... next tour, will it be Elle, Olympia (Kate Moss), or another lucky lady clutching onto Ferry.
'Let's stick together' you say. I say "Australia will stick by you for as long as you continue to brilliantly entertain us." Long live your music, Roxy style.
Websites
Roxy Music
Bryan Ferry
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Andrew McManus Presents
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Who could have missed the sharp dressing and handsome one - Bryan Ferry, who has being doing the media rounds in Australia over the past few days.
Yes, Australia certainly seems to be hooked on the Ferry 'love drug', and judging by tonight, we seem to have caught 'Roxy Fever' in a big way too.
Roxy Music showed Sydney just why they are seen as one of the most influential art rock bands of all time. Ferry is essentially an artist, plus performer and musician, and since 2001 has reunited with the band - Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone and oboe) and Paul Thompson (drums and percussion). This arty and unique blend is yet another classic example of the ongoing resurgence of 80's popular music.
My favorite performances tonight were Avalon and Let's Stick Together.
Oh, the rumour mill has been buzzing that Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body', was spotted backstage, and later seen jumping into a limo with Ferry, but its only a rumour and not confirmed. In days prior the two had been publicly spotted together, albeit at Ferry's CD and book signing at Myer Sydney, but only a fool would have thought it was all business - it was most definitely business with pleasure, pleasure being something Mr Ferry knows a thing or two about, judging by one or two of his hits.
For the record, the Sydney Entertainment Centre appeared to be close to capacity, and many of the paying public took up the 2 for the price of 1 offering, and in Sydney on a hot, sexy Friday night, that's not particularly surprising.
Ferry did perform some numbers from his new release, 'Olympia', but for my money you can't beat the classics.
Ferry and the band engaged with the audience and genuinely looked like they were really enjoying performing for Sydney. If they keep up the standard, the rest of their Australian tour will be a success.
Thank you Roxy Music for giving it your all, and I dare say that for many folks in Sydney you have set the scene for a Roxy, loving Friday night and weekend.
We shall look forward to you doing Sydney again, but the question has to be asked... next tour, will it be Elle, Olympia (Kate Moss), or another lucky lady clutching onto Ferry.
'Let's stick together' you say. I say "Australia will stick by you for as long as you continue to brilliantly entertain us." Long live your music, Roxy style.
Websites
Roxy Music
Bryan Ferry
Sydney Entertainment Centre
Andrew McManus Presents
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Sin City Sydney: Darling Habour Gets Star City Rub, by Greg Tingle - 25th February 2011
G'day everyone. It's yet another huge gambling and casino news updated from down under in Australia. We've got political fun and games, lovers VS haters, man VS machine, Big Brother VS The People, and you get the idea. Media Man and Gambling911 with your regular Aussie round up...
Sin City Sydney's Darling Harbour, in the shadow of Chinatown and neighbouring Pyrmont, is to get a make over, and tourism tied in with the revamped Star City casino are in the think of the action. Well darlings, the money have to come from somewhere doesn't it!
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is going to be a huge part of the revamp to. The expo centre has hosted 1000s of events, trade shows and the likes over the years.
Property - land developer Lend Lease's will be doing a $6 billion or so redevelopment of Barangaroo, on the east side of Darling Harbour.
Your favorite bank and ours NOT, the Commonwealth Bank, will have their 'Piggy Bank' (satire) in the Darling Walk region.
Lend Lease chief exec, Steve McCann, advised Barangaroo was set to start work later this year.
Star City casino is of course also getting a massive makeover, and readers will know its budget is close to 900 million bucks. Insides tip it may go over budget, and their parent, Tabcorp, do have funds available. Watch out for a 1000 new slots, more entertainment facilities and yet more places to sink a cold one and grab a bite. Oh, try not to get pissed (drunk) before putting too much money in the "one armed bandits". Unless your as rich as Star City mega fan Jon Bon Jovi, you better show some restraint.
The development plans were released a fortnight ago and have only just been leaked to us, so better late than never hey punters.
Top brass from the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre joined the director of communication and marketing for Barangaroo, Scott Maclean, and MD of Star City, Sid Vaikunta, to promote the redevelopments at a media bash at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo in Melbourne, home to the original 'Underbelly' down under.
Chief exec of Sydney Events, Jon Hutchison, said "NSW businesses and the NSW government are working closely together to ensure Sydney remains the Asia-Pacific's leading business events destination for decades to come. The developments represent a once-in-200-year opportunity to transform Sydney's CBD waterfront precincts for the business travel market and leverage the next phase of Sydney's economic growth."
The redevelopment of the Entertainment Centre is set to cost $550 million.
In a surprise move to rock concert and event fans, the Sydney Entertainment Centre will be torn down - yep, gone! It will be replaced and an entertainment auditorium will be built. Entertainment junkies, don't worry. The Sydney Ent Centre should still be standing for another year or two, before its on the scrap heap. Expect the whole development to be complete by 2015.
The $860 million Star City casino redevelopment will transform the casino into a "world-class venue", with a 3000-seat multipurpose events centre, an extra 172-room hotel, adding to the existing 350 hotel rooms and 130 apartments, and more restaurants, and don't forget more table games and slots.
Sydney Events believes the project will add $530 million to the NSW economy in years ahead.
So, whether games, food, drinks, entertainment or tourism is your poison, they will have something for you. A devilish, daring and impressive development if there ever was.
We're proud of you 'Sin City' Sydney, and kudos to Star City (even if we do own shares in your competitor). Ah, let the tourism and Aussie casino and business wars continue. Incoming!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
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
Sin City Sydney's Darling Harbour, in the shadow of Chinatown and neighbouring Pyrmont, is to get a make over, and tourism tied in with the revamped Star City casino are in the think of the action. Well darlings, the money have to come from somewhere doesn't it!
The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is going to be a huge part of the revamp to. The expo centre has hosted 1000s of events, trade shows and the likes over the years.
Property - land developer Lend Lease's will be doing a $6 billion or so redevelopment of Barangaroo, on the east side of Darling Harbour.
Your favorite bank and ours NOT, the Commonwealth Bank, will have their 'Piggy Bank' (satire) in the Darling Walk region.
Lend Lease chief exec, Steve McCann, advised Barangaroo was set to start work later this year.
Star City casino is of course also getting a massive makeover, and readers will know its budget is close to 900 million bucks. Insides tip it may go over budget, and their parent, Tabcorp, do have funds available. Watch out for a 1000 new slots, more entertainment facilities and yet more places to sink a cold one and grab a bite. Oh, try not to get pissed (drunk) before putting too much money in the "one armed bandits". Unless your as rich as Star City mega fan Jon Bon Jovi, you better show some restraint.
The development plans were released a fortnight ago and have only just been leaked to us, so better late than never hey punters.
Top brass from the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre joined the director of communication and marketing for Barangaroo, Scott Maclean, and MD of Star City, Sid Vaikunta, to promote the redevelopments at a media bash at the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo in Melbourne, home to the original 'Underbelly' down under.
Chief exec of Sydney Events, Jon Hutchison, said "NSW businesses and the NSW government are working closely together to ensure Sydney remains the Asia-Pacific's leading business events destination for decades to come. The developments represent a once-in-200-year opportunity to transform Sydney's CBD waterfront precincts for the business travel market and leverage the next phase of Sydney's economic growth."
The redevelopment of the Entertainment Centre is set to cost $550 million.
In a surprise move to rock concert and event fans, the Sydney Entertainment Centre will be torn down - yep, gone! It will be replaced and an entertainment auditorium will be built. Entertainment junkies, don't worry. The Sydney Ent Centre should still be standing for another year or two, before its on the scrap heap. Expect the whole development to be complete by 2015.
The $860 million Star City casino redevelopment will transform the casino into a "world-class venue", with a 3000-seat multipurpose events centre, an extra 172-room hotel, adding to the existing 350 hotel rooms and 130 apartments, and more restaurants, and don't forget more table games and slots.
Sydney Events believes the project will add $530 million to the NSW economy in years ahead.
So, whether games, food, drinks, entertainment or tourism is your poison, they will have something for you. A devilish, daring and impressive development if there ever was.
We're proud of you 'Sin City' Sydney, and kudos to Star City (even if we do own shares in your competitor). Ah, let the tourism and Aussie casino and business wars continue. Incoming!
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
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Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian And New Zealand Gambling And Casino News, by Greg Tingle - 17th February 2011
G'day everyone. It's yet another huge gambling and casino news updated from down under in Australia. We've got political fun and games, lovers VS haters, man VS machine, Big Brother VS The People, and you get the idea. Media Man and Gambling911 with your regular Aussie round up...
Pokies limits Likely To Cost Hotels Up To $4b'...
The Hotels Association says it would cost the industry up to $4 billion to comply with proposed new laws for pokies. The Federal Government aims to force gamblers to set limits on how much money they are prepared to lose before they play machines. But the Australian Hotels Association says the scheme would drive people to other forms of gambling, like illegal or online, and lead down the road to job losses. John Whelan from the Association has told anyone that would listen at a Parliamentary inquiry half of all machines would need to be replaced. "What's being asked of the industry this time around will involve a multi-billion dollar capital cost. It's very unlikely that those many venues or most venues around (have) the cash to do that, and it's equally unlikely that the banks will lend them the money to fund that capital cost."
Proposed Pokie Laws Will Send Smaller Clubs Broke...
Industry group, Clubs New South Wales, says the cost of complying with proposed new poker machine laws will send clubs across the region broke and put thousands out of work. The Productivity Commission has told a parliamentary inquiry, responsible hotels and clubs will barely notice the impact on revenue from the proposed laws designed to help problem gamblers. The new laws would require individuals to register and nominate a maximum spend amount and then use a USB card in converted machines. Clubs NSW Hunter spokesman, John Chin says his Hexham club will have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to convert 87 poker machines. "We're talking around $400,000 just to be compliant. I'm sure it's not going to do what they think it's going to do and that's to help the problem gambler." Chin says he understands the Prime Minister's dilemma, but she needs to understand the impact it will have on local clubs and 5,000 Hunter jobs. She had given him the agreement that she would push this through. We are fighting basically a life and death struggle for us and we are not going to give way, saying they can have it their way. We will fight this to the very end."
Higher Power At Work In Gambling; Godsend To Bendigo, Victoria...
Well respected Social welfare agency St Luke’s, has a rather new approach to tackle problem gambling...reaching out to workers at the Bendigo region’s gaming venues. St Luke’s will kick off its new venue support worker program, aimed at helping staff at gaming venues recognise and assist potential problem gamblers. The initiative comes as a new Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation survey of gaming venue managers and staff showed about two-thirds were less than comfortable to approach someone with a gambling problem and that almost 10% had never been instructed on dealing with problem gamblers. Trevor Rice is one of 26 Gamblers Help venue support workers across Victoria and covers 23 venues in the area from Gisborne and Maryborough to Swan Hill and Echuca. "I go and work out with the venues what training they require. Most venues are looking at how to approach people, and I think it’s a confidence thing. We’ve had some good responses. Some are very proactive, and all of the managers are very positive about the program." Rice said a problem gambler may exhibit one of more than 100 signs, including playing for long periods, attachment to a particular machine, aggression and continued visits to ATMs. Bendigo Stadium chief executive officer Eric Pascoe said Rice began training staff at the stadium last week after he initiated a meeting with Rice and Gamblers Help counsellors at St Luke’s. "The stadium is a community organisation, and we wanted to be a leader in helping problem gamblers and take a very active approach. Some insiders question if a staff member should be required to look out for over 100 different signs in players, thinking that may be more the thing for a body language expert of psychologist, attempting to move the responsibility and legal burden to a club employer. A Media Man spokesperson said "In regard to watching out to problem gamblers, the program has some merit, but it looks like there may be some buck passing going on already. Club workers are not psychologists. One may question if them having to remember up to 100 signs of a problem gambler is fair cop. An agro patron being questioned if they have a problem may also potentially wish to argue or get in a fight with who questions them. This proposal is fraught with questions and risks".
Queensland Banana Benders Punters Spend $5 Million Bucks Per Day On Poker Machines...
Banana Benders sank almost $5 million a day into poker machines in the first month of this year. The state's more than 42,000 machines collected nearly $153 million in metered wins in January. This is about $10 million more than January last year and up more than $18 million for the year to date. Queensland Council of Social Service director Jill Lang advised the number of at-risk and problem gamblers lay between 8 and 9% and were responsible for about 40% per cent of money generated. Some insiders question the numbers, with social groups known to sometimes use misleading numbers in attempt to push their own agenda. Lang said QCOSS supports many of the recommendations from the ongoing federal parliamentary inquiry into gambling, including pre-commitment machines, where gamblers set a limit. She advised that along with slowing down the betting rate and removing ATMs from the area where possible, pre-commitment was a good idea, despite industry saying this week that it would be too expensive. Clubs Queensland CEO Doug Flockhart said despite the higher year-to-date figures, the floods had led a drop in revenue in the central west by almost 44%. He said pokies upgrades would cost between $3500 and $5000 per machine. "Pre-commitment machines are another tool in the box. Any addict, whether it be alcohol or drugs, until they make the decision to stop, there'll be no way to stop them".
Aussie Hotels Want Pokie Limit Trial...
The Australian Hotels Association has just about begged the government to carry out detailed research and trials of mandatory pre-commitment poker machines before rolling out restrictions nationwide. The AHA's written submission to an inquiry on pre-commitment pokies was critical of the push by independent Andrew Wilkie, the committee's chairman, to have the pre-commitment system rolled out in 2014, despite the Productivity Commission saying it should begin in 2016, with exemptions for small hotels until 2018. The AHA warned that it could cost the industry up to $2.5 billion to upgrade machines to make them capable of having a pre-commitment function limiting the amount of money punters can wager. Older machines, mainly in regional areas, would have to be completely replaced at a cost of $25,000 each to make them capable of having a mandatory pre-commitment. In its submission, the AHA said it wished to work with government "to develop a sensible, evidenced-based way forward - that will continue to minimise harm from gambling, but will not close our businesses, slash our workforce and reduce our community support". AHA's national chief executive Des Crowe and director for responsible gaming John Whelan fronted the joint standing committee on gambling reform yesterday. The Productivity Commission also appeared before the committee yesterday highlighting the need for any trial of pre-commitment technology to be held in a large area, such as Tasmania. The commission warned that a small trial zone would allow people to drive to the next suburb where they could play unrestricted. The commission also dismissed concerns that people's privacy could be breached by new technology. On Friday the committee will reconvene in Hobart, where it will hear from Anglicare and the Australasian Casino Association. Media Man has interviewed dozens of journalists and gaming experts about pre commitment over the past few months with all questioned saying they don't see the Gillard government proposal offering a total solution and that trials overseas showed that the pre commitment doesn't work properly. It's widely known that gamblers and problem gamblers will gamble no matter what government restrictions are put in place. An uprising off illegal poker and casino game events are expect in Australia on an invitation only basis. This follows the U.S and Canadian pattern, where if some forms of gambling become illegal or too restricted, they thrive in the underground, falling off the map of government reports and bean counter types.
Crown Casino Loves Rugby Union Too...
James Packer's Crown Casino is enjoying the company of other sports fans at a lunch for Melbourne's new rugby union team, the Rebels. 1200 people showed their support at the lunch, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes part of the fun. Mike Brady gave a preview of his new rugby anthem. Rebels board member Gary Gray, whose involvement with Victorian rugby goes back to the failed 2005 bid to get a licence from the Australian Rugby Union, said rugby's support in Melbourne was a complex and varied mix. Rugby is an international game. You have a lot of people that have been starved for it in this town - expats both from interstate and from New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, even France and other parts of Europe where rugby's popular." Gray said there was also strong support from the local south Pacific island community, which has fielded many top players, and local clubs. "In Victoria there's the south Pacific island community, some of the state schools play rugby, most of the private schools play.". Crown Casino continues to back sport, having recently sponsored the NRL's Melbourne Storm.
Adelaide SkyCity Casino Feels Some Pain...
The popular casino's pre-tax earnings climbed to $16.1 million as its owner predicted subdued future trading. Sky City's half year profit fell 2.2% to $51 million ($NZ67.1 million) and chief executive Nigel Morrison said a quiet retail environment would impact on gaming revenue in Adelaide as it works with the State Government on developing the Riverfront precinct. Adelaide Casino lifted revenue by just $500,000 to $74.4 million but pre-tax earnings climbed 5.6 per cent to $16.1 million in the six months to December 31 thanks to "good cost controls and food and beverage revenue", Morrison said. Smoking bans in Darwin impacted on Australian casino earnings which fell 2% to $NZ47.2 million. The economic environment in this country remained challenging, particularly in discretionary retail, while the Australian discretionary retail sector was now also reporting more challenging times, Morrison said. Normalised net profit climbed 2.1% to $51 million after adjusting for comparisons without its divested cinemas group, the company said. Normalised revenue from ordinary activities rose 3.1 per cent on a year earlier to $NZ410.1 million.
An interim dividend of 8c a share has been declared. Gamblers from the orient - China and Thailand into the company's Auckland casino boosted the company's international business division, which almost doubled revenue to $1.1 billion. That growth underpinned the decision to invest in increased capacity and world class facilities for international customers in Auckland, Sky City said. Sky City reiterated its full year profit guidance to $96.1 million. Talks with the South Australian government on the proposed Adelaide Casino redevelopment and casino regulatory reforms were continuing, Morrison said. "We continue to stress the importance of a level playing field in respect of casino regulation and believe in the potential of the Adelaide market to deliver strong growth should some of the current challenges be adequately addressed," the company said. Sky City shares are trading steady at $2.49.
Sky City New Zealand And Australia Half Yearly Profits Drop...
The economic slowdown in New Zealand and Australia has led to a fall in half-year profit at casino operator Sky City Entertainment Group. The company made $67.1 million in the six months to December, a decrease of 6% on the same period a year ago. Stripping out a contribution from its now sold cinema operations, the listed company's underlying profit rose 2% to $67.4 million. Revenue rose 3% to $448 million, with growth in Adelaide and Hamilton partly offseting a fall at Darwin due to the introduction of a smoking ban.
Sky City chief executive Nigel Morrision says earnings at its flagship Auckland casino remained flat, as the subdued economy deterred local gamblers, although turnover doubled from high rollers, mainly from Asia. He says revenue rose 9% for the first six weeks of this year compared with the same period a year ago. Looking ahead, Sky City expects a full year profit of $127.4 million, compared with last year's normalised profit of $129 million.
A dividend payout of 8 cents a shares has been declared. Media Man analysts were not prepared to comment on what the financial position the firm would likely to be in come end of year results.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
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
Pokies limits Likely To Cost Hotels Up To $4b'...
The Hotels Association says it would cost the industry up to $4 billion to comply with proposed new laws for pokies. The Federal Government aims to force gamblers to set limits on how much money they are prepared to lose before they play machines. But the Australian Hotels Association says the scheme would drive people to other forms of gambling, like illegal or online, and lead down the road to job losses. John Whelan from the Association has told anyone that would listen at a Parliamentary inquiry half of all machines would need to be replaced. "What's being asked of the industry this time around will involve a multi-billion dollar capital cost. It's very unlikely that those many venues or most venues around (have) the cash to do that, and it's equally unlikely that the banks will lend them the money to fund that capital cost."
Proposed Pokie Laws Will Send Smaller Clubs Broke...
Industry group, Clubs New South Wales, says the cost of complying with proposed new poker machine laws will send clubs across the region broke and put thousands out of work. The Productivity Commission has told a parliamentary inquiry, responsible hotels and clubs will barely notice the impact on revenue from the proposed laws designed to help problem gamblers. The new laws would require individuals to register and nominate a maximum spend amount and then use a USB card in converted machines. Clubs NSW Hunter spokesman, John Chin says his Hexham club will have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to convert 87 poker machines. "We're talking around $400,000 just to be compliant. I'm sure it's not going to do what they think it's going to do and that's to help the problem gambler." Chin says he understands the Prime Minister's dilemma, but she needs to understand the impact it will have on local clubs and 5,000 Hunter jobs. She had given him the agreement that she would push this through. We are fighting basically a life and death struggle for us and we are not going to give way, saying they can have it their way. We will fight this to the very end."
Higher Power At Work In Gambling; Godsend To Bendigo, Victoria...
Well respected Social welfare agency St Luke’s, has a rather new approach to tackle problem gambling...reaching out to workers at the Bendigo region’s gaming venues. St Luke’s will kick off its new venue support worker program, aimed at helping staff at gaming venues recognise and assist potential problem gamblers. The initiative comes as a new Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation survey of gaming venue managers and staff showed about two-thirds were less than comfortable to approach someone with a gambling problem and that almost 10% had never been instructed on dealing with problem gamblers. Trevor Rice is one of 26 Gamblers Help venue support workers across Victoria and covers 23 venues in the area from Gisborne and Maryborough to Swan Hill and Echuca. "I go and work out with the venues what training they require. Most venues are looking at how to approach people, and I think it’s a confidence thing. We’ve had some good responses. Some are very proactive, and all of the managers are very positive about the program." Rice said a problem gambler may exhibit one of more than 100 signs, including playing for long periods, attachment to a particular machine, aggression and continued visits to ATMs. Bendigo Stadium chief executive officer Eric Pascoe said Rice began training staff at the stadium last week after he initiated a meeting with Rice and Gamblers Help counsellors at St Luke’s. "The stadium is a community organisation, and we wanted to be a leader in helping problem gamblers and take a very active approach. Some insiders question if a staff member should be required to look out for over 100 different signs in players, thinking that may be more the thing for a body language expert of psychologist, attempting to move the responsibility and legal burden to a club employer. A Media Man spokesperson said "In regard to watching out to problem gamblers, the program has some merit, but it looks like there may be some buck passing going on already. Club workers are not psychologists. One may question if them having to remember up to 100 signs of a problem gambler is fair cop. An agro patron being questioned if they have a problem may also potentially wish to argue or get in a fight with who questions them. This proposal is fraught with questions and risks".
Queensland Banana Benders Punters Spend $5 Million Bucks Per Day On Poker Machines...
Banana Benders sank almost $5 million a day into poker machines in the first month of this year. The state's more than 42,000 machines collected nearly $153 million in metered wins in January. This is about $10 million more than January last year and up more than $18 million for the year to date. Queensland Council of Social Service director Jill Lang advised the number of at-risk and problem gamblers lay between 8 and 9% and were responsible for about 40% per cent of money generated. Some insiders question the numbers, with social groups known to sometimes use misleading numbers in attempt to push their own agenda. Lang said QCOSS supports many of the recommendations from the ongoing federal parliamentary inquiry into gambling, including pre-commitment machines, where gamblers set a limit. She advised that along with slowing down the betting rate and removing ATMs from the area where possible, pre-commitment was a good idea, despite industry saying this week that it would be too expensive. Clubs Queensland CEO Doug Flockhart said despite the higher year-to-date figures, the floods had led a drop in revenue in the central west by almost 44%. He said pokies upgrades would cost between $3500 and $5000 per machine. "Pre-commitment machines are another tool in the box. Any addict, whether it be alcohol or drugs, until they make the decision to stop, there'll be no way to stop them".
Aussie Hotels Want Pokie Limit Trial...
The Australian Hotels Association has just about begged the government to carry out detailed research and trials of mandatory pre-commitment poker machines before rolling out restrictions nationwide. The AHA's written submission to an inquiry on pre-commitment pokies was critical of the push by independent Andrew Wilkie, the committee's chairman, to have the pre-commitment system rolled out in 2014, despite the Productivity Commission saying it should begin in 2016, with exemptions for small hotels until 2018. The AHA warned that it could cost the industry up to $2.5 billion to upgrade machines to make them capable of having a pre-commitment function limiting the amount of money punters can wager. Older machines, mainly in regional areas, would have to be completely replaced at a cost of $25,000 each to make them capable of having a mandatory pre-commitment. In its submission, the AHA said it wished to work with government "to develop a sensible, evidenced-based way forward - that will continue to minimise harm from gambling, but will not close our businesses, slash our workforce and reduce our community support". AHA's national chief executive Des Crowe and director for responsible gaming John Whelan fronted the joint standing committee on gambling reform yesterday. The Productivity Commission also appeared before the committee yesterday highlighting the need for any trial of pre-commitment technology to be held in a large area, such as Tasmania. The commission warned that a small trial zone would allow people to drive to the next suburb where they could play unrestricted. The commission also dismissed concerns that people's privacy could be breached by new technology. On Friday the committee will reconvene in Hobart, where it will hear from Anglicare and the Australasian Casino Association. Media Man has interviewed dozens of journalists and gaming experts about pre commitment over the past few months with all questioned saying they don't see the Gillard government proposal offering a total solution and that trials overseas showed that the pre commitment doesn't work properly. It's widely known that gamblers and problem gamblers will gamble no matter what government restrictions are put in place. An uprising off illegal poker and casino game events are expect in Australia on an invitation only basis. This follows the U.S and Canadian pattern, where if some forms of gambling become illegal or too restricted, they thrive in the underground, falling off the map of government reports and bean counter types.
Crown Casino Loves Rugby Union Too...
James Packer's Crown Casino is enjoying the company of other sports fans at a lunch for Melbourne's new rugby union team, the Rebels. 1200 people showed their support at the lunch, with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and opera singer Teddy Tahu Rhodes part of the fun. Mike Brady gave a preview of his new rugby anthem. Rebels board member Gary Gray, whose involvement with Victorian rugby goes back to the failed 2005 bid to get a licence from the Australian Rugby Union, said rugby's support in Melbourne was a complex and varied mix. Rugby is an international game. You have a lot of people that have been starved for it in this town - expats both from interstate and from New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, even France and other parts of Europe where rugby's popular." Gray said there was also strong support from the local south Pacific island community, which has fielded many top players, and local clubs. "In Victoria there's the south Pacific island community, some of the state schools play rugby, most of the private schools play.". Crown Casino continues to back sport, having recently sponsored the NRL's Melbourne Storm.
Adelaide SkyCity Casino Feels Some Pain...
The popular casino's pre-tax earnings climbed to $16.1 million as its owner predicted subdued future trading. Sky City's half year profit fell 2.2% to $51 million ($NZ67.1 million) and chief executive Nigel Morrison said a quiet retail environment would impact on gaming revenue in Adelaide as it works with the State Government on developing the Riverfront precinct. Adelaide Casino lifted revenue by just $500,000 to $74.4 million but pre-tax earnings climbed 5.6 per cent to $16.1 million in the six months to December 31 thanks to "good cost controls and food and beverage revenue", Morrison said. Smoking bans in Darwin impacted on Australian casino earnings which fell 2% to $NZ47.2 million. The economic environment in this country remained challenging, particularly in discretionary retail, while the Australian discretionary retail sector was now also reporting more challenging times, Morrison said. Normalised net profit climbed 2.1% to $51 million after adjusting for comparisons without its divested cinemas group, the company said. Normalised revenue from ordinary activities rose 3.1 per cent on a year earlier to $NZ410.1 million.
An interim dividend of 8c a share has been declared. Gamblers from the orient - China and Thailand into the company's Auckland casino boosted the company's international business division, which almost doubled revenue to $1.1 billion. That growth underpinned the decision to invest in increased capacity and world class facilities for international customers in Auckland, Sky City said. Sky City reiterated its full year profit guidance to $96.1 million. Talks with the South Australian government on the proposed Adelaide Casino redevelopment and casino regulatory reforms were continuing, Morrison said. "We continue to stress the importance of a level playing field in respect of casino regulation and believe in the potential of the Adelaide market to deliver strong growth should some of the current challenges be adequately addressed," the company said. Sky City shares are trading steady at $2.49.
Sky City New Zealand And Australia Half Yearly Profits Drop...
The economic slowdown in New Zealand and Australia has led to a fall in half-year profit at casino operator Sky City Entertainment Group. The company made $67.1 million in the six months to December, a decrease of 6% on the same period a year ago. Stripping out a contribution from its now sold cinema operations, the listed company's underlying profit rose 2% to $67.4 million. Revenue rose 3% to $448 million, with growth in Adelaide and Hamilton partly offseting a fall at Darwin due to the introduction of a smoking ban.
Sky City chief executive Nigel Morrision says earnings at its flagship Auckland casino remained flat, as the subdued economy deterred local gamblers, although turnover doubled from high rollers, mainly from Asia. He says revenue rose 9% for the first six weeks of this year compared with the same period a year ago. Looking ahead, Sky City expects a full year profit of $127.4 million, compared with last year's normalised profit of $129 million.
A dividend payout of 8 cents a shares has been declared. Media Man analysts were not prepared to comment on what the financial position the firm would likely to be in come end of year results.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
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
Elle Macpherson addicted to Bryan Ferry love drug, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th February 2011
Roxy Music front man and iconic art rock god, Bryan Ferry, had a date with destiny today... old friend and rumoured flame, from the Virgin Music connection - Elle Macpherson aka 'The Body', who was pitching for Richard Branson's Virgin Blue only yesterday.
Ferry arrived fashionably late at Myer, Sydney, to a crowd of hundreds of fans, buying up CD's, books (and photo opportunities). His new release is entitled 'Olympia', and critics are already giving it high marks.
It wasn't long before Elle arrived on the scene and latched onto the Roxy one for dear life ala 'Octopussy' style, if you will. Ferry and Elle are friends with good history, and this evening it showed. Both also share strong friendships with Virgin king of the world, Richard Branson.
I was most impressed with Ferry's warmness towards the audience, the press, and notably myself. Love you're smile Bryan. I also witnessed towards the conclusion of the event that he forgot to sign Elle's poster, but it wasn't long before she chased him down and gave the sharp dressed one her wish. His showing of gentlemanly behavior, saving 'Our Elle', was off the charts. I got the feeling that both stars' fondness towards each other was significantly enhanced, as they both overcome a modest obstacle together. It sure ended on a happy note, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of the two spending more time together over the next few days, as Elle does "down under", also slipping in a well earned family visit.
Oh, I would like to thank well known and ulti-talented publicist, Angela Ceberano and concert supremo, Andrew McManus, as well as the security at Myer for doing a great job, and also you - the fans for turning up, adding a real buzz to the presser. Photog fans, I'm also pleased to report that my new Canon EF 24-70mm lens from Digital Camera Warehouse also worked a charm.
I can't wait to get my love drug dose tomorrow night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and word is there are still some 2 for the price of one tickets available as we go to press, so be quick. This concert promises to exceed expectations. Ferry and the band are here for your pleasure, and to make a dollar of course, so if you have a chance to enjoy them in the flesh, do so, even if it may not be quite as intimate experience as 'Our Elle' may enjoy. From Avalon to Australia's country, Roxy's talent knows no bounds.
Ferry arrived fashionably late at Myer, Sydney, to a crowd of hundreds of fans, buying up CD's, books (and photo opportunities). His new release is entitled 'Olympia', and critics are already giving it high marks.
It wasn't long before Elle arrived on the scene and latched onto the Roxy one for dear life ala 'Octopussy' style, if you will. Ferry and Elle are friends with good history, and this evening it showed. Both also share strong friendships with Virgin king of the world, Richard Branson.
I was most impressed with Ferry's warmness towards the audience, the press, and notably myself. Love you're smile Bryan. I also witnessed towards the conclusion of the event that he forgot to sign Elle's poster, but it wasn't long before she chased him down and gave the sharp dressed one her wish. His showing of gentlemanly behavior, saving 'Our Elle', was off the charts. I got the feeling that both stars' fondness towards each other was significantly enhanced, as they both overcome a modest obstacle together. It sure ended on a happy note, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear of the two spending more time together over the next few days, as Elle does "down under", also slipping in a well earned family visit.
Oh, I would like to thank well known and ulti-talented publicist, Angela Ceberano and concert supremo, Andrew McManus, as well as the security at Myer for doing a great job, and also you - the fans for turning up, adding a real buzz to the presser. Photog fans, I'm also pleased to report that my new Canon EF 24-70mm lens from Digital Camera Warehouse also worked a charm.
I can't wait to get my love drug dose tomorrow night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and word is there are still some 2 for the price of one tickets available as we go to press, so be quick. This concert promises to exceed expectations. Ferry and the band are here for your pleasure, and to make a dollar of course, so if you have a chance to enjoy them in the flesh, do so, even if it may not be quite as intimate experience as 'Our Elle' may enjoy. From Avalon to Australia's country, Roxy's talent knows no bounds.
24 February 2011
Tabcorp And Crown Want Aussie Gvt To Lift Game On High Rollers, by Greg Tingle - 24th February 2011
G'day punters, casino millionaires and billionaires, politicians, legal eagles, one and all. Australia's leading gaming companies, namely Tabcorp (Star City etc) and Crown Limited (Crown Casino and Burswood Casino etc) are demanding the the Australian government lift its game to help down under become more high roller whale friendly, especially at our international airports in Sydney and Melbourne. We probe and examine if the fact that the Gillard government not officially being a big fan of gambling is a factor, or if its a smoke screen hiding something more sinister. Media Man and Gambling911 hit the runway as we play plans, trains, automobiles (and politics)...
Tabcorp And Crown Limited To Aussie Government: Lift You're Game For High Rollers In Airports...
Tabcorp casinos big wig Larry Mullin has joined the pack of not happy Aussie casino and gambling tycoons and top brass telling the federal government to lift their game - streamline customs and immigration paperwork and checks for Oriental high-rollers flying down under into Australia, backing up his Crown Casino equal Rowen Craigie. Mullin advised making visas easier to obtain and installing "VIP customs lounges" at major airports to allow high-roller customers to avoid unsatisfactory queues should be seriously considered, and pronto. He said Australia needed to consider a similar model to Singapore, which has created a private lounge to fast-track customs and immigration processing for high-rolling whales. It's understood revenue from Singapore's two land based casinos opened last year is already close to $US5 billion a year. "The customers and the customer experience is everything. That first and last impression is so helpful, especially after long flights. "You go into Singapore, they pick you up in a golf cart and drive you to a private area and there's a government official in the receiving area. You almost feel as if you are going into a hotel experience, that was the seamlessness of it. I understand why you need the processes that are there, but I think we need to explore and get as fast as we can similar type of conveniences here." Mullin said Crown Casino chief exec Rowen Craigie was heading up the discussions with the federal government in his role as the president of the Australasian Casino Association. Craigie last month said the improvements were necessary in order for Australia to plug into the lucrative middle and upper-class Chinese tourism market and compete with Singapore. Tabcorp, which will launch its first personalised jet service for high-roller customers tomorrow, generates less than 10% of its casino revenues from high-rollers. But it is the fastest-growing arm of its business, with revenues from VIP customers up 36% to $32.9 million in the December half. Tabcorp is understood to have spent about $40m leasing the 14-seater jet which came on high recommendation by rock star Bon Jovi, a friend of Mullin. It will start transiting in punters from Asia tomorrow. The firm, which is spending a massive $960m on renovating its flagship Star City casino in Sydney, is now also throwing in $160m on its domestic and international VIP businesses to upgrade digs, improve and expand private gambling facilities and lease two private jets. Originally the jets were going to be purchased, but the bean counters thought better to lease. Mullin also advised Tabcorp, which plans to demerge its casino division by mid-year, was planning to work with the New South Wales government on tourism campaigns targeting potential casino customers. "As our project gets more mature we would like to get better placed in that," he said. Various gambling experts have leaked to Media Man that they expect Crown and Tabcorp to have a better year than last, as well as improved government dealings.
Tatts Gets Profit; Good News Finally...
Tatts Group Ltd has reported a 3.4% lift in first half net profit as the gambling and gaming company sees signs of growth reemerging after set backs due to recent natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. Net profit rose to $149.91 million for the 6 months to December 31 from $144.96 million a year earlier, Melbourne based Tatts said in a statement on Thursday. Revenue jumped 17.4% to $1.62 billion. The firm declared a interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, fully franked. Chief executive Dick McIlwain said the growth rates of the first half were showing signs of re-emerging after the disruption from the floods in Queensland and Victoria and Cyclone Yasi in Northern Queensland. Tatts said investors and other observers had enquired about the effect on the business from the natural disasters. The company said there was very little damage to company facilities while a significant number of agents and hosts suffered short term damage to electricity supply. Shares in Tatts declined 3.5 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to $2.435.
Aristocrat Leisure Shares Up; Back To Profit!
Airistocrat shares surged to a 3-month high today after the gaming machine supplier returned to the profit zone for 2010. Its stock rose 14 cents, or 4.4%, to $3.30 by 1029 AEDT, the best since November 25, 2010. Aristocrat Leisure today booked a net profit of $77.19 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a loss of $157.8m in 2009. Revenue fell 25.1% to $680.5m. Aristocrat declared a dividend of 1.5 cents per share, nil franked, compared to no final dividend in the prior year.
Melco Crown Makes US$16 Million Profit; Crown's James Packer Pleased; Could Have Been Much Worse...
Melco Crown Entertainment announced yesterday it recorded net income for the fourth quarter of 2010 of US$16.3 million (MOP130 million), compared with a net loss of US$89.7 million a year earlier. It was the company’s second consecutive quarterly profit. The gain in bottom-line results was driven by the year-over-year improvement in the operating performance at City of Dreams and Altira Macau, the company said. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was US$133.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to adjusted EBITDA of US$2.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Lawrence Ho, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, said "our fourth quarter results demonstrate our success in driving operating leverage and in improving the profitability of our portfolio of assets. Our mass market table games business continues to grow and our rolling chip segment remains strong," he said. James Packer, who teamed up on the project via Melco Crown, is understood to have been pleased with the result. The Packer family remains on good terms with the Ho's. It's one happy family again (or at least mainly), which is what we like to hear.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
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
Tabcorp And Crown Limited To Aussie Government: Lift You're Game For High Rollers In Airports...
Tabcorp casinos big wig Larry Mullin has joined the pack of not happy Aussie casino and gambling tycoons and top brass telling the federal government to lift their game - streamline customs and immigration paperwork and checks for Oriental high-rollers flying down under into Australia, backing up his Crown Casino equal Rowen Craigie. Mullin advised making visas easier to obtain and installing "VIP customs lounges" at major airports to allow high-roller customers to avoid unsatisfactory queues should be seriously considered, and pronto. He said Australia needed to consider a similar model to Singapore, which has created a private lounge to fast-track customs and immigration processing for high-rolling whales. It's understood revenue from Singapore's two land based casinos opened last year is already close to $US5 billion a year. "The customers and the customer experience is everything. That first and last impression is so helpful, especially after long flights. "You go into Singapore, they pick you up in a golf cart and drive you to a private area and there's a government official in the receiving area. You almost feel as if you are going into a hotel experience, that was the seamlessness of it. I understand why you need the processes that are there, but I think we need to explore and get as fast as we can similar type of conveniences here." Mullin said Crown Casino chief exec Rowen Craigie was heading up the discussions with the federal government in his role as the president of the Australasian Casino Association. Craigie last month said the improvements were necessary in order for Australia to plug into the lucrative middle and upper-class Chinese tourism market and compete with Singapore. Tabcorp, which will launch its first personalised jet service for high-roller customers tomorrow, generates less than 10% of its casino revenues from high-rollers. But it is the fastest-growing arm of its business, with revenues from VIP customers up 36% to $32.9 million in the December half. Tabcorp is understood to have spent about $40m leasing the 14-seater jet which came on high recommendation by rock star Bon Jovi, a friend of Mullin. It will start transiting in punters from Asia tomorrow. The firm, which is spending a massive $960m on renovating its flagship Star City casino in Sydney, is now also throwing in $160m on its domestic and international VIP businesses to upgrade digs, improve and expand private gambling facilities and lease two private jets. Originally the jets were going to be purchased, but the bean counters thought better to lease. Mullin also advised Tabcorp, which plans to demerge its casino division by mid-year, was planning to work with the New South Wales government on tourism campaigns targeting potential casino customers. "As our project gets more mature we would like to get better placed in that," he said. Various gambling experts have leaked to Media Man that they expect Crown and Tabcorp to have a better year than last, as well as improved government dealings.
Tatts Gets Profit; Good News Finally...
Tatts Group Ltd has reported a 3.4% lift in first half net profit as the gambling and gaming company sees signs of growth reemerging after set backs due to recent natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. Net profit rose to $149.91 million for the 6 months to December 31 from $144.96 million a year earlier, Melbourne based Tatts said in a statement on Thursday. Revenue jumped 17.4% to $1.62 billion. The firm declared a interim dividend of 10.5 cents per share, fully franked. Chief executive Dick McIlwain said the growth rates of the first half were showing signs of re-emerging after the disruption from the floods in Queensland and Victoria and Cyclone Yasi in Northern Queensland. Tatts said investors and other observers had enquired about the effect on the business from the natural disasters. The company said there was very little damage to company facilities while a significant number of agents and hosts suffered short term damage to electricity supply. Shares in Tatts declined 3.5 cents, or 1.4 per cent, to $2.435.
Aristocrat Leisure Shares Up; Back To Profit!
Airistocrat shares surged to a 3-month high today after the gaming machine supplier returned to the profit zone for 2010. Its stock rose 14 cents, or 4.4%, to $3.30 by 1029 AEDT, the best since November 25, 2010. Aristocrat Leisure today booked a net profit of $77.19 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a loss of $157.8m in 2009. Revenue fell 25.1% to $680.5m. Aristocrat declared a dividend of 1.5 cents per share, nil franked, compared to no final dividend in the prior year.
Melco Crown Makes US$16 Million Profit; Crown's James Packer Pleased; Could Have Been Much Worse...
Melco Crown Entertainment announced yesterday it recorded net income for the fourth quarter of 2010 of US$16.3 million (MOP130 million), compared with a net loss of US$89.7 million a year earlier. It was the company’s second consecutive quarterly profit. The gain in bottom-line results was driven by the year-over-year improvement in the operating performance at City of Dreams and Altira Macau, the company said. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was US$133.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared to adjusted EBITDA of US$2.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. Lawrence Ho, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, said "our fourth quarter results demonstrate our success in driving operating leverage and in improving the profitability of our portfolio of assets. Our mass market table games business continues to grow and our rolling chip segment remains strong," he said. James Packer, who teamed up on the project via Melco Crown, is understood to have been pleased with the result. The Packer family remains on good terms with the Ho's. It's one happy family again (or at least mainly), which is what we like to hear.
Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...
Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...
PartyCasino.com
Captain Cooks Casino
Betfair (sports betting only)
PKR.com (poker, slots including Marvel slot games and sports betting)
PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)
Profiles
Australian Casinos
World Casino Directory
Global Gaming Directory
Casino Travel
Casinos
Australia
Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:
Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money
Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more.
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. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Asia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Media Man Brand
Media Man Network
Casino News Media
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
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