31 October 2011

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment tipped to be dominant player; Buy rec, by Greg Tingle - 21st October 2011

Profiles

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.com World Poker Tour Games Casinos News Financial News Casino News Entertainment News


Medium to long term investment prospect, Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment (LON:BPTY) could be the dominant player in online gaming across Europe, deriving the majority of its profits from regulated markets, states UBS analyst Simon Whittington.

In the meantime, the company is buying back shares, paying around 5% dividend yield, and driving double-digit EBITDA growth, underpinned by conservative synergies, he added.

UBS rates the firm a 'buy' with a 12 month target price of 185 pence (current price: 104.8 pence).

Media Man is following up.

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Extreme Cabaret Zeta Bar Hilton Halloween Girl - 28th October 2011

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Hilton Hotel Property Hotels Events Celebrities Clubs and Bars Brands Sydney Australia

Sydney’s Zeta Bar at the Hilton Hotel got a bit of a leg up on the other Haloween themed entertainment tonight as their extreme cabaret unleashed Haloween Girl.

She was unmistakable, as Haloween girl showed off her skeleton er legs, torso et al.

This creation was one that you would not likely find at Luna Park or in a school classroom,''

The dancing skeleton stired up patrons appitite for a drink, nibble and photo opportunities, and there was plenty of tease in the mix.

Model Anastasiya Bakss pulled off the dancing skeleton routie beautifully, and seemed to get right into the spirit of things.

Someone from the crowd was overheard "My Halloween dream has come early. I've got the treat here, not the trick. This is tickling my funny bone".

You wouldn't have guessed, but tonight's creation was made up in only an hour. The creation was a massive hit at the Zeta Bar, and word spread around other floors of the Hilton.

Snatch the opportunity to do Sydney in a naughty and teasing way. Come again to Sydney Hilton next Friday night and experience the new phenom known as 'extreme cabaret'. Trick or treat? You will have to join us to find out.

*photography by Eva Rinaldi Photography

*artistic creations by Human Statue Bodyart

Websites

Hilton Hotel Sydney

Zeta Bar

Zeta Bar - Extreme Cabaret profile

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Human Statue Bodyart

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33 Postcards Movie Premiere At Randwick Ritz Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 31st October 2011

Profiles

Movies Hollywood Sydney

Tonight saw 33 Postcards enjoy its premiere at the Randwick Ritz, in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The night was not only a movie premiere but also an event somewhat designed to raise awareness and funds for educational and arts programs, tied into the film

33 Postcards enjoyed strong media support by popular radio station 2UE and benefitting Sydney Children’s Choir and their Bursary Program, giving disadvantaged kids musical and educational opportunities that would have otherwise likely been out of their grasp.

The acclaimed cast and crew of 33 Postcards enjoyed drinks and bites with their fan base, insiders, and entertainment media, and also lapped up performances from the Sydney Children’s Choir and Chinese Lion Dancers.

Then it was time for the Australian theatrical premiere of the flick.

The film was shot in both China and Sydney, Australia in 2010. It's the story of Chinese orphan Mei Mei (Zhu Lin) who for a decade of dreams about embracing her Australian sponsor Dean Randall (Guy Pearce). It's not until she reaches 16 years of age, when her orphanage travels down under to Australia to attend a Choir Festival, Mei Mei takes the opportunity to look him up. What she finds however is a far cry from the idyllic life he depicted in his postcards. Initially mismatched, together they begin a journey in search of belonging, family, redemption, love and acceptance. It's trial, tribulation, and living to fight and survive another day.

Dean is actually a convict in prison for manslaughter, so you can imagine the issues that brings on.

33 postcards won the Community Relations Commission Award at Sydney Film Festival and Victor Dominello MP NSW Minister aptly stated "33 Postcards, inspired by real life stories, explores how two individuals come together despite two different cultures, ages and unexpected circumstances." This evocative film portrays sensitively how people of vastly different cultural backgrounds can interact effectively in our society."

This is an unique and touching story that is rarely told about the relationship that some Aussies have with Chinese Orphans.

It's not quite for everyone, but if you like a story of survival, beating the odds and the world coming together as one sort of thing, this is likely for you.

Well done to everyone involved in making the event a success.

Stars:

Guy Pearce, Zhu Lin, Claudia Karvan, and Lincoln Lewis

Produced by: Australia-China co-production

Websites

33 Postcards

Randwick Ritz

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

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Australian Sports Entertainment

Slots Spinning in the Grave at PartyCasino; Halloween Casino Games Promotion

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PartyCasino.com Full Moon Fever Graveyard Bash Monster Money Resident Evil Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment


PartyCasino's latest slots promotion is about Halloween. With the spooky event coming up at the end of the month, PartyCasino.com is providing players with plenty of awesome prizes.

To begin with players can win up to $500 cash simply by playing any of the four remotely Halloween themed slots. These slots are Full Moon Fever, Graveyard Bash, Monster Money and Resident Evil. All are well worth checking out.

Once playing these slots, you'll earn points and as soon as you earn five points you'll start winning prizes. The prizes range from 100 reward points to a $10 cash bonus up to $500 cash.

The promotion began earlier this month and will end on October 31 so be sure to play your way to as many points as you can before then.

PartyCasino is the world's largest and most established online casino brand. The brand is owned and operated by Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, as listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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30 October 2011

Expendables 2 stuntman killed in Bulgaria; Follows Australian stunt Hangover in Bangkok, by Greg Tingle - 30th October 2011

Profiles

Sylvester Stallone Arnold Schwarzenegger The Expendables The Expendables 2 Movies Hollywood Bruce Willis Stuntmen World Directory


A fatal accident on the set of the action star-packed action sequel "The Expendables 2" killed one stuntman and left another seriously injured Thursday night, stirring the industry memories of Australian stunty Scott McLean going into a coma last November while doing 'The Hangover Part II' near Bangkok, Thailand.

The Expendables 2 accident occurred while shooting at the Ognyanovo reservoir in Bulgaria at about 7 p.m., when an explosion went off. The injured stunty is now reportedly in stable condition.

"It is with great regret that we confirm this unfortunate accident," a representative for the film's studio, Nu Image/Millennium Films, said in a statement "Our hearts go out to the families and those on the production affected by this tragedy. The filmmakers are working closely with the authorities in responding to and investigating this accident."

The identities of the killed and injured stuntmen have not yet been released.

The film's stars, which include Sylvester Stallone, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Chuck Norris, were not present during the accident.

This is the most recent tragic accident to occur on an overseas film set.

The accident on the set of 'The Hangover Part II in Thailand saw an oncoming car slid into a truck. Wet weather that left the roads slick was believed to have played a significant part in the accident.

Australia's Media Man agency who has managed and worked with stuntmen and actors such as Colin Handley, John 'Vulcan' Seru and Paul 'Maxx-G' Bennett quizzed some of their talent on the dangers of working in stunts.

Handley, who also runs Australian Stunt Academy and has worked with Stallone and Schwarzenegger offered "Safety is our main priority".

Seru, also a professional wrestler and gym owner / operator of 'Gladiators' and 'James Bond' fame said "Working as a stunt man or as a pro wrestler is extremely dangerous. Injuries occur more often that people realise".

Websites

The Expendables

The Hangover Part II

60 Minutes Network Nine Australia - Scott McLean

Media Man

Australian Stunt Academy

Stallone copied work for "The Expendables" - lawsuit - 25th October 2011

Action movie star Sylvester Stallone is accused in a lawsuit of copying another writer's screenplay to make "The Expendables," a movie about mercenaries hired to defeat a military dictator.

The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday by writer Marcus Webb, who said the screenplay for "The Expendables" is "strikingly similar and in some places identical" to his work entitled "The Cordoba Caper."

Webb seeks unspecified damages for copyright infringement and an order from the court stopping further infringement in any sequel by Stallone, his credited co-author David Callaham, Millennium Films, its Nu Image Films unit and Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation .

Stallone's publicist, Michelle Bega, declined to comment.

Millennium Films' general counsel, Frank DeMartini, said the company had not been served with the lawsuit, and he declined further comment. A spokeswoman for Lions Gate was not immediately available for comment.

"The Expendables" -- produced by Millennium and Nu Image and distributed by Lions Gate -- was released worldwide on Aug. 13, 2010. It featured a cameo appearance by Arnold Schwarzenegger after he left his post as California governor, along with other aging action heroes Stallone and Jet Li.

According to the lawsuit, Webb registered "The Cordoba Caper" screenplay and a short story with the same title and plot with the U.S. Copyright Office in June 2006. Between 2006 and 2009, the lawsuit said, the screenplay was made widely available by Webb for consideration in the movie industry.

"There can be no dispute that Stallone and/or Callaham had access to and copied protectable elements of the screenplay," the lawsuit said.

"The Cordoba Caper" tells the story of a team of elite, highly-trained mercenaries hired to defeat General Garza, a rogue army general of a small Latin American country," the lawsuit said.

The court document provides details of the ways in which Webb sees similarities between his screenplay and the released movie, including the opening "with a hostage rescue at sea, off a foreign coast, which has nothing to do with the main plot."

It said the main villain in both is a General Garza, a military dictator with a notorious human rights record.

Webb said he has been deprived of benefits from the screenplay such as potential earnings from the production, distribution and performance of "The Expendables."

"Expendables 2," a sequel to "The Expendables," is due for release on Aug. 17, 2012.

The case is Marcus Webb v Sylvester Stallone, et al, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 11-7517.

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Australian Sports Entertainment

29 October 2011

Packer upset by suggestions Crown profits from victims - 28th October 2011

Profiles

Crown Casino Crown Limited James Packer Politics Melbourne Gaming


Crown Casino chairman James Packers says suggestions his business relies on problem gamblers are upsetting and he is not ignoring the human cost of profits.

Transcript

ALI MOORE, PRESENTER: Crown Casino chairman James Packer says suggestions his casino business relies on problem gamblers is upsetting.

Mr Packer is now publicly attacking the Federal Government's laws to put compulsory betting limits on poker machines.

But he says he's not ignoring the human cost of casino profits.

JAMES PACKER, CROWN CASINO CHAIRMAN (FAIRFAX RADIO): This perception that the only people that come to Crown are helpless victims and we are just sitting there praying on them, you know, I reject that absolutely and that does upset me. And I think that that is, you know, that is a spin line from the latte set, which is completely wrong.

ALI MOORE: Independent Senator Nick Xenophon says James Packer is in as much denial as a problem gambler.

He has challenged the Crown Casino chair to open his gambling books for public scrutiny.

Websites

Crown Casino

Crown Limited

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Media Man News

Casino News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment

28 October 2011

Stevie Wonder sorry for late performance at The Star; Sydney, by Greg Tingle - 27th October 2011

Profiles

World Casino Directory Global Gaming Directory Australian Casinos The Star The Darling Echo Entertainment Gaming Sydney Australia


We all used to have a bit of a love - hate relationship with the Sydney venue once known as Star City Casino, but as of late many Australian's have fallen back in love with The Star (and its cousin - The Lyric Theatre).

The love affair has been helped along considerably by quite a bit of celebrity rub off, with names such as musical genius Steve Wonder and Hollywood megastar Leonardo DiCaprio happy to be associated with the Echo Entertainment empire, formally more of a Tabcorp Holdings lock in.

And wait, there's more... next month Hollywood legend Al Pacino will do The Lyric in a unique and intimate performance.

Now, it's time to clear up a little bit of confusion folks.

Mr Wonder has kindly apologised to his loyal Australian fans after taking to the stage an hour late in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Audience members members got edgy and did a bit of heckling after the delay at Star City's Lyric Theatre.

Wonder was quick to bring around his audience.

"We had a few little things happening before so please forgive me," Wonder said when he emerged on stage.

"We're going to do things differently tonight, have some fun."

In between songs with his fans, Wonder played a 20-song set including his hits Superstition, Higher Ground and Signed Sealed Delivered.

The evening also featured cover versions of Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel' and Nat King Cole's 'When I Fall In Love'.

Wonder played a request for actor and good friend Leonardo Di Caprio watching along in the audience, but jokingly told the crowd to "take a chill pill" following their song list demands.

Oh, the official opening of The Darling, the 5 star boutique lifestyle hotel and spa, is on track to go off without a hitch today.

The Star is keen to recoup its almost billion dollar casino revamp investment but Echo Entertainment powers that be tell us that they are in this for the long haul.

Melbourne's Crown Casino, headed up by gaming billionaire James Packer is not about to roll over and die, and is a nose away from getting a leg up on Star with its Melbourne Cup tie in.

Media agencies et al such as Media Man, Casino News Media and Roy Morgan are following the battle between Echo Entertainment - The Star and Crown Limited closely.

Stay tuned to see whose star will shine more brightly as both entertainment complexes scour the universe for the world's most discerning entertainment connoisseurs.

Websites

The Star

Echo Entertainment

Casino News Media

Ticketmaster

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Global Gaming Directory

Hotels, Bars, Clubs And Casinos Of Australia And The World, by Greg Tingle


Hotel Profiles

Hilton Hotel Palazzo Versace The Darling Virgin Limited Edition Ravesi's Swiss-Grand Resort & Spa, Bondi Beach

Bars

Club 23

Clubs

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Casinos (Australia and New Zealand)

Crown Casino The Star Jupiters Hotel and Casino Gold Coast Treasury Casino And Hotel Reef Hotel and Casino Casino Canberra Lasseters Hotel and Casino SkyCity Group

Casinos (Abroad)

MGM Grand Wynn Hotel and Casino Station Casinos Monte Carlo Golden Nugget Trump Entertainment Resorts

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Accommodation Hotels

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Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire told to ease off high stakes poker, by Greg Tingle - 28th October 2011

Profiles

Poker Gambling.com Casinos.com Hollywood Games United States News Financial News Casino News Poker News Entertainment News


Tobey Maguire Ben Affleck Leonardo DiCaprio Matt Damon

Many Hollywood (and AussieWood) stars love to gamble, and high-stakes poker is one of their favourite games. Privacy is high on their priorities and it's known that some forms of gambling don't sit well with the law in some parts of the world, including in the United States.

It's understood that Tobey Maguire and mates Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Affleck are long time high stakes poker fans and may have participated in quite a few private games played mainly in Los Angeles and New York.

The word is that the FBI is probing into alleged Russian mob connections to those big dollar games.

A few months ago there was a lawsuit filed against Maguire claiming a big Wall Street investment guy paid his gambling debts with funds inappropriately acquired from his firm’s investors.

A longtime associate of both DiCaprio and Maguire is understood to have said "As much as those boys love to gamble, they don’t need this kind of hassle...It seems clear that a number of very unsavory people have used their own huge wealth to weasel their way into those games.

"No one needs a Frank Sinatra problem these days," added the leak, referring to the Mafia connections that followed Ol’ Blue Eyes most of his life.

DiCaprio and Maguire are currently enjoying a working holiday of Australia and both gents have been spotted at The Star (entertainment complex and casino) more than once.

'Our Leo' is staring in The Great Gatsby. Maguire is not working Spider-Man, but has a number of exciting projects in the works. Man the best player, er, actor Win.

All of this while online gaming companies such as Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, which owns the World Poker Tour, attempts to get the green light from the US government to offer Americans totally legal online poker games.

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27 October 2011

In The News

James Packer Shane Warne Leonardo DiCaprio Crown Casino The Star Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment Richard Branson Stan Lee Jim Ryan WWE Hulk Hogan John Cena The Rock Ric Flair Kevin Nash NextGen Gaming

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New Motion Party At Luna Park Sydney - 27th October 2011

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Celebrities Music Events Sydney Australia

In the latest of big music gigs to hit Sydney the New Motion Party has gone off with a bang.

We're pleased to report that it was not a train wreck, nor a car accident (sponsored by Hyundi), as if you could have missed the advertising.

Tonight's celebrity list included included Marvin Priest (son of Maxi) and Aloe Blacc.

Make no mistake, Marvin was there to perform to the best of his ability.

He's currently got two of the biggest club anthems on the ARIA charts and you might have guessed that he's the son of reggae legend Maxi Pries.

It's the first time the London-born legend in the making has been to Luna Park.

He joined hip hop-jazz artist Aloe Blacc ('I Need A Dollar').

"I’m excited - I’ve got a new summer anthem to play," Priest said.

We were pleased to find out that Priest has called Australia home for the past two years, soaking it up when he on tour with his famous father.

"I love how relaxed and chilled out Aussies are - they’re just mad cool," he said.

Priest performs what can be described as soul-infused urban club anthems.

He's set to release his debut album Beats & Blips via Island Records on 25th November.

His first single was 'Own This Club' and it climaxed #6 on the ARIA singles chart and went double platinum.

Probed about his success Priest said "I’m blown away by it, I’m happy and excited but it’s what I’ve always wanted, I’ve put in my years and I need to do music."

Priest is happy to see that Australia is really starting to embrace high quality urban dance producers.

Well done to everyone involved with the New Motion Party, and we look forward to continuing to track the success of the artists who performed tonight.

Websites

Luna Park Sydney

The Crystal Palace

Aloe Blacc

Hyundi (Australia)

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Splash News

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

US Reality TV Star And Fashion Expert Jeannie Mai in Sydney, by Eva Rinaldi - 27th October 2011

Profiles

Celebrities Reality TV Events Sydney Australia

'How Do I Look' was the topic of conversation at King's Cross Barrio Chino tonight.

US reality television star Jeannie Mai and host of the 'How Do I Look' show was the main attraction.

The red carpet came out as Jeannie and a few familiar Sydney faces did their walks and poses.

Then there was the cocktail party which as everyone knows is where lots of gossip gets repeated and people gather around, just making sure they didn't miss out on any goss.

The new show will premiere on Australian pay TV on Thursday 3rd November on the 'Style' channel.

Come November it's tipped new water cooler conversations by females across Australia will do doubt cover 'How Do I Look'?

Websites

Jeannie Mai official website

How Do I Look? website

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Splash News

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Media Man Website Network Updated

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James Packer Whacks Poker Machine Reforms - 27th October 2011

Profiles

Crown Casino Crown Limited James Packer Politics Melbourne Gaming


James Packer, chairman of casino owner Crown, says proposed poker machine reforms will not tackle problem gambling.

Speaking at Crown’s annual general meeting in Melbourne this morning, Mr Packer said mandatory pre-commitments for high-intensity poker machines was not the right solution.

"We don’t have an issue with the federal government taking action against problem gambling, but it must be the right solution," he said.

"In my view, there is no evidence that introducing mandatory pre-commitment or introducing a one dollar maximum bet will be effective in tackling problem gambling, but it will hurt recreational players, and that will cost jobs and investment across the industry and cost the state government tax revenue used for essential community services.

"It’s not enough to identify the right problem, we need the right solution." Crown, which owns the Crown Casino in Melbourne and Burswood Casino in Perth, is concerned about problem gambling and always has been, Mr Packer said. "I believe no one in this country, or, in fact, in the world-wide casino industry, has done more to address problem gambling," he said.

Websites

Crown Casino

Crown Limited

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Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Casino News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment

26 October 2011

Crown Casino Bar Club 23: Shane Warne, Elizabeth Hurley and Tiger Woods Tomorrow Night, by Greg Tingle - 26th October 2011

Profiles

Crown Casino Crown Limited James Packer Shane Warne Melbourne Gaming


Australian sporting icon and poker celebrity, Shane Warne, is hosting 50 odd close friends at his new Crown Casino bar Club 23 tomorrow night.

It is believed Shane's fiancee Elizabeth Hurley will attend, but the event is not being promoted as an engagement party.

The rumour mill says its a get together of Warne's family and friends will include Crown Limited top brass James Packer and his lovely wife, Erica.

Ms Hurley jetted into Australia on Monday morning with her son Damian.

Club 23, which Warnie part-owns with poker player and entrepreneur, Joe Hachem, opened on the quite last week. It will enjoy an official launch on November 7.

A few associates of Warne's may also attend, including golf and nightclub lover Tiger Woods.

The club is an initiative to try to keep ahead of the game, with Crown powers that be well aware that Sydney's The Star has been making a lot of noise in the media as of late.

Websites

Crown Casino

Crown Limited

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Casino News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australian Sports Entertainment

Taekwondo Championships At Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre YMCA - 23rd October 2011

Profiles

Sports Martial Arts Australia

Today was our first close up look at the martial arts sport known as Taekwondo.

Taekwondo is a martial art traced back to Korea and is the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae (means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon ) means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "art". Taekwondo may be translated as "the art of the foot and fist" or "the art of kicking and punching." Today there was generally more kicking than punching (and no punching to the face, as per the rules).

Today saw the venues youngest players to date compete: Samual Cantali (4) and Lui Cantali (6). They have both been practising for about 3 months, but today was the first time they have ever competed in such a high level event.

We journeyed out to the Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre YMCA at Riverwood, in Sydney's South West.

It was great to see the former NSW Premier Morris Iemma had also taken the time out of his Sunday to visit the building bearing his name.

A crowd of about 200 was on hand to witness the fights and we understand that approximately 26 matches took place today, with some 50 or so "players" competing.

Some results...

Isaac Mansour Def Samuel Cantali 7 - 4

Abraham Lekkas Def Karim Mansour 14 - 4

The competitors and their families had fun, and it was a nice touch to see all players getting a medal around their necks' just for competing.

The amenities were excellent and the staff very helpful.

Well done to everyone involved in making the event a success.

Websites

YMCA Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre

World Taekwondo Federation

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Al Pacino to visit The Star Sydney with An Evening with Al Pacino, by Greg Tingle - 26th October 2011

Profiles

Sydney Australia Hollywood The Star Echo Entertainment Australian Casinos Movies The Godfather


"Fredo, you're my older brother, and I love you. But don't ever take sides with anyone against the Family again. Ever." - The Godfather (1972)

Legendary actor Al Pacino will be bringing his one-man show, An Evening with Al Pacino, to Sydney next month as part of a special happening on the 17th and 18th November at The Lyric Theatre, The Star.

In a unique performance Al Pacino entertains audiences as he revisits his amazing career and most memorable roles.

Part of the gig includes an intimate on stage interview followed by audience members pitching questions to the living legend.

We've heard the night also concludes with an unforgettable acting finale which needs to be witnessed to be believed.

Pacino has performed for over 40 years and some of his best known work includes The Godfather, Dog Day Afternoon, Heat and Scent of a Woman and Scarface.

Tickets are now on sale via Ticketek and range from $109 to $199.

Echo Entertainment and The Star powers that be continue to impress with their entertainment offerings, and Pacino has obviously embraced the opportunity, as have many other showbiz legends such as Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Crown Casino's top brass including James Packer are watching this space closely, so expect Crown to pull a rabbit or two out of the hat as the battle between The Star and Crown Casino continues.

Websites

The Star

Echo Entertainment

Casino News Media

Ticketek

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man News

Media Man

Casino News Media

Australian Sports Entertainment

25 October 2011

Stevie Wonder Media Frenzy At Star City Lyric Theatre; Red Carpet Report, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th October 2011

Profiles

World Casino Directory Global Gaming Directory Australian Casinos The Star The Darling Echo Entertainment Gaming Sydney Australia

We know you have heard of Star City Casino, recently rebranded as The Star, but wait for it... introducing you to The Lyric Theatre. It falls under parent company Echo Entertainment these days.

Stevie Wonder was the headline act tonight, as he performed to an intimate audience of 2000 patrons, paying between $225 to $455 to see the music legend close up.

Around the corner on the red carpet, news media waited for the celebs. The name listed included Jennifer Hawkins and Jake Wall, Kate Richie and Stuart Webb, Wendell Sailor and wife Tara, Ricki-Lee Coulter and boyfriend Richard Harrison. Does anyone know how much the celebs are getting paid to turn up to Star invites, or is it just a win - win, all done to generate positive media buzz?

Finally, after what seemed like hours for Russell Crowe and beautiful wife, Danielle Spencer did the red, fresh off dinner at the revamped casino aka integrated entertainment complex.

For the record, Stevie Wonder did not do the red carpet. Promoters across Australia, if not the world, are attempting to find out how much money Mr Wonder is making for his intimate appearances at The Star, and that's likley to be something that is kept well under wraps for a while yet.

The Star may be a bit of a media darling at the moment, but nothing lasts forever. The Star would do well to go out of their way to also impress news media who have been quite supportive of the Echo Entertainment owned complex, since they first announced it was going to get a massive makeover.

We've heard that the next trump card for more news headlines will be the official opening of The Darling, the 5 star boutique lifestyle hotel and spa.

Just how long it may take The Star to recoup its almost billion dollar casino revamp investment is unknown, but Echo Entertainment looks to be in this for the long haul, so good on them.

Websites

The Star

Echo Entertainment

The Darling

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Splash News

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Casino News Media

Global Gaming Directory

Australia's Next Top Model; Montana Cox wins, by Eva Rinaldi - 25th October 2011

Profiles

Australia's Next Top Model Sarah Murdoch Australia


Australia's wait is finally over.

Australia's Next Top Model is the ultra talented and beautiful Montana Cox.

The sweet 18 model said she was both surprised and delighted when it was announced Cox was in fact the season 7 winner of the reality television series at the world famous Sydney Opera House.

"I did not think I would get this far", she told the press.

Cox was the fashion biz favourite throughout basically the whole competition and went on to also win the public vote via SMS.

"It was really good to have that support from the industry," she said.

"It gave me a lot of confidence."

The brunette bested runner-up, my favorite, Liz Braithwaite from Bris Vegas and third placed Simone Holtznagel from Wollongong.

Thank god the event was smooth sailing, with no repeat of last year's rather controversial close when Sarah Murdoch announced the wrong contestant as the winner. Even models who progress to high level media identities are not quite perfect.

Foxtel's Fox 8 will show series eight of Australia's Next Top Model in 2012.

It's understood that tonight's 1 hour broadcast did impressive ratings and most advertisers and sponsors were extremely happy with the end result.

What will Australia's teen girls talk about now? Don't worry, there will be something, and of course the New Zealand equal of Top Model is coming up soon too, just to make sure we all get our fix of thin (and healthy) models.

Websites

Australia's Next Top Model

Sydney Opera House

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

Eva Rinaldi Photography

Music News Australia

Splash News

Splash News Online

Website Network

Media Man Int

Media Man

Media Man News

Media Man Entertainment

Australian Sports Entertainment

Australia's Next Top Model Buzz Builds At Opera House - 25th October 2011

Profiles

Australia's Next Top Model Sarah Murdoch Australia


What a wonderful season of Australia's Next Top Model it has been, so credit to Rupert Murdoch and his Fox where credit is due.

It all started with 100 would be models, and we are now down to the final three...Montana, Liz and Simone.

There's little doubt that all will do well in the modelling industry now, thanks to all the publicity and training, but there can only be one (official) winner. Maybe it will end up like the finals of Australian Idol where 2nd place can sometimes be the ultimate winner in the industry, long after the TV cameras have topped broadcasting.

Montana Cox, of Melbourne, is the favorite and the modelling industry has her as the hot tip.

A fashion designer was prepared to go on record that he's not only hire the clotheshorse for his catwalk but...but open his show with her.

Liz Braithwaite from Brisbane has overcome many personal challanges has snatched the public's underdog vote.

Wollongong's Simone Holtznagel also has a very good chance of winning, so it would seem.

We will all know in a few short hours.

The one-hour special airs on Foxtel's Fox 8 at 7.30pm tonight.

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Melbourne Cup News: Sarah Jessica Parker Mate Kristin Davis Scratched From Cup Trip, by Greg Tingle - 25th October 2011

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Famous actress Sarah Jessica Parker of 'Sex and the City' fame will soon be in Melbourne to both promote her new film and also to take in Oaks Day as well as perhaps the Melbourne Cup.

We heard Sydney's eastern suburbs are near the top of Parkers' favourite Australian destination, however she is contractually obligated to attend Melbourne.

What's the racing - fashion - celeb news at the races?

Well, Charlotte York (SATC) aka Kristin Davis was originally tipped to be joining Sarah Jessica Parker for Oaks Day at Flemington as a guest of Crown Limited.

It's understood the 'Sex and the City' bombshell had Davis as the one to accompany her during her Melbourne stay, and to help promote her new film, 'I Don't Know How She Does It', and slotted into the Crown marquee in the Elms enclosure, but now we hear Davis is a scratching (to use a horsey term).

Davis has had a lot going on in her life as of late, included just adopting baby Gemma Rose

Parker is confirmed for the movie press conference at Crown Casino on Tuesday 1st November and will be doing the red carpet premiere at Crown following day.

Many a hotel - resort in Melbourne's CBD would love for Parker to be their guest. No prizes for guessing how is most likely in the running.

The flick be released nationally on November 3.

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Sarah Jessica Parker Heading To Melbourne Crown For Movie Premiere, by Greg Tingle - 25th October 2011

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Famous actress Sarah Jessica Parker of 'Sex and the City' fame will soon be in Melbourne to both promote her new film and also to take in Oaks Day as well as the Melbourne Cup.

Don't get us wrong. She just loves Sydney (and its great weather and beaches), but its in Melbourne where she will get to mix business and pleasure.

The American beauty and talented producer will attend the traditional Ladies Day at Flemington in November when she heads to Melbourne for the first time to promote her flick, I Don't Know How She Does It.

We've also been told she's going to be a very guest at the Crown Casino Marquee, one of the most exclusive, as you might have guessed.

Crown Limited PR General Manager Ann Peacock advised they were delighted to welcome the New York fashion icon to Melbourne.

"It's a perfect match on this most traditional of race days," Ms Peacock said.

The new movie, 'I Don't Know How She Does It', also staring Greg Kinnear, Christina Hendricks from Mad Men and Pierce Brosnan, focuses on the life of Parker, a mum-of-two balancing work and family life.

The press conference is to be held on Tuesday 1st November At Crown's complex and the Australian premiere is on Wednesday 2nd November, also at Crown.

It's rumoured that Ms Parker will be staying at the exclusive Crown Towers, where other actors such as Tom Cruise and his actress wife Katie Holmes have also stayed when doing Melbourne. Crown have not confirmed her rumoured stay at this stage.

Crown Limited top dog, James Packer and his world class team continue to impress with their continues successes into the broad entertainment and lifestyle sector. If the entertainment business has elements of being a game, Mr Packer and team sure look like they are winning.

The film be released nationally on November 3.

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Virgin Bingo launches TV promotion campaign

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Monday 24th October, 2011: Virgin Bingo, part of the online gaming company, Virgin Games, has launched a brand new television advertising campaign to support its most generous Bingo promotion to date that offers new players a 500% Bingo Welcome Bonus.

The 500% Bingo Welcome Bonus is one of the best sign up offers in the industry, making Virgin Bingo one of the most competitive online bingo sites. This latest promotion has been supported by a nationwide television advertising campaign featuring Virgin Bingo’s loveable character – Ricardo Jalapeno. The TV campaign which is running until the 18th November 2011 has so far resulted in one of their best promotions to date.

Craig Perrott, Bingo Acquisition Manager, commented: "Our new Virgin Bingo welcome bonus ensures that we are now offering our players a competitive and industry leading sign up offer. Since going live at the start of October we have seen an immediate and dramatic impact on our registration numbers and active player rates. The supporting TV campaign has helped drive acquisition across all channels and we are expecting more great results in November and beyond."

To claim the 500% Bingo Welcome Bonus players must:

· Click on the big red 'Join Now' button.

Complete the easy registration form - remember to enter/select the Bingo Bonus Code
Make a minimum deposit of £5.
Spend £5 on Bingo tickets to unlock your £25 bonus.
To find out more about the 500% Bingo Welcome Bonus go to: http://www.virgingames.com

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and over 250 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, IGT Interactive, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Ash Gaming and Mazooma Interactive Games.

About Virgin Games:
Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:

Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including IGT Interactive, Microgaming, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik’s, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games.

Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry.

Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

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24 October 2011

The Darling At The Star Opens Friday, by Greg Tingle - 24th October 2011

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Well, we've all heard of Star City Casino, recently rebranded as The Star, but wait for it... introducing you to The Darling which opens its luxurious doors this Friday.

This presser is not about gambling at all, except for the fact that it's all part of The Star, owned by Echo Entertainment.

Echo Entertainment and James Packer's Crown Limited (aka Crown Casino) are locked in a casino war battle for VIP's and whales, with lear jets and "lucky money" all the rage for the privileged few.

Don't worry about new friend of the Star, movie star, Leonardo DiCaprio. He's got a whole floor at The Star for his famous mixing of business and pleasure.

Regular punters might not be in for a whole floor, but the suites are so sweet, you'll hardly noticed. You might feel like a movie star yourself after checking out the digs at the new hotel.

We're hear via the grapevine that Echo Entertainment has a promo for Australia’s media, gaming and travel press, so we will look forward to your kind offer then.

The Darling is set in the high spot of the market. Get this, you have the hotel and spa, swell views of Sydney Harbour, and you can choose from 171 rooms and suites. There's 5 penthouse suites located on the top floors and the view of the Harbour is to die for.

The Hotel also has 9 Stellar Suites, designed for comfort providing a ‘home away from home’ feel, 8 Adored Suites which exude a high end residential feel, 35 spacious Jewel Suites and 113 Darling Rooms. Yes, something for everyone, who can afford it.

The Darling wants full rooms, not low occupancy rates, hence their generosity with Australian news media, gaming and travel biz types. It's wonderful that The Star appreciate the fine job that Australian press has done for theme in their transforming of their once "ugly duckling" casino or "RSL on you know what casino jack", which wasn't exactly complimentary.

The Darling Hotel GM named the hotel "refined with subdued hues, yet the ambiance warm and inviting".

"Our guests will experience a one of a kind mix of an entertainment destination, a relaxed urban culture, a contemporary design, all overlooking the spectacular Sydney Skyline."

The gorgeous 16 room spa is a major drawing point The Darling and sports both oriental and European themes and beauty goodies.

The Hotel lobby shows off art by both Australian and international artists. We've also heard there's a billiard table that you should also try your luck on.

If you have time, check out the Japanese restaurant, Sokyo, as well as the well stocked bar, located near the lobby.

So impressed are Australian press by all that The Star offers, media agencies such as Media Man are lining up to do extra reviews. The right press is more important the advertising, so The Star and Echo Entertainment powers that be would do well to make sure the press stays on side, as soon the love affair and honeymoon period with media may be over.

From our estimation The Star is continuing to live up to the hype, and we're looking forward to spending much more time there... starting tomorrow, with the red carpet event which compliments Stevie Wonder's exclusive concert at The Lyric Theatre.



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Sydney’s Darling opens this week - 24th October 2011

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The Star is set to open its newest five-star hotel ‘The Darling’ on Friday 28 October.

Let's check out the hotel’s world class facilities.

As a special promotion the Star announced it is extending a special invitation to Australia’s travel trade to be among the first to experience the hotel, offering a special introductory rate for travel agents and airline aligned tourism affiliates from 28 October to November 2011.

Positioned in the premium category of the market, the Darling Hotel and Spa, offers 171 rooms and suites, comprising of five exclusive penthouse suites that occupy the hotels top floors, all of which featuring floor to ceiling Harbour views.

The Hotel also offers nine Stellar Suites, designed for comfort providing a ‘home away from home’ feel, eight Adored Suites which exude a high end residential feel, 35 spacious Jewel Suites and 113 Darling Rooms.

The Darling Hotel and Spa general manager Drew Schlesinger described the hotel as “refined with subdued hues, yet the ambiance warm and inviting”.

“Our guests will experience a one of a kind mix of an entertainment destination, a relaxed urban culture, a contemporary design, all overlooking the spectacular Sydney Skyline.”

The stunning 16 room spa is a key highlight of the hotel and features exclusive Asian and European inspired treatments including a range of Australian made products by LI’TYA, a natural skin care and spa treatment grounded in indigenous Australian dreamtime culture.

The spa also offers an intimate couple’s treatment room with large bath with relaxing rain showerhead and a Haman, a Turkish inspired spa.

The Hotel lobby features work by both Australian and International artists and features lounge area and a custom-made billiard table.

Also residing in the Hotel lobby you will find contemporary Japanese restaurant, Sokyo. The restaurant is also a bar, which has its own resident DJ and offers a taste of modern Tokyo in both menu and interiors.



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23 October 2011

Pokerfest: PartyPoker’s inaugural online tournament festival starts Sunday

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Series runs until 6th November - quality from as little as $1 NOW!

Gibraltar – 21 October 2011 – The countdown is on for the arrival of PartyPoker.com’s inaugural online poker festival – Pokerfest. With 47 events in a range of game types, the festival starts THIS SUNDAY 23rd October – 6th November guaranteeing $3,000,000. Qualifiers starting from $1 are online now!

A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: "We kick off on Sunday with four no limit hold’em events with guarantees of $300k, $2k, $20k and $150k – these cater for players on all levels with the $2k requiring a points buy-in only. The no limit re-buy tournaments start Monday, with the Pot Limit Omaha dominating Tuesday – the fixed limit hold’em tournaments start on Thursday."

Team PartyPoker.com Pro Kara Scott looks ahead to Pokerfest. Tony G calls everyone out for what he calls a 'Meatfest'.

At least three events every day

Pokerfest will feature at least three events EVERY DAY covering a variety of buy-ins and game types. Below is just some highlights of what is on offer:

· Event #47 - $1,000,000 guaranteed main event - $640 buy-in (qualify from $1)
· Event #23 - $350,000 guaranteed - $215 buy-in (qualify from $2.50)
· Event #46 - $50,000 guaranteed - $33 buy-in
· Event #2 - $2,000 prizepool - 20 Points buy-in

Qualify from as little as $1

PartyPoker.com want everyone to be a part of Pokerfest so they have developed a number of fantastic qualifying routes so players can qualify for a fraction of the main buy-in. There is also a wide range of extra promotions and side events - click on the tabs on the site to check out the $100k leaderboards and get the scoop on how to qualify for a fraction of the buy-in. The grand finale of Pokerfest is the $1,000,000 guaranteed main event taking place at 13.30ET on Sunday 6th November.

Variety of buy-ins and game types

Pokerfest will feature three events every day covering a variety of buy-ins for the following game types:

· No Limit Hold ‘em
· No Limit Hold ‘em + Rebuy(s)
· No Limit Hold ‘em, 6 max table, deep stack Fixed Limit Hold ‘em
· Pot Limit Omaha
· Pot Limit Omaha + Rebuy(s)

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22 October 2011

Donald Trump Teams With Avenue’s Lasry in Online Gaming Venture; Casino And Poker Push - 20th October 2011

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Donald Trump has witnessed too much money side slipping him, and he's hoping that situation changes soon.

The real estate, gaming and entertainment giant, and founder of an Atlantic City casino company says the US should legalize internet gambling. The company that bears his name, Trump Entertainment Resorts, is moving forward with plans to establish an online betting venture... just as soon as it is legal to do so.

The company says it wants to get in on the ground floor of the internet gambling industry, and is close to selecting a joint venture partner to run an online gambling operation. The idea is to be well-placed and ready to go as soon as such activity is legalized in the United States.

"It should be approved here," Trump told news media. "An awful lot of money is leaving the U.S. that should and could stay in this country."

Trump Entertainment, which includes Donald Trump and daughter, Ivanka, and the Avenue Capital hedge fund, would own 10% of the new business venture.

Donald Trump advised the key to success in the online gambling market is having the best brand.

"We think we have the hottest brand there is, the Trump brand, my personal brand," he said. "We think it's going to do phenomenally well."

Donald Trump and New York hedge-fund manager Marc Lasry want a seat at the virtual poker table if online gambling is legalized in the U.S.

The real estate financier, Lasry’s Avenue Capital Group and casino operator Trump Entertainment Resorts Inc. will form an Internet gaming joint venture should U.S. regulators permit such businesses to operate, according to an Oct. 14 regulatory filing. Trump Entertainment, which Avenue Capital took control of last year, would own 10% of the venture, the company said in its filing. It didn’t disclose the stakes to be held by Trump or Lasry’s $12 billion hedge fund.

The agreement coincides with a push to legalize online gambling by states including Iowa and New Jersey, where Trump Entertainment is based and holds casino licenses. The $6 billion that Americans wager each year through offshore sites is tempting state authorities who face budget deficits, as well as casino companies looking for new sources of growth.

"It’s just a matter of time," Ivanka Trump, Donald’s daughter, said in a telephone interview. "It would be a tremendous source of taxable revenue for states or the federal government and an enormous generator of jobs," said Ivanka, executive vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization, the New York-based parent company of Donald’s real estate operations.

2010 Bankruptcy

Todd Fogarty, a spokesman for Avenue Capital, declined to comment, as did Brian Cahill, a representative for Trump Entertainment. Lasry, 52, is chairman of the company, which operates the Trump Taj Mahal Resort and the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino in its hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey. It sold Trump Marina Hotel Casino earlier this year.

The agreement by Trump Entertainment, Donald Trump and Avenue Capital restricts all three parties from going after competing proposals through May, according to the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Trump Entertainment, which emerged from bankruptcy in July 2010, said in the filing that the joint venture represented "the most advantageous way" to pursue online gaming "at minimal cost" to the company. "One or more other qualified parties" may also participate in the venture, according to the filing.

Ivanka Trump, 29, said that the joint venture is “positioning itself” to be the largest online gaming company if the industry is legalized in the U.S. She added that Trump Entertainment had the necessary licenses, while Lasry’s firm would provide the capital and her father would contribute his name to the venture.

Expensive Proposition

"In terms of the Internet, brand is essential toward attracting players," Ivanka said. "The Trump brand would be the most powerful one in this space."

Setting up an Internet gaming site can be capital intensive, according to Richard “Skip” Bronson, chairman of U.S. Digital Gaming Inc., a Beverly Hills, California, company that has created a technology platform for Internet wagering. While the cost of creating a site is relatively low, online gaming companies must spend heavily to make themselves known and bring in bettors.

"The question is how will you get people to come to the site," Bronson said in a telephone interview. "It takes unique promotions and significant marketing spend."

Trump Entertainment Reorganization

The online gaming industry received a jolt in April, when the U.S. Justice Department indicted the founders of three Internet poker companies, alleging that they circumvented a 2006 federal law barring banks from processing payments to offshore gambling websites. The companies -- PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker -- ranked as the leading online poker sites doing business with U.S. customers, even though they were all based outside the country.

Following the indictments, Caesars Entertainment Corp. and MGM Resorts International, a pair of Las Vegas-based casino companies, funded an advocacy group called FairPlay USA. The group is pushing for the legalization of online poker and revisions to the 2006 law, known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

At least a half dozen states have bills pending tied to the legalization of online gaming, Bronson said, and another six to 10 are studying the issue. He predicts that online gaming will follow the same pattern as state lotteries, which were first adopted in 1964 by New Hampshire and are now offered in 43 states.

‘Domino Effect’

"There will be a domino effect, the same way lotteries started in the 1960s," Bronson said. Under the 2006 federal law, Internet poker sites established in states that legalize online wagering could only accept bets placed within those states, Bronson added.

Lasry, a billionaire investor who specializes in distressed debt, was part of a bondholder group that won control of Trump Entertainment last year when a bankruptcy judge ruled that their bid for the casino company was better than a competing offer from Carl Icahn. The bondholders offered to reduce the company’s debt by $1.4 billion and invest another $225 million, while Icahn sought to convert some $480 million of bank debt into equity, leaving nothing for Lasry’s group.

Under the winning plan, Avenue Capital acquired about a 22 percent stake in Trump Entertainment by swapping the casino company’s beaten-down bonds for stock and purchasing additional shares through a rights offering. Trump, who joined Lasry and the other bondholders after originally submitting a competing proposal with billionaire Andy Beal, received a 10 percent stake in the company for the right to use his name.

Three’s A Charm

Trump, 65, entered the casino business in 1984 with the Trump Plaza, and in 1990 defaulted on $675 million in junk bonds from his Taj Mahal casino and declared bankruptcy. Following the bankruptcy reorganization, he took the company public in 1995 as Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc.

Trump Hotels & Casino filed for bankruptcy protection in November 2004. When the second bankruptcy proceeding was completed the following year, Trump stepped down as chief executive officer while retaining his role as chairman, and the company was renamed Trump Entertainment Resorts.

Just before the casino company made its third bankruptcy filing, in February 2009, Trump stepped down as chairman and Ivanka also left the board. At the time, he held a 24 percent stake in Trump Entertainment.

Lasry has hosted high-stakes poker games in which the take can be as high as $20,000, according to "Hedge Hunters," a 2007 book by Bloomberg News reporter Katherine Burton. He is one of several hedge-fund managers who are also poker buffs, including David Einhorn, head of Greenlight Capital Inc., Cliff Asness, chief of AQR Capital Management LLC and Kenneth Griffin, founder of Citadel LLC.

Just a few online gaming companies that are understood to be interested in coming to business terms with Trump include Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment, Richard Branson's Virgin Games and PKR. Most experts see Bwin.Party as the best bet, as they don't have any outstanding issues with the US Department of Justice, and have been playing by the rules (law) for many years, while other gambling companies continue to go after U.S players.

Internet gambling is legal in many countries, with the U.S being a glaring exception.

Media Man is following up.

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