Media Man International Take On Australian Online Gaming, by Greg Tingle - 31st May 2010
News media and gaming insiders, outsiders, and everyone else...Media Man breaks its recent silence (patch) regarding the Australian online gaming, gambling and sports betting sector. We only went quite for less than a week, but with most major Australian media making a lot of noise, some of it very intelligently, we thought it should be our turn, given that for over a decade we have ramped up our global coverage of the sector, part of which thanks to our friends at beloved (and often controversial) Gambling911. Before we swing into things further, for the record, as recently told to The Sydney Morning Herald, Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and portal development company, established a decade. Gaming and igaming (including sports betting), is just one sector we cover. We are not a casino, nor are we a gaming company, or adult company. And furthermore, I am a qualified journalist - 5 years and established media agent - 5 years). A decade in business. It hasn't been easy, but what a journey it continues to be.
What is a website portal?...
In essence, a very popular website. Think like NineMSN, iGoogle, MSNBC, Wikipedia. Media Man is not as slick (or as well funded), but developed a niche and successful business model none the less. The Media Man website network is a work in progress, and is never completly finished (as is the dynamic nature of the web medium).
Background to iGaming and online sports betting...
PartyGaming, London Stock Exchange listed powerhouse, is understood to be the world's first igaming giant and firm of considerable name values.
What is an online affiliate program?...
An affiliate program is a largely commission based incentive b2b structure where an affiliate (i.e a web publisher) receives a % for generating successful sales / bringing in business. Website portals (and media companies) make for some of the most successful affiliates, as they have compelling unique content, high traffic, loyal readership interested in certain niche areas and the like. Some affiliate programs are quality and worthwhile, and some are not, and could be viewed as a waste of time.
Affiliate marketing (reference: Wikipedia)...
Affiliate marketing is a marketing practice in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's marketing efforts. Examples include rewards sites, where users are rewarded with cash or gifts, for the completion of an offer, and the referral of others to the site. The industry has four core players: the merchant (also known as 'retailer' or 'brand'), the network, the publisher (also known as 'the affiliate') and the customer. The market has grown in complexity to warrant a secondary tier of players, including affiliate management agencies, super-affiliates and specialized third parties vendors.
Affiliate marketing overlaps with other Internet marketing methods to some degree, because affiliates often use regular advertising methods. Those methods include organic search engine optimization, paid search engine marketing, e-mail marketing, and in some sense display advertising. On the other hand, affiliates sometimes use less orthodox techniques, such as publishing reviews of products or services offered by a partner.
Affiliate marketing—using one website to drive traffic to another—is a form of online marketing, which is frequently overlooked by advertisers. While search engines, e-mail, and website syndication capture much of the attention of online retailers, affiliate marketing carries a much lower profile. Still, affiliates continue to play a significant role in e-retailers' marketing strategies.
Disclaimers Explained...
Responsible publishers such as Media Man put appropriate disclaimers on their work. ie: Media Man has a b2b relationship with X. Media Man owns shares in X. X is a client of Media Man. Media Man newsfeeds powered by Fairfax Media, The New York Times and Google News. X is not a client of Media Man, X is a former client of Media Man, and you get the idea...
Some History - 1998, Australia...
Professor Jan McMillen, executive director of the Australian Institute for Gambling Research, and Dr Peter Grabosky, director of research at the Australian Institute of Criminology, argued that strict prohibition of internet gambling would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. "While prohibition would quite likely reduce online gambling to some extent it might detract from the capacity to address other, more pressing forms of online illegality such as fraud, child pornography, or other more serious forms of computer hacking."
International History...
The UK was one of the first countries to fully regulate online gambling. This greatly assisted in both consumer protection, innovation and correct government taxation. Companies such as Virgin Games, PartyGaming (PartyCasino and PartyPoker etc), Paddy Poker and William Hill have traditional enjoyed strong success in the United Kingdom.
United States Key Historical Development...
U.S. legislation
On September 29, 2006, the U.S. Congress passed the Safe Port Act and attached unrelated anti-gambling language to the act. This legislation is known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
On October 2, 2006, PartyGaming announced that it would "suspend all real money gaming business with US customers" in light of the passage of the Safe Port Act.
George W. Bush signed the act into law on October 13, and PartyGaming suspended offerings of real-money games to U.S. players. Free play games and non-US customers were not affected.
As a result of this news being released to investors, PartyGaming's publicly traded stock dropped almost 60% in 24 hours. The company was moved from the FTSE 100 to the FTSE 250 Index on October 11.
In April 2009 the company made a settlement with the United States government where they agreed to pay a penalty of $105 million over the next four years as part of a "non-prosecution agreement". As part of the deal, Party put its name to a "statement of facts" in which it admits for the first time that, before October 2006, it had targeted US citizens, resulting in the processing of transactions that were "contrary to certain US laws".
*A number of online gaming companies continue to pro actively market to Americans. There are a widely accepted grey area in the law, one that could be viewed to exploit "loop holes" in American law.
Canada is generally regarded as much more igaming friendly that the U.S. PartyGaming, owner of the World Poker Tour brand, is currently rumoured to be looking at stepping up their activity in Canada, including eyeing off the Canadian Poker Tour.
Early Days Of White Australia History...
Gambling thrived, largely underground, since settlers arrived in Australia, firstly via Captain Cook (depending upon what history books you wish to believe). Gambling was a favorite pastime and provided for hours, sometimes months, of entertainment.
Circa 1950 - 70s Australia...
Illegal gambling dens thrived in Australia. Mainly on the east coast. George Freeman, as featured on some Network 'Underbelly' episodes was the king. Abe Saffron, subject of an 'Australian Families of Crime' feature was also considered king for many years.
Crown Casino Takes Casino Mainstream Down Under...
Circa 1980, the late, great, Kerry Packer, sees Crown Casino launch in Melbourne Australia. Crown Casino also becomes home of many great entertainment industry events, including The Logies! (broadcast on Network Nine). Crown grows the empire acquiring a casino in Perth (1984), re named as Burswood Entertainment Centre. In 2005 Kerry passes away, having cheated death a number of times, and James takes the reigns. Packer Jr's aptitude was questioned (mainly by the Aussie press) for many years, but last year he proved the knockers wrong, with Crown Casino and Burswood powering along, followed by his City Of Dreams, Macau, holding up well in a global financial crisis. The Crown empire has showed itself to be recession resilient, but not recession proof. Packer is still standing while many lost their shirts and went down for the count. Packer key business strengths include (other than being seriously cashed up), networking, enjoying relationships with company such as Richard Branson, David Gyngell, Eddie McGuire, Shane Warne, Damian Aspinall (long family history), Sen Stephen Conroy, and a bush tucker bag of Australian state and federal politicians, and a number of the Aussie media and entertainment A-Listers. Packer's teaming up with Aussie mining giant, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest (Team GenerationOne) earned him browny points, and some say well needed, PR, but both Packer Jr and 'The Twiggster' have both enjoyed long and largely positive history and relationships with Indigenous Australia. By all accounts, their hearts are in it.
Australian Productivity Commission Report - May 2010...
Recommends that internet gambling be legalised and regulated
Australians are spending an estimated $1 billion per year on internet gambling (casino, poker and sports betting)
Firms offering online casino products are theoretically subject to fines of up to $1.1 million per day, but Australian Federal Police are refusing to lay charges against illegal operators.
Numbers just in show Aussies are expected to spend $968 million this year on online casino games, poker and bingo, approx 30% on online poker.
iGaming is thriving in Australia, and its cousin, videogaming, also remains one of the more financial stable business sectors.
*The below is credit to the Australian Productive Commission official website
http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/gambling-2009
The Productivity Commission's final report on Gambling has been completed and sent to the Australian Government for its consideration.
The release of the final report by the Government is the next step in the process. Under the Productivity Commission Act 1998, the Government is required to table the report in each House of the Parliament within 25 sitting days of receipt.
When the Government releases the report, a copy will be sent to all registered participants including those who made submissions, appeared at the public hearing, or were visited by the Commission. At that time, the report will also be available for download from the inquiry website.
The Commission thanks all those who have contributed to the inquiry.
Following a decision by the Council of Australian Governments, the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry into gambling.
The inquiry provides an update on developments since the Commission's 1999 report, and can consider a wide range of issues, including:
the nature and definition of gambling and the range of activities incorporated within this definition
the participation profile of gambling, including problem gamblers and those at risk of problem gambling
the economic impacts of the gambling industries, including industry size, growth, employment, organisation and interrelationships with other industries, such as tourism, leisure, other entertainment and retailing
the social impacts of the gambling industries, the incidence of gambling abuse and the cost and nature of welfare support services necessary to address it
the contribution of gambling revenue on community development activity and employment
the effects of the regulatory structures - including licensing arrangements, entry and advertising restrictions, application of the mutuality principle and differing taxation arrangements - governing the gambling industries, including the implications of differing approaches for industry development and consumers
the implications of new technologies (such as the Internet), including the effect on traditional government controls on the gambling industries
the impact of gambling on Commonwealth, State and Territory budgets
the impact that the introduction of harm minimisation measures at gambling venues has had on the prevalence of problem gambling and on those at risk
evaluate the effectiveness and success of these harm minimisation measures used by the State and Territory Governments.
ends...
Media Man coverage continued...
Forms Of Gambling...
Casino games - land based
Online casino games - games of chance, games of skill and sports betting
Sports betting - horse racing, AFL, NRL, UFC, Boxing, Cricket etc - (online or offline)
Illegal gambling - ie: betting at gambling dens, unregulated, be it in Las Vegas, Kings Cross, Maroubra Beach or China!
Australian News Media And Google Factor...
Both major Australian media companies / Newspaper firms, Fairfax and News Limited (The Daily Telegraph) advertise gambling, both in their newspaper and online newspapers. Gambling ("targeting" Australians) is carried in Google ads. Fairfax and News Limited both have branded and non branded gaming offerings. Some of them are "in house" and "white label" and some are not. The deals are well kept secrets, but obviously a deal was made between the powers that be at News Limited and a gambling firm, or number of firms, or Fairfax and News wouldn't be able to offer a gambling product / service. Fairfax and News Limited offering games of skill, games of chance and sports betting does not make them a gambling company or a casino. It just means its 1 of a number of matters they cover both online and offline. News and Fairfax both also offer journalism and advertising content and services.
TV in Australia...
Both Australian network TV and pay TV companies have broadcast footage of World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour. Australian former WSOP champion, Joe Hachem, has appeared on a number of Australian TV shows including The Poker Star and Network Ten's 7PM Project. Hachem also writes for The Age. Australia's Shane Warne has appeared on a number of Australian TV shows with the 888 - Pacific Poker connection being clear, and 888 - Pacific is well branded and covered on Mr Warne's numerous websites. Sydney Roosters players previously carried Full Tilt Poker branding on their shorts, but this is understood to be no longer the case. Years ago 'Joker Poker' was screened on Network Nine, and closely associated with James Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne. Aussie celebrities such as Dave Hughes and Bessie Bardot appears. NRL, AFL and numerous Australian sports broadcasts carry betting odds which appear on the TV screen. TV announcers will often reference the odds as part of the sports commentating. Last year it's understood that somehow an overseas online casino brand was advertised on Australian terrestrial TV late at night. The facts are not known on that matter, or in the public domain. Australia's ACMA is likely to have a file on the case.
Media Man Fact Snapshot...
Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
The founder is a qualified journalist (freelance), media agent and social and community entrepreneur
Media Man own and operate over 20 website portals, approx 99% are hosted overseas
Media Man covers approximately a bakers dozen different sectors including: technology, entertainment and celebrity, travel, tourism and lifestyle, property and investment, sports, political analysis, social and community
Established 10 years and founded by Greg Tingle, built from the ground up
Global audience / readership / coverage
Website network ranked in Hitwise top ten (entertainment category) and Google 'Best Of The Web'
Member of MEAA and pro active member of Virgin Unite and modest supporter of GenerationOne and The Salvation Army
Founder owns shares in both Crown Limited and Virgin
Summary...
Online Gaming Regulation In Australia - Yes Or No?
Media Man believes that online gambling, poker, casino, sports betting et al should be regulated in Australia. That's a "Yes". As we advised Fairfax Media, we think there are good guys and bad guys. Good guys in our opinion include World Poker Tour (owned and operated by PartyGaming), World Series of Poker, PartyPoker, PartyCasino, Virgin Games - Virgin Casino (not currently available to Australians), PKR, Betfair, Centrebet, Betezy, PokerStars, Rewards Affiliates, DGM (admin for Betfair affiliates), and of course, Gambling911 (who cover the sector, but are not a casino as such, but are a gaming, sports and entertainment website portal). Regulation will assist greatly administering correct taxation of companies and and around the sector, and will likely bring in extra millions into Australian government coffers. Last, but not least, regulation should help ease the small % of what is named "problem gamblers". Readers, keep in mind, many people have a range of problems or issues, "problem gambling" is just 1 of dozens of issues a person may have. The "problem gambler" angle has been the topic of a number of "attack journalism" style news stories in Australia over recent years. Media Man, covering over a dozen different industry sectors... sports, entertainment, community, technology, property etc... believes the gambling (and gaming - video gaming etc) believes that gambling and igaming are "easy or soft targets" (as is the case for oil companies), but that's another story.
Censorship - Blacklist et al...
At one point last year, Packer 50% owned Betfair was on the so called 'Blacklist'! Why, a simple mistake or something more sinister? The Australian Communications Minister is understood to have earmarked, some insiders say, singled out, the online poker and online casino sector. Religion and other "controversial" matter said to be "not acceptable to a reasonable adult" is also on the hit list. Folks, keep in mind the Wikileaks is understood to be on the list. You know, the guys who exposed the crimes against humanity in Iraq via their world famous website. That should have the reader concerned. Who is next on the list, and why? Richard Branson's Virgin is soon to do a hard launch of Virgin Gaming in Los Angeles. Virgin also have AWOMO (in collaboration with GDI), both of which are non gambling (at least at this stage). Branson also has the very successful Virgin Games - offering Virgin Casino, Virgin Poker and Virgin Bingo. The Virgin gambling products are not available to Australians. The question begs, will Branson's AWOMO and Virgin Gaming be available to Aussies, given its accessed via the internet? They may be an answer that needs addressing from both the Australian Labor and Liberal Party. The Greens are against censorship, and the Greens political preference is Liberal.
Wrap Up
Media Man is hopeful that this relatively basic write up will help further explain the igaming sector in Australia - Asia Pacific, and will form part of the road map for law makers and those in and around the industry. It's a complex subject, one where the legal eagles will likely be winners, but one we hope responsible brands and punters alike will also be in the winners circle. Any haters or detractors out there, keep in mind that this news report is not comprehensive, nor is it intended to be. It's some commentary and information put into the public domain while the subject matter is so politically hot in Australia. Media Man has a number of disclaimers on this article to add some balance to the ongoing discussion.
We look forward to continued balance coverage from the likes of Fairfax Media, News Limited, the ABC, SBS and others. We thank Gambling911 as a global media platform to put our thoughts into the public domain.
As always, bet with your head, not over it, know the odds and have fun. Good hunting and happy punting.
Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' PartyCasino.com
Media Man 'Online Casino Game Of The Month'
Sinatra Slot, 2nd place - Cleopatra, 3rd place - The Godfather
Runner-Up VirginCasino.com
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of industry verticals covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
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Sunday, May 30, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
PKR World Cup Poker Series
PKR.com has just launched its World Cup Poker Series.
The Series runs until June 26 and will see six $5 buy in $3,000 guaranteed tournaments where players can earn points towards participating in one of 12 national teams.
The top four players from each country at the end of the Series will be selected for their national team with the two remaining slots picked up by sit ‘n’ go players also aiming to top the leaderboard.
The 12 teams, including one 'Rest of the World' team will then compete for the title of World Cup champions receiving $750 prize and a signed legends World Cup shirt.
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PKR.com has just launched its World Cup Poker Series.
The Series runs until June 26 and will see six $5 buy in $3,000 guaranteed tournaments where players can earn points towards participating in one of 12 national teams.
The top four players from each country at the end of the Series will be selected for their national team with the two remaining slots picked up by sit ‘n’ go players also aiming to top the leaderboard.
The 12 teams, including one 'Rest of the World' team will then compete for the title of World Cup champions receiving $750 prize and a signed legends World Cup shirt.
Website Network
Poker News Media
Media Man Poker
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Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
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Monday, May 17, 2010
World Poker Tour Grand Prix De Paris Final Table Battle Taken To The Race Track! Live Reporting Main Event And Highrollers
LIVE REPORTING FINAL TABLE AT WORLD POKER TOUR® GRAND PRIX DE PARIS
Amourette hot to trot as World Poker Tour battle taken to the race-track!
(PARIS) May 15, 2010 – ‘Shuffle up and deal’ has been called for the final table of the World Poker Tour® Grand Prix de Paris Main Event at Aviation Club de France.
Live updates from the eight handed final table, including videos from WPT Live Updates hostess Jacque Williams can be found at World Poker Tour
The finale of the €10,000 main event is being filmed for worldwide television broadcast and started with a healthy total of 247 runners and total prize pool of €2,347,797. There are now eight players left, while 27 players in total make the money. First place scoops €633,902, a $25,000 seat to the WPT World Championship, and the coveted title of WPT Champion, while every final table participant is guaranteed at least €70,000.
The second televised event, the ACF’s €20,000 No Limit Hold ‘em High Roller Freeze Out tournament is also getting underway shortly and can be followed on live updates. Amongst those set to lock horns are Bertrand ‘Elky’ Grospellier, Bruno Fitoussi, Sorel Mizzi, Freddy Deeb and Andrew Feldman. The televised final table takes place on Sunday.
In a first in World Poker Tour history, there was a very special event on Friday evening for the participants of the final table of the World Poker Tour Grand Prix de Paris Main Event. Le PMU et le Cheval Français and ACF generously invited the players for a very special night of trotting at the superb state of the art Vincennes horse racing track. The main race, the ‘Finale du WPT Grand Prix de Paris’, took place at 8:48pm CET. At 10.30pm, however, the real fun started – all eight final table players took part in their very own televised horse and cart race!!
The winner on the night was France’s Antoine Amourette, who dramatically passed Bruno Fitoussi, who joined the final table participants in the race, on the line. ‘This was a brilliant experience, I hope it bodes well for the final table,’ said the hot to trot Frenchman. All round Danish action man and chipleader Theo Jorgensen played a key part in rounding up the players for the challenge. ‘What a brilliant race and what a way to to welcome PMU to the world of poker ! I am glad I beat Arnaud Mattern. He may have been voted the sexiest poker player in France but all that face saw was the back of my horse!’
Coverage of the race will be released on the internet soon. On a fantastic night, courtesy of Le PMU et le Cheval Français, there were a fair share of winners and losers. Swedish final table participants Jimmy Ostensson and Per Linde saw their gamble on ‘Swedishman’ fail, while the rivalries and banter between the final table participants were taken to a whole new level.
WPT Grand Prix de Paris – presented by PartyPoker.fr – final table
Seat 1: Mickael Guenni -- 538,000
Seat 2: Theo Jorgensen -- 2,693,000
Seat 3: Antoine Amourette -- 489,000
Seat 4: Per Linde -- 584,000
Seat 5: Jimmy Ostensson -- 436,000
Seat 6: Nourredine Aïtaleb -- 810,000
Seat 7: Fabrice Touil -- 1,183,000
Seat 8: Arnaud Mattern -- 678,000
Theo Jorgensen has cashed twice before on the World Poker Tour for a total of $33,000. Both cashes were way back in season three, with a best finish of 22nd at the 2005 World Poker Open. The remaining seven have not cashed on the World Poker Tour before. France has a strong contingent at the final table, with Arnaud Mattern fifth in chips. In a dramatic day four there were large swings for the majority of players but Jorgensen’s stack was consistent throughout. The bubble for the final table stretched late into the night, lasting six hours, with the unfortunate bubble boy being Ilan Boujeneh.
World Poker Tour announcer Mike Sexton said: ‘I would like to wish all the players the very best of luck for Saturday’s final table. With a significant chip lead, Theo has to start as favourite but there is a long way to go. I have played in Paris enough times and know you don’t underestimate the French contingent. The racing event sounds brilliant, I would like to thank Le PMU et le Cheval Français and ACF on behalf of everybody at the World Poker Tour.’
Amongst those who made the money included French actor and poker Patrick Bruel, Antony Lellouche and Russia’s Alexander Kravchenko. Bruel had a large supporting contingent on the rail and they were visibly deflated when he departed. Those who have hit the rail in this WPT 2010-2011 season kick-off event before the money included WPT Champions Bertrand ‘Elky’ Grospellier, Guillaume Darcourt, Tommy Vedes, Freddy Deeb, Thomas Bichon, and Surinder Sunar (who took down this event in 2004), as well as other top names such as, John Juanda, Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen, Aussie Millions champion Tyron Krost, Sorel Mizzi, Isabelle Mercier, Ludovic Lacay, Roger Hairabredian, David Steicke, Casey Kastle, Roberto Romanello, Andrew Feldman and Remy Biechel. Coverage of the event is produced by Matchroom Sport.
For more information and the complete WPT tour schedule, visit World Poker Tour
ABOUT AVIATION CLUB DE FRANCE
Home of the best cash games in Europe, Aviation Club de France is located in the heart of Paris on the Champs-Elysées, known as ‘the Most Beautiful Avenue in the World.’ The Aviation Club de France was created in 1907 by a group of aviators whose achievements conjure the most remarkable moments in aviation history. In addition to elegance and sophistication, the Club offers a variety of table games including Baccarat, Poker Black Jack (Parisian Style), Punto Banco, Caribbean Stud Poker and more.
ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom h the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT is now broadcast globally in 150 countries and is currently filming its all-new eighth season for broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see World Poker Tour
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LIVE REPORTING FINAL TABLE AT WORLD POKER TOUR® GRAND PRIX DE PARIS
Amourette hot to trot as World Poker Tour battle taken to the race-track!
(PARIS) May 15, 2010 – ‘Shuffle up and deal’ has been called for the final table of the World Poker Tour® Grand Prix de Paris Main Event at Aviation Club de France.
Live updates from the eight handed final table, including videos from WPT Live Updates hostess Jacque Williams can be found at World Poker Tour
The finale of the €10,000 main event is being filmed for worldwide television broadcast and started with a healthy total of 247 runners and total prize pool of €2,347,797. There are now eight players left, while 27 players in total make the money. First place scoops €633,902, a $25,000 seat to the WPT World Championship, and the coveted title of WPT Champion, while every final table participant is guaranteed at least €70,000.
The second televised event, the ACF’s €20,000 No Limit Hold ‘em High Roller Freeze Out tournament is also getting underway shortly and can be followed on live updates. Amongst those set to lock horns are Bertrand ‘Elky’ Grospellier, Bruno Fitoussi, Sorel Mizzi, Freddy Deeb and Andrew Feldman. The televised final table takes place on Sunday.
In a first in World Poker Tour history, there was a very special event on Friday evening for the participants of the final table of the World Poker Tour Grand Prix de Paris Main Event. Le PMU et le Cheval Français and ACF generously invited the players for a very special night of trotting at the superb state of the art Vincennes horse racing track. The main race, the ‘Finale du WPT Grand Prix de Paris’, took place at 8:48pm CET. At 10.30pm, however, the real fun started – all eight final table players took part in their very own televised horse and cart race!!
The winner on the night was France’s Antoine Amourette, who dramatically passed Bruno Fitoussi, who joined the final table participants in the race, on the line. ‘This was a brilliant experience, I hope it bodes well for the final table,’ said the hot to trot Frenchman. All round Danish action man and chipleader Theo Jorgensen played a key part in rounding up the players for the challenge. ‘What a brilliant race and what a way to to welcome PMU to the world of poker ! I am glad I beat Arnaud Mattern. He may have been voted the sexiest poker player in France but all that face saw was the back of my horse!’
Coverage of the race will be released on the internet soon. On a fantastic night, courtesy of Le PMU et le Cheval Français, there were a fair share of winners and losers. Swedish final table participants Jimmy Ostensson and Per Linde saw their gamble on ‘Swedishman’ fail, while the rivalries and banter between the final table participants were taken to a whole new level.
WPT Grand Prix de Paris – presented by PartyPoker.fr – final table
Seat 1: Mickael Guenni -- 538,000
Seat 2: Theo Jorgensen -- 2,693,000
Seat 3: Antoine Amourette -- 489,000
Seat 4: Per Linde -- 584,000
Seat 5: Jimmy Ostensson -- 436,000
Seat 6: Nourredine Aïtaleb -- 810,000
Seat 7: Fabrice Touil -- 1,183,000
Seat 8: Arnaud Mattern -- 678,000
Theo Jorgensen has cashed twice before on the World Poker Tour for a total of $33,000. Both cashes were way back in season three, with a best finish of 22nd at the 2005 World Poker Open. The remaining seven have not cashed on the World Poker Tour before. France has a strong contingent at the final table, with Arnaud Mattern fifth in chips. In a dramatic day four there were large swings for the majority of players but Jorgensen’s stack was consistent throughout. The bubble for the final table stretched late into the night, lasting six hours, with the unfortunate bubble boy being Ilan Boujeneh.
World Poker Tour announcer Mike Sexton said: ‘I would like to wish all the players the very best of luck for Saturday’s final table. With a significant chip lead, Theo has to start as favourite but there is a long way to go. I have played in Paris enough times and know you don’t underestimate the French contingent. The racing event sounds brilliant, I would like to thank Le PMU et le Cheval Français and ACF on behalf of everybody at the World Poker Tour.’
Amongst those who made the money included French actor and poker Patrick Bruel, Antony Lellouche and Russia’s Alexander Kravchenko. Bruel had a large supporting contingent on the rail and they were visibly deflated when he departed. Those who have hit the rail in this WPT 2010-2011 season kick-off event before the money included WPT Champions Bertrand ‘Elky’ Grospellier, Guillaume Darcourt, Tommy Vedes, Freddy Deeb, Thomas Bichon, and Surinder Sunar (who took down this event in 2004), as well as other top names such as, John Juanda, Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen, Aussie Millions champion Tyron Krost, Sorel Mizzi, Isabelle Mercier, Ludovic Lacay, Roger Hairabredian, David Steicke, Casey Kastle, Roberto Romanello, Andrew Feldman and Remy Biechel. Coverage of the event is produced by Matchroom Sport.
For more information and the complete WPT tour schedule, visit World Poker Tour
ABOUT AVIATION CLUB DE FRANCE
Home of the best cash games in Europe, Aviation Club de France is located in the heart of Paris on the Champs-Elysées, known as ‘the Most Beautiful Avenue in the World.’ The Aviation Club de France was created in 1907 by a group of aviators whose achievements conjure the most remarkable moments in aviation history. In addition to elegance and sophistication, the Club offers a variety of table games including Baccarat, Poker Black Jack (Parisian Style), Punto Banco, Caribbean Stud Poker and more.
ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom h the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT is now broadcast globally in 150 countries and is currently filming its all-new eighth season for broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see World Poker Tour
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Australian Mark Webber Leads Monaco Grand Prix, by Greg Tingle - 17th May 2010
It's hard to dispute that in the world of professional sports (and pseudo sports), there's brands and individuals that have a tendency to dominate the headlines (and grab the best sponsorship deals in the process). Some of the hype is manufactured while some is genuine and fueled along by the sportsmen and women, and their worldwide fan base.
Media Man and Gambling911 have noticed the ever growing trend of sports, entertainment, poker (namely poker) merging, and brands and their stars race to the top, and do their best to maintain pole position, ready to pounce for the next championship.
Even pro wrestling living legend 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair (Fliehr) and his son, Richard, are doing the NASCAR rounds in the U.S.A, and 'Natch' feeling and getting lucky, also came to biz terms with the North Carolina and South Carolina Education Lottery. Woooooo! Son of Hulk Hogan, Nick Hogan, is also showing promise in professional auto racing circles, in a great comeback following the highly publicised Hogan Jr car wreck (in the suburbs) a few years back.
Australia has certainly been making waves in professional sports and news media circles of late.
Of course Aussie Mark Webber has now taken the lead in the Monaco Grand Prix as of last night. Webber is the first Australian to accomplish this feat since the legend Jack Brabham some 51 years ago.
Sports betting firms have plugged into the action with Betfair and Paddy Power being most prominent in the F1 sector and motorsport as a whole.
Interestingly, the current excitement of the F1 sector has seen some of the poker and casino world plug right into the action..
A few weeks ago Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with Full Tilt Poker.
As recently outlined at Gambling911, a number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. PartyGaming, keen to ramp up in Europe, in line with their global strategy is currently running some sports cars promotions (sorry, no F1's as the prize), but here's the specs...
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Meanwhile Back To The Action...
Webber's rise has sent bookies and punters into a frenzy, with 50% James Packer owned Betfair taking big money, and Irish owned Paddy Power also seeing a jump in numbers and new accounts.
It is the first time an Australian has led the championship since Alan Jones in 1981.
Webber led from his fourth pole to the finish. It was his second recent win after Spain last weekend.
He finished unchallenged ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel as the Red Bulls delivered their third successive one-two and fourth in six races this year, this time ahead of Pole Robert Kubica who was third for Renault.
Webber, who has been linked to a move to Ferrari next season, started on pole position and was never really challenged around the tight street circuit.
"To be up there achieving things that Jack Brabham achieved is special for me and difficult to take in just now," Webber said before starting formula one's most iconic race, which he led from start to finish.
"He is a legend in the Webber house and if it was not for Jack Brabham I would not be here now. My dad followed him closely and was a big fan - he always followed open-wheeled racing much more than what we call 'taxi-racing' at home. He has been an inspiration and a friend and he has done a lot for me."
Webber, who last week won the Spanish Grand Prix in similar fashion, shot to the lead at the first turn in his Red Bull dream machine ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel.
Spectators didn't have to wait long for drama, with Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) crashing at 270km/h in the tunnel on the first lap, bringing out the safety car.
Button was the next casualty, with his McLaren's engine overheating on lap three. The safety car departed the track on lap six and the racing resumed. "I think it got a little bit hot on the way to the grid," Button told the BBC. "We left a [air intake] bung in on the left-hand side of the car that obviously you're meant to take out on the way to the grid. That's cooked the engine."
Webber, who could be Ferrari's potential replacement for the Brazilian Felipe Massa next season, set several fastest laps before narrowly avoiding disaster on lap 74 of 78 when two back-markers crashed in front of him. He went to the chequered flag just after the fourth safety car of the race left the track, with Vettel pipping Robert Kubica (Renault) for second place.
Vettel said "I couldn't keep up with him today. He was gone too far away for me and I had to race to stay second this time."
Kubica "I tried to pass Sebastian, but I lost the place on the first lap and that was it."
Massa came home fourth for Ferrari ahead of the 2008 champion Briton Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren with seven-times champion German Michael Schumacher, 41, taking sixth for Mercedes after a controversial move behind the Safety Car to pass Spaniard Fernando Alonso on the final lap.
Schumacher was later penalised 20 seconds for the manoeuvre by stewards and relegated to 12th spot.
Schumacher's Mercedes team-mate and compatriot Nico Rosberg was promoted to seventh ahead of another German Adrian Sutil of Force India. Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi was ninth th in the second Force India.
Webber was almost drawn into a late drama when he came into the Rascasse hairpin to find Italian Jarno Trulli of Lotus colliding with Indian Karun Chandhok of the Hispania team in spectacular fashion.
"He flew in the air and I was just hoping there would be some room to go through on the inside and I would have some options," said Webber. "Thankfully I did."
Chandhok "Jarno Trulli has just apologised to me - there was absolutely no way he could get through there. It's a real shame because I was driving my best race of the year so far and I was on track to be the best of the new teams.
"His car just missed my head. I ducked down and it came over and hit the roll hoop."
Understandably, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali took a dim view of Schumacher's passing of Alonso behind the safety car.
"That should be the rule... you can't overtake on the final lap. Our understanding of the regulations is pretty clear, but let's just and see what the stewards say."
While Trulli's crash may have been spectacular, it was no more horrifying than the two that saw the two Williams men eliminated earlier when they crashed out - German rookie Hulkenberg in the tunnel and Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello at Massanet - in separate incidents.
Both were huge accidents that caused great damage to the cars, ripping off wheels and wings. "After my pit stop, the car was not together, the steering wheel felt numb," said Barrichello. "Something was not good until the crash. They are analysing what went on.."
For Webber, there was no immediate analysis pending. "I predict a few sore heads in the morning," he said. "You have to celebrate your wins and they don't come any better than this."
Meanwhile, Australia scored a rare double at Monaco, with 20-year-old Daniel Ricciardo claiming victory in the final support race.
Ricciardo, from Perth, earned his first win in the World Series by Renault with his debut drive at Monaco and has already been touted a formula one star of the future.
Driving for French Team Tech 1, Ricciardo never looked back after claiming pole position.
Media Man very occasional mentor (but full time inspiration), Sir Richard Branson, quite the business and sporting daredevil all-rounder, summed it up beautifully a few months ago..."We're going to make racing fun and sexy again". Fun and sexy for your Virgin Racing - Full Tilt Poker pairing too we note, but PartyGaming is also in the race. Could be not long until we see a James Packer' Crown Casino - City Of Dreams or Betfair F1 car doing laps, and winning? Don't laugh, stranger things have happened...
Australia in the lead and online poker rooms sponsoring Branson's Virgin Racing... anything is indeed possible as the world of professional motorsport and poker evolves. As real life superhero Bill Goldberg (and his monster truck team say), "Whose Next"? Go Aussie Go!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover over a dozen industry verticals including gaming and sports betting. Media Man publish Australian Sports Entertainment
*The writer has conducted b2b with various arms of Betfair, PartyGaming and Virgin
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Casino
Media Man Poker
Media Man Games
Australian Sports Entertainment
It's hard to dispute that in the world of professional sports (and pseudo sports), there's brands and individuals that have a tendency to dominate the headlines (and grab the best sponsorship deals in the process). Some of the hype is manufactured while some is genuine and fueled along by the sportsmen and women, and their worldwide fan base.
Media Man and Gambling911 have noticed the ever growing trend of sports, entertainment, poker (namely poker) merging, and brands and their stars race to the top, and do their best to maintain pole position, ready to pounce for the next championship.
Even pro wrestling living legend 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair (Fliehr) and his son, Richard, are doing the NASCAR rounds in the U.S.A, and 'Natch' feeling and getting lucky, also came to biz terms with the North Carolina and South Carolina Education Lottery. Woooooo! Son of Hulk Hogan, Nick Hogan, is also showing promise in professional auto racing circles, in a great comeback following the highly publicised Hogan Jr car wreck (in the suburbs) a few years back.
Australia has certainly been making waves in professional sports and news media circles of late.
Of course Aussie Mark Webber has now taken the lead in the Monaco Grand Prix as of last night. Webber is the first Australian to accomplish this feat since the legend Jack Brabham some 51 years ago.
Sports betting firms have plugged into the action with Betfair and Paddy Power being most prominent in the F1 sector and motorsport as a whole.
Interestingly, the current excitement of the F1 sector has seen some of the poker and casino world plug right into the action..
A few weeks ago Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with Full Tilt Poker.
As recently outlined at Gambling911, a number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. PartyGaming, keen to ramp up in Europe, in line with their global strategy is currently running some sports cars promotions (sorry, no F1's as the prize), but here's the specs...
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Meanwhile Back To The Action...
Webber's rise has sent bookies and punters into a frenzy, with 50% James Packer owned Betfair taking big money, and Irish owned Paddy Power also seeing a jump in numbers and new accounts.
It is the first time an Australian has led the championship since Alan Jones in 1981.
Webber led from his fourth pole to the finish. It was his second recent win after Spain last weekend.
He finished unchallenged ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel as the Red Bulls delivered their third successive one-two and fourth in six races this year, this time ahead of Pole Robert Kubica who was third for Renault.
Webber, who has been linked to a move to Ferrari next season, started on pole position and was never really challenged around the tight street circuit.
"To be up there achieving things that Jack Brabham achieved is special for me and difficult to take in just now," Webber said before starting formula one's most iconic race, which he led from start to finish.
"He is a legend in the Webber house and if it was not for Jack Brabham I would not be here now. My dad followed him closely and was a big fan - he always followed open-wheeled racing much more than what we call 'taxi-racing' at home. He has been an inspiration and a friend and he has done a lot for me."
Webber, who last week won the Spanish Grand Prix in similar fashion, shot to the lead at the first turn in his Red Bull dream machine ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel.
Spectators didn't have to wait long for drama, with Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) crashing at 270km/h in the tunnel on the first lap, bringing out the safety car.
Button was the next casualty, with his McLaren's engine overheating on lap three. The safety car departed the track on lap six and the racing resumed. "I think it got a little bit hot on the way to the grid," Button told the BBC. "We left a [air intake] bung in on the left-hand side of the car that obviously you're meant to take out on the way to the grid. That's cooked the engine."
Webber, who could be Ferrari's potential replacement for the Brazilian Felipe Massa next season, set several fastest laps before narrowly avoiding disaster on lap 74 of 78 when two back-markers crashed in front of him. He went to the chequered flag just after the fourth safety car of the race left the track, with Vettel pipping Robert Kubica (Renault) for second place.
Vettel said "I couldn't keep up with him today. He was gone too far away for me and I had to race to stay second this time."
Kubica "I tried to pass Sebastian, but I lost the place on the first lap and that was it."
Massa came home fourth for Ferrari ahead of the 2008 champion Briton Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren with seven-times champion German Michael Schumacher, 41, taking sixth for Mercedes after a controversial move behind the Safety Car to pass Spaniard Fernando Alonso on the final lap.
Schumacher was later penalised 20 seconds for the manoeuvre by stewards and relegated to 12th spot.
Schumacher's Mercedes team-mate and compatriot Nico Rosberg was promoted to seventh ahead of another German Adrian Sutil of Force India. Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi was ninth th in the second Force India.
Webber was almost drawn into a late drama when he came into the Rascasse hairpin to find Italian Jarno Trulli of Lotus colliding with Indian Karun Chandhok of the Hispania team in spectacular fashion.
"He flew in the air and I was just hoping there would be some room to go through on the inside and I would have some options," said Webber. "Thankfully I did."
Chandhok "Jarno Trulli has just apologised to me - there was absolutely no way he could get through there. It's a real shame because I was driving my best race of the year so far and I was on track to be the best of the new teams.
"His car just missed my head. I ducked down and it came over and hit the roll hoop."
Understandably, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali took a dim view of Schumacher's passing of Alonso behind the safety car.
"That should be the rule... you can't overtake on the final lap. Our understanding of the regulations is pretty clear, but let's just and see what the stewards say."
While Trulli's crash may have been spectacular, it was no more horrifying than the two that saw the two Williams men eliminated earlier when they crashed out - German rookie Hulkenberg in the tunnel and Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello at Massanet - in separate incidents.
Both were huge accidents that caused great damage to the cars, ripping off wheels and wings. "After my pit stop, the car was not together, the steering wheel felt numb," said Barrichello. "Something was not good until the crash. They are analysing what went on.."
For Webber, there was no immediate analysis pending. "I predict a few sore heads in the morning," he said. "You have to celebrate your wins and they don't come any better than this."
Meanwhile, Australia scored a rare double at Monaco, with 20-year-old Daniel Ricciardo claiming victory in the final support race.
Ricciardo, from Perth, earned his first win in the World Series by Renault with his debut drive at Monaco and has already been touted a formula one star of the future.
Driving for French Team Tech 1, Ricciardo never looked back after claiming pole position.
Media Man very occasional mentor (but full time inspiration), Sir Richard Branson, quite the business and sporting daredevil all-rounder, summed it up beautifully a few months ago..."We're going to make racing fun and sexy again". Fun and sexy for your Virgin Racing - Full Tilt Poker pairing too we note, but PartyGaming is also in the race. Could be not long until we see a James Packer' Crown Casino - City Of Dreams or Betfair F1 car doing laps, and winning? Don't laugh, stranger things have happened...
Australia in the lead and online poker rooms sponsoring Branson's Virgin Racing... anything is indeed possible as the world of professional motorsport and poker evolves. As real life superhero Bill Goldberg (and his monster truck team say), "Whose Next"? Go Aussie Go!
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They cover over a dozen industry verticals including gaming and sports betting. Media Man publish Australian Sports Entertainment
*The writer has conducted b2b with various arms of Betfair, PartyGaming and Virgin
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Media Man Casino
Media Man Poker
Media Man Games
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Poker News Media: Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet, by Greg Tingle - 14th May 2010
Down under in Melbourne, Australia, one casino punter was feeling extremely lucky, pouncing on an opportunity to steal (not win) a Ferrari F430, when a casino valet handed him the keys. Media Man and Gambling911 follow the story in high speed pursuit...
Melbourne Police have now arrested the formally lucky punter after a Crown Casino valet mistakenly handed over the keys to a Ferrari F430 Spider and he took off for a joyride lasting half a day to Coolaroo of all places.
The 32-year cheeky fella was reportedly wearing a tracksuit when a casino valet gave him the keys to the bright red, V8 supercar about 12.30am today.
Police advise the punter drove north up the Tullamarine Freeway but was pinched by police about 6.30am as he fuelled up at a servo in Coolaroo, on Melbourne's outer northern region.
"He is currently assisting police with their inquiries," she said.
Forensic police will today examine the car, which has been towed to a holding yard in Campbellfield.
The attendant at the servo advised the man filled the beast up with petrol before police nabbed the bandit.
"He just filled up with petrol, came in here, paid for it and the cops were outside and just got him," he said.
"The cops I think were already after him."
The happening starting to generate a serious of state, national and international news stories, with Melbourne 3AW radio enjoying banter with a witness "Mark".
"Someone walked out of the casino past me and the security guard, got in and drove off,". The security guard said to me - because he only had an old tracksuit on - and he said 'you can't pick 'em can you'."
Crown Casino spokesman, top brass, Gary O’Neill said the incident was a first for the casino. He explained customers using valet parking were provided with a ticket to be returned to the casino parking attendant when time to collect your car.
"It has happened in the past from time to time that people lose their tickets, and in these circumstances we ask for proof of identification and a valid driver’s licence. Those procedures were followed on this occasion," he said.
"The procedures that we have followed in the past have not resulted in this particular incident, but that’s not to say our system is perfect," he said.
"We’re cooperating fully with the police investigation."
Mr O’Neill said the incident had been caught on film by their CCTV cameras and the footage would be handed over to police. Crown Casino is known for its world class security, as is it's Sydney competitor Star City. The Australian land casino industry was forced to upgrade security in recent years following a succession of undesirable incidents. Industry insiders sometimes joke about the plastic handcuffs initiative and footy and cricket stars getting pissed at casino events but this matter was very serious in nature. The casino wants its VIPs, high-rollers, whales and the like to know that their transport is in safe hands at Crown Casino.
Melbourne's Police 'Highway Patrol' is known to be world class and its understood that at least 99% of police corruption as featured on Network Nine 'Underbelly' has been cleaned up.
Crown tag lines include 'World Of Entertainment' and 'Wear The Crown'.
Mr James Packer, Australian and Asia Pacific casino and gaming king, remains the owner of Crown Limited. He also owns Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia, and has a number of interests in Macau and Britain, as well as new media - internet entities. Packer remains passionate for sport, meeting Virgin king Richard Branson last year at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix and enjoys polo, as did his late father Kerry Packer.
Ok you want more on the sports car...we hear you...
The F430 went on sale in 2005 with the Spider convertible going for a cool $444,000 AUD, plus options and on-road costs.
F430 production was ceased earlier this year and will be replaced by the flashy458 Italia, which we understand has a two-year waiting list.
Casinos have long been associated with fast cars (and fast, sexy women). In recent years the online casino and online poker sector has plugged into the demo, with PartyGaming and PKR offering sports car as high level prizes.
A few months ago PartyGaming and PKR Poker had a Porsche up for grabs, but no one qualified to win. Not to be disheartened, Party's casino and poker brands are once again offering dream machine grand prizes...
Last week Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with online poker powerhouse Full Tilt Poker. The massive exposure of Virgin's F1 involvement on a international scale was a key reason the deal went ahead.
A number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. Speaking of big names, rumours are circulating that PartyGaming may be in the midst of doing another deal and announcement with movie legend of Rambo and Rocky fame, Sylvester Stallone. Sly is featured in the Rambo online slot game, exclusive to PartyGaming.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino
and
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Crown Casino Share Price - CWN: 8.290
*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 Canada
Media Man Casino
Casino News Media
Media Man Poker
Poker News Media
Australian Casinos
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Down under in Melbourne, Australia, one casino punter was feeling extremely lucky, pouncing on an opportunity to steal (not win) a Ferrari F430, when a casino valet handed him the keys. Media Man and Gambling911 follow the story in high speed pursuit...
Melbourne Police have now arrested the formally lucky punter after a Crown Casino valet mistakenly handed over the keys to a Ferrari F430 Spider and he took off for a joyride lasting half a day to Coolaroo of all places.
The 32-year cheeky fella was reportedly wearing a tracksuit when a casino valet gave him the keys to the bright red, V8 supercar about 12.30am today.
Police advise the punter drove north up the Tullamarine Freeway but was pinched by police about 6.30am as he fuelled up at a servo in Coolaroo, on Melbourne's outer northern region.
"He is currently assisting police with their inquiries," she said.
Forensic police will today examine the car, which has been towed to a holding yard in Campbellfield.
The attendant at the servo advised the man filled the beast up with petrol before police nabbed the bandit.
"He just filled up with petrol, came in here, paid for it and the cops were outside and just got him," he said.
"The cops I think were already after him."
The happening starting to generate a serious of state, national and international news stories, with Melbourne 3AW radio enjoying banter with a witness "Mark".
"Someone walked out of the casino past me and the security guard, got in and drove off,". The security guard said to me - because he only had an old tracksuit on - and he said 'you can't pick 'em can you'."
Crown Casino spokesman, top brass, Gary O’Neill said the incident was a first for the casino. He explained customers using valet parking were provided with a ticket to be returned to the casino parking attendant when time to collect your car.
"It has happened in the past from time to time that people lose their tickets, and in these circumstances we ask for proof of identification and a valid driver’s licence. Those procedures were followed on this occasion," he said.
"The procedures that we have followed in the past have not resulted in this particular incident, but that’s not to say our system is perfect," he said.
"We’re cooperating fully with the police investigation."
Mr O’Neill said the incident had been caught on film by their CCTV cameras and the footage would be handed over to police. Crown Casino is known for its world class security, as is it's Sydney competitor Star City. The Australian land casino industry was forced to upgrade security in recent years following a succession of undesirable incidents. Industry insiders sometimes joke about the plastic handcuffs initiative and footy and cricket stars getting pissed at casino events but this matter was very serious in nature. The casino wants its VIPs, high-rollers, whales and the like to know that their transport is in safe hands at Crown Casino.
Melbourne's Police 'Highway Patrol' is known to be world class and its understood that at least 99% of police corruption as featured on Network Nine 'Underbelly' has been cleaned up.
Crown tag lines include 'World Of Entertainment' and 'Wear The Crown'.
Mr James Packer, Australian and Asia Pacific casino and gaming king, remains the owner of Crown Limited. He also owns Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia, and has a number of interests in Macau and Britain, as well as new media - internet entities. Packer remains passionate for sport, meeting Virgin king Richard Branson last year at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix and enjoys polo, as did his late father Kerry Packer.
Ok you want more on the sports car...we hear you...
The F430 went on sale in 2005 with the Spider convertible going for a cool $444,000 AUD, plus options and on-road costs.
F430 production was ceased earlier this year and will be replaced by the flashy458 Italia, which we understand has a two-year waiting list.
Casinos have long been associated with fast cars (and fast, sexy women). In recent years the online casino and online poker sector has plugged into the demo, with PartyGaming and PKR offering sports car as high level prizes.
A few months ago PartyGaming and PKR Poker had a Porsche up for grabs, but no one qualified to win. Not to be disheartened, Party's casino and poker brands are once again offering dream machine grand prizes...
Last week Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with online poker powerhouse Full Tilt Poker. The massive exposure of Virgin's F1 involvement on a international scale was a key reason the deal went ahead.
A number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. Speaking of big names, rumours are circulating that PartyGaming may be in the midst of doing another deal and announcement with movie legend of Rambo and Rocky fame, Sylvester Stallone. Sly is featured in the Rambo online slot game, exclusive to PartyGaming.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino
and
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Crown Casino Share Price - CWN: 8.290
*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 Canada
Media Man Casino
Casino News Media
Media Man Poker
Poker News Media
Australian Casinos
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Friday, May 14, 2010
Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet, by Greg Tingle - 14th May 2010
Down under in Melbourne, Australia, one casino punter was feeling extremely lucky, pouncing on an opportunity to steal (not win) a Ferrari F430, when a casino valet handed him the keys. Media Man and Gambling911 follow the story in high speed pursuit...
Melbourne Police have now arrested the formally lucky punter after a Crown Casino valet mistakenly handed over the keys to a Ferrari F430 Spider and he took off for a joyride lasting half a day to Coolaroo of all places.
The 32-year cheeky fella was reportedly wearing a tracksuit when a casino valet gave him the keys to the bright red, V8 supercar about 12.30am today.
Police advise the punter drove north up the Tullamarine Freeway but was pinched by police about 6.30am as he fuelled up at a servo in Coolaroo, on Melbourne's outer northern region.
"He is currently assisting police with their inquiries," she said.
Forensic police will today examine the car, which has been towed to a holding yard in Campbellfield.
The attendant at the servo advised the man filled the beast up with petrol before police nabbed the bandit.
"He just filled up with petrol, came in here, paid for it and the cops were outside and just got him," he said.
"The cops I think were already after him."
The happening starting to generate a serious of state, national and international news stories, with Melbourne 3AW radio enjoying banter with a witness "Mark".
"Someone walked out of the casino past me and the security guard, got in and drove off,". The security guard said to me - because he only had an old tracksuit on - and he said 'you can't pick 'em can you'."
Crown Casino spokesman, top brass, Gary O’Neill said the incident was a first for the casino. He explained customers using valet parking were provided with a ticket to be returned to the casino parking attendant when time to collect your car.
"It has happened in the past from time to time that people lose their tickets, and in these circumstances we ask for proof of identification and a valid driver’s licence. Those procedures were followed on this occasion," he said.
"The procedures that we have followed in the past have not resulted in this particular incident, but that’s not to say our system is perfect," he said.
"We’re cooperating fully with the police investigation."
Mr O’Neill said the incident had been caught on film by their CCTV cameras and the footage would be handed over to police. Crown Casino is known for its world class security, as is it's Sydney competitor Star City. The Australian land casino industry was forced to upgrade security in recent years following a succession of undesirable incidents. Industry insiders sometimes joke about the plastic handcuffs initiative and footy and cricket stars getting pissed at casino events but this matter was very serious in nature. The casino wants its VIPs, high-rollers, whales and the like to know that their transport is in safe hands at Crown Casino.
Melbourne's Police 'Highway Patrol' is known to be world class and its understood that at least 99% of police corruption as featured on Network Nine 'Underbelly' has been cleaned up.
Crown tag lines include 'World Of Entertainment' and 'Wear The Crown'.
Mr James Packer, Australian and Asia Pacific casino and gaming king, remains the owner of Crown Limited. He also owns Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia, and has a number of interests in Macau and Britain, as well as new media - internet entities. Packer remains passionate for sport, meeting Virgin king Richard Branson last year at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix and enjoys polo, as did his late father Kerry Packer.
Ok you want more on the sports car...we hear you...
The F430 went on sale in 2005 with the Spider convertible going for a cool $444,000 AUD, plus options and on-road costs.
F430 production was ceased earlier this year and will be replaced by the flashy458 Italia, which we understand has a two-year waiting list.
Casinos have long been associated with fast cars (and fast, sexy women). In recent years the online casino and online poker sector has plugged into the demo, with PartyGaming and PKR offering sports car as high level prizes.
A few months ago PartyGaming and PKR Poker had a Porsche up for grabs, but no one qualified to win. Not to be disheartened, Party's casino and poker brands are once again offering dream machine grand prizes...
Last week Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with online poker powerhouse Full Tilt Poker. The massive exposure of Virgin's F1 involvement on a international scale was a key reason the deal went ahead.
A number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. Speaking of big names, rumours are circulating that PartyGaming may be in the midst of doing another deal and announcement with movie legend of Rambo and Rocky fame, Sylvester Stallone. Sly is featured in the Rambo online slot game, exclusive to PartyGaming.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino
and
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Crown Casino Share Price - CWN: 8.290
*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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Down under in Melbourne, Australia, one casino punter was feeling extremely lucky, pouncing on an opportunity to steal (not win) a Ferrari F430, when a casino valet handed him the keys. Media Man and Gambling911 follow the story in high speed pursuit...
Melbourne Police have now arrested the formally lucky punter after a Crown Casino valet mistakenly handed over the keys to a Ferrari F430 Spider and he took off for a joyride lasting half a day to Coolaroo of all places.
The 32-year cheeky fella was reportedly wearing a tracksuit when a casino valet gave him the keys to the bright red, V8 supercar about 12.30am today.
Police advise the punter drove north up the Tullamarine Freeway but was pinched by police about 6.30am as he fuelled up at a servo in Coolaroo, on Melbourne's outer northern region.
"He is currently assisting police with their inquiries," she said.
Forensic police will today examine the car, which has been towed to a holding yard in Campbellfield.
The attendant at the servo advised the man filled the beast up with petrol before police nabbed the bandit.
"He just filled up with petrol, came in here, paid for it and the cops were outside and just got him," he said.
"The cops I think were already after him."
The happening starting to generate a serious of state, national and international news stories, with Melbourne 3AW radio enjoying banter with a witness "Mark".
"Someone walked out of the casino past me and the security guard, got in and drove off,". The security guard said to me - because he only had an old tracksuit on - and he said 'you can't pick 'em can you'."
Crown Casino spokesman, top brass, Gary O’Neill said the incident was a first for the casino. He explained customers using valet parking were provided with a ticket to be returned to the casino parking attendant when time to collect your car.
"It has happened in the past from time to time that people lose their tickets, and in these circumstances we ask for proof of identification and a valid driver’s licence. Those procedures were followed on this occasion," he said.
"The procedures that we have followed in the past have not resulted in this particular incident, but that’s not to say our system is perfect," he said.
"We’re cooperating fully with the police investigation."
Mr O’Neill said the incident had been caught on film by their CCTV cameras and the footage would be handed over to police. Crown Casino is known for its world class security, as is it's Sydney competitor Star City. The Australian land casino industry was forced to upgrade security in recent years following a succession of undesirable incidents. Industry insiders sometimes joke about the plastic handcuffs initiative and footy and cricket stars getting pissed at casino events but this matter was very serious in nature. The casino wants its VIPs, high-rollers, whales and the like to know that their transport is in safe hands at Crown Casino.
Melbourne's Police 'Highway Patrol' is known to be world class and its understood that at least 99% of police corruption as featured on Network Nine 'Underbelly' has been cleaned up.
Crown tag lines include 'World Of Entertainment' and 'Wear The Crown'.
Mr James Packer, Australian and Asia Pacific casino and gaming king, remains the owner of Crown Limited. He also owns Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia, and has a number of interests in Macau and Britain, as well as new media - internet entities. Packer remains passionate for sport, meeting Virgin king Richard Branson last year at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix and enjoys polo, as did his late father Kerry Packer.
Ok you want more on the sports car...we hear you...
The F430 went on sale in 2005 with the Spider convertible going for a cool $444,000 AUD, plus options and on-road costs.
F430 production was ceased earlier this year and will be replaced by the flashy458 Italia, which we understand has a two-year waiting list.
Casinos have long been associated with fast cars (and fast, sexy women). In recent years the online casino and online poker sector has plugged into the demo, with PartyGaming and PKR offering sports car as high level prizes.
A few months ago PartyGaming and PKR Poker had a Porsche up for grabs, but no one qualified to win. Not to be disheartened, Party's casino and poker brands are once again offering dream machine grand prizes...
Last week Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with online poker powerhouse Full Tilt Poker. The massive exposure of Virgin's F1 involvement on a international scale was a key reason the deal went ahead.
A number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. Speaking of big names, rumours are circulating that PartyGaming may be in the midst of doing another deal and announcement with movie legend of Rambo and Rocky fame, Sylvester Stallone. Sly is featured in the Rambo online slot game, exclusive to PartyGaming.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino
and
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Crown Casino Share Price - CWN: 8.290
*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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Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Poker News: WSOP® For Life - Your seat at the WSOP® for 2010 and beyond - PartyPoker News
Gibraltar – 11th May 2010 - PartyPoker.com is delighted to introduce its fabulous and unique new promotion, WSOP® for Life! This unbelievable package is every poker player’s dream prize as they don’t have to worry about qualifying for the Main Event anymore - they receive a Main Event package for life!* As an extra bonus for 2010, PartyPoker.com even pays the travel, accommodation and spending money for this year’s Las Vegas extravaganza! **
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “We’ve got two WSOP® For Life packages to give away and we’re making them available to all players via a leader board challenge and a tournament. Normally, the chance to take part in the WSOP Main Event is a once in lifetime opportunity but with this you have a Main Event package guaranteed for life.”
PartyPoker.com ambassador Mike Sexton said: “I think WSOP® For Life is a really great idea – I have been playing the Main Event for most of my life! I just wish I had the opportunity to qualify for this but, unfortunately, I am exempt!”
One WSOP® for Life package will be available through the exciting leader board challenge, open exclusively to Bronze, Silver and Gold level players. The aim for a customer is to boost their position by earning points through regular poker play from 24th May to 20th June. The more points a player earns, the higher they will climb. The player that ranks first when the challenge finishes will be given a WSOP® for Life package. There are also three WSOP® 2010 packages on offer as well as $50,000 in cash prizes:
There is also a WSOP® for Life prize tournament on 20th June. First place is a WSOP® for Life package but there are also three WSOP® 2010 packages and $50,000 in prizes to be won. Entry can be gained by freeroll, direct buy-in and through STT Jackpot. Full information on all routes and terms and conditions can be found at: PartyPoker.com
* For the purposes of this WSOP® for Life promotion, the term ‘Life’ shall mean up to 20 years.
** From 2011 onwards we will fund the Winner’s buy-in to the WSOP® Main Event (or a portion of the Winner’s buy-in to the WSOP® main event) up to a maximum sum of $10,000 per annum. In the event the buy-in increases, then the winner shall be responsible for any extra costs.
“World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
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Gibraltar – 11th May 2010 - PartyPoker.com is delighted to introduce its fabulous and unique new promotion, WSOP® for Life! This unbelievable package is every poker player’s dream prize as they don’t have to worry about qualifying for the Main Event anymore - they receive a Main Event package for life!* As an extra bonus for 2010, PartyPoker.com even pays the travel, accommodation and spending money for this year’s Las Vegas extravaganza! **
A PartyPoker.com spokesman said: “We’ve got two WSOP® For Life packages to give away and we’re making them available to all players via a leader board challenge and a tournament. Normally, the chance to take part in the WSOP Main Event is a once in lifetime opportunity but with this you have a Main Event package guaranteed for life.”
PartyPoker.com ambassador Mike Sexton said: “I think WSOP® For Life is a really great idea – I have been playing the Main Event for most of my life! I just wish I had the opportunity to qualify for this but, unfortunately, I am exempt!”
One WSOP® for Life package will be available through the exciting leader board challenge, open exclusively to Bronze, Silver and Gold level players. The aim for a customer is to boost their position by earning points through regular poker play from 24th May to 20th June. The more points a player earns, the higher they will climb. The player that ranks first when the challenge finishes will be given a WSOP® for Life package. There are also three WSOP® 2010 packages on offer as well as $50,000 in cash prizes:
There is also a WSOP® for Life prize tournament on 20th June. First place is a WSOP® for Life package but there are also three WSOP® 2010 packages and $50,000 in prizes to be won. Entry can be gained by freeroll, direct buy-in and through STT Jackpot. Full information on all routes and terms and conditions can be found at: PartyPoker.com
* For the purposes of this WSOP® for Life promotion, the term ‘Life’ shall mean up to 20 years.
** From 2011 onwards we will fund the Winner’s buy-in to the WSOP® Main Event (or a portion of the Winner’s buy-in to the WSOP® main event) up to a maximum sum of $10,000 per annum. In the event the buy-in increases, then the winner shall be responsible for any extra costs.
“World Series of Poker”® and “WSOP”® are registered trade marks of Harrah’s License Company LLC. No license, affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement is claimed, or should be inferred from the use of these trademarks here. PartyGaming is not licensed by or otherwise affiliated with Harrah’s License Company LLC or the World Series of Poker®, in any way.
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PartyGaming eyes return to US as Q1 revenue jumps, by Greg Tingle - 10th May 2010
PartyGaming in talks with U.S. operators over partnership deals
Q1 revenue up 27 pct to $127.1 million; Poker hit by competition from U.S.; Shares down 1.6 percent
Online gambling powerhouse PartyGaming advised it was preparing for a possible return to the United States if legislation banning the industry is overturned, after reporting an impressive 27% rise in first quarter revenue.
PartyGaming, which operates PartyPoker, PartyCasino, and World Poker Tour websites, said it was encouraged by congressmen Barney Frank and Jim McDermott's moves to push through a new bill to regulate online gambling which was made illegal in the United States in 2006.
Chief Executive Jim Ryan told press the most likely initial move by U.S. authorities would be to legalise online poker, seen as a game of skill, which could in time lead to other forms of online gambling being allowed. "We are seeing increased momentum towards regulating online poker. It's possible that it could happen this year and we're prepared if it does," Ryan said on a conference call.
Ryan said PartyGaming had set up an operation in Los Angeles with 38 staff and was in talks over possible business-to-business deals with U.S. operators.
"We've got any number of U.S. operators who we're talking to right now about providing them with online gaming services and software. That gives us good reason to think that regulation isn't that far way," he said.
Rival 888's Chief Executive Gigi Levy said last month he expected changes to online gaming laws in the U.S. to be implemented in the coming months.
Analysts say the online gaming industry is ready for consolidation and PartyGaming is reported to have held talks with Austria's bwin over a potential combination - collaboration.
"We are actively working on various opportunities. Discussions are at a preliminary stage with those that we are talking to," said Ryan, who declined to confirm whether the company was in talks with bwin.
PartyGaming reported first-quarter gross revenue of $127.1 million, benefiting from growth in its casino, bingo and sports betting divisions. However, revenue from the firms poker offering declined because of competition from websites continuing to take bets from U.S.-based gamblers, some press and insider say... illegally.
Laws governing gaming, igaming, online gambling and the like have caused great confusion in the U.S in recent years. PartyGaming is one of many gaming companies seeking clarity.
Numbers
PartyGaming said its average daily revenue had slowed in the second quarter which is traditionally a quieter period for the industry and were down between 6 and 7 percent on the average for the previous quarter.
The company also said it had signed a business-to-business deal with Aviation Club de France which will join its French poker network. France made certain kinds of online gambling legal in April.
Shares in PartyGaming were down 1.6 percent to 280.4 pence at 1023 GMT. The shares have lost 15 percent of their value over the last month reflecting disappointment over the lack of developments on the M&A front and the read-across from a weak trading statement from rival 888.
"None of these factors detract from the long-term attractions of PartyGaming as a leading player in a global growth market. Therefore, we view the recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity," said KBC Peel Hunt analyst Nick Batram.
PartyGaming claims to be the world's leading igaming company... a claim few will argue with. The firm was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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PartyGaming in talks with U.S. operators over partnership deals
Q1 revenue up 27 pct to $127.1 million; Poker hit by competition from U.S.; Shares down 1.6 percent
Online gambling powerhouse PartyGaming advised it was preparing for a possible return to the United States if legislation banning the industry is overturned, after reporting an impressive 27% rise in first quarter revenue.
PartyGaming, which operates PartyPoker, PartyCasino, and World Poker Tour websites, said it was encouraged by congressmen Barney Frank and Jim McDermott's moves to push through a new bill to regulate online gambling which was made illegal in the United States in 2006.
Chief Executive Jim Ryan told press the most likely initial move by U.S. authorities would be to legalise online poker, seen as a game of skill, which could in time lead to other forms of online gambling being allowed. "We are seeing increased momentum towards regulating online poker. It's possible that it could happen this year and we're prepared if it does," Ryan said on a conference call.
Ryan said PartyGaming had set up an operation in Los Angeles with 38 staff and was in talks over possible business-to-business deals with U.S. operators.
"We've got any number of U.S. operators who we're talking to right now about providing them with online gaming services and software. That gives us good reason to think that regulation isn't that far way," he said.
Rival 888's Chief Executive Gigi Levy said last month he expected changes to online gaming laws in the U.S. to be implemented in the coming months.
Analysts say the online gaming industry is ready for consolidation and PartyGaming is reported to have held talks with Austria's bwin over a potential combination - collaboration.
"We are actively working on various opportunities. Discussions are at a preliminary stage with those that we are talking to," said Ryan, who declined to confirm whether the company was in talks with bwin.
PartyGaming reported first-quarter gross revenue of $127.1 million, benefiting from growth in its casino, bingo and sports betting divisions. However, revenue from the firms poker offering declined because of competition from websites continuing to take bets from U.S.-based gamblers, some press and insider say... illegally.
Laws governing gaming, igaming, online gambling and the like have caused great confusion in the U.S in recent years. PartyGaming is one of many gaming companies seeking clarity.
Numbers
PartyGaming said its average daily revenue had slowed in the second quarter which is traditionally a quieter period for the industry and were down between 6 and 7 percent on the average for the previous quarter.
The company also said it had signed a business-to-business deal with Aviation Club de France which will join its French poker network. France made certain kinds of online gambling legal in April.
Shares in PartyGaming were down 1.6 percent to 280.4 pence at 1023 GMT. The shares have lost 15 percent of their value over the last month reflecting disappointment over the lack of developments on the M&A front and the read-across from a weak trading statement from rival 888.
"None of these factors detract from the long-term attractions of PartyGaming as a leading player in a global growth market. Therefore, we view the recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity," said KBC Peel Hunt analyst Nick Batram.
PartyGaming claims to be the world's leading igaming company... a claim few will argue with. The firm was established in 1997 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
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Monday, May 10, 2010
PartyGaming Inks Deal With Aviation Club de France, by Greg Tingle
Websites
PartyPoker.com WPTPoker.com WPTCasino.com PartyCasino.com AviationClubdeFrance.com
PartyGaming has inked its B2B deal in France is applying for a French gaming licence.
This deal sees Aviation Club de France, a land-based gambling venue off the Champs Elysees in Paris and France's leading card room, maintain its world class status. The club is understood to sport in excess of 100,000 members. Aviation Club will join PartyGaming's French poker network when laws permits it to go ahead.
Aviation Club de France will join other gaming operators on the network including PartyGaming's own France-facing site, PartyGaming.fr, current French racing powerhouse Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU), and television broadcaster AB Groupe, following an agreement inked last month.
PartyGaming is keen to see the French gaming licence granted and don't foresee delays.
The licence system, which was approved by the French parliament last month, means that PartyGaming will switch off domestic casino and bingo when licensing is approved, resulting in the removal of annualised revenues of approximately $12m.
Media Man and its Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory arms are very excited as to what this means to the continued global strategy and growth.
The gaming and news media world is following the progress of the PartyGaming deals in France to help evaluate their own strategy regarding gaming, government and land based projects.
Major U.S, Canadian and Australian based casinos and clubs are taking a very close look at this deal and how it pans out, advised a Media Man media and gaming spokesperson.
6th May 2010
Press Release
Aviation Club de France to join PartyGaming’s French Poker Network
PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, today announces its third B2B deal in France with an exclusive multi-year agreement to provide a white label online poker service for Aviation Club de France (“ACF”), one of the country’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs.
The new service, branded ‘ACFPoker’, will join PartyGaming’s expanding French poker network which will also include www.partypoker.fr. Once PartyGaming obtains the required licence and is operational, players on the network will benefit from a shared pool of player liquidity and operate on a single platform.
Founded in 1907 by four pioneering French aviators, today ACF has 100,000 members and is the leading card room in France. The club is a regular host of World Poker Tour’s events including the forthcoming Grand Prix de Paris to be held on 8-16 May 2010. The new online poker service will be promoted through a variety of channels to ACF’s extensive customer base.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said:
“ACF is a great addition to our French poker network and allows us to directly connect with France’s offline poker players. This deal is a great strategic fit and together with our other B2B alliances in France, we are determined to establish a strong position in what we believe will become one of Europe’s largest poker markets.”
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PartyGaming has inked its B2B deal in France is applying for a French gaming licence.
This deal sees Aviation Club de France, a land-based gambling venue off the Champs Elysees in Paris and France's leading card room, maintain its world class status. The club is understood to sport in excess of 100,000 members. Aviation Club will join PartyGaming's French poker network when laws permits it to go ahead.
Aviation Club de France will join other gaming operators on the network including PartyGaming's own France-facing site, PartyGaming.fr, current French racing powerhouse Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU), and television broadcaster AB Groupe, following an agreement inked last month.
PartyGaming is keen to see the French gaming licence granted and don't foresee delays.
The licence system, which was approved by the French parliament last month, means that PartyGaming will switch off domestic casino and bingo when licensing is approved, resulting in the removal of annualised revenues of approximately $12m.
Media Man and its Casino News Media and Global Gaming Directory arms are very excited as to what this means to the continued global strategy and growth.
The gaming and news media world is following the progress of the PartyGaming deals in France to help evaluate their own strategy regarding gaming, government and land based projects.
Major U.S, Canadian and Australian based casinos and clubs are taking a very close look at this deal and how it pans out, advised a Media Man media and gaming spokesperson.
6th May 2010
Press Release
Aviation Club de France to join PartyGaming’s French Poker Network
PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, today announces its third B2B deal in France with an exclusive multi-year agreement to provide a white label online poker service for Aviation Club de France (“ACF”), one of the country’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs.
The new service, branded ‘ACFPoker’, will join PartyGaming’s expanding French poker network which will also include www.partypoker.fr. Once PartyGaming obtains the required licence and is operational, players on the network will benefit from a shared pool of player liquidity and operate on a single platform.
Founded in 1907 by four pioneering French aviators, today ACF has 100,000 members and is the leading card room in France. The club is a regular host of World Poker Tour’s events including the forthcoming Grand Prix de Paris to be held on 8-16 May 2010. The new online poker service will be promoted through a variety of channels to ACF’s extensive customer base.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said:
“ACF is a great addition to our French poker network and allows us to directly connect with France’s offline poker players. This deal is a great strategic fit and together with our other B2B alliances in France, we are determined to establish a strong position in what we believe will become one of Europe’s largest poker markets.”
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New Partnership with Full Tilt Poker.Net™ for the start of F1’s European Season
Full Tilt Poker (U.S, Australian, Canadian, South American players welcome)
As Virgin Racing prepares for the start of Formula 1’s European season in Spain this weekend, the team is pleased to announce a new partnership with Full Tilt Poker.Net™.
Full Tilt Poker.Net™ is now a major partner of the team with significant branding on the team’s VR-01 race cars, drivers and team apparel and other elements of the team’s on-track and off-track environment.
The partnership concludes discussions between the two parties dating back to the team’s inception last year.
Full Tilt Poker.Net™ is one of the world’s leading online poker schools. With innovative graphics, superior customer service and a safe, secure interface, the software is geared to enhance and personalise the educational and entertaining aspects of the online poker experience. Users of all skill levels can download the free software at www.fulltiltpoker.net and can play for fun and sharpen their poker playing skills for free.
Graeme Lowdon, Virgin Racing’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Full Tilt Poker.Net™ to Virgin Racing. We are proud to add an industry-leading brand to our healthy partnership portfolio and I am particularly pleased that we have worked hard together with a partner who has seen the team develop from its birth through to our first competitive steps. We look forward to going racing together with effect from this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Full Tilt Poker.Net™ will have a significant presence, and to helping the brand to achieve its marketing and business objectives in the longer term."
"Full Tilt Poker.Net™ partnering with Virgin Racing is a brilliant culmination of a great deal of thought and effort on behalf of both brands. With two leaders in their respective fields coming together, this is sure to be a groundbreaking partnership on the global canvas, providing yet another level of excitement for all fans, " said Team Full Tilt member, Chris Ferguson. “We are very excited to be associated with such a stellar brand as Virgin Racing and we look forward to launching this partnership in Spain.”.
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Full Tilt Poker (U.S, Australian, Canadian, South American players welcome)
As Virgin Racing prepares for the start of Formula 1’s European season in Spain this weekend, the team is pleased to announce a new partnership with Full Tilt Poker.Net™.
Full Tilt Poker.Net™ is now a major partner of the team with significant branding on the team’s VR-01 race cars, drivers and team apparel and other elements of the team’s on-track and off-track environment.
The partnership concludes discussions between the two parties dating back to the team’s inception last year.
Full Tilt Poker.Net™ is one of the world’s leading online poker schools. With innovative graphics, superior customer service and a safe, secure interface, the software is geared to enhance and personalise the educational and entertaining aspects of the online poker experience. Users of all skill levels can download the free software at www.fulltiltpoker.net and can play for fun and sharpen their poker playing skills for free.
Graeme Lowdon, Virgin Racing’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Full Tilt Poker.Net™ to Virgin Racing. We are proud to add an industry-leading brand to our healthy partnership portfolio and I am particularly pleased that we have worked hard together with a partner who has seen the team develop from its birth through to our first competitive steps. We look forward to going racing together with effect from this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Full Tilt Poker.Net™ will have a significant presence, and to helping the brand to achieve its marketing and business objectives in the longer term."
"Full Tilt Poker.Net™ partnering with Virgin Racing is a brilliant culmination of a great deal of thought and effort on behalf of both brands. With two leaders in their respective fields coming together, this is sure to be a groundbreaking partnership on the global canvas, providing yet another level of excitement for all fans, " said Team Full Tilt member, Chris Ferguson. “We are very excited to be associated with such a stellar brand as Virgin Racing and we look forward to launching this partnership in Spain.”.
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Friday, May 07, 2010
PartyGaming - PartyPoker Online sponsorship deals continue
Leading listed online gaming operator PartyGaming has announced that Australian Tyron Krost has become the latest member of its Team Party Poker sponsored squad of players.
Gibraltar-based PartyGaming operates popular Internet poker site PartyPoker.com and revealed that Krost would join well-known players including Tony Guoga, Kara Scott, Mike Sexton, Dragan Galic, Bodo Sbrzesny, Ian Frazer and Felipe Ramos on the domain and at land-based events around the world.
Twenty-three-year-old Krost recently won the main event of the Aussie Millions tournament to pocket $1.85 million and stated that he was pleased to sign such a sponsorship deal with the Gibraltar-licensed site.
“I suppose it’s any serious poker player’s dream to get a sponsorship and I can’t think of a better site to represent than PartyPoker.com,” said the Sydney native.
“From speaking to all levels of management, it’s clear to see that the site is moving in the right direction. I feel incredibly lucky to be a member of Team Party Poker and offered the chance to help make PartyPoker.com one of the best places to play online.”
Krost began playing poker with his friends at the age of 18 before buying some books on the subject in order to help his game. He then made his first deposit of $50 at PartyPoker.com and began competing at limit hold’em for a year on the domain’s $1/$2 tables before moving up to the $5/$10 level.
The New South Welshman then moved on to tournament play at PartyPoker.com and was almost immediately successful. He first entered a $33 no-limit hold’em tournament in 2006 and beat 189 players to win just over $1,000. After this, he triumphed in another competition to pocket $3,102 before entering further tournaments for even more cash success.
“Along the way I’ve cashed a couple live events including the 2008 World Series Of Poker main event where I finished 249th but I’ve played nearly all of my poker online,” said Krost.
“Winning the Aussie Millions this year was a totally crazy experience and something which will never seem real. I wasn’t planning on heading to Melbourne and entered a $640 satellite on PartyPoker.com at the last minute on a whim. I won my seat without too much trouble and had a couple months to look forward to it. I took my younger brother with me and we had an awesome time watching the tennis and hanging out. I think being relaxed without any expectations helped a lot.
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Leading listed online gaming operator PartyGaming has announced that Australian Tyron Krost has become the latest member of its Team Party Poker sponsored squad of players.
Gibraltar-based PartyGaming operates popular Internet poker site PartyPoker.com and revealed that Krost would join well-known players including Tony Guoga, Kara Scott, Mike Sexton, Dragan Galic, Bodo Sbrzesny, Ian Frazer and Felipe Ramos on the domain and at land-based events around the world.
Twenty-three-year-old Krost recently won the main event of the Aussie Millions tournament to pocket $1.85 million and stated that he was pleased to sign such a sponsorship deal with the Gibraltar-licensed site.
“I suppose it’s any serious poker player’s dream to get a sponsorship and I can’t think of a better site to represent than PartyPoker.com,” said the Sydney native.
“From speaking to all levels of management, it’s clear to see that the site is moving in the right direction. I feel incredibly lucky to be a member of Team Party Poker and offered the chance to help make PartyPoker.com one of the best places to play online.”
Krost began playing poker with his friends at the age of 18 before buying some books on the subject in order to help his game. He then made his first deposit of $50 at PartyPoker.com and began competing at limit hold’em for a year on the domain’s $1/$2 tables before moving up to the $5/$10 level.
The New South Welshman then moved on to tournament play at PartyPoker.com and was almost immediately successful. He first entered a $33 no-limit hold’em tournament in 2006 and beat 189 players to win just over $1,000. After this, he triumphed in another competition to pocket $3,102 before entering further tournaments for even more cash success.
“Along the way I’ve cashed a couple live events including the 2008 World Series Of Poker main event where I finished 249th but I’ve played nearly all of my poker online,” said Krost.
“Winning the Aussie Millions this year was a totally crazy experience and something which will never seem real. I wasn’t planning on heading to Melbourne and entered a $640 satellite on PartyPoker.com at the last minute on a whim. I won my seat without too much trouble and had a couple months to look forward to it. I took my younger brother with me and we had an awesome time watching the tennis and hanging out. I think being relaxed without any expectations helped a lot.
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Ante Up For Africa at PKR - 6th May 2010
We've teamed up with poker's leading charity to aid African development
Ante Up For Africa is PKR's nominated charity for the coming year
Since Don Cheadle, Annie Duke and Norman Epstein launched Ante Up for Africa in 2006 they've raised more than $3million for front line aid agencies like Refugees International, Enough Project and Darfur Peace and Development Organization. These are groups that are doing an incredible job helping people on the ground in some of the most troubled and impoverished places in the world.
And now we're going to help them raise even more. You can help by donating PKR Points to Ante Up For Africa in our shop with donations ranging from 20,000 to 1,000,000 Points that we'll turn into cash for AUFA to help end conflicts, deliver aid to refugees and re-build lives.
We'll also be releasing details about special charity tournaments and other ways you can get involved with Ante Up For Africa soon.
In the meantime, watch out for Team PKR Pros wearing Ante Up for Africa gear at major poker events and PKR sponsored celebrity participants in the Ante Up for Africa tournament at this year's World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
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We've teamed up with poker's leading charity to aid African development
Ante Up For Africa is PKR's nominated charity for the coming year
Since Don Cheadle, Annie Duke and Norman Epstein launched Ante Up for Africa in 2006 they've raised more than $3million for front line aid agencies like Refugees International, Enough Project and Darfur Peace and Development Organization. These are groups that are doing an incredible job helping people on the ground in some of the most troubled and impoverished places in the world.
And now we're going to help them raise even more. You can help by donating PKR Points to Ante Up For Africa in our shop with donations ranging from 20,000 to 1,000,000 Points that we'll turn into cash for AUFA to help end conflicts, deliver aid to refugees and re-build lives.
We'll also be releasing details about special charity tournaments and other ways you can get involved with Ante Up For Africa soon.
In the meantime, watch out for Team PKR Pros wearing Ante Up for Africa gear at major poker events and PKR sponsored celebrity participants in the Ante Up for Africa tournament at this year's World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
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Thursday, May 06, 2010
Aviation Club de France to join PartyGaming’s French Poker Network
6th May 2010
Websites
PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.it WPTPoker.com WPTCasino.com PartyBets.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, today announces its third B2B deal in France with an exclusive multi-year agreement to provide a white label online poker service for Aviation Club de France (“ACF”), one of the country’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs.
The new service, branded ‘ACFPoker’, will join PartyGaming’s expanding French poker network which will also include www.partypoker.fr. Once PartyGaming obtains the required licence and is operational, players on the network will benefit from a shared pool of player liquidity and operate on a single platform.
Founded in 1907 by four pioneering French aviators, today ACF has 100,000 members and is the leading card room in France. The club is a regular host of World Poker Tour’s events including the forthcoming Grand Prix de Paris to be held on 8-16 May 2010. The new online poker service will be promoted through a variety of channels to ACF’s extensive customer base.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said:
“ACF is a great addition to our French poker network and allows us to directly connect with France’s offline poker players. This deal is a great strategic fit and together with our other B2B alliances in France, we are determined to establish a strong position in what we believe will become one of Europe’s largest poker markets.
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6th May 2010
Websites
PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com PartyPoker.it WPTPoker.com WPTCasino.com PartyBets.com
PartyBingo.com
PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, today announces its third B2B deal in France with an exclusive multi-year agreement to provide a white label online poker service for Aviation Club de France (“ACF”), one of the country’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs.
The new service, branded ‘ACFPoker’, will join PartyGaming’s expanding French poker network which will also include www.partypoker.fr. Once PartyGaming obtains the required licence and is operational, players on the network will benefit from a shared pool of player liquidity and operate on a single platform.
Founded in 1907 by four pioneering French aviators, today ACF has 100,000 members and is the leading card room in France. The club is a regular host of World Poker Tour’s events including the forthcoming Grand Prix de Paris to be held on 8-16 May 2010. The new online poker service will be promoted through a variety of channels to ACF’s extensive customer base.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said:
“ACF is a great addition to our French poker network and allows us to directly connect with France’s offline poker players. This deal is a great strategic fit and together with our other B2B alliances in France, we are determined to establish a strong position in what we believe will become one of Europe’s largest poker markets.
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Media Man Poker
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Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Crown Casino Logies Twitter Gate Claims Journo Scalp, by Greg Tingle - 5th May 2010
Think all of the excitement (and hype) had died down from the Logies held at James Packer's Crown Casino, down under in Melbourne, Australia? You know, the event where 'Underbelly' got killed in the awards department with a donut - nil.
Twitter Gate is in full swing with a journos' (aka "hack") outrageous (funny or sick) tweets raising the ire of the Crown Casino powers that be, celebrities and their agents. It's the talk of the Aussie media and gaming world, and the infamous tweets look to have overshadowed the plastic handcuff gossip. Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe, with just a touch of "poison pen" to Crown's Twitter-Gate...
Catherine Deveny has been culled as a columnist for The Age after a tidal wave of debate over her Logies night tweets.
Deveny used, many say, misused the popular social networking tool to proclaim remarks about celebs, media identities et al while the awards ceremony was in full swing at Melbourne's Crown Casino. The jibe at wildlife warrior princess Bindi Irwin looked to be the final nail in the coffin...
"I do so hope Bindi Irwin gets laid," Deveny tweeted.
The columnist cum comedian tried in vain to defend herself with "to expose celebrity raunch culture and the sexual objectification of women, which is rife on the red carpet".
Wait, there's more says our partner in crime Pluka Duck...
"Rove and Tasma look so cute ... hope she doesn't die, too,". McManus's first wife, Belinda Emmett, lost her battle with cancer a number of years ago.
Her response was not accepted kindly by follows and readers... with return fire worthy of the "casino war" between Crown and Sydney's Star City...
200 plus comments had been published since yesterday.
"It's a wonder how Catherine could still be employed following the comments about Bindi. It is abhorrent to make such comments, no matter what context is intended. Absolutely disgraceful Catherine, I wonder if such comments made against your children would be taken in humor?" tweeted AJ of Melbourne.
"Catherine, you've done yourself proud again. Exemplifying what the 'twit' stands for in 'Twitter'," from Steve of Melbourne.
The newspaper's Editor-In-Chief, Paul Ramadge, advised last night that Deveny would no longer write for the Melbourne broadsheet, which got the office and punters all chirpy.
"We are appreciative of the columns Catherine has written for The Age over several years but the views she has expressed recently on Twitter are not in keeping with the standards we set at The Age," Ramadge advised. Not to mince words he added...
"I came to the view that I didn't think Catherine was a good fit for The Age going forward," Mr Ramage told 774 ABC Radio Melbourne.
"The way she was positioning herself (in social media) was not in keeping with paper's standards."
Yesterday, Media Man 'Hack Of The Month' winner Deveny responded to her culling with postings on Twitter and Facebook, entitled "What a day! Boned", with links to a message on her personal website. Bonded is term for fired, made famous in Australia media land by media entrepreneur, broadcaster and host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' host Eddie McGuire.
"What a day! I’ve been sacked from The Age," she penned.
"I’ve adored every moment of my time with The Age. The Age is the heart and soul of my city and Melbourne is the love of my life. Every column I have written for The Age was prepared like a meal for close friends. I am disappointed. To my beautiful readers of The Age, I will miss you. Can somebody write me a reference? "Dev x x".
The comments posted by Deveny on Twitter have been described as "offensive" and "vulgar".
Fellow comedian Wil Anderson's Logies tweets have also drawn heavy criticism.
The upskirt... er upshot is Deveny is history from Fairfax publication The Age. Return fire tweets continue against the comedian, and a bit of poison pen style journalism and hack jobs to her in kind.
A Media Man insider whispered (not tweeted) "The Twitter flock has put white stuff on Deveny... no plastic handcuffs but the poison pens came back at her ten fold. Good on The Age for taking a stand. It's a lucky thing for the offending columnist that Kerry Packer isn't still alive to give her a harsher treatment that what can be described. Operation Goanna would have been in full flight. Think 'that' scene from Casino the movie").
Numerous professional poker players have got in trouble with their poker table tweeting over the years. Poker tournament entities such as the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker have issued warnings to players about tweeting, both for in-play and post match tweeting. Bad eggs are not welcome in the great "sport" of poker.
Some of the world's leading online casino and online gaming brands (such as PartyGaming, WPT, Virgin Games - Virgin Casino, WSOP, Harrah's and Betfair) do have official Twitter accounts and they are eggs tremly careful of what comments they let fly into cyberspace.
Punters, er readers, with that issue dead and buried, tweet with caution, check your Twitter accounts for bird flu and mad cow, know the odds and have fun. We've got to fly.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
*Media Man International Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mediamanint
*Casino News Media Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/casinonewsmedia
*The Media Man Twitter flock and Betfair Pink Pigeons contributed to this report. No birds, animals (or whales) were were harmed while researching
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Think all of the excitement (and hype) had died down from the Logies held at James Packer's Crown Casino, down under in Melbourne, Australia? You know, the event where 'Underbelly' got killed in the awards department with a donut - nil.
Twitter Gate is in full swing with a journos' (aka "hack") outrageous (funny or sick) tweets raising the ire of the Crown Casino powers that be, celebrities and their agents. It's the talk of the Aussie media and gaming world, and the infamous tweets look to have overshadowed the plastic handcuff gossip. Media Man and Gambling911 take the probe, with just a touch of "poison pen" to Crown's Twitter-Gate...
Catherine Deveny has been culled as a columnist for The Age after a tidal wave of debate over her Logies night tweets.
Deveny used, many say, misused the popular social networking tool to proclaim remarks about celebs, media identities et al while the awards ceremony was in full swing at Melbourne's Crown Casino. The jibe at wildlife warrior princess Bindi Irwin looked to be the final nail in the coffin...
"I do so hope Bindi Irwin gets laid," Deveny tweeted.
The columnist cum comedian tried in vain to defend herself with "to expose celebrity raunch culture and the sexual objectification of women, which is rife on the red carpet".
Wait, there's more says our partner in crime Pluka Duck...
"Rove and Tasma look so cute ... hope she doesn't die, too,". McManus's first wife, Belinda Emmett, lost her battle with cancer a number of years ago.
Her response was not accepted kindly by follows and readers... with return fire worthy of the "casino war" between Crown and Sydney's Star City...
200 plus comments had been published since yesterday.
"It's a wonder how Catherine could still be employed following the comments about Bindi. It is abhorrent to make such comments, no matter what context is intended. Absolutely disgraceful Catherine, I wonder if such comments made against your children would be taken in humor?" tweeted AJ of Melbourne.
"Catherine, you've done yourself proud again. Exemplifying what the 'twit' stands for in 'Twitter'," from Steve of Melbourne.
The newspaper's Editor-In-Chief, Paul Ramadge, advised last night that Deveny would no longer write for the Melbourne broadsheet, which got the office and punters all chirpy.
"We are appreciative of the columns Catherine has written for The Age over several years but the views she has expressed recently on Twitter are not in keeping with the standards we set at The Age," Ramadge advised. Not to mince words he added...
"I came to the view that I didn't think Catherine was a good fit for The Age going forward," Mr Ramage told 774 ABC Radio Melbourne.
"The way she was positioning herself (in social media) was not in keeping with paper's standards."
Yesterday, Media Man 'Hack Of The Month' winner Deveny responded to her culling with postings on Twitter and Facebook, entitled "What a day! Boned", with links to a message on her personal website. Bonded is term for fired, made famous in Australia media land by media entrepreneur, broadcaster and host of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' host Eddie McGuire.
"What a day! I’ve been sacked from The Age," she penned.
"I’ve adored every moment of my time with The Age. The Age is the heart and soul of my city and Melbourne is the love of my life. Every column I have written for The Age was prepared like a meal for close friends. I am disappointed. To my beautiful readers of The Age, I will miss you. Can somebody write me a reference? "Dev x x".
The comments posted by Deveny on Twitter have been described as "offensive" and "vulgar".
Fellow comedian Wil Anderson's Logies tweets have also drawn heavy criticism.
The upskirt... er upshot is Deveny is history from Fairfax publication The Age. Return fire tweets continue against the comedian, and a bit of poison pen style journalism and hack jobs to her in kind.
A Media Man insider whispered (not tweeted) "The Twitter flock has put white stuff on Deveny... no plastic handcuffs but the poison pens came back at her ten fold. Good on The Age for taking a stand. It's a lucky thing for the offending columnist that Kerry Packer isn't still alive to give her a harsher treatment that what can be described. Operation Goanna would have been in full flight. Think 'that' scene from Casino the movie").
Numerous professional poker players have got in trouble with their poker table tweeting over the years. Poker tournament entities such as the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker have issued warnings to players about tweeting, both for in-play and post match tweeting. Bad eggs are not welcome in the great "sport" of poker.
Some of the world's leading online casino and online gaming brands (such as PartyGaming, WPT, Virgin Games - Virgin Casino, WSOP, Harrah's and Betfair) do have official Twitter accounts and they are eggs tremly careful of what comments they let fly into cyberspace.
Punters, er readers, with that issue dead and buried, tweet with caution, check your Twitter accounts for bird flu and mad cow, know the odds and have fun. We've got to fly.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
*Media Man International Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mediamanint
*Casino News Media Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/casinonewsmedia
*The Media Man Twitter flock and Betfair Pink Pigeons contributed to this report. No birds, animals (or whales) were were harmed while researching
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Tuesday, May 04, 2010
World Poker Tour® Partners with The Palm Beach Casino to Launch Televised London Stop
WPT London Poker Classic, Sponsored by PartyPoker, to Be Held at The May Fair Hotel August 29 – September 5, 2010
Websites
PartyPoker.com PartyPoker.it PartyCasino.com WPTCasino.com WPTPoker.com
World Poker Tour® (WPT) and The Palm Beach Casino have partnered to launch the first ever WPT stop for the United Kingdom: WPT London Poker Classic, sponsored by PartyPoker.com. A super satellite will kick off the series August 29, followed by the £5,000 + £300 Main Event August 30 – September 5, 2010* at The May Fair Hotel, a five star property located in the heart of London’s West End. The Main Event will be filmed for television broadcast.
“The Palm Beach Casino is delighted to welcome the World Poker Tour 2010 in London,” said Genting Casinos London Poker Manager Simon Tomsett. “We anticipate players from all over the world, playing for the prestigious title.”
The Main Event will feature two starting days and a total player cap of 400. The winner of the WPT London Poker Classic will receive the first place cash prize, a WPT title, WPT Champions bracelet and a seat to play in the 2011 WPT Championship in Las Vegas.
In addition to online qualifiers on PartyPoker.com, a land-based satellite series is set to kick off this summer in poker clubs and Casinos across London. More information will be announced soon.
The Palm Beach Casino is located in The May Fair Hotel's former Grand Art Deco Ballroom and features one of the largest gaming rooms in London. The casino is part of Genting Casinos UK, Britain’s largest casino operator. For more information, visit www.thepalmbeach.co.uk or www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/home.
“London is a great poker destination and has always been a major target in our ongoing expansion,” said WPT President Adam Pliska. “We’re thrilled to have found amazing partners in The Palm Beach Casino, Genting UK and The May Fair Hotel London. With the added power of PartyPoker.com, this is sure to be a highly anticipated WPT event on the international schedule.”
For more information and the complete WPT tour schedule, visit World Poker Tour.
*Dates are subject to change.
ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT is now broadcast globally in 150 countries and is currently filming its all-new eighth season for broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see World Poker Tour
About Palm Beach Casino/Genting Casinos UK
The Palm Beach Casino provides a truly elegant gaming atmosphere for players of all levels and experience. The Palm Beach Casino is part of Genting UK, Britain’s largest casino operator. Genting UK which trades as Genting Casinos has three key brands across the provincial estate; Circus, Maxims and Mint. Circus is a mass market proposition with 12 locations, Maxims is aimed at the aspirational end of the market and has 8 locations whilst Mint is targeted more towards the "true gamers" and has 20 sites.
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WPT London Poker Classic, Sponsored by PartyPoker, to Be Held at The May Fair Hotel August 29 – September 5, 2010
Websites
PartyPoker.com PartyPoker.it PartyCasino.com WPTCasino.com WPTPoker.com
World Poker Tour® (WPT) and The Palm Beach Casino have partnered to launch the first ever WPT stop for the United Kingdom: WPT London Poker Classic, sponsored by PartyPoker.com. A super satellite will kick off the series August 29, followed by the £5,000 + £300 Main Event August 30 – September 5, 2010* at The May Fair Hotel, a five star property located in the heart of London’s West End. The Main Event will be filmed for television broadcast.
“The Palm Beach Casino is delighted to welcome the World Poker Tour 2010 in London,” said Genting Casinos London Poker Manager Simon Tomsett. “We anticipate players from all over the world, playing for the prestigious title.”
The Main Event will feature two starting days and a total player cap of 400. The winner of the WPT London Poker Classic will receive the first place cash prize, a WPT title, WPT Champions bracelet and a seat to play in the 2011 WPT Championship in Las Vegas.
In addition to online qualifiers on PartyPoker.com, a land-based satellite series is set to kick off this summer in poker clubs and Casinos across London. More information will be announced soon.
The Palm Beach Casino is located in The May Fair Hotel's former Grand Art Deco Ballroom and features one of the largest gaming rooms in London. The casino is part of Genting Casinos UK, Britain’s largest casino operator. For more information, visit www.thepalmbeach.co.uk or www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/home.
“London is a great poker destination and has always been a major target in our ongoing expansion,” said WPT President Adam Pliska. “We’re thrilled to have found amazing partners in The Palm Beach Casino, Genting UK and The May Fair Hotel London. With the added power of PartyPoker.com, this is sure to be a highly anticipated WPT event on the international schedule.”
For more information and the complete WPT tour schedule, visit World Poker Tour.
*Dates are subject to change.
ABOUT WORLD POKER TOUR
World Poker Tour (WPT) is one of the most recognized names in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online and mobile. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show based on a series of high stakes poker tournaments. WPT is now broadcast globally in 150 countries and is currently filming its all-new eighth season for broadcast on Fox Sports Net’s national sports network in the United States. WPT also offers a unique online subscription and sweepstakes-based poker club, ClubWPT.com, which operates in 38 states across the U.S. WPT also participates in strategic brand license, partnership and sponsorship opportunities. WPT is a subsidiary of PartyGaming Plc. For more information, see World Poker Tour
About Palm Beach Casino/Genting Casinos UK
The Palm Beach Casino provides a truly elegant gaming atmosphere for players of all levels and experience. The Palm Beach Casino is part of Genting UK, Britain’s largest casino operator. Genting UK which trades as Genting Casinos has three key brands across the provincial estate; Circus, Maxims and Mint. Circus is a mass market proposition with 12 locations, Maxims is aimed at the aspirational end of the market and has 8 locations whilst Mint is targeted more towards the "true gamers" and has 20 sites.
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Global Gaming Directory
Casino News Media
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Global Gaming Directory.net
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PartyGaming to Provide Online Poker to French Media Giant
Websites
PartyPoker.com PartyPoker.it PartyCasino.com WPTCasino.com WPTPoker.com
PartyGaming, operator of PartyPoker, announced Monday that it had entered into a partnership with one of France’s largest television broadcasters. The deal will have PartyGaming provide a white label online poker room for AB Groupe, a company with 15 subscription channels and 52 million paid subscribers across France and other French speaking countries.
The new poker room will be called LuckyJeux (meaning Lucky Games) and will join PartyPoker.fr on PartyGaming’s French poker network. Also on the network is another white label PartyGaming product, the online poker room of Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), which is France’s state-run horse racing monopoly. PartyGaming and PMU forged that deal near the end of March.
PMU will not be a monopoly for long, however, as earlier this month, French lawmakers approved a bill to legalize online gambling, eliminating the government monopoly. The timing of the agreement with AB Groupe was no coincidence. In a press release issued by PartyGaming, the online gambling giant’s CEO Jim Ryan said, “AB Groupe is a first rate addition to our French poker network and is consistent with our stated strategy of combining B2C and B2B offerings in newly regulated markets. Together with our recently announced alliance with PMU, we are in great shape ahead of the market opening and are excited about our prospects.”
AB Groupe owns the French television station RTL9, which made poker headlines at the beginning of April as a key player in a lawsuit filed by Ultra Internet Media (UIM), the parent company of Everest Poker, against Harrah’s, owners of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). In 2008, UIM signed a three-year agreement with Harrah’s to make Everest Poker the on-felt sponsor of the WSOP, a deal which would have UIM pay a total of $22.5 million. According to UIM, RTL9 substituted the Everest Poker logo with that of rival Full Tilt Poker in its broadcasts of the WSOP. Officials from Everest Poker, ESPN, and Harrah’s met in February 2009 to discuss the issue, but while promises were made to have Full Tilt’s logo removed, it remained in the broadcasts. UIM has sued Harrah’s for breach of contract and is withholding its 2010 payment.
In addition to the WSOP, RTL9 airs episodes of “Poker after Dark” and the National Heads-Up Poker Championship. The station’s website also advertises promotions with Full Tilt. On AB Groupe’s own website, the company offers a contest in which visitors can send a text message or call a pay-per-play phone number to enter a sweepstakes for a seat in the 2010 WSOP Main Event.
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Websites
PartyPoker.com PartyPoker.it PartyCasino.com WPTCasino.com WPTPoker.com
PartyGaming, operator of PartyPoker, announced Monday that it had entered into a partnership with one of France’s largest television broadcasters. The deal will have PartyGaming provide a white label online poker room for AB Groupe, a company with 15 subscription channels and 52 million paid subscribers across France and other French speaking countries.
The new poker room will be called LuckyJeux (meaning Lucky Games) and will join PartyPoker.fr on PartyGaming’s French poker network. Also on the network is another white label PartyGaming product, the online poker room of Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), which is France’s state-run horse racing monopoly. PartyGaming and PMU forged that deal near the end of March.
PMU will not be a monopoly for long, however, as earlier this month, French lawmakers approved a bill to legalize online gambling, eliminating the government monopoly. The timing of the agreement with AB Groupe was no coincidence. In a press release issued by PartyGaming, the online gambling giant’s CEO Jim Ryan said, “AB Groupe is a first rate addition to our French poker network and is consistent with our stated strategy of combining B2C and B2B offerings in newly regulated markets. Together with our recently announced alliance with PMU, we are in great shape ahead of the market opening and are excited about our prospects.”
AB Groupe owns the French television station RTL9, which made poker headlines at the beginning of April as a key player in a lawsuit filed by Ultra Internet Media (UIM), the parent company of Everest Poker, against Harrah’s, owners of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). In 2008, UIM signed a three-year agreement with Harrah’s to make Everest Poker the on-felt sponsor of the WSOP, a deal which would have UIM pay a total of $22.5 million. According to UIM, RTL9 substituted the Everest Poker logo with that of rival Full Tilt Poker in its broadcasts of the WSOP. Officials from Everest Poker, ESPN, and Harrah’s met in February 2009 to discuss the issue, but while promises were made to have Full Tilt’s logo removed, it remained in the broadcasts. UIM has sued Harrah’s for breach of contract and is withholding its 2010 payment.
In addition to the WSOP, RTL9 airs episodes of “Poker after Dark” and the National Heads-Up Poker Championship. The station’s website also advertises promotions with Full Tilt. On AB Groupe’s own website, the company offers a contest in which visitors can send a text message or call a pay-per-play phone number to enter a sweepstakes for a seat in the 2010 WSOP Main Event.
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