Australian motorsport sensation, Mark Webber, is (or was) on fire, following his stunning performances this F1 season. Insiders including Red Bull teammate and pit crew, and a swag of insiders are now wondering if a curse stemming from the country he's racing in - Turkey, has effected his judgement, and are jokingly (we think) naming Webber 'Turkey Of The Month'. Media Man and Gambling911 rev up the situation...
Mark Webber last night secured 3rd place in (country) Turkey after a controversial collision with teammate Sebastien Vettel while the Matildas won the Asian Cup. The punters had not bargained for this and numbers are being crunched as we go to print.
Hamilton leading McLaren: 1st - 2nd
ISTANBUL: Lewis Hamilton led a McLaren 1-2 at the Turkish Grand Prix following an exciting dust up between teammates Webber and Sebastian Vettel vetoed Team Red Bull a double dip.
The Bull's daily double collided as Vettel attempted a pass along the Istanbul Park Circuit's fast section, facilitating the German into a spin, and mental spin out or of sorts.
Aussie Webber, who was leading the entire 40 laps, some how recovered for 3rd behind the cunning Jenson Button as Red Bull's pit-lane team scratched their heads.
The McLaren team also tensed up near the conclusion as its drivers exchanged the lead but Hamilton eventually earned his first win of the season, getting bragging rights, and the Brit's second top 2 finish this season... by 2.6 seconds after rain had slipped up the circuit.
Red Bull was heading for a second straight 1-2 that would have given them a huge lead in both the drivers' and constructors' standings. Neither driver was willing to accept the blame, with Vettel insisting he had the right of way as he moved up the inside, and Webber believing his teammate closed too quickly.
Webber labelled it "a disaster."
Media Man and Gambling911 labelled it "good fodder for motorsport write ups"!
Despite the incident, for the record, Media Man does not think Webber is a Turkey, despite the country of the clash, nor do we suspect a sports betting "rat".
When placing bets, don't be a Turkey, know the odds, get insider info if you can (without getting caught), bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming inc sports betting is just one of a dozen business sectors covered.
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
UFC(R) 114 Officially Sold Out - 27th May 2010
Las Vegas, NV (USA) – UFC announced today that tickets for UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. are officially sold out. The war of words between former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and “Suga” Rashad Evans has created one of the fiercest rivalries in the history of the sport. It’s also created one of the hottest tickets in Sin City.
Tickets are still available for the closed circuit telecast of UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans to be held at MGM Grand Conference Center. Tickets for the closed circuit telecast are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino) and at any MGM Grand box office outlet. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at UFC.com, www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans will also be available live on Pay-Per-View on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).
For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com, UK.UFC.com, GERMANY.UFC.com, UFCJapan.jp or UFCEspanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
Ultimate Fighting Championship® - www.ufc.com
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually and 30 live arena events around the world. UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.’s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.’s Versus network. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 130 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching 430 million homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 5 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a U.S. bimonthly magazine.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, registered service marks, trademarks, trade dress and/or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and licensed to its affiliated entities and other licensees in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC, its affiliates or other respective owners.
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Tickets are still available for the closed circuit telecast of UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans to be held at MGM Grand Conference Center. Tickets for the closed circuit telecast are available at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino) and at any MGM Grand box office outlet. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at UFC.com, www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
UFC 114: Rampage vs. Evans will also be available live on Pay-Per-View on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.95 for standard definition or high-definition broadcasts (where available).
For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com, UK.UFC.com, GERMANY.UFC.com, UFCJapan.jp or UFCEspanol.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
Ultimate Fighting Championship® - www.ufc.com
Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC® produces over twelve UFC live Pay-Per-View events annually and 30 live arena events around the world. UFC programming is distributed in the United States on Viacom, Inc.’s Spike TV and on Comcast, Inc.’s Versus network. UFC content is distributed commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada. Globally, UFC programming is broadcast in over 130 countries, territories and jurisdictions, reaching 430 million homes worldwide, in 20 different languages. Ancillary businesses now include UFC.com with over 5 million unique visitors per month, the best-selling UFC “Undisputed” videogame franchise distributed by THQ, UFC Gym™, UFC Fight Club affinity program, UFC Fan Expo™ festivals, branded apparel, trading cards, articulated action figures and other media including best-selling DVDs and a U.S. bimonthly magazine.
Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Ultimate Fighting®, UFC®, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa®, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, registered service marks, trademarks, trade dress and/or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC and licensed to its affiliated entities and other licensees in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC, its affiliates or other respective owners.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
NRL State Of Origin Series In 3D Starts Tonight, by Greg Tingle - 26th May 2010
Punters, sports fans, nuts, techo geeks... tonight's the night, at least down under in Australia.
Network Nine Australia makes history at 7.30pm as they go to air with the Harvey Norman 'State of Origin' Series which will be the first sporting event ever to be broadcast live in 3D on free-to-air television production! Are you pumped, we sure are. Media Man and Gambling911 don the 3D glasses and grapple tackle the situation.
This years 'State Of Origin' NRL series, best of 3, is set to break a number of records (if not necks).
It's a rainy and windy day in Sydney, Australia, but that's unlikely to put a damper on fans attending ANZ Stadium, and the nasty weather may actually help it becoming a huge TV night. The 3D broadcast is also tipped to attract extra TV viewers who don't normally watch any or much NRL footy.
James Packer 50% owned Betfair, and competitor, Centrebet, are expecting record betting over the 3 match series, with Australian Productivity Gaming Report showing that sports betting in Australia was the #1 growth area. Former Media Man client, Betezy, is also hopeful of shattering their previous betting records. Most Aussie sports betting bookies who are still in business, are looking to recover from the loss they took at the hands of the Melbourne Storm "wooden spoon" sports betting scandal, which say bookies lost up to an estimated $300,000 AUD.
Tonight both The Blues (NSW) and The Maroons (QLD) will not only be fighting for bragging rights and pride in the game, but also for the ongoing support of their sports, currently trying to get out of the shadow of sports betting and salary cap mischief. Players and coaches will not want suspicion pointing at them.
Let's now cross to analyst Nick Tedeschi, for a snapshot of his informed opinion on State Of Origin , and a public thank you to the good folks at Team Betfair...
State of Origin 2010 betting has Queensland as a heavy favourite to win the series, a victory that would be Queensland's fourth in a row. Neither New South Wales nor Queensland have won more than three series in a row in the nearly thirty year history of Origin football.
Queensland are deserved favourites with State of Origin 2010 betting quoting Queensland around the 1.60 mark with New South Wales offered at about 2.30. It has been an absolute rarity over the last decade, with the exception of last year, that Queensland are viewed by punters, bookmakers and traders as the pre-series favourite.
At this stage of the year, it would seem only cruel fate could stop Queensland from rewriting history. If anything, State of Origin 2010 betting has Queensland over the odds at 1.60.
Queensland have an embarrassment of riches. Combined with a level of stability rarely seen in Origin football and the confidence that comes with three consecutive series victories under a coach that personifies the Maroons ethos, Queensland enter the 2010 series in as good a position as has been seen in Origin football.
Remarkably, nearly every position in the Queensland team has already been settled. Billy Slater will play fullback. Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston will be the halves pairing. Cameron Smith will wear the nine. Steve Price and Petero Civoniceva will lead the way up front. Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Justin Hodges and Darius Boyd will fill the three-quarter line. Dallas Johnson and Sam Thaiday have two of the three back-row positions locked-up. It is really only the final backrow position and a number of bench spots that need to be filled. Only injury will prevent Queensland from fielding one of the most lethal and effective Origin line-ups ever.
It is little wonder that Queensland are dominating State of Origin 2010 betting.
A look at the New South Wales situation only serves to reinforce Queensland's apparent dominance of the series.
To start with, New South Wales are without a captain with no obvious heir apparent waiting to replace retired legend Danny Buderus. Few positions have been settled. New South Wales will be forced to field an inexperienced halves line-up with Peter Wallace the favourite to wear the seven and the choice for six a lottery. A new hooker will need to be found to replace Buderus. Up front the Blues are clearly lacking with three of Luke Bailey, Justin Poore, Brent Kite, Luke Douglas, Michael Weyman, and Josh Perry to take on the ferocious Queensland pack. Bailey and Kite are the only two with Origin experience. It is anybody's guess who will line-up against the brilliant and lethal Queensland three-quarter line.
To complicate matters, New South Wales selectors have made a habit of choosing certain types of players who have proved impotent in Origin football. If they persist with the likes of Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou et al, the series is as good as over.
Traders should take the State of Origin 2010 betting odds available for Queensland. At this stage, they are well and truly over the odds.
Gambling911 back with you... you got to give it to Nick... credit where credit is due! Now, place a bet with Betfair to show your support and appreciation! ... just kidding, betting is still optional (not mandatory, like Sen Stephen Conroy and the Aussie Govt wants to do with the internet filter), but that's another story. Conroy has his own 'State Of Origin' battle with tech giant Google at the moment... think "Don't Be Evil" matters regarding rights to privacy and the like.
Queenslander Comments
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has this to say on tonight's clash, moving forward from last years round 3 team bashing....
"We haven't even talked about what happened in game three really - it's just about going forward, new beginnings and heading into this series in a confident mode... they think they've found the formula to victory and we have to just make sure we focus on what we do best and that's get out there and play for each other. I don't suspect there's going to be a stink - it's going to be a physical encounter and that's what Origin's all about. You've got to have an aggressive mindset. We didn't handle that very well in game three last year."
Know The Odds!
NSW VS QLD Match One
Betfair
NSW 1.86
QLD 2.1
Tech Head And Geek Scoop
On the 31st January 2010, UK Pay TV provider, BSKYB became the first broadcaster in the world to show a live sport event in 3D. This featured a football match between Manchester United and Arsenal to a selected audience in several pubs around the UK.
May the best and fairest team win. Gambling911 and Media Man remind the loyal readers to bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Oh, most importantly, know the odds, so keep checking websites like Betfair and Centrebet, and G911 will be delivering follow up stories on both a betting, techno, news and gossip front. Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
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Media Man Australia
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Network Nine Australia makes history at 7.30pm as they go to air with the Harvey Norman 'State of Origin' Series which will be the first sporting event ever to be broadcast live in 3D on free-to-air television production! Are you pumped, we sure are. Media Man and Gambling911 don the 3D glasses and grapple tackle the situation.
This years 'State Of Origin' NRL series, best of 3, is set to break a number of records (if not necks).
It's a rainy and windy day in Sydney, Australia, but that's unlikely to put a damper on fans attending ANZ Stadium, and the nasty weather may actually help it becoming a huge TV night. The 3D broadcast is also tipped to attract extra TV viewers who don't normally watch any or much NRL footy.
James Packer 50% owned Betfair, and competitor, Centrebet, are expecting record betting over the 3 match series, with Australian Productivity Gaming Report showing that sports betting in Australia was the #1 growth area. Former Media Man client, Betezy, is also hopeful of shattering their previous betting records. Most Aussie sports betting bookies who are still in business, are looking to recover from the loss they took at the hands of the Melbourne Storm "wooden spoon" sports betting scandal, which say bookies lost up to an estimated $300,000 AUD.
Tonight both The Blues (NSW) and The Maroons (QLD) will not only be fighting for bragging rights and pride in the game, but also for the ongoing support of their sports, currently trying to get out of the shadow of sports betting and salary cap mischief. Players and coaches will not want suspicion pointing at them.
Let's now cross to analyst Nick Tedeschi, for a snapshot of his informed opinion on State Of Origin , and a public thank you to the good folks at Team Betfair...
State of Origin 2010 betting has Queensland as a heavy favourite to win the series, a victory that would be Queensland's fourth in a row. Neither New South Wales nor Queensland have won more than three series in a row in the nearly thirty year history of Origin football.
Queensland are deserved favourites with State of Origin 2010 betting quoting Queensland around the 1.60 mark with New South Wales offered at about 2.30. It has been an absolute rarity over the last decade, with the exception of last year, that Queensland are viewed by punters, bookmakers and traders as the pre-series favourite.
At this stage of the year, it would seem only cruel fate could stop Queensland from rewriting history. If anything, State of Origin 2010 betting has Queensland over the odds at 1.60.
Queensland have an embarrassment of riches. Combined with a level of stability rarely seen in Origin football and the confidence that comes with three consecutive series victories under a coach that personifies the Maroons ethos, Queensland enter the 2010 series in as good a position as has been seen in Origin football.
Remarkably, nearly every position in the Queensland team has already been settled. Billy Slater will play fullback. Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston will be the halves pairing. Cameron Smith will wear the nine. Steve Price and Petero Civoniceva will lead the way up front. Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Justin Hodges and Darius Boyd will fill the three-quarter line. Dallas Johnson and Sam Thaiday have two of the three back-row positions locked-up. It is really only the final backrow position and a number of bench spots that need to be filled. Only injury will prevent Queensland from fielding one of the most lethal and effective Origin line-ups ever.
It is little wonder that Queensland are dominating State of Origin 2010 betting.
A look at the New South Wales situation only serves to reinforce Queensland's apparent dominance of the series.
To start with, New South Wales are without a captain with no obvious heir apparent waiting to replace retired legend Danny Buderus. Few positions have been settled. New South Wales will be forced to field an inexperienced halves line-up with Peter Wallace the favourite to wear the seven and the choice for six a lottery. A new hooker will need to be found to replace Buderus. Up front the Blues are clearly lacking with three of Luke Bailey, Justin Poore, Brent Kite, Luke Douglas, Michael Weyman, and Josh Perry to take on the ferocious Queensland pack. Bailey and Kite are the only two with Origin experience. It is anybody's guess who will line-up against the brilliant and lethal Queensland three-quarter line.
To complicate matters, New South Wales selectors have made a habit of choosing certain types of players who have proved impotent in Origin football. If they persist with the likes of Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou et al, the series is as good as over.
Traders should take the State of Origin 2010 betting odds available for Queensland. At this stage, they are well and truly over the odds.
Gambling911 back with you... you got to give it to Nick... credit where credit is due! Now, place a bet with Betfair to show your support and appreciation! ... just kidding, betting is still optional (not mandatory, like Sen Stephen Conroy and the Aussie Govt wants to do with the internet filter), but that's another story. Conroy has his own 'State Of Origin' battle with tech giant Google at the moment... think "Don't Be Evil" matters regarding rights to privacy and the like.
Queenslander Comments
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has this to say on tonight's clash, moving forward from last years round 3 team bashing....
"We haven't even talked about what happened in game three really - it's just about going forward, new beginnings and heading into this series in a confident mode... they think they've found the formula to victory and we have to just make sure we focus on what we do best and that's get out there and play for each other. I don't suspect there's going to be a stink - it's going to be a physical encounter and that's what Origin's all about. You've got to have an aggressive mindset. We didn't handle that very well in game three last year."
Know The Odds!
NSW VS QLD Match One
Betfair
NSW 1.86
QLD 2.1
Tech Head And Geek Scoop
On the 31st January 2010, UK Pay TV provider, BSKYB became the first broadcaster in the world to show a live sport event in 3D. This featured a football match between Manchester United and Arsenal to a selected audience in several pubs around the UK.
May the best and fairest team win. Gambling911 and Media Man remind the loyal readers to bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Oh, most importantly, know the odds, so keep checking websites like Betfair and Centrebet, and G911 will be delivering follow up stories on both a betting, techno, news and gossip front. Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Australian Casino, Gaming And Sports Betting Trends, by Greg Tingle - 25th May 2010
It's a red hot week, month in fact, for the Australian and Asia Pacific gaming and igaming sector. Following the public release of the Aussie government Australian Productivity Report. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to dissect the report, and what it means to both casual and hardcore gamblers, gamers, punters et al...
Australians are as passionate as ever about having a punt.. slots, poker, online casino games, bingo, horse racing, and sports betting is enjoying massive growth, fuelled by deals with Australian and international news media broadcasters, see punting talked about and referenced considerably in cricket, NRL, AFL, and even MMA via Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Typical Australian households are investing 3% of its income on gambling.
Online and offline sports betting has picked up the slack from bricks and mortar casinos, clubs and hotels, with the majority of gamblers being well aware of the number of attacks and criminal matters having accorded at licensed premises. Those who prefer to smoke while gambling are largely staying home and betting online.
Casino and Club Poker Machines
Aussies are keeping up the tradition of trying their luck on the pokies. Over 70% of punters money allocation going to the "one armed bandits". The pokies sector, much of which is controlled by Woolworths and Mr Bruce Mathieson has grown an average 1.2% per year over the past five years. Machines bring in $109.4 billion a year!
Horse Racing
Following pokies, racing comes in with 11.5% of spending, a .5% lift in five years. Spending rose from $15.6 billion to $17.6 billion during the past five years. The sector grew 2.5%. Horse racing and a "day at the races" is a totally acceptable form of gambling and social pastime to women and their families, with fashion houses, brands and the like getting in the thick of the action.
Casinos (land based)
Casinos are down, despite James Packers' Crown Casino in Melbourne make things appear their up. Tabcorp's Star City in Sydney and Jupiters Hotel & Casino on the Gold Coast have been spending up big on renovations, PR and advertising, and further plugging into the tourism and entertainment sector, attracting the creme of the world's performing artists and sporting events. 'Aussie Millions' remains Australia's biggest poker tournament by far, Crown being its home.
Casinos are understood to have lost market share in the past five years, down from 12.3% total spend in the 2004 - 2005 window to 11.9% currently. Total spending in casinos has risen in the window from $17.5 billion up to $18.3 billion. Despite what many consider to be a long period of national and international recession, the Aussie casino sector has somehow expanded by 0.9% per annum.
Lottery (via newsagents)
Staying steady. 3.5% of gambling spend. Up .2% from 5 years ago. $5.3 billion a year is invested in Aussies each year in attempt to win 'The Big One'. The sector is up by 2.3% over the past 5 years.
Sports Betting
Increased market share of gambling spend up from 1.1% in 2004-2005 to 1.9%.
Annual spend - $2.9 billion. In 2005 it was only $1.6 billion! 12% growth on average. Online sports betting has taken off, attracting a wide and passionate audience. Australians enjoy the skill element to it, just as they do with poker and online poker. Punters test their knowledge, inside info, and try to best their mates, putting down money where their mouth is. Despite a number of sports betting scandals, punters can't get enough. 50% Packer owned Betfair is powering along, also pushing attracting affiliate programs offerings to web publishers such as Media Man via agencies like DGM. Betfair main competitor Centrebet is in the top 2 sports betting firms for Australia based on revenues and active accounts. Betfair and Centrebet are looking to expand into other gambling offerings, with Centrebet already starting to offer online slots, including Marvel Entertainment, no doubt become aware of PartyGaming's popularity with branded online slot games. TAB sub group, Luxbet, entered the market a few months ago, along with Bet365 with a mixed result. SportingBet, Betstar are in the top 10. Many NRL Footy clubs joined up with Betezy (former Media Man client), with sports club branded betting ie: TitanBet (Gold Coast Titans and SharksBet (Cronulla Sharks). Punters are generally remaining very loyal to Betfair and Centerbet. Fairfax (inc The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald) and News Limited (inc The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Advertiser, Perth Now and The Courier-Mail and The Australian) are both advertising sports betting firms and also have what are understood to be "white label" in house deals, the details of which appear to be closely guarded. Google ads are often featured on Australia's leading newspaper websites and print ads for sports betting and gaming appear in newspaper print weekly.
What's Hot For Betting
State Of Origin, UFC, World Cup Soccer
Other Growing Areas
Female Gambling - online bingo, online sports betting, celebrity betting ala reality TV, politics
Areas Expecting More Growth
Online Casinos, following PartyGaming's global success of branded slot games, incorporating the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, IGT. Virtual worlds continue to enjoy popularity, especially with the younger audience, and rumors persist that SecondLife may once again incorporate a gambling - casino element. PKR's 3D poker room appears to be driving a popularity with the 3D casino sector. Richard Branson's Virgin Games has a global push, including with both gaming and gambling, with a launch of a new Virgin Games product in the US next month. It's expected to be related to AWOMO (A World Of My Own), a project in association with Game Domain International.
Concerns
Numerous gaming and igaming companies, both national and international, are concerned with the Australia government's stance on censorship, both online and offline, as well as government attempting to crack down on independent press and freelance journalists, be it Wikileaks or other.
Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Winner
PartyCasino.com
The New Wave
Tech giant Google is expected to do a hard launch of Google Games in the near future, already pushing classic game 'Pac Man'. Just when they release Google gambling remains to be seen. Google already brings in substantial revenue accepting gambling and gaming ads via its AdWords etc, which are advertised in most parts of the western word. Google's YouTube portal is expected to become a massive gaming hub. Google TV was put into the public domain via news media late last week, but Media Man understands gambling was not discussed, but gaming was. 'Play For Free' or 'Play For Money' options looks to stay part of the new wave, and multi currency casino options and internet portals incorporating games - skill and games of chance is a growing trend. Sports betting is tipped go start a 3D trend and mobile gaming, on phones, SmartPhones etc is on the upswing, despite news media reports advising punters to be alert to heavy data charges associated with so called Smart Phones.
Australia remains in the world's top ten, a number of insiders saying approximately 3rd biggest gambling national on earth.
The general population finds gambling totally acceptable, with only a small but vocal group of campaigners continuing to bombard newspapers with negative stories in an attempt to facilitate "attack journalism".
Gambling is stronger than ever in the land down under, becoming almost one with the world of sports, mainstream entertainment and the general internet landscape.
Media Man and Gambling911 encourage gamblers to know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming (including sports betting) is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover on a global basis. Media Man's casino news flagship brand is Casino News Media
They also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
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Australians are as passionate as ever about having a punt.. slots, poker, online casino games, bingo, horse racing, and sports betting is enjoying massive growth, fuelled by deals with Australian and international news media broadcasters, see punting talked about and referenced considerably in cricket, NRL, AFL, and even MMA via Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Typical Australian households are investing 3% of its income on gambling.
Online and offline sports betting has picked up the slack from bricks and mortar casinos, clubs and hotels, with the majority of gamblers being well aware of the number of attacks and criminal matters having accorded at licensed premises. Those who prefer to smoke while gambling are largely staying home and betting online.
Casino and Club Poker Machines
Aussies are keeping up the tradition of trying their luck on the pokies. Over 70% of punters money allocation going to the "one armed bandits". The pokies sector, much of which is controlled by Woolworths and Mr Bruce Mathieson has grown an average 1.2% per year over the past five years. Machines bring in $109.4 billion a year!
Horse Racing
Following pokies, racing comes in with 11.5% of spending, a .5% lift in five years. Spending rose from $15.6 billion to $17.6 billion during the past five years. The sector grew 2.5%. Horse racing and a "day at the races" is a totally acceptable form of gambling and social pastime to women and their families, with fashion houses, brands and the like getting in the thick of the action.
Casinos (land based)
Casinos are down, despite James Packers' Crown Casino in Melbourne make things appear their up. Tabcorp's Star City in Sydney and Jupiters Hotel & Casino on the Gold Coast have been spending up big on renovations, PR and advertising, and further plugging into the tourism and entertainment sector, attracting the creme of the world's performing artists and sporting events. 'Aussie Millions' remains Australia's biggest poker tournament by far, Crown being its home.
Casinos are understood to have lost market share in the past five years, down from 12.3% total spend in the 2004 - 2005 window to 11.9% currently. Total spending in casinos has risen in the window from $17.5 billion up to $18.3 billion. Despite what many consider to be a long period of national and international recession, the Aussie casino sector has somehow expanded by 0.9% per annum.
Lottery (via newsagents)
Staying steady. 3.5% of gambling spend. Up .2% from 5 years ago. $5.3 billion a year is invested in Aussies each year in attempt to win 'The Big One'. The sector is up by 2.3% over the past 5 years.
Sports Betting
Increased market share of gambling spend up from 1.1% in 2004-2005 to 1.9%.
Annual spend - $2.9 billion. In 2005 it was only $1.6 billion! 12% growth on average. Online sports betting has taken off, attracting a wide and passionate audience. Australians enjoy the skill element to it, just as they do with poker and online poker. Punters test their knowledge, inside info, and try to best their mates, putting down money where their mouth is. Despite a number of sports betting scandals, punters can't get enough. 50% Packer owned Betfair is powering along, also pushing attracting affiliate programs offerings to web publishers such as Media Man via agencies like DGM. Betfair main competitor Centrebet is in the top 2 sports betting firms for Australia based on revenues and active accounts. Betfair and Centrebet are looking to expand into other gambling offerings, with Centrebet already starting to offer online slots, including Marvel Entertainment, no doubt become aware of PartyGaming's popularity with branded online slot games. TAB sub group, Luxbet, entered the market a few months ago, along with Bet365 with a mixed result. SportingBet, Betstar are in the top 10. Many NRL Footy clubs joined up with Betezy (former Media Man client), with sports club branded betting ie: TitanBet (Gold Coast Titans and SharksBet (Cronulla Sharks). Punters are generally remaining very loyal to Betfair and Centerbet. Fairfax (inc The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald) and News Limited (inc The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Advertiser, Perth Now and The Courier-Mail and The Australian) are both advertising sports betting firms and also have what are understood to be "white label" in house deals, the details of which appear to be closely guarded. Google ads are often featured on Australia's leading newspaper websites and print ads for sports betting and gaming appear in newspaper print weekly.
What's Hot For Betting
State Of Origin, UFC, World Cup Soccer
Other Growing Areas
Female Gambling - online bingo, online sports betting, celebrity betting ala reality TV, politics
Areas Expecting More Growth
Online Casinos, following PartyGaming's global success of branded slot games, incorporating the likes of Marvel Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, IGT. Virtual worlds continue to enjoy popularity, especially with the younger audience, and rumors persist that SecondLife may once again incorporate a gambling - casino element. PKR's 3D poker room appears to be driving a popularity with the 3D casino sector. Richard Branson's Virgin Games has a global push, including with both gaming and gambling, with a launch of a new Virgin Games product in the US next month. It's expected to be related to AWOMO (A World Of My Own), a project in association with Game Domain International.
Concerns
Numerous gaming and igaming companies, both national and international, are concerned with the Australia government's stance on censorship, both online and offline, as well as government attempting to crack down on independent press and freelance journalists, be it Wikileaks or other.
Media Man 'Online Casino Of The Month' Winner
PartyCasino.com
The New Wave
Tech giant Google is expected to do a hard launch of Google Games in the near future, already pushing classic game 'Pac Man'. Just when they release Google gambling remains to be seen. Google already brings in substantial revenue accepting gambling and gaming ads via its AdWords etc, which are advertised in most parts of the western word. Google's YouTube portal is expected to become a massive gaming hub. Google TV was put into the public domain via news media late last week, but Media Man understands gambling was not discussed, but gaming was. 'Play For Free' or 'Play For Money' options looks to stay part of the new wave, and multi currency casino options and internet portals incorporating games - skill and games of chance is a growing trend. Sports betting is tipped go start a 3D trend and mobile gaming, on phones, SmartPhones etc is on the upswing, despite news media reports advising punters to be alert to heavy data charges associated with so called Smart Phones.
Australia remains in the world's top ten, a number of insiders saying approximately 3rd biggest gambling national on earth.
The general population finds gambling totally acceptable, with only a small but vocal group of campaigners continuing to bombard newspapers with negative stories in an attempt to facilitate "attack journalism".
Gambling is stronger than ever in the land down under, becoming almost one with the world of sports, mainstream entertainment and the general internet landscape.
Media Man and Gambling911 encourage gamblers to know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming (including sports betting) is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover on a global basis. Media Man's casino news flagship brand is Casino News Media
They also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin
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Monday, May 24, 2010
Australian Sports Form Anti-Corruption Alliance, by Greg Tingle - 24th May 2010
The reputation of Aussie sports, thus sports business, and to a broader degree, entertainment industry, has a take a bashing of late. Desperate to fix up ala "fix the fix" et al, a broad range of Australian sports are teaming up for the greater good. A sports betting fix and salary cap rorting re Melbourne Storm was the recent trigger, but most insiders agree there's been issues with the integrity of Australia sports for decades, and we're not just talking about Aussie Olympic team and management stuff ups. Media Man and Gambling911 go crash tackling, body slamming and Hills Hoist clotheslining with this report...
Australian sports have formed an alliance to share information that could help guard against corruption arising from the burgeoning sports gaming industry.
Sports heads from Aussie Rules, rugby, soccer, tennis and netball (no NRL or MMA) formed the Coalition of Major Professional & Participation Sports (COMPPS) this week.
The group said in a media statement last Friday its formation reflected "the importance of continuing public confidence in the integrity of major sports' results".
"There have been concerns about corrupt gaming's influence in some sports in some parts of the world and the newly constituted COMPPS group sees the importance of guarding against corruption in Australian sports gaming as one of our priorities," Executive Director Malcolm Speed said.
"Australia has an excellent sports gaming integrity reputation, which we want to maintain and as a first step, we will start sharing information within the COMPPS membership." ...well, that's what they said, but we detected a bit of spin. It's not the word on the street or in balanced news media reports. Mind you, the Storm, snooker championship and Aussie - Indian cricket got everyone very suspicious and tainted Australian sports across the board.
This new collaborating would share information about codes of conduct, education and disciplinary processes in a bid to strengthen sports integrity, the statement said.
The group's establishment comes off the back of the probe by the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit into Pakistan's under-performing tour of Australia this year.
The unit's outgoing chairman Paul Condon, who confirmed the probe on Thursday, warned that match-fixing could be ruinous to cricket if the sport was not vigilant about rooting it out.
Significant, ok, huge, match-fixing scandals have also broken in snooker, and European and Chinese soccer in recent months. These attracted international headlines.
Former world snooker champion John Higgins was suspended by the sport's governing body earlier this month after a newspaper reported he had agreed to take a bribe to lose frames, and published damaging photographs of a handshake deal.
German police dismantled a gang of more than 200 suspects operating in nine European leagues in November, while Chinese authorities have arrested in excess of 20 league and club officials for match-fixing offences as part of a probe sparked last year.
Team Media Man, Gambling911 and the loyal readership are hoping things return to normal, and the way they should be, for Australian and international sport in the near future.
Good hunting and happy punting, and may the best and fairest team win.
*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 also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
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Australian sports have formed an alliance to share information that could help guard against corruption arising from the burgeoning sports gaming industry.
Sports heads from Aussie Rules, rugby, soccer, tennis and netball (no NRL or MMA) formed the Coalition of Major Professional & Participation Sports (COMPPS) this week.
The group said in a media statement last Friday its formation reflected "the importance of continuing public confidence in the integrity of major sports' results".
"There have been concerns about corrupt gaming's influence in some sports in some parts of the world and the newly constituted COMPPS group sees the importance of guarding against corruption in Australian sports gaming as one of our priorities," Executive Director Malcolm Speed said.
"Australia has an excellent sports gaming integrity reputation, which we want to maintain and as a first step, we will start sharing information within the COMPPS membership." ...well, that's what they said, but we detected a bit of spin. It's not the word on the street or in balanced news media reports. Mind you, the Storm, snooker championship and Aussie - Indian cricket got everyone very suspicious and tainted Australian sports across the board.
This new collaborating would share information about codes of conduct, education and disciplinary processes in a bid to strengthen sports integrity, the statement said.
The group's establishment comes off the back of the probe by the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit into Pakistan's under-performing tour of Australia this year.
The unit's outgoing chairman Paul Condon, who confirmed the probe on Thursday, warned that match-fixing could be ruinous to cricket if the sport was not vigilant about rooting it out.
Significant, ok, huge, match-fixing scandals have also broken in snooker, and European and Chinese soccer in recent months. These attracted international headlines.
Former world snooker champion John Higgins was suspended by the sport's governing body earlier this month after a newspaper reported he had agreed to take a bribe to lose frames, and published damaging photographs of a handshake deal.
German police dismantled a gang of more than 200 suspects operating in nine European leagues in November, while Chinese authorities have arrested in excess of 20 league and club officials for match-fixing offences as part of a probe sparked last year.
Team Media Man, Gambling911 and the loyal readership are hoping things return to normal, and the way they should be, for Australian and international sport in the near future.
Good hunting and happy punting, and may the best and fairest team win.
*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 also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
Website Network
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man
Media Man Canada
Media Man Games
Saturday, May 22, 2010
WWE News: WWE continuing to play up Daniel Bryan vs. Michael Cole scrap with more "shoot" comments
WWE is continuing to play up the Daniel Bryan vs. Michael Cole "fight" from NXT on Tuesday with more "shoot comments" from Daniel Bryan after the angle played out.
WWE published a story today on their website with Bryan commenting on Cole "burying" him on commentary, Cole "putting over" David Otunga (who Bryan said "can't even run the ropes right), WWE "pushing" big wrestlers, and WWE trying to "hold him down."
It all adds up to WWE attempting to get a reaction out of hardcore fans by making it seem shocking that insider verbiage would be used in a WWE story and that WWE would "allow" Bryan to criticize WWE.
In actuality, it's a WWE-approved angle meant to get a reaction. One part of Bryan's interview that could point to the future direction of the storyline is Bryan saying in-character that he was "out of line" for attacking Cole on NXT.
"I think my actions were unprofessional and I'd do them all over again," Bryan said. "You can only be pushed so much before you get to that breaking point, you know, and at some point you need to stand up for yourself."
WWE Link
(Credit: Pro Wrestling Torch)
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WWE published a story today on their website with Bryan commenting on Cole "burying" him on commentary, Cole "putting over" David Otunga (who Bryan said "can't even run the ropes right), WWE "pushing" big wrestlers, and WWE trying to "hold him down."
It all adds up to WWE attempting to get a reaction out of hardcore fans by making it seem shocking that insider verbiage would be used in a WWE story and that WWE would "allow" Bryan to criticize WWE.
In actuality, it's a WWE-approved angle meant to get a reaction. One part of Bryan's interview that could point to the future direction of the storyline is Bryan saying in-character that he was "out of line" for attacking Cole on NXT.
"I think my actions were unprofessional and I'd do them all over again," Bryan said. "You can only be pushed so much before you get to that breaking point, you know, and at some point you need to stand up for yourself."
WWE Link
(Credit: Pro Wrestling Torch)
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Friday, May 21, 2010
3D For Australian Sports, TV Series, Web And Casinos, by Greg Tingle - 21st May 2010
3D technology is on fire, a bushfire on steroids in fact, down under in Australia. Media Man, Gambling911 and readers don the 3D glasses and look and see what's cooking in Aussie sports, movies, casinos, poker and more...
It's all about entertainment, eyeballs, and the entertainment dollar. 'Entertainment' is something that PartyGaming, Virgin Games (and Media Man and Gambling911) are big on. What's the point in advanced technology if its not fun and entertaining to the punter or consumer at large? Content producers and platforms have largely also realised that a product or service for gamblers, gamers or combo, needs to be compelling, or they won't come back and will find another game, website, live event or whatever. Have you checked out the Gambling911 forum or Media Man YouTube lately?
With that in mind check out the huge amount of entertainment on now, and coming up for gamers, gamblers, sports punters and even tech heads and geeks...
FIFA World Cup in South Africa
SBS has announced it will form a three-way partnership with Sony and Harvey Norman to bring Australian soccer nuts the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 3D.
The partnership means up to 15 matches throughout the World Cup tournament will be available on a dedicated 3D channel in addition to SBS’s coverage – including Australia’s opening match against Germany.
FIFA will provide a 3D broadcast feed of matches throughout the tournament, which will then be broadcast live by SBS and then repeated on a "loop" until the next 3D match is made available.
"The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been working with us on a spectrum solution and we will be using our digital transmission network for the broadcast," said SBS’s chief operating officer Richard Finlayson.
Australian Socceroos Catch 3D Fever
The Socceroos 2010 World Cup team anthem will feature what Sony music claims as the first 3D music video in Australia. The video clip for the Rogue Traders new single, Hearts Beat as One, will be shot in 3D as the official Qantas Socceroos team anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"The potential of movies, sports and gaming in 3D is already evident and as the hype around 3D continues to build, Sony remains at the forefront of delivering unique experiences from the lens to the lounge room," said Carl Rose, Managing Director, Sony Australia and New Zealand.
3D technology in Australia continues to generate unprecedented hype in Australia with SBS to trial 3D TV broadcasts for the duration of the 2010 World Cup, Channel 9 screening the State of Origin in 3D, and Foxtel strongly hinted its intention to start broadcasting in 3D later this year.
Major television manufacturers including Sony have also been pushing 3D technology hard after the widespread theatrical success of Avatar in 3D.
Sony expects the 3D music video to premiere in early June.
Google TV To Including Gaming And Lots More
Internet king Google is out to expand its kingdom to the living room with an new service that lets punters mesh television viewing with surfing the web.
Google TV, developed in partnership with technology big shots Sony, Intel and Logitech and launched in the US overnight, fuses the freedom of the internet with television programming.
Google executives vowed their TV platform would succeed where offerings such as Apple TV have foundered and hopefully capture some of the $US70 billion ($85 billion) American TV advertising market.
Google TV product manager Salahuddin Choudhary said in a blog post that Google TV will allow TV viewers to get "all the (TV) channels and shows you normally watch and all of the websites you browse all day.
"You can access all of your favorite websites and easily move between television and the Web," Choudhary said.
"This opens up your TV from a few hundred channels to millions of channels of entertainment across TV and the Web," he said.
"With the entire Internet in your living room, your TV becomes more than a TV - it can be a photo slideshow viewer, a gaming console, a music player and much more," he added.
Google is not the first technology company to attempt to unite the TV set and the Internet and a number of electronics manufacturers are already offering Web-enabled televisions or digital set-top boxes.
Choudhary said the Internet-enabled televisions, Blu-ray players and companion boxes from Sony and Logitech, which are powered by Intel Atom computer chips, would be available soon in the U.S via Best Buy stores. No dates for Australia yet.
A wireless computer keyboard and box were used during the on-stage demonstration here of Google TV, which uses traditional search to find TV channels or websites.
Sony chief executive Howard Stringer described it as "a very big deal."
"I can't stress that enough," Stringer said on stage. "When you put all this, as we've done for the fall, into the world's first Internet television, the opportunities are, in a sense, just mind boggling."
Google did not announce pricing for the TV sets or the set-top boxes.
Other Developments
PartyGaming
Not to be outdone, PartyGaming's PartyCasino has released the Circus Slot, more a 2D experience, but is understood to be the world's first interactive role playing online slot game. Party insiders say to expect "Avatar" type technologies with the Sly Stallone name coming up in Chinese whispers. Rocky or The Expendables? Who knows, but its going to be even bigger and better than Evolution Gaming 'Live Dealer' we hear. 'Rambo' is already available at Party, which is a good sign of substance to the buzz.
PartyCasino.com
Virgin
Richard Branson's Virgin Games is expanding globally, with virtual world platform, AWOMO (A World Of My Own) to be a major focus. Think Tomb Raider: Underworld ... in 2D, maybe 3D at some stage. Whatever the case, its going to be out of this world, fast and value for money. How long till Aussies and Americans can get the downloads remains to be seen, but Branson is to hard launch the product at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles next month.
VirginCasino.com
PKR Poker, Casino And Now Sports Betting
Yep, world famous 3D poker rooms, PKR, now not only offers poker, but also casino games and sports betting. The virtual reality live poker remains their main drawcard, however they smartly realised that poker players generally also like a bit of casino games and sports punting on the side
PKR.com
SEGA
Understood to have done a considerable deal with Playtech. Casino and poker is on the menu Sega style. Media Man is not impressed yet...with the technology, however, that's not to say that we won't be in coming weeks and months. Next...
FOXTEL - Microsoft Xbox LIVE deal (not gambling, but speculation)
FOXTEL has signed a deal with Microsoft to deliver 30 channels of pay TV over the internet.
FOXTEL and Microsoft today announced a new partnership offering Australians a brand new way of receiving FOXTEL – over the internet and direct to television sets through Xbox 360’s online service Xbox LIVE.
FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will allow Xbox 360 owners in Australia to access FOXTEL channels including FOX Sports, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, and other leading channels via their Xbox 360 entertainment console.
FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will also provide a wide range of Video-on-Demand (VoD) services, including television series and movies. When the ground-breaking service launches later this year it will enable Australians, for the first time, to access FOXTEL without the need for a FOXTEL set-top-box.
FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will be accessible in FOXTEL areas across Australia to all homes with a broadband internet connection. All you need is an Xbox 360, an Xbox Gold subscription and a FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE subscription.
The agreement brings together two of Australia’s most recognised and respected brands combining each company’s profound entertainment and consumer offerings.FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE provides Australians a new way of enjoying FOXTEL, and cements Xbox 360 as one of this country’s leading innovative social entertainment platforms. Xbox LIVE connects more than 23 million people across 26 countries to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sport and social entertainment.
FOXTEL Chief Executive and Managing Director, Kim Williams AM said, “This is a very exciting new frontier. FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will provide our 1.6 million subscribing households, as well as new customers, a transformative way of receiving and enjoying FOXTEL over the internet. We will offer FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE with various packages and prices and under flexible agreements. It is an exciting new way of exploring FOXTEL’s universe of content for a new generation of customers.”
SecondLife
Rumors persist that as different countries get their communications laws up to speed that SecondLife.com may once again offer pro active virtual casinos as part of their offering. The parent of SecondLife is Linden Research, and Linden Labs is understood to be where the "cool kids" hang out. The virtual currency is the Linden dollar L$
Network Nine Underbelly And NRL State Of Origin In 3D
Nine advise they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and Nine have flown over technology experts from the United States to make it happen.
Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.
The next series of Underbelly, featuring the Gold Coast - up Surfers Paradise way, will be shot, pardon the pun, in 3D. The rumour mill says some scenes and footage is already "in the can" (also Aussie for in jail)!
Free Gaming VS Paid Gaming - Trends Summary
The US currently leads the world in online business revenues, but general belief is that the EU and other territories will continue to grow gaming revenue.
"These free options are definitely broadening the appeal of video games among older and female demographics, and a lot of these consumers don't actually consider themselves gamers at all," Michael Cai, vice president of video game research at Interpret.
"Without casual gaming portals like Pogo, Real Networks, and Big Fish Games, many older female gamers would have never paid for gaming content."
Interpret discovered that 21 per cent of the US population, or over 46.1 million Americans, play social network games. Over 11 million Americans only play social network games. The median age for social network gamers is 38.8, versus 30.9, which is the median age of console gamers.
Cai found that 12 per cent of these social network gamers plan on buying a Wii, which would be their first game console.
More console game makers are offering consumers free play, including downloadable game demos through Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Sony's PlayStation Network Store.
"Handing over free content to gamers can be tremendously beneficial to developers and publishers, even if it comes in the form of a short playable demo of a game that's not spectacular," said Patrick Shaw, features editor, GamePro Magazine.
Gaming on Facebook is becoming more popular, and players like to check out games on YouTube before signing up for accounts at game portals and online casinos. PartyGaming PartyCasino 'Pay For Free' (before 'Play For Money') option continues to be mega popular. Media Man has quizzed the powers that be on this matter, and has some data to prove this is the case. YouTube remains the king of internet streaming for the masses, and owned by Google, it can afford for it to be a loss leader if need be.
Censorship In Australia - Online, Offline and Everywhere
Richard Branson's Virgin and Google's 'Google Guys' remain in the long list of new media entrepreneurs seeking clarity on Australia's censorship laws, both current and upcoming. The current guidelines are an absolute mess and out of line with laws in other development countries such as the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
The Aussie government initiative to filter the internet down under is currently due to be actioned in 1 to 3 months, depending upon what report and source you choose to believe. Govt legal eagles and policy makers are still deciding what to do as far as policy relating to video game ratings that are sold off the shelf, and technologies such as AWOMO (A World Of My Own) are likely to also be effected from Australian censorship laws (even if some quarters of the Australian government doesn't want to call it "censorship", we know better!
Media Man International TV Not (YouTube)
Check out games, poker, even the 'Sin City' expo on Media Man YouTube! Go on, we know you want to
http://www.youtube.com/mediamanint
So, gamers, gamblers, square eyes, couch potatoes, or whatever is your poison.
There's a universe of 2D, 3D and interactive entertainment coming up.
We know your already in information overload, so just wait until you check out the above mentioned new big boys toys. Know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen industry sectors they cover.
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It's all about entertainment, eyeballs, and the entertainment dollar. 'Entertainment' is something that PartyGaming, Virgin Games (and Media Man and Gambling911) are big on. What's the point in advanced technology if its not fun and entertaining to the punter or consumer at large? Content producers and platforms have largely also realised that a product or service for gamblers, gamers or combo, needs to be compelling, or they won't come back and will find another game, website, live event or whatever. Have you checked out the Gambling911 forum or Media Man YouTube lately?
With that in mind check out the huge amount of entertainment on now, and coming up for gamers, gamblers, sports punters and even tech heads and geeks...
FIFA World Cup in South Africa
SBS has announced it will form a three-way partnership with Sony and Harvey Norman to bring Australian soccer nuts the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 3D.
The partnership means up to 15 matches throughout the World Cup tournament will be available on a dedicated 3D channel in addition to SBS’s coverage – including Australia’s opening match against Germany.
FIFA will provide a 3D broadcast feed of matches throughout the tournament, which will then be broadcast live by SBS and then repeated on a "loop" until the next 3D match is made available.
"The Australian Communications and Media Authority has been working with us on a spectrum solution and we will be using our digital transmission network for the broadcast," said SBS’s chief operating officer Richard Finlayson.
Australian Socceroos Catch 3D Fever
The Socceroos 2010 World Cup team anthem will feature what Sony music claims as the first 3D music video in Australia. The video clip for the Rogue Traders new single, Hearts Beat as One, will be shot in 3D as the official Qantas Socceroos team anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"The potential of movies, sports and gaming in 3D is already evident and as the hype around 3D continues to build, Sony remains at the forefront of delivering unique experiences from the lens to the lounge room," said Carl Rose, Managing Director, Sony Australia and New Zealand.
3D technology in Australia continues to generate unprecedented hype in Australia with SBS to trial 3D TV broadcasts for the duration of the 2010 World Cup, Channel 9 screening the State of Origin in 3D, and Foxtel strongly hinted its intention to start broadcasting in 3D later this year.
Major television manufacturers including Sony have also been pushing 3D technology hard after the widespread theatrical success of Avatar in 3D.
Sony expects the 3D music video to premiere in early June.
Google TV To Including Gaming And Lots More
Internet king Google is out to expand its kingdom to the living room with an new service that lets punters mesh television viewing with surfing the web.
Google TV, developed in partnership with technology big shots Sony, Intel and Logitech and launched in the US overnight, fuses the freedom of the internet with television programming.
Google executives vowed their TV platform would succeed where offerings such as Apple TV have foundered and hopefully capture some of the $US70 billion ($85 billion) American TV advertising market.
Google TV product manager Salahuddin Choudhary said in a blog post that Google TV will allow TV viewers to get "all the (TV) channels and shows you normally watch and all of the websites you browse all day.
"You can access all of your favorite websites and easily move between television and the Web," Choudhary said.
"This opens up your TV from a few hundred channels to millions of channels of entertainment across TV and the Web," he said.
"With the entire Internet in your living room, your TV becomes more than a TV - it can be a photo slideshow viewer, a gaming console, a music player and much more," he added.
Google is not the first technology company to attempt to unite the TV set and the Internet and a number of electronics manufacturers are already offering Web-enabled televisions or digital set-top boxes.
Choudhary said the Internet-enabled televisions, Blu-ray players and companion boxes from Sony and Logitech, which are powered by Intel Atom computer chips, would be available soon in the U.S via Best Buy stores. No dates for Australia yet.
A wireless computer keyboard and box were used during the on-stage demonstration here of Google TV, which uses traditional search to find TV channels or websites.
Sony chief executive Howard Stringer described it as "a very big deal."
"I can't stress that enough," Stringer said on stage. "When you put all this, as we've done for the fall, into the world's first Internet television, the opportunities are, in a sense, just mind boggling."
Google did not announce pricing for the TV sets or the set-top boxes.
Other Developments
PartyGaming
Not to be outdone, PartyGaming's PartyCasino has released the Circus Slot, more a 2D experience, but is understood to be the world's first interactive role playing online slot game. Party insiders say to expect "Avatar" type technologies with the Sly Stallone name coming up in Chinese whispers. Rocky or The Expendables? Who knows, but its going to be even bigger and better than Evolution Gaming 'Live Dealer' we hear. 'Rambo' is already available at Party, which is a good sign of substance to the buzz.
PartyCasino.com
Virgin
Richard Branson's Virgin Games is expanding globally, with virtual world platform, AWOMO (A World Of My Own) to be a major focus. Think Tomb Raider: Underworld ... in 2D, maybe 3D at some stage. Whatever the case, its going to be out of this world, fast and value for money. How long till Aussies and Americans can get the downloads remains to be seen, but Branson is to hard launch the product at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles next month.
VirginCasino.com
PKR Poker, Casino And Now Sports Betting
Yep, world famous 3D poker rooms, PKR, now not only offers poker, but also casino games and sports betting. The virtual reality live poker remains their main drawcard, however they smartly realised that poker players generally also like a bit of casino games and sports punting on the side
PKR.com
SEGA
Understood to have done a considerable deal with Playtech. Casino and poker is on the menu Sega style. Media Man is not impressed yet...with the technology, however, that's not to say that we won't be in coming weeks and months. Next...
FOXTEL - Microsoft Xbox LIVE deal (not gambling, but speculation)
FOXTEL has signed a deal with Microsoft to deliver 30 channels of pay TV over the internet.
FOXTEL and Microsoft today announced a new partnership offering Australians a brand new way of receiving FOXTEL – over the internet and direct to television sets through Xbox 360’s online service Xbox LIVE.
FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will allow Xbox 360 owners in Australia to access FOXTEL channels including FOX Sports, Discovery, Nickelodeon, Disney, MTV, and other leading channels via their Xbox 360 entertainment console.
FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will also provide a wide range of Video-on-Demand (VoD) services, including television series and movies. When the ground-breaking service launches later this year it will enable Australians, for the first time, to access FOXTEL without the need for a FOXTEL set-top-box.
FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will be accessible in FOXTEL areas across Australia to all homes with a broadband internet connection. All you need is an Xbox 360, an Xbox Gold subscription and a FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE subscription.
The agreement brings together two of Australia’s most recognised and respected brands combining each company’s profound entertainment and consumer offerings.FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE provides Australians a new way of enjoying FOXTEL, and cements Xbox 360 as one of this country’s leading innovative social entertainment platforms. Xbox LIVE connects more than 23 million people across 26 countries to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sport and social entertainment.
FOXTEL Chief Executive and Managing Director, Kim Williams AM said, “This is a very exciting new frontier. FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE will provide our 1.6 million subscribing households, as well as new customers, a transformative way of receiving and enjoying FOXTEL over the internet. We will offer FOXTEL by Xbox LIVE with various packages and prices and under flexible agreements. It is an exciting new way of exploring FOXTEL’s universe of content for a new generation of customers.”
SecondLife
Rumors persist that as different countries get their communications laws up to speed that SecondLife.com may once again offer pro active virtual casinos as part of their offering. The parent of SecondLife is Linden Research, and Linden Labs is understood to be where the "cool kids" hang out. The virtual currency is the Linden dollar L$
Network Nine Underbelly And NRL State Of Origin In 3D
Nine advise they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and Nine have flown over technology experts from the United States to make it happen.
Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.
The next series of Underbelly, featuring the Gold Coast - up Surfers Paradise way, will be shot, pardon the pun, in 3D. The rumour mill says some scenes and footage is already "in the can" (also Aussie for in jail)!
Free Gaming VS Paid Gaming - Trends Summary
The US currently leads the world in online business revenues, but general belief is that the EU and other territories will continue to grow gaming revenue.
"These free options are definitely broadening the appeal of video games among older and female demographics, and a lot of these consumers don't actually consider themselves gamers at all," Michael Cai, vice president of video game research at Interpret.
"Without casual gaming portals like Pogo, Real Networks, and Big Fish Games, many older female gamers would have never paid for gaming content."
Interpret discovered that 21 per cent of the US population, or over 46.1 million Americans, play social network games. Over 11 million Americans only play social network games. The median age for social network gamers is 38.8, versus 30.9, which is the median age of console gamers.
Cai found that 12 per cent of these social network gamers plan on buying a Wii, which would be their first game console.
More console game makers are offering consumers free play, including downloadable game demos through Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and Sony's PlayStation Network Store.
"Handing over free content to gamers can be tremendously beneficial to developers and publishers, even if it comes in the form of a short playable demo of a game that's not spectacular," said Patrick Shaw, features editor, GamePro Magazine.
Gaming on Facebook is becoming more popular, and players like to check out games on YouTube before signing up for accounts at game portals and online casinos. PartyGaming PartyCasino 'Pay For Free' (before 'Play For Money') option continues to be mega popular. Media Man has quizzed the powers that be on this matter, and has some data to prove this is the case. YouTube remains the king of internet streaming for the masses, and owned by Google, it can afford for it to be a loss leader if need be.
Censorship In Australia - Online, Offline and Everywhere
Richard Branson's Virgin and Google's 'Google Guys' remain in the long list of new media entrepreneurs seeking clarity on Australia's censorship laws, both current and upcoming. The current guidelines are an absolute mess and out of line with laws in other development countries such as the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.
The Aussie government initiative to filter the internet down under is currently due to be actioned in 1 to 3 months, depending upon what report and source you choose to believe. Govt legal eagles and policy makers are still deciding what to do as far as policy relating to video game ratings that are sold off the shelf, and technologies such as AWOMO (A World Of My Own) are likely to also be effected from Australian censorship laws (even if some quarters of the Australian government doesn't want to call it "censorship", we know better!
Media Man International TV Not (YouTube)
Check out games, poker, even the 'Sin City' expo on Media Man YouTube! Go on, we know you want to
http://www.youtube.com/mediamanint
So, gamers, gamblers, square eyes, couch potatoes, or whatever is your poison.
There's a universe of 2D, 3D and interactive entertainment coming up.
We know your already in information overload, so just wait until you check out the above mentioned new big boys toys. Know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen industry sectors they cover.
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
SouthPeak Announces Hulk Hogan Returns to Video Games in TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line for Nintendo DS(TM)
TNA's Legendary Wrestler Hits the Ring in the New Handheld Game
MIDLOTHIAN, Va., May 14, 2010 - SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (SOPK 0.40, -0.06, -13.04%) today proudly announced that the Nintendo DS(TM) version of TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line will see the return to video games of the biggest name in professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan. That's right, brother, Hulkamania is back and exclusively on Nintendo DS!
Hulk Hogan is the most recognized personality in professional wrestling. Along with other titans of the ring including Sting, AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, he is on a mission to redefine wrestling in the ring and on your game system.
Based on the fastest-growing wrestling franchise, TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line brings all of the non-stop action and awe-inspiring moments of TNA to Nintendo DS. Players can pit themselves against a wide variety of fierce competitors, and experience an array of match styles including one on one, tag team, Ultimate X and the all new Full Metal Mayhem.
"We're thrilled to bring the greatest wrestler in the history of the sport back to video games," said Richard Iggo, SouthPeak's VP of Marketing. "The game was built ground-up for the Nintendo DS and takes advantage of its unique control system to offer an unrivalled experience on the platform. TNA is an organization that has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to offer their fans the ultimate experience in and out of the ring and we're delighted to be their partners in this endeavor."
TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line for Nintendo DS, developed by DoubleTap, will be available in June 2010 and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB. Also available on PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. Visit www.tnawrestling.com or www.southpeakgames.com for more details.
SouthPeak's extensive portfolio of over 60 interactive entertainment games spans a variety of platforms and genres including RPG, simulation, FPS, sports, strategy, puzzle and fighting.
About SouthPeak Interactive Corporation
SouthPeak Interactive Corporation develops and publishes interactive entertainment software for all current hardware platforms including: Xbox 360(R) videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), iPhone and Windows PC. SouthPeak's games cover all major genres including action/adventure, role-playing, strategy, racing, puzzle, sports and edutainment. SouthPeak's products are sold in retail outlets in North America, South and Central America, Europe, Australia and Asia. SouthPeak is headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia, and has offices in Grapevine, Texas and Leicester, England.
For additional information, please visit SouthPeak's corporate website: www.southpeakgames.com
If you would like to be added to SouthPeak's email list to receive news directly, please send your request to southpeak@tpg-ir.com.
About TNA
TNA Wrestling is the most innovative experience in professional wrestling today. Join Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Sting, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts and the no-limits X-Division inside the ring on "TNA iMPACT!" every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SPIKE. For more information, visit www.tnawrestling.com
Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
SOURCE: SouthPeak Interactive Corporation
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MIDLOTHIAN, Va., May 14, 2010 - SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (SOPK 0.40, -0.06, -13.04%) today proudly announced that the Nintendo DS(TM) version of TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line will see the return to video games of the biggest name in professional wrestling, Hulk Hogan. That's right, brother, Hulkamania is back and exclusively on Nintendo DS!
Hulk Hogan is the most recognized personality in professional wrestling. Along with other titans of the ring including Sting, AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, he is on a mission to redefine wrestling in the ring and on your game system.
Based on the fastest-growing wrestling franchise, TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line brings all of the non-stop action and awe-inspiring moments of TNA to Nintendo DS. Players can pit themselves against a wide variety of fierce competitors, and experience an array of match styles including one on one, tag team, Ultimate X and the all new Full Metal Mayhem.
"We're thrilled to bring the greatest wrestler in the history of the sport back to video games," said Richard Iggo, SouthPeak's VP of Marketing. "The game was built ground-up for the Nintendo DS and takes advantage of its unique control system to offer an unrivalled experience on the platform. TNA is an organization that has repeatedly demonstrated a desire to offer their fans the ultimate experience in and out of the ring and we're delighted to be their partners in this endeavor."
TNA iMPACT! Cross the Line for Nintendo DS, developed by DoubleTap, will be available in June 2010 and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB. Also available on PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system. Visit www.tnawrestling.com or www.southpeakgames.com for more details.
SouthPeak's extensive portfolio of over 60 interactive entertainment games spans a variety of platforms and genres including RPG, simulation, FPS, sports, strategy, puzzle and fighting.
About SouthPeak Interactive Corporation
SouthPeak Interactive Corporation develops and publishes interactive entertainment software for all current hardware platforms including: Xbox 360(R) videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), iPhone and Windows PC. SouthPeak's games cover all major genres including action/adventure, role-playing, strategy, racing, puzzle, sports and edutainment. SouthPeak's products are sold in retail outlets in North America, South and Central America, Europe, Australia and Asia. SouthPeak is headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia, and has offices in Grapevine, Texas and Leicester, England.
For additional information, please visit SouthPeak's corporate website: www.southpeakgames.com
If you would like to be added to SouthPeak's email list to receive news directly, please send your request to southpeak@tpg-ir.com.
About TNA
TNA Wrestling is the most innovative experience in professional wrestling today. Join Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Sting, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts and the no-limits X-Division inside the ring on "TNA iMPACT!" every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SPIKE. For more information, visit www.tnawrestling.com
Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
SOURCE: SouthPeak Interactive Corporation
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Centrebet defends takeover talk - 11th March 2010
Online wagering and gaming firm Centrebet International Ltd says it first become aware of potential takeover proposals in February but did not tell the market until this week for reasons of confidentiality.
Centrebet informed the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on Tuesday that it was in talks with parties interested in taking over the company.
The ASX has asked Centrebet when it first became aware of the proposals.
Furthermore, if the company were aware of the proposals before it informed the market of the proposals, why was the announcement of the proposals not made at an earlier time, the ASX asked.
"The company first became aware of the confidential, indicative, non-binding and conditional proposals on February 4, 2010," Centrebet said in its reply to the ASX on Thursday.
"Each of the proposals expressly stated that their existence and content were strictly confidential."
On Tuesday March 9, a report in The Australian Financial Review (AFR) said a short list of bidders for Centrebet had narrowed to three, and that Ladbrokes, William Hill and Sportingbet were understood to be in late stages of talks with Centrebet.
Centrebet said on Thursday that up until the date of its announcement on Tuesday, it had no reason to believe that confidentiality had been lost, but given the media report on that day, it decided to announce the proposals "out of an abundance of caution".
Centrebet said each of proposals were indicative, non-binding, conditional and incomplete and remained so.
The company said that it had informed the market on numerous occasions that it was actively considering consolidation opportunities, including at its annual general meeting in November 2009 and at the release of the company's first half results in February.
"In light of the above, market participants were at all relevant times fully informed that the company was undertaking a process which may result in proposals being put to the company," Centrebet said.
"Prior to the AFR article, press and/or broker reports regarding the company were consistent with these earlier announcements.
"Any pre-mature disclosure of the proposals would contravene the express terms of the proposals and may have resulted in one or more proposals being withdrawn and may otherwise have been detrimental to the above process and, as a result, to the company and its shareholders."
Shares in Centrebet were steady at $1.77 at 1137 AEDT on Thursday.
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Centrebet informed the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on Tuesday that it was in talks with parties interested in taking over the company.
The ASX has asked Centrebet when it first became aware of the proposals.
Furthermore, if the company were aware of the proposals before it informed the market of the proposals, why was the announcement of the proposals not made at an earlier time, the ASX asked.
"The company first became aware of the confidential, indicative, non-binding and conditional proposals on February 4, 2010," Centrebet said in its reply to the ASX on Thursday.
"Each of the proposals expressly stated that their existence and content were strictly confidential."
On Tuesday March 9, a report in The Australian Financial Review (AFR) said a short list of bidders for Centrebet had narrowed to three, and that Ladbrokes, William Hill and Sportingbet were understood to be in late stages of talks with Centrebet.
Centrebet said on Thursday that up until the date of its announcement on Tuesday, it had no reason to believe that confidentiality had been lost, but given the media report on that day, it decided to announce the proposals "out of an abundance of caution".
Centrebet said each of proposals were indicative, non-binding, conditional and incomplete and remained so.
The company said that it had informed the market on numerous occasions that it was actively considering consolidation opportunities, including at its annual general meeting in November 2009 and at the release of the company's first half results in February.
"In light of the above, market participants were at all relevant times fully informed that the company was undertaking a process which may result in proposals being put to the company," Centrebet said.
"Prior to the AFR article, press and/or broker reports regarding the company were consistent with these earlier announcements.
"Any pre-mature disclosure of the proposals would contravene the express terms of the proposals and may have resulted in one or more proposals being withdrawn and may otherwise have been detrimental to the above process and, as a result, to the company and its shareholders."
Shares in Centrebet were steady at $1.77 at 1137 AEDT on Thursday.
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Crown Casino In Sponsorship Talks With Melbourne Storm!, by Greg Tingle - 18th May 2010
Casino entrepreneurs, insiders, outsiders, punters and everyone one else... we saw it coming, but now its official (say our spies), Crown Casino is in talks with embattled Melbourne NRL team, the Storm and the footy team of the moment could soon be sponsored by gaming and leisure powerhouse, James Packer's Crown Casino aka Crown Limited. Media Man down under, proud shareholder in Crown, and Gambling911, crash tackle the situation...
It was only yesterday when Gambling911 and MM explored the curious (and headline grabbing) sponsorship and endorsements deals between the likes of PartyGaming - PartyPoker - Francesco Totti, Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella, and the massively hyped and covered Virgin Racing - Full Tilt Poker deal. Full Tilt logos had previously been featured on the footy shorts of our fav NRL footy club in Sydney, Australia - Sydney Roosters (months prior doing business with Hulk Hogan and catching Hulk-A-Mania in the process). Red Bull might be soon plugging into the casino connection, following the Virgin Group lead. Red Bull is certainly getting the audience at the moment with Aussie Mark Webber coming off a series of high profile F1 race wins... more of the Bull - Crown Casino connection later... stay with us...
Australian sports media outlets like One HD, NineMSN - Wide World of Sports are lapping it up, as are sports sponsorship publications.
Media Man's been saying for years that its all a battle for the entertainment dollar, audiences, headlines and event numbers, and you get the idea. There's only so much money out there for both corporates and punters to invest it, and only the best will attract the audiences and the dollars that follow, be it AUD, EURO, CAN, FR, USD or some other denomination. By the way, you got to love Multi Currency Casinos, but that's another story...
Australian and Asia Pacific casino, gaming (and lifestyle) king, James Packer, and his inner circle, are onto something big...
Packer is in the entertainment, tourism and lifestyle industry. Casinos and betting only form part (albeit a very important part of the machine). To Packer's credit, he also gives back to society, be it GenerationOne (creating jobs), or if our birdies got it right, saving a struggling NRL footy team, in this case the Melbourne Storm. NRL (and AFL) players and management are celebrated and passionate fans of the establishment, knowing for making a few colourful headlines over the years with significant Aussie piss ups. Mind you, in recent years Crown security was basically forced to clamp down on the amount of drinks being served, to protect punters, reputation and legal eagle considerations. It's a shame 'Mr Sin' Abe Saffron, nights ago showcased on 'Australian Families Of Crime', isn't around anymore to quiz on the matter. 'Our Abe' was quite the liquor merchant and entrepreneur when a massive black market for drinks thrived on Australia's east coast.
Back to modern day and Crown headquarters...
The Crown empire advises the sponsorship talks re in a"very early stage" are the result of a long, ensuring and healthy relationship between the parties, and a synergy of interests.
A bit of background...
Melbourne Storm is owned by a Valimanda, which is owned by News Ltd a part of News Corporation, which owns a 25% Foxtel. Another 25% of Foxtel is owned by Consolidated Media Holdings, which is controlled by Aussie Casino king James Packer.
Foxtel holds the pay-TV rights to the National Rugby League, and wants a bloody successful team in Melbourne, Australia (also home to Crown Casino - 'A World Of Entertainment' wear you can 'Wear The Crown'!
More synergies...
Melbourne Storm-Valimanda-News Ltd - Premier Media Group, half-owned by News Ltd. Operated by Fox Sports, which provides approx 100% of the sports "content" on Foxtel, (including its NRL coverage). The other co-owner of Premier Media is the Packer controlled CMH (Consolidated Media Holdings).
Melbourne Storm can smartly approach suitable potential sponsorship partners. In the drivers seat or pole position, just happens to be Packer's Crown...with a major interest in the success of the NRL on television, and a man who shares that business interest with Rupert Murdoch, whose global company owns and controls Storm. Sounds like a fantastic group of synergies and a match made in heaven.
The Formula One Motorsport Connection...
Mark Webber at Monaco just became the first Aussie driver since Sir Jack Brabham in 1959 to win the event. The Red Bull team must be taking sponsorship or is that, ambush marketing lessons under Kym Illman. Illman also has shared a few of his marketing ideas and deals with yours truely - Tingle, Max Markson and cricket and poker pro - Shane Warne...Ok, back to matters at hand, Red Bull is official, but they sure know who to get the Red and Yellow on the TV, mags, newspapers and websites. We wonder how many people actually buy the drink, but Red Bull more resembles a media and marketing company these days. Heard of McDonalds Real Estate (hamburgers)...the product made the money at first, but then the brand and the money machine took on a life of its own.
Red Bull has a floating 'Energy Station' which sits in the harbour at Monaco. It's a multi-level floating gin and fun palace that sports a bar, restaurant and its own private pool! Virgin's Richard Branson has not been spotted their (yet), but comon', invite RB and Virgin Racing over. It's all good fodder for the news media.
Red Bull team chief Christian Horner was even thrown in drink of the team's floating palace, dubbed the "floaterhome". Almost makes James Packers' guitar smashing at the City Of Dreams, Macau look mild in comparison, buy JP made up for it by jumping off his boat in Sydney Harbour we understand.
"I think Mark's had the week of his life," Horner said.
"To win two GPs in a row, including the Monaco GP which is probably the most prestigious on the calendar, is a very proud day for the whole of Red Bull Racing.
"And we didn't only win Monaco, but finished first and second, so it is a great day for the team."
Back To The Crown Casino - Melbourne Storm Deal - Is The Ink Dry Yet?
Sources at Crown confirmed that "preliminary talks" commenced between the casino and the Storm last Friday.
A Storm spokesman also confirmed that a "more general sponsorship discussion" had taken place with Crown. A second meeting is scheduled for next week at this stage.
"We don't support individual AFL clubs because that would be unfair to pick one club over all the others, but we do give quite broad support to the AFL and to many clubs when it comes to staging major functions". Melbourne Storm is different, this is the only rugby league team in Victoria, and we think there are a number of areas where this (sponsorship deal) can be mutually beneficial."
Crown Limited has a relationship (business and personal) with Melbourne Storm that dates back several years. The club has held a number of big fund-raising events at the casino, including a mid-season ball and its end-of-year presentation ball.
Folks, Crown and The Storm are certainly whipping up a hurricane. Sounds like if MM and G911 birdies are right on the money, soon enough Storm NRL will be wearing the crown and in an out of this 'World Of Entertainment'. Cheers, and see you at the bar!
*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 also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin, and has conducted some b2b with both entities
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It was only yesterday when Gambling911 and MM explored the curious (and headline grabbing) sponsorship and endorsements deals between the likes of PartyGaming - PartyPoker - Francesco Totti, Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella, and the massively hyped and covered Virgin Racing - Full Tilt Poker deal. Full Tilt logos had previously been featured on the footy shorts of our fav NRL footy club in Sydney, Australia - Sydney Roosters (months prior doing business with Hulk Hogan and catching Hulk-A-Mania in the process). Red Bull might be soon plugging into the casino connection, following the Virgin Group lead. Red Bull is certainly getting the audience at the moment with Aussie Mark Webber coming off a series of high profile F1 race wins... more of the Bull - Crown Casino connection later... stay with us...
Australian sports media outlets like One HD, NineMSN - Wide World of Sports are lapping it up, as are sports sponsorship publications.
Media Man's been saying for years that its all a battle for the entertainment dollar, audiences, headlines and event numbers, and you get the idea. There's only so much money out there for both corporates and punters to invest it, and only the best will attract the audiences and the dollars that follow, be it AUD, EURO, CAN, FR, USD or some other denomination. By the way, you got to love Multi Currency Casinos, but that's another story...
Australian and Asia Pacific casino, gaming (and lifestyle) king, James Packer, and his inner circle, are onto something big...
Packer is in the entertainment, tourism and lifestyle industry. Casinos and betting only form part (albeit a very important part of the machine). To Packer's credit, he also gives back to society, be it GenerationOne (creating jobs), or if our birdies got it right, saving a struggling NRL footy team, in this case the Melbourne Storm. NRL (and AFL) players and management are celebrated and passionate fans of the establishment, knowing for making a few colourful headlines over the years with significant Aussie piss ups. Mind you, in recent years Crown security was basically forced to clamp down on the amount of drinks being served, to protect punters, reputation and legal eagle considerations. It's a shame 'Mr Sin' Abe Saffron, nights ago showcased on 'Australian Families Of Crime', isn't around anymore to quiz on the matter. 'Our Abe' was quite the liquor merchant and entrepreneur when a massive black market for drinks thrived on Australia's east coast.
Back to modern day and Crown headquarters...
The Crown empire advises the sponsorship talks re in a"very early stage" are the result of a long, ensuring and healthy relationship between the parties, and a synergy of interests.
A bit of background...
Melbourne Storm is owned by a Valimanda, which is owned by News Ltd a part of News Corporation, which owns a 25% Foxtel. Another 25% of Foxtel is owned by Consolidated Media Holdings, which is controlled by Aussie Casino king James Packer.
Foxtel holds the pay-TV rights to the National Rugby League, and wants a bloody successful team in Melbourne, Australia (also home to Crown Casino - 'A World Of Entertainment' wear you can 'Wear The Crown'!
More synergies...
Melbourne Storm-Valimanda-News Ltd - Premier Media Group, half-owned by News Ltd. Operated by Fox Sports, which provides approx 100% of the sports "content" on Foxtel, (including its NRL coverage). The other co-owner of Premier Media is the Packer controlled CMH (Consolidated Media Holdings).
Melbourne Storm can smartly approach suitable potential sponsorship partners. In the drivers seat or pole position, just happens to be Packer's Crown...with a major interest in the success of the NRL on television, and a man who shares that business interest with Rupert Murdoch, whose global company owns and controls Storm. Sounds like a fantastic group of synergies and a match made in heaven.
The Formula One Motorsport Connection...
Mark Webber at Monaco just became the first Aussie driver since Sir Jack Brabham in 1959 to win the event. The Red Bull team must be taking sponsorship or is that, ambush marketing lessons under Kym Illman. Illman also has shared a few of his marketing ideas and deals with yours truely - Tingle, Max Markson and cricket and poker pro - Shane Warne...Ok, back to matters at hand, Red Bull is official, but they sure know who to get the Red and Yellow on the TV, mags, newspapers and websites. We wonder how many people actually buy the drink, but Red Bull more resembles a media and marketing company these days. Heard of McDonalds Real Estate (hamburgers)...the product made the money at first, but then the brand and the money machine took on a life of its own.
Red Bull has a floating 'Energy Station' which sits in the harbour at Monaco. It's a multi-level floating gin and fun palace that sports a bar, restaurant and its own private pool! Virgin's Richard Branson has not been spotted their (yet), but comon', invite RB and Virgin Racing over. It's all good fodder for the news media.
Red Bull team chief Christian Horner was even thrown in drink of the team's floating palace, dubbed the "floaterhome". Almost makes James Packers' guitar smashing at the City Of Dreams, Macau look mild in comparison, buy JP made up for it by jumping off his boat in Sydney Harbour we understand.
"I think Mark's had the week of his life," Horner said.
"To win two GPs in a row, including the Monaco GP which is probably the most prestigious on the calendar, is a very proud day for the whole of Red Bull Racing.
"And we didn't only win Monaco, but finished first and second, so it is a great day for the team."
Back To The Crown Casino - Melbourne Storm Deal - Is The Ink Dry Yet?
Sources at Crown confirmed that "preliminary talks" commenced between the casino and the Storm last Friday.
A Storm spokesman also confirmed that a "more general sponsorship discussion" had taken place with Crown. A second meeting is scheduled for next week at this stage.
"We don't support individual AFL clubs because that would be unfair to pick one club over all the others, but we do give quite broad support to the AFL and to many clubs when it comes to staging major functions". Melbourne Storm is different, this is the only rugby league team in Victoria, and we think there are a number of areas where this (sponsorship deal) can be mutually beneficial."
Crown Limited has a relationship (business and personal) with Melbourne Storm that dates back several years. The club has held a number of big fund-raising events at the casino, including a mid-season ball and its end-of-year presentation ball.
Folks, Crown and The Storm are certainly whipping up a hurricane. Sounds like if MM and G911 birdies are right on the money, soon enough Storm NRL will be wearing the crown and in an out of this 'World Of Entertainment'. Cheers, and see you at the bar!
*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 also publish Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and Virgin, and has conducted some b2b with both entities
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Monday, May 17, 2010
Sports Entertainment News: 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
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
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Media Man Games
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Thursday, May 13, 2010
Australian Bookies Want AFL Footballers Learning Insider Trading, by Greg Tingle - 13th May 2010
As the evolution of the Aussie Rules football continues, on and off field scandals to boot, the players become more business and sports betting savvy. With their increase in informing gleaned in and around the football business comes both positives and negatives. In a month where sports betting scandals have plagued both codes of Australian football, AFL and NRL, come calls from some bookies to educate players all about "insider trading"! Media Man and Gambling911 get on the front foot and take the boot to the field...
Word on the footy paddock and street is that a well known bookmaker has encouraged the AFL and NRL powers that be to educate players and officials under guidelines the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange) employs when prosecuting insider trading. Well I never...
One may argue the merit of the idea, and wonder if its a totally genuine call, or just an attention seeking bookie looking for headlines.
Betstar chief Alan Eskander said recent events in sports betting had loopholes in the prosecution of people "leaking" from football clubs. "Taking is one term" that comes up frequently, which is related to teams holding back in an attempt to get the "wooden spoon" (loosing) from what we understand.
His betting outfit had received eight enquires asking for the odds on Melbourne Storm finishing last in the NRL before the salary cap scandals exploded in a very public matter, creating an international media frenzy, seeking bookies down a few hundred thousand bucks. Mr Eskander insists he is totally genuine in his recommendations.
"On the stock exchange the trading on the NRL would have been halted until the announcement was made," he said. "Instead leaks, well-placed leaks, turned the situation into a gambling nightmare.".
The opinionated bookie does highlight a curious situation...highlighting a footy match St Kilda VS Hawthorn last year when a number of St Kilda's top players were suddenly rested after winning their previous 14 matches! Comon, don't you want to win!
"This was a classic case of those in the inner sanctum at St Kilda leaking out information that was so sensitive and potentially so damaging," he said. "I know bookmakers have spies, but if they've gone to training at St Kilda they would have noticed nothing amiss.
"But hours later a decision turned the betting on the game on its head when these players were formally announced as non-starters.
"It would take legislation to adopt the protocols the Australian stockmarket has, but we should look at its structures and how it prosecutes insider trading. The AFL then should re-educate officials about the trouble leaks can cause."
In a twist of 'Underbelly' proportions, certainly in the underworld related spectrum, a few weeks ago at the Logies another curious situation arose. A gambling farce when all winners were heavily backed around Australia - including Gold Logie winner Ray Meagher who was backed from $2.70 into $1.36 - leaving question marks over the function's security. And readers, you wonder why the 'Underbelly' nominations went from red hot to stone cold, if you recall Gambling911's 'Underbelly Cops A Beating At Crown Casino Logies' and the article prior, join the dots, and you will smell a giant rat.
So punters and insiders... what do you reckon? Tell us in the forum, and in the meantime if you hear some top tips on sport, or even some casino gossip, write in and don't be shy. You don't have to reveal your sources automatically by law... not yet anyway. Comon' sports. Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
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Word on the footy paddock and street is that a well known bookmaker has encouraged the AFL and NRL powers that be to educate players and officials under guidelines the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange) employs when prosecuting insider trading. Well I never...
One may argue the merit of the idea, and wonder if its a totally genuine call, or just an attention seeking bookie looking for headlines.
Betstar chief Alan Eskander said recent events in sports betting had loopholes in the prosecution of people "leaking" from football clubs. "Taking is one term" that comes up frequently, which is related to teams holding back in an attempt to get the "wooden spoon" (loosing) from what we understand.
His betting outfit had received eight enquires asking for the odds on Melbourne Storm finishing last in the NRL before the salary cap scandals exploded in a very public matter, creating an international media frenzy, seeking bookies down a few hundred thousand bucks. Mr Eskander insists he is totally genuine in his recommendations.
"On the stock exchange the trading on the NRL would have been halted until the announcement was made," he said. "Instead leaks, well-placed leaks, turned the situation into a gambling nightmare.".
The opinionated bookie does highlight a curious situation...highlighting a footy match St Kilda VS Hawthorn last year when a number of St Kilda's top players were suddenly rested after winning their previous 14 matches! Comon, don't you want to win!
"This was a classic case of those in the inner sanctum at St Kilda leaking out information that was so sensitive and potentially so damaging," he said. "I know bookmakers have spies, but if they've gone to training at St Kilda they would have noticed nothing amiss.
"But hours later a decision turned the betting on the game on its head when these players were formally announced as non-starters.
"It would take legislation to adopt the protocols the Australian stockmarket has, but we should look at its structures and how it prosecutes insider trading. The AFL then should re-educate officials about the trouble leaks can cause."
In a twist of 'Underbelly' proportions, certainly in the underworld related spectrum, a few weeks ago at the Logies another curious situation arose. A gambling farce when all winners were heavily backed around Australia - including Gold Logie winner Ray Meagher who was backed from $2.70 into $1.36 - leaving question marks over the function's security. And readers, you wonder why the 'Underbelly' nominations went from red hot to stone cold, if you recall Gambling911's 'Underbelly Cops A Beating At Crown Casino Logies' and the article prior, join the dots, and you will smell a giant rat.
So punters and insiders... what do you reckon? Tell us in the forum, and in the meantime if you hear some top tips on sport, or even some casino gossip, write in and don't be shy. You don't have to reveal your sources automatically by law... not yet anyway. Comon' sports. Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Profiles
Sports Betting
NRL
AFL
Website Network
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Monday, May 10, 2010
NRL Scandals In Australia Continue, by Greg Tingle - 10th May 2010
Sports fans and punters, think the Australian NRL sports scandal is old news? Think again.
Media Man and Gambling911 have learned that a new wave of untoward matters are happening to the great game of Rugby League and other sports, and some of the rorts are even tied to charities. It's much bigger than "just" sports betting. There's even a Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise real life 'Underbelly' link. No wonder the formally named Conrad Jupiters Casino at Surfers' got rid of the "Conrad" tag.
Sports bets placed on the Melbourne Storm NRL for the "wooden spoon" may have been the recent trigger to recent Aussie sporting scandals, but we can now reveal that a number of Australian charities are being dragged into the investigation. It's long been known that charity and philanthropic sector ventures can be used and abused as a way to clean wash aka launder and shuffle around money. We've all heard the story of "two sets of books", and some punters will be acutely aware of ways in which extras can be given to players while in some cases, (technically), staying below the salary cap.
Two years again a number of Australian charities were investigated for rorts, scams and the like. The former 'Just Enough Faith' came off worse for wear, with proof that head of the charity was using substantial money raised to pour down the throats of poker machines aka "one armed bandits" at a number of NRL Clubs including Balmain Tigers, where much of the like was established. Former supporters of 'Just Enough Faith' included Australian casino king, James Packer, head of Crown Limited, and famous Australian actor Russell Crowe, ironically now staring in Ned Kelly ... you know, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, so the story goes.
By the way punters, Gold Coast Titans are currently in the mix of new hot favorites for the "wooden spoon"! But, we're not sure what may happen to those chances in the coming days, such is the intensive scrutiny of the game, and named club.
Charity And NRL Clubs...Storm Linked Charity, Who Is Next?
An insolvency company has an investigation on the way re payments made to various AFL players by a charity linked to the Storm NRL salary cap mess.
Investigators for the league are probing the now-defunct Unity Foundation to work out if the charity was used to steer money to Storm players outside the salary cap.
Insolvency firm Vince & Associates confirmed that it has also quizzed AFL players about payments they got from Unity Foundation, a charity established for Indigenous teenagers.
The players include many Essendon players and at least one St Kilda head, Network Nine Network reported on Thursday.
"We're investigating the liquidation of Unity Foundation. Our investigations have identified some payments to players of Essendon and St Kilda and Melbourne Storm," Vince & Associates director Kylie Wright said.
"We're investigating all of the payments.
"We're contacting all of the relevant parties and giving them an opportunity to provide an explanation in relation to those payments."
Channel Nine reported the AFL and St Kilda politely declined to comment on the investigations involving the named charity.
Essendon top brass Ian Robson advised the payments to players appeared legit, although the Bombers were looking into the matter.
"From what I am led to believe from an initial two-hour glance the relationships are at arm's length of the Essendon Football Club and appear to be bona fide, but we need to do some more investigation," Robson said.
The NRL last month stripped the Storm of their 2007 and 2009 premierships and fined the club $1.6 million for long-term breaches of the salary cap.
Wooden Spoon Market Re Opens Despite Ongoing Scandals And Rumours
Centrebet, currently being seen as a strong purchase from a number of European - British gaming and betting giants, will re-open "wooden spoon" betting on the NRL next week.
The agencies revised market points deducted for salary cap breaches would not be considered, a decision that means the likes of underdog team Cronulla would again be the hot favourites to prop up an adjusted NRL ladder.
"We are just waiting on approval for some changes to the rules which will facilitate betting on the wooden spoon again," Centrebet managing director Con Kafataris said. "We want to be covered if teams lose points again. For our our purposes any points deducted for things like salary cap beaches would not effect betting on the wooden spoon.
The team finishing with the least amount of points in terms of wins and draws would declared the wooden spooners when we paid out."
Rumours have circulated this week among the betting agencies that another NRL team, Gold Coast Titans, could be stripped of points for a salary cap breach.
The NRL insists there has been no developments in regard to the Titans, who were cleared last month by the governing body's auditor Ian Schubert of an alleged cap rort relating to claims from the developer Alex Simpson that he had been commissioned to build captain Scott Prince a new $400,000 house free of charge!
The legal matter between Simpson and the Titans is likely to reach a conclusion soon with Justice James Douglas from Brisbane Supreme Court, tipped to make a ruling by next week.
Simpson argues he is owed $4.2 million by the Titans over the club's Centre of Excellence, which he was contracted to build until the project was fenced off in February over his failure to pay subcontractors. The Titans have moved with a counter-claim Simpson owes them more than $1 million.
Queensland's corruption watchdog, the Crime and Misconduct Commission, is meanwhile following up on a complaint about the police investigation by Burleigh Heads police into a break-in at the Merrimac offices of Simpson's company Simcorp in February.
Simpson has reportedly been interviewed by the ABC's Four Corners, whose team are preparing a program examining alleged corruption and rorting of the salary cap in rugby league.
The ABC, Fairfax Media and AAP are keenly chasing a number of leads by insiders in the world of media, agents, gaming and sports betting. Media Man is assisting when and where possible, despite many people being extremely hesitant to speak out. Strong rumors persist of a number of death threats being made to those who look to further expose additional Australian NRL and AFL footy clubs. It's appears only the brave and those of big heart, are likely to continue to blow the lid on the additional club scandals.
A Media Man birdie tells us there's some hidden clues in this latest report as to who and what may be linked in an untoward fashion, but for legal and other reasons we can't spell out too much as far as charity names and individuals at this stage of the game. Fairfax Media, namely The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, are tipped to the be outlets strongly following up, backed by solid legal eagles, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is fully expected to be regularly providing TV, radio and website reports and updates.
Based on legal advise, Media Man is not currently releasing the name of a prominent Queensland based charity being probed in relation to the Gold Coast Titans.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer is a pro active member of Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance and Virgin Unite
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Media Man and Gambling911 have learned that a new wave of untoward matters are happening to the great game of Rugby League and other sports, and some of the rorts are even tied to charities. It's much bigger than "just" sports betting. There's even a Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise real life 'Underbelly' link. No wonder the formally named Conrad Jupiters Casino at Surfers' got rid of the "Conrad" tag.
Sports bets placed on the Melbourne Storm NRL for the "wooden spoon" may have been the recent trigger to recent Aussie sporting scandals, but we can now reveal that a number of Australian charities are being dragged into the investigation. It's long been known that charity and philanthropic sector ventures can be used and abused as a way to clean wash aka launder and shuffle around money. We've all heard the story of "two sets of books", and some punters will be acutely aware of ways in which extras can be given to players while in some cases, (technically), staying below the salary cap.
Two years again a number of Australian charities were investigated for rorts, scams and the like. The former 'Just Enough Faith' came off worse for wear, with proof that head of the charity was using substantial money raised to pour down the throats of poker machines aka "one armed bandits" at a number of NRL Clubs including Balmain Tigers, where much of the like was established. Former supporters of 'Just Enough Faith' included Australian casino king, James Packer, head of Crown Limited, and famous Australian actor Russell Crowe, ironically now staring in Ned Kelly ... you know, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, so the story goes.
By the way punters, Gold Coast Titans are currently in the mix of new hot favorites for the "wooden spoon"! But, we're not sure what may happen to those chances in the coming days, such is the intensive scrutiny of the game, and named club.
Charity And NRL Clubs...Storm Linked Charity, Who Is Next?
An insolvency company has an investigation on the way re payments made to various AFL players by a charity linked to the Storm NRL salary cap mess.
Investigators for the league are probing the now-defunct Unity Foundation to work out if the charity was used to steer money to Storm players outside the salary cap.
Insolvency firm Vince & Associates confirmed that it has also quizzed AFL players about payments they got from Unity Foundation, a charity established for Indigenous teenagers.
The players include many Essendon players and at least one St Kilda head, Network Nine Network reported on Thursday.
"We're investigating the liquidation of Unity Foundation. Our investigations have identified some payments to players of Essendon and St Kilda and Melbourne Storm," Vince & Associates director Kylie Wright said.
"We're investigating all of the payments.
"We're contacting all of the relevant parties and giving them an opportunity to provide an explanation in relation to those payments."
Channel Nine reported the AFL and St Kilda politely declined to comment on the investigations involving the named charity.
Essendon top brass Ian Robson advised the payments to players appeared legit, although the Bombers were looking into the matter.
"From what I am led to believe from an initial two-hour glance the relationships are at arm's length of the Essendon Football Club and appear to be bona fide, but we need to do some more investigation," Robson said.
The NRL last month stripped the Storm of their 2007 and 2009 premierships and fined the club $1.6 million for long-term breaches of the salary cap.
Wooden Spoon Market Re Opens Despite Ongoing Scandals And Rumours
Centrebet, currently being seen as a strong purchase from a number of European - British gaming and betting giants, will re-open "wooden spoon" betting on the NRL next week.
The agencies revised market points deducted for salary cap breaches would not be considered, a decision that means the likes of underdog team Cronulla would again be the hot favourites to prop up an adjusted NRL ladder.
"We are just waiting on approval for some changes to the rules which will facilitate betting on the wooden spoon again," Centrebet managing director Con Kafataris said. "We want to be covered if teams lose points again. For our our purposes any points deducted for things like salary cap beaches would not effect betting on the wooden spoon.
The team finishing with the least amount of points in terms of wins and draws would declared the wooden spooners when we paid out."
Rumours have circulated this week among the betting agencies that another NRL team, Gold Coast Titans, could be stripped of points for a salary cap breach.
The NRL insists there has been no developments in regard to the Titans, who were cleared last month by the governing body's auditor Ian Schubert of an alleged cap rort relating to claims from the developer Alex Simpson that he had been commissioned to build captain Scott Prince a new $400,000 house free of charge!
The legal matter between Simpson and the Titans is likely to reach a conclusion soon with Justice James Douglas from Brisbane Supreme Court, tipped to make a ruling by next week.
Simpson argues he is owed $4.2 million by the Titans over the club's Centre of Excellence, which he was contracted to build until the project was fenced off in February over his failure to pay subcontractors. The Titans have moved with a counter-claim Simpson owes them more than $1 million.
Queensland's corruption watchdog, the Crime and Misconduct Commission, is meanwhile following up on a complaint about the police investigation by Burleigh Heads police into a break-in at the Merrimac offices of Simpson's company Simcorp in February.
Simpson has reportedly been interviewed by the ABC's Four Corners, whose team are preparing a program examining alleged corruption and rorting of the salary cap in rugby league.
The ABC, Fairfax Media and AAP are keenly chasing a number of leads by insiders in the world of media, agents, gaming and sports betting. Media Man is assisting when and where possible, despite many people being extremely hesitant to speak out. Strong rumors persist of a number of death threats being made to those who look to further expose additional Australian NRL and AFL footy clubs. It's appears only the brave and those of big heart, are likely to continue to blow the lid on the additional club scandals.
A Media Man birdie tells us there's some hidden clues in this latest report as to who and what may be linked in an untoward fashion, but for legal and other reasons we can't spell out too much as far as charity names and individuals at this stage of the game. Fairfax Media, namely The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, are tipped to the be outlets strongly following up, backed by solid legal eagles, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is fully expected to be regularly providing TV, radio and website reports and updates.
Based on legal advise, Media Man is not currently releasing the name of a prominent Queensland based charity being probed in relation to the Gold Coast Titans.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
*The writer is a pro active member of Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance and Virgin Unite
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Friday, May 7, 2010
AFL, Sports Betting, Websites, Vice and Budgets, by Greg Tingle - 7th May 2010
The AFL is looking at ways to stay as profitable as possible, work on its image, be a good corporate citizen and cover its ass.
AFL powers that be have quite a balancing act to maintain with "vice" (beers and gambling) being part of the landscape, but online sports betting has facilitated both profits and problems on and off the field. Media Man and Gambling911 don the referee shirt and probe the game, not so much looking for dirt, but searching for answers...
AFL (Australia Football League) remains one of Australia's most recognizable brands, up there with its footy cousin, the NRL (National Rugby League).
Many think the AFL official website resembles more of a sports betting website portal more than that of a footy clubs website these days. The knockers, including the dear purists have a pretty strong case. Maybe the site should have a warning about not betting when drinking, but that would be very difficult to enforce. Did we mention the beer logos and signal on the website is also impossible to miss. We also mistook it for the 'Sin City' expo website...neon lights on steroids... ok, just kidding, but you get the point.
AFL is primary about footy (and the fans), but let's not forget for a second, sports business is very big business. Media deals and sports betting made it bigger, but once in a while serious damage is done to the game, and debate rages about "social damage" and "social responsibility". Fortunately (for the ALF) they have world class legal eagles guiding them along the streets and internet highways paved with gold.
The AFL is not not responsible for visitors with "problematic dependencies", but they do have to maintain due care (and cover their ass).
James Packer 50% owned Betfair and other gaming giant, Tabcorp, are the games prime gambling partners... (at least the official ones)... let's not get into whatever deals may be lurking at pubs nearby to football fields and AFL sports clubs.
Historically, beer aka grog, and the infamous "piss ups" and after parties, and high level sponsorship deals with alcohol brewers were a major source of revenue. Largely under the Rudd government more "social responsibility" laws and policy came into play, so the game had little choice but to look for other money spinners... enter online gambling! (just as mainstream media and internet giants like Google and Yahoo cottoned onto).
After the Brownlow Medal awards night at crown Casino in 2009 the game had no choice but to clean up its connection with piss, such was the public fallout, helped along by a touch of media beatup in the process. Think Crown held Logies Twitter Gate (but with gallons of piss and boat loads of bible bashers into the mix).
Gambling is challenging the game's integrity like never before. The culture is one that rewards winners (on and off the field and internet) but danger is never far away.
With gambling being an ever important past of the business model, that powers that be can't keep it a secret from the punters, and pro active campaigns are all the go. Little wonder sports announcers talk about the odds in broadcasts and numbers come up on TV screens. You can't miss.... "Back a winner" that announcer calls... The well trained eye or ear may be able to detect who the announcer bet on depending upon the look on his face and sound of his voice, when calling the game play.
The AFL is reaping in millions from Betfair and Tabcorp. Last year teams Richmond and Carlton respectively signed up Luxbet (Tabcorp) and Sportingbet.
The Luxbet is valued at $1.5 million to the club. Carlton and Sportingbet have a "second-tier arrangement" worth roughly $600,000 over two years.
Online Gambling And Vice VS Offline And A Visit To Local TAB
As the reader who is smarter than the average bear would know, cash is king... in many aspects of life and business. Footy players have discovered this fact also, and those employed in or around the game at taking a liking to visiting TAB's to play for cash, because its. The "secret" is out that if you don't have a registered account for sports betting, its virtually impossible to trace... or at least that's the general understand. Of course if video cameras or or other surveillance... private investigators etc are tracking a Mr X to the local TAB, that remains another ballgame.
There's a couple of areas of what our friends at Virgin Games - Virgin Casino and PartyGaming may put into the "grey area"... when is a website more than just a website and the role of affiliate programs, where the web publisher can decide what industry verticals to cover, both in journalism and / or a PR capacity, as well as banners and links for promotion.
Websites and website portal which cover gaming and gambling don't become a casino, just because they have some links and logos to a casino or 3, or a range of sports betting brands. Owners and publishers of new media powerhouses such as Chris Costigan of Gambling911 and yours truly of Media Man International are aware of the complexities, as are their respective legal eagles.
A few things are for certain in the ongoing mix of professional sports, sports betting, beer and online casino affiliate programs et al... legal eagles are going to remain busy, AFL teams will looking to cover their ass, punters will keep betting for their favorite teams as long as they are able to, the industry will continue to grow and mainstream and alternative media companies will continue to write about it.
The late mail...
Google is nearing closer to offering a web hosting service to corporates and the general public... media and new media owners and gaming entrepreneurs are understood to be in the mix of those most eager to sign up. Next Google will offer its own sports betting service... ok, that's speculative, but stranger things have happened.
Punters, know the odds, keep it legal and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The cover a dozen different sectors and publish Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and has done b2b with Betfair
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Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
AFL powers that be have quite a balancing act to maintain with "vice" (beers and gambling) being part of the landscape, but online sports betting has facilitated both profits and problems on and off the field. Media Man and Gambling911 don the referee shirt and probe the game, not so much looking for dirt, but searching for answers...
AFL (Australia Football League) remains one of Australia's most recognizable brands, up there with its footy cousin, the NRL (National Rugby League).
Many think the AFL official website resembles more of a sports betting website portal more than that of a footy clubs website these days. The knockers, including the dear purists have a pretty strong case. Maybe the site should have a warning about not betting when drinking, but that would be very difficult to enforce. Did we mention the beer logos and signal on the website is also impossible to miss. We also mistook it for the 'Sin City' expo website...neon lights on steroids... ok, just kidding, but you get the point.
AFL is primary about footy (and the fans), but let's not forget for a second, sports business is very big business. Media deals and sports betting made it bigger, but once in a while serious damage is done to the game, and debate rages about "social damage" and "social responsibility". Fortunately (for the ALF) they have world class legal eagles guiding them along the streets and internet highways paved with gold.
The AFL is not not responsible for visitors with "problematic dependencies", but they do have to maintain due care (and cover their ass).
James Packer 50% owned Betfair and other gaming giant, Tabcorp, are the games prime gambling partners... (at least the official ones)... let's not get into whatever deals may be lurking at pubs nearby to football fields and AFL sports clubs.
Historically, beer aka grog, and the infamous "piss ups" and after parties, and high level sponsorship deals with alcohol brewers were a major source of revenue. Largely under the Rudd government more "social responsibility" laws and policy came into play, so the game had little choice but to look for other money spinners... enter online gambling! (just as mainstream media and internet giants like Google and Yahoo cottoned onto).
After the Brownlow Medal awards night at crown Casino in 2009 the game had no choice but to clean up its connection with piss, such was the public fallout, helped along by a touch of media beatup in the process. Think Crown held Logies Twitter Gate (but with gallons of piss and boat loads of bible bashers into the mix).
Gambling is challenging the game's integrity like never before. The culture is one that rewards winners (on and off the field and internet) but danger is never far away.
With gambling being an ever important past of the business model, that powers that be can't keep it a secret from the punters, and pro active campaigns are all the go. Little wonder sports announcers talk about the odds in broadcasts and numbers come up on TV screens. You can't miss.... "Back a winner" that announcer calls... The well trained eye or ear may be able to detect who the announcer bet on depending upon the look on his face and sound of his voice, when calling the game play.
The AFL is reaping in millions from Betfair and Tabcorp. Last year teams Richmond and Carlton respectively signed up Luxbet (Tabcorp) and Sportingbet.
The Luxbet is valued at $1.5 million to the club. Carlton and Sportingbet have a "second-tier arrangement" worth roughly $600,000 over two years.
Online Gambling And Vice VS Offline And A Visit To Local TAB
As the reader who is smarter than the average bear would know, cash is king... in many aspects of life and business. Footy players have discovered this fact also, and those employed in or around the game at taking a liking to visiting TAB's to play for cash, because its. The "secret" is out that if you don't have a registered account for sports betting, its virtually impossible to trace... or at least that's the general understand. Of course if video cameras or or other surveillance... private investigators etc are tracking a Mr X to the local TAB, that remains another ballgame.
There's a couple of areas of what our friends at Virgin Games - Virgin Casino and PartyGaming may put into the "grey area"... when is a website more than just a website and the role of affiliate programs, where the web publisher can decide what industry verticals to cover, both in journalism and / or a PR capacity, as well as banners and links for promotion.
Websites and website portal which cover gaming and gambling don't become a casino, just because they have some links and logos to a casino or 3, or a range of sports betting brands. Owners and publishers of new media powerhouses such as Chris Costigan of Gambling911 and yours truly of Media Man International are aware of the complexities, as are their respective legal eagles.
A few things are for certain in the ongoing mix of professional sports, sports betting, beer and online casino affiliate programs et al... legal eagles are going to remain busy, AFL teams will looking to cover their ass, punters will keep betting for their favorite teams as long as they are able to, the industry will continue to grow and mainstream and alternative media companies will continue to write about it.
The late mail...
Google is nearing closer to offering a web hosting service to corporates and the general public... media and new media owners and gaming entrepreneurs are understood to be in the mix of those most eager to sign up. Next Google will offer its own sports betting service... ok, that's speculative, but stranger things have happened.
Punters, know the odds, keep it legal and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The cover a dozen different sectors and publish Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited and has done b2b with Betfair
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Canada
Media Man Australia
Media Man
Media Man Casino
Media Man Poker
Poker News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Hitman drops WWE future hint - 4th May 2010
Bret Hart has raved about his recent return to the WWE and hinted he may extend his stay with the wrestling promotion.
The Hitman returned for a WrestleMania match with Vince McMahon, but remained as part of their programming in the aftermath of the showpiece event to guide the Hart Dynasty to the tag team titles.
And speaking on the Right After Wrestling show on SIRIUS Radio, Hart said: "I thought I'd be done at WrestleMania, but every week there's something else.
"I don't mind. I'm having fun. The return of The Hitman has been good for me, good for the fans and good for the wrestlers.
"There's been nothing but an upside to it all. I'm pretty happy with it."
Canadian Hart's last appearance for the WWE is scheduled to be on WWE Raw from Toronto on May 17.
And although he insists he does not see himself carrying on after that date, he added: "At the same time I wouldn't rule anything out if I can play a useful role.
"It's not like I'm doing that much these days.
"As long as I'm not on the road every day like I used to be.
"The Monday Night Raw role I've had for the last three months was a lot of fun...and I would do it all over again." (Credit: The Sun)
The Hitman returned for a WrestleMania match with Vince McMahon, but remained as part of their programming in the aftermath of the showpiece event to guide the Hart Dynasty to the tag team titles.
And speaking on the Right After Wrestling show on SIRIUS Radio, Hart said: "I thought I'd be done at WrestleMania, but every week there's something else.
"I don't mind. I'm having fun. The return of The Hitman has been good for me, good for the fans and good for the wrestlers.
"There's been nothing but an upside to it all. I'm pretty happy with it."
Canadian Hart's last appearance for the WWE is scheduled to be on WWE Raw from Toronto on May 17.
And although he insists he does not see himself carrying on after that date, he added: "At the same time I wouldn't rule anything out if I can play a useful role.
"It's not like I'm doing that much these days.
"As long as I'm not on the road every day like I used to be.
"The Monday Night Raw role I've had for the last three months was a lot of fun...and I would do it all over again." (Credit: The Sun)
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