Wednesday, June 30, 2010

FIFA World Cup: Aussie Casino Jack Lobby, by Greg Tingle - 30th June 2010

Sporting and political insiders, movers n shakers, have we got a story for you. Think Casino Jack or Casino Jacks (and the United States of Money and The Australians Of Money). Following the Aussie NRL and AFL scandals, FIFA Aussiegate gives them a run for their money. Media Man and Gambling911 follow the money trail, with some assistance from Google News, Fairfax Media and sniffer dogs Bluey and Timmy...

A dynamite due of European lobbyists engaged to assist bringing the World Cup to Australia are in line to receive up to $11.37 million in consultancy fees, bonuses and the like. The sum is roughly 25% of the taxpayer-funded bid, our friends at Fairfax Media have put in the public domain. They point to "secret Football Federation Australia files".

News Limited, publisher of the Daily Telegraph, is understood to be also digging for more information, just as Fairfax and News Limited battled it out on the NRL and AFL sports scandals.

The now (not so secret) files included a spreadsheet that hints the federal government was not advised specifics about how taxpayers' money was to be fed to the lobbyists and grants aka "hand outs" and "hand ups" to overseas football bodies headed by FIFA officials.

A probe into Australia's World Cup bid can also lift the lid on how the FFA:

Purchased Paspaley pearl necklaces for the wives of many of the 24 FIFA executive committee members who in December will decide which countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Pearl cufflinks were also given. Total value of the gifts $50,000 approx.

Offered an all-expenses paid junket to the South American FIFA executive committee member Rafael Salguero and his wife to Australia this year.

Paid for a Caribbean football team linked to the FIFA vice-president Jack Warner to journey to Cyprus last year.

A FFA document contains 2 budget balance sheets outlining how the $45.6 million World Cup bid government grant is to be used.

1 balance sheet is for the FFA only and is headed "Bid budget management reporting". The other is for the government and is less detailed and titled "Bid budget government reporting".

The spreadsheets from mid-2009 could possible suggest the FFA decided not to disclose to the government specific details of the payment structure, remuneration breakdown etc for its 2 consultants, Mr Peter Hargitay and Mr Fedor Radmann.

FFA advised its accounting practices were exemplary and independently audited.

"The FFA is completely transparent in its dealings with government and has provided all information regarding the bidding process requested by government," advised the FFA chief executive, Ben Buckley, who also declined invitation to reveal publicly what sirs Hargitay and Mr Radmann were being paid.

We have learned confidential documents show the sporting - political entrepreneurs of sorts, who have been engaged to direct Australia's lobbying of FIFA officialdom - are in line to make $11.37 million if Australia wins the right to host the 2022 World Cup! Not a bad earner. This may at least partly explain that Australia this month withdrew its bid for the 2018 cup.

Punters, you wonder why the government has little money for everyday folks, community projects and the like. "Their eyes may be off the community ball, and focused on another ball and field of green", a Media Man investigator was overheard whispering.

Mr Hargitay is being remunerated with $1.35 million by the FFA and has a "success fee" of $2.54 million. Mr Radmann's hard yakka for the Aussie bid, which the FFA has attempted to keep under wraps, will earn him up to $3.49 mil via a German based consulting firm. He is also entitled to a success fee of $3.99 million.

Forming part of a separate contract - agreement, the FFA is paying Mr Radmann's biz partner Andreas Abold an additional $3 mil for World Cup "bid book production and bid advice". It is unknown at this stage if Abold will also receive some of Mr Radmann's moolah fees.

Fairfax Media reports that the mid-2009 spreadsheet also suggests the government was not advised details about plans to give $6.5 million in taxpayer funds to football bodies in Africa, Asia and Oceania. The document states the FFA's bid strategy will give large grants to "international football development".

The government was advised by the FFA that $11.37 million was going to "consultants/agencies". But the FFA prepared a more detailed spreadsheet for its own executives, specifically outlining how this sum would be split up into fees and bonuses for Hargitay and Radmann's international "advocacy" campaign.

Buckley stated "Consistent with standard management practice, FFA maintains a more comprehensive breakdown of expenditure and forecasts for day-to-day internal management purposes and accountability."

The necklaces and cufflinks were gifted at a dinner get together in 2008 for FIFA officials at the beautiful home of the FFA chairman, Frank Lowy (after Australia had announced its World Cup intentions but before formal bidding had begun).

Buckley advised "It is a widely accepted, common practice, among governments, many business and sporting organisations to provide symbolic gifts, to visiting international delegations."

FIFA allows "occasional gifts" of "symbolic or incidental value". Media Man and the sniffer dogs are curious to learn on what the financial cap is on the "incidental value".

Network Nine's 60 Minutes has now learned more on the FIFA scandal, and is interested to run what would be a follow up story on FIFA, following their couple of previous more good news features on FIFA, the cup, including some players. Digital sports broadcaster OneHD also has interest, while Fox Sports - Premier Media Group, is understood to be not quite as keen. Follow the media relationships ala 'Casino Jack' and who knows who, and you smart ones will join the dots and figure it out... or at least enough to get the 'Casino Jack' references.

It is understood the FFA funded the Trinidad and Tobago under-20 team's travel to Cyprus at the request of Hargitay, who is linked to the Caribbean football chief and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.

In a number of FFA documents Hargitay refers to his strong ties to "Jack" (not 'Casino Jack'). Warner has been frequently been accused of using FIFA status to enrich himself and his family. After a probe in 2006 FIFA demanded sir lunchalot#2 to repay $US1 mil his family got via the improper sale of World Cup tickets.

Last Red October Warner returned a $435 luxury handbag. It was understood to be one of 24 given to the partners of FIFA executive committee members...from the English bid team, after news media reports in Britain.

FFA documents show it to be evident Radmann and Hargitay are managing the international "strategy" on behalf of the Australian "bid team". They enjoy ties to some of football's most powerful - influential men, including Warner, the former German player Franz Beckenbauer and the FIFA president, Sepp Blatter.

Radmann and Hargitay have interesting history to their names. Radmann, who has worked as an aide to Beckenbauer, has been implicated in:

A scheme circa 2000 to allegedly offer financial inducements to key FIFA executive committee officials to get them to back Germany's bid to host the 2006 World Cup.

Conflict of interest scandals in 2003 that forced him to stand down from Germany's cup organising committee.

It is understood Australian bid officials attempted to minimise any publicity about Radmann's involvement in the said bid.

Hargitay's past includes being acquitted twice for cocaine trafficking in the 90s and his alleged link to a securities fraud in Hungary, according to US court documents circa 97.

Hargitay also has spoken about daily meetings in South Africa with the Asian Football Confederation boss, Mohammad bin Hamman.

Documents detail out Hargitay's role arranging meetings between overseas football officials and Mr Lowy and Australian politicians. Former prime minister Kevin Rudd 007 er Kev 07 met Mr Warner in his Trinidad and Tobago home in November.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Ageing, the agency that provided the World Cup grant, said yesterday that the FFA briefed it regularly on its spending.

Quizzed about differing bid balance sheets, the spokeswoman advised "The detailed internal accounting systems of the FFA are a matter for them."

She said the department was aware of the backgrounds of Hargitay and Radmann. It also had no evidence of any breaches of the public service guidelines that cover the FFA's consultants.

All FFA bid team employees and lobbyists must comply with Australia's Public Service code of conduct and act in an honest and ethical manner. The spokeswoman advised "The FFA has assured the department taskforce that this provision is being adhered to. If evidence contrary to this was provided it would be thoroughly investigated as would any alleged breach of the funding agreement."

Wrap Up...

Readers, what next? What do you know that isn't revelled yet? Tell us in the world famous Gambling911 forums? Hello FIFA, you're welcome also. Media Man and Gambling911 is half expecting threats and hate mail...just another day at the office.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover.

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

Websites

PartyPoker.fr PartyPoker.com PartyCasino.com PartyBets.com PartyBingo.com World Poker Tour

28 June 2010

PartyGaming, the world’s leading listed online gaming company, announces that it has been awarded licences by ARJEL, the French Gaming regulator, to operate online poker and sports betting websites for residents in France. The Group can offer sports betting immediately and will offer poker on http://www.partypoker.fr when the market is opened, which is expected to be later this month.

As previously announced, the Group has signed three exclusive B2B deals this year to form a significant French poker network with PMU, the country’s largest pari-mutuel horse racing company, AB Groupe, a leading TV broadcaster, and Aviation Club de France, one of France’s most prestigious card rooms and private members clubs. This network will now benefit from pooled poker player liquidity that will be provided by PartyPoker.fr

About PartyGaming:

PartyGaming Plc is the world’s leading listed online gaming company. The Group is a constituent of the FTSE 250 share index with its shares listed on The London Stock Exchange under the ticker: PRTY. In the year to 31 December 2009, PartyGaming’s Continuing operations generated revenue of $446.2m and Clean EBITDA of $135.0m. PartyGaming’s principal brands are
PartyPoker.com, one of the world’s largest online poker rooms, PartyCasino.com, the world’s largest online casino, PartyBingo.com, PartyGammon.com, PartyBets.com, InterTrader.com, FoxyBingo.com, GetMinted.com, GameBookers.com and WorldPokerTour.com. None of the Group’s sites accept real money customers located in the US. PartyGaming is regulated and licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and it is also certified as a responsible gaming operator by GamCare, the leading UK authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming’s shares are also a constituent member of the FTSE4Good Index Series, which enables investors to identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. For more information, please visit PartyGaming

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Sunday, June 27, 2010

Australian Fans Assaulted And Robbed At World Cup, by Greg Tingle - 27th June 2010

South Africa is not regarded as a safe place, with or without the FIFA World Cup Unfortunately a bush tucker bag of Australia fans experienced the very real danger just hours ago, assaulted and robbed at gunpoint. Media Man and. Media Man and Gambling911 kick off into the field of danger in South Africa...

A bush tucker swag of Aussie soccer fans in South Africa, including an off-duty fed, were robbed, tied up and assaulted at gunpoint soon after after enjoying watching the Socceroos take up Serbia.

It's understood four mad Australian fans and a London based duo returned to their digs after watching the match at approximately midnight on Thursday, when they were assaulted by four armed men, clues pointing to local knowledge and an "inside job".

The Aussies were attacked as the lodge manager was showing them to their rooms at the now infamous Hamilton Parks Country Lodge in Hazyview, an isolated area north-east of Johannesburg. The lodge has dozens of crime incidents to its name, and South African police have not been following up fully or appropriately, according to dozens of media reports. Media Man and Gambling911 is helping ensure that the word gets out on the track record of guests being robbed and worse at 'Hamilton Parks' (mark it down in your Stay Away From List'!)

Wires is reporting that the mum of the lodge manager, Nola Molich, said the gun wielding bandits had hidden around the corner as her 'sonny jim' proceeded to welcome the Australian tourists into their quarters.

"The guys came up to him with a gun and said, 'Right, get back in.' He went in and they locked the door behind him and asked for all their goodies."

The South African police probing the crime, Captain Jacky Mbuyane, advised the victims' hands were bound behind their backs with shoestrings, while the crims stole mobile phones, laptops, passports, money, and pride (what may be left), of their controversial and crime ridden nation.

He also advised the female was sexually assaulted, and got medical treatment, but she was not raped. "Emotionally, she was hurt. She was upset.".

Mrs Molich advised the incident was "very traumatic", but the well-dressed thieves were "as my son said, the best kind of people to be robbed by. They did not even tie them up tightly, and they were not interested in hurting anybody."

The swag of Aussies freed themselves soon after the attack and called the coppers. Australian consular personnel from the Australian High Commission, based in Pretoria, assisted the victims get medical attention and gave them emergency travel documents, a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said.

The Australian fans said they intended to stay on to try to end the sports tour on a high note. Media Man applauds their positive attitude and guts.

Ambush Marketing "Attack" Mild Compared To Australian Fans Assaulted...

World Cup Ambush Marketing Beer Babes Charges Dropped

http://www.gambling911.com/fifa-world-cup/world-cup-ambush-marketing-beer-babes-charges-dropped-062310.html

Yankees, sorry to hear about your 2-1 loss with Ghana in last nights match. At least it wasn't a whitewash, and the American team says they had gone further than they has expected.

South Africa Casino Guide With Public Thank You To Jimmy Wales At Wikipedia

Eastern Cape
Boardwalk Casino, Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth, part of Sun International South Africa

Wild Coast Sun at Port Edward, part of Sun International South Africa

Free State
WindMill Casino in Bloemfontein, part of Sun International
Thaba'Nchu Casino in Thaba'Nchu, part of Sun International

Gauteng
Carnival City Casino in Brakpan, part of Sun International
Emperor's Palace Casino and Resort
Monte Casino in Johannesburg
Morula Sun Casino near Pretoria, part of Sun International
Gold Reef City Casino in Johannesburg
Emerald Casino on the Vaal River
Silver Star Casino in Johannesburg

Kwazulu-Natal
Sibaya Entertainment Kingdom in Durban near Umhloti, part of Sun International
Wild Coast Sun near Margate South Coast Durban North Beach Casino Century Casino in New Castle

Limpopo
Meropa Casino in Polokwane, part of Sun International

Northern Cape
Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, part of Sun International

North West Province
Carousel Casino, part of Sun International
Sun City, part of Sun International

Western Cape
Grandwest Casino in Goodwood, Cape Town, part of Sun International
The Golden Valley in Worcester, part of Sun International

Credit: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org

Media Man South Africa profile

http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/south_africa.html

Wrap Up

We wish fans and the soccer team, all the best in their upcoming FIFA games. Fans, players, press and others in South Africa... for God's sake take care on the mean streets and in your hotel rooms. DTA - Don't Trust Anyone! Punters, as always, know the odds and have fun.

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a bakers dozen of sectors they cover.

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Thursday, June 24, 2010

Ambush Marketing Dutch Beer Babes Charges Dropped; Aussie Marketers Rejoice, by Greg Tingle - 24th June 2010

Readers, punters, soccer nuts, media and marketing guns. Thought you had heard the last of ambush marketing aka "parasite marketing"? Think again..
Media Man and Gambling911 are pleased to report that the buxom beer babes who ambushed FIFA are essentially off the hook. This rather welcome news has further inspired a number of Aussie media, marketing and sporting identities who are starting to plan something huge down under in Australia, home of meat pies, kangaroos, Holden Cars (and NRL, AFL, Crown Casino, Star City and Bondi Beach... hint hint). Got the message? Lots of potential targets to throw ya boomerang at. Enjoy ambushing marketing 101, online, offline and everything in between...

Charges were delightfully dropped against the daily double Dutch buxom beer babes (with brains too) who had faced prosecution for allegedly taking part in an ambush marketing stunt at a World Cup soccer match. Oh My God, the crime.

They were among a bevvy of more than 30 Dutch goddess babes who attended last week's Netherlands-Denmark match at the Soccer City Stadium wearing orange mini dresses paid for by Bavaria Beer. The double trouble pair (no, not that pair of knockers er knockouts) were in danger of getting charged under an act that covers ambush marketing aka "parasite marketing", when a firm benefits from an event without paying for advertising! Sounds good hey.

FIFA, whose sponsors have exclusive rights to in-stadium marketing etc, advised some 48 hours ago it had reached a settlement with Bavaria Beer which saw all parties agreed to drop any claims and also not to make any further public comments about the case, but that of course doesn't stop the almost Wikileaks like Gambling911 and Media Man running a follow up (or 3)!

FIFA advised Bavaria now agrees to fully respect FIFA's marketing policies through the year 2022.

A press Statement by the Double Dutch beer babes, Barbara "Buxom" Castelein and Mirte "Melons" Nieuwpoort, read, "We are happy to go home and that the situation has been resolved."

Bavaria remunerated the women to come to South Africa and arranged for them to go to the Netherlands' opening match against Denmark on June 15. Insiders and smart asses reckon Bavaria "won" the encounter, with many admires googling the beer babes "nether regions", only to catch a bit more hot legs action... but they haven't stopped looking, based on stats coming to hand, pun intended.

FIFA officials noted the relatively small "Bavaria" tag on the side of the dresses, which they saw as infringing the rights of official sponsors, partners and the like, some of whom invested multi millions to advertise exclusively at World Cup venues. The dresses are understood to have been available to the public (and potential ambushers) at service stations in downtown Holland, passed "free" with a pack of their now mega famous beer.

Ambush marketing has caused complications in the past for the Bavaria outfit. Circa 2006 - World Cup in Germany, the brewery provided fans orange lederhosen which pissed off FIFA powers that be.

"Buxom" Castelein and "Melons" Nieuwpoort advised FIFA officials and police probed (no not that type of probe you dirty minded loyal readers) them for several hours after the super and successful stunt last week, until legal eagles engaged by the brewery became involved.

As Gambling911 covered last week, a number of Australian marketing and media entrepreneurs are watching this space closely are exploring ideas and potential events to ambush. Australian ambushing marketing king, Kym Illman from Messages On Hold, is keeping his cards pretty well guarded at present, but has made what one may call "strategic leaks" to some media and new media companies, thus already benefiting from some Barvaria - FIFA stunt rub off. Fairfax Media, Markson Sparks!, Harry M. Miller Group, Smart Company, Network Nine, Channel Seven, Crown Casino and Shane Warne are just a few entities that are understood to be watching out for an Aussie ambush marketing stunt follow up. It's also worth noting that long time James Packer friend, Network Nine CEO, David Gyngell has just joined the Crown Limited board of directors. Did we mention Shane Warne is also friendly with Kym Illman and James Packer... ah, what a small world. One that can help put great campaigns together we might suggest.

A Media Man spokesperson said, "We know Aussie marketing king Kym Illman has been watching this space with keen interest. Kym doesn't like to come off as second best, so when he does his next stunt down under, don't be too surprised if it has an impact comparable to the Barvaria buxom beer babes effort at the World Cup. We think the stunt or stunts are likely to happen at either Moore Park, Acer Arena, ANZ Stadium, Bondi Beach or near the Opera House or Harbour Bridge. Possibly a combination. 'Sin City' Sydney is about to become more sinful, thanks to the 'evil genius' Illman, with some help from some friends".

Read more about ambush marketing...coming soon to a casino near you, with 'Money Girl' if your very lucky.

http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/ambush_marketing.html

*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 bakers dozen of sectors they cover. *Media Man is currently ramping up its ambush marketing arm, both online and offline! The company motto is "Putting Your Name Out There!"

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited.

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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

WWE Superstar Batista To Enter MMA World; Want A Bet? by Greg Tingle - 22nd June 2010

With news that more professional wrestlers aka "sports entertainers" (term thanks to WWE owner Vince McMahon) are set to enter the mixed martial arts world, seems sports betting fans and wrestling fans will have more more to get excited about. Enter Dave Batista, whose next? Media Man and Gambling911 with this body slamming, clothes liner, no taping report...

Brock Lensar may have been the first former WWE superstar to make his considerable mark on the MMA world (via UFC) but he won't be the last. Enter Dave Batista, fresh off a scripted loss to WWE's who Media Man spys say is heading to StrikeForce...competitor of sorts to the UFC.

Gambling911 and Media Man have been scouring the planet to see who may take odds - bets on Batista's upcoming Strikeforce debut, before year end we understand. Comon' PartyGaming - PartyBets, Gamebookers, BetUS, Betfair, Centrebet, Paddy Power and SBG Global.

Public Challenge To Sports Betting Companies!...

We issue a public challenge to offer betting options on Batista and other pro wrestlers going to the mixed martial arts world!

Wrestling Legend Ric Flair Speaks On UFC (MMA) And WWE Fans...

"MMA doesn’t affect wrestling at all. I’m not saying wrestling fans don’t watch MMA, but it is two different audiences. My take on MMA is that those guys are phenomenal athletes and extraordinarily tough and committed but the people that are crazy about them got nothing going on themselves. I actually think most of the male public that is crazy for that are living vicariously for something they can never be. Wrestling is more entertainment-based. MMA is what it is, those guys are out there trying to kill each other. And the guys that are sitting at home going "Wow" could never find that within themselves on the first day of their life. When Lesnar fights, I like watching Brock… and I recognize a lot of names … you’ve got to have so much respect for what those guys put themselves through but it is a limited time frame [they've got]. It’s hard to develop a star in that business that’s going to have any longevity. In wrestling a guy that develops a name for himself can do it fifteen years."

Gambling911 fans or anti fans. Does Flair's quote piss you off, or do you like his tell it like it is attitude? Tell us in the forum, and we can't wait for Hollywood's crazed comedian nutter Tony Clifton, to offer his 2 cents worth again. Shame about what happened to the late Andy Kaufman (former inter gender pro wrestling champion of the world!!!). Trust us, Andy was not the UFC type... ask Jerry 'The King' Lawler.

'The Nature Boy' has enjoyed previous Gambling911 coverage thanks to his gambling and gaming entrepreneur exploits... namely being former NC Education Lottery front man, and the current man of the moment for the South Carolina Lottery. Woooooo! as Flair would say.

Media Man Profiles

Dave Batista
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/batista.html

Brock Lesnar
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/lesnar.html

Ric Flair (front man for lotteries in the Carolina's region)
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/flair.html

Roddy Piper
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/piper.html

Kevin Nash (once upon a time known as Vinnie Vegas)
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/nash.html

Hulk Hogan (face of The Hulk A Mania slot machine)
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/hogan.html

Other Pro Wrestling Stars Predicted By Media Man To Be Able To Cut It In The MMA World...

Bill Goldberg, mainly known only as Goldberg. Bill is also a motorsport enthusiast, enjoying BullRun, monster trucks and Harley-Davidson bikes.

Antonia Inoki (but just for 1 or 2 matches, due to his age). Details full credit Wikipedia

On June 26, 1976 Antonio Inoki had a scheduled match in Tokyo with Muhammad Ali. Inoki initially promised Ali a worked match to get him to fight in Japan, but when the deal materialized Ali's camp feared that Inoki would turn the fight into a shoot, which many believe was Inoki's intention. Ali visited a professional wrestling match involving Inoki and witnessed Inoki's grappling ability. The rules of the match were announced several months in advance. Two days before the match, however, several new rules were added which severely limited the moves that each man could perform. A rule change that had a major outcome on this match was that Inoki could only throw a kick if one of his knees was on the ground. In the match, Ali landed a total of six punches to Inoki, and Inoki kept to his back in a defensive position almost the full duration of the match of 15 rounds, hitting Ali with a low kick repeatedly. The bout ended in a draw, 3-3. Ali left without a press conference and suffered damage to his legs as a result of Inoki's repeated leg kicks.

Bob Backlund (as above)

'Judo' Gene LeBell, actually, better to pass... Gene is 77 years of age.

John Layfield aka Bradshaw (a low level match, as Bradshaw is a brawler and had a gorgeous and intelligent wife who likely wouldn't risk anything else)

Pro Wrestlers Who Won't Be Going To MMA This Lifetime...

John Cena, Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Rey Mysterio Jr, Bret Hart...

Hornswoggle (Dylan Postl aka Little Bastard is a midget wrestler and character. Say so more).

Vince McMahon (too old and busy running WWE), Hulk Hogan (who Flair has gone on record with... "Hogan is in constant pain").

Steve Austin aka 'Stone Cold' (Austin has had many injuries and the closest you will see him in MMA is in action movie 'Damage', in a cage match!

Family Of Wrestling Stars In MMA...

Colton Toombs (son of legendary wrestler and pop icon, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper). As a teenager Roddy won a Golden Gloves boxing championship and was also awarded a karate black belt by Gene LeBell.

Former Pro Wrestlers Who Were Once Successful In UFC...

Dan "The Beast' Severn and Ken Shamrock

Too Old Or Dead...

Terry Funk, legit legend and tough guy brawler, still with us, bless the lord

Jerry "The King" Lawler, as above

Bruiser Brody - Frank Donald Goodish - dead - a fight - self defense or murdered in the locker room of a Bayamón - San Juan, Puerto Rico locker room at the hands of Jose Huertas Gonzalez, AKA Invader I. Brody reminds fans of David 'Tank' Abbott, the fighter who achieved fame in the UFC early years.

Karl Gotch - Karl Istaz (August 3, 1924 - July 28, 2007) was a professional wrestler and trainer born in Hamburg, Germany, best known by his ring name Karl Gotch. The German suplex is named after Gotch. Gotch had a behind-the-scenes feud with "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, starting when Gotch asked for a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Rogers wanted to avoid getting into the ring with a wrestler he feared would 'shoot' on him and legitimately "steal" his championship. This led to a locker room fist fight between the two, ending when Gotch broke Rogers' hand; incapacitating Rogers for several weeks. These events only served to alienate Gotch from the American promoters, who already felt there was no place for his style in the world of American pro wrestling!

PS: WWE NXT former Superstar Bryan Danielson's chances of competing in UFC? "Slim and none, or about 1 million to one", whispered a Media Man insider.

PS: Vince McMahon, no, hardly any of your guys will leave WWE for MMA as they just don't have the skills or the desire to fight in a no holds barred environment, so no need to worry. Pro wrestling ain't MMA, and god knows many MMA fighters would boar pro wrestling audiences to death. If WWE can ever get Lesnar back, even for 1 match or as a special ref or something, they would do well. Shane McMahon met with UFC top brass Dana White last year, but what's his status now? Punters, tell us what you know in the forum.

UFC President Dana White On Potentially Signing Bobby Lashley (December 2008)...

"I don't know how many people can cross over and do what Lesnar has done. I don't think there's very many out there."

Current Status Of Bobby Lashley: In Strikeforce

What Is Strikeforce?

Strikeforce is a U.S.-based mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing organization based in San Jose, California. It is headed by CEO Scott Coker and owned by Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment, operators of the HP Pavilion and the San Jose Sharks. Its live events and fights are currently shown on Showtime in the US and on Super Channel in Canada. The promotion debuted on CBS on November 7, 2009 with Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers.

UFC Update Etc...

Brock Lesnar VS Frank Mir expected to break a number of records including ticketing, PPV media buys and sports betting. The upcoming fight is expected to to the the stuff of legend. Tune in to UFC 116 on July 3, 2010. The match up is to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

Shane Carwin, who won the interim heavyweight championship by defeating Frank Mir at UFC 111, will face current heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. The two were originally set to face each other at UFC 106, before Shane Carwin won the interim heavyweight championship, but Brock Lesnar pulled out of the fight due to an illness that kept him from training.

UFC Prez Dana White went on record that the promotion plans to make a down under Australia tour and annual occurrence, due to the massive success of UFC 110 in Sydney.

Media Man thinks that either James Packer 50% owned Betfair or competitor, Centrebet, would do well to become an official sponsor of UFC, even if only for the Australian - Asia Pacific region.

Wrap Up...

We keenly await a reply from sports betting companies on odds re pro wrestlers entering the mixed martial arts world, be it UFC, Strikeforce or other.

Loyal readers, don't hold back in the world famous Gambling911 forums

*The writer is a special contributor for Gambling911

*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. They also publish Australian Sports Entertainment and
Wrestling News Media

*Media Man is the former manager and agent for Australian MMA fighter Mick Cutajar

Disclaimer:

Media Man has online b2b agreements with the WWE Shop and UFC Shop. Media Man has nothing but respect for the awesome athletes in the WWE, UFC and other martial arts companies. The above article is a tongue in cheek number, intended to both educate and entertain. The disclaimers are there for the haters in the forum, and for those who hate a. WWE b. UFC and other MMA c. The writer!

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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Australian Casino War Goes Soccer Mad With Guinness, by Greg Tingle - 20th June 2010

The world famous Australian casino wars have taken on a new angle, with casino owners, media agents, whales and patrons catching World Cup soccer fever, with double dose of Soccer Roo Mania, a deadly fever. Both Crown Casino and Star City continue their 'State Of Origin' battle, this time utilizing the passion of soccer nuts. Media Man and Gambling911 kick off this special report...

Aussie sisters with soccer roo mania running through their veins have set an unofficial world record for continuous TV-watching after square eyeing through 87 hours of uninterrupted FIFA World Cup and football coverage.

Football-nuts Joanne and Alanah Argyrou, aged 22 and 24, beat two other contenders as they sat for 3.3 days at Sydney's Tabcorp owned Star City Casino, besting Dutch pride Efraim van Oeveren's 86 hours.

The publicity er stunt er achievement, currently awaits confirmation by Guinness World Records, was monitored by a team of officials who ensured the champion sisters did not dare look away from the tele screen for more than 5 seconds!

They were permitted one five-minute break per hour but were allowed no more than five cups of coffee a day. In between World Cup broadcasts, the women watched recorded matches and football documentaries.

Crown Casino Plugs Buys In To World Cup Fever...

As covered by Gambling911 earlier this week, James Packer's Melbourne based Crown Casino has also caught soccer fever, despite crown top brass going more for polo and boating. Just maybe its the European - international influence from Packer mate Damian Aspinall up London way. In any event, crown management, business partners and punters have caught soccer fever, as has Packer's 50% owned Betfair.

Fellow Aussie Adam Santarossa, an up and coming media agent - journo type, is understood to be getting paid for watching the World Cup, in a soccer ball outside Melbourne's Crown.

Santarossa won a competition to become Australia's "Man in the Ball".

He's beeing living inside a replica soccer ball on the public promenade outside Crown Casino, and won't have to bask or beg to get $3000 AUD in cash.

The comp was done via the Aussie edition of soccer mag Four Four Two. It also helps promote Adidas.

The total prize package is valued at $10,000 grant and includs a laptop, plasma television, PlayStation 3, sports games and a jersey signed by Socceroo star Tim Cahill.

"It's not just my dream, it's every football fan's dream," Santarossa said.

He's settling in well to live in the the six-metre fibreglass replica of the Jabulani tournament ball.

Santarossa is understood to be selective as to what visitors he will let in his ball, but at least he's allowed some "within reason". He was disappointed that no sleep over guests were allowed, but at least he has his ball, TV and games to keep him company. No word if he was able to place a bet via Packer's Betfair.

He's also beeing contributing to sports website portal theroar.com.au and is a commentator on Sydney community radio station 2SER.

The man has left the ball to take a shower at Crown, and will finally escape the giant ball on 12th July.

Crown and co, always concerned for the health of their patrons, guest and partners, saw the Ball Man submit to a medical test, a psych analysis and a police check.

"I actually had to do my best Tim Cahill impersonation, so some crazy things like that," he balled on to press.

"It was a long process but I'm just stoked that I'm finally the one."

More Soccer News...

Socceroos VS Ghana 1-1; Controversial Ref Call Against Kewell; Ball To Hand, Not Hand To Ball!

If guts counts Australia's chances of progress beyond the group phase at the World Cup are definitely alive, but we're optimistic now, having witnessed the Aussie's spirit in the wee hours of the morning.

The Socceroos, reduced to 10 men in Rustenburg for 65 minutes after Harry Kewell's dubious red card, gave a lion-hearted effort VS Ghana which ended 1-1 but could have (would have, should have) delivered a famous against the odds victory. Yeah, Media Man and team are pretty pissed off.

Skipper Lucas Neill genuinely believes another performance like the one against Ghana - this time with 11 players on the pitch for 90 minutes - will bring victory over Serbia and a big chance to move into the last 16 of the competition.

"As a nation we should not give up because this team is not going to give up," he said.

"The reaction and the spirit epitomises what it means to be Australian. We'll fight to the end."

Neill is not daunted by the challenge.

"We've got two bites at the cherry now, two different ways we can qualify from this group. If Ghana beat Germany, and we win by any score, we're through," he said.

"And if Germany really beat Ghana and we beat Serbia convincingly, we're still in it. We believe that and when there's hope, and while we stay positive, positive things happen to positive people."

Aussie Captain Words Of Wisdom And Encouragement...

Neill advised the day before the match that this was going to be the biggest game of his career. He pointed our in straight shooting fashion that he did not want to go down as the captain who led his men to the finals but could not qualify from the group.

He hurt for the fans on the prior FIFA performance. Neill takes his leadership role seriously.

"I got the guys together in the change room and told them it was a defining moment for Australian soccer history, Australia's football history in the World Cup. Today could determine a successful or a failure campaign. We asked for spirit. We got it in abundance."

On The Field...

"It's my job as captain to give the speech before the game,. It's something I thought long and hard about and the words will stay in the team, but I got the reaction that I wanted and as a captain you can't ask any more from your team than to go out and give a performance like that."

Thanks The Fans...

"Two games in a row we've had a phenomenal amount of Australian supporters in the crowd. Australia might only be 20 million people but you can't call us minnows when it comes to football. We bring seas of fans, you know, anywhere in the world and we are no longer a small team in the world of football and people need to recognise that."

Media Man PR Friend Max Markson PR Speaks On Socceroos Sports Business Before Last Nights Socceroos Draw...

Markson, who on occasion has teamed up with Media Man over the years, including on a ambush marketing front... Shane Warne, Bessie Bardot etc (covered yesterday at Gambling911) related campaign with friends, Kym Illman and the Messages On Hold team...

Markson said failure to defeat Ghana would be a commercial disaster for Football Federation Australia (note, not necessarily sports betting by Aussies).

"It's almost like an all or nothing game for them - it's a $100 million game," he said.

"If they get bundled out it will damage soccer's credibility in this marketplace and it will also, I'm sure, damage our hopes of hosting the World Cup in 2022."

On Australia's performance VS Germany...a "reality check" of Australia's standing.

"Welcome to the real world. This is how this sport is and it's not that easy to get through, let alone win the World Cup. The home of soccer, England, haven't won a World Cup since 1966 - sometimes the whole nation falls or dies on every single game they play, never mind waiting four years for a World Cup. If you look at rugby league, there's only really Australia and England and that's about it. Look at cricket and there's half a dozen countries - then you look at soccer and you're competing with every single country in the world Everybody loves winners and in sport especially you love a winner - how demoralising is it to support a team that never wins anything? And that's the nature of soccer, the competition is so tough. Everybody loves an underdog and we're definitely underdogs at the moment, so there's definitely an opportunity here - if we pull it off, it won't be the first time Australia's come from behind. When John Bertrand led Australia to victory in the America's Cup at Rhode Island in 1983, that was enormous and the nation rose as one that day. The day we won the Olympic Games in the 1990s, the nation again was overjoyed, and I think the opportunity is there for that to happen again at the World Cup."

A Media Man spokesman said "Aussies are once again rooting for the Socceroos. Our friend Max Markson is right...Aussies like winners, and we also like underdogs. Little wonder we will have soccer fever, and just quietly, people are looking forward to our next ambush marketing stunt also. It's like Richard Branson's Virgin... the underdog taking on the big boys and winning... just like Gambling911 continues to put the boot into the competition, a fact backed up by ISP stats, Google News and the like. Australian casino king James Packer and his Crown Casino in Melbourne and City Of Dreams Macau are rooting for the Socceroos also. As Markson said, merchandise sales are down at this stage, and half price sales are starting to kick in, but Aussie's still put their money with their mouth is, be with the Betfair, Centrebet, PartyBets, Gamebookers, SBG or other".

The Late News...

1.39 million Aussie's watch Australia play last night

Betting exchange Betfair continue to noticed fans have put more money on their team to lose than win!

So punters, the Aussie casinos win, we win, you win, so do the TV ratings, but the million dollar question remains... with the Socceroos win their next match? Don't be shy, place a responsible wager at your favorite sports betting co today, and may you all wear your team colours with pride.

Go grab a vuvuzela, and if your team is going well, go grab a beer..try to make it a Bavaria Beer. The buxom blonde beer babes and orange mini skirts, and hot legs won us over I'm afraid, as they did with newsrooms around the globe. That's show business.

*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 bakers dozen of sectors they cover.

*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited

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Friday, June 11, 2010

FIFA World Cup: Australian Business To Score, by Greg Tingle - 11th June 2010

FIFA World Cup has taken the world by storm. Down Under in Australia punters, casual fans and news media et al know that the Socceroos don't stand a chance in hell, likely aiming for a draw we hear, but its still shaping up to be a business bonanza. Media Man and Gambling911 have obtained some interesting hard numbers, statistics and the like, which is bound to be of interest to the sports betting savvy audience that those who need to know everything World Cup! Let's kick off, and may you score your own goals...

The Socceroos are not going to get far in the World Cup. That's a given. However, FIFA's soccer mania is adding to Australia's and the world's economy, and we're not just talking about the lucrative sports betting market, which has already been well covered on the pages of new media powerhouse Gambling911.

Who is set to win, other than sports mad fans and media companies? Merchandisers, retailers, football organisations and bookmakers. Yes, Media Man (Australia and International) is winning also, we admit it.

Stats nuts. Did you know that about 1 in 17 Australians play organised soccer (football for Europeans). That a mile in front of rival footy codes Australian Rules (1 in 49), rugby league (1 in 117) and rugby union (1 in 170).

That FIFA stats are going to influence a number of Australian business sectors, coming off the Socceroos - South Africa connection, win (won't happen), loose or draw (if we're lucky).

TV

The FIFA World Cup is the world’s largest sports event and a cumulative total of more than 40 billion viewers are expected to tune into this year’s tournament that runs from 11 June to 11 July. 60% or so of Aussies (13 million of the Kangaroos nation) watched the 2006 FIFA World Cup and insiders says the 2010 FIFA World Cup viewing audience will be greater ("on the back of the success of the A-League, grassroots soccer programs and Socceroos results in recent years").

Fan Supporting - $ Support

A number of media analyst's and sports business experts predict Socceroo interest at the FIFA 2010 World Cup will generate approx the average Aussie will spend $AUD40.05 (total being $884.2 million), no matter how great or bad or team does.

Should the Socceroos playing more than their 3 2010 FIFA World Cup 'Group D' matches – unlikely, then these numbers might kick on towards $369.51 per Australian (a total of $8.16 billion) in the event that they reach the final (and Hell freezes over).

The Aussie stats are small compared to a number of our overseas "friends"...
England, Germany and Spain. Get this, experts reckon that a grand total of $265.6 billion will be spend out worldwide. Don't ask us what the illegal sports betting numbers are. We are not in a position to know (with Media Man and Gambling911 being above board and not underground).

Merchandise: Show Me The Money

1 million Aussies will buy merchandise. What you ask? Jersey, scarf, beanie... whatever. Think $85 million on clothing. Socceroos merchandise is forecast to account for the majority of the estimated clothing spending ($74 million), with the others... $11 million going on crap... er quality items... of the other 31 teams.

FIFA is also being used to promote everything from TV shows, breakfast cereals to online casino games. Think an extra $300 million in revenue, or 3% of Australia’s overall monthly retail spend.

Games and TV's

The World Cup will help move more TV's and games, but retail and stats insiders say most who were going to buy a new TV, 3D or not, already have. The NRL State Of Origin and the positive press re Network Nine Australia and Foxtel, was a trigger point for many a month or two back. DVD and and hard-drive recorders and TiVo devices are likely to get a decent boost. There's going to be most of the 64 games broadcast to Aussie land.

Think a 4% revenue boost for Australia’s TV and electrical goods bracket, which is about $10 million all told.

Pubs - Clubs and Hotels

Aussies use sport as a thing to share with family and friends. Pubs, clubs and hotels are going to get a good slice of the action. The Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest at Darling Harbour will be huge, as will sports bars at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Coogee and Kings Cross. Tourism hubs, fueled by mad backpackers, will be biggest.

For Aussies, kick-offs are going to be in the wee hours of the morning, so that will effect numbers and pints of beer sold. If the Socceroos go well, more drinks will be sold, and more people will be likely to spend more.

Food and Drinks

Liquor retailers, take-away, convenience shops will also benefit. Think June - mid July $21.6 on takeaway and $20.5 on drinks.

Sports Punting

Sports betting is the biggest growing gambling sector in Australia according to the Australian Productivity Commission report.

Wagering to be an estimated $104.6 million despite the fact that the Socceroos are odds on (4-11) not to get past the Group Stage and long odds (66-1) to win the tourney.

It's possible to bet on everything from the winning team to Australia’s top goal scorer.

Advertising

Product tie ins gone crazy. Cars, clothing, FMCG, food and drinks. Just about nothing is sacred.


South Africa Tourism

18,000 Socceroos fans will fly into to join the 300,000 international supporters at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Forecasts of 700,000 visitors to South Africa!

Australians will spend $180 mil following the Socceroos at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This is compared to the modest $68 million spent by 14,000 Australians at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Suffer China, just kidding, despite what the Sydney taxi drivers tell us via the Australian Taxi Driver News Network, as Media Man and friends know it.

Punters, keep chipping in via the Gambling911 forum, don't score an own goal, and as always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi, Aussie Oi, Aussie Oi, Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

*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.

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Australian Sports: Melbourne Catches Tiger Woods By The Tail, by Greg Tingle - 10th June 2010

Tiger Woods, champion golf player and champion club, casino and woman player, is coming back to Melbourne for this year’s Australian Masters. Tiger's form may be down on the golf course and with the ladies, but the Aussie Victorian government have fallen head over heels for the Tiger - Meister. Victorian taxpayers will e covering part of his appearance fee, but won't know how much they’re paying for the privilege, as its a secret. James Packer owned Crown Casino is understood to be in the running to provide the den - accommodation and ("world of") entertainment for the Tiger. Media Man and Gambling911 take the club to Team Tiger with this special report...

Tiger Mania will be running wild "down under", pun intended. Victorian Tourism Minister Holding said revealing the figure would give interstate governments and other locations the chance to match or exceed the bid and lure the star from Victoria.

Going on radio (3AW), the tourism minister said "Tiger’s fee won’t be made public. We work very hard to secure these events and we don’t want to bid the price up by disclosing the exact amounts."

Gambling911 and Media Man management understands Tiger commands a $3 million appearance fee. It was widely reported the Victorian government paid $1.5 million of the golfer’s fee last year, despite Mr Holding saying today the exact amount would not be made public.

The tournament prize money last year was a moderate $270,000.

He said the expense was "infinitesimal" compared to the economic benefit which flowed the Woods’ appearance, with audited figures showing his performance at last year’s Australian Masters earned the state $34 million, exceeding forecasts by more $15 million.

Crown Casino is understood to have pocked about 10 million from Tiger's fun and games trip down under last year. A swag of golf nut tourists who also enjoyed a punt at Packer's casino were significantly responsible for the windfall.

The Aussie Tourism Minister continues re Tiger's appearance fee "That's more than repays the modest investment," said Holding.

Holding also advised the money paid to Woods is a better investment than the $50 million Victorian taxpayers contribute to the Formula One Grand Prix, and that's including the Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing into the equations, not to mention Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Racing.

Woody, still holds the title of world’s #1 golfer despite five months out of the game following his high profile sex scandal. Tiger is to join Sergio Garcia of Spain, Camilo Villegas of Colombia and Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy for the tournament at The Victoria Golf Club from 11th-14th November.

"I am pleased to be able to return to Melbourne to defend the JBWere Masters," Woods advised via his official website last night.

"The Australian galleries made last year’s event a great experience for all the players and I look forward to playing at The Victoria Golf Club in November".

Woods did enjoy a strong crown and management reception when he jetted in for last year’s Australian Masters at Kingston Heath, with more than 100,000 fans attending the four-day, sold-out event.

While he was lapped up (pun intended) by fans, fellows golfers and Premier John Brumby during his virgin visit, it was a mixed experience for the 34-year-old Tiger, as "down under" in Melbourne was also where his troubles began.

When Woody returned to the US reports emerged of a rendezvous in Melbourne with New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel, understood to have occurred at Packer's Crown Casino chain.

The revelation led to a string of women coming forward with claims of sexual relationships with the 14-time major winner and the eventual breakdown of his marriage.

Media Man team members, bookies and punters have been recently overheard discussing if Tiger is able to pull off a "hole in one" down in Melbourne, or a "hole in 2, 3, 4 or more".

Does Tiger still have what it takes to execute stunning "holes in one" or even "birdies".

Whatever the case, Melbourne get ready, Tiger Mania is set to kick into full swing when he comes back "down under".

Crown Casino is understood to be super keen to look after Tiger's digs for the trip. The casino's security and service is world class, something Woods and Hollywood power couple, Tom Cruise (Top Gun, Mission: Impossible) and Katie Holmes (Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark) can vouch for. Virgin's Richard Branson is also understood to be a big Packer and Crown fan, spotted with 'Our James' last season, and all of the above share a strong passion for the entertainment, sports and tourism industry.

Media Man and Gambling911 management and insiders are expecting somewhat of a feeding frenzy.

Crown Limited (CWN) share price: 7.960

*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 bakers dozen of sectors they cover. Media Man also publishers Australian Sports Entertainment
http://www.australiansportsentertainment.com

*The writer owns shares in Crown Casino

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