Australia Gambling and Political News (August 5, 2010)
Australia is currently enjoying a boon in interesting and colourful gambling, gaming and political news, thanks in part to the upcoming federal election and the bush tucker bag or pro and anti casino, gaming and internet filter campaigners. Media Man and Gambling911 pound the pavement gauging the vibe of the Australian gambling and political landscape even bumping into a couple of billionaires and political legends in the process...
Casino Casino Expansion Raises Ire Of Anti Gaming Campaigners Once Again...
Aussie Anti-gambling campaigners have criticised a proposed expansion of Melbourne's Crown Casino. The casino wants to redevelop or replace 6 waterside restaurants and introduce new landscaping. The project would also make more room, paving the way for 150 new gambling tables approved by the Victorian Government last year. Anti-gambling campaigner, the Reverend Tim Costello told the media the extra tables are effectively expanding the casino by half. "No-one objects to extra restaurants. But the extra restaurants are only there not because they subsidise themselves. They are massively subsidised by this increase in gambling which is really driving this refurbishment," he advised.
Regulator Endorses Poker Machine Licences...
The Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation has endorsed licences for more than 650 poker machines across the Wimmera-Mallee. The State Government held an auction in May to allow pubs and clubs across Victoria to bid for 10 year pokie licences. Licences were approved for venues in Mildura, Merbein, Red Cliffs, Horsham, Swan Hill, Ouyen, Kerang, Stawell and St Arnaud. The biggest spender was the Horsham Sports and Community Club, with $6.8 million for 78 licences. Licences will not be finalised until locals council give their approval. The pokies auction was a major happening in the history of the Australian gambling industry.
Gambling Addict Won't Get Jail...
A South Australian gambling addict who nicked more than $170,000 from her boss has been given a suspended jail sentence by the Adelaide District Court. Susan Jayne Sykes, aged an even 50, stole the money over a 17 month period while working as an accounts clerk for the Midway Tavern at Elizabeth Downs. Judge Julie McIntyre said the woman had not been a gambler until she began playing poker machines in 2005. The jail sentence was suspended in favour of a 2-year bond and Sykes was ordered to do 120 hours of community service. Sykes is paying back the money at $60 per week. She is understood to be very pleased with the outcome.
Bally Technology (BYI) Returns To Australia...
Bally Technologies announced this week that they are a few months ahead of scheduled plans, originally announced in January, to re-enter the Australian gaming market by 2011. Bally Technologies Chief Operating Officer Gavin Isaacs said they would use the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) at the Sydney Convention and Expo Centre on August 8 through August 10 to bring “years of innovation back to the Australian market.” The Expo will be used to showcase Bally’s award winning portfolio of slot machines, player-tracking and marketing systems. Since the original announcement Bally has established a sales and service office in Sydney and staffed it with gaming industry experts that can oversee daily operations and help lead their re-entrance into the countries casino market. Bally Australia will be led by Michael McNee as Managing Director and Ron Jeffrey as Sales Manager. “This experienced team’s understanding of the gaming market in Australia and New Zealand ensures that we will hit the ground running as we introduce our award-winning portfolio of industry-leading games and systems technology to Australia.” commented Isaacs.
Aristocrat Commands Strong Presence at Australasian Gaming Expo...
Australia's leading gaming machine provider, Aristocrat, will display new games tailored for the Australian market and the latest innovations in gaming from around its global operations at this year's Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE), to be held in Sydney from August 8 to 10, 2010. Trevor Croker, Aristocrat's Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, said, "For more than 50 years, Aristocrat has been leading the gaming industry in Australia with innovative games that players love and powerful management systems that help increase the bottom line for our customers. "We plan to enhance our position by becoming more responsive to customer feedback, making market-specific games and introducing more customer-focused sales model -- all of which will be on display at the AGE," he added. Aristocrat will debut new titles for the Australian hotel market at AGE, including Rose Tattoo™ and Player's Choice™ Class Act. The new Rose Tattoo™ game is themed around the iconic Australian cult rock band, Rose Tattoo™, featuring rock legend Angry Anderson. Mr. Croker said, "We are confident that our Rose Tattoo™ game will be a hit in pubs across Australia. The striking red and black colour scheme will make a real statement on the gaming floor while patrons will enjoy the experience of playing along with some Rose Tattoo™ classics." The number one performing multigame product in New South Wales, Player's Choice™ by Demand(1), will be joined at AGE by the new Player's Choice™ Class Act, which contains the popular games 5 Dragons™, Lucky 88™, Dollar Bear™ and Top Banana™. Also being introduced at AGE is Beat the Bandits™, an innovative new hyperlink with a central wild western theme supported by two exciting base games. Each jackpot feature involves player interaction, giving players a chance to win one of the four jackpot levels. Operators can also expect to see Fa Fa Fa™, a leading one cent link product in NSW, and Hit The Heights™ series (four games), both of which are proving very popular in overseas markets. Aristocrat will also provide operators with a glimpse of the exciting future innovations, with the VERVE hd™ cabinet. Developed in the United States, the VERVE hd™ features better ergonomics for player comfort, a wider screen and improved sound, providing greater levels of player entertainment. Mr. Croker concluded, "AGE is one of the key opportunities we have to showcase our product and we looking forward to meeting hoteliers and discussing how we can grow their business through innovative product and services." The Aristocrat display will be at stand 320. Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) is a leading global provider of gaming solutions. The Company is licensed by more than 200 regulators and its products and services are available in over 90 countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video terminal systems and casino management systems.
Aussie Scratchies Scam Warning Issued...
Punters who think they have scratched their way to a a lottery prize could be duped by overseas scammers. The police Major Fraud Section has received "a number of reports from members of the public" about the scam. The scratch tickets are mailed with a glossy travel brochure. One ticket reveals the punter as winning a "substantial monetary prize" and they must contact the promoter via international phone. "The victims are then advised of the need to cover legal fees and are required to make a payment via a money transfer agent to enable the prize to be released," police said. However, after the initial funds are sent there are further demands for cash payments, then personal information including bank details for prize payment. "Once these requests are complied with the victims are unable to re-establish contact with the company. No prize winnings have been paid."Police said the tickets and brochure link back to a website which is "professional in appearance and provides significant credibility to the company". However, they warn punters to be "wary" of any lotteries which require "winners" to send funds or provide bank account details.
Australia has a long history of gambling scams and crime. Read the Gambling911 classic...
'Australia Lotto Goose Doesn’t Lay Golden Gambling Egg'
and
'Crown Casino Client Ferrari Stolen With Virgin Valet'
http://www.gambling911.com/gambling-news/crown-casino-client-ferrari-stolen-virgin-valet-051410.html
Tabcorp increases investment at Star City...
Tabcorp Holdings Limited today announced plans to invest an additional $285 million on the redevelopment of Star City, including a 3,000-seat multi-purpose entertainment venue and new VIP customer facilities.
Australian Politics: 'No Bull' Turnbull To Host Anti-Filter Forum...
Former Opposition leader and Federal member of Wentworth, Malcolm Turnbull, is hosting an Internet filtering forum in Sydney this Saturday. The panel members will include former Telstra BigPond group manager, Justin Milne, Getup! national director, Simon Sheikh, and Mr Turnbull himself! Internet projects of Mr Turnbull helped make him a millionaire including the famed OzEmail. "The proposed filter is a hot issue in Wentworth, with many voters expressing concerns over the Government’s plans," the Facebook events page said. "… Informed discussion among forum participants will ensure community views on the filter are heard. The internet forum will consider adopting community resolutions to capture the views. The event will be held on August 7 at Paddington RSL Club. Go the diggers! "If adopted, these resolutions will be presented to Senator Steven Conroy and Prime Minister Gillard as a reminder of the community’s determination to fight the proposal," the events page outlaid. Mr Turnbull is widely regarded as Australia's most internet savvy member of Parliament. He was dumped by as Liberal Leader in December 2009, with his views on climate change seen to be a key factor. Mr Turnbull was replaced by Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott, however Media Man street surveys indicated many Australian's think the "No Bull" man will be a future Australian Prime Minister if he wants to be. He remains one of Australia's most respected and financially wealthy politicians and is seen as quite the 'Peoples Champion'.
Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on the Australian casino and political wars.
Gambling911 Politics
http://www.gambling911.com/politics.html
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Wrap Up...
Some online poker and online casino brands are understand to have made secret Australian internet blacklist. The Gillard Government is staying on messages that its mainly about protecting children, however the vast majority of media companies and the population at large now firmly believes its more about attempting to censor the news, filter out negative political commentary (as done in China) and banning things that don't fit their political agenda. The government is trying to get Australian ISP's to agree to enforcing its laws. Overall the current government trying to control the population and this is documented on various Australian newspaper reports. The reader could be forgiven for having flashbacks to movies such as 'They Live', '1984', 'Clockwork Orange' and 'The Net'. Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull is the representative for Wentworth, a Liberal Party member, and many people believe is a future Australian Prime Minister. Liberal's Tony Abbott is the current leader of the Liberal party and Lib's are now favored to become the new government of Australia is a few short weeks, with political betting trends at Centrebet and elsewhere backing this up. Mr Turnbull enjoys a colourful history with Australia's original casino and gambling tycoon, Kerry Packer, and has spoken highly of James Packer friend and associate, Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest, who spearheads GenerationOne which is focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for thousands of Indigenous Australians. Packer has already employed hundreds and Turnbull has been encouraged, some say even inspired, by the Forrest - Packer collaboration. Packer is a resident in Turnbull's political electorate which includes Bondi Beach. Turnbull, being a team player, fully supports Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott in his quest to become the new Aussie Prime Minister. The smart money says Liberal will win the election and that this weekends Anti-Filter forum will be a rip snorter.
The Late News...
Aussie casino players rejoice in the release of the new PartyGaming - PartyCasino 3D online slot game: Heist. As reported by Gambling911 earlier in the week, PartyGaming is to merge with bwin forming the world's undisputed biggest igaming company. Maybe Australia might get the Kerry Packer and Underbelly online slot games now hey. Party have also just released the Rocky online slot with Pink Panther on the way (good timing after the Crown Casino 'Shaft Man' incident).
*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 a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
