Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Australian Gambling And Entertainment: Aussie Summer Special, by Greg Tingle - 5th January 2011

Punters, January continues to be a big month for Australian casino, gaming and entertainment news. Let's swing into action down under some of the world's hottest news continues at fever pace. Media Man and Gambling911 with yet another red hot report...

Embattled Australian Aristocrat Technologies Pokie Maker To Be In The Mix At London's ICE 2011...

ICE is ebing held from January 25 to January 27, the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) this year will celebrate 21 years of high-stakes gaming at the event. Australia's embattled Aristocrat is in the mix of one armed bandit makers who will exhibit. Readers will recall from last month that there's a legal situation between Aussie Aristocrat and American made IGT (International Game Technology). IGT is claiming copyright infringement and a whole lot more, and Aristocrats shares price has not been pretty to say the least in recent months. The event will see exhibitors Aristocrat Technologies, Barcrest Group, CMS, Cummins-Allison, Eurocoin, Funworld and TCSJohnHuxley represented, according to Clarion Gaming, the organiser of the event.
As well as the big-name exhibitors, more than 400 companies will be present.
The 20,000 square metres of space will be taken up by those active in the online, casino, mobile, betting, bingo, lottery and street gaming sectors who will deliver "the most comprehensive insight to the latest gaming innovations from every corner of the world." Clarion Gaming has described ICE 2011, to take place at London's Earl Court Exhibition Centre, to be "the most comprehensive and international business-to-business gaming event on the world stage." Kate Chambers, Show Director for ICE 2011, stated that "our opening ceremony will celebrate 21 years of working in partnership to provide a source of product innovation and inspirational ideas for the international gaming industry." "Few could have thought some 21 years ago that a pioneering niche within an existing exhibition would flourish in such a way," she continued. Chambers also stated that "most, if not all, of the ground-breaking and iconic gaming products to impact the sector over the last 21 years have been launched at ICE and I'm certain that the breakthrough product of 2011 will also be found at ICE, which is why the exhibition remains the immense asset it is to the global gaming industry and a must-attend event." ICE 2011 promises to be an exciting event with plenty of exhibitions to keep visitors occupied. Aussies, Yankees, Canooks and Pommies are looking forward to downing a few drinks and inking a few details together, as the industry looking forward to seeing better days, with last year being one of the worst in history as far as many firms bottom lines went. All power to those who attend, and we hope you get your money's worth. Stand don't always come cheap!

Queensland - Gold Coast Might Get 'Sin City' Kings Cross Style Make Over; `Kings Cross Strip' Surfers Paradise Prop With City Council Powers That Be...

'Real Life Underbelly' might be coming to Surfers' Paradise. Some say is already there. Plans filed with the city council on Christmas Eve for a multi-level adult nightclub in Surfers Paradise have sparked fears it could turn into a Kings Cross-type slum. Area councillor Susie Douglas said the proposal had not been discussed with her but it was the type of development the council wanted to shut out. "The Hilton will put us on the international map and we can't afford to have visitors leaving thinking we are a sleazy city," she said. The proposal, by the Hollywood Showgirls nightclub owners Duffy Night Club No 1, wants to expand the first floor and connect it to the neighbouring nightclub 21, which has approval for a second nightclub on its first floor.

Australian Bee Gees Show Hits Las Vegas Strip...

The Australian Bee Gees Show...A Tribute to The Bee Gees, will make its exciting debut at Excalibur Hotel and Casino Tuesday, Feb. 1 when the talented tribute band brings the music of the famous Gibb brothers to the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets priced at $54.95 and $44.95, plus tax and service fees, are now on sale. Performances are Tuesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. nightly. To charge by phone call (702) 597-7600. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Excalibur box office and online. The 75-minute multi-media concert event is a contemporary perspective featuring state-of-the-art sound, superb lighting and giant screens featuring video clips, live camera images and stunning graphics. It is the definitive live celebration of five decades of memorable music written by the Brothers Gibb, one of the most successful and adored acts in musical history. Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment and producer of the show, said, "I grew up on Bee Gees music so I'm especially thrilled to bring this amazing tribute to Las Vegas. They nail their unbelievable harmonies and the show literally turns into one big sing-along!" Excalibur's President and COO Renee West said, "The legacy of The Bee Gees and their music has been incredibly enduring, appealing to generation after generation. This tribute show is sure to be a fun and energetic celebration of music and memories that visitors from around the world will relate to." Since 1996, The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to The Bee Gees has performed to more than 1 million people in sold-out theaters and concert halls across the globe in more than 40 countries. The group's unbelievable resemblance and sound of the legendary Bee Gees has garnered international kudos from media and show goers alike. The show has become the world's leading Bee Gees show and Terri Bridge, president of the U.S. Bee Gees Fan Club said, "In my opinion they are the best Bee Gees tribute in the world." About Excalibur Hotel and Casino: A myriad of entertainment, fine food and comfortable accommodations make for an inviting atmosphere within contemporary castle walls at Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The resort offers 3,981 guest rooms, including 2,000 recently remodeled Widescreen Rooms, delightful dining experiences including Dick's Last Resort and The Steakhouse at Camelot, the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show, the all-male revue Thunder From Down Under and the hilarious comedy of the Broadway smash Defending the Caveman. Excalibur also offers dozens of shops, an expansive pool complex, a wedding chapel featuring costume ceremonies, the Royal Treatment Spa & Fitness Center and a convention area with more than 12,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Excalibur is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International. It's a good night, go on, get your ass in there!

Berg's Gaming: Bondi Icebergs Club Gaming Not On Par With Other On Site Amenities; North Bondi RSL Club Much Better Pokies Plus Poker Nights...

Don't get us wrong, we love Bondi Iceberg, but the gaming facilities are a bit lacking. Granted, the pokies are not the main attraction of the club, the pool, restaurant, bar, entertainment and view are, but if you're going to have pokies, have more up to date ones (like Sinatra and Top Gun), or don't have them at all. We couldn't even find Cleopatra Queen Of The Nile, Black Rhino or Penguin Pays. Also, how about a poker and bingo night, like the other competing club down the road, North Bondi RSL Club does. For the record Media Man is a member of both clubs, but North Bondi RSL has it all over 'The Bergs' as far as gaming and gambling goes, but The Icebergs wins in just about every other category. Gaming and business tycoon is a big fan of Bondi Iceberg's restaurant, as is U2 front man Bono (Paul Hewson), even if he did have to wait for a table, like everyone else. Hey, just sayin!

Hoff Hits Bondi Beach, Sydney; Next Beach To Hit - Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Australia...

Yeah, we know, 'The Hoff' doesn't have much to do with gaming and gambling, but its big enough entertainment news to get a run. Oh, an online Baywatch slot machine was released a number of years ago, but Aussies can't access that one any way, so on with the story... Former Knight Rider and Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, fresh of his hot Bondi Beach swimming and posing with hot women a few days back, will now hit the golden sands of the Gold Coast's Main Beach to promote Streets new ice creams Splice Real Fruits. Yeah, there's the product plus. I guess someone has to do the job don't they, as who better than 'The Hoff'?! Hoff hit Bondi Beach on an inflatable rescue boat aka 'rubber ducky' wearing his famous hot red shorts, and surrounded by blonde goddesses beach babes (but no Jaime Wright - original Bondi Blonde) in Baywatch-style swimsuits. The 58-year-old's running action no longer requires editing to appear in slow motion, yet 'The Hoff' still has what it takes to draw a crowd. But if you head to check out the spectacle remember one thing: don't hassle The Hoff.

Sydney Red Hot Brother Raided By Thieves For Cold Hard Cash...

Two blokes men have robbed a Sydney brothel, clobbering the manager with an iron bar, then robbing the female working girls. Cops say the pair burst into the business in Cosgrove Road, South Strathfield, about 1.45am last last Saturday and hit the 51-year-old manager. They snatched cash from the female staff and a till, then bolted off. The manager was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition. The robbers were described as being of Pacific Islander appearance and wore blue hooded tops. Police want to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity around the brothel this morning. Who will talk, that's the question.

Punter Fev On Leave After Huge New Years Eve; Into Rehab...

AFL's most notorious (and nocturnal we understand) play, bad ass Brendan 'Punter Fev' Fevola has been granted indefinite leave from the Queensland's Brisbane Lions after being arrested during drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bris Vegas (Brisbane), not be be confused with 'Sin City' Sydney! Feb might be trying to get Brissy a reputation for sin, but you will still have to try harder next time mate... just kidding. Fev was released from lockup about 11am after spending in excess of 5 hours in the watchhouse. You know, in "the can". He was bailed out on charges of public nuisance and obstructing police and will appear in a court of law on January 18. QLD police confirmed a 29-year-old Norman Park chap was arrested in the nightclub lurks of Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley aka 'The Valley' (where Underbelly 4 and perhaps 5 will be featured). In a statement yesterday, the Brisbane Lions advised Fevola had request indefinite leave "in order to receive professional assistance for a number of personal issues. The request for leave was made by Fevola following an incident in the early hours of this morning where he was arrested and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley," the statement says. "Fevola was released from police custody at around 11am and immediately sought leave from the Lions to receive professional assistance. As a result, Fevola will not be at training this Monday when the team resumes its preparations for the 2011 AFL Season. While the Brisbane Lions AFC places the well being of all its staff as a primary focus, the club will hold talks next week regarding what action may be required as a direct result of this morning’s incident." AFL General Manager Football Operations Adrian Anderson said the Lions had told him of Fevola's latest incident, the latest in a string, with Crown Casino's antics likely being the most famous, captured on film. He advised the club was still gathering the full details and the AFL would await Brisbane's detailed report before considering any action. It’s believed Lions officials are seething about this latest incident and he now faces an uncertain future. Club officials state it’s unlikely the Lions will have an emergency board meeting to discuss Fevola’s future. However, that could change. The Lions investigated terminating Fevola’s hefty contract last year after claims he allegedly exposed himself to a mum of four at a local football club function. The club had major salary cap issues which played a major role in key midfielders Michael Rischitelli and Jared Brennan leaving to join the Gold Coast Suns. As was the case then, Fevola could also face action from the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute. An AFL spokesman said the league could issue a statement this afternoon. This latest incident is another black mark on Fevola’s chequered career. On New Year’s Eve Fevola tweeted: ‘‘Good bye 2010 thank god! Bring on 2011 lions will roar again :)’’. The Lions full-forward endured a turbulent 2010. He was accused of releasing nude photos of former lover and model Lara Bingle, who at the time was engaged to stand-in Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke. The AFL later said there was "insufficient evidence" to show Fevola had distributed the photograph. Queensland police were later unable to lay charges he had exposed himself to the mother of four because of a lack of evidence. He was only cleared in recent weeks by the AFL of bringing the game into disrepute. Fevola also confirmed he had major gambling debts, with some estimating these were as high as $200,000. In his first year at the club since he was dumped by Carlton, Fevola also endured a wretched on-field season because of a serious groin injury as the Lions, finalists in 2009, tumbled to the bottom wrungs of the AFL ladder.

Pokies Not The Only Answer To Aussie Pub Profits...

Pokies might not the the big drawcard for Aussie pubs that they used to be. Pokies hit the scene about 10 years ago and did a roaring trade, but they seemed to have lost at least some of their appeals in the clubs. Some publicans have revamped facilities and pokie rooms, at some media reckons drinkers and those wanting a good feed, beers and other other forms of entertainment may have suffered. A Media Man spokesperson said 'When you visit an Aussie pub these days and look around the pokie machines, they are definitely quieter than they used to be. It's got the be the recession. Let us not also forget that many punters are also hitting the pokies and other casino games on the web theses days. Some Aussies got a big worried at the violence at some Aussie pubs with glassings becoming a frequent thing. Now beer is often served in plastic cups, thanks to a few morons who spoil it for everyone. Advertising, media man and bloke of business brilliance John Singleton has not being quite hitting the jackpot with the pubs as much as predicted either. That man knows beer. Oh, a few yews ago he did 'Whale Safe Beer' at North Bondi with our friends at Sea Shepherd, followed a few years late with Bondi Blonde at Icebergs, but that's another story. If Singo isn't going that great in pubs what chance does an average Aussie bloke have hey! insiders will know he recently purchased 4 pubs with his mates and is looking for return on investment. It may take longer than at first anticipated. Is Singo next to join the online gambling biz, following the trends that sees James Packer and Richard Branson making giant ways, with 2011 set to be a year it creates a massive tidal wave effect. Catch the wave and stay tuned to Gambling911 and Media Man.

Online Casinos, Online Poker and Sports Betting...

Ok readers, we hear you... you also want to know some of the best places to play online (that accept Aussies) if your in or around the Asia Pacific - Australia (including Tassie) and New Zealand, so here it is...

PartyCasino.com

Captain Cooks Casino

Betfair (sports betting only)

PKR.com (mainly poker and some casino and sports betting)

PartyPoker.com (online poker at one of the world's most respected poker rooms and gaming brands)

Profiles

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Media Man and Gambling911 remind our readers to keep the following in mind:

Take the time to research and learn games before placing down money

Media Man, Casino News Media and Gambling911 are website portals. Not casinos as such, however are recognised as world leading websites that cover the sector and act as central points to games, news, reviews and more

Readers... er, punters, how did you like our report? How did you see in the new year? Tell us in the forum.

If you have a bet, please bet with your head, not over it, and for God's sake, 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 sectors covered

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