Sunday, August 29, 2010

Australian Gambling, Marketing And Media Wars, by Greg Tingle - 29th August 2010

The Australian casino and gaming wars are taking on a new angle, with marketing and legal eagle X factors playing a bigger role in both the high end of town and at the coal face. Crown Limited and Tabcorp may be 'The Big Two', but Tatts Group is far from standing still, using the iron fist of the law to help protect their turf. Media Man and Gambling911 give you a close up look at the expansion of the Australian casino, gaming, marketing and media wars in the ongoing battle for the entertainment, gambling and internet dollar...

Australia's Tatt's Group would not hesitate to expand its betting operations into every state of Australia if the governments failed to stop a marketing company from offering betting on computer terminals in pubs, the company's chief executive has disclosed. And keep in mind, Australian governments have a long history of failing business, mums and dads and punters.

Recently Liberal leader Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott called the Labor government "incompetent", and street survey results indicate he's hit the nail on the head. As to whether Abbott will snatch the victory, hitting his own jackpot, is yet to be determined.

In the meantime the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation is prosecuting a marketing company, VenueNet, and a hotel owner for providing an "unauthorised instrument of betting", after seizing a computer kiosk with internet access to a betting website from a South Melbourne drinking hole aka pub. Don't get us started on whether drinking and punting mix, but Media Man will point out that its scientifically proven that drinking does effect the brain's capacity to make sound decisions.

Many media, marketing and gaming brains are pointing out that it was just a kiosk, and that it can provide access to gambling, just as it provides access to most of the world's websites via the www access... like your home or work computer!

A roll-out of the computers would undermine the state's exclusive retail wagering licence, which is currently held by Tabcorp, but is up for renewal. Tatts Group, which runs UniTAB in Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, is among the bidding hopefuls. It's a bit like ABBA's 'The Winner Takes It All'.

The chief executive, Dick 'Moneybags' (MM tag) McIlwain, advised Tatts had lobbied governments to ensure devices such as that offered by VenueNet would be banned. Did the lobbying work? Gibraltar based PartyGaming, the world's leading listed igaming company has had mixed success with lobbying, but has invested millions over the years. 'Moneybags' understood the Victorian government was "waiting first" to see how the charges against VenueNet played out in a court of law. Yep, that's the important part punters.

"In Queensland they haven't had to resort to extra regulation, they've been able to use what [laws] they have," he said.

In its recent report into gambling, the Productivity Commission recommended states no longer issue exclusive wagering licences, as the monopoly arrangements were a "rare privilege", unfair to punters and no longer justifiable.

McIlwain went on to say he did not expect states to scrap the arrangements but if VenueNet succeeded, Tatts would retaliate. Yep, that means war!

"If VenueNet can come over the border, well, we'll jump the border too into NSW and Victoria and anywhere else that we don't have a licence," he said not mincing worlds. Let the battle begin... we will know soon, and watch out for gunfire and hand grenades, leading up to war head missiles.

Tatts posted a profit of $119 million, less than 50% of 2009's result, after writedowns of $165 million.

It also purchased the NSW Lotteries licence for whopping $850 million during the year.

Tatt's is performing strongly of late. In 3 months of operation, net sales, after prizes, were $156 million. Tatts top brass encouraged analysts, journos and the like not to rely on that figure for a full-year comparison, which would be closer to $625 million.

Quizzed about that figure and the $460 million NSW Lotteries reported for 2009, McIlwain said, "I'm not interested, I'm only interested in what we do."

Tatts purchased the 40-year licence for at least $150 million more than many expected. The deal included the rights to unclaimed prizes. Investors initially reacted negatively and it sparked controversy about whether Tatts had been treated differently to other bidders, as previously covered at Gambling911.

Tatts looks to be rising the stakes and we understand have put the world on notice that they are well and truly part of the Australian gambling wars, despite not actually owing a casino. In other areas they are a powerful player without question.

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Readers, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. 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. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming.

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Saturday, August 21, 2010

Australian Politics: Hung Parliament on cards; First time since World War II

Australian Politics: Hung Parliament on cards; First time since World War II

Friday, August 20, 2010

Australian Political Betting: Labor To Best Liberal By Nose Says Punters, by Greg Tingle - 20th August 2010

Australia approaches D Day for the political election. It's showdown time for PM Julie "Jungle Girl" Gillard VS Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott. Get your budgie smugglers, running shoes, boxing gloves and best Aussie accent ready. Media Man and Gambling911 get you ready to go a full 15 rounds...

Australian Labor will retain government at tomorrow's federal election by about 5 seats, according to punters, but word on the mean streets of 'Sin City' Sydney says its an even match.

But 2 key Sydney electorates are headed back to the Coalition and The Greens (aka Greenies) will win a seat in the House of Representatives!

That’s the ruling of punters on betting giant Betfair, who’ve wagered almost $2.5 million on the overall outcome of tomorrow’s poll, giving Prime Minister Gillard a 67% chance of retaining office at a current price of $1.44. Centrebet odds follow this pattern.

Tony Abbott’s Coalition has been solidly backed in the past 24 hours, but remains the underdog to win at $3.20, offering it just a 33% chance of victory.

While the overall analysis and number crunching is positive for the ALP, punters are convinced that the political career of one Maxine McKew, former ABC TV presenter, is just hours from ending.

"Mad Maxine" (Media Man tag) is the $2.76 outsider to retain her prized seat of Bennelong, out from $1.48 just two weeks ago. Coalition candidate John "The Tennis Ace" Alexander has firmed into $1.50 after being backed at a high price of $2.65 early last month.

The key Western Sydney seat of Lindsay is headed back to the Coalition with Fiona "Surefire" Scott the $1.72 favourite to best Labor’s David Bradbury at $2.10.

The Greens are being tipped to make history in the seat of Melbourne with Adam "Buster" Bandt now the $1.41 favourite to steal that electorate away from Labor at $2.90.

"Punters on Betfair concur with polling data that suggests this will be a closely fought contest, but they are confident Labor’s vote will hold up sufficiently for it to retain office," Betfair’s Mathew "Tipster" Thompson shared.

"This is also likely to be a unique election, with the seat of Lindsay to go the way of losing party for the first time since its inception in 1984.

The Greens were also well placed to win Melbourne from the ALP despite forecasts suggesting Labor will actually pick up seats in Victoria, he offered.

"With close to $2.5 million wagered in Betfair’s election winner market by close to 1200 individual punters, this is a reliable reflection of voter sentiment and is a positive poll for Julia Gillard on the eve of election day," Thompson said.

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If your going to have a bet, please bet your head, not over it, and for God's sake, have fun. Vote early and vote often... just kidding. It is not known who Betfair and Aussie gaming king James Packer will vote for, but we have our suspicions. Let's just hope that the darn internet filter proposal doesn't further hinder Betfair or other Packer (or Media Man) enterprises, or cost any more Australian jobs. Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull (Liberal, for those not sure), be patient. Insiders still say you will be Australian Prime Minster in 4 years time if you want the job and can last the distance. May the best man (or woman) 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 cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.

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Friday, August 13, 2010

GenerationOne ideas forum, by Greg Tingle - The Bondi View - 12th August 2010

It wasn’t the first forum addressing Aboriginal disadvantage, nor will it be the last but this “talkfest” up the road at Moore Park, Fox Studios was effective.

For me it was personal.

Like GenerationOne founder and visionary, Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest (mining magnate billionaire) and his Bondi Beach-based mate, James “Casino King” Packer (currently sailing the high seas off Europe), I spent my formative youth around indigenous Australians.

I strongly agree with Twiggy’s comments that “the more you get to know Aboriginal people the more you love them”.

I believe GenerationOne will be successful. Why? Key people in GenerationOne are already employing thousands of Aboriginal people and plan to employ more. There’s no handouts here. Forrest, Packer and others help because it’s the right thing to do and its good business.

Twiggy has challenged politicians of all parties to help Indigenous people get into the Australian workforce. The mining king said he “wasn’t a bleeding heart”.

“Skilling up Indigenous people makes good business sense,” he told the Fox Studios audience last Thursday.

“Employment is the key to ending Indigenous disparity if the government encourages industries that can really make a difference – mining, tourism, construction, hospitality.

“If they encourage those industries to deliver training then other companies will have the faith to continue the employment.”

He said the government would need to provide funding or subsidise the costs of training.

Deputy chief executive of the Business Council of Australia, Melinda Cliento, also on the GenerationOne panel, said standards needed to be raised so indigenous children didn’t leave school and end up unemployed.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Australian Politics: Fun And Games, by Greg Tingle - 12th August 2010

Australia is enjoying fun and games galore with the Aussie election about one week away as. We enter round 12 of Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott VS reigning champion, Julia "Jungle Girl" Gillard. Gillard appears to be leading by a nose no pun intended). Most money is going on Gillard and Abbott has his not so secret weapon, Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull, no strangers to our loyal audience who are packed to the rafters. Harrah's and MGM Grand would be proud of the betting, casino and internet censorship components that all form part of Aussie political party policy. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to follow the campaign trail, jabbing, dodging and weaving around the election and Aussie casino wars with another politically red hot report...good thing that Aussie internet filter is not up, but we know you passionate punters would be hitting the proxy or whatever to get your fix anyway...

Labor VS Liberal; More Money Backing Labor (At This Second)...

Labor has been attracting a lot of punters money in recent weeks, with activity skyrocketing in recent days. 21 August is election day and punters keep splashing money on their top picks.

Centrebet has received bets of $20,000, $40,000 and even $150,000 we hear. This shorted up Labor's odds of winning but we won't know until the final bell in round 12.

Odds on Julia Gillard becoming (staying) prime minister are around $1.51, but keep checking as experts forecast turbulence in the upcoming days.

Centrebet agency's analyst, Neil Evans, said hundreds of thousands of bucks had been wagered on the election, alot of it in recent days.

Almost all of the money had been for Labor, but not Liberal is getting more bets and bigger ones.

Media coverage is keeping punters interested. ABC's Q&A program, The Chaser and more.

The return of The Chaser, with election special Yes, We Canberra, in the 9.30pm slot two weeks ago snatched about 1.5 million viewers.

The betting surge had also followed prominent media reporting of an interview from former Labor leader Mark Latham, who accused PM Gillard of patronising him and "stroking" his front!

The opposition had originally been backed in at $2.27 over the weekend, its shortest price, after Gillard was confronted by Mr Latham and endured what is being described as an awkward get together for press with Kevin Rudd.

"Despite being heavily backed in many key marginal seats, budgetary pressures on the Coalition's senior team are mounting, and Mr Abbott must now get right on the policy front foot," Mr Evans said.

"Right now, Labor is winning ... but this is a bizarre and unique election.

"The shortening of the odds for Labor in just half a day is a massive statement."

Mr Evans said he thinks Labor's latest advertisements where it shows former Treasurer Peter Costello seemingly ridiculing Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's economic credentials had been working in the minds of punters who were now switching sides to Labor.

Today Media Man has heard around the cafes of Sydney that 1 punter put $150,000 on Labor to win, another $175,000 on Liberal to win. Ah, some folks have money to burn don't they. God knows how much both parties have spent on advertising this campaign, but its got to be 6 figures, maybe 7. A million... yep, they have it and the war continues at fever pitch.


Aussie Racing And Media King John Singleton VS Labor Party...

Julie Gillard is in a fight and she keeps getting reminded of political figures who have previously run a muck. Who? Kevin "Bloody" Rudd and Mark "Maniac" (affectionate MM tag) Latham. Now John "Singo" Singleton enters the fight in his own Aussie larikan (but strategic) way.

Singleton again asserted his presence over the election campaign when his ad agency, Banjo, launched what may be the most controversial ad - promo of the election campaign.

They feature the fictional story of a woman told she is dying of cancer that could have been treated if she had had an earlier pap smear.

Written up by Alan Johnson, one of the founders of Mojo, now a partner with Singo in Banjo, the adverts have been funded by Australia's largest GP clinic group, Primary Health Care.

The TV campaign sees health initiatives promised by Labor being buried in a grave and the campaign is highlighted by "Don't let Labor's health cuts be the death of you."

The campaign was commissioned by Primary Health Care managing director Edmund Bateman and its the 5th time Singo has inserted himself into the election campaign.

Singleton's presence first appeared in May when overtures were made to Tony Abbott's camp apparently offering the services of the man Bob Hawke credited with helping orchestrate his second election win, to help 'Bruiser' Abbott into The Lodge.

His move to the Coalition is understood to have been driven by projects Banjo did for the National Party in Queensland, plus with his own opposition to Kevin Rudd's resource super-profits tax...influenced by his friendships with those in the mining industry. Think "Twiggy" Forrest types.

Singleton was prominent in the media attacking Labor as a failed experiment.

Banjo created an anti-mining tax ad for a Perth-based action group, but the ad was put on ice mear hours before it was to go to tele and web after new PM Julia Gillard cut a deal with a host of big Aussie bases mines.

The campaign, another true blue Singo styled masterpiece using the mafia line "You're going to get whacked", came back to hatch roughly 3 weeks ago as the campaign for the group known as Association of Mining Exploration Companies.

Singleton has kept up the good fight, commenting during a TV cross on the Nine's Today show to the launch of the new Blue Tongue brewery about the mess Labor was in.

His radio network, Macquarie, has also heard its key announcers, Alan Jones and Ray Hadley, offer less than complimentary comments against the government. Ah, the media wars in full force.

Singo has just become a grandfather for the first time and insiders speculate this may have triggered his political pro active stance.

The so called Twilight Zone election is largely enjoying the Singo X Factor, and Team Gillard know they are in a fight to the death... er, end.


Gillard VS Abbott: Town Hall Type Action In Rooty Hill Sydney...Rooting Or Rooted?...

Political pollster Galaxy says it will investigate why the son of a former Liberal MP was part of the audience at yesterday's Rooty Hill RSL Club forum.

Joel Scalzi, the son of former South Australian Liberal MP Joe Scalzi, was one of the undecided voters selected by the polling company to quiz PM Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in a town hall-style meeting.

He asked Abbott what the Coalition could offer him as an unmarried voter with no children.

"All I've got is a big DVD collection," the 27-year-old told the room.

David Briggs, the principal at Galaxy Research, would not comment on whether there was a Liberal Party bias in the audience, proclaiming "We are looking into that."

But he said that Mr Scalzi was only one of 200 "real people" selected by his company.

"I don't know those people," he said when probed about last night's debate among Twitter users on the audience's impartiality.

"I think the proof of the pudding last night was we certainly had 200 real people in there and they asked real questions from a range of topics."

Briggs said neither of the candidates was given an easy or difficult ride from the voters.

"The audience was responding to how the leaders treated them. Julia Gillard was reserved and the audience was reserved in return. Tony Abbott was more outgoing and the audience was more outgoing in return."

Briggs said the 200 or so voters were selected from "market research-type databases" that Galaxy had, and from the good old fashioned White Pages.

They were first asked about their voting intentions. Those who declared they were undecided or leaned towards one party but had not made their minds up were those Galaxy attempted to recruit for the audience, he said.

The audience was split 50 / 50 of male and female, and reflected the population's age brackets. Where they lived was not one of the criteria, Mr Briggs said.

Galaxy had to "spread the net quite broadly" in order to secure the 200 required for the debate.

"Anyone who classified themselves as an uncommitted voter, we were more than happy to have along, because obviously it's not everyone's cup of tea and we need to screen a fair number of people to get to those uncommitted voters," Mr Briggs added.

"There are many tiers which people can disqualify themselves or not qualify for the type of people we want."

A range of Australian media companies say that Mr Scalzi was a 2007 'Big Brother' reality TV show contestant and said then he was a Young Liberal.

A spokeswoman for the South Australian branch of the Liberals advised Scalzi was not a member of the young Liberals or the Liberal Party. The president of the NSW Division of the young Liberals, Scott Farlow, said he was not aware Mr Scalzi was a member either.

Mr Scalzi wrote on his Facebook page that he had a "hilarious night at the Rooty Hill RSL with my mate Billy".

"Doing work there for Jonesy and Amanda, i think i invited Tony Abbott over my place to watch The Notebook lol!!!"

Galaxy is the polling organisation used by News Ltd's metropolitan newspapers, including News Limited's The Daily Telegraph.

The debate was organised by The Telegraph and broadcast on Sky News Australia. The audience members were selected this week.

Some observers watching the debate claimed the audience was stacked with supporters of Abbott.

Tweeter Geeksrulz said "Sky News and Galaxy just leave the TV Audience debates to the professionals like [the ABC's panel show] QandA. They know how to sample."

Stan04676 came up with "Rooty Hill audience reminds me of Paul Keating's comments on the Senate Unrepresentative swill."

Others defended the Rooty Hill sample audience and criticised Q&A as a left-leaning forum.

"Ahaha, I love that people are already leveling accusations of Liberal bias in the audience. Same thing happens on Q and A," justinbarbour said.

We told you it was fun and games hey. Oh, Julia Gillard is regarded by the Australian public as is Tony Abbott (especially when wearing his budgie smugglers). Jules has yet to wear a bikini in the campaign. The Sex Party candidate for Abbott's patch, Austen Tayshus, has been spotted in a Man Kini, that even 'Borak' would be proud of. The Tayshus stunt is understood to have triggered a flasher who showed hit bits in public, later to be arrested. We told you this was soap opera. Aussie soapie starts 'Kath and Kim' did not comment to the comparisons.

Punters, er readers, stay glued to Media Man reports via Gambling911 for more "can't miss" information on the Australian casino and political wars.

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Wrap Up...

Readers... er, punters, how good was that. Who are your betting on, and why? Make your voice heard. The big wigs of Australian politics and business read and hang on every word at your beloved Gambling911. From Australia's answer to 'Casino Jack' to 'Outback Jack', they're all hear folks. Keep checking daily for the greatest soap opera coverage on earth... casino, gambling and politics style...Underbelly, The Sopranos... you get the idea. Yes Minister, and have another cup of Full Strength Coffee (no Caffeine or web Filter thanks).

The Late News...

A media insider leaked that PartyGaming continue to watch the Australian political and gambling scene very closely. Some interest in the right media and political connections we hear. Interesting timing with Party now getting mixed reports in the United States. Insiders note that Richard Branson, the champion of Virgin Games and Virgin Gaming is doing the rounds in Australia. Aussie Branson detractor of sorts, Sir Dick Smith (not a gaming or gambling fan and more aligned with Mr X we hear), is using blondes to try to get extra attention for his campaigns, with mixed results. Ah, political fun and games everywhere, and Gambling911 remains available for your reading pleasure just about everywhere on earth (expect for China), with Chinese Thought Police minding their firewall around the clock in bit of a Clockwork Orange meets They Live capacity. Remember your freedoms (what is left of them) when you vote, if you didn't already. Media Man and Gambling911 continue to keep up the good fight so you're appetite for censorship free news continues. Mums and dads, kids of all ages, thank you for your support. We couldn't do it without you. Now, play for free or play for money, but always 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. They cover a dozen industry sectors including gaming and offer political commentary and analysis.

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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

AJC reveals plan to turn revamped Randwick into a money-spinner - The Sydney Morning Herald - 28th July 2010

The Australian Jockey Club yesterday unveiled plans to turn Randwick racecourse into a money-making, multi-purpose venue.

The plan features improved facilities for patrons and owners and a multi-storey hotel on Alison Road with an AJC-run licensed club underneath.

Randwick's concrete cancer-ridden QEII grandstand and the public's Paddock stand will be gutted to form an interconnecting, seven-tier grandstand. It will be bisected by a cantilevered platform, which will provide patrons and racehorse owners with views over the racetrack. The new ''theatre of the horse'' parade ring will be at the back of the stands.

The plan includes designated floors for owners with plenty of hospitality services.

Two giant pavilions will be connected to the refurbished grandstands. They will provide facilities for corporate players on major race days and attract events and functions on non-race days.

Double-storey stabling complexes will be built oncourse but trainers can remain in their old yards if they wish.

AJC vice-chairman and master plan driver, John Cornish, unveiled the vision with chairman Ron Finemore and chief executive Darren Pearce.

Cornish said the ''theatre of the horse'', which will be tiered to provide patrons with clear viewing, would have an ''alfresco dining'' terrace. He said the racehorse owner was racing's most ''critical feature'' and ''the least looked after person in our industry''.

The AJC was not in the accommodation business but several hotel companies would be keen to pay a management and rental fee and there had been ''substantial interest in leasing some buildings'', including commercial property space.

''Racing NSW would be a good tenant for us,'' Cornish said. He suggested Randwick would be a good home for Tabcorp and the NRL.

The plan is funded by a $150 million grant from the state government, which is dependent on the AJC merging with Sydney Turf Club. The STC is set to receive $24m from the government for improvements to Rosehill.

Cornish admitted facilities at Randwick were ''rotten'' and hadn't been maintained or modernised. Race-day attendances were dropping ''at an alarming rate'' and ''competition for the dollar is enormous''. The plan was not just about hosting 40 race meetings a year but turning Randwick into a year-round, income-making operation.

The AJC is working closely with the government to be given ''event consent'' status so it doesn't have to apply for approval for every time it wants to hold a concert, event or function.

Funding of $50m for the new centralised stabling precinct must be found. The double-storey barns housing up to 100 horses each will allow for 600 thoroughbreds to be trained at Randwick. Finemore didn't rule out offering trainers long-term leases or allowing them to buy them. ''We must come to a commercial agreement with the trainers,'' he said. (Credit: Fairfax Media)

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Vintage adman John Singleton works against Labor - The Australian - 9th August 2010

The ghosts of Kevin Rudd and Mark Latham may be haunting Julia Gillard, but another Labor stalwart continues to make his presence felt.

As the final two weeks of the campaign begin, John Singleton again asserted his presence over the election campaign when his ad agency, Banjo, last night launched what could prove to be the most controversial ads of the campaign.

They feature the fictional story of a woman told she is dying of cancer that could have been treated if she had had an earlier pap smear.

Written by renowned adman Alan Johnson, one of the founders of Mojo and now a partner with Singleton in Banjo, the ads have been bankrolled by Australia's largest GP clinic group, Primary Health Care, but they are vintage Singleton, channelling the ghosts of campaigns past.

The TV campaign sees health initiatives promised by Labor being buried in a grave and the campaign is highlighted by the tagline: "Don't let Labor's health cuts be the death of you."

The campaign was commissioned by Primary Health Care managing director Edmund Bateman and it marks the fifth time Singleton has inserted himself into the election campaign, subtly, or otherwise.

Singleton's presence first appeared in May when overtures were made to Tony Abbott's camp offering the services of the man Bob Hawke credited with helping engineer his second election win, to help Abbott into The Lodge.

His shift to the Coalition had been driven by work Banjo did for the Nationals in Queensland, coupled with his own opposition to Kevin Rudd's resource super-profits tax -- doubtless influenced by his close friendships with those in the mining industry.

His overtures to Abbott were rebuffed after the two had a private meeting, but Singleton was prominent in the press attacking Labor as a failed experiment -- reflecting his political stance against Gough Whitlam in the 1970s that led him to set up the anti-Labor Workers Party. Banjo created an anti-mining tax ad for a Perth-based action group, but the ad was shelved just hours before it was to go to air after new PM Julia Gillard cut a deal with the big mines.

The campaign, another Singo classic using the line "You're going to get whacked", re-emerged two weeks ago as the campaign for the Association of Mining Exploration Companies.

Singleton has kept up the pressure, commenting during a cross on the Today show to the launch of the new Blue Tongue brewery about the mess Labor was in.

His radio network, Macquarie, has also seen its key announcers, Alan Jones and Ray Hadley, run vociferous campaigns against the government.

But what has driven Singleton, who was largely silent during the 2007 campaign, to become so active? He has lamented that the current crop of leaders has nothing on Hawke and Keating, or even Howard and Costello.

At the same time, he has gone through a life-changing moment, having become a grandfather for the first time, possibly leading him to cast his gaze further into the future of Australia. Or perhaps he is suffering a touch of relevance deprivation.

Whatever has prompted the larrikin adman and media mogul's sudden re-emergence on the political scene over the past three months, it has added a strange twist in what some have called the twilight zone election. (Credit: News Limited)

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Sunday, August 08, 2010

Our party is united, says Abbott - 8th August 2010

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has taken to the stage at the coalition's campaign launch in Brisbane to rapturous applause from the party faithful.

Mr Abbott entered the Queensland Performing Arts Centre's main auditorium with the coalition's campaign song - "Stand up for real action" - booming in the background.

He was accompanied by his wife Margie and two of his three daughters.

"Well, isn't it great to lead a united political party with a deputy I can trust, a predecessor who's a friend and a former prime minister who's a hero," Mr Abbott began his speech.

Mr Abbott said Labor believed the election was all about them.

"They're worried about who gets the top job, while the opposition wants to create more jobs," he said.

"They're worried about their own squabbles, while we want to help you through your struggles.

"They react only to a bad poll, while we respond to your concerns.

"They will do anything to win, while we know that we must do everything to secure your future."

The coalition face a "historic challenge", Mr Abbott said.

"Our task is nothing less than to save Australia from the worst government in its history," he said.

Mr Abbott said Prime Minister Julia Gillard's attempts to fix the mining tax, stop the boats and come up with a new climate change policy had all failed.

"Its policy to deal with climate change is one of the greatest failures of nerve ever seen from an Australian government," said the man who took the Liberal leadership with the promise of opposing Labor's emissions trading scheme.

Mr Abbott said the internal divisions within Labor were a soap opera.

"It's time to end this soap opera and give Australia back a grown up government."

Mr Abbott said the coalition would reach out to voters who were tired of federal Labor behaving like a dysfunctional state Labor government.

The coalition would restore "honour and integrity" to public life, he said.

"Let's bury an era of gutless spin and give our country a fresh start where politicians say what they mean and do what they say," he said.

Mr Abbott announced a debt-reduction task force, co-chaired by treasury spokesman Joe Hockey and finance spokesman Andrew Robb, would be established in week one of a coalition government.

It would look at Labor's books and draw up a plan to start repaying the national debt.

"In month one, an economic statement will be issued, outlining Australia's risks and opportunities and the new government's response to them," he said.

(Credit: AAP)

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Saturday, August 07, 2010

Malcolm Turnbull offers "no bull" hosting anti-filter forum; Media advise filter costs jobs for white & black Australia, inc GenerationOne

Malcolm Turnbull offers "no bull" hosting anti-filter forum; Media advise filter costs jobs for white & black Australia, inc GenerationOne

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Australian Politics: 'No Bull' Turnbull To Host Anti-Filter Forum, by Greg Tingle - 4th August 2010

Australian master politician and accomplished businessman, Malcolm "No Bull" Turnbull has listened to concerned citizens: mums and dads and the business world and will host an anti-filter forum in Sydney, Australia this Saturday. Media Man and Gambling911 bring you this no bull report covering an Australian politician who listens... amazing...

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.

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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.

*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

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Monday, August 02, 2010

The Smart Money: Internet gambling bill takes a step - Philadelphia Inquirer - 30th July 2010

Efforts to regulate online gambling, which may mean exclusively Internet poker for now, reached a high-water mark Wednesday when a key bill was passed in the House Committee on Financial Services.

The bill - called the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act - establishes guidelines for how broader Internet gambling would work in the United States.

It's significant that committee passage was by a substantial margin, 41-22, with some bipartisan support. But the reality is that it will still be a while, if ever, before Americans can wager on their computers or mobile devices without impediment on something other than horse racing and fantasy sports.

The current online gambling picture is colored by a federal law passed in 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which does not criminalize online gambling for individual players but, among other things, requires financial institutions to block money transfers between players and gambling websites.

What UIGEA has done is turn the screws on out-of-country Internet gambling operators and the payment processors who facilitate the exchange of cash between those businesses and U.S. customers. Players are still gambling online and getting their money in and out of gaming websites, but it keeps getting tougher.

The proposed law, which was cosponsored by Financial Services Committee chairman Barney Frank (D., Mass.) and nearly 70 House members, received markup on Wednesday before passage, including the elimination of sports wagering and putting in place safeguards to deal with problem gambling.

According to sources close to the efforts to regulate online gaming, the next likely step is markup and a vote in another House committee of a related bill that sets up a subsequent key element - how Internet gambling will be taxed.

Internet gambling proponents, including Rep. Jim McDermott (D., Wash.), who sponsored the Internet gambling tax bill, cite government studies that project that a regulated Internet gambling industry would raise as much as $42 billion in tax revenues over the first 10 years. That assumes that no states opt out of Internet gambling, but even if the figure is an optimal projection, it's clear there's a lot of money at stake.

With both bills in place, the full House would need to pass a comprehensive Internet gambling package and then the U.S. Senate gets its crack at the issue, where New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez has authored a bill that addresses Internet gambling, focusing on games of skill.

But here is where all this gets tricky: The issue is time.

The House is about to recess for August and comes back for a short session in September, so the Internet tax bill wouldn't even get acted on until then, with the November election looming.

Even if the full House passes the so-called Frank bill, there is still an issue of reconciling that bill (which includes not only online poker but also casino games such as slots and blackjack) with the Senate bill (which looks to green-light games of skill, generally interpreted to mean poker).

So what's the bottom line?

At least one scenario revolves around a so-called lame-duck strategy in which Congress, after the elections, cobbles together Internet gambling legislation that regulates and taxes the industry, with Nevada Democrat Sen. Harry Reid steering the effort.

If nothing is done by the end of the current Congress, it's back to square one with a reshuffled congressional deck. Then, despite the progress that Internet gambling advocates have made so far, all bets are off. (Credit: Philadelphia Inquirer)

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Sunday, August 01, 2010

Australian Political Parties Bet On Self To Loose, by Greg Tingle - 1st August 2010

Readers, punters, gamers, casino billionaires, entrepreneurs, journos and political pundits, what a week, and what a story have we got for you. You've heard of an own goal in soccer. Well, get this... Australian political parties betting on themselves to loose the upcoming election... no joke folks. Centrebet is enjoying the spoils with the rumour mill saying PartyGaming want in, but the clock is ticking boys. Media Man and Gambling911 play 'Casino Jack' with this most unusual turn of events that is rumoured to bring Paul The Psychic Octopus out of retirement...

New Australian Prime Minster Julia Gillard might feel like she's spent Six Months In A Leaking Boat (thanks Split Enz), even though it's only been a month. Liberal call the Gillard run the shortest "Honeymoon Period" in the history of Australian politics, and it looks and smells like the case. Tony "The Bruiser" Abbott can hardly put a foot wrong at the moment, and even if he did, it may be missed by sweet science pundits, as Gillard stumbles around the ring, bouncing off the ropes like an irish whipped Skippy Kangaroo... doing down sport!...with the corner man leaking buckets and reaching for the secret grease...

Top dog Labor party folks have placed some large wagers on the outcome of the upcoming Australian federal election, with plenty of would be turncoats punting against their own party. What would Captain Cook or Jesus think? A major betting powerhouse advised bets had been placed on members of the opposing team to win marginal seats including New South Wales and Queensland. Just when we are trying loose the taste of the NRL State Of Origin series, not to mention the Green Machine VS Paul 'The Hurricane' Briggs "boxing match"... you know, the one banned from Sydney which went on to super scandal in Western Australia.

Centrebet hotshot analyst Neil Evans went on record to our friends at Fairfax Media with "I can't tell you who but I can tell you this...these are people very high up betting on some of the critical seats and I can tell you they don't always stay faithful to their party - they swap sides. They are well-known Labor figures and associates that are punting on these seats. A lot of Labor-connected money has been backing a Coalition win in marginal seats and, to a lesser extent, the Coalition has been doing the reverse."

Fairfax is of the understanding the figures also include parliamentary staffers, advisers and senior party officials. Fire them all... just kidding.

Media tart of sorts (we appreciate your style mate) Independent senator and anti-gambling campaigner Nick Xenophon aka 'Mr X' (affectionate satire) advised on the record "In the same way in the AFL officials and players can't bet on the other team, the same rules should apply for election betting. We have those rules in place so matches aren't thrown and, when it comes to a democracy, the stakes are much higher and therefore the standards should be accordingly higher.". Mr X has a point, so give the devil his due hey maties.

Later today the outspoken and switched on senator will call for all politicians, party officials and advisers to be banned from election betting. Media Man understands he has not consulted as of print with either Australia's gambling watchdog 'Mr Woof' (satire), not Australian casino king, James Packer, currently on voyage via Artic P. Bible bashers have been ringing X's email and phone off the hook.

The findings follow a 24-hour shark like feeding frenzy in which the Coalition's odds tightened up from $3.32 to $2.64 and the ALP eased up from $1.32 to $1.46.

A Herald/Nielsen poll published yesterday demonstrated the Coalition... reeling by leaks against the Government of the day has an election-winning lead with a 2 party preferred vote of 52 to 48%. Yahoo! ... just kidding, we're journalists, or at least media agents, but this is an opinion type piece with disclaimers a plenty. Green at heart, but brains say Liberal my friends. Not so much a "swinger", not in that capacity anyway.

With Labor at its longest price in the betting markets since PM Julia 'Jungle Girl' (satire MM stage name) Gillard deposed Kevin 'Bloody' Rudd, bets of $10k... yep, 10 Grand at $3.25, $7800 at $3.10, $5000 at $2.90 plus s loads of other moderate type bets were recorded for a 'Bruiser' Abbott victory.

Election betting and the subsequent fever is on track to reach record levels across the nation. More than $1 million in head-to-head bets have been placed with Centrebet alone. Bondi Beach media entrepreneurs were overhead in cafes discussing "The Punting Party", perhaps following in the footsteps of The Sex Party and Family First.

An ALP campaign spokesman would not directly speak on the allegations of insider betting but said it was a "personal choice" if party members had engaged in such conduct. Some do gooder are calling for the political betting to be banned (there's that word again BANNED).

"Those are personal choices for individuals to make. This will be a close election. As the Prime Minister has said, we are in the fight of our lives."

A Liberal spokeswoman said the party had no knowledge of such betting on electoral seats.

'Mr X' is demanding an independent inquiry into political punting and will expand the terms of reference of a Senate inquiry into sporting and online gambling to include tougher regulations on election betting..."To say it is a personal choice is an insult to the electorate."

'Odds On' Evans said election betting was the biggest growth area of his industry! He had no trouble going on record with "The bets that we get in a federal election are bigger than the bets we get in all of the state elections put together. They're not mugs betting. When there are people putting money like that on an election outcome, they are people who are inside the game."

Competitor to Centrebet, Sportingbet also spoke via their operations manager, Bill Richmond, confirming the practice of high-ranking party officials and even politicians taking a wager.

"Not that I've heard of it this year, although it has happened before. They may be with other betting agencies but they're not with us."

Swing up north to Banana Bender territory... Queensland-based Unitab has opened election betting for the first time and PR type Brad 'The Lion' Tamer advised the decision was made due to demand from punters!

Betting agencies suspended bets on the date of the election early last month after continued speculation it would be called.

Media Man says to "Vote early and vote often" (just kidding again).

MM early in the week attended the GenerationOne 'Ideas Forum', doing a 1:1 with Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, and to spite rumors, was not a political front, but we all know relationships matter, in life, business and news media. MM is also tipped to attend a range of Malcolm 'No Bull' Turnbull functions including one on Internet Censorship!

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The Late News...

The Great Debate ASP V's Family First...

Sex Party welcomes national sex and morality debate with Family First: “We're Ready When You Are!”

Appearing on national television Thursday morning for a panel discussion regarding the sexual politics of the upcoming federal election, Australian Sex Party President and Victorian Senate Candidate Fiona Patten welcomed the idea of a debate with Family First Senator Steven Fielding, on the social and moral issues which are being increasingly ignored by the major parties in the lead-up to polling day.

** Stop Press: The debate is on! The Australian Sex Party's Fiona Patten will go up against Family First's Wendy Francis Monday, 2 August, 7.15am on Sunrise.
This is the debate Australians really want to see. Two politicians with differing views, debating real issues**

Ms. Patten wholeheartedly embraced the notion of a debate with Senator Fielding after it was suggested this morning by historian, author and columnist Dr. Ross Fitzgerald, on The Morning Show discussion this morning. Citing issues such as censorship, same sex marriage and the internet filter, Dr. Fitzgerald chided the major parties for ignoring these issues on the campaign trail and in Sunday night’s Leader’s Debate, and emphasized the need for a public discussion on these vital issues between the Australian Sex Party and the fundamentalist Christian-backed Family First leader Senator Fielding.

The call for a debate between the two parties comes in the wake of revelations that Family First bizarrely courted the Sex Party in preference discussions, in spite of holding diametrically opposed positions on a staggering range of issues, from voluntary euthanasia, to drug reform, to the universal right of adults across Australia to legally access adult themed computer games and non-violent erotica. Family First has since denied making preference approaches to the Sex Party, in spite of a clear body of evidence to the contrary in the form of emails from Family First staff members to Ms. Patten and other Sex Party campaign staff.

So, whether you prefer Liberal, Labor, Greens of other. Enjoy the fun and games that is Australian politics. If your an Austen Tayshus supporter, please keep your bits in your Mancini, unlike one punter who got arrested by the cops at Manly Beach, home ground to The Bruiser (who opts for budgie smugglers). If planning to bet, as always, know the odds, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun. Good luck.

*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 political analysis.

*This report contains elements of opinion and satire and is not intended as a betting guide!

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