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Monday, June 28, 2010

PartyGaming News: French online poker and sports betting licences awarded

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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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Virgin Enterprises Limited

Friday, June 25, 2010

WagerWorks, an IGT Company, Wins 'Slot Provider of the Year' Award

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WagerWorks

Superior products help take top prize at the first eGaming Review b2b Supplier Awards in London

LAS VEGAS, June 23, 2010 - WagerWorks, the online and mobile subsidiary of International Game Technology, was officially crowned "Slot Provider of the Year" at the inaugural EGR b2b Supplier Awards in London. With high expectations following a strong preceding year of successful game releases and new partnerships, the prize confirmed WagerWorks' status as a leading provider of highly innovative gaming content. With more than ten years of experience in the online gaming market, WagerWorks is the leading provider of online, mobile and iDTV game content. WagerWorks was also a finalist in the "RNG Casino Supplier" and "Mobile Supplier" of the year categories.

"The honor of having WagerWorks crowned 'Slot Provider of the Year' is a true reflection of the game expertise we have as part of IGT. Among a myriad of suppliers, WagerWorks is the only one with deep roots in the traditional land-based casino business of IGT, and with that credibility comes a wealth of knowledge and experience," said Oliver Lofthouse, director and general manager at WagerWorks. "Our games are continuing to perform at the highest level with more and more clients seeing the benefit of partnering with the best content supplier in the market."

The award was a perfect conclusion to a positive month for WagerWorks which has seen UK operator Sportech expand its current games portfolio with additional WagerWorks titles on its Game On, Football Pools and Vernons brands.

Additionally, the first expansion into the UK land-based amusement sector with ThePalaces.com highlighted the versatility and appeal of WagerWorks games to all areas of the gaming industry.

"We are thrilled to be given this prestigious honor," said Gideon Bierer, executive vice president new media at IGT. "This is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our teams. Together, we are able to provide the top online gaming experience in jurisdictions where this type of gaming is available."

The start of June also saw the online release of the hit IGT multi-line slot, Noah's Ark(R), with immediate industry plaudits and player reaction making it WagerWorks' online game of the year to date. Widely acclaimed for the quality of its audio and visual appeal, Noah's Ark(R) provides a true menagerie of entertainment with an iconic super-rich Split Symbols(TM) feature which counts for two symbols rather than one.

About WagerWorks

WagerWorks, the online gaming subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT), is the premier provider of game content for online, mobile and interactive digital television. Leading the pack is MegaJackpots(R), the wide-area progressive-style game with the largest reset jackpot value of 1,500,000 pounds Sterling, featuring Cleopatra(R), Cluedo and Monopoly brands. WagerWorks and IGT are solely responsible for the jackpot payout. Other favorites include well-known brands such as Dungeons & Dragons, Elvis(R), Wheel of Fortune(R) and online and mobile versions of IGT and Barcrest Games "killer" brands such as Rainbow Riches(R) and Wolf Run(R). Its extensive online and mobile offering includes multi-line multi-coin slots, progressive-style, traditional and proprietary table games and fixed-odds games. Operators can add WagerWorks games to their existing iGaming platform using WagerWorks rgs(TM) and the WagerWorks Mobile Gaming System.

For further information about WagerWorks, their portfolio of products, new game launches and strategic alliances, visit www.wagerworks.com or contact +44 (0)20 7494 8787, sales@wagerworks.com.

About IGT

International Game Technology is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products worldwide. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com.

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Virgin Enterprises Limited

Virgin Casino Launches White Orchid by WagerWorks

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 06/25/10 - Virgin Casino, part of the leading online gaming company - Virgin Games, has today launched White Orchid, adding a brand new slot game to the Casino's extensive product suit. Provided by the online casino games supplier, WagerWorks, White Orchid is a 5-reel, 40-payline slot that has a host of exciting features for Virgin Casino's customers to enjoy.

Players can use a multi-way option to bet on singular reels instead of betting on all paylines. So White Orchid gives the flexibility to wager on any combination of reels across the 5-reels, giving players 1,024 betting choices. White Orchid's MultiwayXtra increases players winning chances from 243 to 1,024.

With twenty independent reels, players can reap awe-inspiring pays for big clusters of matching symbols. Get two or more Bonus symbols and discover exotic wins in the White Falls Free Spins Bonus. Enjoy 10, 15, or 20 free spins on extra-rich bonus reels with the opportunity to retrigger the bonus multiple times.

Warren Eloff, Product Manager at Virgin Games, commented:

"WagerWorks games have always been very popular with our players and, with its unprecedented levels of slot action and superb graphics, we believe White Orchid will be no exception. The introduction of White Orchid is in line with our commitment to offer our customers more choice from quality game producers to make us one of the most content rich online casinos available."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and nearly 200 games on its site. Through the introduction of a custom built Virgin Games platform in 2008, Virgin Games seeks to provide its players with the widest possible choice of online casino games. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of producers including Microgaming, WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Endemol and Ash Gaming.

Notes to editors:

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:

-- Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including

WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers

classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great

feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular

MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over GBP

2,500,000

-- Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of

games and content for beginners through to experienced pros - as well as

the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry

-- Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes

worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin

prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

*No U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory

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Monday, June 21, 2010

Virgin Games Partners With Microgaming - 21st June 2010

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com), the leading online gaming company, today announced that it has partnered with Microgaming, the world's largest online gaming software provider. The partnership will allow Virgin Games to further enhance its offering by providing Microgaming's market leading flash casino games to its customers, through Microgaming's pioneering Quickfire software.

Virgin Games has established a direct integration with Microgaming, giving its customers access to a large variety of games that will be launched over the coming months. The first game to be launched is Thunderstruck, a five reel, nine payline video slot game, with a Wild and a Scatter symbol, a Free Spin Bonus Feature and a Gamble feature.

Microgaming is the world's largest gaming software provider and powers over 120 online Casinos, 40 Poker rooms and a number of market leading Bingo sites, worldwide. This integration, using Microgaming's Quickfire software, reinforces Virgin Games strategy to bring its customer a wider choice of game content and follows integrations with top tier content providers such as Wagerworks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming.

Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games, commented:

"Our customers have told us that they want a wider range of games and specifically they would love to play Microgaming games as a part of the Virgin Games offering. Since the launch of our custom built platform back in 2008, we have been introducing a range of new gaming content to our sites and Virgin Games now has one of the widest ranges of casino and slot games available in the UK. The addition of Microgaming, the world leader in its field, is a big step forward for Virgin Games customers and we look forward to launching its games with a range of promotions over the coming months."

Founded in 2004, Virgin Games has over 1,000,000 players and more than 200 games on its site. A growing selection of games can be found at Virgin Games from a number of games producers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle, Endemol, Ash Gaming and now Microgaming.

To visit Virgin Games go to: www.virgingames.com

Notes to editors

About Virgin Games:

Virgin Games (www.virgingames.com) launched in June 2004 and has quickly established itself as one of the leading gaming websites in the UK. Virgin Games comprises three distinct offerings:

• Virgin Casino, offers content from a range of games suppliers including WagerWorks, Cryptologic, Freemantle and Ash Gaming, bringing consumers classic casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, as well as great feature slots like Monopoly, Rubik's, X-Factor and the highly popular MegaJackpots progressive games, with a current jackpot value of over £2,500,000

• Virgin Poker, part of the Boss Media network, offers a huge array of games and content for beginners through to experienced pros – as well as the most generous loyalty scheme in the industry

• Virgin Bingo, part of the Virtue Fusion network, offers cash prizes worth thousands of pounds in the progressive jackpots, as well as Virgin prize bingo and a range of unique Virgin Games bingo games.

About Microgaming:

Since the company developed the first true online Casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages 60 games per year and a unique 'partnership' approach to working with operators; Microgaming software powers over 160 market leading online gaming sites.

The company's front and back-end software supports multi-player, multi-language games - over 450 of them, all uniquely branded and provides platforms for land-based and wireless gaming. Microgaming powers the world's largest Progressive Jackpot Network and has paid out over €265million. In May 2009 it created the biggest ever online jackpot winner with a single payment win of €6.37m.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection. Microgaming has been awarded eCOGRA's Certified Software Seal following a rigorous onsite assessment to ensure that the development, implementation and maintenance of the software is representative of industry best practice standards Microgaming licensees are therefore eligible to apply for the eCOGRA Safe & Fair Seal

*Virgin Casino does not currently accept U.S or Australian players. See World Casino Directory.

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Thursday, June 17, 2010

World Cup Attacked By Ambush Marketing; Media Man Plans Aussie Assault, by Greg Tingle - 18th June 2010

FIFA's World Cup was "attacked" by an alleged swarm of brazen ambush marketers, adding to the annoyance of those infamous vuvuzelas.

Yep, not even the World Cup is safe from what some sports folks, media giants and official sponsors have called "parasites" aka "parasite marketing". Media Man and Gambling911 go undercover with this special report, and learn that a stunt not unlike the World Cup ambush is on the cards for Sydney, Australia...a gamble that the powers that be are prepared to make, with or without buxom beer babes, casino babes or poker babes...

Babes, Beer, Miniskirts, High Stakes and an Ambush Marketing attack on FIFA! Have we got your attention punters? Yep, that's what we thought.

As part of the scandal hatched by ambushing of a World Cup match, a British - Pom TV commentator has been "boned" (thanks Eddie McGuire) ... sacked after he was discovered to have passed on tickets, which were allegedly "used and abused" by a group of red hot sexy young women, mainly blonde's, as part of a strategic ambush marketing attack.

We think maybe they have been reading up on Media Man's "partner in crime" Kym Illman, founder of Messages On Hold, arguable the world's most successful (and notorious) "ambushers". At last count our mate Illman claims to attracted about 2 million dollars worse of free exposure via way of his ambushers, but the world cup team have given Illman a run for his money in a 1 Hit Wonder, unlike Illman's dozens executed over the years.

TV hound Robbie Earle lost his gig with ITV, but got short term massive fame in the process, after the network advised a substantial number of tickets allocated to him for the Netherlands-Denmark game were used and abused by beer outfit Bavaria Beer.

The world famous Budweiser (official sponsor), is the only beer company permitted to advertise (note the word "advertise") within the stadium grounds at the World Cup. FIFA protects its marketing interests in a lion like aggressive fashion, which are a serious money spinner for the organisation.

Speaking of money, check out Illman's 'Money Girl', dressed in nothing but $20 and $50 bills

Kill Illman and Money Girl

Messages On Hold

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

Markson Sparks! - Show Me The Money!

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

Media Man Ambush Collaboration With Maxx G And Aquasun At Bondi Beach

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

FIFA Legal Eagles Take Aim!...

FIFA lawyers are probing the women er... situation ...wear about 36 buxom babes, mainly blondes we rated 9s and 10s, wore orange miniskirts. Oh My God!!! The Crime.

"We will be consulting our lawyers to check if such action falls under ambush marketing," FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told press.

Research conducted is showing about 40 tickets allocated to former TV man Earle found their way into the hot hands of the marketing co understood to have supremely orchestrated the ambush marketing effort on behalf of the beer brand Bavaria via a third party, thus generated international news media coverage. Pommie newspaper reported, backed by wires, and Media Man spies, back up the history of events.

Not content with just reporting on the story, Media Man International, the Asia Pacific arm, is said to be planning an ambush marketing stunt in Sydney some time soon...a birdie Tweeked. Recently Media Man did a Tweet reply to Australian Shane Warne, poker and cricket player, and yet another business mate of Illman's. Warne is also understood to be good mates with Aussie - Asia Pacific casino and lifestyle king, James Packer. Illman also shares a number of mutual business mates and associates with Media Man, including Max Markson (Markson Sparks!), who formed part of the Media Man - Messages On Hold - Warne - Bessie Bardot ambush marketing stunts over the years. Illman is so skilled in ambush marketing, he go one up on Virgin's Richard Branson at an Aussie airport a number of years ago, a accomplishment Illman still rates highly. Years later Media Man "ambushed" both Branson and Markson, but in friendly and mutually beneficial ways. Basically, no product placement, but the photos were used to considerable advantage and exposure on websites and some newspaper stories. A Media Man spokesperson said "Ambush marketing is still one of the best ways for a brand or even a person, to stand out from the pack and get noticed. Australia's Kim Illman is considered the worldwide leader. Brands and persons can attract huge exposure from stunts... photos and visuals, when executed correctly. Usually the money flows on after a successful stunt. On occasion a stunt can be mutually attractive, like a book promo for Markson's 'Show Me The Money'.

Earle, quite the sports nut and a former Wimbledon and Jamaica midfielder, has denied doing anything wrong, saying he was just naive.

"Call me naive but I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. I hope when people hear the full story they will see me in a different light." Mate, choose your words carefully. An Aussie sports identify used a word related to "Native" recently, "Cannibals", and its landed him in all sorts of hot water.

The hot and sexy soccer babes aka buxom and leggy beer babes, were detained for a number of hours and probed after they were spotted in the stands at Soccer City stadium.

The dresses were originally sold with Bavaria Beer packs in the Netherlands in the run-up to the World Cup, to the best of our knowledge. We enjoyed the blondes nether regions... their legs, just to clarify.

"We were sitting near the front, making a lot of noise, and the cameras kept focusing on us," babe Barbara Kastein told a South African broadsheet ala rag.

"In the second half, about 40 stewards surrounded us and forced us to leave the stadium," she complained.

They were escorted (no pun intended) to a FIFA back office where police probed them about their sexy dresses and asked if they worked for Bavaria Beer.

Some 3 hours later, the babes were released and back on the prowl, kittens and 1 or 2 cougar's, and police said they would continue investigating, The Star reported. For the record, milk and honey, nor cookies, were not offered to the litter.

The Dutch embassy in Pretoria in the past 24 hours (Eastern Standard Cougar Town Time) "made inquiries this morning with South African authorities about the grounds on which our citizens were held", foreign ministry spokesman Mr Aad Meijer proclaimed in The Hague.

Three of the women were Dutch, he mouthed, also stating that no explanation had been forthcoming by Tuesday afternoon.

"We are not aware of any South African legislation that allows people to be detained for wearing an orange dress."

FIFA said the women were "used by a large Dutch brewery as an instrument for an ambush marketing campaign", (but smartly for what is understood to mainly legal reasons, the dresses had no branding on them). Media Man understands that planners realised that they wouldn't need massive 'Messages On Hold' type branding for the stunt to be a worldwide success, such was the positioning of the brand and the existing market awareness, especially in relation to colours associated with beers in the region.

Punters make not mistake, their is an art of sorts in executing successful ambush marketing stunts.

Ambush Marketing Definition; Public Thank You To Jimmy Wales At Wikipedia...

Ambush marketing is a marketing campaign that takes place around an event but does not involve payment of a sponsorship fee to the event. For most events of any significance, one brand will pay to become the exclusive and official sponsor of the event in a particular category or categories, and this exclusivity creates a problem for one or more other brands. Those other brands then find ways to promote themselves in connection with the same event, without paying the sponsorship fee and without breaking any laws.

Ambush Marketing Notable Events

1984 Olympics; Kodak sponsors TV broadcasts of the Games as well as the US track team despite Fujifilm being the official sponsor.

1988 Summer Olympics; Fujifilm sponsors the Games despite Kodak being the official sponsor.

1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona; Nike sponsors press conferences with the US basketball team despite Reebok being the official sponsor. During ceremonies, the players covered their Reebok logos.

1994 Winter Olympics; American Express sponsors the Games despite Visa being the official sponsor.

1996 Atlanta Olympics; sprinter Linford Christie wore contact lenses embossed with the Puma logo at the press conference preceding the 100 metres final, despite Reebok being the official sponsor.

1996 Atlanta Olympics; Messages On Hold strategically placed a banner within the camera frame as US runner Jon Drummond prepares for the opening leg of 4x100 relay final. The moment is broadcast live across the world.

1996 Cricket World Cup; Pepsi ran a series of advertisements titled "nothing official about it" targeting the official sponsor Coca Cola.

1998 FIFA World Cup; Nike sponsored a number of teams competing in the Cup despite Adidas being the official sponsor.

2000 Sydney Olympics; Qantas Airlines’ slogan "The Spirit of Australia" sounds strikingly similar to the Games’ slogan "Share the Spirit." despite Ansett Air being the official sponsor.

2003 Cricket World Cup; Indian players threatened to strike over concerns that the anti-ambush marketing rules were too strict. Of particular concern was the length of time before and after the cup that players were not allowed to endorse a rival to one of the official sponsors. Players argued that if they had pre-existing contracts that they would be in breach of them if they were to accept the ICC's rules.

2006 FIFA World Cup; fans of the Netherlands were made to remove Bavaria Brewery's leeuwenhosen because Budweiser was the official beer sponsor.

2008 Beijing Olympics; entire countries were tuned into the Opening Ceremonies, and worldwide, millions more saw former Olympic gymnast Li Ning light the torch and learned that he owns a shoe company with the same name, a direct rival of Adidas and quite famous in China, but not an official Olympic sponsor.

2010 Super Bowl XLIV; Canadian gay dating site ManCrunch was accused of ambush marketing when it submitted a controversial advertisement to CBS for air during the game. The theory is that ManCrunch produced the ad knowing that it would never be accepted and hoped the controversy would drum up the intended attention without having to pay the nearly US$3,000,000 price for an advertisement during the game.

2010 Winter Olympics; Team USA ice hockey goaltender Ryan Miller was ordered to remove the catchphrase "Miller Time" from his helmet under the IOC's ambush marketing rules, due to it also being the slogan of Miller Lite beer (though Miller Lite did not pay for the slogan). Likewise, the U.S. bobsled team was forced to remove their catchphrase, "Night Train," due to it being the name of a low-end fortified wine (again, the usage of the phrase was coincidental).

2010 FIFA World Cup;

A South African budget airline pulled back its ambush ad after a FIFA complaint that it infringed its trademark during the 2010 World Cup. Kulula.com's ad described the firm as the "Unofficial National Carrier of the You-Know-What". It also had pictures of stadiums, vuvuzelas and national flags. But FIFA said the airline could not use the symbols - even the word "South Africa", kulula.com's spokeswoman said. FIFA, however, said the images taken together were "ambush marketing".

Also during the tournament, 2 Dutch women were arrested for ambush advertising and 36 women ejected from the stadium when they were spotted wearing short orange dresses made by the Dutch brewery Bavaria on 14th June 2010. Anheuser Busch's Budweiser is the official beer of the event. ITV media pundit Robbie Earle was sacked from his role when it was claimed by FIFA that he had sold tickets meant for family and friends on to the Dutch beer company.

The Last Word...

Punters, as always please obey the laws in your applicable states, cities and counties. It's a calculated risk us teaching you cunning sports betting and casino punter types about ambush marketing, but one we are prepared to take for our ever loyal readership.

PS: we just received some packages containing what one may call ambush marketing materials from Perth based 'Messages On Hold' (the audio - visual communications company that Aussie cricket legend has fronted on occasion for our business mate, Kym "Mr Ambush Marketing King" Illman). Bondi Beach, Fox Studios - Moore Park, ANZ Stadium, and Acer Arena are a just a couple of rumoured venues for an upcoming attack. You heard it hear first!

The Late News

Crown Casino plans to bankrupt ex casino high-roller Harry Kakavas, who failed to score victory in court last year. Kakavas, a self-proclaimed pathological gambler, was due to be issued with a bankruptcy notice late last month, after an application by Crown to the Federal Magistrates Court. More news as details come to hand.

*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 and Virgin

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Richard Branson: Virgin Gaming - The World Is Not Enough, by Greg Tingle - 16th June 2010

Richard Branson, the world's most famous celebrity businessman and social and community entrepreneur, keeps powering along with the official launch of his Virgin Gaming at E3 Expo is Los Angeles overnight. Is there no stopping this man and his Virgin powerhouse? Media Man and Gambling911 investigate the way Sir Branson has smartly put life in the online gaming sector with Virgin Gaming, adding to his already impressive Virgin empire...

Richard Branson, publicity stunt, media and lifestyle king, who jumped and only just survived 407 feet from the top of the Palms Hotel Casino in Las Vegas circa 2007 to promote Virgin domestic flight service in the U.S., took a virtual leap back into videogames, adding to his 200 plus companies, including Virgin Casino.

The strategic move is tipped to also help Branson offer an online casino product to the United States and Australia, when the time is right. Branson's spy crew have been keeping a tab of PartyGaming's PartyCasino and World Poker Tour brands, including their penetration into Australia, as well as Google's successful worldwide splash of Google Pac-Man, the arcade classic.

Branson announced a joint venture with WorldGaming.com, a medium size Canadian start-up, to launch Virgin Gaming, a service that lets gamers battle for cold, hard cash. We reckon he's likely to pick up a few poker players and casino punters, who consider themselves more skillful than the average bear..er Wolverine - Wolf Runner. Due to its potential tie in with gambling, such wagering is only permitted in 39 U.S states, including California. Ah, politics and relationships matter, especially in show business and government legal eagle matters, and gaming and gambling is one of the hottest political subjects on a global scale as we go to press.

Schwarzenegger, the 38th Governor of California, also features in the Terminator online slot game, exclusive to PartyGaming's PartyCasino.com, and Arnie mate, Sly Stallone, features in the Rambo online slot, again exclusive to PartyGaming.

Branson has been publicly spotted with Arnie, so could this be a sign that before long Arnie and Sly themed games will also be found at Virgin Gaming? Stranger things have happened. Don't forget, the Stan Lee connection - Marvel Entertainment themed games are found at Virgin Casino these days also. We're learned Tomb Raider (Angelina Jolie) and Cleopatra is also on the radar. Aussie babe Elle MacPherson (former friend with benifits...we think) of Branson chum, Damian Aspinall (UK casino tycoon), is looking for some fun and games with Branson based on her media comments and teasers of late. Elle aka 'The Body' has noted the success of Angelia in the gaming and super hero - ine sector.

As champion of the Virgin Group, Branson The Billionaire, knows how to create positive buzz and stand out from the pack.

When he bungie jumped off the Palms Casino, only just surviving, tossed out free tickets to fly Virgin. At a presser held on the eve (pun intended for Mrs Eve Branson) of the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo aka E3, the man proclaimed that Virgin Gaming would give away $1 million bucks in cash, in addition to other prizes over the year.

This is Branson's second entry into video games. His firms Virgin Interactive arm published console and computer games from '81 to '98 before selling the biz to Electronic Arts.

"Virgin loves to jump in where there is a gap in the market," Branson said. "As a brand, we're one of the most respected. ... Obviously, gaming is one of the most important for this generation."

Branson jokingly and perhaps covering his ass noted, "I lost both my children for three to four years to gaming."

Team Branson are understood to have done the homework on World Gaming - Virgin Gaming, and experts believe that Branson will make money with this venture, and have quite a bit of fun in the process.

Gaming Or Gambling Explained And Other Legal Stuff...

The company is converting the WorldGaming.com. site, which has 30,000 members, to the Virgin Gaming site. Virgin has also taken into account financial responsibility for gamers. Virgin Gaming has in fact imposed several financial safeguards. While the maximum bet is $1,000, participants, who must be 18, are limited to adding $500 to their account every seven days. A company spokesman said participants who consistently lose large sums will be contacted "to discuss a restructuring of their account".

To help ensure that players are evenly matched at Virgin Gaming, skills are judged after several opening matches. Players also report on their opponents’ abilities and decorum.

People who are active on the site also win points redeemable in the Virgin online store for Virgin America airline tickets and console accessories. "One day we may offer a trip on Virgin Galactic," the company’s space flight venture, said Billy Levy, Virgin Gaming’s president.

Business Development And Counter Attack To PartyGaming, Sega And Google Et Al?...

A media man spokesperson pointed out "Branson's Virgin Gaming achieved a number of things. Fills the gap in the gaming market, gets massive media attention an puts focus on games of skill, away from the more controversial Virgin Casino - Virgin Games, which is gambling, other than the poker product. The move will also put pressure on states and countries in regard to internet censorship and game classification. Branson carries massive political and financial clout and switched on politicians and law makers would do well to play ball with Team Branson we think. Publishing and internet entrepreneurs are hopeful that there will be some b2b and / or online affiliate program opportunities with Virgin Gaming, as there are with Virgin Games. This move should counter some of the success of operators such as PartyGaming and PKR, who are starting to make more noise re 2D and 3D gaming. The product may also fit in with Virgin's plans to be more pro active in the motion picture industry, as teased with Stan Lee and Marvel Comics a couple of years ago. Plans, trains, automobiles, spaceships and now gaming. What an impressive business model".

Media Man is yet to determine what all of this means for existing Virgin Games affiliates, or the AWOMO brand for that matter. Insiders get the vibe that World Gaming took the place of AWOMO, but that is yet to be discovered.

Branson's Virgin may have a few other big plans in the wind for down under in Australia, given his relationship with Crown Casino - City Of Dreams - Burswood casino king James Packer. Packer also have a relationship with Aspinall going back decades... ah, what a small world, one that RB keeps shrinking with his games, planes and spaceships.

Websites Of Reference

*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. They also publish Virtual Worlds Media http://www.virtualworldsmedia.net

*The writer owns shares in Virgin

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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).

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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