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Hotel,
Casino And Gaming News: U.S, Global
October
9, 2024
Hard
Rock Casino Rockford has 2nd largest GGR
Illinois
Hard
Rock Casino Rockford brought in the 2nd highest casino
gambling revenue of any casino operating in Illinois.
In September 2024, Hard Rock Casino Rockford brought
in $13,717,722 in revenue. That makes Rockfords
casino the second largest in revenue in the state,
behind the Rivers Casino Des Planes, which brought
in $41.5 million in September. The total GGR for Illinois
in September was $138.9 million with 1,140,023 admissions;
the 2023 GGR was $132.1 million with 1,038,436 admissions.
News
Tropicana
implosion paves way for A's stadium
Nevada
The
Tropicana Casino and Resort, one of the last true
mob buildings on the Las Vegas Strip, was reduced
to rubble Wednesday morning. The implosion cleared
land for the proposed $1.5 billion baseball stadium
for the relocating Athletics, which is part of the
city's latest rebrand into a sports hub.
News
Shift
to attract millennials to casinos
Nevada
Innovations
in gaming space and expanding technology in the postpandemic
era continue to attract a new, younger generation
to Las Vegas and its casinos, MGM Resorts International
President Bill Hornbuckle said Tuesday at the Global
Gaming Expo.
News
Allegiant
Stadium to host Gold Cup soccer matches
Nevada
International
soccer will once again kick off at Allegiant Stadium
next summer. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors
Authority approved an event production agreement during
its Tuesday board meeting, including matches in the
CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in June 2025.
News
Ten
Vegas restaurants together grossed almost $200M in
2023
Nevada
Never
underestimate the power of a seat on the Las Vegas
Strip. Alexxas in Paris Las Vegas, which offers
some of the best street-side dining on the boulevard,
was the highest-grossing independent restaurant in
the city in 2023, according to Restaurant Business.
Alexxas brought in $28.8 million in food and
drink sales, and about 600,000 meals served. The restaurant
ranked No. 9 on the list
The 10 Vegas restaurants
(all but one on the Strip) in the top 100 together
racked up nearly $200 million in sales for 2023.
News
Revenue
Surges 48% Year-Over-Year in September 2024
West
Virginia
West
Virginias sports betting revenue surged in September
2024, seeing a 48% increase compared to the same month
last year
the state generated $7.1 million in
revenue from a $46.4 million handle, marking the second-highest
monthly revenue ever recorded for the states
sportsbooks
the total handle$46.4 million
wageredwas down 7% compared to September 2023.
Casino And Gaming News
Macau
October
2024
Macau's
gaming revenue jumps 15 percent
Macau's
gaming revenue rose 15.5 percent year-on-year in September,
exceeding analysts' forecast as casinos gear up for
one of China's biggest holidays, which usually fuels
travel to the gambling hub.
Gross
gaming revenue reached 17.25 billion patacas (HK$16.73
billion) for the month, according to data released
by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.
The result is compared to the median analyst estimate
of a 14.2 percent increase and has returned to 78
percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.
The
reporting was still lower than in the previous month,
as September - when children go back to school and
it being a peak typhoon month - is historically a
weak season for Macau.
Expectations
for the Golden Week holiday, which started yesterday,
are high. Advanced bookings for hotel rooms are strong,
with bigger gamblers making reservations earlier than
usual, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.
Affluent
players remain able and willing to spend, and the
trend seems to be accelerating, Choi said, citing
a survey of gaming table performances.
Still,
retail sales in Macau have shown signs of weakness.
Lower-spending players appear to be betting less for
the first time since China's reopening from Covid
early last year, according to Choi. It is expected
that this trend will ease as Beijing's recent announcement
of a series of economic stimulus measures boosts disposable
income, he added.
News
Global
Gaming
Eklutna
tribe clears land for anticipated casino
Alaska
A
tribe near Anchorage has begun clearing land for the
possibility that it will soon win federal approval
to build a 50,000-square-foot facility with a tribal
gaming operation. The casino would be the first of
its kind outside Southeast Alaska. The Native Village
of Eklutna has long pursued the idea of building the
gaming hall on 8 acres of land
The parcel is
in Birchwood, about 20 miles northeast of downtown
Anchorage.
News
Julapun
pushes for talks on casino complex plan
Thailand
Deputy
Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is calling on
all relevant state agencies to discuss the government's
push to allow casinos to operate within entertainment
complexes. He hopes the discussion can be concluded
by the middle of the month. He said the discussion
will focus on the mechanism for tax collection, as
there are restrictions in the State Fiscal and Financial
Disciplines Act that the government must adhere to.
News
Nevada
Sports
Betting Revenue Grows in August
Nevada
sports betting posted August gains in handle and revenue,
total August volume surpassed $455.2 million, a boost
from the $431.6 million bet during the same month
last year. Nevada sports betting operators cleared
$25 million behind a 5.5% August win rate
The
5.5% hold for NV sportsbooks is one of the lowest
this year, though on par with the markets average
win rate of less than 6%.
News
Florida
Slot
revenue rises to $54.9 million in August
Florida
Gaming Control Commission has revealed that the states
non-tribal casinos collected almost $54.9 million
in net slot revenue in August from around $825.6 million
in wagers. Thats a 1.5 percent year-on-year
increase from the $54.1 million generated in August
2023. With 1,236 machines, Harrahs Pompano Beach
Casino, reported as the Isle Casino & Racing at
Pompano Park, led with $9.8 million of the total.
News
Pete
Rose dies at age 83
Pete
Rose, baseballs career hits leader and fallen
idol who undermined his historic achievements and
Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved
and once embodied, has died. He was 83. Stephanie
Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada,
confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose
died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of
death had not yet been determined. Rose is in the
WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing) Rose was grabbed
around the neck in a staged skit by the late, great,
Andre The Giant. And yes, there are some WWE themed
slot games, mainly found in Vegas, Atlantic City and
Florida from what the foot soldiers tell us.
News
Australia
Star
Sydney could be worth as little as $8m: Barrenjoey
consultants; Star Entertainments Sydney casino
has emerged as a laggard in the troubled companys
property portfolio with one estimate putting its valuation
as low as $8m!
News
Atlantic
City
Atlantic
City hotels defeat latest class action over casino
room rates
Major
casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City including
Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have persuaded
a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed consumer class
action accusing them and a revenue management platform
of overcharging for room rentals.
U.S.
District Judge Karen Williams in Camden, New Jersey,
ruled, opens new tab on Tuesday that the consumers
had failed to present enough evidence to let their
price-fixing lawsuit move ahead.
Williams
dismissed the consumers lawsuit with prejudice,
meaning it cannot be filed again. The case was part
of a wave of new lawsuits claiming the use of revenue
management platforms that rely on rivals' data can
be deemed price-fixing.
The
judges ruling marked a second setback for plaintiffs
claiming that major hotels schemed to artificially
jack up room rates. Consumers in a related case have
appealed a Nevada federal judges order dismissing
their lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Caesars and others.
In
both cases, the plaintiffs alleged hotel owners fed
sensitive internal information such as real-time
price and occupancy data to a shared software
platform that offered pricing recommendations.
The
hotels and the software maker, Cendyn, which was also
a defendant, have denied any wrongdoing.
Representatives
from Cendyn, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and
Hard Rock on Tuesday did not immediately respond to
messages seeking comment.
The
plaintiffs attorneys in the New Jersey case
at law firms Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador;
Burns Charest; and Susman Godfrey did not immediately
respond to a similar request.
The
consumers said in their lawsuit that the hotels used
Cendyns Rainmaker software as
their shared pricing brain that does all
the hard work for them.
They
said while the AI-driven technology at issue
may be fairly novel, the underlying conduct is not.
(Wires)
Casinos/Profile via Grok
Here's
an overview of the latest updates and trends regarding
casinos as of October 2024, based on the information
available:
Global
Expansion and New Developments:
Jamaica
is re-opening the application period for an integrated
casino-resort license, indicating interest in expanding
its tourism and entertainment offerings through casino
gaming.
Norfolk,
Virginia has given final approval for a new casino
project, which will likely contribute to local tourism
and economy, reflecting a trend where cities are increasingly
seeing casinos as economic development tools.
Japan
and UAE are among the regions moving towards establishing
casino facilities, aiming to attract tourists. However,
these might be restricted to non-locals, a common
practice to control potential social impacts of gambling
within the local population.
New
York continues to explore online gambling legislation,
which could significantly expand the casino industry's
reach in the state by legalizing online casinos.
Economic
Performance:
Nevada,
particularly Las Vegas, reported a slight decline
in casino winnings for August 2024 compared to the
previous year, suggesting possible market saturation
or shifts in gambling preferences towards other forms
like online betting.
Innovation
and Entertainment:
Steve
Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, has proposed
an $8 billion casino and entertainment complex next
to Citi Field, illustrating how casinos are increasingly
integrated with sports and entertainment complexes
to offer multifaceted experiences.
Technological
and Gaming Trends:
There's
a noted trend towards tightening up on various casino
offerings like comps, free play, and even slot machine
payouts, possibly in response to increased competition
from online gambling platforms and a need to adjust
profit margins.
Online
Gambling continues to grow, with platforms like Ignition
Casino, Cafe Casino, and DuckyLuck Casino highlighted
for their offerings in the U.S. This reflects a broader
shift towards digital platforms, where convenience,
a variety of games, and bonuses are key attractions.
Security
and Social Responsibility:
Casinos
globally are enhancing their surveillance and security
measures, often referred to as "the eye in the
sky," to combat cheating and fraud, ensuring
a safer environment for all patrons.
There's
an ongoing emphasis on responsible gambling, with
various regions implementing measures and support
systems for gamblers, recognizing the potential social
and economic impacts of casino gambling.
Market
Sentiment:
From
posts on X (formerly Twitter), there's a mix of excitement
about new casino developments and concerns over the
tightening of casino offerings, suggesting a complex
relationship between gamblers and the industry.
In
summary, the casino industry in 2024 is witnessing
expansion into new markets, integration with broader
entertainment complexes, technological adaptation
towards online platforms, and a strategic focus on
security and responsible gambling. This reflects an
industry evolving to meet new consumer behaviors,
technological capabilities, and regulatory environments.
(Grok)
Casino News/Profile via Grok
The
term "casino" refers to a facility where
gambling activities take place, which often integrates
with other entertainment options like hotels, restaurants,
and live shows, making it a central hub for leisure
and gambling. Here's an overview based on current
insights and historical context:
Evolution
of Casinos: Originating from the Venetian Ridotto
in 1638, casinos have evolved from exclusive gambling
houses to multifaceted entertainment centers. Today,
they are known for merging traditional gambling with
modern technology, offering everything from classic
table games to digital slots and live dealer sessions.
Modern
Online Casinos: The digital age has ushered in online
casinos, providing an accessible platform for gambling
from anywhere. These platforms, like those highlighted
in recent promotions on X, offer various incentives
such as bonuses for new sign-ups, free spins, and
the integration of cryptocurrencies for transactions,
enhancing user engagement with promises like "deposit
now and receive FREE BTC!" This reflects a trend
towards digital currencies in gambling for increased
security, anonymity, and efficiency.
Cultural
Impact and Controversy: Casinos, both physical and
online, are not without controversy. They're often
discussed in terms of their societal impact, including
issues like gambling addiction. A perspective shared
on X questions the legality and morality of state-run
casinos like Holland Casino in the Netherlands, pointing
out the potential for addiction due to high stakes
gambling, contrasting it with smaller community events
like bingo nights.
Entertainment
Beyond Gambling: Besides gambling, casinos are pivotal
in the entertainment industry, hosting concerts, stand-up
comedy, and even sports events. This diversification
aims at attracting a broader audience, not just gamblers,
enhancing their appeal as comprehensive entertainment
hubs.
Global
Presence: Casinos like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore
and those along the Las Vegas Strip are not just gambling
venues but architectural marvels and economic powerhouses,
contributing significantly to local economies through
tourism.
Technological
and Thematic Innovation: Modern casinos incorporate
advanced technology for surveillance and game fairness,
alongside themes that range from historical to futuristic,
creating immersive environments for visitors.
Community
and Legal Perspectives: There's an ongoing debate
about the accessibility of casinos to locals, especially
in regions where gambling might be viewed as culturally
or legally sensitive. This reflects in discussions
on platforms like X, where the impact of allowing
locals into casinos like in Vietnam is pondered, weighing
tourism benefits against social costs.
In
summary, "casino" in today's context represents
more than just gambling; it's a convergence of technology,
entertainment, and sometimes, societal debate. The
integration of online platforms and cryptocurrencies
is pushing the boundaries of traditional gambling,
making it more inclusive yet sparking discussions
on regulation, addiction, and societal impact. (Grok)
Casino
And Gaming News
Macau
October
2024
Macau's
gaming revenue jumps 15 percent
Macau's
gaming revenue rose 15.5 percent year-on-year in September,
exceeding analysts' forecast as casinos gear up for
one of China's biggest holidays, which usually fuels
travel to the gambling hub.
Gross
gaming revenue reached 17.25 billion patacas (HK$16.73
billion) for the month, according to data released
by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.
The result is compared to the median analyst estimate
of a 14.2 percent increase and has returned to 78
percent of the pre-pandemic level seen in 2019.
The
reporting was still lower than in the previous month,
as September - when children go back to school and
it being a peak typhoon month - is historically a
weak season for Macau.
Expectations
for the Golden Week holiday, which started yesterday,
are high. Advanced bookings for hotel rooms are strong,
with bigger gamblers making reservations earlier than
usual, Citigroup analyst George Choi wrote in a note.
Affluent
players remain able and willing to spend, and the
trend seems to be accelerating, Choi said, citing
a survey of gaming table performances.
Still,
retail sales in Macau have shown signs of weakness.
Lower-spending players appear to be betting less for
the first time since China's reopening from Covid
early last year, according to Choi. It is expected
that this trend will ease as Beijing's recent announcement
of a series of economic stimulus measures boosts disposable
income, he added.
News
Global
Gaming
Eklutna
tribe clears land for anticipated casino
Alaska
A
tribe near Anchorage has begun clearing land for the
possibility that it will soon win federal approval
to build a 50,000-square-foot facility with a tribal
gaming operation. The casino would be the first of
its kind outside Southeast Alaska. The Native Village
of Eklutna has long pursued the idea of building the
gaming hall on 8 acres of land
The parcel is
in Birchwood, about 20 miles northeast of downtown
Anchorage.
News
Julapun
pushes for talks on casino complex plan
Thailand
Deputy
Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is calling on
all relevant state agencies to discuss the government's
push to allow casinos to operate within entertainment
complexes. He hopes the discussion can be concluded
by the middle of the month. He said the discussion
will focus on the mechanism for tax collection, as
there are restrictions in the State Fiscal and Financial
Disciplines Act that the government must adhere to.
News
Nevada
Sports
Betting Revenue Grows in August
Nevada
sports betting posted August gains in handle and revenue,
total August volume surpassed $455.2 million, a boost
from the $431.6 million bet during the same month
last year. Nevada sports betting operators cleared
$25 million behind a 5.5% August win rate
The
5.5% hold for NV sportsbooks is one of the lowest
this year, though on par with the markets average
win rate of less than 6%.
News
Florida
Slot
revenue rises to $54.9 million in August
Florida
Gaming Control Commission has revealed that the states
non-tribal casinos collected almost $54.9 million
in net slot revenue in August from around $825.6 million
in wagers. Thats a 1.5 percent year-on-year
increase from the $54.1 million generated in August
2023. With 1,236 machines, Harrahs Pompano Beach
Casino, reported as the Isle Casino & Racing at
Pompano Park, led with $9.8 million of the total.
News
Pete
Rose dies at age 83
Pete
Rose, baseballs career hits leader and fallen
idol who undermined his historic achievements and
Hall of Fame dreams by gambling on the game he loved
and once embodied, has died. He was 83. Stephanie
Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada,
confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose
died Monday. Wheatley said his cause and manner of
death had not yet been determined. Rose is in the
WWE Hall of Fame (Celebrity Wing) Rose was grabbed
around the neck in a staged skit by the late, great,
Andre The Giant. And yes, there are some WWE themed
slot games, mainly found in Vegas, Atlantic City and
Florida from what the foot soldiers tell us.
News
Australia
Star
Sydney could be worth as little as $8m: Barrenjoey
consultants; Star Entertainments Sydney casino
has emerged as a laggard in the troubled companys
property portfolio with one estimate putting its valuation
as low as $8m!
News
Atlantic
City
Atlantic
City hotels defeat latest class action over casino
room rates
Major
casino-hotel operators in Atlantic City including
Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts have persuaded
a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed consumer class
action accusing them and a revenue management platform
of overcharging for room rentals.
U.S.
District Judge Karen Williams in Camden, New Jersey,
ruled, opens new tab on Tuesday that the consumers
had failed to present enough evidence to let their
price-fixing lawsuit move ahead.
Williams
dismissed the consumers lawsuit with prejudice,
meaning it cannot be filed again. The case was part
of a wave of new lawsuits claiming the use of revenue
management platforms that rely on rivals' data can
be deemed price-fixing.
The
judges ruling marked a second setback for plaintiffs
claiming that major hotels schemed to artificially
jack up room rates. Consumers in a related case have
appealed a Nevada federal judges order dismissing
their lawsuit against Wynn Resorts, Caesars and others.
In
both cases, the plaintiffs alleged hotel owners fed
sensitive internal information such as real-time
price and occupancy data to a shared software
platform that offered pricing recommendations.
The
hotels and the software maker, Cendyn, which was also
a defendant, have denied any wrongdoing.
Representatives
from Cendyn, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts and
Hard Rock on Tuesday did not immediately respond to
messages seeking comment.
The
plaintiffs attorneys in the New Jersey case
at law firms Lite DePalma Greenberg & Afanador;
Burns Charest; and Susman Godfrey did not immediately
respond to a similar request.
The
consumers said in their lawsuit that the hotels used
Cendyns Rainmaker software as
their shared pricing brain that does all
the hard work for them.
They
said while the AI-driven technology at issue
may be fairly novel, the underlying conduct is not.
(Wires)
Gaming,
Hotel And Casino News: U.S
September
2024
New
Jersey Internet gambling sets new record at $198M
in revenue, but land casinos lag
Internet
gambling in New Jersey had its best month ever in
August, bringing in over $198 million in revenue even
as most of Atlantic Citys land-based casinos
continued to win less than they did before the COVID-19
pandemic. Figures released Monday by the New Jersey
Division of Gaming Enforcement show that internet
gambling brought in $198.4 million, the highest monthly
total ever recorded in the state and an increase of
nearly 28% from a year earlier. That was the good
news for Atlantic Citys gambling industry.
News
BetMGM
impresses in NFL Week One, Jefferies analyst says
BetMGM
handily outperformed the field in New York state in
the first week of NFL wagering, according to data
published September 15 in a Jefferies Equity Research
investor note penned by analyst James Wheatcroft.
According to Wheatcrofts analysis, BetMGM grew
its handle 54 percent from last year, revenue 24 percent,
and winning margins 8.2 percent. For the market overall,
the handle grew by 14 percent, but revenue dropped
43 percent and margin was down 6.8 percent. FanDuel
recorded a seven percent decrease in handle and 54
percent lower revenue.
News
llinois:
Casino revenue shoots up 3.1% in August after a slow
summer
Illinois
casinos posted positive monthly revenue for the first
time since the spring. The states 15 casinos
combined for a win of $140 million in August, up 3.1%
from Julys total of $135.8 million. Revenue
totals do not include online casinos because iGaming
is illegal in the Prairie State. Illinois is a leading
earner for land-based revenue and sports betting handle
(total amount bet). But, is nowhere to be found in
the world of online casinos. The states legislators
made two attempts to legalize IL online gaming this
year, but both fell short.
News
F1
not moving the Vegas needle, Truist analyst says
F1
stuck in neutral for now, wrote Truist Securities
analyst Barry Jonas, leading off a September 16 investor
note on the subject of Las Vegas room rates. He deemed
them fairly stable but soft into the fourth
quarter. A Truist survey of Las Vegas hotel-room prices
had shown growth in August followed by slowness throughout
the fall. Jonas said these findings were congruent
with MGM Resorts Internationals forward-looking
commentary during its second-quarter earnings call.
Wrote Jonas, While our survey is just one facet
of the market and can change, we note continuing investor
concerns around slowing growth amidst tough comparisons.
News
August
casino revenue $63 million
Virginia
(results) - Lottery Commission - The Virginia Lottery
released its report on casino gaming activity for
the month of August 2024. There are three operating
casinos in Virginia: HR Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth,
and Caesars Virginia. During August, gaming revenues
from Virginia casinos totaled $63.1 million. Hard
Rock Bristol $15.9 million, Rivers Casino Portsmouth
$26.6 million, and Caesars Virginia $20.4 million.
Virginia law assesses a graduated tax on a casinos
AGR, or wagers minus winnings, and $11.8 million in
taxes were paid to the Gaming Proceeds Fund.
News
MGM
getting more solar energy with rural Nevada solar
farm
Nevada
(Las Vegas) - A solar farm in the remote Nevada desert
will double MGM Internationals capacity to use
solar energy. It entered a power purchase agreement
with a utility-scale solar company to use its forthcoming
facility in Lincoln County. The company is expected
to begin using that boost in green energy in 2026.
MGM uses 90 percent renewable energy for 11 of its
Las Vegas resorts daytime needs, the company
said, but the new solar farm and battery storage facility
will power 100 percent of daytime needs and some of
whats needed for nighttime.
News
Three
Strip casinos get new top exec
Nevada
(Las Vegas) - Three casino properties on the Las Vegas
Strip will soon have a new boss following the company
departure of the trios former top executive.
Ken Ostempowski will be assuming the role of senior
vice president and general manager of Paris Las Vegas,
Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe. Ostempowski currently
holds similar roles overseeing The ROW Reno, a three-casino
resort destination in Northern Nevada operated by
Caesars. According to Ostempowskis LinkedIn
profile, he has held executive-level positions in
multiple gaming markets, including Las Vegas, the
Gulf Coast, the Midwest and Colorado.
News
Strip
resort reveals rare tier-match offer
Nevada
(Las Vegas) - For the first time since introducing
a new player rewards program, a Las Vegas Strip casino
is offering to upgrade gamblers loyalty cards
to a comparable level from other casinos. The Venetian
casino-hotel is launching a tier-match promotion that
will allow customers to receive a Venetian Rewards
card status that is on par with or better than what
they currently have with another casino operator.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas tier-match event
begins Oct. 1, according to a recent email, and will
run through Jan. 1.
News
Boyd
bets big on large sportsbooks even as mobile betting
flourishes
Nevada
(Las Vegas) - The largest sportsbook operated by Boyd
Gaming Corp. may not be the place where everybody
knows your name. But that sentiment is the reason
the company (with its nine Las Vegas casinos) and
other gaming operators continue to invest millions
of dollars into expanding or modernizing large sportsbooks
with massive viewing screens, comfortable seating
areas and food and beverage options. Those expenditures
happen even as more than 65 percent of Nevadas
$8 billion sports gaming industry come through mobile
wagering accounts bets made anywhere outside
the casino. A sportsbook is more than just a
place to make wagers, said Boyd Gaming Vice
President of Race & Sports Bob Scucci. At
our properties, the sportsbook is the place where
people come four or five times a week. Its where
they go to meet their friends and congregate.
News
Opening
sportsbook with Jay-Z at Ocean Casino, Fanatics CEO
Michael Rubin explains Atlantic Citys appeal
Michael
Rubins love for Atlantic City goes back to when
he was about 12 years old. The gambling age
was 18 when I was a kid, the once-small kid
from Philadelphia recalled. I remember when
I was 12 years old, I went to an Atlantic City casino,
to Caesars. It was 40 years ago. I won $2,500. I called
my mom from a pay phone and said, Mom, I got
great news! I just won $2,500! She asked how,
and I said, Im in a casino in Atlantic
City, and she goes, Youre grounded,
get home. Thats my favorite story.
News
A
jobs boon from a casino at Manhattans Hudson
Yards? Experts arent betting on it.
When
casino giant Wynn showed off plans for its Hudson
Yards West casino proposal last month, it enlisted
progressive heavyweights to make the case that the
venture would be a jobs bonanza for poor and working-class
New Yorkers. The endorsements were full-throated and
infused with hope and promise. Leaders from the NAACP,
National Urban League and Win, New York Citys
largest provider of family shelter and permanent supportive
housing, were among the groups that said the proposal
would bring significant career opportunities.
News
Maines
first in-person sports betting bar opens in Portland
Maines
first, in-person sports-betting bar is officially
open. Oddfellahs opened on Market Street
on Friday
The bar has partnered with Caesars
Sportsbook, one of two sportsbooks authorized under
Maines new law to run sports betting, the other
being DraftKings. The founder of Oddfellahs
says theres more to the bar than just sports
betting.
News
IIlinois
Gaming Board renews Rivers Casinos license
The
Illinois Gaming Board on Thursday renewed Rivers Casinos
gaming license as well as Hawthorne Race Courses
master sports wagering license. Both renewals by the
state agency came via unanimous 4-0 votes and are
good for four years, with Rivers now licensed through
August 2028 and Hawthorne through September of that
year.
News
Bellagio
removing trees as F1 prep begins on the Las Vegas
Strip
The
Las Vegas Grand Prix is around the corner and the
Bellagio casino-hotel is days away from starting race
preparations. On Monday, work crews will begin removing
the trees in front of the Fountains of Bellagio along
Las Vegas Boulevard to make room for the construction
of the Bellagio Fountain Club (an F1 spectator area
for VIPs). (Wires, A.I News)
Sydney,
Australia
24
hours to fix a casino: Star chases cash to fend off
insolvency -
September 1, 2024
The
Star Entertainment Group is chasing hundreds of millions
of dollars in extra funding from investors as the
embattled casino operator fights the clock to stave
off financial collapse.
Discussions
with its major investors, such as pokies billionaire
Bruce Mathieson, continued deep into Sunday evening
ahead of the expected release of Star Entertainments
annual results on Monday.
A
fresh injection of cash into the business would allow
Star to secure its ongoing viability after a second
probe into the companys culture found it unsuitable
to hold a casino licence.
Mathieson,
with an estimated wealth of $2.5 billion, is one of
the investors to have backed Stars previous
rounds of capital raising last year, which netted
close to $1.5 billion. The casino operators
business is currently worth just $1.3 billion, based
on the last trading price of its stock at 45 cents.
Fund
manager Perpetual has been another willing backer
of Star Entertainment in recent months. Mathieson
owns a 9.6 per cent stake but recently received regulatory
approvals to acquire up to 20 per cent of Stars
shares. Meanwhile, Perpetual lifted its stake to 8.8
per cent in May but would need regulatory approval
to lift its stake above 10 per cent.
The
next 24 hours will be crucial for the casino operator,
which was forced to delay the announcement of its
full-year results on Friday. Star Entertainment needs
to show the market it has the funding needed to stabilise
its underperforming casino business while also fixing
the probity issues that have left the companys
retention of its Sydney casino licence in doubt.
According
to reports in the Australian Financial Review, Star
is also talking to its lenders about debt relief and
possible fresh funding. It is also said to be talking
to the NSW and Queensland governments about tax relief.
The
company was sounding out investors for a $300 million
raising last week via a convertible notes issue before
the final report of a second inquiry into its Sydney
casino landed from Adam Bell, SC, on Friday. While
the report said Star Entertainment was still unfit
to hold a licence, it stopped short of recommending
the licence be revoked.
Stars
latest results are expected to reveal massive writedowns
of its newly opened Brisbane casino, Queens
Wharf, which cost nearly double the initial $2 billion
estimate, and at a time when casinos are underperforming
across the country due to the cost of living crisis
and anaemic tourist interest. The Queens Wharf
precinct is a joint venture with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises
and Far East Consortium.
Star
Entertainment chief executive Steve McCann, who previously
led Crown Resorts through to its takeover by US private
equity group Blackstone, joined the company in June.
I
recognise that there are many complex issues and challenges
for the company to address, McCann said at the
announcement of his appointment.
I
am committed to working with the board and the various
stakeholders to help drive change, restore confidence
and achieve a sustainable resolution.
Star
Entertainment will also have to contend with the soon-to-be-implemented
cashless gaming cards, which are designed to stop
money laundering and address problem gambling on poker
machines but will hit the companys pokie revenues
in Sydney.
Earlier
this year, Star issued a downgrade saying it now expects
to generate just $1.68 billion in total revenue from
its two casinos in Queensland and its casino in NSW
this financial year. This is a fall from $1.8 billion
in 2023, which was originally thought to be the low
point.
The
Star recorded a total loss of $2.44 billion in 2023.
Its then CEO, Robbie Cooke, was adamant at the time
the group would do better this year.
On
top of its underperforming casino business and the
remediation needed to retain its casino licence, Star
also faces further fines, including from the money
laundering regulator AUSTRAC. Last year, Star provided
for fines and penalties of $150 million from alleged
non-compliance with anti-money laundering laws in
its financial report for the half-year ended December
31, 2022, after ASIC raised concerns.
Gaming
analysts from Macquarie estimate the AUSTRAC fine
could hit $350 million, but another significant issue
is what cost-cutting is needed to keep it in line
with structurally lower revenues next year.
Star
Entertainment has attractive long-duration casino
licences across Queensland and NSW, but there are
near-term uncertainties on the earnings, and a long
list of outstanding issues which need to be cleared
before we can get comfortable with the investment
thesis, Macquarie said.
Star
also faces class action lawsuits on behalf of investors
who have watched the stock plunge from a pre-pandemic
high of $4 to just 45¢ as of last week.
Star
declined to comment on Sunday. (Wires)
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Gaming,
Hotel, Casino and Sports News: USA
July
2024
American
Gaming Association announces 2024 Gaming Hall of Fame
inductees
The
American Gaming Association Wednesday announced the
Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three
individuals for their contributions to the industry.
The new members are: Jim Allen, Hard Rock International
Chairman, Seminole Gaming CEO, and former chairman
of the AGA. Alan Feldman, UNLV International Gaming
Institute Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished
Fellow in Responsible Gaming, and a former executive
with MGM Resorts International. Debi Nutton, Everi
Holdings Board Member, executive coach-consultant,
and former casino operations executive. (CDC, AI News,
Wires)
News
Las
Vegas: Downtown Grand hotel-casino seeks buyer
A
downtown Las Vegas hotel-casino is looking for a buyer.
Downtown Grand, the 1,124-room property one block
north of the Fremont Street pedestrian mall, is on
the market, multiple industry sources confirmed. The
property is owned by real estate investment firm CIM
Group and operated by Fifth Street Gaming, a Las Vegas-based
operator whose portfolio includes the Silver Nugget
and Ojos Locos Sports Cantina and Casino in North
Las Vegas and the Golden Tiki restaurant in Chinatown.
Fifth Street Gaming and the propertys agent...did
not respond to multiple requests for comment Tuesday.
News
New
Jersey fines DraftKings $100K for reporting inaccurate
sports betting data to the state
In
one of the most sternly worded rebukes they have ever
issued, New Jersey gambling regulators have fined
DraftKings $100,000 for reporting inaccurate sports
betting data to the state, which it called unacceptable
conduct that demonstrated weaknesses in the
companys business abilities. The errors resulted
in regulators having to post corrected financial data
for several months, something that had not happened
in 13 years. The mistakes involved overstating the
amount of money wagered on multi-tiered bets, or parlays,
and understating other categories of wagers.
News
Golden
Nugget Lake Tahoe hotel renovations set to begin
The
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino is moving
ahead with major renovations under its new owner,
billionaire Tilman Fertitta. Last August, Ferittas
Golden Landrys LLC and GN NV Holdings acquired
the Hard Rock Lake Tahoe from Paragon Gaming with
cash, then rebranded it. Fertittas attorney
Sonia Vermeys with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
told the Nevada Gaming Control Board Wednesday that
the her client had always intended to finance the
transaction. In December, the owner of the land entered
into a term-loan agreement with Deutsche Bank.
News
Bermuda
regulators reports show efforts to resolve casino
industry roadblock
Failed
efforts by the Bermuda Gaming Commission to solve
the banking issues that have held up the launch of
a casino industry are described in newly released
annual reports. David Burt, the Premier, finally tabled
the publicly funded regulators reports for 2020
to 2023 in the House of Assembly last Friday, after
falling behind in sharing them with taxpayers. They
shed some light on how the commission has tried to
get banks to handle casino transactions a necessity
for the sector to get up and running but even
the most recent report, for 2022-23, is out of date.
News
Ballys
Chicago secures casino financing, unveils new hotel
design
One
week after taking possession of the Freedom Center
printing plant, Ballys has secured the needed
financing to supplant it with a $1.7 billion Chicago
casino complex on the 30-acre site in River West.
Ballys announced a deal Friday with Gaming and
Leisure Properties, a Pennsylvania-based real estate
investment trust, to provide $940 million to fund
the construction of the permanent casino. In addition,
Ballys has also finalized redesign of its planned
500-room hotel tower, which has been shifted from
north of the casino to the south to avoid damaging
city water pipes along the Chicago River, pending
approval from the citys planning department.
News
Walmart
is preparing major push into lottery sector
At
its annual summit in early April, retail giant Walmart
convened various lottery industry vendors and suppliers
and revealed, more or less: Walmart is preparing a
push from lottery bystander to active participant
and competitor, with plans to launch an app that it
may eventually equip with iLottery capabilities. The
message was conveyed in meetings with the likes of
IGT, Scientific Games, NeoPollard, and others currently
working with the retail behemoth. Walmart representatives
unveiled a slogan aimed at the lottery industry, Be
in it to Win it, according to presentation materials
from the Bentonville, Arkansas summit that were reviewed
by Lottery Geeks.
News
Colorado:
RCI Hospitality pulls casino license applications
in Colorado
Entertainment
company RCI Hospitality Holdings has withdrawn its
applications to operate casinos from the Colorado
Division of Gaming. The company, known for operating
strip clubs and nightclubs like Ricks Cabaret
and restaurants like Bombshells Restaurant and Bar,
also disclosed its intention to develop its share
buyback program. The decision follows the NASDAQ-listed
companys acquisition of three properties in
Central City for potential casino developments, which
will not proceed as planned. The company also intends
to sell other properties that are no longer required,
including a 20,000-square-foot building and another
site initially intended for a 30,000- to 40,000-square-foot
development.
News
Las
Vegas: Tropicana operators take the next step toward
implosion
The
Tropicana is one step closer to coming down, after
property operators submitted a commercial implosion
permit application with Clark County officials on
Thursday. A permit application shows Ballys
Corp., operators of the former Rat Pack-era resort,
want to implode a 22-story concrete tower and a 22-story
steel tower in a single explosive event.
A spokesperson for Ballys said the company is
still expecting an October implosion. No other details
were available. The company tasked with the implosion
will be Controlled Demolition Inc., according to the
application. (CDC, AI News, Wires)
News
Gaming,
Casino and Property News
Nevada
sets May gaming revenue record
In
Case You Missed It
June
27, 2024
Nevada
set a May record with $1.32 billion in gaming revenue.
It was also the eighth highest total in history as
the Strip continues to benefit from a strong events
calendar that boosted hotel occupancy and room rates.
The
$1.32 billion rose 2.5% or $31.6 million versus May
2023. For the year, total win is up 3.2% or $202 million,
according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Of
that, the combined total for the Las Vegas Strip and
the balance of Clark County are up $207.2 million
or 4.9% for the year. The Strip alone is up 3.5% for
the year.
The
Strips gaming win of $742.5 million increased
3.7% or $26.6 million and accounted for 84.1% of the
statewide increase in May. Statewide win excluding
the Strip increased $5 million or 0.9%, according
Michael Lawton, senior economic analyst for the Gaming
Control Board.
Lawton
said the Strip benefited from a very robust event
calendar in May. Harry Reid International Airport
recorded its second highest month in passenger count
in history in May.
The
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported
3.65 million visitors in May, a 4.6% increase over
May 2023s 3.49 million. The LVCVA cited the
Electric Daisy Carnival, which typically attracts
hundreds of thousands of attendees, and convention
attendance of 461,900, up 1.8%.
Lawton
said special events or other items of note included
Canelo Alvarez fighting Jaime Munguia at the T-Mobile
Arena on May 4 for the undisputed Super Middleweight
world title. Justin Timberlake performed at the T-Mobile
Arena for his Forget Tomorrow world tour
on May 10. The Rolling Stones played Allegiant Stadium
on May 11. The MGM Grand Garden Arena featured Pearl
Jam for two nights on May 17-18. Maroon 5 returned
to Dolby Live at Park MGM May 17-31. Garth Brooks
and Adele were both in town for their residencies
at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace for multiple dates
during the month of May. Carrie Underwood returned
to the Resorts World Theatre from May 22-31.
The
strong event schedule helped fill hotel rooms; overall
occupancy was 86.1%, up from 84.4% a year ago. Weekend
occupancy was 93.4%, up from 93.2%. Strip occupancy
hit 88.5%, up from 87%. The average daily room rate
on the Strip was $212, up 9% from $194 a year ago,
according to the LVCVA.
The
Strips slot win totaled $402.9 million and increased
2.6% or $10.1 million with a 6.5% or $306.3 million
increase in coin-in. Slot hold was 7.99% versus 8.29%
last year, Lawton said.
The
Strips games win totaled $339.5 million and
increased 5.1% or $16.4 million and drop increased
4.9% or $100 million. Games hold percentage was 15.8%
versus 15.7% last year.
Strip
baccarat win totaled $122.1 million, but was down
$8.7 million or 6.6%. Volume totaled $758.1 million,
down 2.4% or $18.2 million. Hold was 16.1% versus
16.9%. Total win excluding baccarat increased by 6%
or $35.2 million.
Strip
twenty-one win of $93.2 million increased 17.6% or
$13.9 million. Volumes totaled $615.3 million and
increased 10.43% or $58.1 million. Hold percentage
was 15.15% versus 14.23% last year.
Strip
roulette win of $37.4 million increased 55.5% or $13.3
million. Volumes totaled $185.9 million and increased
28.7% or $41.5 million. Hold percentage was 20.09%
versus 16.63% last year.
Locals
casinos generate $277.7 million in revenue in May,
up 5.1% year over year. Revenue is up 10.3% for the
second quarter compared to a year ago.
Downtown
casinos had $74.8 million, up 1.6% over $73.6 million
in May 2023. North Las Vegas had $24.7 million, up
2.1% over last year. Downtowns occupancy reached
76.1% in May, up from 71.4% a year ago. Room rates
were up 15.4% to $124.92
Elsewhere,
Laughlin had $36.9 million, down 21.4% from $46.9
million a year ago. Mesquite had $16.3 million, up
8.5%. Reno had $65.2 million, down 1.1%. Sparks had
$15.3 million, up 2%. South Lake Tahoe had $17.6 million,
down 9.4%.
Lawton
said Laughlin was impacted by slot-revenue timing
in May 2023, as April 2023 ended on a Sunday and revenue
was subsequently reported in May 2023. Laughlin casinos
also experienced some softness in slot volume, down
5.7% even with an additional weekend day. Total win
of $36.9 million was down 21.4% or $10.1 million.
For the year, Laughlin is down 6.2%. Slot win was
down 23.4% or $10.2 million. Slot coin-in was down
5.7% ($27.9 million), while the hold was 7.2% versus
8.9%.
Statewide,
Nevada sportsbooks won $36 million, up 19.8% or $6
million compared to May 2023 on a hold percentage
of 7% versus 5.7% last year. Sportsbook wagers totaled
$515.1 million, down 2.3% or $12 million compared
to last May, when $527 million was wagered statewide.
Mobile wagers totaled $351.2 million, down 1.9% or
$6.7 million and accounted for 68.2% of total wagers,
Lawton said.
Statewide
slot win of $886.1 million increased 1% or $8.5 million
and coin-in of $12.3 billion was up $501.2 million
or 4.2%. Slot hold percentage was 7.19% versus 7.43%
last year.
Statewide
table, counter, and card games win of $434.3 million
increased 5.6% or $23.1 million and games drop of
$2.9 billion, increased 4.8% or $132.6 million from
May 2023. Games hold percentage was 15.13% versus
15.01% last year.
Statewide
baccarat win of $126.4 million decreased 5.5% or $7.4
million and baccarat drop of $780.3 million decreased
1.8% or $14 million. Baccarats hold percentage
was 16.20% versus 16.84% last year. Statewide total
win excluding baccarat increased 3.4% or $39 million.
This is the first decrease in monthly baccarat win
since June 2023, ending a streak of 10 consecutive
increases.
Statewide
twenty-one win of $116.8 million increased 11.4% or
$12 million. Volumes totaled $788.1 million and increased
12.9% or $90.2 million. Hold percentage was 14.82%
versus 15.02% last year.
Statewide
roulette win of $44.1 million increased 45.9% or $13.9
million. Volumes totaled $217.6 million and increased
24.9% or $43.3 million. Hold percentage was 20.29%
versus 17.37% last year. (CDC, AI News, Wires)
UK
teen arrested in connection to global cybercrime group
that targeted MGM Resorts
- July 19, 2024
LAS
VEGAS
Police
in England arrested a teenager in connection with
a global cyber online crime group that targeted several
companies, including MGM Resorts, according to the
FBI office in Las Vegas.
West
Midlands police arrested a 17-year-old boy from Walsall,
a town in West Midlands, England, on Thursday, July
18, the bureau posted on X Friday morning.
The
arrest was made by officers from the Regional Organised
Crime Unit for the West Midlands (ROCUWM) and the
National Crime Agency in coordination with the FBI,
according to West Midlands police.
Officers
took the suspect, who was not named, into custody
on suspicion of blackmail and computer misuse act
offenses. He was released on bail while West Midlands
police continued its investigation.
Officers
recovered evidence that they said included several
digital devices that will be forensically examined.
The
suspects arrest is part of a global investigation
into a large-scale cyber hacking community that targeted
major companies, including MGM Resorts.
These
cyber groups have targeted well-known organizations
with ransomware and they have successfully targeted
multiple victims around the world taking from them
significant amounts of money, Detective Inspector
Hinesh Mehta, cyber crime unit manager at ROCUWM,
said in a West Midland Police release.
On
Sept. 11, 2023, a cybersecurity issue
affected some of the systems for MGM Resorts International.
The company shut down some of its systems to help
protect the companys data.
Nearly
ten days later, MGM Resorts posted on social media
stating that all operations returned to normal.
We
know first-hand the damage these criminals can do
and the importance of working with law enforcement
to fight back, a spokesperson from MGM Resorts
said in the release. By voluntarily shutting
down our systems, refusing to pay a ransom and working
with law enforcement on their investigation and response,
the message to criminals was clear: its not
worth it.
2023
High
Stakes: The life-or-death battle over
a company name
Two stars of Australias new economy the
similarly named share trading platform Stake and online
cryptocurrency casino juggernaut stake.com
are locked in a life-or-death court battle over naming
rights amid growing concerns the gambling outfit has
major plans for its home country.
Stake
the share platform launched legal action in the Federal
Court in August seeking to enforce its trademarks
and stop stake.com, a multibillion-dollar enterprise,
from using that name for its business in Australia.
The
fast-growing Sydney-based share trading platform,
the third-largest broker in the country, alleges that
the casino group stake.com has been breaking Australian
consumer law and has misled consumers through the
use of its brand in Australia and its marketing, including
its sponsorship of the Alfa Romeo team and the sale
of apparel.
Stake
the share trading platform, which owns the URL stake.com.au,
alleges stake.coms use of the name in Australia
has potentially led to consumers believing the two
brands are related when they are not.
The
share trading platform Stake, founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs
Dan Silver and Matt Leibowitz, alleges there is a
threat that more consumers could be misled if stake.com
is allowed to continue with its plans to grow its
business significantly in Australia under the brand
name Stake.
The
casino group, led by Melbourne-based twenty-somethings
billionaires Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, is expected
to seek to have the matter summarily dismissed.
A
spokesperson for stake.com said: We are aware
of a frivolous claim lodged in the Federal Court by
Stakeshop, which in part claims that our global Formula
One team sponsorship impinges on their ability to
sell trucker hats.
We
are proud of the global stake.com brand. As a group,
we abide by the laws of the countries in which we
operate, and do not offer our stake.com platform to
Australian customers. We believe the claim has no
legal merit and will vigorously defend our rights.
The
court case has shed new light on stake.coms
expansion plans for Australia, where it remains blocked
to Australian users.
Court
documents reveal the casino group has sought to buy
the stake.com.au website from the sharemarket trading
platform business. According to the court documents,
the casino group has also registered several Australian
website domains for its Australian expansion and applied
to register a slew of trademarks including Stake Australia,
Stake Bet and Stake Casino.
The
Federal Court action comes after years of simmering
tensions between the two groups over the use of stake.coms
name in Australia.
Stake.com
was established in 2017 but flew under the radar in
Australia until late 2021, when this masthead revealed
the local origins of the business that had grown to
be one of worlds largest online casinos, processing
hundreds of billions of bets on sports, virtual table
games and online slot machines.
In
early 2022, stake.com signed hip-hop megastar Drake
as its lead ambassador. Later in 2022 it signed a
multi-year deal to become lead jersey sponsor for
English Premier League team Everton FC as well as
its sponsorship of Alfa Romeos F1 team.
The
significant increase in stake.coms marketing
and media presence was noticed at the share trading
platform group that built its user base during the
COVID-inspired boom in Gen Y and Gen Z investors,
thanks in part to its ultra-low cost brokerage fee
model, savvy marketing and the broadening into other
financial services including a superannuation product.
A
spokesman for Stake the share trading platform said
that since the group was founded in Australia it had
built a client base of more than 500,000 and more
than $2.5 billion in assets under management.
Over
the past six years, we have established a trusted
and culturally relevant Australian brand that reflects
our dedication to meeting customer needs. It permeates
all parts of our business, spanning products, content,
internal culture, customer interactions and much more,
making it our most valuable asset. We are committed
to protecting the Stake brand and the high level of
consumer trust associated with it, the spokesman
said.
We
are concerned by the threatened use of the Stake brand
in Australia by stake.com in relation to gambling,
casino and sports betting services, due to the potential
for customer confusion and damage to our brand and
reputation.
Stake.com
is not available in Australia but according to court
documents, the group is already making arrangements
for a major expansion in this country and is seeking
a sports betting licence.
In
October 2022, stake.com casino executive Brais Pena
Sanchez contacted Stake share trading founder Silver
on LinkedIn and arranged a video conference meeting
where the pair discussed Stake the share platform
selling its Australian URL, stake.com.au, to the Curacao-registered,
Australian-operated casino group.
During
those discussions, Sanchez the casino groups
chief strategy officer informed Silver that
stake.com planned to launch in Australia under the
name Stakebet, or similar, according to court documents.
A deal never ensued and the website remains owned
by the share trading platform.
Tensions
flared again in early 2023 after stake.com the casino
was announced as the new team sponsor for Formula
1 team Alfa Romeo, sparking a flurry of legal letters
between the two groups ahead of the Melbourne race.
According
to the court documents, the casino groups lawyers
assured the share trading Stake that it would not
use its logo in conjunction with the Melbourne Grand
Prix and did not intend to display the name on any
vehicles or uniforms or as part of the Alfa Romeo
team name.
However,
the share trading Stake alleges that during the four
days of the Grand Prix, Stake casino logos appeared
on banners for official team merchandise, the team
display and on signs at the event and in the race
program.
In
May, Stake.com was applying to register a large number
of new trademarks for goods and services. This included
Stake Australia, Stake Bookie, Stake Betting, Stake
Gaming, Stake Esports, Stake Casino, Stake Sportsbook,
Stake Bet, Stake Punt, Stake Sports, Stake Pokes and
Stake Slots.
The
casino group has also registered a series of Australian
website names under the .au domain including
stakebet.au; stakecasino.au, stakesports.au and playstake.au.
The
case continues.
Crown
to launch digital self-exclusion scheme for casinos
- July 2023
People
with gambling problems will be able to ban themselves
from Crown casinos over the internet instead of having
to do so in person, as part of a wider overhaul of
the groups approach to harm minimisation.
Crown
Resorts new safer gambling program also includes
the establishment of a dedicated gambling policy team,
which will monitor customer playing behaviour and
create interventions to better prevent gambling harm
from occurring.
Crown
boss Ciaran Carruthers joined the business last year
following an overhaul of Crowns management,
after a series of bruising inquiries into the company.
Carruthers, who has led other global casino groups
including Wynn Macau, said the new leadership of Crown
was committed to making gambling safer, even if it
meant less turnover in its casinos.
I
have been in this business for 34 years and I can
tell you no one does this, Carruthers
said.
It
is critically important to me that when I look at
the long-term viability of this business that people
see our resorts as entertainment to enjoy safely.
Under
the changes, customers will be able to block themselves
from entering a Crown casino through a new digital
self-exclusion portal. Those who wanted to ban themselves
from Crown venues were previously required to visit,
in person, a designated responsible gambling centre
run by the group.
The
group has also moved to cashless gaming at Crown Melbourne
and Crown Sydney a condition of its temporary
gaming licences in NSW and Victoria as well
as introducing $10 maximum bet limits on poker machines
at Crown Perth. The technological overhaul required
to facilitate the changes has so far cost the business
$13 million.
Carruthers
pointed to changes Crown has already made which go
beyond government regulation, such as encouraging
customers to take breaks every three hours, as an
indicator of its commitment to shifting problem gambling
patterns.
The
group said it wanted to establish advisory panels
to work with state regulators and community groups
to improve gambling harm education and share its research.
Carruthers
conceded some aspects of its new approach to harm
minimisation, called Crown PlaySafe, would not be
welcomed by heavy gamblers. But he argued the changes
would make the casinos more appealing to the general
public.
Crowns
new head of gambling policy research, Dr Jamie Wiebe,
said the most critical shift in the groups gambling
policy was a move away from harm minimisation to prevention.
We
want to prevent a problem from ever happening,
she said.
The
new program was unveiled just weeks after the Federal
Court determined Crown will pay one of the biggest
penalties in Australian corporate history to the financial
crimes watchdog, after past anti-money laundering
and counter-terrorism failings in its Perth and Melbourne
casinos.
The
$450 million fine is about five per cent of Crowns
last listed market capitalisation before it was taken
private by Blackstone Capital for $8.9 billion in
May last year.
In
2019, an investigation by this masthead and 60 Minutes
revealed Crown had been infiltrated by international
criminal syndicates and money launderers.
Crown
was forced to overhaul its board, management and procedures
to satisfy the regulators, who approved a conditional
licence for Crown to operate its Barangaroo casino
in June 2022. The conditional licence is valid until
the end of this year.
Carruthers
said the integrated hospitality offerings at Crown
meant the casino could afford to embrace the shift.
I
want people to enjoy the experience of our casinos
whether theyre coming for dining, casino or
retail. Im fairly agnostic across which one
of those experience or how many of those experiences
you want to enjoy, he said.
Reclusive
Sydney gambling mogul emerges as kingmaker in South
Africa - September 2023
Reclusive
online gambling mogul Martin Moshal is playing an
increasingly influential role in a push to oust the
South African government.
Mr
Moshal, who lives on the exclusive Sydney Harbour
row of Camp Cove alongside shopping centre billionaire
Steven Lowy, is not on many rich lists but has made
a fortune from online casino technology.
Herman
Mashaba is the leader of ActionSA, one of a handful
of opposition parties Mr Moshal has backed in the
lead up to the 2024 South African national election.
Mr Mashaba, known for taking a tough line on immigration
and endorsing hard labour for prisoners, is hoping
the gambling tycoon will continue his support.
I
wish he wont give up on us and help us democratically
remove the [incumbent African National Congress] and
bring about a peaceful transition... please help ActionSA,
Mr Mashaba said in an interview with The Australian
Financial Review.
I
have been lucky to have known Martin long before I
went into politics, he added. I approached
him and he was willing to back me up because he knows
me as a capitalist... Martin was one of the first
to come to the party.
President
Cyril Ramaphosas social democratic African National
Congress party is set to come under pressure next
year amid South Africas dire economic troubles.
A senior party official has warned the country could
become a failed state.
Mr
Moshal is the largest individual political donor in
South Africa in the last two years. He has given 46.5
million rand ($3.8 million), according to electoral
records analysed by My Vote Counts, a non-profit advocating
for more transparency in politics.
Given
the amounts donated it has become clear to us he now
has a large stake in our politics, said Robyn
Pasensie, a researcher at the organisation.
The
size of Mr Moshals wealth is unknown. He is
extremely private and only admitted to his ownership
of online gambling giant Betway after UK journalists
traced his ownership back to offshore trusts. Mr Moshal
did not respond to a request for comment.
Aside
from ActionSA, Mr Moshal has donated to the Democratic
Alliance (DA), Build One South Africa and said he
also intends to support the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Mr Moshal is ActionSAs biggest backer. The Australian
Financial Review is not suggesting Mr Moshal supports
the partys policies.
Im
not saying these parties are all perfect, but we shouldnt
let perfect be the enemy of good... They are all far
better than the government we have today, Mr
Moshal told The Jewish Report earlier this year.
Pirkei
Avot was my late dad John Moshals
favourite part of the Talmud within which Rabbi Tarfon
is quoted as saying, Its not up to you
to finish the task, but you arent free to avoid
it.
Mr
Moshal said he believed South Africa needed a new
government and was on its way to becoming a failed
state.
[This
is a] government thats corrupt, cannot provide
basic security and opportunity to its citizens...
we need the change of government and leadership that
these parties can provide.
ActionSA
is known for advocating for life sentences and hard
labour for serious offenders and also wants to repeal
the ANCs Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment
(B-BBEE) policy, a form of affirmative action introduced
post-apartheid.
Martin
knows my views on racial policies and how dangerous
they are, said Mr Mashaba, who started off in
business and was the founder of African hair care
brand, Black Like Me.
ActionSA
has also been vocal on immigration, views labelled
as xenophobic by some critics and politicians.
We
recognise that South Africa was built... on the back
of migrants, said Mr Mashaba. But they
must come here legally... you break our laws, we will
send you back to your country, the country where you
came from.
One
of South Africas main economic problems is mismanagement
and corruption inside the countrys electricity
utility Eskom. The utility has been forced to implement
rolling blackouts, which have further stymied economic
growth.
If
Eskom cannot run on a commercial basis then it must
die a natural death, Mr Mashaba said, adding
changes were needed to give other companies the opportunity
to compete.
Mr
Moshals Entrée Capital is one of Israels
most active funds in the Israeli VC space. He is the
beneficiary of a trust which is the largest individual
shareholder in Super Group, which became the parent
of Betway and online casino brand Spin after a 2022
listing. The group reported net gaming revenue of
€1.3 billion ($2.1 billion) in 2022.
Moshal
is one of the least visible betting entrepreneurs
in the world, Guardian reporter Rob Davis wrote
in his book Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain.
Moshal
made much of his fortune from his home in Durban where
he patented a series of technological solutions for
the online gambling world and developed them via his
company Microgaming. The company has since become
one of the industrys leading software players
A
philanthropist, he sits on the capital management
advisory committee of Sydneys Moriah College,
alongside Steven Lowy and former Babcock & Brown
chief executive Phil Green. He is also a life trustee
of the Moriah Foundation and previously donated to
Israels SpaceIL project attempting to land spacecraft
on the moon.
SkyCity puts aside $45m for potential AUSTRAC penalty
- August 2023
SkyCity
Entertainment set aside $45 million for a penalty
if it is convicted of breaches of anti-money laundering
and counterterrorism laws.
The
financial crimes watchdog, AUSTRAC, lodged proceedings
against SkyCity in December over alleged serious and
systemic non-compliance with the laws at its Adelaide
casino.
SkyCity
said on Monday it was difficult to determine the size
and timing of the penalty, given the proceedings are
in the early stages. But it decided to lodge a $45
million provision on the basis that each breach attracts
a maximum civil penalty of between $18 million and
$22.2 million.
Estimating
the potential exposure to penalties with any degree
of accuracy at this stage of that ongoing process
remains challenging, particularly given the outcome
is highly dependent on a range of factors which are
not yet known, a statement said.
AUSTRAC
has alleged serious noncompliance with
anti-money laundering laws against SkyCity, claiming
the company allowed 59 suspicious patrons to churn
more than $4 billion in dirty cash through its Adelaide
casino. The independent review is on hold because
of the Federal Court action.
The
company cut full-year earnings expectations at an
investor day in May, with a slowdown in revenue from
the international business and rising legal and compliance
costs related to a crackdown on money laundering weighing
on its bottom line. Analysts have provisioned about
$50 million for the AUSTRAC fine, but there is no
guarantee that will be enough.
In
late May, SkyCity announced it would hire an independent
expert to review its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism
programs. It is still waiting for South Australias
investigation into whether it should hold a casino
licence to recommence.
Judgements
in civil penalty proceedings bought by AUSTRAC to
date demonstrate that the Courts determination
of the appropriate penalty ... is very specific to
the fact in each case and that the Court will have
regard to a broad range of factors, SkyCity
said.
SkyCitys
provision announcement coincided with a $45.6 million
write-down of the Adelaide casino licence, which was
attributed to the value and timing of future discounted
cash flows.
The
company said the impairment and provision were non-cash
and would not affect earnings for fiscal year 2023.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
remain in line with guidance of $NZ300 million ($276.6
million) to $NZ310 million.
SkyCitys
provision comes a month after the federal court agreed
on rival casino operator Crowns $450 million
fine for breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism
laws. The fine is being paid over a two-year period
without interest.
Shares
closed on Friday at $2.09.
Hotel room rates plummet for F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
weekend - September 2023
Hotel
room rates for Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend have fallen
by nearly 60 percent in some cases since they were
first posted last fall. But an industry expert says
that does not necessarily mean interest in the event
is failing to meet expectation.
When
select Las Vegas resorts in November 2022 opened their
booking schedules for race weekend, listed prices
were as high as they have been seen in the citys
history. While still at higher than normal rates,
a major decrease has occurred.
When
a drop in booking pace occurs, it automatically triggers
revenue management systems to suggest the lowering
of room rates, according to Dr. Mehmet Erdem, professor
of hotel operations and technology at UNLVs
William F. Harrah College of Hospitality.
Pennsylvania online casinos cross $5 billion in lifetime
revenue - September 2023
Business
is booming in Pennsylvania. The Keystone State is
the clear market leader when it comes to online casino
revenue within the US. After Augusts total of
$171.9 million, Pennsylvania surpassed the $5 billion
threshold for lifetime revenue.
Pennsylvania
online casinos are constantly upgrading and adding
new content, and customers are responding. It doesnt
appear the market will be slowing down anytime soon,
either.
Pennsylvania
has set the US online casino revenue record four times
over the last 11 months, and almost did so again.
Augusts revenue total of $171.9 million came
second to Marchs figure of $181.5 million. It
was the second-best month of all time for any state
with legal online casinos.
Atlantic City: Five-year turnaround of Ocean Casino
Resort among citys greatest successes - September
2023
In
the winter of 2019, if any New Jersey sportsbook had
tried to offer odds on the Atlantic City casino hotel
then known as Ocean Resort Casino making it through
another summer, no gambler in their right mind would
have taken the bet.
Fast
forward to the end of summer 2023, and the property
now called Ocean Casino Resort is one of the citys
best performers. In fact, an argument can be made
that Oceans rise to the upper echelon of the
Atlantic City casino market is the most remarkable
turnaround of any gambling parlor in history.
From
its failed origins as Revel Casino Hotel to its seemingly
doomed trajectory in February 2019, the $2.4 billion
casino at the north end of the AC Boardwalk felt almost
cursed (if you believe in that kind of stuff). But,
apparently, the gambling gods decided Ocean was deserving
of a better fate.
Once shunned by casino operators, responsible gaming
campaign turns 25
At
a time when problem gambling matters were rarely mentioned
in gaming company boardrooms, Harrahs Entertainment
decided the issue needed to be raised on casino floors.
But
it wasnt just rival corporate executives that
looked askance at the idea of employees learning how
to spot signs that a customer might have a gambling
problem.
Our
own lawyers tried to block it, recalled Jan
Jones Blackhurst, who was then a Harrahs senior
vice president. With the support of company CEO Phil
Satre, she led Harrahs launch of the casino
industrys first responsible gaming initiative
in the mid-1990s.
We
had employees that wanted to be educated on the subject.
They wanted to be able to help, said Jones Blackhurst,
who completed two terms as Las Vegas mayor before
joining Harrahs. Maybe because I came
out of politics. You have a responsibility to your
communities, your customers and your employees. We
believed it was the right thing to do.
Sportsbooks ratchet up targeted advertising at start
of NFL season
Shortly
after the NFL forged authorized gaming partnerships
with a host of leading sportsbooks in the 2021 offseason,
operators began flooding the airwaves with a series
of humorous spots that featured celebrities hawking
their products.
Caesars
Sportsbook spent lavishly on an ad package starring
the Manning Brothers and actor J.B. Smoove as the
eponymous emperor. During Super Bowl LVII last February,
Kevin Hart expressed his displeasure for taking
the under in a DraftKings spot while standing
mere feet from WWE wrestler The Undertaker. Another
commercial from FanDuel featured a live field goal
attempt by former New England Patriots tight end Rob
Gronkowski, one that drifted wide left of the upright
at the last second.
Former lieutenant governor calls for Nevada Gaming
Commission cyber briefing after MGM and Caesars hacks
- September 2023
In
light of cyberattacks on MGM Resorts International
and Caesars Entertainment, former Nevada Lt. Gov.
Brian Krolicki, now a Nevada Gaming Commission member,
called for a briefing on the hacking incident to shed
more light on what happened and how it can be prevented
in the future.
The
suggestion comes the same day the Massachusetts Gaming
Commission met in executive session to consider
information related to an MGM cybersecurity issue.
It held a similar closed meeting on Monday.
After
it returned to the public session on Thursday, the
Commission entered into an executive session regarding
security at MGM Springfield, according to the Commission
agenda.
Krolicki
made his comments at the end of Thursdays five-hour
meeting of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Since it
was made during the public comment session, the commission
could not take up the matter, but its likely
the issue will return to the Commission and the Nevada
Gaming Control Board at some point.
In
the latest cyberattack that started being felt Sept.
10 and went into this week, hackers knocked slot machines
out of commission and created havoc with ATMs and
computer systems. MGM, which is reported by a Wall
Street analyst to have lost between $4.2 million and
$8.4 million a day with the hack, said its systems
were operating normally across their properties nationwide
as of Wednesday. Caesars reported it was hacked in
late August and had customer information stolen but
paid a $15 million ransom that avoided any shutdowns.
In
December, the Commission approved cybersecurity regulations
for the states gaming industry to protect operators
information systems from attacks that could shutter
casinos and compromise customer data. The rules went
into effect Jan. 1. That approval came right after
BetMGM reported that its customers personal
information including Social Security numbers
was obtained in an unauthorized manner and
included information on their transactions.
In
the regulations, casinos were required to do a risk
assessment of their systems by the end of 2023 and
take any necessary steps on an ongoing basis to ward
off an attack. If any breach was successful that compromised
player data, credit card information and other records,
including that of employees, properties would be required
to report it to gaming regulators within 72 hours.
It
would be important and enlightening given the recent
events of the past week regarding cyber security and
ransomware in particular at MGM and our friends at
Caesars and look at how it impacts our world and regulatory
responsibilities, Krolicki said, later adding,
I think at some point in time when theres
the energy and understanding of what just happened
if we could get some kind of briefing of what transpired
thats appropriate for public record and perhaps
policies going forward of how do we avoid these things
and if they do happen whether the reporting schemes
on whether it was immediately reported to the Gaming
Control Board. There are a lot of questions and a
lot of publicity. Its a global story, and I
just think it would behoove all of us to get a good
handle on what just happened.
The
Nevada Gaming Control Board released a statement on
Sept. 13 saying Gov. Joe Lombardo and the board are
monitoring the cybersecurity incident with MGM Resorts
and are in communication with company executives.
Additionally, the Nevada Gaming Control Board remains
in communication with other law enforcement agencies.
Casino
consultant Brendan Bussmann, managing partner of B
Global, which tracks gaming boards and commissions,
said the Massachusetts hearing wont be the last
and expects states across the country to hold similar
sessions wanting to hear from MGM executives.
Nevada
is the second regulator that I know has raised their
hand on this after Massachusetts, Bussmann said.
It should be about what happened and how it
happened, which should be considered confidential
information. This is going to be a question that every
regulator for both commercial gaming and tribal gaming
is going to be concerned about. Since were still
trying to figure out what happened, then we can see
what tools we need as an industry to beef up our efforts
on cyber-related events.
While
everyone is focused today on MGM and Caesars, this
is not the first cyber attack, Bussmann said.
This
can go back to the Las Vegas Sands attacks in 2014
from the Iranians and any other data breaches that
happened between then and now, Bussmann said.
I would expect every state at a minimum has
MGM and Caesars in it to at least say what happened
and what can we do regulatory to help this and what
can we do with testing and what can we do IT and host
of things.
Bussmann
said the regulators cant be reactionary but
instead should get evidence on how it happened and
use the best resources outside of the casino industry,
such as security firms, to do it right.
Theres
no one better suited to regulate Nevada on this issue
than the Gaming Control Board in working with law
enforcement partners across the country, Bussmann
said.
2023
Casino,
Gaming, Sports Betting and Pop Culture News
DraftKings
lays off roughly 140 employees in corporate restructure
DraftKings
is eliminating about 140 jobs, part of what the sports
betting company is calling a reorganization. A majority
of the eliminated positions are based in Europe, Asia
and the Middle East, and primarily span both engineering
and HR roles related to hiring, according to someone
with direct knowledge of the moves. The 140 positions
amount to a low single-digit percentage of the companys
workforce. DraftKings stock jumped nearly 10% on the
day to close at $16.48.
Penn
Entertainment reports small year-over-year revenue
increase in Q4 despite Mattress Mack payout
Despite
a huge winning bet by Jim Mattress Mack
McIngvale and inclement weather in December, Penn
Entertainments 2022 fourth-quarter results were
consistent, according to CEO Jay Snowden during Thursdays
investors call. McIngvales bet on the
Houston Astros to win the World Series via Penns
Barstool Sportsbook cost Penn $10 million. And Snowden
claimed that severe weather in certain parts
of the country...put a drag on revenue.
Las
Vegas sports news
If
the Oakland Athletics relocate to Las Vegas, north
Strip and downtown resort operators would strongly
support the team building a $1 billion ballpark in
their area. Resorts World Las Vegas President Scott
Sibella confirmed that he and hotel owners from the
north Strip and downtown Las Vegas met with As
brass Wednesday. They discussed the potential of a
35,000-seat domed stadium on the Las Vegas Festival
Grounds site, located on the southwest corner of Las
Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue.
Las
Vegas Strip breaks monthly revenue record
Led
by a record surge on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada closed
2022 with its 22nd consecutive months of $1 billion
and higher in gaming revenue and added to its record
gaming revenue for the year, which was set in November.
For calendar-year 2022, Nevada reported $14.8 billion
in gaming revenue, topping the $13.4 billion in 2021,
a 10.5% increase. The Nevada Gaming Control Board
reported Tuesday that casinos collected $1.31 billion
in revenue in December, a 14.3% jump over December
2021.
Sharp
bettors weigh in quickly on Super Bowl; two 6-figure
wagers
Patrick
Mahomes needed all of his magic to help send the Chiefs
to their third Super Bowl in four years. But sharp
bettors dont believe in magic. Theyre
banking on the Philadelphia Eagles to beat Kansas
City in Super Bowl LVII for the franchises second
NFL title in six years. Less than 30 minutes after
the Super Bowl line opened at pickem at multiple
sportsbooks, the Eagles emerged as consensus 1½-point
favorites.
Governor
names ex-judge George Assad to seat on Nevada Gaming
Control Board
Former
Las Vegas judge George Assad, who was sanctioned by
judicial overseers for a punishment he meted out and
lost his re-election bid after his son robbed the
Bellagio in a high-profile heist more than a decade
ago, was named to the Gaming Control Board on Monday
by Gov. Joe Lombardo. Assad, 71, who was a Las Vegas
Municipal Court judge from 2002 until 2011, will have
a four-year term as a member of the board that directs
the statewide agency charged with regulating and enforcing
laws.
Tribes
need to do a better job of coordination
Tribal
organizations with departments ranging from casino
gaming to health care need to do a better job of understanding
everyones needs, thinking strategically, and
working toward common goals that benefit tribes for
the long term. That was the prevailing sentiment that
emerged from the panel discussion, The Top Five
Things Tribal Councils Should Expect and Evaluate
from Their Executive Leaders, held at the Raving
Next gaming conference in Albuquerque.
Some
overdue recognition
Ive
always been a fan of awards in the gambling industry.
In my mind, any recognition beyond a paycheck and
a pat on the back has value. Our industry has never
lacked awards. The biggest enchilada is certainly
induction into the American Gaming Associations
Hall of Fame. Like all Halls of Fame, only the most
successful movers and shakers get inducted into the
AGAs Hall, no posers or wannabes. Many gaming-media
companies issue awards, including regional gambling
publications and newspapers that serve casino cities,
although most newspapers are just trying to sell advertising
to the honored casinos and companies.
Industry
poised for biggest-ever ICE London
Clarion
Gaming has confirmed next weeks ICE London 2023
will be the biggest on record, occupying 41 halls
of its London ExCeL home. Having returned from the
pandemic last April with a scaled-back offering, this
years ICE will occupy 51,466 square metres of
the London-docklands exhibition centre, exceeding
the previous high of 49,690 m2 in 2020. Sister show
iGB Affiliate London will occupy ExCels remaining
three halls, with a weeks worth of satellite
events throughout London.
Las
Vegas tourism helps fuel strong Boyd Gaming earnings
Aided
by a boost in the Las Vegas economy and tourism, Boyd
Gaming set a record for revenue and adjusted earnings
during the fourth quarter and 2022 as a whole, setting
the stage for strong earning reports to come in February
from Strip and other operators. For all of 2022, Boyd
Gaming reported revenue of $3.56 billion, compared
to $3.37 billion for 2021. Net income was $639.4 million,
or $5.87 per share, compared to net income of $463.8
million, or $4.07 per share, for 2021.
Aristocrat
finalizes acquisition of Roxor Gaming
Aristocrat
Leisure Limited Friday announced it has completed
the acquisition of igaming supplier Roxor Gaming Limited.
The deal was first announced in September 2022. Roxor
will form part of Aristocrats igaming business
Anaxi, which was rebranded in October 2022. Aristocrat
initially announced the creation of a dedicated igaming
business in February 2022 to pair with Aristocrat
Gaming and the Pixel United mobile-first publishing
business. Were thrilled to welcome Roxor
to Anaxi and the broader Aristocrat group, said
Anaxi CEO Mitchell Brown in a statement.
Texas:
Casinos in Dallas-Fort Worth? Lawmakers will consider
expanded gambling
A
North Texas representative has filed legislation to
expand casino gambling in Texas and legalize sports
betting. Fort Worth Republican Rep. Charlie Geren
filed the proposal on Friday. The legislation is supported
The Destination Resort Alliance, which is backed by
casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands. It remains
to be seen whether the bill passes in a state that
in the past has been reluctant to expand gaming, but
Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan have
left the door open for expanded casino gambling as
the legislative session that started in January begins
to ramp up.
Las
Vegas tourism helps fuel strong Boyd Gaming earnings
National
(results) - Aided by a boost in the Las Vegas economy
and tourism, Boyd Gaming set a record for revenue
and adjusted earnings during the fourth quarter and
2022 as a whole, setting the stage for strong earning
reports to come in February from Strip and other operators.
For all of 2022, Boyd Gaming reported revenue of $3.56
billion, compared to $3.37 billion for 2021. Net income
was $639.4 million, or $5.87 per share, compared to
net income of $463.8 million, or $4.07 per share,
for 2021. Total adjusted EBITDAR for 2022 was $1.39
billion versus $1.37 billion for 2021. Full-year 2022
adjusted earnings were $662.0 million, or $6.07 per
share, compared to adjusted earnings of $584.2 million,
or $5.12 per share, for 2021.
Penn
reports small year-over-year revenue increase in Q4
National
(results) - Despite a huge winning bet by Jim Mattress
Mack McIngvale and inclement weather in December,
Penn Entertainments 2022 fourth-quarter results
were consistent
Penns revenue for the fourth
quarter reached $1.6 billion, a year-over-year increase
of 0.8%. But net income for the quarter, $20.8 million,
decreased by more than 50% compared to the $44.8 million
generated in the fourth quarter of 2021.
The
World Series of Poker announces its full 2023 schedule
Nevada
(Las Vegas) - The World Series of Poker has announced
its full summer schedule with an eye on having the
largest Main Event field in history and, if it happens,
awarding the poker promotion of a lifetime. The 54th
version of the worlds largest poker tournament
runs May 30-July 18 at the recently rebranded Horseshoe
Las Vegas with 95 bracelet events. The No-Limit Hold
em World Championship, known as The Main
Event, will take place from July 3 to 17 and
if it sets a record for entries, one entrant will
be drawn at random to win a Main Event for Life package,
buying him or her into the next 30 Main Events.
Video
gambling up statewide, mostly flat in area in 2022
Illinois
(slots/results) - Video-gambling terminals in Illinois
continued to rake in the dough in 2022, though in
our area, revenues were flat or fell slightly
the
amount of money put in minus the amount paid out
amounted to $2.71 billion in 2022, a 9.5 percent increase
over 2021's $2.47 billion. At the same time, the number
of terminals grew by about 7.6 percent, from 41,826
at the end of 2021 to a hair over 45,000 a year later.
Officials
moving forward with plans for Diamond Jacks Casino
Louisiana
(Bossier City) On Feb. 1, Mayor Tommy Chandler of
Bossier City met with the Foundation Gaming Group
to discuss the construction activity which will soon
be happening at the former Diamond Jacks Casino property
Chandler
and members of his staff met with the group and the
project's general contractor AnderCorp to discuss
the initial details of the future transformation on
this casino and hotel.
Horseshoe
Casino Baltimore workers rally
Maryland
(Baltimore) - Unionized workers at Horseshoe Casino
Baltimore are demanding raises in line with others
in the gaming and hospitality industry in the city
and elsewhere, saying casino revenues have rebounded
since the pandemic while compensation has stalled.
About 20 workers and union representatives demonstrated
Wednesday in front of the casino on Russell Street
near downtown, calling for raises, holiday pay and
other changes. Workers said bargaining has stalled
with owner Caesars Entertainment on a contract that
expired in October.
The
High Rollers
News
The
Psychology of High Rollers: What Motivates Big-Time
Gamblers?
We've
all heard about them, but have you ever wondered who
high-rollers really are? To get an answer to this
intriguing question, we must first define this category.
So, high-rollers are individuals who enjoy gambling
and are willing to wager large sums of money on their
favorite casino games.
Generally,
they are wealthy individuals (business people, celebrities,
royalty, etc.) who can afford to spend large amounts
on entertainment. Of course, they can also afford
to lose thousands of dollars without worrying about
the consequences.
You
can easily recognize them because they are usually
attracted to the adrenaline rush and excitement. Sometimes
they tried other adrenaline-rush activities before
deciding to get involved in high-stakes gambling.
You'll find them in both land-based and online casinos
like Spinfever, and many of these establishments offer
specially-designed perks and incentives to attract
and retain this category of players.
The
Role of Money: Why Do High Rollers Keep Betting Big?
Some
might say it's all about the money regarding high
rollers, but that's not the case. Still, it's a crucial
motivator for this category of casino players when
it comes to placing big stakes in brick-and-mortar
or online casino sites. The potential for high payouts
is a significant draw for high-rollers looking to
turn their bets into big wins.
In
most cases, these individuals are wealthy and have
much disposable income, making it easier to take risks
and place large bets. We've all heard the basic rule
of gambling - don't gamble the money you can't afford
to lose. These people keep getting big because they
won't notice the losses even if they enter a losing
streak.
Of
course, we shouldn't ignore the fact that there's
an opportunity for these people to win significant
amounts of money. Yes, they are already wealthy, but
they can always become wealthier. So, the potential
rewards seem attractive to high rollers because they
can get more power and influence, improve their status
and prestige, and support their lifestyle thanks to
the big prizes.
Beyond
Money: The Other Factors that Motivate High Rollers
The
chance to win substantial amounts of money can be
an excellent motivator for many people. Still, it's
not just the financial gains that make high rollers
keep betting big. We created a list of other things
contributing to this behavior and lifestyle.
The
Thrill
For
high-rollers, the thrill of winning and the chance
of earning even more money can be compelling. The
larger the bet, the greater the potential payout,
and the more exciting the game becomes. This approach
to this form of entertainment keeps players on the
edge of their seats, which is why it's often a major
factor in motivating high-rollers to place large stakes
at casinos.
The
Feeling of Exclusivity and the VIP Treatment
Another
thing that makes high-rollers consider wagering a
lot of money is the exclusivity and VIP treatment
accompanying these players. Whether they prefer online
casinos or their physical counterparts, it doesn't
matter because the best options usually provide special
perks and deals to make high-rollers join these casinos
and keep coming back.
For
instance, some can enter private gaming rooms or access
luxurious accommodations and personalized services.
Many online casinos with VIP programs provide special
gifts and access to exclusive tournaments to high-rollers.
Some of them have bonuses and promos designed for
these users. In any case, these exclusive perks can
make high-rollers feel valued and appreciated and
motivate them to continue betting big at casinos.
The
Challenge
Besides
the potential for high payouts and unique incentives,
high-rollers find this form of gambling attractive
due to the challenge of playing high-stakes casino
games. Games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat require
a high degree of strategy and skills and offer the
potential for high rewards for those who are successful.
Those who enjoy a good challenge will find these high-stake
games particularly appealing.
Final
Thoughts
All
in all, money is a significant motivator for high-rollers
when it comes to using big stakes in casinos, but
this is not the only thing that makes them visit these
places. The exclusivity and VIP treatment, the challenge
of playing high-stakes games requiring skills, knowledge,
and strategy, and the thrill also motivate these players
to take risks and bet big.
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'Powerhouse':
WWE, UFC merge to create $21b sporting giant

Expert.
Experience. Authority. Trustworthiness
PRNEWS.IO

EIN
Presswire
News
Pop
Culture News via Media Man
WWE
Raw continues to push creative envelope and vast majority
of fans and media love it; Liv Morgan, Dirty Dom and
Rhea Ripley connection
All
Elite Wrestling presenting many excellent technical
wrestling matches for television: Collision, Dynamic
and Rampage
Conor
McGregor vs Michael Chandler still looks to be on
for UFC 303. June 29, 2024
Alien:
Romulus trailer released by 20th Century Studios
Billy
Cogan's Adventures In Carnyland Enjoying Exposure
via The CW App
Frank
Miller: American Genius doco trailer finds its audience;
Somewhat preaching to the converted
Boxing:
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson delayed to end of year due
to Tyson's flared up medical situation; November 15,
2024. Broadcasting globally via Netflix
Furiousa:
A Mad Max Saga under performs at box office despite
being excellent film. Actor Nathan Jones offers explanation
via social media
Boxing:
Fury vs Usyk 2. December 21, 2024
Pop
culture news website sector remains over saturated;
SEO element very important says Media Man Group/Media
Man Australia/Media Man Int
Movie
Box Office (North America)
Movie
Box Office (North America)
June
30, 2024
1.
Inside Out 2 - $57.4m
2.
A Quiet Place: Day One - $53m
3.
Horizon: An American Saga: Chapter 1 - $11m
4.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $10m plus
5.
Kalki 2898 AD - $10m plus
6.
The Bikeriders - $3.3m
7.
The Garfield Movie - $2m
8.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes - $1.7m
9.
Jatt & Juliet 3 - $1.52m
10.
Kinds of Kindness - $1.5m
others...
Blue
Lock Thee Movie - Episode Nagi
Daddio
Janet
Planet
The
Watchers
IF
The
Exorcism
Thelma
The
Watchers
GHOST
Rite Here Rite Now
Furiosa:
A Mad Max Story
The
Fall Guy
The
Strangers: Chapter 1
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings
Haikyuu!!
The Dumpster Battle
In
a Violent Nature
Ezra
Sight
*
Correct at time of publication
News
Box
office numbers down approx 70 percent from last year
(References:
Wikipedia, Box Office Mojo, IMDb, Deadline and The
Hollywood Reporter)
Movie
Box Office (North America)
1.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die - $56m
2.
Garfield - $10m
3.
If - $8m
4.
The Watchers - $7m
5.
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes - $5.4m
6.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - $4m
7.
The Fall Guy - $2.7m
8.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 - $1.8m
9.
Haikyuu! The Dumpster Battle - $800,000
10.
In a Violent Nature - $640,000
Media
Man Group
Media
Man Int
Movies
(Media Man Int)
News
Word
Life
A.
Authority, Agent, Algorithm, Awake, Ads and Alphabet
B.
Balls, Balance and Blogs
C.
Creative and Content
D.
Digital and Disrupt
E.
Expert, Entertainment and Exposure
F. Fix
G.
Go, Grappling, Genuine, Gems, Gold and Gonzo
H.
Hits and Hashtags
I.
Instinct and Instagram
J.
Jewels and Journalism
K.
Karate and Keywords
L.
Lift and LinkedIn
M.
Money, Moneytize and MMA
N.
Numbers and News
O.
Open and Online News
P.
Passion, Promotions, Platforms and Pop Culture
Q.
Questions
R. Revenue and Results
S.
Suplex, Space X and Social Media
T.
Trust, Twitter, Tesla and Trends
U.
Universe, Unique and UFC
V.
Vortex
W.
Wrestling,
W.
Words, Webcode and World
X.
X-Journo and X.
Y.
YouTube and YouTube Shorts
Z.
Zoom
Elon
Musk loses $30 billion in one day amid Wall Streets
tech wipeout - 21st July 2023
Elon
Musks fortune slumped $US20.3 billion ($29.5
billion) after Tesla warned it may have to keep cutting
the prices of its electric vehicles, sending shares
tumbling.
The
drop in net worth to $US234.4 billion is the seventh-largest
decline ever among those in the Bloomberg Billionaires
Index, and further narrows the wealth gap between
Musk and Bernard Arnault, the worlds two richest
people. Musks fortune still exceeds that of
Arnault, chairman of luxury goods maker LVMH, by about
$US33 billion.
Musk
wasnt the only US technology billionaire having
a tough day. Amazon.com s Jeff Bezos, Oracle
Corp.s Larry Ellison, former Microsoft CEO Steve
Ballmer, Metas Mark Zuckerberg and Alphabet
co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin shed a collective
$US20.8 billion in net worth as the tech-heavy Nasdaq
100 fell 2.3 per cent.
Shares
of Tesla slid 9.7 per cent to $US262.90 in New York,
the most since April 20, after the company warned
of more hits to its already-shrinking profitability.
Months of markdowns have taken a toll on automotive
gross margin, which fell to a four-year low in the
second quarter. Musk, the companys CEO, said
Tesla will have to keep lowering prices if interest
rates continue to rise.
In
addition to potentially having to budge further on
pricing, Tesla is pouring money into new models, including
the behind-schedule Cybertruck, plus Dojo, the in-house
supercomputer Musk plans to spend at least $US1 billion
on by the end of next year. While Tesla remains on
track to produce around 1.8 million vehicles in 2023,
output will dip this quarter due to factory upgrades.
It
does make sense to sacrifice margins in favour of
making more vehicles, because we think in the not-too-distant
future they will have a dramatic valuation increase,
Musk said, referring to his belief Tesla will eventually
offer autonomous-driving capability that will make
already-sold cars worth more.
Adding
to Teslas challenges is its growing inventory
of cars. The company said it now has 16 days
worth of supply globally, up from 15 days last quarter
and just four days a year ago. Inventory continued
to build despite steep discounts on Teslas best-selling
models, and perks including free charging that the
carmaker offered consumers.
Musk,
52, derives his wealth primarily from his stake in
the EV manufacturer, as well as his holdings in Space
Exploration Technologies and Twitter. His wealth had
increased about $US118 billion this year through Wednesday,
as shares of Tesla climbed 136 per cent.
Arnault,
74, has seen his net worth rise by $US39 billion this
year to $US201.2 billion. Shares of Paris-based LVMH
have gained 26 per cent in 2023.
FIFA
deletes Matildas fans World Cup videos from
social media
Fans
who shared footage taken inside World Cup stadiums
have had their videos wiped from social media after
complaints from footballs organising body FIFA.
Strict
rules buried in the 13 pages of fine print that accompany
match tickets specify that people not broadcast live
or near live material from the grounds on their
personal social media accounts, to protect broadcasters
rights.
But
the fine print gives FIFA discretion to decide what
constitutes a near live broadcast, so
that fans who uploaded mobile phone footage of crowds
celebrating several hours after the Matildas
one-nil win over Ireland at Stadium Australia on Thursday
had footage deleted.
This
masthead also is not allowed to use any images legally
from these videos.
I
took some footage throughout the game, including the
penalty, which was at the far end of the ground,
said Dan, who requested that his surname not be published.
Then I sort of looped around and got some of
the amazing crowd reactions.
Later,
around midnight, I uploaded it on Instagram. In the
early hours of the morning I opened Instagram and
there was a copyright notice and the video had been
deleted.
Dan
later received an email from Instagram saying he could
contact the complainant, Fédération
Internationale de Football Association, to resolve
the issue. He reposted his video, which at the time
of writing is still live.
FIFA
did not comment directly on Dans case but said
some people posting social media videos would have
them removed because the organisation was conducting
a large operation against digital piracy.
Some
innocuous social media posts may be swept up by algorithms
searching for pirate broadcasters, especially those
that feature snippets of on-field action, it said.
Digital
rights are quite restricted so as to protect broadcast
rights, a spokesman said.
FIFA
said it broadly encouraged people to post images from
matches on social media. While some videos have been
deleted, most are still up, including one posted by
environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who captured
the same goal as Dan from a different angle and posted
it to her Instagram page.
It
does seem like overreach to target people who are
just sharing content of a major sporting event,
said Isabella Alexander, a law professor at the University
of Technology Sydney.
I
think its common for live sporting events to
be very strictly controlled because of the value of
the broadcast rights - and because theres no
copyright on the actual sporting event itself the
way they can enforce it is via the fine print on the
tickets, she said.
Its
probably not common for tickets to have quite the
range of provisions like this, but since nobody ever
reads them, how would we know?
Other
social media platforms have seen World Cup content
removed this week. Journalist Hamish McNeilly from
the Stuff website had a tweet that contained a short
video from the match between New Zealand and Norway
deleted on Thursday night, and posted a take down
notice he received from FIFA shortly afterwards.
FIFAs
control of imagery can seem extreme. During the 2018
mens world cup, footballs governing body
ordered Twitter to take down a short video of seven-year-old
England fan Alex Conn dancing in his living room because
a TV showing a match could be glimpsed in the background.
It
just seems a bit pathetic, Alexs mother
Kathryn told NBC at the time. The fact that
the TV is on in the background is largely incidental.
Hes just enjoying himself and enjoying the game.
FIFA
struck controversy earlier this month when a directive
to cover up plaques of seven Australian athletes at
Allianz Stadium met outrage from some in the sporting
community.
The
move, part of FIFAs clean site policy
to remove all non-World Cup branding from venues,
was reversed last week.
What,
so betting markets can be changed? Robinson
backs Matildas over Kerr injury
Three-time
NRL premiership winning coach Trent Robinson has emerged
as an unlikely ally for Matildas counterpart Tony
Gustavsson after he attracted criticism for keeping
Sam Kerrs World Cup injury a secret.
Kerrs
shock withdrawal from Australias tournament-opening
win over Ireland due to a calf injury was kept under
wraps by the Matildas right up until final teams were
named 90 minutes before kick-off on Thursday night.
Kerr
and Gustavsson spoke at a pre-game press conference
as though the worlds best player was not in
any doubt despite knowing she had suffered the injury
earlier in the day and wouldnt play.
In
his post-match press conference, Gustavsson appealed
for understanding as to the tactical advantage gained
by not flagging Kerrs injury, and told host
broadcaster Channel 7 in a separate interview that
we werent honest in the press conference
[because] we didnt have all the information
either.
Robinson
was at the centre of a similar narrative around Cooper
Cronk leading into the Roosters 2018 grand final
triumph, when the star half was in doubt with a serious
shoulder injury and Robinson ducked and weaved around
the question of whether the star halfback would play
until 30 minutes before kick-off. Cronk played the
match despite having suffered what was revealed to
be a badly broken shoulder blade.
What,
are you saying we should tell everyone so the betting
markets can be changed? Robinson responded when
asked about keeping team secrets under intense scrutiny.
There
was a bit written about it [in 2018], but its
not going to change people turning up. The objective
of a coach is to win a game other people might
have a difference of opinion but our job is
to create intrigue and guessing in the opposition.
Showing
your cards days and weeks before a game is giving
a bit of a tip sheet to the opposition. People wouldnt
have turned up if they found out? People wouldnt
have watched?
The
coachs job for Australia is to win the game,
and if that was a tactical advantage so Australia
could win the game then I think were happy with
that as Australians rather than having the knowledge
hours before that Sam wasnt playing.
Gustavsson
declined to answer a pre-game question about the fitness
of his players and was similarly coy after Australias
win when pressed on Kerrs availability for the
rest of the tournament.
Questions
about how Kerr was injured and the nature of her calf
issue were dead-batted, confirming only that the Chelsea
superstar will miss next Thursdays clash against
Nigeria, with a match against Canada following four
days later.
There
is then a weeks break until Australias
prospective round of 16 fixture on August 7.
Shes
going to be out for two games, and then well
reassess afterwards, Gustavsson said. That
tells you a little bit about what grade it is, but
we dont want to go into more details on that
at this point.
Nike
versus Puma: The ambush marketing campaign dividing
the Matildas
Football
Australia has blocked players from the pioneering
1975 Australian womens team from referring to
themselves as former Matildas as part of an ambush
marketing campaign by a rival apparel brand that has
bitterly divided the national teams alumni network.
A
long-running debate over who should be regarded as
the first Matildas and thus the
true matriarchs of the sport in Australia has
erupted in the build-up to the FIFA Womens World
Cup, implicating current players and, according to
one source who did not wish to be named due to the
sensitive nature of the situation, has even ruined
friendships between ex-teammates.
It
relates to the team that wore green and gold at the
1975 Asian Cup Ladies Football Tournament in Hong
Kong, whose groundbreaking role in Australian womens
football was given overdue formal recognition by FA
for the first time in May 2022, after almost half
a century in the shadows.
But
because FAs historical committee unanimously
ruled they were a club team with the majority
of the 16 players drawn from all-conquering Sydney
side St George Budapest, including coach Joe OConnor,
and the rest from NSW rivals the federation
stopped short of classifying them as full-blown Matildas
due to the absence of a competitive national selection
process.
The
team had gained permission from Sir Arthur George,
the chair of the FIFA-affiliated Australian Soccer
Federation, to wear the national colours and coat
of arms although the ASF had no involvement
at the time with the womens game, which was
run by the Australian Womens Soccer Association,
which formed a year earlier.
The
1975ers were offered unnumbered caps by FA, inclusion
in the federations official records, recognition
as the first womens team to represent Australia
in an internationally sanctioned tournament, and entry
into the Matildas Alumni club, which holds various
functions and events for ex-players.
But
they thumbed their nose at FAs offer, and 10
of them have since linked up with Puma a direct
competitor to the Matildas apparel sponsors
Nike which has launched a reported six-figure
advertising campaign spotlighting the 1975 players
with billboards, social media advertising and various
other pieces of content telling their remarkable story.
The
1975ers are shown shedding tears as they read out
a letter of recognition from Pumas Oceania general
manager Pancho Gutstein in one video. In another,
current Matildas Charli Grant and Aivi Luik, as well
as AFL stars Toby Greene and Scott Pendlebury
who all have individual endorsement deals with Puma
announce the names of the players who will
take part in a walking football rematch
against New Zealand, their rivals at that tournament
in Hong Kong, to be held on Cockatoo Island in Sydney
this weekend.
The
players, who have been dubbed the OGs
by Puma, were reunited for the first time since 1975,
supplied with branded tracksuits and shoes, and have
also been provided tickets for Thursday nights
clash between Australia and Ireland. They will watch
it with their New Zealand counterparts despite
the Football Ferns hosting Norway in the tournaments
opener in Auckland on the same day.
FA
says it planned to produce similar video content highlighting
the players contributions had they taken up
the offer made to them last year. Gutstein confirmed
that when Pumas campaign launched, an FA executive
made contact and warned them about not breaching the
federations IP, including use of the term Matildas,
the trademark for which is owned by FA.
Last
month, FA submitted another trademark request for
Tillies, a shortened version of the teams
nickname commonly used by fans.
FA
said it did not hold a view on the Puma
campaign as it didnt infringe on any trademarks
or their partnership with Nike, which was also contacted
for comment.
FAs
board will review the 1975ers claims again after
the World Cup, with the players believed to be undeterred
in their pursuit of further recognition despite
FAs historians and some ex-Matildas, while recognising
the significance of their achievements, believing
they are overreaching by demanding numbered caps.
With
regard to the debate, thats really not our call
at all, said Gutstein. We just think that
they have an amazing story. Its a wonderful
year to celebrate and share that story. Puma
sponsors only two of the 32 teams at the World Cup,
while Adidas has a longstanding deal with FIFA.
Unnumbered
caps were also recently offered to and accepted
by the 1978 Australian team, which FA says
was the first senior womens side selected through
a national process, but since they competed against
club teams at an invitational tournament in Taiwan
that year, and not against other nations, those matches
are also not seen as full A internationals.
Of
the 16 players from the 1975 team, two have since
passed away, as has coach OConnor, and only
three went on to earn numbered caps by playing in
full A international matches. Inaugural
Matildas captain Julie Dolan was one of them, and
featured in the 1979 clash against New Zealand that
FA recognises as the Matildas first A
international, as well as the 1978 team.
Dolan
is not involved with the Puma campaign. She declined
to comment; sources close to Dolan claim her family
was verbally abused the last time she weighed in on
the topic. Dolan is the holder of Matildas cap No.1,
a status which has led to prominent roles in FA and
FIFA activities at World Cup events, and one she would
theoretically lose if the caps were to be reshuffled
to accommodate the 1975ers as some of her ex-teammates
seem to insist should happen.
In
a public Facebook post, former FA director Heather
Reid alleges the Puma campaigns narrative smacks
of deception, sparking a slanging match in the
comments where 1975 player Trixie Tagg accuses her
of trying to rewrite our history and describing
the teams treatment as that of illegitimate
cousins. Others questioned what they said was
an exclusionary approach.
Tagg
said in an article on The Roar in 2020 that simply
being acknowledged by FA as they were last
year would mean the world to us,
and that the players would never expect cap numbers
to be changed.
In
another post on a private Matildas Alumni group, seen
by this masthead, one ex-player wrote: Given
the choice between honesty and kindness, most of us
have chosen kindness. But after the Puma campaign
... its time for honesty.
A
team that isnt nationally selected doesnt
pass the test to be classified as a national team
regardless of what colours they were allowed
to wear. We all played many games in green & gold
that werent classified as A international caps,
for a whole range of reasons. A team where nobody
else has an opportunity to be chosen simply isnt
a national team.
Whoever
is giving them false expectations is not doing them,
or football, any favours. Its sad to see this
divide our game.
McGregor 'will not be intimidated' over sexual assault
allegation from Miami Heat NBA finals game - June
2023
Thee
NBA and the Miami Heat are investigating an allegation
former UFC champion Conor McGregor sexually assaulted
a woman inside an arena bathroom after Game 4 of the
NBA Finals.
The
womans attorney, Ariel Mitchell, said her client
has provided Miami police with the clothing she was
wearing on the night and a report had been filed.
McGregors
attorney said the fighter denied any wrongdoing. McGregor
will not be intimidated, said lawyer Barbara
Llanes.
In
letters sent to the NBA, the Heat and McGregors
representatives, Mitchell detailed her clients
allegations and said the client would discuss reasonable
settlement offers before June 12 or else proceed
with litigation.
We
are aware of the allegations and are conducting a
full investigation, read a statement from the
Heat. Pending the outcome of the investigation,
we will withhold further comment.
The
NBA had a similar statement, saying it was working
with the Heat to gather information.
The
alleged incident happened on the same night McGregor
knocked out the Heat mascot in a midgame bit that
went wrong.
Burnie,
more specifically the man who occupies Burnies
costume, briefly sought medical attention Friday night
after taking two punches from McGregor during a third-quarter
stoppage of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Heat
and the Denver Nuggets.
The
employee, who was not identified, received pain medication
and was recovering, the team said.
McGregor
was there as a promotional gimmick for a pain-relief
spray and was booed by many in the Miami crowd even
before the bit started.
The
flame mascot was wearing oversized boxing gloves and
a robe akin to what a fighter would wear entering
the ring for a bout.
McGregor
hit Burnie with a left hook, knocking him down, then
punched the mascot again after he hit the floor.
McGregor
then tried to spray the mascot with the
pain-relief product, while several members of the
Heats in-game promotional team dragged Burnie
off the court.
McGregor
hasnt fought since injuring his left leg in
a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
His last win came in January 2020.
Roman Reigns agrees to put his Tribal Chiefdom on
the line against Jey Uso! - July 21, 2023
On
a frenetic Friday Night SmackDown, the stakes between
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and
Jey Uso got magnified as Reigns agreed to put his
Tribal Chiefdom on the line as well as his title against
Jey at SummerSlam! Plus, Dirty Dominik
Mysterio won his first NXT North American Title defense
against Butch, Rey Mysterio advanced in the U.S. Title
Invitational Tournament, Charlotte Flair overcame
IYO SKY so much more!
Combat
Sports News - Nate Diaz explains how Jake Paul trash
talking Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin helped influence
him into accepting the fight - 21st July 2023
Diaz
(21-13 MMA) will be making his boxing debut against
The Problem Child who has a 6-1 record
in the ring, 4 of those wins via knockout.
Nate
Diaz opened up about why he agreed to take the fight
with Paul when speaking on the Raw Talk
podcast:
This
guy (Paul) actually thinks hell beat up everyones
ass and hes louder than all you fools who are
really beating peoples ass. So, now I have to
step the f**k out the box real quick and whup this
motherf**kers ass so everyone knows whos
the real ass-whupper. You understand what Im
saying?
Continuing
the 38 year old shared:
This
fool was poppin off on everybody. Like, Oh,
were real fighters. Well prove it, motherf**ker.
Go beat his ass for talking sh*t. He was going after
everybody. On that big of a stage where hes
making everybody believe that, like youre letting
this guy talk sh*t to the whole roster? And aint
no one saying sh*t? Louder than the roster? The UFCs
big, but the roster?
Addressing
what Jake Paul was saying about Conor McGregor, Nate
Diaz continued:
And
then he was talking sh*t to Conor, talking sh*t to
Conor and dissing his wife and sh*t? Some real disrespectful
stuff that he shouldnt have been saying. And
nobodys saying sh*t. Im the one who said
Shut the f*ck up, b**ch. Ill whup your
ass. Have some respect. Youre gonna disrespect
somebodys wife and stuff like that who would
actually whup your ass? To get a fight like that,
that suppresses the fight fight game.
Concluding,
Nate Diaz said (h/t MMAMania):
Like,
thats a real fight and you should shut the f*ck
up, and no ones saying anything because everyones
acting like the whole roster, the UFC, everyones
acting like He cant really. But
he should shut the f*ck up. And no ones speaking
up, saying Shut the f*ck up. So
shut the f*ck up.
With
the fight just 2 weeks away, its anyones
guess as to who will be the victor after 10 rounds
in the boxing ring.
UFC RAISES MORE THAN $130,500 FOR THE UFC FOUNDATION
DURING INTERNATIONAL FIGHT WEEK
July
22, 2023
During
the 11th Annual International Fight Week, UFC raised
a total of $130,790 with net proceeds benefitting
the UFC Foundation.
To
commemorate International Fight Week, UFC raised funds
across three charitable campaigns surrounding the
week-long celebration, including VIP sweepstakes with
digital charity platform 15 Seconds of Fame, the 2023
UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and a week-long
50/50 raffle.
To
coincide with IFW, UFC launched a statewide online
and in-venue 50/50 raffle. Fans were able to participate
in the raffle by purchasing tickets during the UFC
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at T-Mobile Arena,
at the Las Vegas Convention Center during UFC X, at
ceremonial weigh-ins, and during UFC 290: VOLKANOVSKI
vs. RODRIGUEZ at T-Mobile Arena. The raffle generated
a total jackpot of $78,240, with 50% ($39,120) benefitting
the UFC Foundation.
The
winner of the remaining 50% of the jackpot, Jonathan
Weber of Poinsettia, Ariz., who was making his second
consecutive International Fight Week trip, will receive
$39,120 after purchasing his 50/50 raffle ticket during
UFC 290.
We
always contribute to the 50/50 raffle at every UFC
event we attend, said Weber. We love watching
the jackpot grow and build for the foundation. We
have attended many UFC events and every time we go
we buy raffle tickets! Were going to take our
winnings and pay some bills and create funds for our
nine and four-year old daughters' savings accounts!
Other
funds raised during the week included $17,000 from
a VIP sweepstakes for two tickets to sit in Dana Whites
section during UFC 290 and $35,550 in ticket sales
proceeds from the UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
UFCs
CSR activations during International Fight Week also
included athletes visiting patients currently undergoing
treatment at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and hosting
a two-day youth freestyle wrestling clinic in partnership
with Wrestle Like a Girl at UFC X.
The
UFC Foundation works in tandem with UFCs corporate
social responsibility program, #UFCInTheCommunity,
to strategically collaborate with partners, sponsors,
and athletes to develop additional charitable programs
and funding sources to help bolster and inspire the
local community.
Since
2017, UFC has organized 29 50/50 raffles throughout
North America that have grossed more than $1.55 million,
with net proceeds benefitting local charitable organizations
in the communities that have hosted UFC events throughout
the United States and Canada.
UFCs
next 50/50 raffle will take place from Friday, September
15 Saturday, September 16 at T-Mobile Arena
as part of NOCHE UFC: GRASSO vs. SHEVCHENKO 2. For
more information, please visit UFCFOUNDATION.
(UFC)
WWE® ANNOUNCES 27 ADDITIONAL DATES TO 2023 FALL
LIVE EVENT TOURING SCHEDULE
STAMFORD,
Conn., July 7, 2023 WWE® (NYSE: WWE) today
announced 27 additional live events as part of the
companys 2023 touring schedule. Tickets go on
sale next Friday, July 14.
The
schedule includes:
-
Saturday, Sept. 9: WWE Saturday Nights Main
Event Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.
-
Sunday, Sept. 10: WWE Sunday Stunner John Paul
Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va.
Friday,
Sept. 15: SmackDown® Ball Arena in Denver,
Colo.
Saturday,
Sept. 16: WWE Supershow Toyota Center in Kennewick,
Wash.
Sunday,
Sept. 17: WWE Supershow Extra Mile Arena in
Boise, Idaho
Monday,
Sept. 18: Raw® Delta Center in Salt Lake
City, Utah
Friday,
Sept. 22: SmackDown® Desert Diamond Arena
in Glendale, Ariz.
Saturday,
Sept. 23: WWE Supershow Acrisure Arena in Greater
Palm Springs, Calif.
Sunday,
Sept. 24: WWE Supershow Save Mart Center in
Fresno, Calif.
Monday,
Sept. 25: Raw® Toyota Arena in Ontario,
Calif.
Friday,
Sept. 29: SmackDown® Golden 1 Center in
Sacramento, Calif.
Saturday,
Sept. 30: WWE Supershow Chase Center in San
Francisco, Calif.
Sunday,
Oct. 1: WWE Supershow Tahoe Blue Event Center
in Lake Tahoe, Nev.
Monday,
Oct. 2: Raw® SAP Center in San Jose, Calif.
Friday,
Oct. 6: SmackDown® Enterprise Center in
St. Louis, Mo.
Saturday,
Oct. 7: WWE Fastlane Gainbridge Fieldhouse
in Indianapolis, Ind.
Monday,
Oct. 9: Raw® CHI Health Center in Omaha,
Neb.
Friday,
Oct 13: SmackDown® BOK Center in Tulsa,
Okla.
Saturday,
Oct. 14: WWE Supershow T-Mobile Center in Kansas
City, Mo.
Sunday,
Oct. 15: WWE Supershow Great Southern Bank
Arena in Springfield, Mo.
Monday,
Oct. 16: Raw® Paycom Center in Oklahoma
City, Okla.
Friday,
Oct. 20: SmackDown® AT&T Center in
San Antonio, Texas
Saturday,
Oct. 21: WWE Saturday Nights Main Event
Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas
Sunday,
Oct. 22: WWE Sunday Stunner Sames Auto Arena
in Laredo, Texas
Monday,
Oct. 23: Raw® American Airlines Center
in Dallas, Texas
Friday,
Oct. 27: SmackDown® Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee,
Wis.
Monday,
Oct. 30: Raw® Bon Secours Wellness Arena
in Greenville, S.C.
About
WWE
WWE,
a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated
media organization and recognized leader in global
entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio
of businesses that create and deliver original content
52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed
to family-friendly entertainment on its television
programming, premium live events, digital media and
publishing platforms. WWEs TV-PG programming
can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide
in 25 languages through world-class distribution partners
including NBCUniversal, FOX, BT Sport, Sony India
and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes
all premium live events, scheduled programming and
a massive video-on-demand library and is currently
available in more than 180 countries. In the United
States, NBCUniversals streaming service, Peacock,
is the exclusive home to WWE Network.
Additional
information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
Aussie
Open win Tag Team titles at ROH Death Before Dishonor
The
duo won the titles in a four-way match.
Aussie
Open are the new ROH Tag Team Champions.
Mark
Davis and Kyle Fletcher won the titles at Fridays
Death Before Dishonor event, defeating former champions
Penta El 0 M and Rey Fenix, Best Friends, and The
Kingdom in a four-way match. The finish had Davis
and Fletcher hitting Coriolis on Trent Beretta to
win the titles for the first time.
Lucha
Bros. had held the titles for 113 days, winning them
back at Supercard of Honor on March 31 in a Reach
for the Sky ladder match. The titles had been vacated
due to the death of Jay Briscoe back in January.
Aussie
Open had to vacate the IWGP and NJPW Strong Tag Team
titles after Davis suffered a knee injury that required
surgery. This was the first time since May that Aussie
Open had teamed up, and the first time since they
had signed with AEW.
The
rest of the card saw champions retain their titles.
The double main event had Claudio Castagnoli successfully
retain the ROH World title against PAC, and Athena
retain the ROH Women's title against Willow Nightingale.
Wrestling
and sports announcing legend Jim Ross on AEW - July
2023
"Ian
(Riccaboni) really distinguished himself in Calgary,
I thought. I thought he and Nigel McGuinness had a
hell of a night. I don't trust anybody any more than
Ian Riccaboni to get the stuff in. We've got a great
anchor with Excalibur and another great anchor with
Ian Riccaboni and you just got to try it and see what
kind of chemistry there is between teams. The team
of Taz and Tony Schiavone and Excalibur is excellent.
They really are excellent and they're getting their
timing together. They're not talking over each other.
They're trying, I think, not to use so many fu**ing
pronouns. Then Nigel and Ian had a hell of a night,
and that's leaving out Kevin Kelly in this debate.
He'll be back as I understand it to do Collision,
but I don't know how all that's gonna work out. I
don't have any idea. But anyway, you just got to see
if they got chemistry. The skill set it takes to have
the patience to talk in sound bites and not make your
dialogue about you. That's what we're waiting to see
how that was all going to transfer. - Jim Ross
AEW's
Matt Hardy On The Pros & Cons Of Social Media
- July 2023
Matt
Hardy has remained a top star for several decades.
However, his career was rejuvenated in a big way with
the emergence of his break-out "Broken"
character in TNA. The new persona wound up going viral
on social media, thanks to wrestling fans. As a result
of leveraging social media to his benefit, Hardy has
a pretty solid grasp on the pros and cons of its usage,
which he shared during a recent appearance on "Busted
Open Radio."
"I
have said this for a long time. Social media is the
best thing ever to happen and social media is the
worst thing to ever happen," Hardy explained.
"When you are on social media, it gives guys
that are hungry and driven a great platform to promote
themselves, to promote their business, to promote
their projects whatever it may be. But it also
allows people to come on social media without accountability
and without responsibility. And they can insult people
and troll people."
Hardy
recently encountered some toxicity at the hands of
Jim Cornette and his fans on social media, but Hardy
does his best to not let it affect him.. "Just
because there are a group of people that may follow
someone who is an antiquated relic in terms of his
opinions if they came at me and insult me that
doesn't bother me at all," said Hardy. "Matter
of fact, it is kind of like a badge of honor because
I am picking up attention in some capacity".
Hardy has realized the best response is not to waste
energy arguing or trying to change opinions.
Hardy
also recognizes social media isn't going anywhere,
and he pushed that to thrive in society you needed
to embrace technology and adapt to societal changes.
"Social media is a magical thing. It is a monster.
It is so powerful," said Hardy. "I just
hope people try hard to be very responsible and use
it for good."
ONE
Championship To Host Four U.S. Events In 2024
ONE
Championship, the worlds largest martial arts
organization, today announced that the promotion will
host four events in the United States in 2024.
Coming
off a successful U.S. debut in May at 1stBank Center
in Colorado with ONE Fight Night 10, ONE will look
to carry its momentum into 2024 with a recurring cadence
of ONE Fight Night events in America, which will air
live on Prime Video in the U.S. and Canada. Cities,
venues, and ticketing information will be announced
at a later date.
Chatri
Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship,
stated: I am thrilled to announce that ONE Championship
is coming back to the U.S. with four massive events
in 2024. When we made our historic U.S. debut with
ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video, I was blown away
by the support we received from our fans in the U.S.
ONE is home to the greatest martial artists in the
world, and Im excited to once again showcase
our World Champions on American soil. To our fans
that havent seen a live ONE event, I promise
you an experience unlike anything youve ever
seen.
ONE
Fight Night 10 featured Demetrious Mighty Mouse
Johnson defending the ONE Flyweight World Title, the
return of Super Sage Northcutt, the U.S.
debuts of Thai superstars Rodtang Jitmuangnon and
Stamp Fairtex, and more. Milestones for the event
included:
Tickets:
Sold out 1stBank Center in Colorado
Viewership:
Most watched event to date for ONE on Prime Video
Search:
A new peak on Google Trends for ONE Championship
in the U.S.
Social:
#ONEFightNight10 trended #1 on Twitter in the U.S.
and Canada for Sports
Prime
Video Partnership: Merch on Demand QR codes for ONE
apparel, in-stadium Twitch Watch Parties featuring
ONE athletes, live coverage throughout fight week
Stage
Front VIP, the exclusive U.S. VIP experience partner
of ONE, will continue to provide fans with unrivaled
access through immersive VIP experiences that include
premier seating, premium hospitality offerings, athlete
meet-and-greets, event collectibles, after-party access,
and more.
Streaming
quotas decision would ease Hollywood strike headache:
studio boss - July 16, 2023
Australias
film and television sector will avoid major disruption
as a result of union strikes in Hollywood, although
the Albanese government is being urged to finalise
its decision over proposed local content quotas to
ease uncertainty in the industry.
Former
chief executive of Nine Entertainment Hugh Marks
who last year founded Australian studio Dreamchaser
alongside former Endemol Shine boss Carl Fennessy
said the writer and actor strike had added
a layer of complexity to the Australian industry.
After
announcing in January it would implement local content
requirements for international streaming services,
the government is yet to set a number for the quota.
A spokesperson for Tony Burke, minister for the arts
and for workplace and employment relations, reaffirmed
a decision would be made this side of the new year,
ahead of its implementation in July 2024.
Marks
said the local offices of the likes of Netflix, Disney
and Apple will be affected by the strikes, with Australian
content pitches increasingly being angled towards
a global audience.
The
strikes have coincided with a period where streamers
have shifted gears from a gold rush of global
domination, Marks says, to being forced to figure
out how to monetise their vast audiences.
Several,
including Netflix, Disney+ and Binge locally, have
turned to advertising as a contributing solution.
A clear direction from the government, he says, would
ease the headache over decision-making on domestic
content.
The
one thing that would really be beneficial now would
be the release of the new proposed laws about quotas
in this market because that would certainly give everyone
some focus as to at least whats got to be done
domestically, Marks says.
Im
certainly encouraging the government to act sooner
rather than later to remove that unnecessary lack
of certainty from the local market.
In
a positive for the local industry, a statement on
Friday from Screen Producers Australia (SPA) noted
the strike does not apply to non-scripted productions,
including documentaries, light entertainment and reality
shows the latter of which is widely noted to
be a beneficiary of the writers strike in 2007.
SPA
said it anticipated a limited number of non-Australian
productions will be affected by the strikes locally.
The body said all scripted local productions produced
and controlled by Australian production companies
that have engaged Australian and Imported SAG members
will continue unaffected, provided they engage all
cast under Australian Industry Contracts in accordance
with the Global Rule One Agreement between SAG-AFTRA
and the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA).
While
it has been suggested prolonged strikes in the US
could see an additional influx of Australian-produced
content, Marks believes it is too early in the process
to think that might be the outcome.
The
countrys biggest streaming services are required
under legislation introduced by the Morrison government
to report their spending on Australian content to
the authority. The big five Netflix, Stan,
Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount+
reported that in 2021-22 they collectively spent $668.5
million on Australian and Australian-related
content.
Last
month, NBC Universal walked away from its $180 million
sci-fi series, Metropolis, which had pre-production
under way at Docklands Studios in Melbourne. After
the actors union voted to strike last week, the Sam
Neill/Annette Bening drama Apples Never Fall, halted
on Friday. Production was already under way in Queensland,
budgeted at an estimated $79 million.
NBC
Universal signed a content deal with Foxtel in November,
with an extended deal with Warner Bros. Discovery,
owner of the highly regarded network HBO, in February.
Foxtels
streaming service Binge has relied heavily on content
from HBO for its sustained growth since launching
in 2020, with popular shows such as White Lotus, Succession,
and The Last of Us. Binge was responsible for 11.9
per cent of all new Streaming Video on Demand subscriptions
in the first quarter of this year, according to data
from Kantar, with 18 per cent of all of its new user
acquisitions driven by The Last of Us, its blockbuster
nine-part series that debuted in January.
Local
players including Foxtel and Stan (owned by Nine)
were approached for comment on the impact of their
programming schedules.
One
of the streamers largest subscription drivers
in 2022, House of the Dragon, will continue filming
in the UK, due to the show being largely comprised
of British actors with contracts governed by the local
union, Equity.
Paramount,
which owns Network Ten and streaming service Paramount+,
is understood to not be affected by the strikes. While
it benefits from a constant stream of content from
Paramount Studios, the local arm of the company has
focused its efforts on Australian-produced content,
which includes shows such as The Last King of the
Cross, Five Bedrooms, and the recently green-lit series
NCIS: Sydney, being produced locally by Endemol Shine.
Screen
Producers Australia wants a 20 per cent levy on the
streamers Australian revenue, while the streamers
insist they are spending plenty already, with local
TV networks in agreement.
In
May, a submission by industry body Free TV, which
represents Nine, Seven West Media and Network Ten,
said it opposed the introduction of quotas for local
productions, arguing the screen production industry
in Australia is already booming.
Free
TV doubled down this week, calling for a balanced
approach to the introduction of streaming quotas.
In response to comments by Bryan Brown AM in an address
to the National Press Club, Bridget Fair, CEO of Free
TV Australia said the group invests $1.5 billion every
year in Australian content.
But
if the Government is going to impose content quotas
on streaming services, it needs to carefully consider
the impact this will have on the Australian public
who rely on free services from our local broadcasters,
she said.
Australian
tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes splits from wife
- 22nd July 2023
An
Australian tech billionaire worth $19 billion has
reportedly split from his wife after 13 years of marriage.
Australian
tech billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has reportedly
split from his wife after 13 years of marriage.
Sources
close to the family of Mr Cannon-Brookes, who is Australias
sixth-richest person and the co-founder of Atlassian,
have confirmed he is separating from his wife, Annie,
according to Nine newspapers.
The
couple married in 2010.
Their
separation comes just a week after the high-profile
split of Australias richest couple, Twiggy and
Nicola Forrest.
The
Forrests, who had been married for 31 years, said
they were living apart but insisted the separation
will not impact their mining and philanthropy empire.
Mr
Cannon-Brookes made his estimated $19 billion fortune
alongside fellow Aussie billionaire Scott Farquhar,
with whom he co-founded software firm Atlassian in
2002.
The
company is widely considered a great Australian success
story, its share price having quintupled since it
was listed on the US stock exchange in 2015.
Atlassian
has, however, suffered a tough 12 months amid broader
turmoil in the tech sector. In March, the company
laid off 500 workers just a few months after a dramatic
hiring blitz.
In
a self-described no bulls**t note to staff,
Mr Cannon-Brookes and Mr Farquhar said it was a very
hard day in our 20 year history and they were
deeply sorry to make the job cuts.
To
be clear, this decision is not a reflection of Atlassians
own financial performance, as we will be reinvesting
in roles that better support our priorities,
they wrote.
The
Cannon-Brookes family owns an impressive property
portfolio, including the 1.1-hectare Fairwater estate,
previously the home of the late Lady Mary Fairfax,
which they acquired in 2018 for a reported $100 million.
It was believed to be the priciest property sale in
Australian history.
In
June, the couple forked out $14.25 million to buy
a home in Newport, on Sydneys northern beaches,
neighbouring the $24.5 million estate they purchased
in 2020.
The
five-bedroom home is set on a 3000-square-metre block
of land and features a 1000-square-metre netted bathing
area.
Cannon-Brookes,
who was previously a fashion designer, was born in
the US.
Its
believed he and Annie met at a Qantas lounge during
a trip between Sydney and San Francisco.
Endeavour calls on states to work together on gambling
reform
Endeavour
Group boss Steve Donohue has urged state and territory
governments to work more closely together when considering
policies to fight problem gambling, as the hotels
operator promises to get a jump on implementing gaming
reforms unveiled in Victoria this week.
Donohue
said on Thursday that Endeavour, one of the largest
operators of poker machines in the country, has written
to state governments calling for a more co-ordinated
and collaborative approach and to make sure
that knowledge is shared across all states on proposals
such as cashless gaming and facial recognition technology.
He
said there was room for the states to share more insights
with each other about the impact and efficacy of different
policy measures.
What
we are saying is we think there is an opportunity
for deeper collaboration and more co-ordination in
relation to various approaches, suggestions and ideas,
he said.
We
can learn from the experiences that each state and
territory is having.
A
spokesperson for New South Wales Gaming and Racing
Minister David Harris said the state was committed
to working with all stakeholders to deliver evidence-based
gambling reform.
We
will be paying very close attention to the activities
of other jurisdictions, such as the Victorian government
and the evidence they unearth through the work of
their implementation working group, they said.
Just
this week the minister met with the ACT minister for
gaming to continue collaboration and discussion on
gambling reform across jurisdictions.
Endeavour
told shareholders on Thursday that the company would
move swiftly to implement changes after the Victorian
government unveiled proposed reforms to gaming machine
regulations on Sunday.
The
states plan for reducing gambling harm includes
slower spin times for games, mandatory closing periods
for gaming room floors, mandatory pre-commitment limits
and a load-up limit of $100, which will cap how much
an individual can put in a machine at a time.
Endeavour
confirmed it would adjust the hours of gaming machine
areas at its ALH Hotels in Victoria, so they close
between 4am and 10am by August 31; 10 months ahead
of the governments proposed timeline.
This
would bring Victorias rules in line with operating-hours
regulations in NSW and South Australia.
The
company also confirmed it supported the $100 load-up
limit and would bring this into operation for Victorian
machines as soon as is practicable.
Shares
in the business closed 9.9 per cent weaker on Monday
as investors and analysts considered what impact the
reforms would have on the groups earnings.
Goldman
Sachs analysts said on Monday that the exact impact
would be difficult to estimate, but said it could
lower earnings by 0.5 per cent to 1.8 per cent during
the 2024 financial year.
E&P
Financial analyst Philip Kimber said policies such
as the $100 load-up limit were likely to have a smaller
impact on Endeavours financials than the Victorian
governments policy on pre-commitment limits.
There
is no change to our view that the Victorian government
proposal with the potential to have the most material
impact on electronic gaming machine spend in Endeavours
Victorian pubs is mandatory pre-commitment limits
[via carded play], he said in a note to clients
on Thursday.
Endeavour
shares opened stronger but did not maintain momentum
during Thursdays session as the broader market
stayed flat. The stock was up 0.3 per cent to $5.91
in late afternoon trade, but still down by 5.6 per
cent over the past five days.
Media Man commentary for David Rowe Illustrations
as per The Australian Financial Review
Pen
Dan Thon Games For Four. Great art.
No
Pentathlon. No nothing. Gang of four. Gonzo and satire
+. Commentary open to interpretation, as per pro wrestling
legend John Cena's Instagram. Beauty of otherwise
in the eye of the beholder. Alternative commentary:
Sports biz blessing in disuise and doddged a bullet
from the range.
Media Man commentary for Mike Mooneyham feature on
'The Bloodline' and wrestling factions news in the
WWE
Exactly.
But, hopefully it becomes the "new normal"
for the WWE version of pro wrestling. The Judgement
Day faction also looks very promising to me with Dirty
Dom as a heat seeking "killer heel" element,
while going after all of the belts. Tony D gets seen
on today's WWE SmackDown backstage and he's got "mob"
and family business history with Escobar, so LWO also
gets a shot in the arm. So much better than 3 to 5
years ago. The Triple H era with apparent assistance
by Shawn Michaels and a few others who listened to
fans of pro wrestling. Paul Heyman fingerprints over
the "crime scenes" for the past 56 months
or so. And WWE business is at historic levels. Feel
welcome to quote me.
Media
Man commentary for recent scribes in Search Engine
Journal - 2023
SEJ's
Kristi on the latest on the Hollywood writers strike
connection with AI, human writers and the like..To
paraphrase the world's leading tech entrepreneur/innovator,
Elon Musk, "Once you summon the beast (of AI)
there's no turning back". For me, founding and
overseeing a modest size independent media and online
publishing firm.Insew both opportunity and threats
with AI. More threats at this stage of the game..
Circa 1980 pro wrestling legend, "The American
Dream" Dusty Rhodes cut a promo which was decades
ahead of its time and included the verse, "A
computer took my job Daddy"..and "that's
hard times". Well, we may not be quiet at that
point but social is inching closer. We are somewhat
reluctantly starting to embrace some A.I elements.
Twitter Spaces broadcast raised interesting points
on AI in business and life over the past week. The
part about "summoning the demon" is still
giving me mild nightmares. AI can certainly save publishers
and the like a considerable amount of money? How?
By reducing if not elimination of human writers, web-coders
and so on. Ying and yang. AI wins and a human loses.
But, humans are still in control right?! This is getting
me even more fired up for the potential match: Musk
vs Zuck! Man vs Machine!
Media
Man commentary for Search Engine Journal: Supercharge
your Alt text SEO strategy
SEJ
- Alt Text AI.. motivated to work on an AI project
to help get the best parts of the subject and have
AI write one of these AI articles for us. Open AI,
xAI, Bard and/or other! AI tender wars could be a
potential growing trend. Save time and save money
by not having to pay a human to do a job an AI robot
machine can do! "Never pay a human to do a machines
job". (Agent Smith -;The Matrix). In AI and SEJ
we trust. Man over machine or Machine vs Human? Can
they both co-exist in the AI SEO space or will a battle
be looming or more a Darwinism for the AI writer and
scribe. An AI writer will work for nothing and around
the clock 365 right? Little wonder the article was
done or largely done by AI. A growing trend, or a
one-off? All the news that's fit to print on SEO.
AI SEO all the way to the bank.
Netflix
reveals jaw-dropping result after password sharing
crackdown
The
streaming giant has unveiled the results of its controversial
password-sharing crackdown and theyre
quite staggering.
Netflix
has revealed that subscriptions to their streaming
service climbed by nearly six million in the wake
of its crackdown on password sharing.
The
streaming giant finished the recently ended quarter
with a total of 238 million subscribers and a profit
of $US1.5 billion ($1.77 billion), according to an
earnings release.
The
pick-up in subscribers came as a potentially crippling
writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment
industry, but with analysts saying Netflix is better
positioned than its rivals to weather the storm.
We
are constantly at the table negotiating with everyone
across the industry, Netflix co-chief executive
Ted Sarandos said during an earnings presentation.
We
need to get to this strike to a conclusion so that
we can all move forward.
Revenue
came in lower than expectations with Netflix posting
$US8.2 billion ($12 billion) in sales over the April
to June period, pushing the companys shares
down more than eight per cent in after hours trading
on Wall Street.
Netflix
in May expanded its crackdown on users sharing passwords
with people beyond their immediate family as it seeks
to shore up revenue after a rough patch last year.
Earlier
this year the company complained that more than 100
million households were sharing accounts at the service.
Lets
face it, the crackdown on passwords is working,
Navellier and Associates chief investment officer
Louis Navellier said of Netflix.
I
was ecstatic with the results; I think they hit the
ball out of the park with subscriber growth.
In its earning statement, the company said that the
policy would expand to all its markets worldwide.
To
convert non-paying users, Netflix has introduced borrower
or shared accounts, in which subscribers
can add extra viewers for a higher price or transfer
viewing profiles to new accounts.
Netflix
launched an ad-subsidised offering around the same
time as the crackdown, and on Wednesday eliminated
its lowest priced ad-free plan that cost $10 a month
in the US.
The
decision to cut its basic tier is an effort to bolster
advertising by elevating the price difference between
its advertising and non-advertising tiers, said
Insider Intelligence principal analyst Ross Benes.
Building
an ads business from scratch isnt easy and we
have lots of hard work ahead, but were confident
that over time we can develop advertising into a multi-billion
dollar incremental revenue stream, Netflix said
in the letter to shareholders.
Benes
estimates that Netflix will generate $US770 million
($1.13 billion) in advertising revenue in the US this
year, and more than US$1 billion by 2024.
Netflixs
increased focus on password sharing will occur alongside
heightened pressure to expand ad revenue, Benes
said.
As
the services subscriber base plateaus in more
countries, Netflix will focus on moving price-sensitive
freeloaders to its cheaper ad-supported plan.
Actors
on strike
The
earnings report came as Netflix and other film and
television makers see productions halted by an actors
and writers strike in the United States.
The
share price is down a bit after market; there is worry
they will run out of content because of the Hollywood
strike, Navellier told AFP.
Screen
Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) members joined writers who
have been on strike for weeks, triggering the first
industry-wide walkout for 63 years and effectively
shutting down Hollywood.
Our
experts say that Netflix is best positioned to weather
the strike compared to competitors, but it could start
to feel pressure if its content pipeline gets increasingly
strained, said Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley.
Sarandos
said on an earnings call in April that the company
has a pretty robust slate of releases
and a large base of upcoming films and shows from
around the world to help it endure a strike.
The
company touted the success of fresh Murder Mystery
and Extraction films, as well as series such as Bridgerton,
The Witcher and Never Have I Ever.
This
year well have more returning seasons than any
other streamer, Netflix told shareholders, sharing
a list that included The Crown and Virgin River.
Netflix
scraps huge comeback movie for beloved 80s franchise
- July 2023
Netflix
has scrapped a huge comeback movie for a beloved 80s
series, despite already spending more than $44m developing
it.
Netflix
has scrapped a huge comeback movie for a beloved 80s
series.
Despite
spending more than $44m on the project, it seems the
upcoming film has officially been given the axe by
the streaming giant.
The
Masters of the Universe based on the He-Man
and other Mattel toys has been in the works
at Netflix since 2019.
The
streaming giant already released an animated series,
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe in 2021, and
two other shows were also in development.
However
according to Variety, despite the extortionate amount
of money spent on development costs, the project has
been axed.
The
news reportedly comes after budget concerns
were raised.
The
project previously had a tough time trying to find
its way to the big screen as it went through both
Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures.
Many
writers have been involved in the project since 2007,
as well as acclaimed directors Jon M. Chu and McG.
Huge
names were attached to the film including The Lost
City directors Adam and Aaron Nee and lead actor Kyle
Allen, 28, who is best known for roles in West Side
Story and American Horror Story.
Significant
pre-production procedures took place even though producers
worked to get the budget down.
Netflix
reportedly rejected a $180 million budget as it never
officially gave the project the green light.
Although
the film is no longer at Netflix, Mattel is reportedly
looking for a new home for the film.
CEO
of the company Ynon Kreiz recently told The New Yorker:
Its hundreds of pages of characters and
sorcerers and vehicles and weaponry you name
it.
And
then you flip through the pages, and heres a
movie, and heres a movie, and heres a
TV show. . . . its endless!
The
film is based off a toy line franchise of the same
name, which was also a hit cartoon series that aired
from 1983 to 1985 and consisted of 65 episodes.
The
series was so successful that it spawned a spin-off
series, She-Ra: Princess of Power, following the adventures
of He-Mans sister, Princess Adora.
A
live action movie version was released in 1987 which
starred the likes of Dolph Lundgren, Courteney Cox
and Frank Langella.
They
Live, starring Roddy Piper, returning To U.S
theaters For 35th Anniversary
John
Carpenters classic They Live, starring WWE star
Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster, came out
in 1988. The film is based on Eight OClock
in the Morning by Ray Nelson. As AMC Theatres
summarized, They Live centers around aliens
who are gaining control of the earth by masquerading
as humans and the one man determined to stop them.
This special anniversary event will feature an exclusive
intro from director John Carpenter. To commemorate
the movies thirty-fifth anniversary, it is returning
to theaters on September 3 and 6 through Fathom Events.
The special edition will include an exclusive intro
from Carpenter.
Meta
and other social media giants blocking news in Canada
- July 2023
Some
Instagram users in Canada are finding their access
to news accounts restricted as Meta and other social
media companies prepare for the countrys Online
News Act to come into effect. Meta, the company that
owns Instagram and Facebook, says it underwent testing
in June to limit some users and publishers from viewing
or sharing news content in Canada. It says tests impact
up to five per cent of Canadian users. Many have questions
about the federal governments Online News Act,
why its being opposed by social media companies
and how the friction between the two will impact Canadian
users. Here are some of your questions, answered.
What
is the Online News Act?
The
Online News Act, or Bill C-18, is a piece of Canadian
legislation that requires tech companies like Google
and Meta to compensate news outlets for sharing links
to their pages. The law received royal assent on June
22 and is slated to take effect no later than
180 days after that date.
What
are the concerns for social media companies?
Critics,
including Meta and Google, say Bill C-18 is unfair,
unworkable and amounts to a tax on links, with no
recognition of the traffic or free marketing
the tech companies provide to news publishers. Along
with blocking access to some users, Meta has begun
an ad campaign on its Facebook and Instagram platforms,
criticizing the law and explaining its decision to
remove news links.
The
Online News Act is based on the incorrect premise
that social media companies benefit unfairly from
news content shared on our platforms, but the reverse
is true, said Lisa Laventure, spokesperson for
Meta, in a statement Monday. News outlets voluntarily
share content on social media to expand their audiences
and help their bottom line. Unfortunately, the only
way we can reasonably comply with this legislation
is to end news availability for people in Canada in
the coming weeks.
Is
this what the bills proponents wanted?
No.
Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez called Metas
move disappointing and said Canadians
will not be intimidated by these tactics. Meanwhile,
Paul Deegan, the head of News Media Canada, called
Metas move a kick in the shins to
Canadians at a time when the value and need for credible
information has never been greater.
Metas
decision to unfriend Canada by denying
access to trusted sources of news for some of their
users, as wildfires burn and when public safety is
at stake, is irresponsible and tone deaf, Deegan
told CBC News in an email. This hard-nose lobbying
tactic is more evidence of the power imbalance that
exists between dominant platforms and publishers.
Will
this happen to all of us soon?
In
order to comply with the law, both Google and Meta
have stated they would remove news links in Canada
before the law comes into effect by the end of the
year. Rodriguez has said Google and Meta do not have
obligations under the law because the regulatory process
is just beginning.
Were
deeply convinced that Googles and Facebooks
concerns can be resolved through the regulatory process.
If Facebook truly believes that news has no value,
they can say so at the negotiating table, Rodriguez
said in a statement on Monday. Threats to pull
news instead of complying with the laws in our country
only highlight the power that platforms hold over
news organizations, both big and small. Google
has said it will work with the government throughout
the regulatory process, while Meta believes the process
isnt equipped to make changes to parts of the
legislation with which it disagrees.
What
is CBC doing about this?
Legacy
media and broadcasters have praised the bill, which
promises to enhance fairness in the digital
news marketplace and help bring in more money for
shrinking newsrooms. Tech giants including Meta and
Google have been blamed in the past for disrupting
and dominating the advertising industry, eclipsing
smaller, traditional players. CBC/Radio-Canadas
corporate position is that the Online News Act will
help level the playing field and contribute to a healthy
news ecosystem in Canada at a time when 80 per
cent of digital ad revenue goes to Facebook and Google,
said spokesperson Leon Mar. In an editors blog,
CBC News editor-in-chief Brodie Fenlon has suggested
audiences follow the broadcaster on TikTok and other
apps, such as Gem and CBC Listen.
Has
there been pushback?
Meta,
which is based in Menlo Park, Calif., has taken similar
steps in the past. In 2021, it briefly blocked news
from its platform in Australia after the country passed
legislation that would compel tech companies to pay
publishers for using their news stories. It later
struck deals with Australian publishers. Gregory Taylor,
a communications, media and film professor at the
University of Calgary, pointed to Australia as an
example for why Canadian news publishers should hold
strong on their position.
Facebook
is really trying to assert itself, but in the end
they cant afford to lose a lot of these markets,
Taylor previously told CBC North. I believe
that we are at the leading edge of getting these companies
to contribute to our democracy by bringing in this
kind of funding model.
What
is the answer to combat this?
Alfred
Hermida, a journalism professor at the University
of British Columbia, believes C-18 is a flawed
piece of legislation that doesnt address
greater issues in the news industry, such as the concentration
of private media ownership.
It
doesnt take into account the record profits
of media conglomerates like Bell and Rogers,
he previously told CBC News. And it doesnt
really do anything to support for more than 140 journalism
startups that have been created in Canada since the
year 2000. In the near term, private messaging
and chat groups may also be alternatives as Metas
Facebook Messenger does not appear to be affected
by the companys plans to block news links.
In
conclusion, the implementation of Canadas Online
News Act has led to restrictions on news accounts
for some Instagram users in the country. Meta and
other social media companies have undergone testing
to limit the viewing and sharing of news content in
Canada. The Online News Act requires tech companies
to compensate news outlets for sharing links to their
pages. Social media companies like Meta and Google
oppose the law, stating that it is unfair and amounts
to a tax on links. Metas decision to block news
links has been criticized by proponents of the bill,
who argue that it is irresponsible and highlights
the power imbalance between platforms and publishers.
Both Google and Meta have announced plans to remove
news links in Canada before the law comes into effect.
CBC/Radio-Canada supports the Online News Act, believing
it will enhance fairness in the digital news marketplace.
There has been pushback from social media companies,
with Meta previously blocking news in Australia but
later striking deals with publishers. The answer to
combat this issue is still being debated, with some
arguing that the legislation does not address larger
issues in the news industry. In the meantime, private
messaging and chat groups may serve as alternatives
for accessing news content.
Top
5 Movies about writers on Netflix
Movies
are a great part of our lives. They make us happy
and sad, inspire us to embark on journeys to unknown
lands, and become our escape when everything seems
to go down. You can find a movie about literally anything
and use it as a tool to get out of a crisis.
This
is especially relevant for academic writers and their
blocks. The writing industry knows no boundaries,
starting with novel writers who spend years on their
books and finishing with professional essay writers
who can finish a difficult assignment in 8 hours.
SmartWritingService is a great sample of such websites.
Both
get writers blocks from time to time. Just like
batteries, they need to be recharged to continue their
work. Sometimes its the feeling of the worthlessness
of what they do, while other times, its just
general exhaustion.
If
youre in a similar situation, let us help you
recharge with the 5 best movies about writers!
TOP
5 MOVIES ABOUT WRITERS
These
will enchant you with interesting stories and help
get your mind off the struggle. Get some popcorn,
a blanket for extra coziness, and lets begin.
STRANGER
THAN FICTION
This
is an extraordinary story that comes alive thanks
to an amazing cast. Here you can see legends such
as Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Another treat
is Will Ferrel in an unusual role for him. We all
know the actor for his humor and sarcasm, but in this
movie, hes a completely different, serious,
character.
With
this movie, you will experience all the stages of
the writing process, a unique interpretation of it,
and the way to make your characters open from new
sides on screen. Its unique, creative, and very
engaging. The movie will leave an impression you wont
be able to shake off for several days. And you wont
have to!
MIDNIGHT
IN PARIS
If
youre more into romantic stories, this movie
is a great choice for your rewind time. This is Woody
Allen at his best! The movie shows a story, filled
with romance and comedy, about a promising writer
on a journey to the most loving and loved city of
the world, Paris, with his fiancee.
The
author, played by the talented Owen Wilson, is filled
with fears, a lot of writers have, no matter the genre,
experience, or era. The movie takes a fantastic twist
when the writer meets a lot of authors he was inspired
by before their famous breakthroughs. Their stories
help him overcome every doubt and fear, coming out
a completely new person and giving himself a chance.
The
story is enhanced by the beauty of the French capital,
which is just magical.
SWIMMING
POOL
This
movie is more of a thriller, for those who like to
be on the edge of their seats, thinking of nothing
more but the plot. Its about deadlines (the
most powerful thriller for a writer anyway) and inspiration
in unexpected places. The main character, played by
Charlotte Rampling, is nearing her deadline that comes
as quickly as an express train. She has a new novel
to present to her publisher, and it should become
as good as her previous successful book, maybe even
better.
She
goes to the countryside in France and meets a teen
played by Ludivine Sagnier. As teenagers can be, shes
quite rebellious, but the writer, unexpectedly, finds
inspiration and motivation in their interaction that
drives her to make the book much better. The story
is filled with mystery, as well.
WILDE
The
name of the movie says everything. Oscar Wilde is
one of the most unique and famous writers in the world.
This story highlights certain parts of his personal
life, where a lot of writers can find similarities
or explanations to some of their questions.
The
author appreciated beauty in everything, was quite
witty and painfully honest in his works. This movie
can help you gain a new understanding of the world
of writing, personal crisis, and more. Besides, youll
find out a lot of new information about the writer,
which is always interesting.
SHAKESPEARE
IN LOVE
For
everyone who loves pretty things, this is an incredibly
beautiful movie. It stars Gwyneth Paltrow and is a
special film in her life. The actress won an Academy
Award for it! This is a drama-comedy about a writer
that everyone around the world knows.
We
learn about Shakespeare in school, and some continue
to do it due to their major or sheer interest in this
extraordinary person and a talented writer. The movie
is highly entertaining and beautiful, shot in a traditional
British manner. If youre struggling with writers
block, this film is a must-watch!
Pop
Culture Podcast Wars; Media Man Monthly awards
4
Way Tie: Logan Paul's Impaulsive, WWE's Out Of Character,
Joe Rogan and Russell Brand
TMZ
wins Media Man 'Pop Culture News Outlet Of The Month'
WWE
wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month'
Runner-ups: All Elite Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling
and National Wrestling Alliance
Search
Engine Journal wins Media Man 'Search News Outlet
Of The Month'; Runner-up: Search Engine Land
Pop
Culture, Streaming, Wrestling, MMA, Combat Sports,
Movies, Sports Business...
Netflix
finally reveals how much it makes from Australians
- 1st June 2023
Netflix
made more than $1 billion from Australians last year,
a figure the company reported for the first time after
deciding no longer to funnel revenues through a Netherlands-based
subsidiary.
Accounts
lodged by the streaming giant show Netflix Australia
made $1.06 billion in 2022, up from $30.7 million
the year before.
The
increase in reported revenue came after the companys
local subsidiary changed how it bills. It now describes
itself as a distributor of access to Netflix
Service as opposed to a provider of services for its
parent company.
It
was previously estimated that Netflix made between
$790 million and $1.4 billion from Australians, but
customers were billed by Netflix International BV.
But from January 1 last year, customers were billed
by Netflix Australia, meaning subscription revenue
was recognised and taxed locally.
The
accounts, filed with the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission, show Netflix Australia paid
$966 million to the Netflix Group in distribution
fees and other costs, meaning it made just $22.7 million
from total revenues of $1.06 billion.
After
paying $6.9 million in income tax, it reported $15.8
million profit for the year.
As
Netflix continues to grow and invest in Australia,
we want our corporate structure to reflect our business
activities here, a spokesman for Netflix said
last year when The Australian Financial Review reported
the structural change.
In
2021, Netflix Australia reported $30.7 million in
revenue, $2.4 million in profit pre-tax, and $1.5
million in profit after its $868,000 income tax bill.
Netflix
does not disclose subscriber numbers for Australia,
but the revenue figures included in its latest accounts
implies the service has around five million customers
locally, if its standard plan, $16.99 per month, is
used as a guide. It has four monthly price tiers including
a new, cheaper one that now adds some advertising.
According
to the Australian Communications and Media Authority,
streaming services made a combined $2.49 billion in
Australia in 2021.
The
disclosure of Netflixs true Australian revenue
comes as the federal government considers introducing
quotas that would force streaming companies to spend
a certain amount making shows locally.
Some
suggestions have been forcing them to spend between
10 and 20 per cent of local revenue on Australian
shows, meaning Netflix would be required to spend,
depending on the rate, between $100 million to $200
million.
ACMA
estimates streaming providers spend $335.1 million
on Australian content in the 12 months to the end
of June last year, up from $178.9 million the year
before.
Netflix
has been contacted for comment.
News
Mistakes
and miscalculations: How the Murdochs and Fox got
it so wrong - 30th May 2023
In
August 2021, the Fox Corp. board of directors gathered
in Los Angeles. Among the topics on the agenda: Dominion
Voting Systems $US1.6 billion ($2.5 billion)
defamation lawsuit against its cable news network,
Fox News.
The
suit posed a threat to the companys finances
and reputation. But Foxs chief legal officer,
Viet Dinh, reassured the board: Even if the company
lost at trial, it would ultimately prevail. The First
Amendment was on Foxs side, he explained, even
if proving so could require going to the Supreme Court.
That
determination informed a series of missteps and miscalculations
over the next 20 months, according to a New York Times
review of court and business records, and interviews
with roughly a dozen people directly involved in or
briefed on the companys decision-making.
The
case resulted in one of the biggest legal and business
debacles in the history of Rupert Murdochs media
empire: an avalanche of embarrassing disclosures from
internal messages released in court filings; the largest
known settlement in a defamation suit, $US787.5 million;
two shareholder lawsuits; and the benching of Foxs
top prime-time star, Tucker Carlson.
And
for all of that, Fox still faces a lawsuit seeking
even more in damages, $US2.7 billion, filed by another
subject of the stolen election theory, voting software
company Smartmatic.
Caught
flat-footed
Repeatedly,
Fox executives overlooked warning signs about the
damage they and their network would sustain, the Times
found. They also failed to recognise how far their
cable news networks, Fox News and Fox Business, had
strayed into defamatory territory by promoting President
Donald Trumps election conspiracy theories
the central issue in the case. (Fox maintains it did
not defame Dominion.)
When
pretrial rulings went against the company, Fox did
not pursue a settlement in any real way. Executives
were then caught flat-footed as Dominions court
filings included internal Fox messages that made clear
how the company chased a Trump-loving audience that
preferred his election lies to the truth.
It
was only in February that Murdoch and his son with
whom he runs the company, Lachlan Murdoch, began seriously
considering settling. Yet they made no major attempt
to do so until the eve of the trial in April, after
still more damaging public disclosures.
At
the centre of the action was Dinh and his overly rosy
scenario.
Dinh,
a high-level Justice Department official under President
George W. Bush, declined several requests for comment,
and the company declined to respond to questions about
his performance or his legal decisions. Discussions
of specific legal strategy are privileged and confidential,
a company representative said in a statement.
The
second half of 2020 brought Fox News to a crisis point.
The Fox audience had come to expect favourable news
about Trump. But Fox could not provide that on election
night, when its decision desk team was first to declare
that Trump had lost the critical state of Arizona.
In
the days after, Trumps fans switched off in
droves.
The
Fox host who was the first to find a way to draw the
audience back was Maria Bartiromo. Five days after
the election, she invited a guest, Trump-aligned lawyer
Sidney Powell, to share details about the false accusations
that Dominion, an elections technology company, had
switched votes from Trump to Joe Biden.
Soon,
wild claims about Dominion appeared elsewhere on Fox,
including references to the election companys
supposed (but imagined) ties to the Smartmatic election
software company; Hugo Chávez, the Venezuelan
dictator who died in 2013; George Soros, the billionaire
investor and Democratic donor; and China.
Fox
News did its job, and this is what the First Amendment
protects. Im not at all concerned about such
lawsuits, real or imagined.
Foxs
chief legal officer Viet Dinh
On
November 12, a Dominion spokesperson complained to
Fox News Media chief executive Suzanne Scott and Fox
News Media executive editor Jay Wallace, begging them
to make it stop. We really werent thinking
about building a litigation record as much as we were
trying to stop the bleeding, said Thomas A.
Clare, one of Dominions lawyers.
As
Fox noted in its court papers, its hosts did begin
including company denials. But as they continued to
give oxygen to the false allegations, Dominion sent
a letter to Fox News general counsel Lily Fu Claffee,
demanding that Fox cease and correct the record. Dominion
is prepared to do what is necessary to protect its
reputation and the safety of its employees,
the letter warned.
Fox,
however, did not respond to the Dominion letter or
comply with its requests now a key issue in
a shareholder suit filed in April, which maintains
that doing so would have materially mitigated
Foxs legal exposure.
Three
months after the election, another voting technology
company tied to the Dominion conspiracy, Smartmatic,
filed its own defamation suit against Fox, seeking
$US2.7 billion in damages. Dominion told reporters
that it was preparing to file one, too.
Dinh
was publicly dismissive.
The
newsworthy nature of the contested presidential election
deserved full and fair coverage from all journalists.
Fox News did its job, and this is what the First Amendment
protects, Dinh said at the time. Im
not at all concerned about such lawsuits, real or
imagined.
The
Fox legal team based much of the defence on a doctrine
known as the neutral reportage privilege. It holds
that news organisations cannot be held financially
liable for damages when reporting on false allegations
made by major public figures as long as they dont
embrace or endorse them.
An
early warning came in late 2021. The judge in the
case, Eric M. Davis, rejected Foxs attempt to
use the neutral reportage defence to get the suit
thrown out, determining that it was not recognised
under New York law, which he was applying to the case.
Even if it was recognised, Fox would have to show
it reported on the allegations accurately and
dispassionately, and Dominion had made a strong
argument that Foxs reporting was neither, the
judge wrote in a ruling.
That
ruling meant that Dominion could have access to Foxs
internal communications in discovery.
That
was a natural time to settle. But Fox stuck with its
defence and its plan.
Treasure
trove
At
nearly every step, the court overruled Foxs
attempts to limit Dominions access to private
communications exchanged among hosts, producers and
executives. The biggest blow came mid-last year, after
a ruling stating that Dominion could review messages
from the personal phones of Fox employees, including
both Murdochs.
The
result was a treasure trove of evidence for Dominion:
text messages and emails that revealed the doubts
that Rupert Murdoch had about the coverage airing
on his network, and assertions by many inside Fox,
including Carlson, that fraud could not have made
a material difference in the election.
The
messages led to even more damaging revelations during
depositions. After Dominions lawyers confronted
Rupert Murdoch with his own messages showing he knew
Trumps stolen election claims were false, he
admitted that some Fox hosts appeared to have endorsed
stolen election claims.
During
Carlsons deposition last year, Dominions
lawyers asked about his use of a crude word to describe
women including a ranking Fox executive. They
also mentioned a text in which he discussed watching
a group of men, who he said were Trump supporters,
attack an Antifa kid. He lamented in the
text, Its not how white men fight,
and shared a momentary wish that the group would kill
the person. He then said he regretted that instinct.
There
is no indication that Carlsons texts tripped
alarms at the top of Fox at that point.
The
alarms rang in February, when reams of other internal
Fox communications became public. The publics
reaction was so negative that some people at the company
believed that a jury could award Dominion more than
$US1 billion. Yet the company made no serious bid
to settle.
All
along, the Fox board had been taking a wait-and-see
approach.
But
the judges pretrial decisions began to change
the boards thinking. Also, in those final days
before the trial, Fox was hit with new lawsuits. One,
from former Fox producer Abby Grossberg, accused Carlson
of promoting a hostile work environment. Another,
filed by a shareholder, accused the Murdochs and several
directors of failing to stop the practices that made
Fox vulnerable to legal claims.
The
weekend before the trial was to begin, the board asked
Fox to see the internal Fox communications that were
not yet public but that could still come out in the
courtroom.
The
board learned for the first time of the Carlson text
that referred to how white men fight.
Dinh did not know about the message until that weekend,
according to two people familiar with the matter.
By
the time the board learned of the message, the Murdochs
had already determined that a trial loss could be
far more damaging than they were initially told to
expect. A substantial jury award could weigh on the
companys stock for years as the appeals process
played out.
The
distraction to our company, the distraction to our
growth plans our management would have
been extraordinarily costly, which is why we decided
to settle, Lachlan Murdoch said at an investment
conference this month.
The
text also helped lead to the Murdochs decision
to abruptly pull Carlson off the air. Their view had
hardened that their top-rated star wasnt worth
all the downsides he brought with him.
Still
pending is the Smartmatic suit. In April, Fox agreed
to hand over additional internal documents relating
to several executives, including the Murdochs and
Dinh. In a statement reminiscent of Dinhs early
view of the Dominion case, the network said that Fox
was protected by the First Amendment.
We
will be ready to defend this case surrounding extremely
newsworthy events when it goes to trial, likely in
2025, the statement said.
News
Lachlan
Murdoch explains $1.2b settlement, says Fox News wont
change successful strategy - 10th May
2023
Fox
News paid $US787 million ($1.16 billion) to settle
a recent lawsuit on its reporting after the 2020 election
to avoid a divisive trial and lengthy appeals process,
its parent companys chief executive said.
Lachlan
Murdoch, executive chairman and CEO of Fox Corp.,
also noted that a Delaware judge severely limited
Foxs defences against Dominion Voting Systems,
which said the network defamed it by airing bogus
charges of election fraud that it knew was untrue.
Fox
Corp announced that it had lost $US50 million the
previous three months, which it attributed to the
lawsuit settlement. Murdoch, who answered questions
from financial analysts, was speaking in public for
the first time since the case ended and Fox fired
its most popular anchor, Tucker Carlson. Carlson has
just announced he is launching a new show on Twitter.
Murdoch
said viewers, and investors, should expect no change
in direction from Fox News.
We
made the business decision to resolve this dispute
and avoid the acrimony of a divisive trial and multi-year
appeal process, a decision clearly in the best interests
of the company and its shareholders, he said.
Fox
still believes it was properly exercising its First
Amendment rights to report on newsworthy fraud allegations
made by former President Donald Trump, even though
that defence was shot down in a pre-trial court ruling
in the Dominion case, Murdoch said.
Thats
important, since Murdoch said Fox intends to use the
same defence against a similar lawsuit by another
elections technology company, Smartmatic. That case
is not expected to go to trial until at least 2025,
he said.
Despite
being asked directly about Carlsons exit, Murdoch
didnt mention the former prime-time hosts
name and referred to his reign obliquely. Fox has
not explained why it cut ties with Carlson.
Theres
no change in programming strategy at Fox News,
he said. Its obviously a successful strategy.
As always, we are adjusting our programming and our
lineup and thats what we continue to do.
Although
hurt by the Carlson exit, Fox News remains the leading
cable news network.
Fox
has lost viewers following Carlsons firing.
Last weeks substitute host, Lawrence Jones,
reached between 1.28 million and 1.7 million last
week in a time slot where Carlson usually drew around
3 million, the Nielsen company said.
Yet
Fox has gained more than 40 new advertisers in that
hour, the network said, confirming a report in Variety.
Advertisers like Gillette, Scotts Miracle Gro
and Secret deodorant that had considered Carlsons
show a toxic environment have signed on.
(AP)
News
Jesse
Armstrong on the roots of Succession: Would
it have landed the same way without the mad bum-rush
of Trumps presidency? - 27th May 2023
It
has been the TV drama of our time a brutal,
hilarious unpicking of how power works. As the series
comes to an end, its creator looks back at its origin
and the unholy trinity of men who helped inspire Logan
Roy
My
first vivid memory of the project that would develop
into Succession was trying to get out of it. It was
about 2008 and I was on location for the filming of
Peep Show, the UK sitcom my longtime writing partner
Sam Bain and I wrote together. Between that show and
my work on The Thick of It and In the Loop, and a
bunch of other things, I was feeling overcommitted.
That particular day we were pretending a very normal
field in Hertfordshire was a safari park. I sloped
off from set and, hiding from imaginary lions, tried
to elegantly step away from the project.
I
failed. And in the following months as I wrote, slowly,
I became certain the script was a dud. It was stodgy
and odd. The original idea, a faux-documentary laying
out Rupert Murdochs business secrets, with them
delivered straight to camera, evolved as I worked
into a sort of TV play, set at the media owners
80th birthday party. Channel 4 were supportive, but
it was an odd form, this docudrama/TV-play, and difficult
to make happen. Around 2011, after a read-through
in London where John Hurt played Rupert, the project
essentially died.
My
US agent was the first person I recall suggesting
a totally different approach. A fictional family,
a multi-series US show. For five years or so, I dismissed
the idea, certain that a portrayal of a fictional
family would never have the power of a real one. Four
works changed my mind: HBOs excellent Robert
Durst documentary, The Jinx; Sumner Redstones
grimly business-focused autobiography, A Passion to
Win; James B Stewarts propulsive DisneyWar;
and Tom Bowers fascinating Robert Maxwell biography
Maxwell: The Final Verdict. These turned the idea
of doing a media-family drama without a singular real-life
model from a terrible betrayal of reality into a tantalising
chance to harvest all the best stories. Here was an
opportunity to explore all the most fascinating family
dynamics within a propitiously balanced fictional
hybrid media conglomerate. I took a long, deep dive
into rich-family and media-business research.
I
talked about this, as-yet-unwritten, idea in half-ironised
terms as Festen-meets-Dallas
When
Sam and I decided to bring things to a close on Peep
Show, I flew out to pitch this media show around LA.
I had a clear idea of where I wanted to develop it,
but my agent persuaded me appetites would be whetted
if we had a number of potential homes. So I spent
three days doing a round of pitch meetings where I
talked about this as-yet-unwritten idea in half-ironised
terms as Festen-meets-Dallas. No stars,
Dogme 95 camerawork. Scared of driving on the five-lane
highways, I bumped around town in the back of a Honda
Civic while a nice young man from my US agents
mailroom ferried me between rooms stocked with identical
tiny bottles of water and executives of vastly varying
degrees of interest.
Eventually,
I got to HBO, the place I most wanted the show to
land, home to The Sopranos and Six Feet Under. I knew
they might be receptive. Frank Rich once known
as the Butcher of Broadway for his theatre
criticism, but now an in-house consigliere
had championed my work there to the boss, Richard
Plepler, and Id previously developed a show
with them. So, out the back of a French-style bistro
on a three-cappuccino high, I pitched it to their
head of drama and comedy, Casey Bloys.
Sometimes
a pitch stretches thin and threadbare, the fabric
renting as you go, the other party peeping grimly
through the holes. Other times, the air thickens,
and you can feel the atmosphere in the room turn oxygen-rich
as the enthusiasm you are trying to project transforms
into an enthusiasm you are actually feeling.
By
the time I left LA, HBO had made an offer and Adam
McKay, fresh from The Big Short, had said he would
be interested in directing. Id written another
Succession forerunner, a script about the US political
strategist Lee Atwater, for Adam and his producing
partner Kevin Messick. It had been one of the few
LA experiences Id had where the excitement expressed
at the start of the project sustained through the
writing and attempts to get it made.
This
was 2016 and, once back in the UK, I wrote the pilot
through the spring and summer in a one-room flat I
rented on Brixton Hill, south London, walking across
Brockwell Park each morning, listening to podcasts
and reading news about the Brexit referendum. Scotland
had recently voted by a narrow majority to stay inside
the UK and the abiding sense right before the Brexit
vote was, yeah, change looms, it glistens, menacingly,
promisingly, but it doesnt happen. Not really.
Really, everything stays the same.
But
then it did happen. And across the Atlantic, the Trump
campaign was igniting even if initially his
candidacy felt like a slightly amusing, slightly too-vivid
flash in the pan. Into early autumn, in fact, all
serious people were still explaining to one another
that Trump couldnt happen. Although I suppose,
looking back, there was a notable lack of detail in
terms of the mechanism by which he would be stopped.
I
think a lot of the better films and TV shows Ive
been involved with have at their heart a quite simple
impulse around which the more subtle layers are spun.
In the Loops spark was anger at the Iraq war.
Chris Morriss Four Lions I think was driven
by his gut feeling that something was very wrong with
the way we understood jihadi terrorism in the UK.
Peep Show was about oddball male friendship, perhaps
even masculinity.
I
guess the simple things at the heart of Succession
ended up being Brexit and Trump. The way the UK press
had primed the EU debate for decades. The way the
US medias conservative outriders prepared the
way for Trump, hovered at the brink of support and
then dived in. The British press of Rothermere, Maxwell,
Murdoch and the Barclay brothers, and the US news
environment of Fox and Breitbart.
The
Sun doesnt run the UK, nor does Fox entirely
set the media agenda in the US, but it was hard not
to feel, at the time the show was coming together,
the particular impact of one man, of one family, on
the lives of so many. Rightwing populism was on the
march across the globe. But in the fine margins of
the Brexit vote and Trumps eventual electoral
college victory, one couldnt help but think
about the influence of the years of anti-EU stories
and comment in the UK press, the years of Fox dancing
with its audience, sometimes leading, sometimes following,
as the wine got stronger, the music madder. It was
politically alarming and creatively appealing: to
imagine the mixture of business imperatives and political
instinct that exist within a media operation; to consider
what happens when something as important as the flow
of information in a democracy hits the reductive brutality
of the profit calculation inside such a company. How
those elements might rebound emotionally and psychologically
inside a family as it considered the question of corporate
succession.
For
Logan Roy, Murdoch, Redstone and Maxwell were my holy
trinity of models. But Conrad Black, Brian L Roberts
of Comcast, Robert Mercer of Breitbart, Julian Sinclair
Smith of Sinclair, Tiny Rowland, Rothermere, Beaverbrook
and Hearst all fed in. The three central models were
wildly different, of course: the self-made refugee
Maxwell and the already-rich Murdoch, a scion of Australian
journalistic royalty, both so different from the tough
Boston lawyer Redstone who started with a couple of
his fathers drive-in cinemas.
But
they were connected by a strong interest in a few
things: a refusal to think about mortality (Redstone
and Murdoch both used to make the same joke about
their succession plan: not dying); desire for control;
manic deal-making energy; love of gossip and power-connection;
a certain ruthlessness about hirings and firings.
And most of all, an instinct for forward motion, with
a notable lack of introspection.
Perhaps
the best part of Redstones autobiography for
a casual reader is the opening, where he recounts
clinging by one hand to a hotel balcony through a
fire. Despite suffering third-degree burns over half
his body, years of rehabilitation, excruciatingly
painful skin grafts, he says this event, after which
he made all his biggest business plays, had no impact
whatsoever on the trajectory of his life.
Whether
due to all this grist, or the aligning of the political
planets (in)auspiciously, the pilot came unnervingly
easily. Getting names in a script to feel real can
be hard for me theyre a tell-tale sign
of whether Im living inside it. Kendall, Shiv,
Roman, Connor. They all felt right straight off the
bat. Their inspirations, I suppose, were the children
of these magnates: three of the Maxwell kids, the
ones closest to the business (the boys, Ian and Kevin)
and to their father (Ghislaine). Brent and Shari Redstone,
with whom Sumner played a tough and complicated game
of bait-and-switch over CBS-Paramount succession.
And the Murdoch children, Prudence, Lachlan, James,
Elisabeth, Chloe and Grace.
But
getting those names for the Roy children made them
feel like their own individuals to me. It allowed
me to pour in just what I wanted from the real world,
fill each with all the faults they might have inherited,
while giving me room to add some extra, just for them.
Greg
and Tom came fast, too. Tom from two roots. One was
thinking about the sort of lunks Ive occasionally
seen powerful women choose as partners. Plausible,
manly men with big watches and a soothing affable
manner. That mixed with the deadly courtier, a more
18th-century figure, minutely attuned to shifts in
power and influence, an invisible deadly gas that
occurs in certain confined places and rises to kill
anyone unwise enough not to take precautions. A hanger-on
sustained by some Fitzgeraldian illusions about the
world, a sense that perhaps the rich really are different
from us and a romantic ambition to make it in New
York City.
Greg,
I guess, was a distant relative of the sort of political
adviser I had myself briefly been. Gormless, clueless,
out of place and gauche. But not without an eye for
a deal. And, I hope, a little more wheedling and insinuating
than I ever was.
The
scenes flowed. I put all research aside and followed
my nose and wrote pretty much exactly what I wanted
The
charge between these two semi-outsiders struck me
from the start as toxic and comic. Tom, the interloper,
is like an organism that has found a precarious but
rewarding perch above some deep oceanic vent and adapted
itself to conditions perfectly. He is not pleased
at all to see a similar creature scuttling along hoping
to share the same cramped evolutionary niche. That
first half-bullying, half-provocative exchange they
share in the outfield at a softball game in the pilot
landed them right in the middle of a stew theyve
been cooking in ever since.
The
scenes flowed. I had eaten a very large amount of
research, but once I was writing I put it all aside
and followed my nose and wrote pretty much exactly
what I wanted. It felt funny but odd and broken-ended,
fragmentary, abrupt, oblique and slightly brutal.
When I emailed it off, I had the familiar feeling
that Adam, Frank and HBO might email back to say not
only was it not good, it wasnt even actually,
technically, a script. But their response was frighteningly
positive. Almost as though the script was finished,
after what was, I thought, a quick first draft. I
think every other episode of Succession has gone to
at least 30 drafts usually 50. The pilot barely
hit 15.
We
had our read-through in New York on US election day
2016. Before we started, I made the sort of joke lots
of people made that day, assuming the polls were right
and Hillary Clinton was going to squeeze it. That
night we gathered in Adam McKays apartment to
watch the results roll in. Much later, I walked a
long walk back from Soho to where I was staying near
the United Nations looking at the electoral college
numbers projected on to the Empire State Building.
We
started filming the next day.
I
still wonder whether Succession would have landed
in the same way without the mad bum-rush of news and
sensation Trumps chaotic presidency provided.
Trump wasnt the firebombing of German civilians,
and nor is Succession Slaughterhouse-Five, but I do
sometimes think about Vonnegut saying no one in the
world profited from the firebombing of Dresden, except
himself.
This
is an edited extract from Succession: The Complete
Scripts Seasons One, Two and Three (Faber &
Faber), out now at £20 each. To support the
Guardian and Observer, order your copies for £17.60
each from guardianbookshop.com.
The
final episode of Succession airs in the UK on Sky
Atlantic/Now on Monday. Jesse Armstrong donated the
fee for this article to the Writers Guild of America
strike assistance fund.
News
LIV
Golf announces new pay-per-view option - 26th May
2023
"The
hope for LIV is to grow off the success first seen
on YouTube in 2022, where the league attracted tournament
audiences of several hundred-thousand views in the
U.S. and abroad."
Going
forward, LIV Golf Series events will be available
via a pay-per-view option on YouTube.
The
new deal was detailed by James Colgan of Golf.com.
Less
than six months after signing a media rights agreement
with the CW, LIV announced Friday that it has created
a new, pay-per-view broadcast option to run on YouTube,
Colgan reported. The PPV broadcast will cost
$3 per tournament day, LIV said in a release announcing
the decision, and will run in addition to the leagues
agreement with the CW.
Colgan
also detailed that A LIV source indicated that
the CW is aware of the decision to introduce a pay-per-view
model, and that the decision does not violate any
of the leagues preexisting broadcast agreements.
The
hope for LIV is to grow off the success first seen
on YouTube in 2022, where the league attracted tournament
audiences of several hundred-thousand views in the
U.S. and abroad. The league already has its own direct-to-consumer
subscription platform, LIV Golf Plus, which the PPV
channel will run counter to. LIV broadcasts will continue
to be streamed for free on the CW app.
This
announcement comes less than two weeks after a rather
embarrassing moment for the tour. One week before
LIVs Brooks Koepka triumphed at the PGA Championship,
the Saudi-backed golf series was in Tulsa.
On
one hand, it was a perfect showcase event for LIV.
Two of its most high-profile players, Dustin Johnson
and Cam Smith, went to a three-way playoff (along
with Branden Grace). But most of the people watching
did not get to see Johnsons eventual triumph.
The
CW, the leagues primary broadcast partner, went
away from coverage in the vast majority of its markets,
showing regularly scheduled programming.
Jim Nantz was quick to make a joke at LIVs expense
on the matter at the PGA Championship. The CW also
announced a change, saying that all events will be
shown to their conclusions going forward.
[Golf.com]
News
WWE
Night Of Champions Reportedly Earned Highest Viewership
Of Any Saudi Arabia Show - 31st May 2023
According
to a report from Fightful Select, Saturday's Night
of Champions PLE scored WWE the highest viewership
out of any of the company's Saudi Arabia events since
the partnership between the two began in 2013. The
report states that Night of Champions brought in an
18% increase in viewership compared to last year's
Crown Jewel event, and the company is reportedly quite
happy with its holiday weekend results.
Night
of Champions was headlined by Kevin Owens and Sami
Zayn successfully defending the Undisputed WWE Tag
Team Championship against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
of The Bloodline, with a major angle taking place
on the show that saw The Usos turn on Reigns after
more than a year of build-up and tension.This marks
the second time a tag team match has served as the
main event of a major WWE show in recent months. Additional
matches on the show included Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles
to decide the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion,
a singles match between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus,
and a Backlash rematch pitting Brock Lesnar against
Cody Rhodes, among others.
To
date, WWE has held nine PPVs and PLEs in Saudi Arabia,
along with three house shows. Back in 2019, WWE announced
that they had "expanded their partnership"
with Saudi Arabia, and that they would be hosting
two major events per year in the Middle Eastern nation
through at least 2027. Though it hasn't been announced
yet, WWE will likely return to Saudi Arabia for another
Crown Jewel event later this year.
News
Pat
McAfee Comments On Empty Seats At AEW Double Or Nothing
- 31st May 2023
All
Elite Wrestling's Double or Nothing pay-per-view took
place this past weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las
Vegas, Nevada. During the event, Wrestlenomics' Brandon
Thurston tweeted images of empty seats inside the
venue. Wrestling Observer's Bryan Alvarez also posted
a photo from his ringside position, which showed many
unoccupied places behind Orange Cassidy after he retained
the AEW International Championship in a Blackjack
Battle Royal. Former "WWE SmackDown" commentator
Pat McAfee has weighed in with his thoughts.
"Anytime
you get a shot away from hard cam, you know what I
mean, you can really see a lot of things," McAfee
said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "AEW
found out this weekend or whatever at one of their
events, it's like three quarters of an arena completely
empty. They don't want that photo out anywhere."
Ahead
of the pay-per-view going live on Sunday night, WrestleTix
revealed 10,229 tickets had been distributed for an
11,641 setup inside the T-Mobile Arena, leaving 1,412
tickets available. An Anarchy in the Arena match headlined
the show, with Blackpool Combat Club's Bryan Danielson,
Jon Moxley, reigning ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli,
and Wheeler Yuta picking up the win in that bout against
The Elite's Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson,
and "Hangman" Adam Page.
AEW's
next major standalone show, All In, which will take
place on August 27 at Wembley Stadium in London, England,
has currently sold over 65,000 tickets and has a gate
of over $8 million. No matches have been announced
for AEW's first event across the pond as of this writing.
Ticket sales for All In have slowed following an initial
surge.
News
WWE-UFC
merged company to be called TKO Group Holdings
- 16th May 2023
A
name has emerged for the group.
Coming
out of WrestleMania, it was announced by Endeavor
that an agreement had been reached with WWE and the
company would be merging with UFC to form a new sports
and entertainment company.
The
deal has not been formally finalized but a name for
the merged group has been revealed. CNBCs Alex
Sherman and Mike Calia published a story and an Endeavor
spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the new
group is going to be called TKO Group Holdings.
It
will trade under the New York Stock Exchange as TKO.
The
merger between WWE and UFC is being valued at $20
billion. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel will be the CEO
of TKO Group and Vince McMahon is going to serve as
Executive Chairman.
News
Nick
Khan Says WWE In Talks With International Cities For
2024 PLEs
It
sounds as though WWE will continue expanding its PLEs
into international markets next year. Speaking at
the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media & Communications
Conference, WWE CEO Nick Khan stated that the company
was discussing the potential for additional overseas
shows in 2024.
"We're
in conversations now with a lot of international cities
about doing 2024 shows there," Khan said. "Also,
part of the intent is to match those up with our media
rights, even if they're not up to over-deliver for
incumbent partners who can then invite their partners
in the international city to the event, and host them.
It's good for our overall business." Khan's comments
came as part of a conversation about countries offering
subsidies to WWE for bringing shows there, as the
company brings a great deal of revenue to the city
for major events. Khan cited recent events in Puerto
Rico as well as the Dallas, Texas area as examples.
Previous
rumors pointed toward Australia as a potential location
for a future international WWE PLE. However, it's
unknown if negotiations with the country have progressed
in the months since.
WWE
has steadily ramped up its major international shows
over the last five years, with the company holding
several yearly events in Saudi Arabia, as well as
last year's Clash at the Castle and the upcoming Money
in the Bank both being held in the United Kingdom.
It seems fans around the world should stay on the
lookout for upcoming announcements regarding WWE's
international schedule in 2024.
News
We
Let People Go: Months After $21.4 Billion UFC-WWE
Deal, Endeavor CEO Recalls Horrible Time
for Organization - 2nd June 2023
The
year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges for individuals
and organizations alike, and the UFC was no exception.
The promotional frontman Dana White has reflected
on those uncertain times and shared the struggles
the organization faced in keeping things going. Despite
the pandemic, White was determined to keep the show
running and provide entertainment for fight fans worldwide.
While the rest of the world was shut down, the UFC
managed to organize consistent events, albeit on a
smaller scale. However, this arduous journey was not
without its fair share of hardships.
Ari
Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, the parent company of
the UFC and William Morris Endeavor talent agency,
revealed the significant challenges they encountered
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Endeavor
recently secured a massive $21.4 billion deal to acquire
the WWE, during the COVID-19 days, the company found
itself at rock bottom struggling to stay afloat.
When
Covid-19 posed a threat to the UFC
In
an interview on the Freakonomics Radio
podcast, Emanuel shared how the pandemic affected
the company financially. During the interview, podcast
host Stephen Dubner asked Emanuel, Did you think
COVID might kill Endeavor?. Reflecting on this,
the 62-year-old CEO replied, It was bad,
He continued, Id never had to fire that
many people.
Emanuel
mentioned that the continuation of UFC fights during
the pandemic played a crucial role in saving the company,
accounting for approximately 70% of their revenue
that year. Further talking about the struggles to
keep the organization alive during the pandemic, the
Endeavor CEO stated, We had our ESPN deal. We
then started making deals for writers. So we stored
all the cash. We didnt let anything out. We
let people go, which was horrible, or furloughed them.
Through
the storm, Endeavors leadership team, led by
Emanuel, proved to be the lighthouse that guided them
to safer shores. The UFCs resilience and the
implementation of innovative strategies, such as the
Fight Island events, not only salvaged
the company but also became a beacon of hope for other
professional sports leagues.
News
Very,
Very Easy for Jon Jones: Ex-UFC Star Ruthlessly
Shuts Down Tyson Fury Days After Boxers Callout
of UFC Champ in Ugly Public Feud - 1st June 2023
The
claim made by Joe Rogan that Tyson Fury would stand
no chance against Jon Jones has sparked an intense
and never-ending debate. Recently, another prominent
figure from the UFC, the world of mixed martial arts,
has jumped into this heated discussion. However, The
Gypsy King himself strongly opposed the take
of the UFC commentator and didnt hold back in
expressing his views. In fact, he went as far as bashing
Rogan and proudly proclaimed himself to be the
baddest man on the planet.
As
the back and forth continued between Fury and Rogan,
UFC president Dana White has stepped in, proposing
a potential fight between Fury and Jones. However,
the WBC heavyweight champion firmly refused to step
into the octagon, dismissing the idea altogether.
This decision faced an immediate backlash from fans
who had eagerly anticipated the materialization of
this debate inside the fighting arena.
Despite
the disappointment felt by fans, it becomes evident
that the 34-year-old boxer has no intention of venturing
into the octagon. On the contrary, a former UFC welterweight
challenger believes that Fury would fare well in the
realm of mixed martial arts. However, he warns that
there may be unforeseen challenges along the way.
Tyson
Fury will have a Jon Jones threat in MMA
During
a recent interview, the former UFC fighter Dan Hardy
shared his reflections on the latest happenings in
the combat sports world, ranging from boxing to MMA.
However, it was the Tyson Fury-Jon Jones debate that
took center stage.
The
41-year-old Hardy began by heaping praise on The
Gypsy King for his potential in MMA, stating,
Tyson Fury doesnt come from a boxing background.
He comes from a fighting man background. Tyson Fury
sees himself as a fighter first that boxes, and I
think he looks at mixed martial arts and sees lots
of ways he can capitalize on the changing of the rules.
Continuing
his analysis, Hardy mentioned Furys collaboration
with Tom Aspinall and how he has showcased proficient
elbows and knees in the videos shared with him. The
Outlaw confidently stated, I feel like
Tyson Fury would be really good if he crossed over
to mixed martial arts. Of course, thered be
a lot for him to learn. The main issue would be, hed
be very, very easy for Jon Jones to take down. And
I think thats something that Tyson has not experienced
and has not and has not really quite comprehended.
Meanwhile,
Jon Jones recently made a strong statement in his
heavyweight debut, securing a first-round victory
against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 after returning from
a three-year-long hiatus.
This
certainly explains Dan Hardys warning to Tyson
Fury. How do you think The Gypsy King
would fare in MMA?
News
Dwayne
Johnson to Return as Luke Hobbs in New Fast
and Furious Standalone Film - 7th June 2023
Dwayne
Johnson is returning to the Fast and Furious
universe with a new standalone film, reprising his
franchise role as Luke Hobbs.
Universal
Pictures announced the project on Thursday. Longtime
Fast and Furious collaborator Chris Morgan
wrote the untitled films script. Plot details
were not available, though individuals familiar with
the deal said the new movie will bridge between the
events of the just-released Fast X and
the upcoming Fast X: Part II, which is
expected in 2025. Johnson just appeared as Hobbs,
a diplomatic security service agent, in a credits
scene for Fast X.
Johnson
will produce the film with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia
for their Seven Bucks Productions, along with Vin
Diesel and Samantha Vincent via their One Race Films.
Additional producers include Chris Morgan for his
Chris Morgan Productions, Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth/Kirschenbaum
Films and Neal Moritz for Original Film.
Screenwriter
Morgan wrote and produced Fast and Furious Presents:
Hobbs & Shaw and The Fate of the Furious.
Hes also scripted and executive produced the
fifth, sixth and seventh entries in the franchise.
Directed by Louis Leterrier, Fast X opened
at No. 1 around the world in May with $320 million
and became the second-biggest global opening of 2023.
Johnson
announced Hobbs return with a video posted to
social media with the caption: Your reactions
around the world to Hobbs return in Fast
X have blown us away. The next Fast &
Furious film youll see the legendary lawman
in will be the Hobbs movie that will serve as a fresh,
new chapter & set up for Fast X: Part II.'
Last
summer Vin Diesel and I put all the past behind us,
Johnson added. Well lead with brotherhood
and resolve and always take care of the franchise,
characters & fans that we love. Ive built
my career on an audience first mentality
and that will always serve as my north star.
Johnson
is repped by WME, lawyers Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown
& Passman, Inc. and The Lede Company.
Seven
Bucks has co-produced films like Disneys Jungle
Cruise and the DC Studios entires Black
Adam and DC League of Super-Pets.
Original series include NBCs Young Rock
and The Titan Games. Johnson will next
produce and star in Red One at Amazon
Studios and Disneys live-action Moana.
News
13
States Comment On Possibility Of Allowing Gambling
On WWE Matches
In
March 2023, CNBC reported that WWE was working toward
legalizing gambling on wrestling matches, enlisting
the services of accounting firm Ernst & Young,
with Michigan, Colorado, and Indiana mentioned as
the initial targets. As of now, betting on WWE matches
is only available at offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline.ag,
based out of Antigua, and Bovada, based out of Latvia.
Betting on matches in America would open up new streams
of revenue for WWE and add some mainstream legitimacy
to the sports entertainment powerhouse.
Since
that report broke, however, it's been nothing bad
news for WWE in the gambling department. Dave Meltzer
has reported that WWE's efforts aren't going well
Colorado denied talking to WWE and said that
"By statute, wagers on events with fixed or predicted
outcomes ... are strictly prohibited in Colorado."
Indiana told Casino.org that it had "no interest
in approving wagering on scripted events," and
Michigan also denied any recent talks with WWE, while
New Hampshire Lottery Commission executive director
Charlie McIntyre deemed it "very unlikely"
betting on WWE gets approved in New Hampshire.
In
light of this, Wrestling Inc. reached out to multiple
states about the possibility of legalized betting
on WWE matches. Each gambling commission was asked
1) how likely WWE would be to succeed if they pitched
gambling on matches to them, and 2) if there were
any regulations, laws, or statutes that barred betting
on something with predetermined outcomes. 13 states
- Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio,
Oregon, South Dakota, and Washington - responded.
While their responses varied slightly, overall, they
paint a picture of increasingly fewer opportunities,
and increasingly more obstacles, for legal gambling
on WWE matches to get approved.
At
least three states say they wouldn't allow gambling
on WWE as a matter of policy, even if there are no
explicit laws against it.
Kerry
Hemphill, Manager of Sports Betting Product at the
Oregon Lottery, made it clear that gambling on WWE
wouldn't be allowed as a matter of policy in the Beaver
State: "Although there is no law or statute that
forbids it, Oregon Lottery sports betting policy is
to not accept wagers on scripted events with predicted
outcomes."
Seth
Elkin, Assistant Director of Communications for Public
Affairs for Maryland Lottery and Gaming, also told
us his state had made a determination on the matter.
"Maryland's sports wagering law and regulations
prohibit forms of wagering that are contrary to public
policy or unfair to bettors," he said. "We've
determined that it is unfair to bettors, and therefore
not in the public's interest, to accept wagers on
sports entertainment events that have predetermined
outcomes, like professional wrestling."
Meanwhile,
a representative from the South Dakota Department
of Revenue simply said, "WWE wrestling matches
would not be eligible for sports wagering in South
Dakota."
Iowa
and Ohio say no to betting on predetermined events
Two
more states said that predetermined events weren't
permitted, but made a point to highlight policy and
procedure. Brian J. Ohorilko, Administrator of the
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, also shot down
gambling on wrestling for the time being.
"Predetermined
events are not permitted in the State of Iowa,"
he told Wrestling Inc. "Iowa law defines and
permits professional sporting events and sports-related
events; however, fixed or predetermined outcomes are
not explicitly permitted. As such, and for other integrity
concerns, the commission has not permitted predetermined
events in any of the approved wagering markets."
Ohorilko
also brought up the process that would be required
for any kind of legalization: "From a practical
standpoint, any request would need to come with a
legal opinion as to how this would be permitted under
Iowa law," he said. "It would need to go
through legal review with consultation from the AG
office. If legal review passes, the commission would
still need to review policy and integrity concerns
with respect to the activity having predetermined
outcomes. Approval would be needed before this type
of wagering activity could take place."
Ohio
tells a similar story. Jessica Franks, Director of
Communications for the Ohio Casino Control Commission,
pointed us towards Rule 3775-11-01 of the Ohio Administrative
Code the process for adding to Ohio's catalog
of wagers and events. She said the Commission's review
of such requests includes, but is not limited to,
the following criteria:
The
quality of the governing body's documented integrity
program.
The
general availability of information related to the
governing body.
The
professional or skill level status of athletes.
The
history of integrity related to events sanctioned
by the governing body.
This
already puts the WWE in shaky territory, but it's
seemingly locked out for good with the following consideration:
"Please note that the Commission will not approve
requests for wagers/events involving 'Events which
are pre-recorded or in which the outcome has been
otherwise previously determined.'"
Arizona
and Connecticut have laws against betting on fixed
outcomes
At
least two states have laws in place that would ban
gambling on WWE matches.
Max
Hartgraves, Public Information Officer at the Arizona
Department of Gaming, provided a straightforward statement:
"Arizona statute prohibits gambling on fixed
events."
Meanwhile,
when asked how likely WWE would be to garner approval
for gambling on matches, Kaitlyn Krasselt, Communications
Director at Connecticut Department of Consumer Protections,
said "I cannot speculate on that." That
said, she did inform Wrestling Inc. about state regulations
on gambling: "Connecticut law only allows wagering
on sporting or athletic events. WWE is sports entertainment.
The 'matches' are predetermined by the company and
are scripted. There is no regulation body for professional
wrestling, and WWE is one of several companies that
offers this type of entertainment. With a predetermined
outcome, this would not be considered a sport. It
is considered entertainment. Wagering on the Oscars,
for example, is also not permitted in Connecticut."
That
last part is significant, since CNBC's report mentioned
that WWE executives were using Oscar betting as an
example for regulators.
Maine
and Montana agree with most of their colleagues
Two
states specifically cited the statements from Colorado,
Indiana, Michigan, and New Hampshire in their responses.
After hearing that four other states had expressed
skepticism over betting on WWE, Maine Gambling Control
Unit Executive Director Milton Champion said, "On
the surface, without looking into the matter, I would
concur with my colleagues. Operators will submit with
their application events that they want to take wagers
on, and I shall approve them."
Daniel
Iverson, Content Manager for the Montana Lottery,
said something similar. "Montana does not intend
to add WWE markets, for the same reasons our counterparts
cited," he advised, before directing any questions
on state law to the Montana Department of Justice
Gambling Control Division.
New
Jersey and Massachusetts punted, for now
Two
states we contacted declined to comment on the matter,
not wanting to address issues that haven't come before
them yet. Thomas Mills, Communications Division Chief
of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, said, "I
appreciate your question, but am unable to speculate
on a hypothetical action the Commission may or may
not take."
Dan
Prochilo, Public Information Officer at the New Jersey
Attorney General's Office, responded that "The
Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) cannot comment
on any hypothetical discussion with an operator or
league about future sports betting opportunities."
He added that "In New Jersey, an entity seeking
permission for a contest to be authorized for wagering
on a sports event is required to submit its proposal
to DGE for evaluation and approval pursuant to state
law and regulations."
Prochilo
also provided the state's legal definition of a "sports
event" for the purposes of gambling. Notably,
it includes the phrase "A 'sports event' shall
include any live competition or talent contest, including
awards competitions[.]"
New
Jersey and Massachusetts are two of the only states
that allow betting on the Oscars, with New Jersey
okaying it in 2019 (the first state to do so) and
Massachusetts greenlighting it in 2023. It's unknown
if WWE will approach either state or how each state
would respond, but at bare minimum, WWE's argument
to treat wrestling like the Oscars for betting purposes
might carry some weight.
Washington
and New Mexico illustrate the challenges of Tribal
gaming
Washington
is unique among the states who responded to us, in
that sports wagering is only available on Tribal lands
yet still regulated by the state. Sports wagering
was legalized, subject to terms of Tribal/State Compacts,
on Tribal lands in 2020. All wagering, even online
betting, must take place on Tribal lands, and each
casino decides bets within certain limitations. The
Angel of the Winds Casino and Resort and the ilani
Casino Resort, for example, don't 100% overlap on
sports offered for betting.
But
WWE, or any wrestling, won't be joining those offering
under current rules and regulations. Dan Wegenast,
Agent In Charge for the Tribal Gaming Unit of the
Washington State Gambling Commission, pointed Wrestling
Inc. towards the Tribal/State Compacts for sports
wagering. He also stated that "Washington State
law and the Tribal/State Compacts for sports wagering
... prohibit wagers on events with known outcomes."
To
further illustrate the complications of garnering
approval for gaming on Tribal lands, a representative
from the New Mexican Gaming Control Board told Wrestling
Inc. that sports betting is illegal in their state,
but legal with some Tribes. That said, New Mexico
does not regulate Tribal gaming, meaning that approval
would likely have to be worked out with each Tribe
individually.
There
are other obstacles, too
It's
worth noting that gambling laws are constantly changing.
Many states without gambling - such as North
Carolina - have spent years hammering out legislation
that would approve gambling off Tribal lands. Additionally,
for states with legalized gambling, internal policies
are not inherently laws, and can be subject to change
under the right circumstances.
That
said, even if WWE manages to get gambling on matches
approved anywhere, that's only one part of the battle:
They still need casinos and/or sportsbooks to be willing
to accept wagers at all, and there's resistance in
this field, as well, as demonstrated in subsequent
coverage from CNBC. FanDuel deems it unlikely that
they'd ever accept bets on WWE, noting that the Academy
Awards - which held once per year - are
vastly different than dealing with WWE's weekly programming.
Additionally, when BetCEO Adam Greenblatt was asked
if he had any interesting in accepting bets on WWE,
he responded "NFW."
Between
the overwhelming majority opinions of the 13 states
who responded to Wrestling Inc., the states that have
already responded, and the reluctance of sportsbooks
to include anything that looks less than credible,
WWE faces an increasingly uphill battle if they want
to make betting on wrestling matches legal anywhere
in the United States.
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