Online Casino and Pokie Gambling News

Crown Casino’s woes pile up

October 25, 2019 by Admin

Melbourne’s Crown Casino’s year has been a challenging one and it’s about to get worse.

A series of events have led to numerous revelations about the shady activates happening at this iconic gambling destination.

Barangaroo Casino Tower

July brought the first wave of adversity to the casino’s doorstep when city officials in Sydney started raising objections about the $2.2 billion development in the suburb of Barangaroo.

Construction had already been in progress for 14 months with the completion date set for 2021. The Crown Sydney Tower was meant to be a 71-story structure, boasting both a casino and luxury apartments.

Then Crow’s plans for the venue raised the ire of the mayor and city council members. Their requests to reduce parking and add more apartments sparked a series of debates and public posturing.

Crown cast in a criminal light

Within a few weeks, numerous media outlets had gained access to leaked emails from Crown Resorts. The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and 60 Minutes were among the media outlets releasing a series of damaging reports.

The reports laid bare Crown’s links with Chinese criminals, communist officials, and sex traffickers. A former Border Force head also claims to have been pressured by politicians who wanted a streamlined entry for Chinese high rollers coming to Australia.

Crown resorts refuted the allegations, but the casino was unable to contain the fallout as numerous politicians called for a thorough investigation.

Deals on ice

Melco’s planned purchase of a 20% stake in Crown in June, for $1.76 billion was of particular interest to Aussie officials, mainly because Melco is run by CEO Lawrence Ho.

Lawrence Ho is the son of billionaire and gambling legend Stanley Ho. His father is alleged to be involved in all manner of illegal activities and Australian officials have fought to keep his influence from entering their country.

Regulators from New South Wales launched an investigation, resulting in Melco suspending the proposed purchase for 60 days.

A whistleblower emerges

A chauffeur who works for Crown Casino recently emerged to add to the casino’s growing despair. He revealed to officials that employees were expected to follow “Crown law,” a set of rules that appeared to displace traditional Aussie law.

Employees were regularly asked to procure drugs and prostitutes for foreign high rollers. He further claimed that usual customs checks did not seem to apply to these individuals.

“Crown is a law unto itself. The laws that the rest of us have to follow mean nothing to Crown.” The driver testified.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie and Victorian state MP Fiona Patten have motivated for a full inquiry into Crown’s activities. Other whistleblowers are likely to step forward as Crown feels the pressure.

A looming employee strike

As if their existing set of challenges wasn’t enough Crown Casino’s employees are poised to go on strike. United Voice, the worker’s union, is preparing a ballot that may allow for strikes as soon as November 1st. This would be the first-ever strike by Crown employees in 16 years.

Employees are demanding better pay and job security. They have also stipulated a new three-year agreement that includes a 5% wage increase for each year. Crown has tabled an offer of 2.5%, leaving negotiations in limbo.

An additional demand is the reduction of the time it takes to move from a casual to a permanent role. Currently, the process takes 24 months and 70% of the casino’s staff is made up of casual employees, according to a union report.

South Australia Mulls Gambling Reforms

October 15, 2019 by Admin

The South Australian State Parliament will be considering a proposed package of gambling reforms this week. The proposals, if approved, would have widespread effects on the state’s punters. The reforms remain a contentious issue, with vocal opponents vowing to halt them in their tracks.

The Proposals

The following proposals have been presented to the state for consideration:

Pokies would be able to accept banknotes instead of coins.
Rather than reducing the number of poker machines in the state, a maximum limit would be put in place.
Restrictions would be lifted, allowing access to gaming machines on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Clubs would have fewer restrictions when performing certain functions including, club mergers and the transfer of gambling machines (such as video poker) between locations.
Venues would be able to indefinitely ban “problem gamblers”. Banned players would face having their winnings seized and donated to the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund which would also absorb any unclaimed winnings.

Proponents and opponents

The reforms have found their biggest supporter in Attorney-General Vickie Chapman.

Chapman believes that the proposals will greatly assist in curtailing problem gambling in the state. “Through these changes, we’re looking to maintain support for our vibrant hospitality sector while ensuring there’s help available to those who are at risk,” said Chapman.

Chapman pointed out that allowing banknote-accepting machines would align South Australia with similar policies, adopted by other Aussie states as well as New Zealand.

Lawmakers have added their support, favouring the prospect of a reduction in the bureaucracy that clubs have to deal with. Paving an easier way for club mergers would also eventually reduce their total number.

It remains to be seen whether the proposals will survive the wrath of their fiercest detractors. Tim Costello of the Alliance for Gambling Reform called the banknote proposal “appalling.”

He drew comparisons between American gun laws and Aussie gambling laws. “It’s why going from coin-operated to cash is really like going from the ball-and-musket rifle in America – the Second Amendment right to carry a gun – to the semiautomatic and claiming the same right to carry a gun. That technology change makes no sense for liberty in America; here what South Australia is doing is just going backwards.”

Best MLC Frank Pangallo is standing in defiance, alongside Costello. In his opinion, the banknote reform is nothing less than “thoughtless, callous and heartless.”

Pangallo fears that the measure would “absolutely accelerate problem gambling.”

Another SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros has also joined the ranks of those opposed, pointing out that the coin-only policy has been the “single most effective harm minimization measure” currently in place. She accused members of the government of turning a deaf ear to gambling advocates and experts.

More than meets the eye?

Several journalists have speculated that ulterior motives may be at play. The working theory is that some parties may stand to gain from the reforms.

Records from the SA Electoral Commission clearly show that the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has made a number of political donations. 2019 has seen the group donate more than $6,000 to the Labor Party and over $42,000 to the Liberal Party.

The AHA has lauded the proposals, eagerly pointing out the benefits to hotels, clubs, and legal casinos. The political donations have, however, left a cloud of suspicion hanging over the organization, as increased profits in the industry would offer a direct and immediate financial benefit to them.

New Pokie Releases from Microgaming

October 5, 2019 by Admin

Microgaming pokie fans will be thrilled with these new releases:

Banana Odyssey

Banana Odyssey is a space-themed game, set on the Banana planet. This exclusive title was created by Slingshot Studios who are also responsible for Zombie Hoard and Cash of Kingdoms.

In the game, two astro-chimps are on a space quest the Banana Planet’s legendary riches. This high energy, five-by-three reel, 10-payline online slot features free spins, expanding wilds and respins. This spacey slot takes players on an epic stellar journey for riches.

Buck and Chip are the astro-chimps piloting the craft in the game. When the wild symbol lands on one of the three middle reels and expands to fill the entire reel, it triggers the cosmic respin feature. When this feature is activated, the expanded wild remains locked in place as the remaining reels respin. Additional wilds present an opportunity to trigger even further respins, significantly increasing the potential for rewards.

Landing three scatter symbols on reels two, three and four triggers 10 free spins, with the potential for locked expanding wilds which astronomically boost win potential.

Aurora Wilds

Aurora Wilds, is the debut game from Neon Valley Studios, an independent exclusively developing for Microgaming.

The slot is a five-reel, ten-payline online slot set in the magical Pacific Northwest. Features include expanding wilds, respins, bi-directional paylines, and the Jackpot Wheel, Stunning visuals of the Northern Lights feature in the backdrop.

Totem animals prance along the reels as wild symbols appear on reels two, three and four. When the wild symbol lands, it expands to fill the entire reel, locking into place and awarding a free respin. A total of three successive respins can be triggered as additional wilds land during the feature.

The game’s ambiance is completed by ethereal music that perfectly matches the visual theme players will note a change in the music when three scatter symbols land to trigger the Jackpot Wheel, which guarantees one of four jackpot prizes, awarding up to 2,000x the player’s bet.

If you enjoy games with expanding wilds, like the Ariana pokie, you should definitely give Aurora Wilds a try!

Tweet Hearts

Tweet hearts features nesting love birds against the backdrop of a leafy paradise. This five-reel, 17-payline slot features lush jungle visuals with brightly coloured parrots to delight the senses. Brand new features can be found nesting in this title, including the Double Lucky Line, Random Wilds, free spins and three different types of wild symbols.

The Double Lucky Line, perches on the middle row across all five reels. When double symbols land on the Double Lucky Line, they are counted as two symbols for any winning combinations or free spin symbols.

The Random Wild feature is sure to ruffle feathers in a good way. When this feature is active, two to six symbol positions turn into wild symbols before the spin stops. Free spins are triggered when five or more free spin symbols land, immediately awarding 10 free spins. For each additional free spin symbol, an extra spin is awarded, up to a maximum of 25 spins in total.

During the free spins round, Lucky Wilds unlock extra double positions throughout the reels and award additional free spins. These transform into a double position for the duration of the free spins feature, increasing the potential for incredible rewards.

Book of Oz: Lock ‘N Spin

Triple Edge Studios has unlocked a brand-new chapter of its Book of Oz series with a five-reel, ten-payline, and high-volatility online slot. All the magic and compelling playability of the original game, feature in this title, released in December last year. The new title boasts thrilling new features including the Hyperspins™ Lock ‘N Spin and 2nd Chance.

The Hyperspins™ Lock ‘N Spin feature within the base game allows players to lock up to four reels and then re-spin for a chance at a bounty of winning. An additional Free Spins feature may also be triggered. Locking reels is a vital strategy for players to achieve near wins or activate the five Book scatter symbols, which have their own set of lucrative rewards to offer.

Book symbols serve as a wild and scatter, either helping players to conjure a winning combination, or triggering free spin rounds. Finding three, four or five Book symbols launches the Free Spins feature, rewarding 10, 12 or 25 free spins respectively. The Book of Oz’s true treasure is the wizard symbol, a real-cash bonus that pays out 5000x your line bet, if you land five of a kind.

A magical new 2nd Chance feature enhances the already spectacular free spins by allowing players to lock the original symbol in place or to take a chance with a reshuffle for a special expanding symbol upgrade. The special symbol boosts the players luck across the reels, enhancing the potential to win by up to 5000x the initial bet. If three or more Book symbols are obtained within the free spins feature, further free spins are gifted to the lucky player.

Boom Pirates

The stunningly rendered and animated crew of a pirate ship, helmed by Captain Mary, make for a compelling pokie packed with a bounty of treasures, including the all-new Wonderways™ and Foxify™ features.

Raid the treasures of the oceans with the Boom Pirates feature powered by Wonderways, during which cannon fire transforms the five-by-four reel grid into astonishing nine-by-six reels, offering over 10 million ways to win.

The Foxify feature boosts players’ chances of triggering three swashbuckling features; raising the initial wager by 50%.

Captain Mary randomly makes an appearance in the game to turn non-winning spins into a five-of-a-kind winning combinations.

When the captain gets her pirate crew fired up, YO-HO-HO scatter symbols land on reels one, three and five. Finding all three symbols will activate free spins, launching an intriguing treasure hunt. When the Boom Pirates cannon is fired, activated Wonderways remain open for the duration of the free spins. This combined with the fact that any three scatters landing offer an additional five free spins, provides the potential for huge rewards.

Players with an extreme hunger for gold can purchase free spins for the pirates’ price of 100x the initial bet. The buy-in feature lets scurvy seafarers pillage free spins at any time they choose during the game.

Tabcorp scores new multi-year agreement with NFL; named Official Wagering Partner in Australia

September 29, 2019 by Admin

Australia’s leading diversified gambling entertainment group, Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH), has entered into a new wagering partnership with the National Football League (NFL).

The Melbourne-headquartered gambling company announced the multi-year agreement that will see it become the NFL’s Official Wagering Partner in what is the largest country in Oceania.

“Our goal is to support the growing appetite for the NFL in Australia.“

According to the company’s official news release…

…the ground-breaking partnership will enable Tabcorp (TAB) to “create unique NFL content and experiences for Australian fans across its digital platforms and venues” and combines its status as the country’s biggest multi-channel wagering brand with the professional American football league’s position as the “premier global sporting brand.”

Partnership details:

TAB and the NFL will additionally meld to promote the league’s official Pick’em free-to-play football game, via the Nflpickem.com.au domain, which will give fans in Australia the opportunity to win weekly prizes.

A grand prize trip to the Pro Bowl, which for the fourth consecutive year will see the AFC battle the NFC at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Jan. 26, 2020, will also be up for grabs.

Additional terms of the partnership deal include Tabcorp and satellite television channel, Sky Channel, streaming NFL Network and (six hours) NFL RedZone programming along with one NFL game per week to its commercial network of over 4,400 clubs, pubs and TAB agencies.

Support NFL popularity:

Commenting on the recent tie-up, Managing Director Wagering & Media for Tabcorp, Adam Rytenskild, said…

“We are proud to bring Australians NFL action to enhance our existing sports offering to customers and venues and complement Sky’s unrivalled coverage of Australian and international racing. Our goal is to support the growing appetite for the NFL in Australia. This gives fans more value in line with our strategy of using our assets to create unique experiences for customers.”

For its part, NFL Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Christopher Halpin, said that they [NFL] look forward to working with Australia’s leading operator.

“We are excited about our growing popularity in Australia and this partnership will help further serve our fans there,” said Halpin.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed in the Wednesday news release.

AGA sports betting survey:

According to a new survey recently released by the American Gaming Association(AGA), 38,000,000 American adults, 15% of the adult population in the U.S., plan to wager on NFL games this season. And that American sports bettors have legally wagered more than $10 billion since last year’s invalidation of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had largely limited sports wagering to land-based casinos in Nevada.

Legal sports betting has grown exponentially since PASPA and after decades of the NFL’s longstanding antiquated public stance on sports betting and that legalization would compromise the integrity of the game, the league has embraced gambling.

Marketing spend:

Just days before the NFL concluded its 99th season, American sponsorship consulting and valuation firm, IEG, announced that marketing spend on last season’s edition of the NFL increased by some 5.1 percent year-on-year to reach $1.39 billion thanks in part to an increase in the value of deals the sport inked with firms involved in real money casinos and sportsbetting.

NFL sponsorship deals:

In January, the NFL inked a historic agreement with Caesars Entertainment, naming it its first ‘official casino sponsor.’ The gaming and hospitality corporation founded in 1937 has relationships with seven NFL Clubs, including the Oakland Raiders (soon to be the Las Vegas Raiders), Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens. How’s that for embracing?

Meanwhile, last month, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. announced a new multi-year sponsorship agreement making it the Official Casino Partner of the NFL in Canada. The Burnaby-headquartered gaming and entertainment company operates 27 gaming properties in British Columbia, Ontario, and Edmonton, Alberta.

Crown Casino under Investigation by New South Wales Regulator

September 25, 2019 by Admin

Crown Casino Limited faces an unsure future after the launch of an inquiry by the Eastern New South Wales gaming regulatory agencies. The inquiry will seek to determine whether the local casino operator has acted in contravention of its license conditions. Crown Casino has sold approximately 20 percent of its stake to its Asian partner, Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited.

The New South Wales Liquor and Gaming Authority announced that the investigation would determine whether the deal breaches the license terms of Crown Casino. Former judge, Patricia Bergin is serving as the investigation head and will determine if Crown Casino or its subsidiary are still entitled to their Barangaroo license.

The Barangaroo casino, which is still under construction near the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is an important project for Crown as its intention was to attract international casino buffs to Australia. There is now a chance that this venue may never open its door to the public.

Star, Crown casino’s main competitor, will be keeping a close watch on this inquiry as Patricia Bergin will also be examining the suitability of the licensing laws of New South Wales in a changing environment.

James Packer is likely also holding his breath as he has already sold approximately half of his stake to Melco and has to wait for the inquiry to conclude before he can transfer the remaining stake.

A thorough investigation

Patricia Bergin will be using the accusations leveled against Crown, published in the media, to inform her opinion on the matter. According to 60 Minutes, a current affairs TV program, the affiliates, agents and subsidiaries of Crown Casino are in contravention of the terms of the gaming license and are in alliance with operators who are associated with money launderers, organized crime groups as well as drug and human traffickers.

Bergin is also obliged to investigate whether Hong Kong Casino Magnate, Lawrence Ho or other key partners who will become partners of the Crown Resort as a result of the deal, are of good repute or whether they are at all linked to any other individuals, agencies or authorities who have a negative reputation in respect to integrity, honesty, and character. Whether they have objectionable or unacceptable monetary sources will also be scrutinised.

The Barangaroo license contains a provision which has banned the father of Lawrence Ho and a few other members of the Ho family from having any involvement with Barangaroo. Lawrence Ho’s father, Stanley, is suspected of having close relationships with organized crime, an accusation he has consistently denied.

A list of banned individuals and operators was declassified on 8 August, in the NSW parliament after independent upper house MP Justin Field demanded it be made public. Lawrence Ho’s name is mentioned, bringing to light the fact that he purchased 20 percent of the stake from James Packer while being restricted from conducting business in Barangaroo.

Melco’s association with this project is also concerning because of its association with Great Respect, a barred agency. The exposure of this document is ultimately what triggered the NSW Government to launch the investigation.

Crown Resort has committed to offering its full cooperation with the investigation. This is not the first time that the share transaction has faced opposition. James Packer and Lawrence Ho have previously had to wait for three states in Australia to sanction the deal.

The share deal, which constitutes a $1.75 billion payment for a 20 percent stake of Crown, was a two-part arrangement. The initial transaction happened June and the second part was due to be concluded by the end of September. Lawrence Ho, at the time, erroneously stated that it would not need any approval from regulatory bodies to be completed.

The agreement has now been amended to include a requirement of approval from the concerned agencies in New South Wales.

Australia is a prime destination for gambling enthusiasts from around the world and the country wishes to ensure that they maintain a reputation for having a fair and crime-free gambling industry.

Suspended animation for Crown Sydney

Crown Sydney was due to open its doors in 2021. The company’s hope was to establish a successful sister site to t the Crown Perth facility, which is situated in Western Australia and Crown Melbourne in Victoria.

Crown Sydney will be the second legal casino in the stat, joining ‘The Star in an effort to attract customers from the region. In contrast to The Star, Crown Sydney’s focus will be squarely on attracting VIP’s and high rollers. The massive 75 floor, 350 room casino is designed to attract affluence.

Gamblers may never get to sample the exclusive delights of this new venue, depending on the outcome of the inquiry. All Crown’s stakeholders can do at the moment, is hope for the best.

Lightning Box appoints Mike Lally to aid further business growth

September 23, 2019 by Admin

Leading third-party slot content designer, Lightning Box, has appointed industry veteran, Mike Lally, to direct account management for the Australian developer’s online vertical.

In addition to its real-money gaming (RMG) casino clients, the London-based Lally will also oversee the studio’s growing commercial interests in North America.

According to a recent press release…

…prior to the appointment, Lally was responsible for launching 1,500 games with top industry brands over six years at UK-based sportsbook and gaming software company, OpenBet, before making a move to SG Digital subsidiary Betdigital to help advance its online business.

Other SG takeaway:

The current appointment coincides with the Sydney-based company’s promotion of Michael Maokhamphiou, another former employee of Scientific Games Corporation’s (SGMS) SG Digital division, to operations manager.

Chief Executive Officer and co-founder for Lightning Box, Peter Causley, said…

“We’re honoured to have someone of Mike Lally’s industry experience join our team given his excellent reputation for customer service and getting the job done.

“We’re equally blessed to be able to make Michael Maokhamphiou responsible for our product rollout and software implementation. He has been a tremendous addition to our team over the past six months and deserves this promotion. It’s an exciting time for Lightning Box and great news for our operator partners.”

For his part, Mike Lally added…

“I’m delighted to be joining the Lightning Box team, which has a great reputation in the industry for delivering high-quality and engaging games.

“I’m very much looking forward to renewing acquaintances with many of the key people with whom I’ve developed great relationships, as well as introducing myself to new ones as we continue to grow this very successful business.”

Live in New Jersey:

In a move that expanded its U.S. offering, the supplier recently announced that two of its most popular games have gone live in the regulated state of New Jersey for the first time in over three months.

The slot specialist’s popular Stellar Jackpots with Serengeti Lions and everyone’s favourite crimson marsupial, RedRoo, are the most recent titles to be added to the slots developer’s games portfolio available in the United States. Lightning Box has already gone live in the region with some choice titles including Respin Rhino, Astro Cat and the most recent addition, PandaPow.

Stellar Jackpots with Serengeti Lions and RedRoo are the developer’s first titles to release in the region since early April. The launches are in keeping with growing interest in its offering since it first premiered in New jersey‘s burgeoning online market in early this year.

GES’s Poker Jackpot and Management System debut at SkyCity Adelaide

September 18, 2019 by Admin

SkyCity Adelaide in New Zealand has recently received an installation of Gaming Entertainment Systems’ Poker Jackpot and Management Systems. The venue is the first customer to use the High Hand Bonus feature which awards a fixed prize for the highest poker hand achieved during specific time periods, additionally, a Royal Flush Jackpot has been introduced.

Simon Witty, GES’ managing director was enthused about the new development, “GES and SkyCity Adelaide have worked closely together to deliver an integrated poker management solution including jackpots, bonusing, cash game management, waitlist, and tournament functionality,” he said in an interview

When approached for comment, Ash Azad, SkyCity Adelaide’s general manager for table games, was just as energized, saying.“We are delighted to be able to enhance our poker product with unique features including a Royal Flush Jackpot and High Hand Bonus, both of which have proved very popular since launch. The GES system installation was flawless and their customer support has been outstanding,”

AzartMania.com and GoldenReels.com find themselves on the LCB.org blacklist

September 15, 2019 by Admin

Online casino enthusiasts are reportedly being warned against the Russia-facing domain at AzartMania.com after allegations of the use of counterfeit software by prominent games developers, Novomatic and Igrosoft surfaced.

LCB.org, an online casino news site, sent out the notice following an investigation, which was prompted by complaints from numerous players, and members of their own staff. The individuals questioned the authenticity of the load screens and in-game menus featured by several of the offending site’s video slots.

Glaring offences

In a report, LCB.org revealed that its investigation had unearthed evidence that the video slots from Novomatic and Igrosoft on display at AzartMania.com displayed ‘game load screens and in-game menus’ that diverged ‘wildly from the original titles.’ It further stated that this represented ‘a clear indicator that something of an extremely fishy nature is happening here’ and that the site has now been added to the online casinos blacklist.

The report from LCB.org detailed the actions taken following the investigation.

“We have proceeded with blacklisting this casino and letting providers know that they’re being damaged big time. We advise our players to look elsewhere for online casino entertainment. We will be monitoring the development of the AzartMania.com story closely and update you on any further findings.”

No Shortage of offenders

GoldenReels.com, another site marked for investigation by LCB.org, was added to a register of banned sites due to similar concerns involving real money pokie games from developers such as Novomatic, Microgaming, Yggdrasil Gaming Limited and Play‘n Go.

This inquiry was prompted after a representative from the offending online casino had used its Affiliate Guard Dog forum, to inaccurately claim that players in Australia could now access the domain in order to enjoy games from NetEnt AB.

‘Web of deceit’

LCB .org characterized the counterfeiting case as a ‘delicate web of deceit’ involving GoldenReels.com utilizing ‘two pirated servers filled with counterfeit games.’ The inquiry revealed that some of these titles ‘did not contain the usual jackpots some of the providers have’ while featuring ‘other symptoms of games that have not been obtained the fair way’ such as ‘unresponsive and strange-looking interfaces and loading screens.’

The report further stated,

“This sad instance of two-timing players is also under our magnifying glass and will be dealt with the utmost responsibility. Until further notice, all players are urged to avoid GoldenReels.com.”

Aristocrat and the reinvention of bar top play

September 12, 2019 by Admin

Aristocrat has announced the “reinvention of bar top play” hoping to wow the market with its Winners World Multi-Game bar top cabinet, currently available at an increasing number of locations across the US.

Innovative features are key in this product, which offers a unique bar top play experience. The best of stylish entertainment is on offer with Buffalo keno games, poker games and player-favourite slot games, including Buffalo, Buffalo Gold, and Wild Lepre’coins.

“While innovation abounds in every area of the casino, bar top play has been largely stagnant,” said Hector Fernandez, president of Aristocrat Americas. “Winners World Multi-Game offers a fresh take for our customers and we’re excited to bring player-favourite Aristocrat games to these venues for the first time.”

Winner’s World offers a complete bar top experience for players as well as operations and bar staff. The cabinet boasts the industry’s largest floating LCD tilted monitor at an astonishing 23.5ins. Players will also be pleased with the easy-access USB phone charger.

The monitor’s design includes a flip-top for fast and easy servicing; this compact design eliminates counter space intrusion while greatly reducing potential downtime. Finally, the cabinet is equipped with Aristocrat’s ”smart-drink” tracking light, allowing bartenders to reward players with ease.

“Winner’s World Multi-Game has been an instant fan favourite across Boyd Gaming destinations nationwide” said Mike Laubach, vice president of slot operations. “We look forward to bringing this new and improved bar top play to our players throughout our portfolio.”

Crown casino troubles result in Melco not buying James Packer’s shares

September 8, 2019 by Admin

Lawrence Ho, CEO of Melco resorts has backtracked on plans to purchase Crown casino shares; this decision was taken against the recent backdrop of the casino being subjected to a public investigation and scandal, over alleged illegal activities.

Ho, a prominent Hong Kong businessman was set to purchase James Packer’s shares of the crown casino, planning to expand his portfolio beyond the borders of his home country. The ongoing investigation seems to have soured his interest and Melco have put their plans on hold, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Melco have indicated that a total cancellation of the trade is also possible, should the investigation result in an unfavourable decision for Melco and Crown casino.

These revelations came to light on Wednesday and are just a small part of the fallout as a result of the investigation, led by a number of media companies within Australia. The investigation uncovered that Crown casino was involved with junket companies that are backed by Asian crime gangs and Chinese foreign influence agents. This triggered a secondary investigation by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority.

While the investigation is ongoing, the gambling industry has been carrying on with business as normal. Demand for Australian casino games continues to grow, with the outlook for the industry at large, remaining healthy and positive. The investigation is, however, likely to have far-reaching effects, outside of Australia.

The sale of the shares came under particular scrutiny, due to the father of Melco’s owner, Stanley Ho, having alleged ties to Asian gangs, leading investigators to believe that the sale might be related to the illegal junket operations. Melco had agreed to the purchase of a stake that is worth around $1.7 billion, with the first 10 percent transfer happening before September 30th.

The current effects of the fallout

Melco Resorts has released a statement on the NASDAQ exchange. Here, they agreed with Consolidated Press Holdings’ suggestion to extend the possibility of the deal going through by another 60 days. CHP stated that they did not perceive any breach of an agreement or unlawful activities that Melco had been taking all the steps agreed on between the two entities. The does, however, contain clauses that could result in total cancellation of the deal.

Melco kept mum about the 10 percent that they had already purchased from Crown, in the face of an increasingly complicated matter.

Crown was granted a license to create their $2 billion casinos by 2021 in Sydney provided that they agree to list of individuals and casinos that they would be prohibited from working with. Stanley Ho and Melco were on this original list, which was made public recently. Included is a casino owned by Stanley Ho, that Crown casino has dealt with extensively.

The Great Respect Limited, another company linked to Mr. Ho, is a 20 percent owner of Melco International and has a controlling stake in Melco Resorts, which, the entity with a purchasing stake in Crown. The intertwined, shadowy nature of the situation between Crown and Melco, spells serious trouble for these companies.

The current inquiry seeks to expose exactly to what extent the company has managed to breach the terms of the agreement, beyond simply breaking the law. The investigation is open-ended, with no expected date of completion being set as yet

Melco and Crown had a previous partnership, which was canceled after 19 individuals of the Crown staff were arrested on gambling-related charges.

James packer will have to wait and see if he can offload his shares, as the current situation has the future of Crown and Melco in a state of suspense.