Monthly Archives: January 2016

Manila Jockey Club affiliate opens new gaming venue in the Philippines

An affiliate of the Manila Jockey Club has opened a new gaming venue in the Philippine capital, Manila.

In a filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Manila Jockey Club said a new gaming and entertainment zone opened on the ground floor of the Winford Hotel, which is located within the San Lazaro Tourism and Business Park.

The opening was performed by MJC Investments Corporation, of which the Manila Jockey Club is the biggest single stockholder.

The Manila Jockey Club didn’t mention the available gaming equipment in the venue, but it noted in its filing that the first floor gaming zone’s opening coincided with the soft opening of Winford Hotel, which contained “128 internationally designed deluxe hotel rooms and includes a three-level entertainment and gaming area, ballroom, swimming pool, gym and spa, coffee shop and dining area, retail outlets, and a seven-level parking structure.”

James Packer’s $4B Studio City gamble boosting Melco Crown’s market share

James Packer’s $4 billion gamble in Macau, the Hollywood-themed Studio City complex, has already paid its first dividends with Melco Crown Entertainment.

Macau, known as the world’s biggest gambling hub, has already hit an annual low not seen since 2010, following the China government’s relentless crackdown on corruption. The city state’s monthly gaming revenue for December came to MOP 18.34 billion (US$2.3 billion), marking the 19th straight month the city’s gaming revenue has reported a year-on-year shortfall.

The Australian billionaire, however, wasn’t deterred by Macau’s gloomy prospects.

Packer’s Crown Resorts, which has a 34 percent stake in Melco Crown Entertainment, wagered that its newly-opened Studio City complex would help reverse the city state’s stagnating gaming industry by focusing on mass market gambling and family-friendly entertainment.

James Packer’s $4B Studio City gamble boosting Melco Crown’s market share

James Packer’s $4 billion gamble in Macau, the Hollywood-themed Studio City complex, has already paid its first dividends with Melco Crown Entertainment.

Macau, known as the world’s biggest gambling hub, has already hit an annual low not seen since 2010, following the China government’s relentless crackdown on corruption. The city state’s monthly gaming revenue for December came to MOP 18.34 billion (US$2.3 billion), marking the 19th straight month the city’s gaming revenue has reported a year-on-year shortfall.

The Australian billionaire, however, wasn’t deterred by Macau’s gloomy prospects.

Packer’s Crown Resorts, which has a 34 percent stake in Melco Crown Entertainment, wagered that its newly-opened Studio City complex would help reverse the city state’s stagnating gaming industry by focusing on mass market gambling and family-friendly entertainment.

NFL Wildcard Weekend: What You Need To Know About Each Matchup

There’s a billion ways you could look at each of the wild card games. Unlike the regular season, where you can have up to 16 games and 32 teams to keep track of, the focus narrows in the playoffs. Duh.

With that tunnel vision comes some over compensation. We commit a little too hard to things that don’t matter. Suddenly, the expansive interest we have gets spotlighted on to just four games and that can drive us…well…crazy. It doesn’t help that 12 less games in a weekend is 12 fewer investment opportunities.

So let’s clear the noise a bit and dial in on the important elements of each matchup and really, the choice is always up to you. But you’ll see where my money’s probably leaning by the time you’re done reading through. Enjoy and good luck.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -3.0 at HOUSTON TEXANS

NFL Wildcard Weekend: What You Need To Know About Each Matchup

There’s a billion ways you could look at each of the wild card games. Unlike the regular season, where you can have up to 16 games and 32 teams to keep track of, the focus narrows in the playoffs. Duh.

With that tunnel vision comes some over compensation. We commit a little too hard to things that don’t matter. Suddenly, the expansive interest we have gets spotlighted on to just four games and that can drive us…well…crazy. It doesn’t help that 12 less games in a weekend is 12 fewer investment opportunities.

So let’s clear the noise a bit and dial in on the important elements of each matchup and really, the choice is always up to you. But you’ll see where my money’s probably leaning by the time you’re done reading through. Enjoy and good luck.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS -3.0 at HOUSTON TEXANS

New Zealand wants to take the reins on overseas racing bets

New Zealand is working on how to recover the millions Kiwis has been spending on overseas bookmakers, starting with a new legislation.

The number of New Zealanders participating in overseas betting has grown from around 23,000 in 2010 to an estimated 40,000 today, according to the New Zealand Racing Board. And that number is expected to reach 80,000 within five years.

However, the board said the New Zealand racing industry sees none of the money because Kiwis are preferring to place their bets with Australian corporate bookmakers and international bookmakers that take bets on local race meeting and sporting events.

Last year, an estimated $329 million was wagered on New Zealand thoroughbred racing through Australian operators, which is significantly higher than the bets placed through the racing board.

Traders Buy Shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) on Weakness After Insider Selling

Traders purchased shares of Las Vegas Sands Corp. on weakness during trading on Wednesday after an insider sold shares in the company, MarketBeat reports. $81.88 million flowed into the stock on the tick-up and $32.48 million flowed out of the stock on the tick-down, for a money net flow of $49.40 million into the stock.

LeBron James’ marketing agency breaks up with Johnny Manziel

LeBron James’ marketing agency cut ties with maligned Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Manziel’s whereabouts last weekend is still a mystery. Was he drinking and gambling in Las Vegas or was he just cuddling with his dog in Ohio while recovering from a concussion he suffered after he rushed for 108 yards in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs?

But this is where it gets really interesting. ESPN Las Vegas, citing an unnamed source, reported that Manziel was at a Planet Hollywood in Sin City, but he wasn’t himself. Manziel was spotted wearing a blonde wig, a fake mustache, glasses and a hoodie and he introduced himself as “Billy.”

But maybe due to a concussion, he was not able to stay in character and ended up paying with his card and signing the check.

LeBron James’ marketing agency breaks up with Johnny Manziel

LeBron James’ marketing agency cut ties with maligned Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Manziel’s whereabouts last weekend is still a mystery. Was he drinking and gambling in Las Vegas or was he just cuddling with his dog in Ohio while recovering from a concussion he suffered after he rushed for 108 yards in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs?

But this is where it gets really interesting. ESPN Las Vegas, citing an unnamed source, reported that Manziel was at a Planet Hollywood in Sin City, but he wasn’t himself. Manziel was spotted wearing a blonde wig, a fake mustache, glasses and a hoodie and he introduced himself as “Billy.”

But maybe due to a concussion, he was not able to stay in character and ended up paying with his card and signing the check.

Second PokerStars boycott ends today

More than 2000 angry poker players are currently participating in a second boycott of PokerStars and they will not rest until their voices are heard.

I will have to give it to the players participating in the PokerStars boycott: that’s some serious standing up for something you believe in. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the world’s largest online poker room is being shaken.

Over 2,500 online poker players joined the first boycott against PokerStars from Dec. 1 to 3. The boycott was in response to major changes PokerStars made to its VIP program, which took effect on January 1st.

Some of the changes includes PlatinumStar status players receiving up to a 10% reduction in overall rewards, Supernova status players rewarded up to 27% less, while a cap on rewards was set at 45% for Supernova Elite.

Second PokerStars boycott ends today

More than 2000 angry poker players are currently participating in a second boycott of PokerStars and they will not rest until their voices are heard.

I will have to give it to the players participating in the PokerStars boycott: that’s some serious standing up for something you believe in. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the world’s largest online poker room is being shaken.

Over 2,500 online poker players joined the first boycott against PokerStars from Dec. 1 to 3. The boycott was in response to major changes PokerStars made to its VIP program, which took effect on January 1st.

Some of the changes includes PlatinumStar status players receiving up to a 10% reduction in overall rewards, Supernova status players rewarded up to 27% less, while a cap on rewards was set at 45% for Supernova Elite.

State rep pushes for ‘largest gambling bill’ in New Hampshire’s history

Rep. Dan McGuire is a man on a mission.

The Epsom representative will attempt to reverse a committee recommendation that is set to kill what he says could be the “largest gambling bill” in New Hampshire, at least in terms of potential revenue.

In an interview with the Concord Monitor, McGuire said House Bill 630 would allow not just one or two casinos, but hundreds of bars and restaurants in the state to host up to six video lottery machines each.

Under the proposed bill, businesses holding a liquor license can host the machines, which will let customers play slots, poker or blackjack in their premises—as long as the machines are off limits to children and separated from family spaces. The host will get one-third of the machines’ revenue, while the rest goes to the state’s property taxes for an estimated reduction of 5 percent.

State rep pushes for ‘largest gambling bill’ in New Hampshire’s history

Rep. Dan McGuire is a man on a mission.

The Epsom representative will attempt to reverse a committee recommendation that is set to kill what he says could be the “largest gambling bill” in New Hampshire, at least in terms of potential revenue.

In an interview with the Concord Monitor, McGuire said House Bill 630 would allow not just one or two casinos, but hundreds of bars and restaurants in the state to host up to six video lottery machines each.

Under the proposed bill, businesses holding a liquor license can host the machines, which will let customers play slots, poker or blackjack in their premises—as long as the machines are off limits to children and separated from family spaces. The host will get one-third of the machines’ revenue, while the rest goes to the state’s property taxes for an estimated reduction of 5 percent.

$1 million lottery ticket sold in North Charleston will fix up house after flooding

The $1 million unclaimed lottery ticket that was sold in North Charleston will be used to fix up a house that was damaged by the flooding in October, according to the South Carolina Education Lottery. The couple who bought the ticket, whose names were not disclosed, paid $2 for the winning Powerball ticket last week at the Kwik Stop on North Rhett Avenue.

$1 million lottery ticket sold in North Charleston will fix up house after flooding

The $1 million unclaimed lottery ticket that was sold in North Charleston will be used to fix up a house that was damaged by the flooding in October, according to the South Carolina Education Lottery. The couple who bought the ticket, whose names were not disclosed, paid $2 for the winning Powerball ticket last week at the Kwik Stop on North Rhett Avenue.

Powerball Jackpot Jumps To $500 Million

TV is part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corp. and one of the largest network-owned station groups in the country. Click here for WCCO-TV news stories Send us your breaking news tips […] 830 WCCO Welcome to News Radio 830 WCCO on CBSMinnesota.com! WCCO is part of CBS Radio, a division of CBS Corp. and one of the largest network-owned station groups in the country.

Powerball Jackpot Jumps To $500 Million

TV is part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corp. and one of the largest network-owned station groups in the country. Click here for WCCO-TV news stories Send us your breaking news tips […] 830 WCCO Welcome to News Radio 830 WCCO on CBSMinnesota.com! WCCO is part of CBS Radio, a division of CBS Corp. and one of the largest network-owned station groups in the country.

Inspirational ICE helps Gamevy increase value by 900%

LONDON (January 6, 2016) – Gamevy, the online games developer and winner of the 2015 Pitch ICE competition, has increased in value by ten-fold (900%) in less than a year – according to co-founder and Gamevy Marketing Director, Helen Walton.  

Helen Walton, co-founder Gamevy

Helen believes that the experience gained at ICE was invaluable.  She explained: “There’s no doubt ICE was a game-changer for us. It was the catalyst that helped us find investment, sign our first two customers and make a major change in our strategy. This last point is key. The conversations we had at ICE helped us to establish a route to market which was slower but also more pragmatic. I would say that the ability to stay open to the new possibilities we came across at ICE has been a key part of our success.

“Although the snappy soundbite might be that winning ICE helped us find investment, that was not actually its true value. Far more important was the change in direction that we undertook as a result of the conversations that opened up. We believe that the business has increased in value by almost ten times since Feb 2015 – a truly staggering growth rate, but one which we expect to see confirmed by an upcoming external valuation.”