Rupert Murdochs' Australian newspapers including The Herald-Sun, continue to run excellent (and balanced) coverage on the casino and gambling sector in Australia.
Let it be known that Murdoch also has some gaming (and igaming) interests, however they are further developed in the UK sector. Media Man has incidental joined some of News Limited's b2b affiliate programs as goodwill and we utilise some of their newsfeeds, so there's your disclaimer before we swing into things.
The age old connection between casinos, gambling dens and crime continues, albeit a different kind of animal than when the late George Foreman and his "Underbelly" crew ran the streets of Melbourne and Sydney. The late "Earthquake" Tim Bristow gave me a small taste of the scene via Sydney's Penthouse Executive Retreat, and "The Golden Mile" (Kings Cross), which Sydney's "Mr Sin" used to have a significant hold on.
Mr James Packers' Crown Casino has come under the spotlight (or blowtorch) again.... in Australia, if its not the anti gambling lobby having a dig, its the press, and if not them, the police. Crown Casino spokesman, Gary O'Neil, was recently quoted that Crown "is not a convent", but that's pretty much a given.
Australian law enforcement agencies have smartly noted and actioned revelations that some high level criminal networks (and some not so smart ones also) are using Crown Casino as quite the hub and centrepiece of criminal activity.
One of the scams that the crims operate is having Centrelink (Australia's unemployment benefits service) customers, and pensioners, buying chips at the casino which are then used as part of the money laundering process.
Media Man will be attending Crown Casino Aussie Millions next month and is in negotiations with media representatives for Crown. We look forward to providing news media and gaming media with more balanced reports on the casino and gaming sector.
*The writer does own shares in Crown Casino
*Greg Tingle is an Australian based correspondent for Gambling911 and the founder and director of Media Man a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen of business sectors that Media Man covers.
Ben Packham of The Herald Sun reports:
CRIME gangs are using pensioners and the unemployed to launder millions in dirty money through casinos, authorities believe.
Centrelink has alerted organised-crime investigators to 15 clients it believes are involved.
They are understood to include a Victorian man who bought almost $13 million in chips at Crown, despite being on the dole. The Australian Crime Commission is closely watching casinos after an 18-month probe.
ACC chief executive John Lawler said that it had intelligence indicating organised crime groups were engaged in "high-level gambling activity" in legal casinos.
Its financial assessment team matched information from casino loyalty programs with other databases, including Centrelink records.
Last year, the Herald Sun revealed it had identified about 2600 Centrelink clients who each bought at least $50,000 in chips; 30 had buy-ins of more than $1 million.
Many were welfare cheats with gambling addictions and undeclared incomes. But further investigation revealed some had links to organised crime groups.
The Herald Sun understands Centrelink referred clients with suspected organised crime links to the ACC for further inquiries.
It's believed the ACC identified more suspected money launderers, independently of the welfare agency.
The federal crime-fighting agency refused to comment.
"The ACC will continue to work with the casino industry to ensure serious and organised criminal entities involved in money laundering are identified and pursued," Mr Lawler said.
The investigation also used Immigration, Customs, and tax office data.
The ACC estimates the cost of organised crime is $10 billion-15 billion a year, an estimated $6 billion of which goes offshore.
Its recent report, Organised Crime in Australia, said most such groups had overseas links, good advice and "professional facilitators".
Organised crime groups are typically involved in drugs, weapons trafficking and high-level financial crimes.
Human Services Minister Chris Bowen said hi-tech data-matching meant that welfare recipients with illicit incomes would be discovered.
"Welfare fraud is a criminal offence liable to long jail sentences," he said.
"People who fraudulently claim benefits from Centrelink should consider themselves warned. It's not a question of if you'll be caught, but when."
Casinos are required to turn over information to authorities under anti-money laundering laws introduced after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Crown refused to comment to the Herald Sun.
*Read the full article here. (Credit: The Herald-Sun)
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Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Drug gangs buy nightclubs in hot spots - 18th December 2009
Clubs used for cocaine parties
Special gangster rooms
Prostitutes and criminals
A gang of wealthy criminals with links to mafia cocaine cartels has bought nightclubs in some of Australia's most popular tourist spots.
The nightclubs were used for cocaine parties and to house special gangster rooms providing drugs and prostitutes to local criminals, according to leaked Crime and Misconduct Commission documents.
The intelligence assessment, called Project Aurum, reveals that federal authorities failed to investigate the group's ringleader, who was suspected to have acquired substantial assets through cocaine importations that were linked to the Calabrian mafia.
Several of the men were able to buy into nightclubs on the Gold Coast despite having criminal records for drug offences, assault, weapons possession, tax evasion and fraud, says one of the documents, created in 2003.
One of the targets was recorded as snorting cocaine with a television celebrity who had a minor criminal record.
A CMC spokeswoman confirmed that the project was undertaken by the agency but said the commission could not discuss any operational details.
The intelligence assessment was based on surveillance reports, telephone records and tips from confidential informants and noted the suspects' high-flying lifestyle, substantial business interests in nightclubs and restaurants and extensive assets in property.
The group was recorded gambling thousands of dollars at the Reef Casino in Cairns, using high-priced callgirls on the Gold Coast and associating with senior members of some of Australia's most dangerous bikie gangsters.
At one establishment they frequented, the suspects were so notorious that their bar table became known as "the mafia table" and was where they held "white (cocaine) parties" with strippers in special "gangster" rooms.
The principle target was a southern businessman, who, four years earlier, had been recommended to federal authorities for investigation because of his substantial assets and connection to cocaine importations.
The same businessman had links to criminals who worked with the Calabrian mafia to bring in more than $30 million in cocaine hidden in stone blocks in 1999 and 2000.
(Credit: News Limited, Wires, AP, Australian Federal Police, Google News)
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Special gangster rooms
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A gang of wealthy criminals with links to mafia cocaine cartels has bought nightclubs in some of Australia's most popular tourist spots.
The nightclubs were used for cocaine parties and to house special gangster rooms providing drugs and prostitutes to local criminals, according to leaked Crime and Misconduct Commission documents.
The intelligence assessment, called Project Aurum, reveals that federal authorities failed to investigate the group's ringleader, who was suspected to have acquired substantial assets through cocaine importations that were linked to the Calabrian mafia.
Several of the men were able to buy into nightclubs on the Gold Coast despite having criminal records for drug offences, assault, weapons possession, tax evasion and fraud, says one of the documents, created in 2003.
One of the targets was recorded as snorting cocaine with a television celebrity who had a minor criminal record.
A CMC spokeswoman confirmed that the project was undertaken by the agency but said the commission could not discuss any operational details.
The intelligence assessment was based on surveillance reports, telephone records and tips from confidential informants and noted the suspects' high-flying lifestyle, substantial business interests in nightclubs and restaurants and extensive assets in property.
The group was recorded gambling thousands of dollars at the Reef Casino in Cairns, using high-priced callgirls on the Gold Coast and associating with senior members of some of Australia's most dangerous bikie gangsters.
At one establishment they frequented, the suspects were so notorious that their bar table became known as "the mafia table" and was where they held "white (cocaine) parties" with strippers in special "gangster" rooms.
The principle target was a southern businessman, who, four years earlier, had been recommended to federal authorities for investigation because of his substantial assets and connection to cocaine importations.
The same businessman had links to criminals who worked with the Calabrian mafia to bring in more than $30 million in cocaine hidden in stone blocks in 1999 and 2000.
(Credit: News Limited, Wires, AP, Australian Federal Police, Google News)
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Saturday, November 21, 2009
Heroin found in Maj-Jong tiles - AAP - 21st November 2009
More than $1 million of heroin concealed inside tiles normally used for indoor games has arrived at Sydney International Airport, police say.
The heroin was allegedly found inside four medium sized black cases of Maj-Jong and Domino tiles.
"The tiles appeared to be of poor quality and were subjected to further tests by Customs and Border Protection Officers," an Australian Federal Police spokesman said in a statement on Saturday (Credit: Fairfax - AAP)
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The heroin was allegedly found inside four medium sized black cases of Maj-Jong and Domino tiles.
"The tiles appeared to be of poor quality and were subjected to further tests by Customs and Border Protection Officers," an Australian Federal Police spokesman said in a statement on Saturday (Credit: Fairfax - AAP)
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Sydney Casino Brawl Results in 20 Arrests - Gambling911 - 11th April 2009
Police were called to Star City at Pyrmont early this morning after reports of a fight between two groups.
Police said the brawl started inside the venue before security staff threw a number of people out.
"A number of people fled the scene upon police arrival, however, 10 people were arrested at the location," police said in a statement.
"They have been taken to various police stations throughout the city and are currently assisting police with their inquiries."
Commenting on the brawls, Australian Media Man, Greg Tingle, told Gambling911.com:
"This is the latest of numerous high profile fights at Australian casinos. Last year a model was shot whilst working at Star City. In addition in recent months there's been a number of bashings at Burswood Casino in Perth and last month there was an in-play poker fight at the Rock Tavern (a club with strong similarities to a casino) Cairns, Queensland. Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne currently has a number of legal fights on its hands, but has managed to avoid on premise violence to the best of public knowledge. Seems there's plenty more material available for more episodes of Network Nine's 'Underbelly' and Channel Seven's 'Gangs Of Oz'. These recent high profile criminal acts at some of Australia's premier gambling venues are certainly not going to hurt the popularity of online casinos."
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Police said the brawl started inside the venue before security staff threw a number of people out.
"A number of people fled the scene upon police arrival, however, 10 people were arrested at the location," police said in a statement.
"They have been taken to various police stations throughout the city and are currently assisting police with their inquiries."
Commenting on the brawls, Australian Media Man, Greg Tingle, told Gambling911.com:
"This is the latest of numerous high profile fights at Australian casinos. Last year a model was shot whilst working at Star City. In addition in recent months there's been a number of bashings at Burswood Casino in Perth and last month there was an in-play poker fight at the Rock Tavern (a club with strong similarities to a casino) Cairns, Queensland. Packer's Crown Casino in Melbourne currently has a number of legal fights on its hands, but has managed to avoid on premise violence to the best of public knowledge. Seems there's plenty more material available for more episodes of Network Nine's 'Underbelly' and Channel Seven's 'Gangs Of Oz'. These recent high profile criminal acts at some of Australia's premier gambling venues are certainly not going to hurt the popularity of online casinos."
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Paroled Murderer Kills Again After Blowing Money Gambling - Gambling911 - 16th March 2009
A paroled murderer in Australia killed again, this time a 78-year old woman. The motive: He blew his grocery money on the pokies, court documents heard.
Mark John Adams, 45, is charged with stabbing to death Barbara Doreen Risby on Hobart's Domain on May 23, 2007.
"Unfortunately this presents a most powerful argument for playing the pokes online and skipping some of the riff raff and undesirables who have a habit of frequenting traditional land based casinos," claims Media Man, Greg Tingle. "I think there's good cause for more security officers to be present at traditional casinos. Of course one needs to be mindful of what online casinos to visit also, but I am pleased to give a clean bill on health on those brands showcased on websites like Gambling911.com."
Ms. Risby was in the wrong place at the wrong time and had never met the alleged killer.
Adams's lawyer, Tamara Jago, told the court Adams spent the morning before Mrs Risby's murder playing poker machines in hotels in Hobart..
"He instructs that it came to him that he needed to obtain some money," Ms Jago told the court.
"He determined that he would effect a robbery."
She said Adams was in the habit of carrying a knife.
"He produced the knife with the hope that the threat of it would cause the surrendering of a handbag," she said.
The murder was not pre-meditated, Ms Jago said.
"He says he didn't specially seek out a victim but rather his victim was the first person who came into the area once he'd determined to do this," she said.
Adams had been out of jail for four years after serving 17 years for the 1986 stabbing murder of his neighbour, Edna Jean Story, in her Risdon Vale home. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Mark John Adams, 45, is charged with stabbing to death Barbara Doreen Risby on Hobart's Domain on May 23, 2007.
"Unfortunately this presents a most powerful argument for playing the pokes online and skipping some of the riff raff and undesirables who have a habit of frequenting traditional land based casinos," claims Media Man, Greg Tingle. "I think there's good cause for more security officers to be present at traditional casinos. Of course one needs to be mindful of what online casinos to visit also, but I am pleased to give a clean bill on health on those brands showcased on websites like Gambling911.com."
Ms. Risby was in the wrong place at the wrong time and had never met the alleged killer.
Adams's lawyer, Tamara Jago, told the court Adams spent the morning before Mrs Risby's murder playing poker machines in hotels in Hobart..
"He instructs that it came to him that he needed to obtain some money," Ms Jago told the court.
"He determined that he would effect a robbery."
She said Adams was in the habit of carrying a knife.
"He produced the knife with the hope that the threat of it would cause the surrendering of a handbag," she said.
The murder was not pre-meditated, Ms Jago said.
"He says he didn't specially seek out a victim but rather his victim was the first person who came into the area once he'd determined to do this," she said.
Adams had been out of jail for four years after serving 17 years for the 1986 stabbing murder of his neighbour, Edna Jean Story, in her Risdon Vale home. (Credit: Gambling911)
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Monday, February 23, 2009
Underbelly Series to Continue Says Channel Nine Exec - Gambling911 - 22nd February 2009
In its second season, Australia's Underbelly franchise has witnessed massive viewership. More than 2 million people tune in nightly.
Channel Nine Direct Sales Manager, Ian Sheppard, told Gambling911.com's Senior International Correspondent, Jenny Woo.
"Underbelly is based on real events," Sheppard said, and these events have had viewers on the edge of their seats each Monday night. "The name Underbelly is really just a franchise to dramatize real organized crime in Australia so it really is a question of what else they can go to work on. Another great story out of the 1970's and 80's are of the biking gangs in Australia or New Zealand, the Hell's Angels and the Commancheros; they basically ran the drug trade. So there's probably a good episode story there, which could be branded Underbelly. It's really just a question of how many interesting and real stories they can dig up from the past in terms of organized crime in Australia."
Media Man, Greg Tingle, agrees.
"There is enough material for the next few years," he said.
Tingle also told Gambling911.com that another network was in the midst of airing a similar series to that of Underbelly.
That said, a number of networks back in the United States tried and failed to copy HBO's ground breaking series, The Sopranos. Like the Sopranos, Underbelly is based on real events taking place in a sort of underworld society.
When asked if the series is exaggerated, much like the Sopranos could be at times, Sheppard said he wasn't fully certain.
"I think that's a hard one to answer. The only thing I can say to that is that the first two episodes in the current series dealt with the murder of a guy called Donald Mackay, who was an anti drug campaigner in a part of Australia where a lot of Italian families were growing cannabis. He disappeared and they found his truck with empty bullet casings in a puddle of blood but they never found out who actual killed him. They reckon beyond any doubt who it was and Underbelly ran with this particular story where they actually showed the guy shooting him. But I suppose historically the records show that no one was ever charged with his murder."
Last week, the series touched on the Underbelly casino elements.
"There will be more casino themes upcoming," Tingle informed us, though Sheppard would not elaborate on the subject. "It's an area that has quite a bit of history in Australia."
What's really gripped Australians, perhaps more than anything else, is the amount of violence depicted.
" I think that people are both shocked and fascinated to know that all this was happening here in our city, Sydney and Melbourne," Sheppard said. "We've always been shocked when we hear about violence coming out of Los Angeles, Miami or New York. We've always viewed ourselves as being away from all of that. I think it sort of shocked a lot of people here. We weren't naïve to think that nothing happened but I think a lot of people were shocked thinking the worst of the worst." (Credit: Gambling911)
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Channel Nine Direct Sales Manager, Ian Sheppard, told Gambling911.com's Senior International Correspondent, Jenny Woo.
"Underbelly is based on real events," Sheppard said, and these events have had viewers on the edge of their seats each Monday night. "The name Underbelly is really just a franchise to dramatize real organized crime in Australia so it really is a question of what else they can go to work on. Another great story out of the 1970's and 80's are of the biking gangs in Australia or New Zealand, the Hell's Angels and the Commancheros; they basically ran the drug trade. So there's probably a good episode story there, which could be branded Underbelly. It's really just a question of how many interesting and real stories they can dig up from the past in terms of organized crime in Australia."
Media Man, Greg Tingle, agrees.
"There is enough material for the next few years," he said.
Tingle also told Gambling911.com that another network was in the midst of airing a similar series to that of Underbelly.
That said, a number of networks back in the United States tried and failed to copy HBO's ground breaking series, The Sopranos. Like the Sopranos, Underbelly is based on real events taking place in a sort of underworld society.
When asked if the series is exaggerated, much like the Sopranos could be at times, Sheppard said he wasn't fully certain.
"I think that's a hard one to answer. The only thing I can say to that is that the first two episodes in the current series dealt with the murder of a guy called Donald Mackay, who was an anti drug campaigner in a part of Australia where a lot of Italian families were growing cannabis. He disappeared and they found his truck with empty bullet casings in a puddle of blood but they never found out who actual killed him. They reckon beyond any doubt who it was and Underbelly ran with this particular story where they actually showed the guy shooting him. But I suppose historically the records show that no one was ever charged with his murder."
Last week, the series touched on the Underbelly casino elements.
"There will be more casino themes upcoming," Tingle informed us, though Sheppard would not elaborate on the subject. "It's an area that has quite a bit of history in Australia."
What's really gripped Australians, perhaps more than anything else, is the amount of violence depicted.
" I think that people are both shocked and fascinated to know that all this was happening here in our city, Sydney and Melbourne," Sheppard said. "We've always been shocked when we hear about violence coming out of Los Angeles, Miami or New York. We've always viewed ourselves as being away from all of that. I think it sort of shocked a lot of people here. We weren't naïve to think that nothing happened but I think a lot of people were shocked thinking the worst of the worst." (Credit: Gambling911)
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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dramatic Underbelly upsets those who were there, by Malcolm Brown - The Age - 16th February 2009
Barbara Mackay did not work in her husband Don's furniture shop. Robert Trimbole did not live in a "grass castle" in the Griffith hinterland, or grow oranges. And he did not tell Don Mackay — at least not in public — that he would kill him.
The people of Griffith, the Riverina town where Mackay was killed in 1977, noted the dramatic licence in the opening episodes of Underbelly 2 on Channel Nine.
Don Mackay's son, Paul Mackay, was not available when The Age called, but he was quoted in Griffith's Area News saying the show was riddled with errors.
"My mother never worked one day in the family business, while in the show she was in there answering phones," he said.
"And I've never heard of the character of the local police officer they showed.
"I realise the producers qualified it by saying it tells the essential truth of the story, but I don't know how telling a lie helps them tell the truth."
The wife of a former councillor, who asked not to be named, said the inaccuracies worried her. Barbara Mackay was a physiotherapist who gave prenatal classes. Trimbole lived in town, but not in a big estate. He might have owned a property in the district but he did not grow oranges.
Some of the events in the program touch on reality. Trimbole is on record as having gone angrily to the Griffith police station in 1974 saying he would "kill" Mackay and his wife and children.
But he did not do it to his face after a public meeting, as depicted in Underbelly.
Mackay, a campaigner against the marijuana trade, was killed by hitman James Frederick Bazley in the car park of the Griffith Hotel Motel in November 1977. (Credit: The Age)
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The people of Griffith, the Riverina town where Mackay was killed in 1977, noted the dramatic licence in the opening episodes of Underbelly 2 on Channel Nine.
Don Mackay's son, Paul Mackay, was not available when The Age called, but he was quoted in Griffith's Area News saying the show was riddled with errors.
"My mother never worked one day in the family business, while in the show she was in there answering phones," he said.
"And I've never heard of the character of the local police officer they showed.
"I realise the producers qualified it by saying it tells the essential truth of the story, but I don't know how telling a lie helps them tell the truth."
The wife of a former councillor, who asked not to be named, said the inaccuracies worried her. Barbara Mackay was a physiotherapist who gave prenatal classes. Trimbole lived in town, but not in a big estate. He might have owned a property in the district but he did not grow oranges.
Some of the events in the program touch on reality. Trimbole is on record as having gone angrily to the Griffith police station in 1974 saying he would "kill" Mackay and his wife and children.
But he did not do it to his face after a public meeting, as depicted in Underbelly.
Mackay, a campaigner against the marijuana trade, was killed by hitman James Frederick Bazley in the car park of the Griffith Hotel Motel in November 1977. (Credit: The Age)
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities to Employ Gambling Theme - Gambling911.com - 12th February 2009
Gambling911.com has learned that upcoming episodes of Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities will feature "some casino and gambling themes". The show's second season was the highest rated launch in Australia's history.
George Freeman, played by Peter O'Brien, ran a number of Australian casinos (gambling houses... "with no name" and unadvertised, sort of the opposite of casinos to that of the James Packer's Crown Casino (which is all above board and advertised, mainstream and is legal etc).
As we have come to learn, the world of casinos and bookmaking in Australia is quite fascinating to say the least, and this should play in superbly with the Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities theme.
Media man, Greg Tingle gives us a taste of the old school gambling lifestyle in Australia:
"My grandfather, Eric Fraser Cameron Tingle ran a SP bookmaker operation from Newport Beach plant nursery which also doubled as a barber shop... tripled as a SP hangout. Today Newport Beach TAB is next door. A decade ago I used to regularly have a punt at the TAB with the late, great (and notorious) Big Time Bristow.
"I caught up with Tim at his home at Newport, just around the corner from my old home at Pittwater, 3 weeks before Tim's unfortunate (and natural) death. I pointed to Chris Master's book entitled 'Not for publication' and the chapter entitled, Guilty Buildings'. I recalled to Tim, ‘That's you isn't it Tim?' TB replied, ‘You nailed it in one Greg'. That's the scoop... its never been published or put in the public domain before." (Credit: Gambling911.com)
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George Freeman, played by Peter O'Brien, ran a number of Australian casinos (gambling houses... "with no name" and unadvertised, sort of the opposite of casinos to that of the James Packer's Crown Casino (which is all above board and advertised, mainstream and is legal etc).
As we have come to learn, the world of casinos and bookmaking in Australia is quite fascinating to say the least, and this should play in superbly with the Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities theme.
Media man, Greg Tingle gives us a taste of the old school gambling lifestyle in Australia:
"My grandfather, Eric Fraser Cameron Tingle ran a SP bookmaker operation from Newport Beach plant nursery which also doubled as a barber shop... tripled as a SP hangout. Today Newport Beach TAB is next door. A decade ago I used to regularly have a punt at the TAB with the late, great (and notorious) Big Time Bristow.
"I caught up with Tim at his home at Newport, just around the corner from my old home at Pittwater, 3 weeks before Tim's unfortunate (and natural) death. I pointed to Chris Master's book entitled 'Not for publication' and the chapter entitled, Guilty Buildings'. I recalled to Tim, ‘That's you isn't it Tim?' TB replied, ‘You nailed it in one Greg'. That's the scoop... its never been published or put in the public domain before." (Credit: Gambling911.com)
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Underbelly 2 rocks the ratings, by Michael Idato - The Sydney Morning Herald - 10th February 2009
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities - the second chapter of the most talked about crime series in Australia's modern history - made an explosive debut on television last night, with 2.5 million viewers tuned in.
Only two days into the ratings year, the win pushes Nine almost 10 percentage points ahead of rival Seven for the week.
Few would disagree it is an impressive start, though Nine still faces a massive challenge if it hopes to regain its lost ratings glory.
The win also gave Nine more than 40 per cent of 25-54-year-old viewers, the demographic which most advertisers prefer. In comparison, Seven's share of the same demographic last night was only 24.1 per cent.
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities dramatises the Sydney drug trade between 1976-1987, and the rise of underworld figures Robert Trimbole (Roy Billing), Terry Clark (Matthew Newton) and George Freeman (Peter O'Brien).
Last night's two-hour premiere focused on the assassination of anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay (Andrew McFarlane). It also introduced robber Ray Chuck (Nathan Page), underworld wife Judi Kane (Kate Ritchie) and hit man Christopher Dale Flannery (Dustin Clare) all of whom will feature prominently in later episodes.
Last night's Underbelly debut compares to 1.93 million viewers who watched the first episode of Packed to the Rafters, Seven's monster drama hit of 2008.
It also out-rated the first series of Underbelly, which dramatised the 1995-2004 gangland war in Melbourne, which was watched by an average of 1.7 million viewers. That figure fell short of an expected 2.5 million-plus because the first series was not aired in Melbourne due to a court injunction. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Only two days into the ratings year, the win pushes Nine almost 10 percentage points ahead of rival Seven for the week.
Few would disagree it is an impressive start, though Nine still faces a massive challenge if it hopes to regain its lost ratings glory.
The win also gave Nine more than 40 per cent of 25-54-year-old viewers, the demographic which most advertisers prefer. In comparison, Seven's share of the same demographic last night was only 24.1 per cent.
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities dramatises the Sydney drug trade between 1976-1987, and the rise of underworld figures Robert Trimbole (Roy Billing), Terry Clark (Matthew Newton) and George Freeman (Peter O'Brien).
Last night's two-hour premiere focused on the assassination of anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay (Andrew McFarlane). It also introduced robber Ray Chuck (Nathan Page), underworld wife Judi Kane (Kate Ritchie) and hit man Christopher Dale Flannery (Dustin Clare) all of whom will feature prominently in later episodes.
Last night's Underbelly debut compares to 1.93 million viewers who watched the first episode of Packed to the Rafters, Seven's monster drama hit of 2008.
It also out-rated the first series of Underbelly, which dramatised the 1995-2004 gangland war in Melbourne, which was watched by an average of 1.7 million viewers. That figure fell short of an expected 2.5 million-plus because the first series was not aired in Melbourne due to a court injunction. (Credit: The Sydney Morning Herald)
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Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Nine's a glutton for Underbelly, by Richard Clune - The Sunday Telegraph - 1st February 2009
A week ahead of Underbelly's second series launch, Insider can confirm that work has already started on a third series of the crime franchise, expected to launch later this year.
The third outing will explore the corruption of the NSW and Victorian police forces throughout the 1980s and the clean up job that started in the early '90s.
Production company Screentime's Des Monaghan confirmed the new series, while Nine CEO David Gyngell alluded to the program's possible 2009 debut.
"Its a no-brainer to go again and have Underbelly 3 on Channel Nine as soon as possible,'' Gyngell said.
Next week (Monday 8.30pm) Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities debuts.
If the first series gave Gyton Grantley a platform from which to launch a strong career, Insider believes it to be Nathan Page's turn this year. The largely unknown actor shines in the opening episodes as Melbourne hard man and bank robber Ray Chuck (real name Raymond Patrick Bennett), famed for the 1976 multi-million dollar Great Bookie Robbery.
Page has been trawling the local scene with obligatory appearances in Home & Away, Secret Life Of Us and opposite Kylie Minogue in forgettable flick Sample People but this will certainly prove his breakthrough role. (Credit: The Sunday Telegraph)
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The third outing will explore the corruption of the NSW and Victorian police forces throughout the 1980s and the clean up job that started in the early '90s.
Production company Screentime's Des Monaghan confirmed the new series, while Nine CEO David Gyngell alluded to the program's possible 2009 debut.
"Its a no-brainer to go again and have Underbelly 3 on Channel Nine as soon as possible,'' Gyngell said.
Next week (Monday 8.30pm) Underbelly: A Tale Of Two Cities debuts.
If the first series gave Gyton Grantley a platform from which to launch a strong career, Insider believes it to be Nathan Page's turn this year. The largely unknown actor shines in the opening episodes as Melbourne hard man and bank robber Ray Chuck (real name Raymond Patrick Bennett), famed for the 1976 multi-million dollar Great Bookie Robbery.
Page has been trawling the local scene with obligatory appearances in Home & Away, Secret Life Of Us and opposite Kylie Minogue in forgettable flick Sample People but this will certainly prove his breakthrough role. (Credit: The Sunday Telegraph)
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Underbelly
Network Nine Australia
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Underbelly 2 start date announced, by Amanda Meade - The Australian - 28th January 2009
The highly anticipated TV drama Underbelly 2: A Tale of Two Cities will premiere on Nine at 8.30pm on Monday February 9.
The date has been closely guarded by Nine because once the rival networks know the timeslot they can program competitively against it.
So feverish has the speculation been the media has taken to guessing the date.
A Nine source revealed to The Australian the series would begin the day after the start of official ratings - Sunday 8 February - and stay in the Monday timeslot.
Under CEO David Gyngell Nine has grown in confidence, improving its audience share last year and undermining Seven’s grip on the top spot.
With Underbelly 2, the cricket and a host of news shows, the network may be able to regain even more ground this year.
Series two is a prequel and the story moves to regional New South Wales, as well as Sydney and Melbourne, and features crime boss Robert Trimbole, to be played by Roy Billing.
Matthew Newton plays Terry “Mr. Asia” Clark, Andrew McFarlane plays anti-drugs campaigner Donald McKay and Peter O’Brien portrays George Freeman.
“Nine is thrilled to be bringing Underbelly- A Tale of Two Cities to the small screen in 2009,” said Nine Drama Exec Jo Horsburgh last year.
“I think the audience will love it.” (Credit: The Australian)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Underbelly
Crime News Media
The date has been closely guarded by Nine because once the rival networks know the timeslot they can program competitively against it.
So feverish has the speculation been the media has taken to guessing the date.
A Nine source revealed to The Australian the series would begin the day after the start of official ratings - Sunday 8 February - and stay in the Monday timeslot.
Under CEO David Gyngell Nine has grown in confidence, improving its audience share last year and undermining Seven’s grip on the top spot.
With Underbelly 2, the cricket and a host of news shows, the network may be able to regain even more ground this year.
Series two is a prequel and the story moves to regional New South Wales, as well as Sydney and Melbourne, and features crime boss Robert Trimbole, to be played by Roy Billing.
Matthew Newton plays Terry “Mr. Asia” Clark, Andrew McFarlane plays anti-drugs campaigner Donald McKay and Peter O’Brien portrays George Freeman.
“Nine is thrilled to be bringing Underbelly- A Tale of Two Cities to the small screen in 2009,” said Nine Drama Exec Jo Horsburgh last year.
“I think the audience will love it.” (Credit: The Australian)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Underbelly
Crime News Media
Gangland murder witness to plead guilty to driving charges - 4th February 2009
A man who claimed to be unfit to answer driving charges because of injuries he sustained in a gangland shooting has failed in his bid to avoid prosecution.
Herbert Wrout will now plead guilty to a series of driving charges, his lawyer Chris Triscott told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
Wrout, 66, was sitting alongside his friend Lewis Moran when two balaclava-clad men burst into the Brunswick club on March 31, 2004.
Moran was shot dead in the ambush but Wrout survived with wounds to his chest and arms.
Wrout lost his spleen and suffered extensive injuries in the incident.
At a hearing last October, Wrout claimed he was unfit to answer charges of unlicensed driving, driving while disqualified and refusing a preliminary breath test. But Mr Triscott told the court that his client would now plead guilty to the charges.
He asked for the hearing to be adjourned to allow more time for reports to be obtained.
Magistrate Simon Garnett ordered Wrout to face court again on March 12.
Evangelos Goussis was found guilty last May of shooting crime patriarch Moran and of causing Wrout - who was shot by a second gunman - serious injury.
Goussis is serving a minimum of 15 years for killing gangland figure Lewis Caine in May 2004.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Bert Wrout
Crime News Media
Herbert Wrout will now plead guilty to a series of driving charges, his lawyer Chris Triscott told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
Wrout, 66, was sitting alongside his friend Lewis Moran when two balaclava-clad men burst into the Brunswick club on March 31, 2004.
Moran was shot dead in the ambush but Wrout survived with wounds to his chest and arms.
Wrout lost his spleen and suffered extensive injuries in the incident.
At a hearing last October, Wrout claimed he was unfit to answer charges of unlicensed driving, driving while disqualified and refusing a preliminary breath test. But Mr Triscott told the court that his client would now plead guilty to the charges.
He asked for the hearing to be adjourned to allow more time for reports to be obtained.
Magistrate Simon Garnett ordered Wrout to face court again on March 12.
Evangelos Goussis was found guilty last May of shooting crime patriarch Moran and of causing Wrout - who was shot by a second gunman - serious injury.
Goussis is serving a minimum of 15 years for killing gangland figure Lewis Caine in May 2004.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Bert Wrout
Crime News Media
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Aussie Welfare Recipients Laundered $25 Million Through Casinos, by Tina Golden
As a result of a year and a half long investigation by Centrelink authorities, more than 160 welfare cheats have been identified as being involved in money laundering scams. Officials say it is likely to be connected to organized crime syndicates as well as outlaw biker gangs.
In this type of money laundering scam, dirty money (acquired by illegal means) is used to buy casino gambling chips thereby cleaning the money. When unusually large chip purchases began to be noticed at casinos across Australia, Centrelink began investigating. Officials can track either the dirty money or the chips when they are cashed in once they have identified suspicious activity.
Whether through the cashier or at the gaming tables, any transaction greater than $10,000 requires the proof of identification so large transactions are recorded and thus able to be tracked. Centrelink found 30 cheats who had converted over a million dollars each and the average chip purchase was $155, 000.
Two cases stand head and shoulders above the rest – an elderly pensioner who cashed in $1.5 million and a single mother who converted $1.3 million dollars in chips. Some of the dole recipients were found to have purchased luxurious penthouse apartments and had been enjoying frequent comps from the casinos such as free accommodations and trips.
All cases have been turned over to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions for criminal charges to be filed. (Credit: World Casino Directory)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Crime News
In this type of money laundering scam, dirty money (acquired by illegal means) is used to buy casino gambling chips thereby cleaning the money. When unusually large chip purchases began to be noticed at casinos across Australia, Centrelink began investigating. Officials can track either the dirty money or the chips when they are cashed in once they have identified suspicious activity.
Whether through the cashier or at the gaming tables, any transaction greater than $10,000 requires the proof of identification so large transactions are recorded and thus able to be tracked. Centrelink found 30 cheats who had converted over a million dollars each and the average chip purchase was $155, 000.
Two cases stand head and shoulders above the rest – an elderly pensioner who cashed in $1.5 million and a single mother who converted $1.3 million dollars in chips. Some of the dole recipients were found to have purchased luxurious penthouse apartments and had been enjoying frequent comps from the casinos such as free accommodations and trips.
All cases have been turned over to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions for criminal charges to be filed. (Credit: World Casino Directory)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Crime News
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Repentant ex-mafia boss says tennis a top target for fixers - The Sydney Morning Herald - 1st January 2009
Former mafia crime boss Michael Franzese says top-level tennis matches are being influenced by gamblers and the sport would be his prime focus were he still in the business of impacting outcomes.
Franzese, a former boss in the Colombo crime family, serves as a consultant and speaker regarding his days with the mob and has spoken with ATP players about the methods that are used to spread corruption in sport.
"It's definitely going on," Franzese told AFP. "If I were in this business now, tennis would be my major target because one player can impact the game. That's all you need."
An FBI probe in the 1980s and a decade in prison helped push Franzese to change his ways and help those who safeguard the integrity of sport, but his crime contacts lead him to believe organized crime remains involved in tennis.
"I have to believe they are, certainly from the feedbacks I've gotten since I got involved with the ATP," Franzese said. "Sports has become such an incredibly lucrative racket, so to speak, for guys on the street."
Franseze, 57, has spoken with National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, tennis stars and elite US college athletes about the dangers of match-fixers, often counseling newcomers on how to avoid being ensnared in gambling woes.
His talks included a March 2007 session with ATP players.
"They told me there's a problem in the sport. It is something that has to be addressed," he said. "Mainly, I told them how damaging and dangerous it could be for them to get involved in gambling and get around the wrong people.
"Gambling is a very serious business. If you put yourself in a gambling situation, you're most likely going to attract the wrong people because those same people are watching you. They want to find out who's got a gambling problem."
Less than five months after Franzese spoke came a match in Sopot in which unusual on-line betting patterns were registered about Russian Nikolay Davydenko's loss to Argentina's Martin Vassallo-Arguello.
An ATP investigation into the match concluded last September that there was no wrongdoing by Davydenko or his rival.
Franzese remains suspicious.
"He is a pretty top player. Something else is going on there. Somebody has a hook on him," he said.
Franzese claims first-hand expertise at influencing athletes to drop a match to satisfy gamblers, including threats of bodily harm for failure to comply.
"None of these players want to do it. They do it because they're put in a situation," he said. "It's sad because they're doing it against their will. They have no way out. They all regret it. And that's why it's so damaging to their career. Psychologically, it gets to them.
"I've seen it happen so many times. They just can't perform the same. It does affect them. It affects their careers. Sometimes it's irreversible."
The impact on the sport could be as damaging as on the players. If supporters feel betrayed and have no faith the match results are legitimate, interest is likely to fade.
"All of them have a fear of gambling. All of them are not quite sure how to deal with it because they know it can happen at any time," Franseze said.
"In this country, we've had dogfighting incidents, a massive steroid scandal in baseball. They can overcome those things. They will not be able to overcome a major gambling issue.
"Once people start to believe that sports are fixed, that it becomes staged, forget it, the sport is done. Every pro sport knows that."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Sports Betting
Crime News
Sports News
Franzese, a former boss in the Colombo crime family, serves as a consultant and speaker regarding his days with the mob and has spoken with ATP players about the methods that are used to spread corruption in sport.
"It's definitely going on," Franzese told AFP. "If I were in this business now, tennis would be my major target because one player can impact the game. That's all you need."
An FBI probe in the 1980s and a decade in prison helped push Franzese to change his ways and help those who safeguard the integrity of sport, but his crime contacts lead him to believe organized crime remains involved in tennis.
"I have to believe they are, certainly from the feedbacks I've gotten since I got involved with the ATP," Franzese said. "Sports has become such an incredibly lucrative racket, so to speak, for guys on the street."
Franseze, 57, has spoken with National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, tennis stars and elite US college athletes about the dangers of match-fixers, often counseling newcomers on how to avoid being ensnared in gambling woes.
His talks included a March 2007 session with ATP players.
"They told me there's a problem in the sport. It is something that has to be addressed," he said. "Mainly, I told them how damaging and dangerous it could be for them to get involved in gambling and get around the wrong people.
"Gambling is a very serious business. If you put yourself in a gambling situation, you're most likely going to attract the wrong people because those same people are watching you. They want to find out who's got a gambling problem."
Less than five months after Franzese spoke came a match in Sopot in which unusual on-line betting patterns were registered about Russian Nikolay Davydenko's loss to Argentina's Martin Vassallo-Arguello.
An ATP investigation into the match concluded last September that there was no wrongdoing by Davydenko or his rival.
Franzese remains suspicious.
"He is a pretty top player. Something else is going on there. Somebody has a hook on him," he said.
Franzese claims first-hand expertise at influencing athletes to drop a match to satisfy gamblers, including threats of bodily harm for failure to comply.
"None of these players want to do it. They do it because they're put in a situation," he said. "It's sad because they're doing it against their will. They have no way out. They all regret it. And that's why it's so damaging to their career. Psychologically, it gets to them.
"I've seen it happen so many times. They just can't perform the same. It does affect them. It affects their careers. Sometimes it's irreversible."
The impact on the sport could be as damaging as on the players. If supporters feel betrayed and have no faith the match results are legitimate, interest is likely to fade.
"All of them have a fear of gambling. All of them are not quite sure how to deal with it because they know it can happen at any time," Franseze said.
"In this country, we've had dogfighting incidents, a massive steroid scandal in baseball. They can overcome those things. They will not be able to overcome a major gambling issue.
"Once people start to believe that sports are fixed, that it becomes staged, forget it, the sport is done. Every pro sport knows that."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Sports Betting
Crime News
Sports News
New laws delay drinking, playing pokies until 10am, by Patrick Lion and Gabrielle Dunlevy - The Courier-Mail - 31st December 2008
New Year's revellers will be unable have a beer and a flutter on the pokies first up this morning under one of several new laws effective from today.
The poker machine crackdown comes as the Bligh Government increases every fine by 33 per cent, putting infringements for speeding, parking and smoking in line with other states.
For example, drivers caught using a mobile phone will now cop a $300 fine instead of only $225 previously.
Premier Anna Bligh yesterday said the new hotel opening times would make communities safer.
Almost 900 licensed liquor outlets will not open until after 10am today while others with specific approval to open earlier will have to wait until 9am instead of 7am to serve alcohol.
"There remains more than ample time to have a drink or a flutter with 14 hours trading from 10am to midnight," Ms Bligh said.
On-the-spot fines for public nuisance offences such as urinating in public will also be trialled from today in a move aimed at freeing up the courts.
Today will also herald several policies to better protect householders from noise and air pollution.
The new Environmental Protection Policies will help guide government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and local councils, manage air quality and noise standards.
Councils will be largely responsible for air and noise complaints, but will have greater flexibility in dealing with them.
There will also be changes affecting the building industry.
The Government will enforce tighter controls over the labelling of rainwater tanks that supply water to plumbing fixtures, to ensure they are clearly identified.
A new code for maintaining fire safety installations will be introduced, specifying the maintenance records required.
In tax changes from today, home transfer and home mortgage duty concessions will not be lost if the home is being disposed of due to an event such as a natural disaster, death or incapacity.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Crime News Media
The poker machine crackdown comes as the Bligh Government increases every fine by 33 per cent, putting infringements for speeding, parking and smoking in line with other states.
For example, drivers caught using a mobile phone will now cop a $300 fine instead of only $225 previously.
Premier Anna Bligh yesterday said the new hotel opening times would make communities safer.
Almost 900 licensed liquor outlets will not open until after 10am today while others with specific approval to open earlier will have to wait until 9am instead of 7am to serve alcohol.
"There remains more than ample time to have a drink or a flutter with 14 hours trading from 10am to midnight," Ms Bligh said.
On-the-spot fines for public nuisance offences such as urinating in public will also be trialled from today in a move aimed at freeing up the courts.
Today will also herald several policies to better protect householders from noise and air pollution.
The new Environmental Protection Policies will help guide government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and local councils, manage air quality and noise standards.
Councils will be largely responsible for air and noise complaints, but will have greater flexibility in dealing with them.
There will also be changes affecting the building industry.
The Government will enforce tighter controls over the labelling of rainwater tanks that supply water to plumbing fixtures, to ensure they are clearly identified.
A new code for maintaining fire safety installations will be introduced, specifying the maintenance records required.
In tax changes from today, home transfer and home mortgage duty concessions will not be lost if the home is being disposed of due to an event such as a natural disaster, death or incapacity.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Crime News Media
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