Down under in Melbourne, Australia, one casino punter was feeling extremely lucky, pouncing on an opportunity to steal (not win) a Ferrari F430, when a casino valet handed him the keys. Media Man and Gambling911 follow the story in high speed pursuit...
Melbourne Police have now arrested the formally lucky punter after a Crown Casino valet mistakenly handed over the keys to a Ferrari F430 Spider and he took off for a joyride lasting half a day to Coolaroo of all places.
The 32-year cheeky fella was reportedly wearing a tracksuit when a casino valet gave him the keys to the bright red, V8 supercar about 12.30am today.
Police advise the punter drove north up the Tullamarine Freeway but was pinched by police about 6.30am as he fuelled up at a servo in Coolaroo, on Melbourne's outer northern region.
"He is currently assisting police with their inquiries," she said.
Forensic police will today examine the car, which has been towed to a holding yard in Campbellfield.
The attendant at the servo advised the man filled the beast up with petrol before police nabbed the bandit.
"He just filled up with petrol, came in here, paid for it and the cops were outside and just got him," he said.
"The cops I think were already after him."
The happening starting to generate a serious of state, national and international news stories, with Melbourne 3AW radio enjoying banter with a witness "Mark".
"Someone walked out of the casino past me and the security guard, got in and drove off,". The security guard said to me - because he only had an old tracksuit on - and he said 'you can't pick 'em can you'."
Crown Casino spokesman, top brass, Gary O’Neill said the incident was a first for the casino. He explained customers using valet parking were provided with a ticket to be returned to the casino parking attendant when time to collect your car.
"It has happened in the past from time to time that people lose their tickets, and in these circumstances we ask for proof of identification and a valid driver’s licence. Those procedures were followed on this occasion," he said.
"The procedures that we have followed in the past have not resulted in this particular incident, but that’s not to say our system is perfect," he said.
"We’re cooperating fully with the police investigation."
Mr O’Neill said the incident had been caught on film by their CCTV cameras and the footage would be handed over to police. Crown Casino is known for its world class security, as is it's Sydney competitor Star City. The Australian land casino industry was forced to upgrade security in recent years following a succession of undesirable incidents. Industry insiders sometimes joke about the plastic handcuffs initiative and footy and cricket stars getting pissed at casino events but this matter was very serious in nature. The casino wants its VIPs, high-rollers, whales and the like to know that their transport is in safe hands at Crown Casino.
Melbourne's Police 'Highway Patrol' is known to be world class and its understood that at least 99% of police corruption as featured on Network Nine 'Underbelly' has been cleaned up.
Crown tag lines include 'World Of Entertainment' and 'Wear The Crown'.
Mr James Packer, Australian and Asia Pacific casino and gaming king, remains the owner of Crown Limited. He also owns Burswood Casino aka Burswood Entertainment Complex in Western Australia, and has a number of interests in Macau and Britain, as well as new media - internet entities. Packer remains passionate for sport, meeting Virgin king Richard Branson last year at the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix and enjoys polo, as did his late father Kerry Packer.
Ok you want more on the sports car...we hear you...
The F430 went on sale in 2005 with the Spider convertible going for a cool $444,000 AUD, plus options and on-road costs.
F430 production was ceased earlier this year and will be replaced by the flashy458 Italia, which we understand has a two-year waiting list.
Casinos have long been associated with fast cars (and fast, sexy women). In recent years the online casino and online poker sector has plugged into the demo, with PartyGaming and PKR offering sports car as high level prizes.
A few months ago PartyGaming and PKR Poker had a Porsche up for grabs, but no one qualified to win. Not to be disheartened, Party's casino and poker brands are once again offering dream machine grand prizes...
Last week Richard Branson's Virgin Racing came to sponsorship terms with online poker powerhouse Full Tilt Poker. The massive exposure of Virgin's F1 involvement on a international scale was a key reason the deal went ahead.
A number of weeks before the public Virgin - Full Tilt Poker deal, PartyGaming's PartyPoker signed up F1 superstars Jaime Alguersuari and Giancarlo Fisichella as brand ambassadors. Poker legend and World Poker Tour mainstay Mike Sexton remains the global PartyPoker ambassador. Last month following the sporting theme, PartyPoker also signed up Italian football legend Francesco Totti. The financial terms of the poker sponsorship deals are not currently known, as all parties appear to want to keep the details under wraps. Speaking of big names, rumours are circulating that PartyGaming may be in the midst of doing another deal and announcement with movie legend of Rambo and Rocky fame, Sylvester Stallone. Sly is featured in the Rambo online slot game, exclusive to PartyGaming.
PartyGaming's PartyCasino
and
PartyPoker.com
PartyCasino - Grand Win Auto - Win A Maserati GranTurismo
PartyPoker - Drive The Dream - Win a Aston Martin DB9 Coupe
Crown Casino Share Price - CWN: 8.290
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of a dozen sectors covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 03, 2010
Crime News Media: Underbelly Gambles On 3D Tech, by Greg Tingle - 3rd May 2010
Underbelly is still super popular with national audiences, advertisers - sponsors and Gambling911 readers, despite getting killed (donut award - nil) at the Logies held at James Packer's Crown Casino last night.
Media Man and Gambling911 dig for dirt, er, information, as we go undercover and get embedded into Australia's 'Underbelly' landscape.
Such is the confidence show by 'Underbelly' producers and powers that be bean counters, they are to expand into 3D.
Mind you, going 3D is apparently easier said than done, with experts pointing to major challenges (tech and financial), as experienced with the James Bond and Iron-Man franchises. Iron-Man already has a happy ending as far as return on investment goes, but Bond has ended up on the scrap heap due to cash flow, if you believe the news media reports.
Nine Network Australia has ambitious plans to film the next 'Underbelly' series in 3D, hoping that it will help keep positive buzz, audiences and the bottom line looking good. Underbelly has already been heralded as one of the great Australian TV success stories, as far as drawing people in, fostering talent, getting top dollars from advertisers and catapulting Aussie's up on the international radar.
"It's helped employ 100s of Australians, if you count in the flow on factors", said a Media Man insider.
The tech revolution brought on by James Cameron's Avatar is already hitting the lounge room thanks in part to the launch of 3D TV sets! Network Nine boss David Gyngell (currently out of the country but in touch with casino king James Packer) says he is blown away by the potential.
"It's an amazing experience. Next year we can go out and shoot Underbelly in 3D," he told News Limited in "Sin City" (Sydney).
Gyng's positive energy, vision and deep pockets, sees Nine say they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and nine will be flying over tech from the United States to make it happen.
Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.
Media Man visited Sydney's 'Sin City' Expo at the Justice & Police Museum this past weekend and it was totally packed. Audio visual highlights dominated, with punters been able to view rare documentary and film footage on Sydney's underworld history and there was plenty of gaming and gambling themes and info to be seen including Sydney's famous 33 club. Some old coin operated slot machines were only on display that you could even pull the handle on. One of the highlights was an unidentified man who kept complaining to our crew that the media was to blame for all the crime, violence and gambling on TV. Media Man pointed out that gambling and crime have been in the movies for a long time. When asked what his interest was in the expo the mystery man refused to answer the question, and left in a huff.
The Media Man crew also shot footage from the expo, some of contains rare and unique Australian casino and gambling content which is likely to hit YouTube within a week.
The rumor mill says that now not only are talks going on about an 'Underbelly' online and offline slot game, but also a board game. Loads of fun for the whole family... not sure, but it may depend on the type of family. Classification guidelines are being considered, as Australia looks to overhaul its gaming industry laws following the long awaited Productivity Commission report.
Australia was settled by convicts, many of whom enjoyed a punt n wager, depending upon what set of history books you tend to believe.
One things for sure... Underbelly has helped put Australia's long history with gambling and the underworld on the map, and the buzz doesn't look like its doing to die anytime soon.
Punters, know the odds, stay healthy, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Media Man and Gambling911 dig for dirt, er, information, as we go undercover and get embedded into Australia's 'Underbelly' landscape.
Such is the confidence show by 'Underbelly' producers and powers that be bean counters, they are to expand into 3D.
Mind you, going 3D is apparently easier said than done, with experts pointing to major challenges (tech and financial), as experienced with the James Bond and Iron-Man franchises. Iron-Man already has a happy ending as far as return on investment goes, but Bond has ended up on the scrap heap due to cash flow, if you believe the news media reports.
Nine Network Australia has ambitious plans to film the next 'Underbelly' series in 3D, hoping that it will help keep positive buzz, audiences and the bottom line looking good. Underbelly has already been heralded as one of the great Australian TV success stories, as far as drawing people in, fostering talent, getting top dollars from advertisers and catapulting Aussie's up on the international radar.
"It's helped employ 100s of Australians, if you count in the flow on factors", said a Media Man insider.
The tech revolution brought on by James Cameron's Avatar is already hitting the lounge room thanks in part to the launch of 3D TV sets! Network Nine boss David Gyngell (currently out of the country but in touch with casino king James Packer) says he is blown away by the potential.
"It's an amazing experience. Next year we can go out and shoot Underbelly in 3D," he told News Limited in "Sin City" (Sydney).
Gyng's positive energy, vision and deep pockets, sees Nine say they will carry Rugby League's 'State of Origin' clash in 3D on 26th May. It's forecast to cost the network $10 million to broadcast, and nine will be flying over tech from the United States to make it happen.
Underbelly continues to drive forward the crime genre, and not just on TV. Wires are reporting that at least 3 Australian crime shows are due to be released over the next 12 months, quite likely soon, such is the current appetite of Australian audiences.
Media Man visited Sydney's 'Sin City' Expo at the Justice & Police Museum this past weekend and it was totally packed. Audio visual highlights dominated, with punters been able to view rare documentary and film footage on Sydney's underworld history and there was plenty of gaming and gambling themes and info to be seen including Sydney's famous 33 club. Some old coin operated slot machines were only on display that you could even pull the handle on. One of the highlights was an unidentified man who kept complaining to our crew that the media was to blame for all the crime, violence and gambling on TV. Media Man pointed out that gambling and crime have been in the movies for a long time. When asked what his interest was in the expo the mystery man refused to answer the question, and left in a huff.
The Media Man crew also shot footage from the expo, some of contains rare and unique Australian casino and gambling content which is likely to hit YouTube within a week.
The rumor mill says that now not only are talks going on about an 'Underbelly' online and offline slot game, but also a board game. Loads of fun for the whole family... not sure, but it may depend on the type of family. Classification guidelines are being considered, as Australia looks to overhaul its gaming industry laws following the long awaited Productivity Commission report.
Australia was settled by convicts, many of whom enjoyed a punt n wager, depending upon what set of history books you tend to believe.
One things for sure... Underbelly has helped put Australia's long history with gambling and the underworld on the map, and the buzz doesn't look like its doing to die anytime soon.
Punters, know the odds, stay healthy, and have fun.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company.
Website Network
Media Man International
Media Man Australia
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Australia's Own Bonnie And Clyde Pokie Bandits Caught, by Greg Tingle - 18th April 2010
Down under in Melbourne, Australia, a real life Bonnie and Clyde have been finally nabbed, after causing pokie hangout clubs and pubs hell. Australia's casinos can also relax a touch more now that the couple have been locked up.
Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe the ever apparent connection between gambling and crime, not suggesting the readership does anything untoward.
Melbourne, Australia, was home to a real life, modern day Bonnie and Clyde! The pair went on a Pulp Fiction - Underbelly natured armed crime spree across the city, fessed up to their acts last week.
The Bacchus Marsh cunning couple, Raylene and Antony Szarvak, pleaded guilty to a lost list of armed robberies of pub and pokies venues in Melbourne's western suburbs. Crown Casino is said to be pleased the couple were caught.
Ms Sarvak, a 29-year-old mum described in court as a "homemaker", rode into town on a mean green motorbike with her hubby Antony and wielded a .357 Magnum revolver as the outlaws staged hold ups in the suburbs.
In one month the pair robbed five venues, crabbing $33,000 cash in the process.
Venues nabbed in their 15 tally score board include Glengala Hotel in Sunshine West, St Albans Sports Club, Deer Park Hotel, the Rifle Range Hotel in Williamstown, and Yarraville's Victoria On Hyde Hotel.
The County Court learned they frequently wore balaclavas, scarves and motorbike helmets.
Not to mince words on one hit Raylene warned "Don't touch it" as Antony pointed the loaded 30cm handgun at her. Other warnings she used included "I've got a gun, give me all the money or I'll shoot. This is not a joke."
The Armed Crime Taskforce nabbed the pair in August 2008 as the outlaws expanded into the eastern suburbs.
It was their Bakers Arms Hotel attempted heist job where the law caught up with them.
Two men attempted to run away but were tasered after Antony threw the Magnum gun into a garden bed.
The married bandits said their crimes were motivated by gambling, drug and unemployment issues.
Raylene initially pleaded not guilty in court but had to change her plea after her husband admitted his crimes to police.
She pleaded guilty to five counts of armed robbery, one attempted armed robbery and one conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
He pleaded guilty to six counts of armed robbery, one attempted armed robbery and one conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
The pair are due to be sentenced at a later date and Gambling911 will stay on the trail.
Prosecutor Jim Shaw recommended a range of 11 to 13 years for Raylene with a non-parole period of 8 to 11 years.
He recommended a range of six to eight years for Antony with a non-parole period of five to six years.
Readers, please don't getting any funny ideas if you watch Underbelly or Bonnie And Clyde. Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Media Man and Gambling911 continue to probe the ever apparent connection between gambling and crime, not suggesting the readership does anything untoward.
Melbourne, Australia, was home to a real life, modern day Bonnie and Clyde! The pair went on a Pulp Fiction - Underbelly natured armed crime spree across the city, fessed up to their acts last week.
The Bacchus Marsh cunning couple, Raylene and Antony Szarvak, pleaded guilty to a lost list of armed robberies of pub and pokies venues in Melbourne's western suburbs. Crown Casino is said to be pleased the couple were caught.
Ms Sarvak, a 29-year-old mum described in court as a "homemaker", rode into town on a mean green motorbike with her hubby Antony and wielded a .357 Magnum revolver as the outlaws staged hold ups in the suburbs.
In one month the pair robbed five venues, crabbing $33,000 cash in the process.
Venues nabbed in their 15 tally score board include Glengala Hotel in Sunshine West, St Albans Sports Club, Deer Park Hotel, the Rifle Range Hotel in Williamstown, and Yarraville's Victoria On Hyde Hotel.
The County Court learned they frequently wore balaclavas, scarves and motorbike helmets.
Not to mince words on one hit Raylene warned "Don't touch it" as Antony pointed the loaded 30cm handgun at her. Other warnings she used included "I've got a gun, give me all the money or I'll shoot. This is not a joke."
The Armed Crime Taskforce nabbed the pair in August 2008 as the outlaws expanded into the eastern suburbs.
It was their Bakers Arms Hotel attempted heist job where the law caught up with them.
Two men attempted to run away but were tasered after Antony threw the Magnum gun into a garden bed.
The married bandits said their crimes were motivated by gambling, drug and unemployment issues.
Raylene initially pleaded not guilty in court but had to change her plea after her husband admitted his crimes to police.
She pleaded guilty to five counts of armed robbery, one attempted armed robbery and one conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
He pleaded guilty to six counts of armed robbery, one attempted armed robbery and one conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
The pair are due to be sentenced at a later date and Gambling911 will stay on the trail.
Prosecutor Jim Shaw recommended a range of 11 to 13 years for Raylene with a non-parole period of 8 to 11 years.
He recommended a range of six to eight years for Antony with a non-parole period of five to six years.
Readers, please don't getting any funny ideas if you watch Underbelly or Bonnie And Clyde. Happy hunting and good punting.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company
Website Network
Media Man
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Underbelly Hype Says Australia's Ibrahim Family, by Greg Tingle - 18th April 2010
Underbelly: The Golden Mile - explosive TV featuring mobsters (Aussie style), drugs, guns, gambling, hookers, crooked coppers, rock n roll, good times and some very bad times - how much is or was real, and how much is hype?
Media Man and Gambling911 embed themselves in Sydney's underworld to bring you news from the mean streets down under.
From the get go, let's just say that over the years crooks, gangsters, mobsters or whatever you care to call them, have usually enjoyed quite the love - hate relationship with the public and the media, and in some cases, even the police.
Aussie's love a good yard (story - true or false), as does much of the world, and crime based TV (and movies) has proven to be some of the most popular ever... from The Godfather, The Sopranos, Goodfellas, The Untouchables, Casino, Growing Up Gotti, CSI, Gangs Of Oz, to everyones (almost) Underbelly.
Criminals by nature are a colourful lot, with some very bright in the mix, and some not so smart ones to boot.
Our old mate and sometimes associate, Tim "Earthquake" Bristow was always good for a story and mixed in interesting company. Big Tim called himself "retired gangster and Godfather of Sydney" where yours truely quizzed him about his role only weeks before his (natural) death.
Some very smart operators were in and around the clan, and a few knuckleheads for good measure. Bristow has a ton of connections, man power, power, money, influence and information at his disposal. He talked it up, but his contacts and inner circle was the whose whose, and it included judges, police detectives, politicians, news media, celebrities and you get the idea.
We're not exactly certain of the connection and / or relationship our friend Bristow had with the late George Freeman, as witnessed on Network Nine's Underbelly, but its fair to say that they co-existed... neither fell prey to the other, and there was plenty of good times and money to go around for all.
Let's probe Sin City Sydney, Australia...
Fadi Ibrahim is now hitting back (no, not that type of hit) at police and news media attention on his family, claiming the focus on his family's life was "just hype" and would end after Underbelly stops screening.
The only main problem with Ibrahim Jr's argument is that Network Nine are going to keep pumping out 'Underbelly's', albeit it with more of the action taking place in the Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise region, near the NSW - QLD boarder, for our out of town readership.
The brother of Kings Cross well known identity John Ibrahim was shot five times in his Lamborghini last last year and is currently on strict conditional bail after being charged with conspiracy to murder.
But he claims the focus on his family's life was "just hype".
"I think it's all hype and it will calm down when Underbelly is finished," Mr Ibrahim told Rupert Murdoch's The Sunday Telegraph. Media Man can back up many of the media reports as numerous first hand and some second hand reports are regularly being e-mailed into the office.
'The Cross' has been in face targeted by police in recent weeks with uniformed, plainclothed and riot-squad officers patrolling the streets. While news media may have added some hype and color to the situation, it doesn't change the facts.
Numerous police sources advise there was continuing intelligence the Bandidos and Comanchero bikie gangs may confront rival gang Notorious, which is associated with the family of nightclub owner, John Ibrahim aka "King Of The Cross".
He remains the focus of the current Underbelly television series and it is feared Ibrahim's enemies and dark forces may plan to take advantage of his leaving the country for Dubai last week, while the series is being screened.
Operation Eaglehawk continues to gain intel in the meantime which has been targeting licensed venues in and around 'The Cross' and Sydney for over a month.
Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli said Operation Eaglehawk was not a one-off operation and police would continue targeting anti-social behaviour and violence, regardless of the publicity generated by Underbelly.
"We have police on the streets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year targeting criminal, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime," Mr Mennilli said.
"Police constantly run these operations in Kings Cross, as well as in Oxford St, the CBD, The Rocks and other areas where there is a high density of people and alcohol.
"The public can rest assured police have been targeting Kings Cross for years and will continue to do so, regardless of some passing publicity generated by a TV drama."
Last week, coppers from Operation Eaglehawk made 11 arrests, conducted 46 person searches, inspected 56 businesses and issued 72 traffic infringement notices, reports News Limited.
Some more impressive (real life) numbers ... Operation Eaglehawk has investigated 294 businesses, conducted 286 person searches, issued 117 traffic infringement notices and made 73 arrests.
Fadi Ibrahim, his bodyguard Neil Cummings, and his fiancee Shayda Bastani said Underbelly was not an entirely accurate account of events, but they had watched the first episode and enjoyed it.
Mr Ibrahim said actor Firass Dirani was doing a great job playing his brother. "He's like a Lebanese John Travolta. He's doing a top job."
David Freeman, who joined Mr Ibrahim at Randwick Racecourse yesterday for the Doncaster, did not comment on the portrayal of his father George in Underbelly's first episode. Some say the races in Australia is a "sunny place for shady persons", but no one is currently commenting on that well known expression.
Fadi was bailed out after he and his younger brother Michael were charged with conspiracy to murder. Police allege it was in retaliation for the attempt on Fadi's life.
Aussie readers, its you're lucky day (technically night). Underbelly is on Channel Nine tonight - that's right, its Sunday... you wouldn't want to miss it for quids. Starts at 8.30pm, and it might warm you up to a bit of Kings Cross gambling action later in the week. Betfair Pink Pigeon birdies tell us if you have a want, need or desire, 'The Cross' is still the place to go. If you're out of luck and can't find it, you can always hope a cab and swing on over to Sydney's Star City Casino, and high rollers, if that still doesn't do it for you, Mr James Packer and co at Billionaire Inc - Crown Casino Casino in Melbourne, have those Gulfsteam jets ready and engines fired up for those who are financially qualified. Of course, you can stay at home and even play the pokes. PartyGaming even offers 'The Godfather' and Captain Cooks 'Hitman'. We know you're keen for an Underbelly and UFC slot game and the powers that be have been tipped off. Just be grateful that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy and their bible bashing conspirators were not successful in their miserable attempts to ban your beloved Underbelly.
Enjoy the show, some of which is available for preview on the NineMSN website portal, and some of which may be getting leaked to YouTube and elsewhere.
In this world we live, information can be key, be it gambling, TV, legal, internet or whatever, and Gambling911 and Media Man are delighted to continue to bring you the news and info you won't find anywhere else. Underbelly - the verdict: Fact is stranger than fiction, but also keep in mind it's also produced to entertain the audience and bring in big numbers to advertisers and sponsors...something it is doing a smashing job of. Over 2 million Australia's are expected to tune into again tonight.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of over a dozen industries covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
Website Network
Media Man
Media Man Australia
Media Man Canada
Casino News Media
Global Gaming Directory
Australian Casino News
Australian Sports Entertainment
Sports Entertainment News
Media Man and Gambling911 embed themselves in Sydney's underworld to bring you news from the mean streets down under.
From the get go, let's just say that over the years crooks, gangsters, mobsters or whatever you care to call them, have usually enjoyed quite the love - hate relationship with the public and the media, and in some cases, even the police.
Aussie's love a good yard (story - true or false), as does much of the world, and crime based TV (and movies) has proven to be some of the most popular ever... from The Godfather, The Sopranos, Goodfellas, The Untouchables, Casino, Growing Up Gotti, CSI, Gangs Of Oz, to everyones (almost) Underbelly.
Criminals by nature are a colourful lot, with some very bright in the mix, and some not so smart ones to boot.
Our old mate and sometimes associate, Tim "Earthquake" Bristow was always good for a story and mixed in interesting company. Big Tim called himself "retired gangster and Godfather of Sydney" where yours truely quizzed him about his role only weeks before his (natural) death.
Some very smart operators were in and around the clan, and a few knuckleheads for good measure. Bristow has a ton of connections, man power, power, money, influence and information at his disposal. He talked it up, but his contacts and inner circle was the whose whose, and it included judges, police detectives, politicians, news media, celebrities and you get the idea.
We're not exactly certain of the connection and / or relationship our friend Bristow had with the late George Freeman, as witnessed on Network Nine's Underbelly, but its fair to say that they co-existed... neither fell prey to the other, and there was plenty of good times and money to go around for all.
Let's probe Sin City Sydney, Australia...
Fadi Ibrahim is now hitting back (no, not that type of hit) at police and news media attention on his family, claiming the focus on his family's life was "just hype" and would end after Underbelly stops screening.
The only main problem with Ibrahim Jr's argument is that Network Nine are going to keep pumping out 'Underbelly's', albeit it with more of the action taking place in the Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise region, near the NSW - QLD boarder, for our out of town readership.
The brother of Kings Cross well known identity John Ibrahim was shot five times in his Lamborghini last last year and is currently on strict conditional bail after being charged with conspiracy to murder.
But he claims the focus on his family's life was "just hype".
"I think it's all hype and it will calm down when Underbelly is finished," Mr Ibrahim told Rupert Murdoch's The Sunday Telegraph. Media Man can back up many of the media reports as numerous first hand and some second hand reports are regularly being e-mailed into the office.
'The Cross' has been in face targeted by police in recent weeks with uniformed, plainclothed and riot-squad officers patrolling the streets. While news media may have added some hype and color to the situation, it doesn't change the facts.
Numerous police sources advise there was continuing intelligence the Bandidos and Comanchero bikie gangs may confront rival gang Notorious, which is associated with the family of nightclub owner, John Ibrahim aka "King Of The Cross".
He remains the focus of the current Underbelly television series and it is feared Ibrahim's enemies and dark forces may plan to take advantage of his leaving the country for Dubai last week, while the series is being screened.
Operation Eaglehawk continues to gain intel in the meantime which has been targeting licensed venues in and around 'The Cross' and Sydney for over a month.
Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli said Operation Eaglehawk was not a one-off operation and police would continue targeting anti-social behaviour and violence, regardless of the publicity generated by Underbelly.
"We have police on the streets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year targeting criminal, anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime," Mr Mennilli said.
"Police constantly run these operations in Kings Cross, as well as in Oxford St, the CBD, The Rocks and other areas where there is a high density of people and alcohol.
"The public can rest assured police have been targeting Kings Cross for years and will continue to do so, regardless of some passing publicity generated by a TV drama."
Last week, coppers from Operation Eaglehawk made 11 arrests, conducted 46 person searches, inspected 56 businesses and issued 72 traffic infringement notices, reports News Limited.
Some more impressive (real life) numbers ... Operation Eaglehawk has investigated 294 businesses, conducted 286 person searches, issued 117 traffic infringement notices and made 73 arrests.
Fadi Ibrahim, his bodyguard Neil Cummings, and his fiancee Shayda Bastani said Underbelly was not an entirely accurate account of events, but they had watched the first episode and enjoyed it.
Mr Ibrahim said actor Firass Dirani was doing a great job playing his brother. "He's like a Lebanese John Travolta. He's doing a top job."
David Freeman, who joined Mr Ibrahim at Randwick Racecourse yesterday for the Doncaster, did not comment on the portrayal of his father George in Underbelly's first episode. Some say the races in Australia is a "sunny place for shady persons", but no one is currently commenting on that well known expression.
Fadi was bailed out after he and his younger brother Michael were charged with conspiracy to murder. Police allege it was in retaliation for the attempt on Fadi's life.
Aussie readers, its you're lucky day (technically night). Underbelly is on Channel Nine tonight - that's right, its Sunday... you wouldn't want to miss it for quids. Starts at 8.30pm, and it might warm you up to a bit of Kings Cross gambling action later in the week. Betfair Pink Pigeon birdies tell us if you have a want, need or desire, 'The Cross' is still the place to go. If you're out of luck and can't find it, you can always hope a cab and swing on over to Sydney's Star City Casino, and high rollers, if that still doesn't do it for you, Mr James Packer and co at Billionaire Inc - Crown Casino Casino in Melbourne, have those Gulfsteam jets ready and engines fired up for those who are financially qualified. Of course, you can stay at home and even play the pokes. PartyGaming even offers 'The Godfather' and Captain Cooks 'Hitman'. We know you're keen for an Underbelly and UFC slot game and the powers that be have been tipped off. Just be grateful that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy and their bible bashing conspirators were not successful in their miserable attempts to ban your beloved Underbelly.
Enjoy the show, some of which is available for preview on the NineMSN website portal, and some of which may be getting leaked to YouTube and elsewhere.
In this world we live, information can be key, be it gambling, TV, legal, internet or whatever, and Gambling911 and Media Man are delighted to continue to bring you the news and info you won't find anywhere else. Underbelly - the verdict: Fact is stranger than fiction, but also keep in mind it's also produced to entertain the audience and bring in big numbers to advertisers and sponsors...something it is doing a smashing job of. Over 2 million Australia's are expected to tune into again tonight.
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company, gaming being just one of over a dozen industries covered
*The writer owns shares in Crown Limited
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Underbelly Disgraceful Sex, Drugs And Rock N Roll, by Greg Tingle - 15th April 2010
The Australian television smash hit, featuring gambling, hookers, drugs, guns, crooked cops and all round mayhem on the mean streets of Sydney's Kings Cross, is dividing Australian society.
Media Man and Gambling911 recently discovered that the Australian Prime Minster and Communications Minister failed in their attempts to ban the show (its a show, not a doco), and now public figures including a former judge and numerous police officers are speaking out.
Television shows featuring crime like ratings winner Underbelly are disgraceful glamorisations of criminals, evil acts et al and there's nothing admirable about events depicted in them, says ex Supreme Court Judge James Wood. Wood has every right to feel that way, being the man who led a royal commission on New South Wales police corruption.
Wood said the Network Nine hit and the ilk of were at least partly responsible in make guns and violence acceptable and glamorised characters based on people who were nothing but "hoodlums and thugs".
We point out to Wood and his friends that the legal profession has had more than its fair share of bad apples over the years, as had the church, education system, political arena, and so the list goes on. At least crims are usually straight up about it.
Underbelly: The Golden Mile went to air this this past Monday and attracted a massive 2,237,000 viewers down under. The show promotes Kings Cross as the place "bent cops, straight cops, cool criminals and colourful characters all converged to make their mark" until the royal commission threatened the "black empire" with collapse.
The royal commission named 284 police officers, (unlucky) seven of whom were locked up in the slammer, including one of the central Underbelly characters, the former chief of detectives Graham "Chook" Fowler.
Wood, these days holding the positions as chairman of the New South Wales Law Reform Commission, advised he had not seen the first episode of this series but was familiar with its content.
He is hopeful that a doco the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will screen in May would deliver balance, as Underbelly and crime-show genre created the "wrong impression" about the behavior exhibited.
"There's nothing honourable or admirable in relation to the people who are depicted in these programs," he said. "For the impressionable kids out there watching these programs, they think it's a lot of fun. It's bloody well not a lot of fun. It's harming a lot of people and carries huge risks. You've got a high chance of ending up in a prison for 20 or 30 years. These shows don't show that."
Network Nine censor, Richard Lyle, said the majority of those depicted would not come out of the Underbelly story well, with the exception of a few clean police and Mr Wood!
Mr Lyle said the series was a very responsible tale which started off with a bang because it was necessary to set the scene and explain what lured people to the criminal underworld. Why do people become gangsters? Because they get a lot of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. But if you wind up dead or in jail, this is a cautionary tale."
Loyal readers, sound a bit like the gambling industry? That's what we thought. Gambling scenes are featured in 'The Golden Mile' and in a non coincidence, gambling is starting to make a comeback on the mean streets and back alley's of 'The Cross' as this report goes to press. A birdie tells us its more than just a bit of 2UP between mates, but its not exactly the VIP high rollers room at Star City or Crown Casino either. The stakes are super high however, and if things go belly up, one can pay the ultimate price. Not to further glamorise the seriousness of things, but picture Johnny Cash and the classic 'The Man Comes Around' and 'Folsom Prison Blues', and your getting the right idea. Punters and crims be warned, there's no gambling (officially) in most prisons around the globe, and that includes online slots and online poker. The only betting in the big house might be about who's going to "cop it" next, be it in the shower or gym.
On a most serious note, please bet responsibly and adhere to laws and regulations applicable to your circumstances. Good punting.
References: Network Nine, NSW Police, Fairfax Media, News Limited, Casino News Media, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, National Library Of Australia (and unidentified persons familiar with the mean streets of Kings Cross).
* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
* Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of over a bakers dozen of industries covered.
* No informants were paid in the compiling of this report
* The writer is a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
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Media Man and Gambling911 recently discovered that the Australian Prime Minster and Communications Minister failed in their attempts to ban the show (its a show, not a doco), and now public figures including a former judge and numerous police officers are speaking out.
Television shows featuring crime like ratings winner Underbelly are disgraceful glamorisations of criminals, evil acts et al and there's nothing admirable about events depicted in them, says ex Supreme Court Judge James Wood. Wood has every right to feel that way, being the man who led a royal commission on New South Wales police corruption.
Wood said the Network Nine hit and the ilk of were at least partly responsible in make guns and violence acceptable and glamorised characters based on people who were nothing but "hoodlums and thugs".
We point out to Wood and his friends that the legal profession has had more than its fair share of bad apples over the years, as had the church, education system, political arena, and so the list goes on. At least crims are usually straight up about it.
Underbelly: The Golden Mile went to air this this past Monday and attracted a massive 2,237,000 viewers down under. The show promotes Kings Cross as the place "bent cops, straight cops, cool criminals and colourful characters all converged to make their mark" until the royal commission threatened the "black empire" with collapse.
The royal commission named 284 police officers, (unlucky) seven of whom were locked up in the slammer, including one of the central Underbelly characters, the former chief of detectives Graham "Chook" Fowler.
Wood, these days holding the positions as chairman of the New South Wales Law Reform Commission, advised he had not seen the first episode of this series but was familiar with its content.
He is hopeful that a doco the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will screen in May would deliver balance, as Underbelly and crime-show genre created the "wrong impression" about the behavior exhibited.
"There's nothing honourable or admirable in relation to the people who are depicted in these programs," he said. "For the impressionable kids out there watching these programs, they think it's a lot of fun. It's bloody well not a lot of fun. It's harming a lot of people and carries huge risks. You've got a high chance of ending up in a prison for 20 or 30 years. These shows don't show that."
Network Nine censor, Richard Lyle, said the majority of those depicted would not come out of the Underbelly story well, with the exception of a few clean police and Mr Wood!
Mr Lyle said the series was a very responsible tale which started off with a bang because it was necessary to set the scene and explain what lured people to the criminal underworld. Why do people become gangsters? Because they get a lot of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. But if you wind up dead or in jail, this is a cautionary tale."
Loyal readers, sound a bit like the gambling industry? That's what we thought. Gambling scenes are featured in 'The Golden Mile' and in a non coincidence, gambling is starting to make a comeback on the mean streets and back alley's of 'The Cross' as this report goes to press. A birdie tells us its more than just a bit of 2UP between mates, but its not exactly the VIP high rollers room at Star City or Crown Casino either. The stakes are super high however, and if things go belly up, one can pay the ultimate price. Not to further glamorise the seriousness of things, but picture Johnny Cash and the classic 'The Man Comes Around' and 'Folsom Prison Blues', and your getting the right idea. Punters and crims be warned, there's no gambling (officially) in most prisons around the globe, and that includes online slots and online poker. The only betting in the big house might be about who's going to "cop it" next, be it in the shower or gym.
On a most serious note, please bet responsibly and adhere to laws and regulations applicable to your circumstances. Good punting.
References: Network Nine, NSW Police, Fairfax Media, News Limited, Casino News Media, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, National Library Of Australia (and unidentified persons familiar with the mean streets of Kings Cross).
* Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
* Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. Gaming is just one of over a bakers dozen of industries covered.
* No informants were paid in the compiling of this report
* The writer is a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Third Installment of Underbelly a Ratings Bonanza - 12th April 2010
The third installment of Channel Nine's blockbuster Underbelly series delivered a spectacular result in last night's TV ratings, watched by 2,237,000 viewers nationally.
The result will effectively silence media speculation that the third series would fall short of the results obtained by its two predecessors.
Nine's launch of Underbelly: The Golden Mile kicks off one of the most competitive weeks of the ratings year, with Nine unveiling the refurbished Hey Hey, It's Saturday, Seven launching its big-budget war epic The Pacific and a revamped Australia's Got Talent and, next week, Ten's launch of the second series of MasterChef.
Underbelly: The Golden Mile picks up where the second instalment, A Tale of Two Cities, left off. It is set in Kings Cross between the the years 1989 and 1999.
It stars Emma Booth as Kim Hollingsworth, Firass Dirani as John Ibrahim, Peter O'Brien as George Freeman, Dieter Brummer as Trevor Haken and Damian Garvey as Chook Fowler.
The first two episodes, aired as a telemovie, knocked the competition out of the park. Seven's Bones attracted only 1,172,000 viewers, while Ten's hit series The Good Wife took the hardest hit, dropping to 809,000 viewers.
The Underbelly "effect" also buoyed Nine's struggling current affairs franchise, 60 Minutes, bolstering it to an audience of 1,496,000, one of its best results this year. (Credit: Fairfax Media)
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The result will effectively silence media speculation that the third series would fall short of the results obtained by its two predecessors.
Nine's launch of Underbelly: The Golden Mile kicks off one of the most competitive weeks of the ratings year, with Nine unveiling the refurbished Hey Hey, It's Saturday, Seven launching its big-budget war epic The Pacific and a revamped Australia's Got Talent and, next week, Ten's launch of the second series of MasterChef.
Underbelly: The Golden Mile picks up where the second instalment, A Tale of Two Cities, left off. It is set in Kings Cross between the the years 1989 and 1999.
It stars Emma Booth as Kim Hollingsworth, Firass Dirani as John Ibrahim, Peter O'Brien as George Freeman, Dieter Brummer as Trevor Haken and Damian Garvey as Chook Fowler.
The first two episodes, aired as a telemovie, knocked the competition out of the park. Seven's Bones attracted only 1,172,000 viewers, while Ten's hit series The Good Wife took the hardest hit, dropping to 809,000 viewers.
The Underbelly "effect" also buoyed Nine's struggling current affairs franchise, 60 Minutes, bolstering it to an audience of 1,496,000, one of its best results this year. (Credit: Fairfax Media)
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Thursday, April 01, 2010
Frank Sinatra Land Based Casino To Close But Sinatra Slot Lives On At PartyGaming, by Greg Tingle - 1st April 2010
A Nevada casino once owned by legend Frank Sinatra and patronised by Hollywood stars and mobsters has closed due to plunging gambling rates and competition from the Vegas strip.
Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as we mix it up with Hollywooders, journos, academics and mobsters...
Associations with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior has not been enough to save the Cal Neva Lodge Casino from the distressed US land based casino industry.
The casino, situated on Lake Tahoe near the California border, last year saw its revenues fall to approximately 50% of what they enjoyed in 1992 allowing for inflation, tipped Mr William Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada.
Other local casinos continue to close or have downsized, unable to compete with Las Vegas, not in good shape itself – and the growing number of gambling resorts on Native American Indian reservations.
"The realities are when you have that kind of decline the weakest operators typically get pushed out," advised Mr Eadington. "The older, tired casinos and the Cal Neva is a great example, don't have much to offer for gaming."
Understood to be America's oldest licensed casino, the Cal Neva opened for business in 1926. The Cal Veva enjoyed its peak in the early 1960s when it was bought by Sinatra, reportedly in partnership with Sam Giancana, a Chicago mobster.
Adding a 35-seat celebrity showroom and rooftop helicopter pad, Samy and Frank ensured film stars, singers and Mafiosi enjoyed its blackjack games and roulette tables.
A network of underground tunnels, built to smuggle alcohol during Prohibition, allowed the VIP guests to move around the establishment without being seen by the general public.
Monroe actually spent the last weekend of her colourful life at The Cal in 1962 as a guest of the infamous 'Rat Pack' actor Peter Lawford and his wife.
Various stories circulate as to why the blond goddess was there. One story goes on to say she discussed making a film with Dean Martin and to patch things up with her second husband, baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, yet another Cal Neva regular. The other side of the story we learn is that a 1999 biography claimed Monroe was brought there to be threatened not to reveal her Mafia links, drugged in her cabin and photographed in compromising positions! Another Cal Neva rumour claims she used the resort for a tryst with John F Kennedy.
Staff concede the resort has traded off its colourful history but Guy Rocha, a former Nevada state archivist, said it would not register with younger gamblers. The hotel and restaurant remain open, but the tables, slots and other gambling activity are history.
"The Cal Neva doesn't capture people's imagination the way it once did," he said.
The Sinatra name is however alive and strong on the internet. Media Man has created an online tribute (with the help of Wikipedia) which is found here
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/sinatra.html and an authentic Sinatra online slot game, developed by 'The Games Studio' of PartyGaming fame is also showcased. Frank Sinatra Enterprises came to business terms with PartyGaming last year and the slot game has proven to be one of the most popular of all time, even competing with the legendary Cleopatra, developed by IGT (International Gaming Technology) and WagerWorks. Gangster and mob related games are some of the most popular found anywhere in the world. 'The Godfather' franchise also has an online slot game and rumours are circulating that Australia's late Kerry Packer (code named "The Goanna" in The Costigan Commission report) may also get the same treatment.
PartyGaming is also currently rumoured to be in discussions with the Canadian Poker Tour aka HeadsUp Entertainment, as well as enjoying M&A talk with Bwin and others. This past week PartyGaming inked a b2b multi year deal with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Party will provide its poker product to its horse racing website. Party continues its global strategy with France, South America, India, the U.S and Australia in its sights.
Media Man remains optimistic about America's igaming industry growth, having created http://www.americangamingnews.com and http://www.hollywoodslotgames.com
A Media Man insider was overheard, "If only the U.S igaming market would open up sooner rather than later. We could kick some major goals under Gambling911 and the Sly Stallone - Arnie connection guidance. I guess we will have to stick mainly to poker and sports betting in the U.S sector for now, but when things change those Gambling911 guys, PartyGaming and the Media Man crew might just take over Vegas and Atlantic City... we could back door it in via Canada and North America with those Canadian Poker tournament guys. It will be just like the good old days, and you know history repeats my friend".
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The firm covers approximately a dozen business vertical markets including gaming and igaming
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Media Man and Gambling911 investigate, as we mix it up with Hollywooders, journos, academics and mobsters...
Associations with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior has not been enough to save the Cal Neva Lodge Casino from the distressed US land based casino industry.
The casino, situated on Lake Tahoe near the California border, last year saw its revenues fall to approximately 50% of what they enjoyed in 1992 allowing for inflation, tipped Mr William Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada.
Other local casinos continue to close or have downsized, unable to compete with Las Vegas, not in good shape itself – and the growing number of gambling resorts on Native American Indian reservations.
"The realities are when you have that kind of decline the weakest operators typically get pushed out," advised Mr Eadington. "The older, tired casinos and the Cal Neva is a great example, don't have much to offer for gaming."
Understood to be America's oldest licensed casino, the Cal Neva opened for business in 1926. The Cal Veva enjoyed its peak in the early 1960s when it was bought by Sinatra, reportedly in partnership with Sam Giancana, a Chicago mobster.
Adding a 35-seat celebrity showroom and rooftop helicopter pad, Samy and Frank ensured film stars, singers and Mafiosi enjoyed its blackjack games and roulette tables.
A network of underground tunnels, built to smuggle alcohol during Prohibition, allowed the VIP guests to move around the establishment without being seen by the general public.
Monroe actually spent the last weekend of her colourful life at The Cal in 1962 as a guest of the infamous 'Rat Pack' actor Peter Lawford and his wife.
Various stories circulate as to why the blond goddess was there. One story goes on to say she discussed making a film with Dean Martin and to patch things up with her second husband, baseball icon Joe DiMaggio, yet another Cal Neva regular. The other side of the story we learn is that a 1999 biography claimed Monroe was brought there to be threatened not to reveal her Mafia links, drugged in her cabin and photographed in compromising positions! Another Cal Neva rumour claims she used the resort for a tryst with John F Kennedy.
Staff concede the resort has traded off its colourful history but Guy Rocha, a former Nevada state archivist, said it would not register with younger gamblers. The hotel and restaurant remain open, but the tables, slots and other gambling activity are history.
"The Cal Neva doesn't capture people's imagination the way it once did," he said.
The Sinatra name is however alive and strong on the internet. Media Man has created an online tribute (with the help of Wikipedia) which is found here
http://www.mediamanint.com/profiles/sinatra.html and an authentic Sinatra online slot game, developed by 'The Games Studio' of PartyGaming fame is also showcased. Frank Sinatra Enterprises came to business terms with PartyGaming last year and the slot game has proven to be one of the most popular of all time, even competing with the legendary Cleopatra, developed by IGT (International Gaming Technology) and WagerWorks. Gangster and mob related games are some of the most popular found anywhere in the world. 'The Godfather' franchise also has an online slot game and rumours are circulating that Australia's late Kerry Packer (code named "The Goanna" in The Costigan Commission report) may also get the same treatment.
PartyGaming is also currently rumoured to be in discussions with the Canadian Poker Tour aka HeadsUp Entertainment, as well as enjoying M&A talk with Bwin and others. This past week PartyGaming inked a b2b multi year deal with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Party will provide its poker product to its horse racing website. Party continues its global strategy with France, South America, India, the U.S and Australia in its sights.
Media Man remains optimistic about America's igaming industry growth, having created http://www.americangamingnews.com and http://www.hollywoodslotgames.com
A Media Man insider was overheard, "If only the U.S igaming market would open up sooner rather than later. We could kick some major goals under Gambling911 and the Sly Stallone - Arnie connection guidance. I guess we will have to stick mainly to poker and sports betting in the U.S sector for now, but when things change those Gambling911 guys, PartyGaming and the Media Man crew might just take over Vegas and Atlantic City... we could back door it in via Canada and North America with those Canadian Poker tournament guys. It will be just like the good old days, and you know history repeats my friend".
*Greg Tingle is a special contributor for Gambling911
*Media Man http://www.mediamanint.com is primarily a media, publicity and internet portal development company. The firm covers approximately a dozen business vertical markets including gaming and igaming
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Casino Jack and the United States of Money
GENRE: Documentary
DIRECTOR: Alex Gibney
RUNNING TIME: 2:00
RELEASE DATE: Opens 23rd January 2010
"Casino Jack" is a rollicking circus of corruption, from high rollers in Indian casinos, hookers in Saipan, a murdered Greek tycoon, Cold War spy novels, plush trips to paradise . . . and the United States Congress. These are among the intriguing clues that add up to the epic mystery behind one of the greatest attempted heists in American history.
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DIRECTOR: Alex Gibney
RUNNING TIME: 2:00
RELEASE DATE: Opens 23rd January 2010
"Casino Jack" is a rollicking circus of corruption, from high rollers in Indian casinos, hookers in Saipan, a murdered Greek tycoon, Cold War spy novels, plush trips to paradise . . . and the United States Congress. These are among the intriguing clues that add up to the epic mystery behind one of the greatest attempted heists in American history.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
Man laundered $500,000 in casino: police, by Katelyn Catanzariti - 13th January 2010
A Chinese national accused of laundering $500,000 headed straight to a casino after withdrawing the cash, police say.
Zheng Tan, from Wollstonecraft in Sydney's north, spent his 30th birthday in jail on Tuesday after being charged with eight counts of laundering more than $500,000 last month.
Police allege that after withdrawing the money in Sydney he flew to Melbourne and mixed it with another $500,000 during a night at the Crown Casino, in an attempt to obscure the origin of the funds.
Tan appeared in Sydney's Central Local Court on Wednesday and applied for bail, but it was refused by Magistrate Jane Culver. (Credit: Fairfax)
*Read the full article here
Zheng Tan, from Wollstonecraft in Sydney's north, spent his 30th birthday in jail on Tuesday after being charged with eight counts of laundering more than $500,000 last month.
Police allege that after withdrawing the money in Sydney he flew to Melbourne and mixed it with another $500,000 during a night at the Crown Casino, in an attempt to obscure the origin of the funds.
Tan appeared in Sydney's Central Local Court on Wednesday and applied for bail, but it was refused by Magistrate Jane Culver. (Credit: Fairfax)
*Read the full article here
Man accused of laundering $500k 'a flight risk' - 13th January 2010
A man charged in connection with an alleged fraud syndicate has been deemed an unacceptable flight risk and refused bail.
Chinese national Zheng Tan, 30, has appeared in court charged with eight counts of laundering more than $500,000.
Police allege the Crows Nest resident is part of a larger syndicate which has been using cheques stolen from letter boxes to create false bank accounts and in turn, take out fraudulent loans.
Despite assurances to the court that the accused had ties to the local community and had no prior criminal record, the magistrate said there was a strong case against him which could receive a heavy custodial sentence and would be a disincentive to return to court.
Tan was deemed an unacceptable flight risk and was refused bail.
The case returns to court next month.
Chinese national Zheng Tan, 30, has appeared in court charged with eight counts of laundering more than $500,000.
Police allege the Crows Nest resident is part of a larger syndicate which has been using cheques stolen from letter boxes to create false bank accounts and in turn, take out fraudulent loans.
Despite assurances to the court that the accused had ties to the local community and had no prior criminal record, the magistrate said there was a strong case against him which could receive a heavy custodial sentence and would be a disincentive to return to court.
Tan was deemed an unacceptable flight risk and was refused bail.
The case returns to court next month.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Australia's Gold Coast Remains Hotbed For Sports Betting Scams: Crims charged over $10m online bet scheme, by Greg Tingle - 11th January 2010
Australia's Gold Coast in the Surfers Paradise region maintains its reputation as a hotbed for sports betting scams.
We can now confirm that four males have been arrested on the Gold Coast over an alleged $10 million betting fraud operation.
Police advise that the criminals were involved in a complex sports betting scheme, where bets were placed on all possible outcomes so a profit was made.
The bids were subsequently placed through the group's Gold Coast-based online betting agency (likely to be named and shamed in the near future).
It's alleged some money that punters gave the men to wager cannot be accounted for, something that got the criminals extra unwanted attention in the first place.
The four fraudsters were arrested today after a year-long police investigation sparked by a significant number of complaints by punters from across Australia.
The police named the investigation Operation Stopwatch.
The men have been conjointly charged with one count of fraud between November 2007 and February 2009 and are expected to face further charges including forgery and making false records.
They are due to face Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Acting Detective Inspector Marc Hogan advised the arrests were an excellent outcome.
"The State Crime Operations Fraud and Corporate Crime Group assisted in this investigation and will continue to provide further specialised support," he said.
Media Man last year shed light on a number of sports betting cons originating from the Gold Coast and facilitated communications to the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, a division of the Australian Federal Police.
*The writer is the founder and director of Media Man, primarily a media, publicity and Internet portal development company who operate in a dozen different business sectors. http://www.mediamanint.com
*Media Man has acted in a publicity and online PR role for Australia's Betezy who are the backend sports betting technology that powers the Gold Coast Titan's NRL club.
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We can now confirm that four males have been arrested on the Gold Coast over an alleged $10 million betting fraud operation.
Police advise that the criminals were involved in a complex sports betting scheme, where bets were placed on all possible outcomes so a profit was made.
The bids were subsequently placed through the group's Gold Coast-based online betting agency (likely to be named and shamed in the near future).
It's alleged some money that punters gave the men to wager cannot be accounted for, something that got the criminals extra unwanted attention in the first place.
The four fraudsters were arrested today after a year-long police investigation sparked by a significant number of complaints by punters from across Australia.
The police named the investigation Operation Stopwatch.
The men have been conjointly charged with one count of fraud between November 2007 and February 2009 and are expected to face further charges including forgery and making false records.
They are due to face Southport Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Acting Detective Inspector Marc Hogan advised the arrests were an excellent outcome.
"The State Crime Operations Fraud and Corporate Crime Group assisted in this investigation and will continue to provide further specialised support," he said.
Media Man last year shed light on a number of sports betting cons originating from the Gold Coast and facilitated communications to the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, a division of the Australian Federal Police.
*The writer is the founder and director of Media Man, primarily a media, publicity and Internet portal development company who operate in a dozen different business sectors. http://www.mediamanint.com
*Media Man has acted in a publicity and online PR role for Australia's Betezy who are the backend sports betting technology that powers the Gold Coast Titan's NRL club.
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Monday, December 28, 2009
Gangs' casino dole scam; Media Man reports from down under, by Greg Tingle - 28th December 2009
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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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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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
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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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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Network Nine Australia
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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)
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Underbelly
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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)
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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
Monday, December 22, 2008
Dikshit deal elicits response from RGA, by Sarah Polson - 18th December 2008
Anurag Dikshit, one of PartyGaming's founders, may have cut a deal with the U.S. government over online gambling, but that doesn't mean the rest of the industry is willing to roll over on the matter.
The Remote Gambling Association issued a press release on Wednesday in response to Dikshit's deal urging the European Commission to take steps to protect European Union interests from the "retroactive and discriminatory" enforcement by U.S. authorities in online gambling.
Dikshit pleaded guilty to illegal online gambling charges on Tuesday and agreed to pay $300 million to the U.S. government for PartyGaming's online poker and gambling business in the United States prior to the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
PartyGaming never offered sports betting, and ceased to accept U.S. customers for its poker and casino games when the UIGEA was passed.
"These events show that the outgoing U.S. administration and the Department of Justice have shown a total disrespect for the legal rights of European online gaming companies and those associated with them and a complete disregard for U.S. international commitments under GATS," said Clive Hawkswood, RGA chief executive.
In June, EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson wrote to the U.S. government requesting a freeze on all enforcement actions by U.S. authorities against European online gambling companies. Mandelson's reasoning was that the actions violate international trade rules set by the World Trade Organization.
Mandelson asked that prosecutions stop until a proper dialogue can take place, thereby avoiding unnecessary escalation of the dispute.
The EU had already launched an enquiry into U.S. actions following an RGA complaint made under EU Trade Barrier Regulations.
"Not only has that request remained unanswered, but now the U.S. authorities, it seems, have succeeded in pressuring a major shareholder into making a deal. A major line has been crossed, and it could set a very worrying precedent," Hawkswood said.
PartyGaming Plc., which operates PartyPoker, and its shareholders are not obvious targets for illegal online gambling enforcement action, according to the RGA.
The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange, is fully licensed in an EU jurisdiction, was among the first to cease accepting U.S. customers once the UIGEA was passed, and has never offered sports betting in order to avoid violating the Wire Act. It does offer online poker and online casino games.
"It's amazing really that a company which has just been voted by the leading industry publication as 'responsible operator of the year' is the one that has been most targeted for this sort of enforcement activity while other businesses that are still active in the U.S. market, including notably U.S. operators, do not appear to be targeted in the same way," Hawkswood said.
He points out that while this is going on, the U.S. Internet gambling market continues to grow and is free to develop its businesses in Europe.
"In the circumstances it is not unreasonable for us once again to seek the support and protection of the European Commission," Hawkswood said. "We hope and believe that these continuing breaches of international law by the U.S. will serve to strengthen the Commission's resolve."
The EC started an investigation into the unfair prosecution of EU-based online gambling companies in March after the RGA brought the issue to the EU's attention.
"The U.S. has been given ample opportunity to respond to the legal and factual arguments presented in our complaint," said Lode Van Den Hende of Herbert Smith, the RGA's law firm in Brussels.
"However, we understand the U.S.' defense has been flimsy and that the Commission will, therefore, have to confirm the RGA's assessment of WTO unlawful, retroactive and discriminatory enforcement. The next question is what will be done about it, given the acceleration of events causing this dispute."
Professor Joseph Weiler, who directs the Jean Monnet Centre for International and European Economic Law and Justice at NYU School of Law, offered his comments as well.
"In this area, the U.S. has lost all its cases and appeals before the WTO's highest judicial authorities. And yet in what can only be described as puzzling and haughty contempt for the rule of law, it is acting as if it won those cases," Weiler said.
"The U.S. is pursuing European nationals and corporations and threatening them with lengthy jail time and punitive fines based on U.S. laws which have already been unequivocally held to be in violation of American WTO obligations. This is without precedent."
Weiler also pointed out that the issue deals a blow to the multilateral trade system at the "worst possible moment" for the world economy and to the Western economies which rely on services for their prosperity.
"It serves no discernable American national interest, and this is a bad day for the reputation of the U.S. in the area of international law," Weiler said.
Media Man Australia Profiles
PartyGaming
The Remote Gambling Association issued a press release on Wednesday in response to Dikshit's deal urging the European Commission to take steps to protect European Union interests from the "retroactive and discriminatory" enforcement by U.S. authorities in online gambling.
Dikshit pleaded guilty to illegal online gambling charges on Tuesday and agreed to pay $300 million to the U.S. government for PartyGaming's online poker and gambling business in the United States prior to the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
PartyGaming never offered sports betting, and ceased to accept U.S. customers for its poker and casino games when the UIGEA was passed.
"These events show that the outgoing U.S. administration and the Department of Justice have shown a total disrespect for the legal rights of European online gaming companies and those associated with them and a complete disregard for U.S. international commitments under GATS," said Clive Hawkswood, RGA chief executive.
In June, EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson wrote to the U.S. government requesting a freeze on all enforcement actions by U.S. authorities against European online gambling companies. Mandelson's reasoning was that the actions violate international trade rules set by the World Trade Organization.
Mandelson asked that prosecutions stop until a proper dialogue can take place, thereby avoiding unnecessary escalation of the dispute.
The EU had already launched an enquiry into U.S. actions following an RGA complaint made under EU Trade Barrier Regulations.
"Not only has that request remained unanswered, but now the U.S. authorities, it seems, have succeeded in pressuring a major shareholder into making a deal. A major line has been crossed, and it could set a very worrying precedent," Hawkswood said.
PartyGaming Plc., which operates PartyPoker, and its shareholders are not obvious targets for illegal online gambling enforcement action, according to the RGA.
The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange, is fully licensed in an EU jurisdiction, was among the first to cease accepting U.S. customers once the UIGEA was passed, and has never offered sports betting in order to avoid violating the Wire Act. It does offer online poker and online casino games.
"It's amazing really that a company which has just been voted by the leading industry publication as 'responsible operator of the year' is the one that has been most targeted for this sort of enforcement activity while other businesses that are still active in the U.S. market, including notably U.S. operators, do not appear to be targeted in the same way," Hawkswood said.
He points out that while this is going on, the U.S. Internet gambling market continues to grow and is free to develop its businesses in Europe.
"In the circumstances it is not unreasonable for us once again to seek the support and protection of the European Commission," Hawkswood said. "We hope and believe that these continuing breaches of international law by the U.S. will serve to strengthen the Commission's resolve."
The EC started an investigation into the unfair prosecution of EU-based online gambling companies in March after the RGA brought the issue to the EU's attention.
"The U.S. has been given ample opportunity to respond to the legal and factual arguments presented in our complaint," said Lode Van Den Hende of Herbert Smith, the RGA's law firm in Brussels.
"However, we understand the U.S.' defense has been flimsy and that the Commission will, therefore, have to confirm the RGA's assessment of WTO unlawful, retroactive and discriminatory enforcement. The next question is what will be done about it, given the acceleration of events causing this dispute."
Professor Joseph Weiler, who directs the Jean Monnet Centre for International and European Economic Law and Justice at NYU School of Law, offered his comments as well.
"In this area, the U.S. has lost all its cases and appeals before the WTO's highest judicial authorities. And yet in what can only be described as puzzling and haughty contempt for the rule of law, it is acting as if it won those cases," Weiler said.
"The U.S. is pursuing European nationals and corporations and threatening them with lengthy jail time and punitive fines based on U.S. laws which have already been unequivocally held to be in violation of American WTO obligations. This is without precedent."
Weiler also pointed out that the issue deals a blow to the multilateral trade system at the "worst possible moment" for the world economy and to the Western economies which rely on services for their prosperity.
"It serves no discernable American national interest, and this is a bad day for the reputation of the U.S. in the area of international law," Weiler said.
Media Man Australia Profiles
PartyGaming
Sunday, December 07, 2008
O.J. Simpson sentence: at least 9 years, by Melissa Arseniuk - Las Vegas Sun - 5th December 2008
NFL Hall of Famer could be in prison until age 94, if parole is denied
O.J. Simpson will spend at least nine years in a Nevada prison.
District Court Judge Jackie Glass handed the former NFL star his punishment, 33 years in prison without the possibility of parole for nine years, just after 10 a.m. this morning.
“The evidence in this case was overwhelming,” Glass said. “Overwhelming.”
Dressed in navy blue inmate attire, Simpson addressed the court before receiving his sentence.
“I stand before you today, sorry, somewhat confused,” he said, his voice unsteady as he spoke.
“I didn’t mean to hurt anybody and I didn’t mean to steal from anybody,“ he said. “I didn’t know I was doing anything illegal. I thought I was confronting friends and retrieving my property.”
The All-Star running back was facing a possible life sentence following a run-in with two memorabilia dealers in a Palace Station hotel room last year.
Though Glass declined to impose a life term, her sentence means the former football star could remain incarcerated until he is 94 years old if denied parole.
Simpson and his co-accused, Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, were found guilty on Oct. 3 of allegedly robbing the collectibles dealers at gunpoint on Sept 13, 2007.
Simpson, 61, maintained that no guns were involved and that he and his five-man entourage were simply recovering personal items that had been stolen from him.
A secret audio recording of the six-minute altercation captured by the middleman who arranged the meeting, Thomas Ricco, was used as evidence against the accused during the trial.
Simpson and Stewart were convicted on all 12 counts they faced, including two counts of first-degree kidnapping, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
The state had requested Simpson get at least 18 years behind bars while his attorneys asked he serve the minimum, six years.
Simpson’s attorney, Gabriel Grasso, said the defense was disappointed with Glass’s sentence.
“We were expecting less than that,” he said.
Grasso and Simpson’s other lawyer, Yale Galanter, will appeal the decision.
“We’ll file the notice of appeal as soon as we can,” Galanter said yesterday. He said he expected to file the necessary documents this afternoon or first thing Monday morning.
Simpson’s attorneys will ask their client serve his sentence at either the High Desert State Prison or Southern Desert Correctional Center, in Indian Springs.
Stewart was also sentenced today and will serve a lighter prison term than Simpson. Glass sentenced him to 27 years in jail with the possibility of parole until 2016.
His lawyers will also appeal the decision.
District Attorney David Roger offered plea bargains in return for the testimony of the five others who accompanied Simpson and Stewart during the raid.
The accomplices, Charles Cashmore, Charles “Charlie” Ehrlich, and the two who said Simpson asked them to bring guns that fateful day, Michael McClinton and Walter Alexander, testified against Simpson and Stewart. They will be sentenced Tuesday.
(Editor's Note: This story is developing and will be updated. An earlier story is below.)
----
O.J. Simpson’s lawyer, Yale Galanter, is hoping his client will receive the minimum sentence when District Court Judge Jackie Glass decides the former NFL star’s fate this morning – but the attorney isn’t kidding himself.
He said he doesn’t know what kind of prison term Simpson will receive.
“I can’t predict,” Galanter said Thursday afternoon.
Simpson, 61, is facing a possible sentence of six years to life behind bars following a confrontation with two memorabilia dealers in a Palace Station hotel room in the fall of 2007.
Regardless of the sentence, Galanter said he will begin the appeal process immediately following Friday’s proceedings. Stewart’s lawyers have also indicated that they will appeal.
“We’ll file the notice of appeal as soon as we can,” Galanter said, adding that he expected to file the necessary documents either Friday afternoon or first thing Monday morning.
The appeal would likely be heard within a year, if accepted.
Simpson was convicted on Oct. 3 of all 12 charges he faced related to the incident, including 11 felonies — two counts each of first degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon; robbery with use of a deadly weapon; assault with a deadly weapon; and coercion with use of a deadly weapon, and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping; conspiracy to commit burglary; and burglary while in possession of a deadly weapon — and one gross misdemeanor, conspiracy to commit a crime.
The State Parole and Probation Division has asked Glass to send the Heisman Trophy winner away for no less than 18 years but Galanter is hoping the judge will consider a lighter sentence.
Simpson will be transferred to a state penitentiary after receiving his sentence today. Galanter said he did not know which jail his client will be sent to but said the defense will request Simpson go to either the High Desert State Prison or Southern Desert Correctional Center in Indian Springs. Both are medium-security institutions located about 45 minutes from where he’s currently being held and are approximately 25 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Galanter hopes his client’s stay at the prison will be as short as possible.
“Obviously we think that the facts and the circumstances of this case really do call for the minimum sentence,” he said.
“We want (Judge Glass) to (assign the minimum sentence based) on the fact that a, he’s a first time offender … and b, that he did not have any … criminal intent,” Galanter said.
Criminal intent relates to whether or not Simpson knowingly intended to commit a crime. The defense maintained throughout the three-week long trial that Simpson was not simply trying to retrieve items that belonged to him.
“Everything that came into that room had the name O.J. Simpson on it,” Galanter said, referring to the range of Simpson memorabilia the two victims, collectibles dealers Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley, had with them that day.
There were, however, items unrelated to Simpson in Palace Station hotel room 1203 on Sept. 13, 2007, including boxes of Joe Montana lithographs and two dozen baseballs autographed by MLB legends Pete Rose and Duke Snider. Still, the vast majority of memorabilia Fromong and Beardsley were hoping to sell that day was Simpson-related, including NFL game presentation footballs, his 1969 All-Star plaque, and numerous personal and family photos, including one of him with former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Galanter and Simpson’s other lawyer, Gabriel Grasso, also said, repeatedly, during the trial that their client had no knowledge that any weapons were either planned to be or actually used during the six-minute confrontation.
Ganater suggested the predominantly white, predominantly female jury delivered the unanimous guilty verdict to punish his client over ill-feelings related to Simpson’s 1995 acquittal in the double murder trial of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.
The nine-women and three-man jury delivered their guilty verdict in Simpson’s latest case 13 years to the day after the another, predominantly black jury exonerated him of the murders.
The two complaining witnesses and victims, Fromong and Beardsley, will be called as witnesses during tomorrow’s sentencing hearing.
They are the only two witnesses that Glass has agreed to allow take the stand.
“We want to ask them their feelings on this and whether or not they feel crimes were committed,” Galanter said.
Beardsley made it clear when he testified during the trial that he did not want to see Simpson do any jail time. He initially refused to testify and only appeared before the court after being subpoenaed.
Fromong was also sympathetic to the accused and told the court that he felt "angry and hurt” after the incident.
"I was angry and hurt that my best friend had just robbed me at gunpoint," he told the court, noting that neither Simpson nor his co-accused, Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, wielded weapons during the alleged robbery.
Simpson did not testify in his defense and has not talked to reporters since the verdict was delivered.
He and Stewart have been held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail for the past 62 days. (Stewart was also convicted on all 12 charges.)
Galanter visited Simpson at the Detention Center Thursday.
He said Simpson has adjusted well since having to trade his 4,200-square-foot Florida home for a 12 by 14-foot jail cell.
“He’s OK,” Galanter said. “Not great, but he’s OK.”
Galanter said Simpson has passed the last two months by doing the same sort of things others do while incarcerated: reading books and playing board games.
"He’s been reading books, playing checkers, playing chess," Galanter said.
Simpson is allowed two books or magazines in his cell at a time, and up to five religious books or articles.
Metro Police public information officer, Ramon Denby, said Simpson is classified as a "protective custody – isolation" inmate, meaning he is kept in strict solitary confinement.
His cell is closed off from the rest of the detention center’s 3,000 inmates and he spends most of his time within the four cinderblock walls of his cell with the door locked shut.
Simpson is allowed outside once a week for 60 minutes.
Denby described the outdoor recreation area as “basically four concrete walls with a mesh cage on top.”
After being sentenced and transferred to a state prison, Simpson will likely remain in protected custody because of his high profile.
(Credit: Las Vegas Sun)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Las Vegas
Crime News Media
O.J. Simpson will spend at least nine years in a Nevada prison.
District Court Judge Jackie Glass handed the former NFL star his punishment, 33 years in prison without the possibility of parole for nine years, just after 10 a.m. this morning.
“The evidence in this case was overwhelming,” Glass said. “Overwhelming.”
Dressed in navy blue inmate attire, Simpson addressed the court before receiving his sentence.
“I stand before you today, sorry, somewhat confused,” he said, his voice unsteady as he spoke.
“I didn’t mean to hurt anybody and I didn’t mean to steal from anybody,“ he said. “I didn’t know I was doing anything illegal. I thought I was confronting friends and retrieving my property.”
The All-Star running back was facing a possible life sentence following a run-in with two memorabilia dealers in a Palace Station hotel room last year.
Though Glass declined to impose a life term, her sentence means the former football star could remain incarcerated until he is 94 years old if denied parole.
Simpson and his co-accused, Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, were found guilty on Oct. 3 of allegedly robbing the collectibles dealers at gunpoint on Sept 13, 2007.
Simpson, 61, maintained that no guns were involved and that he and his five-man entourage were simply recovering personal items that had been stolen from him.
A secret audio recording of the six-minute altercation captured by the middleman who arranged the meeting, Thomas Ricco, was used as evidence against the accused during the trial.
Simpson and Stewart were convicted on all 12 counts they faced, including two counts of first-degree kidnapping, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
The state had requested Simpson get at least 18 years behind bars while his attorneys asked he serve the minimum, six years.
Simpson’s attorney, Gabriel Grasso, said the defense was disappointed with Glass’s sentence.
“We were expecting less than that,” he said.
Grasso and Simpson’s other lawyer, Yale Galanter, will appeal the decision.
“We’ll file the notice of appeal as soon as we can,” Galanter said yesterday. He said he expected to file the necessary documents this afternoon or first thing Monday morning.
Simpson’s attorneys will ask their client serve his sentence at either the High Desert State Prison or Southern Desert Correctional Center, in Indian Springs.
Stewart was also sentenced today and will serve a lighter prison term than Simpson. Glass sentenced him to 27 years in jail with the possibility of parole until 2016.
His lawyers will also appeal the decision.
District Attorney David Roger offered plea bargains in return for the testimony of the five others who accompanied Simpson and Stewart during the raid.
The accomplices, Charles Cashmore, Charles “Charlie” Ehrlich, and the two who said Simpson asked them to bring guns that fateful day, Michael McClinton and Walter Alexander, testified against Simpson and Stewart. They will be sentenced Tuesday.
(Editor's Note: This story is developing and will be updated. An earlier story is below.)
----
O.J. Simpson’s lawyer, Yale Galanter, is hoping his client will receive the minimum sentence when District Court Judge Jackie Glass decides the former NFL star’s fate this morning – but the attorney isn’t kidding himself.
He said he doesn’t know what kind of prison term Simpson will receive.
“I can’t predict,” Galanter said Thursday afternoon.
Simpson, 61, is facing a possible sentence of six years to life behind bars following a confrontation with two memorabilia dealers in a Palace Station hotel room in the fall of 2007.
Regardless of the sentence, Galanter said he will begin the appeal process immediately following Friday’s proceedings. Stewart’s lawyers have also indicated that they will appeal.
“We’ll file the notice of appeal as soon as we can,” Galanter said, adding that he expected to file the necessary documents either Friday afternoon or first thing Monday morning.
The appeal would likely be heard within a year, if accepted.
Simpson was convicted on Oct. 3 of all 12 charges he faced related to the incident, including 11 felonies — two counts each of first degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon; robbery with use of a deadly weapon; assault with a deadly weapon; and coercion with use of a deadly weapon, and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping; conspiracy to commit burglary; and burglary while in possession of a deadly weapon — and one gross misdemeanor, conspiracy to commit a crime.
The State Parole and Probation Division has asked Glass to send the Heisman Trophy winner away for no less than 18 years but Galanter is hoping the judge will consider a lighter sentence.
Simpson will be transferred to a state penitentiary after receiving his sentence today. Galanter said he did not know which jail his client will be sent to but said the defense will request Simpson go to either the High Desert State Prison or Southern Desert Correctional Center in Indian Springs. Both are medium-security institutions located about 45 minutes from where he’s currently being held and are approximately 25 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Galanter hopes his client’s stay at the prison will be as short as possible.
“Obviously we think that the facts and the circumstances of this case really do call for the minimum sentence,” he said.
“We want (Judge Glass) to (assign the minimum sentence based) on the fact that a, he’s a first time offender … and b, that he did not have any … criminal intent,” Galanter said.
Criminal intent relates to whether or not Simpson knowingly intended to commit a crime. The defense maintained throughout the three-week long trial that Simpson was not simply trying to retrieve items that belonged to him.
“Everything that came into that room had the name O.J. Simpson on it,” Galanter said, referring to the range of Simpson memorabilia the two victims, collectibles dealers Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley, had with them that day.
There were, however, items unrelated to Simpson in Palace Station hotel room 1203 on Sept. 13, 2007, including boxes of Joe Montana lithographs and two dozen baseballs autographed by MLB legends Pete Rose and Duke Snider. Still, the vast majority of memorabilia Fromong and Beardsley were hoping to sell that day was Simpson-related, including NFL game presentation footballs, his 1969 All-Star plaque, and numerous personal and family photos, including one of him with former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
Galanter and Simpson’s other lawyer, Gabriel Grasso, also said, repeatedly, during the trial that their client had no knowledge that any weapons were either planned to be or actually used during the six-minute confrontation.
Ganater suggested the predominantly white, predominantly female jury delivered the unanimous guilty verdict to punish his client over ill-feelings related to Simpson’s 1995 acquittal in the double murder trial of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.
The nine-women and three-man jury delivered their guilty verdict in Simpson’s latest case 13 years to the day after the another, predominantly black jury exonerated him of the murders.
The two complaining witnesses and victims, Fromong and Beardsley, will be called as witnesses during tomorrow’s sentencing hearing.
They are the only two witnesses that Glass has agreed to allow take the stand.
“We want to ask them their feelings on this and whether or not they feel crimes were committed,” Galanter said.
Beardsley made it clear when he testified during the trial that he did not want to see Simpson do any jail time. He initially refused to testify and only appeared before the court after being subpoenaed.
Fromong was also sympathetic to the accused and told the court that he felt "angry and hurt” after the incident.
"I was angry and hurt that my best friend had just robbed me at gunpoint," he told the court, noting that neither Simpson nor his co-accused, Clarence “C.J.” Stewart, wielded weapons during the alleged robbery.
Simpson did not testify in his defense and has not talked to reporters since the verdict was delivered.
He and Stewart have been held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail for the past 62 days. (Stewart was also convicted on all 12 charges.)
Galanter visited Simpson at the Detention Center Thursday.
He said Simpson has adjusted well since having to trade his 4,200-square-foot Florida home for a 12 by 14-foot jail cell.
“He’s OK,” Galanter said. “Not great, but he’s OK.”
Galanter said Simpson has passed the last two months by doing the same sort of things others do while incarcerated: reading books and playing board games.
"He’s been reading books, playing checkers, playing chess," Galanter said.
Simpson is allowed two books or magazines in his cell at a time, and up to five religious books or articles.
Metro Police public information officer, Ramon Denby, said Simpson is classified as a "protective custody – isolation" inmate, meaning he is kept in strict solitary confinement.
His cell is closed off from the rest of the detention center’s 3,000 inmates and he spends most of his time within the four cinderblock walls of his cell with the door locked shut.
Simpson is allowed outside once a week for 60 minutes.
Denby described the outdoor recreation area as “basically four concrete walls with a mesh cage on top.”
After being sentenced and transferred to a state prison, Simpson will likely remain in protected custody because of his high profile.
(Credit: Las Vegas Sun)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Las Vegas
Crime News Media
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