Family First Senator Steve Fielding wants hardcore pornography and fetish material blocked under the Government's plans to filter the internet, sparking renewed fears the censorship could be expanded well beyond "illegal material".
The Opposition said it would take "a lot of convincing" for it to support the controversial mandatory ISP filtering policy, so the Government would need the support of Senator Fielding as well as the Greens and Senator Nick Xenophon to pass the legislation.
Industry sources said Senator Fielding's sentiments validated ISPs' concerns that the categories of blocked content could be broadened significantly at the whim of the Government, which is under pressure to appease vocal minorities.
A spokesman for Senator Xenophon said, should the filtering plan go ahead, he would look to use it to block Australians from accessing overseas online casino sites, which are illegal to run in Australia.
In a Senate Estimates hearing last week, the Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, confirmed that his proposal would force ISPs to implement a two-tiered filtering system.
The proposed censorship is more advanced than that in any liberal democracy and would put Australia on a par with oppressive regimes such as Iran, the internet industry says.
Despite his earlier promises that Australians would be able to opt out of any internet filters, Senator Conroy said the first tier would be compulsory for all Australians and would block all "illegal material", as determined in part by a blacklist administered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The second tier, which is optional, would filter out content deemed inappropriate for children, such as pornography.
But asked to specify the categories of content that Senator Fielding would like blocked by the mandatory first tier, a Family First spokeswoman indicated the party would want X-rated and refused classification (RC) content banned for everyone, including adults.
"Family First would consider a mandatory ISP-based filtering system that protects children by blocking illegal content like child pornography, but allows adults to opt out of filtering to access material classified R18+ or less," Senator Fielding's spokeswoman said.
According to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, X18+ content includes hardcore pornography, while content that is refused classification includes that which depicts drug use or sexual fetishes. Both are a step above R18+ content, which typically includes adult themes.
The online users' lobby group Electronic Frontiers Australia expressed fears that the internet filters could be used as a bargaining chip every time the Government needed to pass a piece of important legislation.
"Any group with an axe to grind and political clout will be lobbying the Government to blacklist websites which they object to," EFA spokesman Dale Clapperton said.
"Having all Australians' internet access subject to a secret and unaccountable government blacklist is completely unacceptable in a liberal democracy such as Australia."
Clapperton said most adult pornography on the internet was already "prohibited content" under the Act, and pro-euthanasia, pro-anorexia and pro-piracy websites could easily be caught by the system.
Today, such prohibited content, if hosted overseas, is added to ACMA's blacklist but Australians are still able to access it if they wish. This would not be the case if mandatory ISP filtering was introduced.
"Senator Conroy talks about blocking access to 'illegal material', but the ACMA blacklist of 'prohibited content' is not limited to material which is illegal - it includes X-rated material, and R-rated material unless it is protected by a government-approved restricted access system," he said.
Greens Senator Scott Ludlam expressed similar concerns when grilling Senator Conroy in Senate Estimates last week.
He said all sorts of politically sensitive material could be added to the blacklist and otherwise legitimate sites - for example, YouTube - could be rendered inaccessible based on content published by users.
"The blacklist ... can become very grey depending on how expansive the list becomes - euthanasia material, politically related material, material about anorexia. There is a lot of distasteful stuff on the internet," Senator Ludlam said.
John Lindsay, carrier relations manager at Internode, said: "I don't see that what Fielding has just described to you is necessarily any different to what the public should expect from the Government's as yet unstated filtering regime, because we haven't got a clear explanation as to what the Government's actual mandatory blacklist looks like."
The Opposition's communication spokesman, Nick Minchin, said it would take "a lot of convincing" for the Coalition to support the Government's filtering plan.
"That's the problem with having this sort of highly centralised government-mandated nationwide filtering system," Senator Minchin said in a telephone interview.
"The argy-bargy that would result over what is in and what is out strikes me as being almost impossible to manage and it would be a cat chasing its tail."
The Government's own laboratory trials have found that presently available filters are not capable of distinguishing adequately between legal and illegal content and can degrade internet speeds by up to 86 per cent.
Despite this, and significant opposition from ISPs, the Government will soon seek expressions of interest from telcos seeking to be part of a live trial of the filters.
(Credit: The Age)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Technology News
Casino News
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Online ads souring more than saving, by Miriam Steffens - The Sydney Morning Herald - 25th October 2008
The growth in online advertising may not turn out to be the saviour newspaper publishers were hoping for as their print revenues decline.
Goldman Sachs JBWere analysts yesterday slashed growth forecasts for the online advertising sector, predicting growth of the $1.5 billion industry will slow from 27 per cent to just 10 per cent in the year to June, as companies rein in spending. ABN Amro has forecast growth will fall to 14 per cent.
The estimates come after US reports of online revenues at newspapers falling 2.4 per cent in the second quarter.
The publisher of The New York Times posted a quarterly loss from continuing operations this week and had its credit rating cut to junk as it couldn't slash costs fast enough to make up for falling revenues. Its online newspaper earnings rose just 2.5 per cent. Executives warned they expected internet display ads to weaken.
Concerns that Australian newspapers will follow have weighed on share prices. Fairfax Media's stock has fallen 58 per cent this year, closing yesterday at $1.97. APN News & Media is down 52 per cent and News Corp has lost 46 per cent since January.
News and Fairfax executives said Australian publishers hadn't yet seen a marked slowdown in ad dollars moving online.
"I was really surprised to see the Goldman Sachs number. There is no evidence in our business that our clients are looking to cut back," said Ed Smith, News Digital Media's chief commercial officer. He was "very comfortable with a 15 to 20 per cent growth forecast" because consumer goods makers and retailers had only just started using the internet for brand campaigns and online videos were growing.
Online classifieds, however, are a different story. Real estate and automotive ads are holding up but employment classifieds have been falling since April.
Fairfax Media's chief executive, David Kirk, confirmed last week that there was a trend in display online ads to performance-based advertising, rather than the more lucrative brand campaigns which make up the majority of newspaper ads online. "In tougher times people tend to do that because it's cheaper and it's more response-based," he said. But "we'll continue to see solid growth" online.
Jack Matthews, the head of Fairfax Digital, said Fairfax was holding market share, dismissing reports it slashed rates to fill inventory. "I don't think the Australian market is showing the same kinds of performance as the US market," he said.
Despite bearish forecasts, online remains the fastest-growing media sector. It is uncertain if that will make up for falling print revenues, with Goldman forecasting advertising sales at metropolitan newspapers to fall 7.9 per cent in the year to June.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Fairfax
Online Advertising
Advertising
Goldman Sachs JBWere analysts yesterday slashed growth forecasts for the online advertising sector, predicting growth of the $1.5 billion industry will slow from 27 per cent to just 10 per cent in the year to June, as companies rein in spending. ABN Amro has forecast growth will fall to 14 per cent.
The estimates come after US reports of online revenues at newspapers falling 2.4 per cent in the second quarter.
The publisher of The New York Times posted a quarterly loss from continuing operations this week and had its credit rating cut to junk as it couldn't slash costs fast enough to make up for falling revenues. Its online newspaper earnings rose just 2.5 per cent. Executives warned they expected internet display ads to weaken.
Concerns that Australian newspapers will follow have weighed on share prices. Fairfax Media's stock has fallen 58 per cent this year, closing yesterday at $1.97. APN News & Media is down 52 per cent and News Corp has lost 46 per cent since January.
News and Fairfax executives said Australian publishers hadn't yet seen a marked slowdown in ad dollars moving online.
"I was really surprised to see the Goldman Sachs number. There is no evidence in our business that our clients are looking to cut back," said Ed Smith, News Digital Media's chief commercial officer. He was "very comfortable with a 15 to 20 per cent growth forecast" because consumer goods makers and retailers had only just started using the internet for brand campaigns and online videos were growing.
Online classifieds, however, are a different story. Real estate and automotive ads are holding up but employment classifieds have been falling since April.
Fairfax Media's chief executive, David Kirk, confirmed last week that there was a trend in display online ads to performance-based advertising, rather than the more lucrative brand campaigns which make up the majority of newspaper ads online. "In tougher times people tend to do that because it's cheaper and it's more response-based," he said. But "we'll continue to see solid growth" online.
Jack Matthews, the head of Fairfax Digital, said Fairfax was holding market share, dismissing reports it slashed rates to fill inventory. "I don't think the Australian market is showing the same kinds of performance as the US market," he said.
Despite bearish forecasts, online remains the fastest-growing media sector. It is uncertain if that will make up for falling print revenues, with Goldman forecasting advertising sales at metropolitan newspapers to fall 7.9 per cent in the year to June.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Fairfax
Online Advertising
Advertising
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Online Casino's Feeling the Credit Crunch
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, Oct 22, 2008
Every business feels the current credit crunch. Even the online casino business. One of the many online casino sites out there, La Isla Casino http://www.laislacasino.com, have taken this into consideration and made some changes to their operation and casino bonus structure.
"We see that the number of sign ups and deposits are more or less the same but the average deposit amount has dropped by 30%" says casino manager Afshin Ertanin. "As a result of that we have to cater to a market based on smaller deposits."
"We are now offering our clients an opportunity to get a bonus on every deposit they make, starting from as low as 21 pounds. Our welcome bonus will give players 100% matching bonus on their first deposit and 150% matching bonus on their second deposit, when depositing as little as 20 pounds. We feel that too many casinos' today spend a lot of energy towards the high roller. The average player who likes to make a wager now and then seems to be forgotten.
With the fully automated bonus structure La Isla Casino allows the players the full freedom to choose if they want a bonus on every deposit or not. And since it is fully automated bonuses are in their accounts the second they make a deposit.
"The online casino industry will have to rethink their strategies in the coming years as more and more people are losing their credit cards. Plus the fact that many banks have blocked their customers from making deposits with their credit cards to a licensed casino we are focusing on alternative and safe ways of depositing and making withdrawals".
Offering special bonuses when players use payment methods such as U-Kash, ClickandBuy and Click2Pay does make it easier for the player and the casino, and is something that we are utilising to full effect.
"The fully automated casino bonus is very simple, we have set up specific amounts for the player to deposit that will automatically trigger a bonus. Every time a player makes deposits of sums such as 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 and so on they will automatically get a bonus. To see the full list, go to http://www.laislacasino.com/casino-promotions.php.
"Yes, we are mainly an online slots casino and our automatic bonuses are for online slots games. But we do offer a special table games bonus for Black Jack, Poker, Roulette and Video Pokers to regular players. And the weekly free bonus we issue every Wednesday to our regular players can be used on any game - except progressive games.
"Of course the credit crunch will affect us as well as the other brands out there, but I think we are well prepared for it and are not that worried. We started changing our marketing strategy in early 2008 preparing for this so I am confident that la Isla Casino can ride through the coming months or years of market downturn."
La Isla Casino is a licensed online casino owned and operated by Hailwood Gaming Ltd who also owns and operate MegaKings.Com, both online casino runs on Playtech software and offer casino, Bingo and online Poker.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Casino News
Poker News
Technology News
Every business feels the current credit crunch. Even the online casino business. One of the many online casino sites out there, La Isla Casino http://www.laislacasino.com, have taken this into consideration and made some changes to their operation and casino bonus structure.
"We see that the number of sign ups and deposits are more or less the same but the average deposit amount has dropped by 30%" says casino manager Afshin Ertanin. "As a result of that we have to cater to a market based on smaller deposits."
"We are now offering our clients an opportunity to get a bonus on every deposit they make, starting from as low as 21 pounds. Our welcome bonus will give players 100% matching bonus on their first deposit and 150% matching bonus on their second deposit, when depositing as little as 20 pounds. We feel that too many casinos' today spend a lot of energy towards the high roller. The average player who likes to make a wager now and then seems to be forgotten.
With the fully automated bonus structure La Isla Casino allows the players the full freedom to choose if they want a bonus on every deposit or not. And since it is fully automated bonuses are in their accounts the second they make a deposit.
"The online casino industry will have to rethink their strategies in the coming years as more and more people are losing their credit cards. Plus the fact that many banks have blocked their customers from making deposits with their credit cards to a licensed casino we are focusing on alternative and safe ways of depositing and making withdrawals".
Offering special bonuses when players use payment methods such as U-Kash, ClickandBuy and Click2Pay does make it easier for the player and the casino, and is something that we are utilising to full effect.
"The fully automated casino bonus is very simple, we have set up specific amounts for the player to deposit that will automatically trigger a bonus. Every time a player makes deposits of sums such as 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 and so on they will automatically get a bonus. To see the full list, go to http://www.laislacasino.com/casino-promotions.php.
"Yes, we are mainly an online slots casino and our automatic bonuses are for online slots games. But we do offer a special table games bonus for Black Jack, Poker, Roulette and Video Pokers to regular players. And the weekly free bonus we issue every Wednesday to our regular players can be used on any game - except progressive games.
"Of course the credit crunch will affect us as well as the other brands out there, but I think we are well prepared for it and are not that worried. We started changing our marketing strategy in early 2008 preparing for this so I am confident that la Isla Casino can ride through the coming months or years of market downturn."
La Isla Casino is a licensed online casino owned and operated by Hailwood Gaming Ltd who also owns and operate MegaKings.Com, both online casino runs on Playtech software and offer casino, Bingo and online Poker.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Casino News
Poker News
Technology News
Monday, October 20, 2008
Spreading the net far and wide, by Maria Dowdall Stapleton - Gulf News - 19th October 2008
Here's some good news for video game addicts.
According to research from IBIS World — a leader in the field of market research — the value of the video games industry will soar from $38.9 billion (Dh142.88 billion) to an estimated $63 billion (Dh231.4 billion) in the next five years.
To fuel this growth, the gaming sector is capitalising on novel merchandising opportunities and advances in gaming technology to expand its target audience and business acumen simultaneously. One marketing ploy that gaming companies are exploiting is the crossover into movie territory.
"There have been several instances of compelling video game characters or stories that have been turned into films," says Elie El Massih, Marketing Manager of Virgin Megastores, Middle East. "As long as there is a commercially viable story to be told, characters and stories from video games will make it into other forms of conventional entertainment, including movies."
Take the following example. A respected archaeologist, this adventurer travels the world fearlessly and thrives in dangerous situations — all in the pursuit of priceless artefacts.
Although the description bears a striking resemblance to the iconic action hero Indiana Jones, it actually describes the cult gaming persona Lara Croft. Such was Croft's following that Angelina Jolie allegedly begged film directors to cast her in the title role for the debut Tomb Raider film in 2001, which grossed more than $274 million (Dh1,006.43 million) worldwide.
The success of this film ensured the hefty influence of the gaming sector in modern culture could no longer be ignored and that this crossover trend would continue.
"Many games are now based on films and currently the most successful games have been developed from successful films," says Ryad Santouh, Deputy General Manager, Al Hussani Computers.
For example, an upcoming video game based on the two latest Bond films is scheduled for release to coincide with the screening of the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. "This extension of one franchise into another medium helps create awareness of the franchise and ultimately fuels sales," says El Massih.
The appearance of the first Lara Croft game in 1996 marked the emergence of a new cohort of gaming technology that included realistic 3-D graphics and high-tech voiceovers into the mainstream market. However, Santouh believes these advances in video games were only possible due to the development of superior consoles, such as the Sony Playstation series.
"As more consoles become technically advanced, there is the opportunity to develop new games," he says. The latest offspring of this recent console technology is the popular Nintendo Wii, which is not solely limited to gaming but has introduced the idea of using cyber technology to get fit. Not only does an on-screen instructor ensure the user performs every exercise correctly, but it is possible to monitor progress as the Wii Fit data is stored and presented graphically.
The convenience of the Wii Fit programme is certainly an attractive option for those with hectic schedules and Santouh believes other manufacturers will follow Nintendo's lead. "With the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, I am sure that other manufacturers will produce more advanced programmes," he says.
Following the appearance of the Nintendo Wii was the development of a new breed of video games that have paved the way for a new niche market within the gaming world — social gamers.
"Technologies such as Blu-ray and motion sensing controllers have brought the video game console into the living room to be enjoyed by families and groups of friends," says El Massih. "Social gaming has really taken off over the past few years, especially with the launch of games such as Guitar Hero, which allow people of all ages to participate in a social activity.
This trend of social gaming will continue as long as there is sufficient content to fuel the fun." In addition to social gaming, the Wii and its female-oriented programmes signalled the acknowledgement of women as a potential target audience for computer games' manufacturers.
In fact, the IBIS World study found that women represented one of the primary driving forces behind the growth of the video game industry, having risen from 33 per cent to 38 per cent in just five years. "As manufacturers started to focus on women in the production of new gaming software, they were very successful," says Santouh.
"Wii Fit was the biggest success from Nintendo as [it allowed] women to practise different activities including yoga in the comfort of their own home. I think one future trend that we will see is [the production of] more games in the future to target women in various daily activities."
"Contrary to popular stereotypical opinion, women have been attracted to video games for a lot longer than the recent introduction," says El Massih.
"The launch of The Sims back in 2000 brought this to light and there have been women competing professionally in video game tournaments across the globe in as unlikely categories as shooting and strategy games."
Perhaps Lara Croft, the epitome of heroism for so many female gamers, is more than just a fictitious character. Maybe in the female gaming community, her spirit is very much alive and kicking.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Video Games
Games
Lara Croft Tomb Raider
James Bond
According to research from IBIS World — a leader in the field of market research — the value of the video games industry will soar from $38.9 billion (Dh142.88 billion) to an estimated $63 billion (Dh231.4 billion) in the next five years.
To fuel this growth, the gaming sector is capitalising on novel merchandising opportunities and advances in gaming technology to expand its target audience and business acumen simultaneously. One marketing ploy that gaming companies are exploiting is the crossover into movie territory.
"There have been several instances of compelling video game characters or stories that have been turned into films," says Elie El Massih, Marketing Manager of Virgin Megastores, Middle East. "As long as there is a commercially viable story to be told, characters and stories from video games will make it into other forms of conventional entertainment, including movies."
Take the following example. A respected archaeologist, this adventurer travels the world fearlessly and thrives in dangerous situations — all in the pursuit of priceless artefacts.
Although the description bears a striking resemblance to the iconic action hero Indiana Jones, it actually describes the cult gaming persona Lara Croft. Such was Croft's following that Angelina Jolie allegedly begged film directors to cast her in the title role for the debut Tomb Raider film in 2001, which grossed more than $274 million (Dh1,006.43 million) worldwide.
The success of this film ensured the hefty influence of the gaming sector in modern culture could no longer be ignored and that this crossover trend would continue.
"Many games are now based on films and currently the most successful games have been developed from successful films," says Ryad Santouh, Deputy General Manager, Al Hussani Computers.
For example, an upcoming video game based on the two latest Bond films is scheduled for release to coincide with the screening of the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. "This extension of one franchise into another medium helps create awareness of the franchise and ultimately fuels sales," says El Massih.
The appearance of the first Lara Croft game in 1996 marked the emergence of a new cohort of gaming technology that included realistic 3-D graphics and high-tech voiceovers into the mainstream market. However, Santouh believes these advances in video games were only possible due to the development of superior consoles, such as the Sony Playstation series.
"As more consoles become technically advanced, there is the opportunity to develop new games," he says. The latest offspring of this recent console technology is the popular Nintendo Wii, which is not solely limited to gaming but has introduced the idea of using cyber technology to get fit. Not only does an on-screen instructor ensure the user performs every exercise correctly, but it is possible to monitor progress as the Wii Fit data is stored and presented graphically.
The convenience of the Wii Fit programme is certainly an attractive option for those with hectic schedules and Santouh believes other manufacturers will follow Nintendo's lead. "With the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, I am sure that other manufacturers will produce more advanced programmes," he says.
Following the appearance of the Nintendo Wii was the development of a new breed of video games that have paved the way for a new niche market within the gaming world — social gamers.
"Technologies such as Blu-ray and motion sensing controllers have brought the video game console into the living room to be enjoyed by families and groups of friends," says El Massih. "Social gaming has really taken off over the past few years, especially with the launch of games such as Guitar Hero, which allow people of all ages to participate in a social activity.
This trend of social gaming will continue as long as there is sufficient content to fuel the fun." In addition to social gaming, the Wii and its female-oriented programmes signalled the acknowledgement of women as a potential target audience for computer games' manufacturers.
In fact, the IBIS World study found that women represented one of the primary driving forces behind the growth of the video game industry, having risen from 33 per cent to 38 per cent in just five years. "As manufacturers started to focus on women in the production of new gaming software, they were very successful," says Santouh.
"Wii Fit was the biggest success from Nintendo as [it allowed] women to practise different activities including yoga in the comfort of their own home. I think one future trend that we will see is [the production of] more games in the future to target women in various daily activities."
"Contrary to popular stereotypical opinion, women have been attracted to video games for a lot longer than the recent introduction," says El Massih.
"The launch of The Sims back in 2000 brought this to light and there have been women competing professionally in video game tournaments across the globe in as unlikely categories as shooting and strategy games."
Perhaps Lara Croft, the epitome of heroism for so many female gamers, is more than just a fictitious character. Maybe in the female gaming community, her spirit is very much alive and kicking.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Video Games
Games
Lara Croft Tomb Raider
James Bond
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
St Minver selects Citadel for its Instant Internet Banking
BURNABY, BC, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - ESI Entertainment Systems Inc. ("ESI")
(TSX:ESY) a leading provider of secure payment processing services to
international e-commerce industries, today announced that its wholly owned
subsidiary, Citadel Commerce Corp., has contracted with St Minver Limited to
provide Instant Internet Banking.
Instant Internet Banking is a revolutionary, low cost payment solution
that provides the capability for international consumers to instantly and
securely pay for purchased items using their internet bank account. The
service encompasses a white labeled payment interface that can be easily and
rapidly integrated directly into merchant sites, along with a sophisticated
fully automated backend that supports and reconciles a large network of
international bank accounts, handles foreign currencies, and supports
international treasury management functions.
With Instant Internet Banking the consumer downloads Citadel's
proprietary Payment Assistant and it is subsequently used to securely and
automatically complete the required data fields and to ensure the payment is
immediately credited.
"Our diversity of international clients means that we have to provide
cutting edge payment solutions to allow their consumers in many countries to
be able to make immediate payments," stated Sean Randall, Operations Director
for St Minver. "Citadel's approach with this unique solution has meant that we
can rollout out this service quickly and easily for our clients and ultimately
assist in improving the player's experience".
"We are very pleased to have formed a strategic relationship with St
Minver who have established themselves as the largest operator of European
gaming networks", said Michael Meeks, President, Citadel Commerce. "We feel
Instant Internet Banking provides an immediate and cost effective
international payment solution which no other payment processor or bank can
offer. We have been able to create a world class solution, and look forward to
working with St Minver to evolve the product to suit their growing business."
About St Minver Limited
St Minver is the operator of one of Europe's largest poker networks and
the world's biggest bingo network and is the leading supplier of fully-managed
'white label' gaming solutions to high profile partners, including Yahoo!
Games, lastminute.com, Virgin Games and Littlewoods. St Minver also partners
with major media groups in Spain, Scandinavia, Latin America, Russia and
Eastern Europe. Operating under a Gibraltar gaming license, St Minver manages
player liquidity, tournaments, customer service and promotions across a
European network of 96 poker, bingo and casino sites. St Minver is owned by
GTECH, a leading gaming technology and services company, providing innovative
technology, creative content, and superior service delivery.
About ESI Entertainment Systems Inc.
ESI Entertainment Systems Inc. (TSX: ESY) is a payment technology and
service provider to online and offline companies requiring localized low cost
bill collection and payment services.
For further information: ESI Entertainment Systems Inc., Tony Greening,
Chief Executive Officer, Telephone: (604) 299-6922, email: tgreening@esi.ca,
Web: www.esi.ca
Media Man Australia Profiles
Financial News
Poker and Casino News
(TSX:ESY) a leading provider of secure payment processing services to
international e-commerce industries, today announced that its wholly owned
subsidiary, Citadel Commerce Corp., has contracted with St Minver Limited to
provide Instant Internet Banking.
Instant Internet Banking is a revolutionary, low cost payment solution
that provides the capability for international consumers to instantly and
securely pay for purchased items using their internet bank account. The
service encompasses a white labeled payment interface that can be easily and
rapidly integrated directly into merchant sites, along with a sophisticated
fully automated backend that supports and reconciles a large network of
international bank accounts, handles foreign currencies, and supports
international treasury management functions.
With Instant Internet Banking the consumer downloads Citadel's
proprietary Payment Assistant and it is subsequently used to securely and
automatically complete the required data fields and to ensure the payment is
immediately credited.
"Our diversity of international clients means that we have to provide
cutting edge payment solutions to allow their consumers in many countries to
be able to make immediate payments," stated Sean Randall, Operations Director
for St Minver. "Citadel's approach with this unique solution has meant that we
can rollout out this service quickly and easily for our clients and ultimately
assist in improving the player's experience".
"We are very pleased to have formed a strategic relationship with St
Minver who have established themselves as the largest operator of European
gaming networks", said Michael Meeks, President, Citadel Commerce. "We feel
Instant Internet Banking provides an immediate and cost effective
international payment solution which no other payment processor or bank can
offer. We have been able to create a world class solution, and look forward to
working with St Minver to evolve the product to suit their growing business."
About St Minver Limited
St Minver is the operator of one of Europe's largest poker networks and
the world's biggest bingo network and is the leading supplier of fully-managed
'white label' gaming solutions to high profile partners, including Yahoo!
Games, lastminute.com, Virgin Games and Littlewoods. St Minver also partners
with major media groups in Spain, Scandinavia, Latin America, Russia and
Eastern Europe. Operating under a Gibraltar gaming license, St Minver manages
player liquidity, tournaments, customer service and promotions across a
European network of 96 poker, bingo and casino sites. St Minver is owned by
GTECH, a leading gaming technology and services company, providing innovative
technology, creative content, and superior service delivery.
About ESI Entertainment Systems Inc.
ESI Entertainment Systems Inc. (TSX: ESY) is a payment technology and
service provider to online and offline companies requiring localized low cost
bill collection and payment services.
For further information: ESI Entertainment Systems Inc., Tony Greening,
Chief Executive Officer, Telephone: (604) 299-6922, email: tgreening@esi.ca,
Web: www.esi.ca
Media Man Australia Profiles
Financial News
Poker and Casino News
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
WagerWorks - GTS - 888.com Games Deal
Bigger choice of games for online gamblers
14th October 2008
Three Internet gambling companies have combined to expand the range of games on offer to players. Online gambling software provider WagerWorks announced the agreement with the Internet gambling group 888.com, which will see the provision of a range of games suitable for use on the GTS software platform.
The deal will enable 888.com to further pursue a cross-platform strategy, adding some of WagerWorks' most successful and popular brands to its game portfolio. The initial four games that have been selected by 888 include Cleopatra, Monopoly with Pass "Go" Bonus, Cluedo, and Wheel of Fortune Hollywood Edition. The games will be available across all 888 verticals -- casino, bingo, games, and on the instant flash casino.
Paul Mathews, President of WagerWorks, commented: "We pride ourselves on the quality of our games. We are delighted that 888 has shown their confidence in WagerWorks' ability to deliver titles that will allow them to stay at the forefront of player attraction and loyalty."
Senior VP and Managing Director for 888 Gabi Campos said: "888 is continually looking to improve the customer experience, and the addition of WagerWorks' world class games will make an important contribution to that. The agreement with WagerWorks helps us to strengthen our brand content offering with world-renowned brands.
"These will prove especially attractive to our new bingo customers and customers of our land-based casinos B2B partners, many of whom will be familiar with the games from playing them offline. It is an important step in helping us to further facilitate the movement from offline to online gaming, as 888 becomes a premium provider of bespoke technology, marketing and analysis to land-based casinos."
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
Casino News Media
14th October 2008
Three Internet gambling companies have combined to expand the range of games on offer to players. Online gambling software provider WagerWorks announced the agreement with the Internet gambling group 888.com, which will see the provision of a range of games suitable for use on the GTS software platform.
The deal will enable 888.com to further pursue a cross-platform strategy, adding some of WagerWorks' most successful and popular brands to its game portfolio. The initial four games that have been selected by 888 include Cleopatra, Monopoly with Pass "Go" Bonus, Cluedo, and Wheel of Fortune Hollywood Edition. The games will be available across all 888 verticals -- casino, bingo, games, and on the instant flash casino.
Paul Mathews, President of WagerWorks, commented: "We pride ourselves on the quality of our games. We are delighted that 888 has shown their confidence in WagerWorks' ability to deliver titles that will allow them to stay at the forefront of player attraction and loyalty."
Senior VP and Managing Director for 888 Gabi Campos said: "888 is continually looking to improve the customer experience, and the addition of WagerWorks' world class games will make an important contribution to that. The agreement with WagerWorks helps us to strengthen our brand content offering with world-renowned brands.
"These will prove especially attractive to our new bingo customers and customers of our land-based casinos B2B partners, many of whom will be familiar with the games from playing them offline. It is an important step in helping us to further facilitate the movement from offline to online gaming, as 888 becomes a premium provider of bespoke technology, marketing and analysis to land-based casinos."
Media Man Australia Profiles
888.com
Casino News Media
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Press Release: Virgin Games moves affiliate business into dgm
Virgin Games moves affiliate business into dgm
Release Date: 10 October 2008
Virgin Games, the leading on-line games portal has exclusively appointed dgmAffiliates to its consolidated affiliate marketing business after a 4 way pitch process.
Virgin Games, winner of the 2008 A4U Award for the Best Casino and Gaming Affiliate Program, has consolidated its three gaming brands, Virgin Casino, Virgin Poker, and Virgin Bingo into dgmAffiliates. dgm secured the Virgin Games business after being selected as the most complimentary affiliate network to work alongside Virgin Games own in house network.
The win came about after a competitive pitch process, with the UK largest affiliate networks being invited to pitch. It was dgm’s consultative approach and the designation of dedicated account team to coordinate activity across the three Virgin brands that secured the win.
Pierrick Leveque, Head of Affiliates at Virgin Games, said “We are looking forward to a rewarding 3-ways partnership between Virgin Games, the dgm affiliate network and their publishers. Virgin Games’ CPA offer on dgm will be the ideal network complement to our award winning in-house revenue-share affiliate programme. Affiliates have been instrumental to our growth in the past year, and we strongly believe that our partnership with dgm will help maintain this momentum in the coming years.”
Carl Davis, dgm’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “dgm have worked hard to develop our consultative approach and keep our customers needs at the forefront of our development. The Virgin Games win is testament to how far we have come this year. We are thrilled that Virgin Games recognised this and have given dgm the opportunity to work with them.”
The programs for all three brands were launched on Monday 29th September.
For further information please visit our website (http://www.dgm-uk.com/index.php/home/about-dgm) or contact Chris Russell-Smith, Marketing Director, on chris.russell-smith@dgm-uk.com or call 02079434266.
About dealgroupmedia UK Ltd
Dealgroupmedia UK Ltd (Dgm) is a private limited company. The company was originally founded in 1999 as dealgroupmedia, the UK’s first affiliate network provider. In 2003 the company extended its portfolio of performance-based marketing products, launching its online advertising network and acquiring leading Search Engine Marketing specialist IBNet plc. This formed Deal Group Media Plc.
In December 2007 dgm UK was the subject of a successful management buyout from Deal Group Media Plc. The mbo was lead by the then Chief Technical Officer, Carl Davis and former Group Chairman, John Porter. In Jan 2008 dealgroupmedia announced a number of senior appointments as part of a company wide restructure of it's operational units. The restructure put our customers at the core of the business and focusing efforts on providing customer service excellence.
dgm operates across the spectrum of vertical sectors and counts some of the biggest and most respected brands as clients including: Avis, Sainsbury’s Bank, Orange, Pipex, T-Mobile, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
dgm work with the UK’s leading media agencies including Diffiniti/Carat, i-Level, Manning Gottlieb/OMD, Mediacom, Universal McCann and Zenith Optimedia. dgm has established long-term relationships with the world’s leading providers of search including AOL, Google, Lycos, MSN and Yahoo! Search Marketing.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Poker
Virgin Bingo
Casino News Media
Release Date: 10 October 2008
Virgin Games, the leading on-line games portal has exclusively appointed dgmAffiliates to its consolidated affiliate marketing business after a 4 way pitch process.
Virgin Games, winner of the 2008 A4U Award for the Best Casino and Gaming Affiliate Program, has consolidated its three gaming brands, Virgin Casino, Virgin Poker, and Virgin Bingo into dgmAffiliates. dgm secured the Virgin Games business after being selected as the most complimentary affiliate network to work alongside Virgin Games own in house network.
The win came about after a competitive pitch process, with the UK largest affiliate networks being invited to pitch. It was dgm’s consultative approach and the designation of dedicated account team to coordinate activity across the three Virgin brands that secured the win.
Pierrick Leveque, Head of Affiliates at Virgin Games, said “We are looking forward to a rewarding 3-ways partnership between Virgin Games, the dgm affiliate network and their publishers. Virgin Games’ CPA offer on dgm will be the ideal network complement to our award winning in-house revenue-share affiliate programme. Affiliates have been instrumental to our growth in the past year, and we strongly believe that our partnership with dgm will help maintain this momentum in the coming years.”
Carl Davis, dgm’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “dgm have worked hard to develop our consultative approach and keep our customers needs at the forefront of our development. The Virgin Games win is testament to how far we have come this year. We are thrilled that Virgin Games recognised this and have given dgm the opportunity to work with them.”
The programs for all three brands were launched on Monday 29th September.
For further information please visit our website (http://www.dgm-uk.com/index.php/home/about-dgm) or contact Chris Russell-Smith, Marketing Director, on chris.russell-smith@dgm-uk.com or call 02079434266.
About dealgroupmedia UK Ltd
Dealgroupmedia UK Ltd (Dgm) is a private limited company. The company was originally founded in 1999 as dealgroupmedia, the UK’s first affiliate network provider. In 2003 the company extended its portfolio of performance-based marketing products, launching its online advertising network and acquiring leading Search Engine Marketing specialist IBNet plc. This formed Deal Group Media Plc.
In December 2007 dgm UK was the subject of a successful management buyout from Deal Group Media Plc. The mbo was lead by the then Chief Technical Officer, Carl Davis and former Group Chairman, John Porter. In Jan 2008 dealgroupmedia announced a number of senior appointments as part of a company wide restructure of it's operational units. The restructure put our customers at the core of the business and focusing efforts on providing customer service excellence.
dgm operates across the spectrum of vertical sectors and counts some of the biggest and most respected brands as clients including: Avis, Sainsbury’s Bank, Orange, Pipex, T-Mobile, Virgin Media and Vodafone.
dgm work with the UK’s leading media agencies including Diffiniti/Carat, i-Level, Manning Gottlieb/OMD, Mediacom, Universal McCann and Zenith Optimedia. dgm has established long-term relationships with the world’s leading providers of search including AOL, Google, Lycos, MSN and Yahoo! Search Marketing.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Games
Virgin Casino
Virgin Poker
Virgin Bingo
Casino News Media
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Google Gets Game, by Mary Jane Irwin - Forbes
Burlingame, Calif.
More than a year in the works, Google finally launched its in-game advertising platform Wednesday. Called AdSense for Games, the platform will offer advertisers access to millions of Web-based Flash games.
The in-game advertising market is small, scoring only $1 billion from advertising and subscriptions in 2007, according to research firm Parks Associates, but the entry of Google is expected to make it explode.
"Google is helping to validate the space," says Jameson Hsu, chief executive of in-game ad network Mochi Media. "They're going out and evangelizing and building developer relationships."
Mochi Media, which serves in-game ads to 60 million people, is granting Google access to its inventory across 5,000 games as part of the Internet giant's European launch of AdSense for Games.
Google's new ad platform, which grew out of its 2007 acquisition of Adscape Media, has operated in beta since early 2008. Game developers like Konami, Playfish and Zynga participated in the beta, but now other developers and publishers will also be able to apply to the program. The most prevalent ads throughout the company's beta test were short video spots from Esurance, but the network will also provide contextual and text ads.
With AdSense for Games, advertisers can target campaigns based on keywords, genres or even specific games. Revenue, based on cost-per-impression or cost-per-click metrics, is split between Google and developers. Inventory is filled via auctions where advertisers bid on placement.
AdSense for Games is "an extension of the Google content network that allows advertisers to very easily gain access to in-game inventory," says Sebastien de Halleux, chief operating officer at social games developer Playfish. "In the past that's been very difficult to do and the inventory has been relatively restrictive."
De Halleux, whose company has been involved with AdSense for Games since its early stages, says Google's platform appealed to Playfish because social games scale quickly and Google has a large ad sales team.
He is also expecting a boom in in-game ad buying thanks to Google. Advertisers will now be drawn to the social games space as a way to explore in-game advertising. More savvy media buyers will simply integrate games into their online video buys, de Halleux says.
The Flash game development community should get a boost from Adsense for Games, but a few developers have already started making money. "One kid bought a car," says Hsu, referring to a developer who supports himself on in-game ad revenues. Adds Hsu: "Hopefully, someone will now buy a home one day."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Google
Gaming
Advertising
Online Advertising
More than a year in the works, Google finally launched its in-game advertising platform Wednesday. Called AdSense for Games, the platform will offer advertisers access to millions of Web-based Flash games.
The in-game advertising market is small, scoring only $1 billion from advertising and subscriptions in 2007, according to research firm Parks Associates, but the entry of Google is expected to make it explode.
"Google is helping to validate the space," says Jameson Hsu, chief executive of in-game ad network Mochi Media. "They're going out and evangelizing and building developer relationships."
Mochi Media, which serves in-game ads to 60 million people, is granting Google access to its inventory across 5,000 games as part of the Internet giant's European launch of AdSense for Games.
Google's new ad platform, which grew out of its 2007 acquisition of Adscape Media, has operated in beta since early 2008. Game developers like Konami, Playfish and Zynga participated in the beta, but now other developers and publishers will also be able to apply to the program. The most prevalent ads throughout the company's beta test were short video spots from Esurance, but the network will also provide contextual and text ads.
With AdSense for Games, advertisers can target campaigns based on keywords, genres or even specific games. Revenue, based on cost-per-impression or cost-per-click metrics, is split between Google and developers. Inventory is filled via auctions where advertisers bid on placement.
AdSense for Games is "an extension of the Google content network that allows advertisers to very easily gain access to in-game inventory," says Sebastien de Halleux, chief operating officer at social games developer Playfish. "In the past that's been very difficult to do and the inventory has been relatively restrictive."
De Halleux, whose company has been involved with AdSense for Games since its early stages, says Google's platform appealed to Playfish because social games scale quickly and Google has a large ad sales team.
He is also expecting a boom in in-game ad buying thanks to Google. Advertisers will now be drawn to the social games space as a way to explore in-game advertising. More savvy media buyers will simply integrate games into their online video buys, de Halleux says.
The Flash game development community should get a boost from Adsense for Games, but a few developers have already started making money. "One kid bought a car," says Hsu, referring to a developer who supports himself on in-game ad revenues. Adds Hsu: "Hopefully, someone will now buy a home one day."
Media Man Australia Profiles
Gaming
Advertising
Online Advertising
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Penetration Affects the Online Casino Industry
Last week’s e-gaming conference brought executives and analysts from all over the world to Barcelona to meet for the annual EiG Conference and Expo. The annual event is a staple in the industry and allows online casinos to showcase new products as well as providing provocative discussion topics for all of the Conference delegates. One of the top concerns for the internet gambling industry at this past conference was the global economy and the widespread affects that a slowing economy would have on the online casinos. Tihana Jurican though made a key point at the event – the increased penetration of broadband internet access in Eastern Europe will allow the online gambling industry to continue expanding in the coming months and years despite a looming economic recession.
According to discussion held throughout the multi-day conference, Eastern Europe is anticipated to have higher levels of broadband internet penetration than some Western European counties. Broadband internet access is one of the tenants of continued membership in the European Union and the online casino gambling industry has been patiently watching as countries such as Croatia, Poland, Czech Republic, and others really begin to expand the access to high-speed internet for their residents.
High-speed internet is one of the major determining factors of access to the online casino gambling industry. Nations with little to no high-speed internet access and with little penetration into the households in the country are essential “dead zones” for the internet gambling industry. Recent research indicates that an economic recession will not hit Eastern Europe as hard as some other countries and throughout the recession Eastern European countries will continue to widen access to broadband internet.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Online Casino News
Casino News Media
According to discussion held throughout the multi-day conference, Eastern Europe is anticipated to have higher levels of broadband internet penetration than some Western European counties. Broadband internet access is one of the tenants of continued membership in the European Union and the online casino gambling industry has been patiently watching as countries such as Croatia, Poland, Czech Republic, and others really begin to expand the access to high-speed internet for their residents.
High-speed internet is one of the major determining factors of access to the online casino gambling industry. Nations with little to no high-speed internet access and with little penetration into the households in the country are essential “dead zones” for the internet gambling industry. Recent research indicates that an economic recession will not hit Eastern Europe as hard as some other countries and throughout the recession Eastern European countries will continue to widen access to broadband internet.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Online Casino News
Casino News Media
Technology Media Profiles Updated
Media Man Australia Profiles
Virgin Casino
Virgin Games
Virgin Broadband
Virgin Media
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Virgin Casino
Virgin Games
Virgin Broadband
Virgin Media
Virgin Enterprises Limited
Former Australian pop star solves the billion dollar music downloading crisis with a revolutionary website
Another Aussie does wonders in the US, securing the deal of a lifetime.
The introduction of a revolutionary website called isBIZZ.com, which is currently online but officially launches in early 2009, will mark the beginning of a long awaited revolution for millions of recording artists all over the globe when it comes to having their music downloaded.
As from early 2009, artists will be able to register for free, to directly be paid monthly royalty income for visits to their profile pages. Musicians, artists, social members as well as a variety of many other user categories have the opportunity to directly be rewarded for their content posted in the networks “blog” pages. isBIZZ.com uses a unique royalty method that sees content rewarded once again, with the networks revenue going straight back to artists/members.
The website is the creation of ex Aussie pop-star and writer of the Vanessa Amorosi hit single “perfect”, David “Franj” Frangiosa.
isBIZZ has been in development for the last 4 years and received some media attention during its early stages of development, when it caught the eye of a US venture firm who offered David 9 million dollars (US) to sell his idea on the spot. David refused the offer and continued to independently develop the site, making some very powerful allies and supporters along the way. isBIZZ.com has grabbed the attention of the world’s biggest advertisers and software companies looking to secure a piece of the network in 2009. The entire site was built for just $11,355 (AUS) with a friend in a garage in Melbourne, Australia.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Technology News
The introduction of a revolutionary website called isBIZZ.com, which is currently online but officially launches in early 2009, will mark the beginning of a long awaited revolution for millions of recording artists all over the globe when it comes to having their music downloaded.
As from early 2009, artists will be able to register for free, to directly be paid monthly royalty income for visits to their profile pages. Musicians, artists, social members as well as a variety of many other user categories have the opportunity to directly be rewarded for their content posted in the networks “blog” pages. isBIZZ.com uses a unique royalty method that sees content rewarded once again, with the networks revenue going straight back to artists/members.
The website is the creation of ex Aussie pop-star and writer of the Vanessa Amorosi hit single “perfect”, David “Franj” Frangiosa.
isBIZZ has been in development for the last 4 years and received some media attention during its early stages of development, when it caught the eye of a US venture firm who offered David 9 million dollars (US) to sell his idea on the spot. David refused the offer and continued to independently develop the site, making some very powerful allies and supporters along the way. isBIZZ.com has grabbed the attention of the world’s biggest advertisers and software companies looking to secure a piece of the network in 2009. The entire site was built for just $11,355 (AUS) with a friend in a garage in Melbourne, Australia.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Technology News
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