Thursday, November 17, 2022

Worldwide Blog: Gambling Group Estimates US Will Bet $1.8B on World Cup

Gambling Group Estimates US Will Bet $1.8B on World Cup


ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Americans will bet $1.8 billion on the World Cup this year, the first to be held while legal sports betting is widespread in the U.S., according to the casino industry's national trade group.



About 20.5 million American adults plan to bet on the biggest soccer tournament in the world, legally or otherwise, the American Gaming Association estimated Tuesday. The majority plan to place bets online, with a bookie or at a physical sportsbook.


The survey is the organization's first for World Cup betting.


Thirty-one states plus Washington, D.C., currently offer legal sports betting, with five additional markets due to begin soon.


“As the first World Cup with widespread availability of legal sports betting, this will certainly be the most bet-upon soccer event ever in the U.S.,” said Casey Clark, the group's senior vice president. “With more than half of all American adults having access to legal betting options in their home market, legal sports betting will deepen American fan engagement in the most-watched sporting event in the world.”


Legal wagering is currently available to 132 million Americans in their home states. That is up dramatically from the 2018 World Cup, when only 10 million had access to it in just three states.


That was the year New Jersey won a U.S. Supreme Court case clearing the way for all 50 states to offer legal sports betting if they so choose.


The survey asked respondents what they would bet on if they were given $50 to make a wager on the winner of the tournament. The results were: United States (24%); Brazil (19%); Argentina (17%) and Germany (10%).


It also shows plenty of room for growth in terms of betting on the World Cup. Less than 3 in 10 Americans who plan to watch the tournament say they will bet on it.


The tournament begins Nov. 20 with host nation Qatar taking on Ecuador. The U.S. has its first game the next day against Wales.

Friday, November 04, 2022

Media Man World Blog: Pop Culture, Celebrity, Gaming, Casino and Sports Betting Connection

Pop Culture, Celebrity, Gaming, Casino and Sports Betting Connection

Celebrities have always been among the pastimes biggest fans, from Mozart and Casanova to Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and beyond.


Like the rest, they frequent gambling establishments to enjoy various entertainment options. The convenience and excitement of playing casino games at one of the many online gambling sites have attracted an increasing number of celebrities in recent years.


These celebrities bet for fun as opposed to high-rollers at world-famous casinos. They have a top time at casinos and enjoy the games on offer. Most winners give some cash to charity, while some put it back into the gambling industry as well as fund other endeavors.


Let's review a few of the famous and well known names who enjoy a punt.


TOP 5 CELEBRITIES


1. MATT DAMON

Actor and big roller, Matt Damon, kicks off the list of renowned gamblers.


Matt Damon is a professional poker and blackjack player, in addition to being a famous actor. He was acting as a law student and talented poker player Mike McDermott in the 1998 blockbuster Rounders gave the five-time Oscar contender and one-time Oscar winner a newfound passion for gaming. 


Damon prepared for his role by training with Johnny Chan, a professional poker player. He is one of the world’s finest professional poker players. Damon owes him a debt of gratitude for teaching him the ropes of the game.


The famous actor from Hollywood kept playing traditional casino table games like poker and blackjack long after filming had wrapped up. Damon is periodically observed at some of the world’s most prestigious casinos, albeit he does not get to play there as often as he would like.


There are few specifics on what he’s doing with his earnings. Damon enjoys gambling and has even competed in several tournaments. He chooses to play at well-known casinos to pay out the most.


2. BEN AFFLECK

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon’s best friend, hardly needs an introduction. And he’s a card counter and gambler, much like Damon. In the 2013 crime thriller, Runner Runner, Affleck played a character who was up against a made-up empire of internet casinos. Even though the movie was poorly received by some critics, but not by hardcores, Affleck kept on gambling, and the personnel at the casinos where he played said that he always left tips.


3. GEORGE CLOONEY

George Clooney, the co-star of Matt Damon in several Hollywood films, has long been a fan of the casino scene and has been in the process of purchasing a Las Vegas gambling establishment since 2005. Unfortunately, this famous high-ideas roller never got off the ground, so he visited the casinos of others and appeared in films like Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen.


4. BRAD PITT

Brad Pitt is up next. Like many of his coworkers, it appears that the Ocean’s franchise introduced him to the joys of gambling, specifically card games like poker and blackjack. Before filming the gambling scenes, Pitt visited multiple casinos to hone his game and soak in the distinctive casino ambiance. He still likes to play blackjack at the casino whenever he has the time.


5. FLOYD MAYWEATHER

Although many have gambled on Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s bouts, the flamboyant boxer has been known to bet huge sums of money on other sporting events. He allegedly considered placing a $400,000 bet on himself to defeat UFC superstar Conor McGregor but ultimately opted against doing so after several bookies raised doubts about the legitimacy of such a wager. In 2012, he made headlines for placing a $1.1 million bet on the NCAA football game between Oregon and Arizona State, which he then boasted about on social media.


Media Man Wrap


Gamblers come from all walks of life. Celebrities want to take part in it regularly since they find it enjoyable. Games, especially gambling games, have been the film’s subject. Keep in mind that this is just a sampling of the famous people that enjoy gambling. Most famous people regularly indulge in gambling since they like it so much. As always, bet with your head, not over it, and have fun!


References:

Media Man Int Media Man Casino News Media Global Gaming Directory Wikipedia IMDb 

The Hollywood Reporter Variety















Friday, October 14, 2022

Media Man World: News Media Blog: Promoters, Promotions, Advertising, Media and more

Media Man World: News Media Blog: Promoters, Promotions, Advertising, Media and more



Vince McMahon (WWE) and Dana White (UFC)















Media Man World Blog: Google: We’re celebrating #InternationalCoffeeDay with this awesome coffee art shared by Googlers Kamil and Trevor! #LifeAtGoogle wouldn’t be the same without our morning cup, or three! - October 1st

Google: We’re celebrating #InternationalCoffeeDay with this awesome coffee art shared by Googlers Kamil and Trevor! #LifeAtGoogle wouldn’t be the same without our morning cup, or three!


Thursday, September 01, 2022

Media Man World Blog: News, Pop Culture, Entertainment, Sports, Gaming, Creative, Social Media and more

News, Pop Culture, Entertainment, Sports, Gaming, Creative, Social Media and more

Hitwise Australia award finalist Media Man Australia website and network available for advertising, media and publicity campaigns

Buy and Sell advertising, text links, banners, product / brand placement, social media inclusion, editorial, buzz and more via Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

Website network available for media, advertising and publicity campaigns via Media Man website network: Australia-wide and global opportunity

Pop Culture websites that we love: Media Man Int and Media Man Australia list

SMH Media & Marketing continues to impress

LinkedIn Wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award

Search engine war just about over; Google vs Bing vs Yahoo! vs Web Wombat vs Altavista - Who or what was that?

Search Engine Directory - Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

Search Engine Journal wins Media Man 'Website Of The Month' and 'Search Website Of The Month' award

Podcast Of The Month: Marketers That Matter® Releases Podcast, "MTM Visionaries"

Karrion Kross wins Media Man 'Wrestler Of The Month' (Men's Division)

Wrestling Promotion Friendly Wars

BJ Penn wins Media Man 'Martial Artist Of The Month' and 'Combat Sports Website Of The Month' awards

Combat sports online portfolio: Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

News, Politics, Art, Illustrations, Creative, Content and more showcased via Media Man Facebook and social media; Art and news do mix

Creative Arts: Media Man Instagram and Facebook Top Picks; Photography is Photo Art

Art goes online in the new world situation

Gambling Movies List via Media Man

The Great Aussie Promoters

Interviews with leading Australian and international business leaders and entrepreneurs via Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

Give him a tingle

Media Man World: Casino News Media and Media Man Group: News from Las Vegas, Canada, Australia and across the globe

Media Man World

Casino News Media and Media Man Group: News from Las Vegas, Canada, Australia and across the globe


Nevada records fourth highest July gaming win in history and second highest on the Strip

Nevada gaming surpassed $1 billion in revenue for the 17th consecutive month in July, marking the fourth highest monthly total in history at $1.31 billion and the second highest ever on the Las Vegas Strip. It took a record July 2021 to keep last month from surpassing that total. July 2022’s revenue decreased $43 million, a drop of 3.2%, from the $1.35 billion in July 2021, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board.


IGT to pay $270 million to settle social gaming lawsuit

Global gaming giant IGT says it will pay almost US$270 million to settle a class action lawsuit brought against it by customers of its former social gaming subsidiary DoubleDown Interactive Co Ltd (DDI). The company said this week that it has reached an agreement in principle in the case of Benson v DoubleDown Interactive LLC, which was first launched in 2017 just a few months after IGT disposed of DDI in a hefty US$825 million deal.


Ontarians wager $4 billion (CAD), market produces $162 million gaming revenue in first quarter

The public can finally see numbers indicating how Ontario‘s new regulated iGaming and online sports betting market is performing since its launch on April 4. Ontarians wagered more than $4 billion (CAD) and the market produced $162 million total gaming revenue — from iCasino, online sports betting, and online poker — for the period of April 4-June 30, according to the first revenue report released by iGaming Ontario. (As of Aug. 30, $1 CAD is equal to $0.76 USD.)


California: Top elected officials voice opposition to Proposition 27

Though California Gov. Gavin Newsom deems himself neutral on Proposition 27, the digital sports betting ballot initiative with funding earmarked for homelessness and mental health programs, several other key elected officials voiced strong opposition to the measure Monday in describing it as a sham. “Proposition 27 exploits California’s tribes and our resources while making no real investments in California,” Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis said in a press release shared by the No on 27 campaign.


VSiN’s announces new fall lineup featuring Broadcast Hall of Famer Brent Musburger

VSiN’s new fall schedule that launches today will be headlined by a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. “Countdown to Kickoff with Brent Musburger,” is the centerpiece of NFL football coverage on Sundays by the Las Vegas-based sports betting network owned by DraftKings. “The addition of this new programming and its industry leading talent will position VSiN to provide the growing number of sports bettors in the U.S. with expert betting insights and premium content,” said VSiN General Manager Len Mead in a statement.


Las Vegas: Circa, Able Baker Brewing partner to create ‘Vegas Vickie Neon Blonde’ beer

Las Vegas’ famous neon kicking cowgirl now has her own beer. Able Baker Brewing Company and Circa Resort & Casino in downtown Las Vegas have teamed up to create a custom blonde lager beer – the Vegas Vickie Neon Blonde. The new brew pays homage to the iconic kicking neon cowgirl, Vegas Vickie. According to a news release, the the 4.5% ABV beverage, which is only available at Circa, will be served in a 16 oz. can. The drink is described as a crisp and clean lager with more character and depth of flavor than the standard light beer.


Ainsworth returns to profit in FY22 as American markets boost recovery

Australian slot machine supplier Ainsworth Game Technology Limited (AGT) returned to profit in the financial year ended 30 June 2022, aided by improved performance in Latin America and the global-wide recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Profit After Tax reached AU$11.8 million (US$8.2 million), reversing an AU$53.4 million (US$37.1 million) loss in FY21 on the back of a 38% year-on-year increase in revenue to AU$220.2 million (US$152.9 million). This included revenue of AU$100.7 million (US$69.9 million) in the first six months of the financial year and AU$119.5 million (US$83.0 million) in the second half.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Media Man World: Hard Rock International Announces Key Leadership Appointments for Las Vegas and Atlantic City Properties

Hard Rock International Announces Key Leadership Appointments for Las Vegas and Atlantic City Properties

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe Lupo has been named President of the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, subject to regulatory approval of Hard Rock International's previously announced plans to purchase The Mirage Hotel & Casino from MGM Resorts International. Lupo will take over the role once the Nevada Gaming Commission licensing process has concluded. An Ohio native, Lupo has more than three decades of casino gaming experience. He was named President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in November 2018, after spending two successful years at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.

Lupo's new position in Las Vegas was announced today by Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen, who is the driving force and vision behind Hard Rock International's purchase of The Mirage Hotel & Casino and the company's plan to construct an iconic Guitar Hotel on the Las Vegas strip.  Allen said Lupo is uniquely qualified to become the President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

"As president of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for the past four years, Joe Lupo has achieved amazing results," said Allen. "Thanks to his dedication and expertise, financial results continue to outperform expectations, while our team members share an unmatched commitment to guest service and satisfaction. I am confident Joe Lupo will achieve even greater success at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas."

Lupo is no stranger to Las Vegas, having worked at various Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas and in Laughlin, Nevada, including the former Stardust Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, where he was the Director of Race and Sportsbook.  He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In Atlantic City, Anthony Faranca will be promoted to property President, subject to regulatory approval, effective September 1. A Philadelphia native, Faranca is a seasoned casino executive with extensive experience managing large gaming properties in several states including Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

"Anthony's deep knowledge of the Atlantic City and Northeast region is an invaluable asset to the company," said Jim Allen. "We are confident that Anthony will continue Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City's legacy of success and impactful leadership in the community."

Faranca began his casino career in Atlantic City as a Guest Services Manager and was promoted through the ranks to Regional Vice President of National Casino Marketing at the four Caesars Atlantic City properties. Faranca eventually relocated to Philadelphia and was appointed Vice President and General Manager of Parx Casino in 2009. Faranca then moved to Las Vegas to join Station Casinos and served as Vice President and General Manager for the Palms Casino Resort while also managing the company's enterprise-wide strategy for Table Game operations.

Faranca returned to the east coast in 2019 and joined the Cordish Companies as Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino in Hanover, MD. In this role Faranca navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, launched a FanDuel Sportsbook, and opened a 5,000-seat event center.

About Hard Rock®:

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 265 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock Hotels has been honored with Outstanding Guest Satisfaction and above for four consecutive years among Upper Upscale Hotels in J.D. Power's North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study and in 2022, the iconic brand was ranked as the number one brand for the second year in a row. HRI is the first privately-owned gaming company designated U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal for the second year. Hard Rock was also honored as one of Forbes' Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com

SOURCE Hard Rock International