Warne to launch branded poker rooms in Oz gambling kingpin Packer's Crown Casinos

Sydney, Sep 3 : Former Australian cricketer turned poker addict Shane Warne is set to open his own branded poker room at gambling kingpin James Packer’s Crown Casinos in Melbourne.

The casino, which is likely to be launched in 2011, will be Warne’s latest addition to his rapidly increasing corporate empire, which will soon include his own Ashes show on Channel 9.

Talking about the latest development, the 40-year-old said that it was all about cashing in on his image.

“We’ve got two or three that we are looking at at the moment, there’s a business that I have with James Packer that we’ll be launching next year,” News.com.au quoted Warne, as saying.

“I’m not sure James would want me talking about that yet,” he added. 

Warne currently has 16 corporate alliances, ranging from his “Advanced Hair, yeah yeah” deal to his link with Internet poker site 888.

He also has deals with Messages on Hold, luxury designer Dunhill, Channel 9, Sky Sports and Cricket Australia