|
|
|
Welcome to Bet Sages Gambling News Section, featuring the latest breaking
gambling industry news courtesy of InfoPowa News. This is your one stop source for
all and any of the latest developments concerning leisure based wagering
activities on the internet.
|
|
|
|
| 18 AUGUST 2006 : HEADLINES |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management assures Costa Rican authorities that dismissed employees will be paid this week
The tragic side of the US Department of Justice's prosecution of BetonSports (see earlier InfoPowa reports) was in evidence this week as up to 2 000 dismissed Costa Rican and Antiguan employees were assured that they would receive severance pay from the company, hopefully this week.
According to the newspaper AM Costa Rica, a spokesman for the Ministerio de Trabajo said that inspectors visited the offices of the online sportsbook and were told by a manager that an agreement was reached with employees that they would be paid this week.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online publications try to assist players get their deposits back
Kudos to online gambling publications Gambling911 and TheOnlineWire.com for trying to find out where players at BetonSports stand in relation to recovering the monies in their accounts when the group was taken offline by a US federal court order. The order forbade the company to take any business from Americans, and ordering the repayment of monies deposited (see previous InfoPowa reports)
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After a month in custody, the ex-BetonSports CEO is freed with tough bail conditions
Former online gambling executive David Carruthers was freed on a $1 million bond Wednesday after spending a month behind bars following his arrest on racketeering and fraud charges, Associated Press reports.
Carruthers (48) was freed after a hearing before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Medler. He had been expected to be released as early as Monday but it took days to work out technical details. Among those details: A dedicated phone line had to be installed at the residence where he will stay.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bodog sponsored player cleans up to the tune of $12 million at WSOP....and beyond
The new World Series of Poker champion is Jamie Gold following a tough 14 hour slug-out at the final table (see previous InfoPowa bulletins) that culminated in the early hours of Friday morning Las Vegas time in a heads up between former movie star agent Gold and Paul Wasicka.
Gold had amassed a chip armoury 7 times larger than Wasickas in his aggressive and skilful journey to the top, and just seven hands into heads-up play, Gold raised to $1.7 million preflop and Wasicka called. The flop came Qc-8h-5h, and after Gold checked, Wasicka bet out $1.5 million. Gold moved all-in, and Wasicka hesitated for a moment while Gold tried to goad him into a call. Wasicka seemed to read Gold for weakness and made the call with two tens, while Gold showed Q-9 for top pair. The turn came an ace, and the river a four, offering no help to Wasicka, and Jamie Gold was the new World Champion.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Target date of December 2006 easily passed, with 107 accredited online gambling venues
The online gambling standards and player protection body eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) has easily achieved its target of accrediting 100 online casinos and poker rooms before the end of December 2006.
In an announcement this week the chief executive officer of the non-profit organisation, Andrew Beveridge said that the board of directors was delighted by the positive response to the "100 Seals Campaign"- a reference to the "Play It Safe eCOGRA seal awarded to operators who have passed tough probity and operational efficiency inspections and continuous monitoring for fair games and safe gambling.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minister McDowell announces new committee to examine regulation of casinos
The Irish government Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell TD, announced this week that the Government has agreed his proposals for the establishment of a committee (the Casino Regulation Committee) to report on the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State. Internet gaming is included in the brief.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Despite Friday's withdrawal from all US activity, the UK gambling group still faces prosecution, but Carruthers may be allowed out on bail soon.
The closure of all US facing BetonSports operations (see previous InfoPowa bulletins), including its large service centre in Costa Rica and other facilities in Antigua, which has thrown hundreds of people into unemployment will not pacify the US prosecutors, it seems.
Federal prosecutors said Friday they will continue prosecuting BetOnSports PLC even though the online gambling company is shutting down its operations that take bets from U.S. customers, and faces a bleak business future.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That's a lot of letters - Poker Players' Alliance now has 100 000 members
The high profile Poker Players' Alliance renewed its attack on US legislative attempts to outlaw online gambling this week with a letter writing campaign designed to awaken US Senators to anti-banning sentiment from US citizens.
The Alliance appealed to its 100 000 members to join in a letter writing campaign to their state senators, with PPA president Michael Bolcerek telling members that the group must continue to make their voices ever louder to prevent the Senate from passing the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, which would ban online gambling, including online poker.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foxwoods the venue again this year for multi-million dollar tournment
The World Poker Tour has announced that the World Poker Finals tournament will be held between October 25 and November 17 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino.
WPT officials say that this year's prize pool is likely to top $15 million, ensuring fierce competition for big money prizes - last year's winner took home $2.1 million.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eastern Europe the target for new online poker venture
Poker fans in Eastern Europe can look forward to a new online venue, Perpetuum Poker launching in September following a deal between the Allgames operator group and Swedish software and games provider B2B Poker.
Eastern Europe is becoming an increasingly attractive market for gambling groups, and Allgames has been building experience and business in the region since its formation in 1997 and commencement of gaming operations two years later. That success is evidenced by a customer base that is 60 percent comprised of Russian and former Soviet bloc players. A spokesman said that Moscow is particular is a profitable operational region due to high incomes, a cultural propensity to gamble, and significant internet penetration.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E-Cash processor revenues up 42 percent in second quarter, 52 percent over the half-year
There were more positive second quarter results from online gambling related companies this week, including payment processor FireOne, which owns the Fire Pay e-wallet solutions.
The company release numbers that showed second quarter revenues for the company at US$ 24.8 million, a 42 percent increase on the same period in 2005. First half revenues rose to US$ 50 million, a 54 percent increase on H1 2005.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iberian possibilities for soft games agreement
In an agreement that will enable Spanish and possibly other Latin markets to access its games, UK soft gaming company Million-2-1 has signed a new licence deal with Grupo Melflur.
The Spanish telecommunications company will allow Million-2-1 to offer its SMS games throughout Spain and Portugal for an initial contract period of a year. There are also plans for the agreement to be extended throughout South America, and for a TV partnership.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sexy stuff for loyalty points
A subsidiary of the mobile technology company Zone4Play, Mad4Babes.com, has launched a new and mobile version of the game Keno.
3G Keno will be available on the same handsets as Mad4Babes other offerings such as Catch Blair and roulette. The game, 3G Krazy Keno, is part of the companys Play4Points scheme, where customers redeem erotic content for loyalty points.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"The whole internet gaming ban is a joke...."
U.S. movie producer Philip Ittleson is following the ethos of his poker documentary "No Limit" this week by publicising his Let The People Play.org website to help educate and unite the millions of poker players in the United States who are against legislation that would ban online gambling, including poker.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GSN renews its option on cash game poker series
Poker fans who enjoyed the last season of the televised cash game poker series "High Stakes Poker" can look forward to a third season this week following the announcement by Game Show Network that it intends to again take up its option for a further season.
"We were betting that 'High Stakes Poker' would be a success, and we have won big," said Rich Cronin, GSN president and CEO. "This show has proven to be a breakout hit with poker fans. We couldn't be more pleased by the response that we have gotten from viewers and television critics who have called 'High Stakes Poker' a 'must-see' and the 'best poker show' on television."
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Slot machine giant gets the nod of approval from the Gaming Control Board
The emerging market for hand held, mobile gambling devices for use within Nevada land gaming properties is attracting some big guns, including slot machine leader International Gaming Technologies (IGT) reports Associated Press this week.
The company has won an endorsement from Nevada regulators to compete for the business in the form of a Gaming Control Board recommendation that the Reno-based slot manufacturer be licensed as an operator of mobile gambling systems. The board's parent state Gaming Commission will have the final say at an August 24 hearing.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Live-over-the-Internet" gambling inventor widens his intellectual property protection
Mel Molnick, CEO of Home Gambling Network, will have been celebrating this week following the recognition of his "live-over-the-Internet" gambling patent by the European Patent Office.
In a public announcement Molnick, who has launched litigation against patent infringers in the past, says that on August 2, 2006, the European Patent Office issued him with a patent for live gaming events with electronic fund transfers for remote players. Mr. Molnick's Patent is now registered in all EPO countries and member territories.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. poll shows nearly half of respondents would play casual games rather than go to the cinema
Reuters has published an intriguing story on the growing popularity of "soft" games like "Bejewelled" and "Text Twist" in the United States.
Quoting the Hollywood Reporter, the report reveals that a substantial minority of American adults would rather spend their free time playing casual games than watch television.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Day One for online betting exchange is August 22
The Australian media are commenting extensively on the upcoming blast-off for Betfair's Australian operations following reports that the controversial online betting exchange will begin full local operations in Australia by the end of this month.
The reports say that the website will be shut down for about eight hours on August 22 for a final software upgrade before Betfair Australia launches its Hobart-based operation - a joint venture between Betfair UK and the Packer family's Publishing and Broadcasting Limited that was licensed on February 7. Betting to date has been on the UK site.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Million dollar prize for the winner
Several new online poker rooms have joined the huge Ongame poker network, and as a result it has been decided to both expand and reschedule the upcoming Ongame Network Poker Classic, Ongame announced this week.
With a guaranteed prize pool of $5 million, of which a million will go to the overall winner, this is a seriously attractive tournament and the addition of a $50 000 freeroll for early bird qualifiers makes for more interest.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No more telephone bets from Americans says sportsbook company in reporting excellent results
London listed Australian gambling group Betcorp has become the latest online sportsbook company to stop taking telephone bets from American residents, and is reviewing its US-facing businesses in the wake of the BetonSports arrests and charges (see earlier InfoPowa reports).
Like BetonSports before the calamity, US business accounted for up to 85 per cent of the total and telephone bets 9 per cent of revenues for the company.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CYOP launches latest online gambling venture
RedFelt Software Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of online gambling group CYOP Systems International Inc.has announced plans to enter the sportsbook sectorin the near future, complementing last months launch of Red Felt Casino.
Red Felt Sports Book.com will be focused on the Asian and European markets; areas where online gambling is growing at a frenetic pace.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online gaming has supercharged the local job market
One of the most interesting articles on the industry this week was carried by the BBC, which looked at the online gambling licensing jurisdiction of Gibraltar, a self governing territory neighbouring Spain which has close ties with Britain.
Such is the demand for staff, the article asserts, that online gambling companies like Party Poker are offering bounties of up to GBP 1 500 to staff members who recruit the right sort of smart young people.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interview with Gambling911 produces some interesting insights into the WTO conflict
The online gambling publication Gambling911 carried an insightful interview this week with Mark Mendel, lead counsel for Antigua on the Antigua vs. the United States World Trade Organisation case. Mendel is a respected lawyer with the firm of Mendel-Blumenfeld, LLP with offices in El Paso, TX, Albuquerque, NM, and Cork, Ireland.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First event of the second season moves to Foxwoods during the WPT stop there on November 7th.
Some schedule changes to this year's (second) Professional Poker Tour were announced this week.
The PPT starts on September 11th during the Borgata Poker Open, and the schedule has now been changed to move the first event of the second season to Foxwoods during the WPT stop there on November 7th.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canadian group still hunting for a software development company
Reuters reports that online gaming company Excapsa Software Inc. remains intent on buying a casino software developer after swinging into the black with its interim results.
Chief Executive Jim Ryan told the news service in an interview this week: "We are actively pursuing casino software - we would like to buy a casino software developer and extend our offering."
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro will represent Betfair at international tournaments, help online poker players and star in new downloadable video project.
Betfair Poker has signed a deal with Thomas Buzzer Bhil which formalises his position as one of Team Betfair's sponsored pros.
He joins Ben Milky Bar Kid Grundy and Bengt Sonnert in representing Betfair at major tournaments. The three pros will also play important roles in the education of new Betfair Poker players.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21 year old poker ace wins the Bellagio Cup Championship
Shannon Shorr, a 21 year old poker ace wrapped up his first World Series of Poker appearance this week with a big win at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and now has more than enough cash in the bank to cover his tuition fees at the University of Alabama, where he is studying civil engineering.
With over a million dollars earned playing poker, Shorr's wondering if school's his best bet. The poker playing undergraduate says he has some thinking to do after spending eight months as a professional poker player. He started his sideline career by playing online at Party Poker, then globetrotted around the world playing live events in Australia, Austria, Spain and the Bahamas until he turned 21.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Multiplatform site makes an interesting mix of technology
The Betcorp subsidiary Ready2Bet.com opened its virtual doors to the public this week, offering access to sportsbook, poker, online casino, horseracing and (soon) mobile gambling too.
The different services offered by the site present an interesting mix of gambling software technologies: the sportsbook is powered by IQ Ludorum; the casino by Playtech and the Betholdem poker facilities by Microgaming.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
California bound for poker tournaments
With ladies poker growing at a phenomenal rate, it's not surprising that there are good opportunities for fun, thrills and reward in major "ladies only" tourneys upcoming this (August) month.
In California, both the Bicycle and Commerce casinos are getting the tables ready, starting on August 19 at the Bicycle, where as part of the Legends of Poker Tournament, there is a scheduled two day $100+25 Ladies event.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New online casino will have Flash-based software
Canadian software developer and turnkey provider Chartwell Technology has been signed up by the UK company Cashcade to provide a full system on a new online casino, branded Getmintedmax.com .
Getmintedmax.com is Cashcade's own fast moving brand and the company is planning for the new casino to further expand its current player base of over 300 000.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No confirmation, but Bwin shareprice increased
The volatile online gambling sector saw some welcome relief for Bwin (Bet and Win group) this week after its 30 percent fall following the German state of Saxony ban from taking sports bets in Germany. Unconfirmed rumours that Party Gaming was interested in the stock sent it 5 percent up.
The troubled Austrian betting group has two weeks to challenge the Saxony ruling in a court in Dresden, and had earlier claimed that German politicians wanted to retain the state betting monopoly for fiscal reasons.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Innovative multiplayer blackjack tournaments set to go
Interactive gaming technology developer Zone4Play has launched a new, wholly owned Isle of Man registered company called Gaming Ventures plc to market and operate a recently developed multiplayer blackjack tournament system for which it has big ambitions.
Gaming Ventures will have two main business models: one, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Get21 Ltd ("Get21"), to market the multiplayer Black Jack tournaments gaming directly to consumers and the second, through another wholly owned subsidiary, RNG Gaming Ltd, to further develop and license the Black Jack gaming technology to third parties based on a license fee and revenue share basis.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Pokermillion - The Masters" ties to pro celebrity tourney next month
Pokerheads who like their gaming on the move can look forward to some action next month with the release of a new mobile poker game called Poker Million: The Masters. As the name suggests, the new product is the latest in the Poker Million game collection developed by Player One Limited.
The release of the game ties in with the Pokermillion Masters pro-celebrity tournament, which swings into action next month.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full Contact Poker and Dan the Man have an offer ambitious poker players can't refuse - 4 X $10 000 buy-ins!
Poker star Daniel Negreanu and FullContactPoker.com (FCP) will ante up again soon with the launch of Negreanu's Protege 2, a contest where one lucky member of the FCP community will win the chance to become a poker star in their own right - bankrolled by FullContactPoker.com and under the watchful eye of Kid Poker himself, Daniel Negreanu.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Veteran UK bookie is now Man U's official bookmaker and online gaming partner
It's been a red-letter week for veteran UK bookmaking firm Betfred, owned by the legendary Fred Done; the company has been signed up by the famous Manchester United football club as the latest member on its roll of sponsors.
Done and his company Betfred, claimed to be the worlds biggest independent bookmaker, have become Uniteds official bookmaking and online gaming partner in the multi-million pound deal. As a longtime fan of The Reds, Done said: This is a dream come true. Ive been a season ticket holder at United for 45 years and the opportunity to be an official partner was a deal I could not pass up. Im a mad Red and have the utmost respect for Sir Alex."
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
But it may not be in the States - Bodog CEO says the company is looking at "a number of international venues"
Calvin Ayre, the CEO of the Bodog online gambling and entertainment group says that the popular Bodog.com Marketing Conference organised by his company will definitely take place before the end of this (2006) year, although it may not be in its traditional Vegas home.
The conference was postponed this year amid the confusion and speculation occasioned by the U.S. Department of Justice's prosecution of BetonSports and its erstwhile CEO David Carruthers, who was transitting the USA when arrested.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postponed marketing conference now rescheduled for Atlantis
You can't keep a good online gambling group down! The Bodog group's conference organisers have made a remarkably fast recovery following the postponement of the company's popular marketing conference in Vegas last month following Department of Justice activities in the BetonSports case (see earlier InfoPowa bulletins)
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gambling focus shifts to Asia in light of current legal situation in US
Conference organisers are licking their lips at improved prospects for Asian markets following the BetonSports legal hassles in the United States, and the effect this will probably have on online gambling companies operating in that area and needing to diversify.
In particular the mobile gambling, gaming and lotteries market is becoming a key product in gaming and gambling company portfolios. With Europe leading the way with mobile applications, the ultra tech-savvy Asia-Pac market is building momentum and has considerable potential.
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PREVIOUS NEWS ARTICLES... |
|
|
| 17th June 2006
|
| 24th June 2006
|
| 1st July 2006
|
| 11th July 2006
|
| 23rd July 2006
|
| 27th July 2006
|
| 6th August 2006
|
| 12th August 2006
|
|
|
|
|
