| Neteller
Shocker
Aug 1st, 2007 - Embattled e-wallet Neteller reentered the London
AIM today (Wednesday) immediately before the market closed, only
to drop 65 percent in value after posting a pre-tax loss of $14
million for the first three months of 2007. The company's shares
have been suspended since January 16.
Neteller Chief Tells Youtube
Users "we're Sorry"
US players get frozen funds and an apology - at last
Homeless
Help From Party Poker
Aug 1st, 2007 - Party Bets.com has come forward with a useful contribution
to the fifth Homeless World Cup currently running until August 4
in Copenhagen.
Code
Of Ethics For Poker Players
Aug 1st, 2007 - The growing membership of the World Poker Association,
founded two years ago by poker professional and successful businessman
Jesse Jones has a practical Code of Ethics to guide them in standards
and behaviour in tournament play following the publication of the
Code last week.
First
Virgin Poker Festival Launched
Aug 1st, 2007 - The online poker element on the Virgin Games site
has big Internet and land crossover plans for 24 to 25 November
this year, when the first Virgin Poker Festival will be held in
the British city of Birmingham at the Broadway Casino.
Has The British Government Taken A Tougher Position On Gambling
Ads?
Aug 1st, 2007 - A Sunday Times report over the weekend could give
further evidence of a cooler British government attitude to gambling
in general and advertising in particular.
Clarity At Last On Eco Card's U.s. Business
Aug 1st, 2007 - US players are to lose another e-payment solution
next month as Eco Card exits the US market after months of speculation
and conflicting information in the international player community.
Online
Gambling Up In Britain
Aug 1st, 2007 - The number of people going online to place a bet
in the UK is on the increase, according to a PA News assessment
of current Gambling Commission statistical studies in Britain.
NETELLER U.S. PAYOUTS IN PROGRESS
(Update)
Aug 1st, 2007 - American online gamblers who have had their Neteller
accounts frozen since January will have been relieved yesterday
to at last see their money, as the Isle of Man-based e-wallet started
paying out the $94 million owned by US players that has been in
limbo whilst the Neteller vs. US Department of Justice drama played
out.
Litigation
Against Sportingbet Filed By U.s. Company
Jul 17th, 2007 - The Hershey, Pennsylvania-based fantasy games company
RotoPlay, Inc.has issued international press releases advising that
it has filed suit against the British publicly listed online gambling
company Sportingbet plc.
Antiguan
Legal Counsel Critical Of D Of J Involvement In Wto Case
Jul 17th, 2007 - Antigua's legal counsel during its online gambling
dispute with the United States at the World Trade Organisation has
been sharply critical of American motivations and Department of
Justice involvement this week.
Party
Poker Upgrades
Jul 17th, 2007 - PartyPoker.com has announced an upgrade that includes
the opportunity to earn PartyPoints faster; a new level of service
and a series of features extending the customer service experience.
Danish
Court Deems Poker Legal
Jul 17th, 2007 - The Copenhagen Post reports that a Danish municipal
court has ruled that poker tournaments do not contravene Danish
gaming laws.
Top Neteller Exec Resigns
Jul 17th, 2007 - As the week closed there was more bad news from
the besieged Isle of Man-based e-wallet Neteller plc, with the announcement
that executive chairman Gord Herman has resigned "to concentrate
on personal matters", and will be replaced by non-executive
director Dale Johnson as non-executive chairman, both with immediate
effect.
Top Washington Lobbyist Hired
By P.p.a.
Campaign to legalise online poker goes up a gear
Absolute's Bad Beat Bonus Hits Again
Jul 17th, 2007 - Absolute Poker.com's innovative Bad Beat Jackpot
continues to attract action and bail out bad beat victims, with
the latest payout being to an online player who lost a Texas Hold
Em hand with quad Aces, hitting the highest Bad Beat Jackpot yet
and winning over $160 000 in cash.
More
Interesting Info From Bwin Study Of Online Sportsbetting
Jul 17th, 2007 - The Bwin-sponsored Harvard Medical School study
of online sportsbettors continues to reveal interesting and useful
information on betting demographics and patterns.
JERRY
YANG THE VICTOR IN 2007 WSOP MAIN EVENT (Update)
Jul 17th, 2007 - Well after 4am Wednesday morning Vegas time this
year's 2007 World Series of Poker main event final table was finally
decided at hand 205, and Jerry Yang who has held onto the chip lead
throughout and eliminated all but one of the final tablers, is the
man of the hour.
Big
Brother Publicity For Virgin Games
Jul 5th, 2007 - Virgin Games has harnessed the marketing power of
the UK television reality series Big Brother 8 (BB8) sponsored by
Virgin Media to launch an online advertising campaign that will
publicise its Internet betting service, Virgin Bets.com.
Smart
Anti-problem Gambling Measures For Svenska Spel
Jul 5th, 2007 - Radio Sweden is reporting that the Swedish government
online gambling orgnaisation Svenska Spel is to introduce advanced
artifical intelligence software in a bid to combat problem gambling.
Uk
Opposition Leader To Call For New Age Limit On Gambling?
Jul 5th, 2007 - The British newspaper The Daily Mail reports that
the Leader of the Opposition in the British Parliament, David Cameron
is going to call on the Labour government led by Gordon Brown to
raise the age limit for all forms of gambling to 18.
Housing Addition To Frank Bill
To Legalise U.s. Online Gambling?
Unsourced reports suggest that Congressman Frank has added an interesting
new clause to his proposals
Another
Betonsports Arrest?
Jul 5th, 2007 - Documents filed in the US District Court for the
Eastern District of Missouri indicate Steinberg held Although no
details have yet emerged on where and how he was arrested, it appears
that Norman Steinberg, who has been associated with Gary Kaplan
and the moribund BetonSports.com, is being held by federal authorities.
Washington Lawyer Challenges Internet Poker Ban
Jul 5th, 2007 - A Renton, Washington lawyer has filed a lawsuit
challenging the Washington state ban on Internet poker, the Seattle
Intelligencer newspaper reports.
Million Dollar Guaranteed Online Poker Tourney From Titan
Jul 5th, 2007 - Titan Poker.com, which already claims an investment
of $6 million a month on promotions and tournaments, has announced
a monster $1 million guaranteed promotion which it says is one of
the largest online poker tournaments to be held this year.
Turks
Climb In On Webdollar Online Banking Error
Jul 5th, 2007 - According to reports circulating on industry message
boards as the week ended, Turkish players exploited to the full
a foreign exchange screw-up bonanza that saw some of them being
charged the equivalent of only $10 for their $1 000 deposits at
Boss Media casinos.
Sportsbook
Software Provider Hits Hard Times
Jul 5th, 2007 - Sportsbetting software provider Alphameric says
it will be reviewing its business strategy after making a trading
report that reveals a pre-tax six month loss of GBP 1.8 million,
compared with a GBP 3.3 million profit in the previous year.
Visits To U.s. Gambling Sites
Up In June
World Series of Poker sparks growth to gambling sites
Slower Interactive Business
In Latest Will Hill Trading Report
But players and profits up
Pub Playing Poker Players Could
Be On Uk Television
Sky Poker Partners with the Poker Project
Possible
Bwin Vs. German States Compensation Claim?
Jun 25th, 2007 - The chief executive of the Vienna-listed Bwin online
gambling group has indicated in a German newspaper interview that
his company may present the 16 German states with a major compensation
claim after its business and reputation suffered as a result of
monopolistic gaming bans.
Concern
Over Reported French Moves To Axe Eu Accessibility Clauses
Jun 25th, 2007 - Ripples of concern were widening through EU nations
today over reports on a French government spokesman's comment that
France's new president Nicolas Sarkozy wants to axe a clause that
makes 'free and undistorted competition' a goal for the 27-nation
European Union in a draft treaty.
First
Mahjong World Champ Crowned
Jun 25th, 2007 - Hui Chung-Lai, a Hong Kong player who has more
than 50 years of experience in the ancient game of Mahjong this
week clinched the inaugural World Series of Mahjong Championship
title in Macau with a score of 423.11 points. He received the golden
Mahjong Champion medal and a US$ 500 000 check from the CEO of World
Mahjong Limited, Mr. John Hardyment.
Caribbean
Politician Bends Bush's Ear On Internet Gambling Ban
Jun 25th, 2007 - Interactive Gaming News reports that Baldwin Spencer,
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, raised his nation's well
known I-gaming dispute with the United States during a meeting this
week between Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and US President
George W. Bush.
7 Nations File Compensation Claims Against The U.s.a.
Jun 25th, 2007 - It appears that Canada, Australia and Macau-China
have joined Antigua and Barbuda, the 27 nation European Union, India,
Costa Rica, Macau and possibly Japan in considering compensation
claims against the United States following its unilateral and unprecedented
decision to remove gambling from its decades-old World Trade Organisation
trade obligations (see previous InfoPowa reports).
Beating The Bad Beat
Jun 25th, 2007 - The online poker site Absolute Poker.com has introduced
a new Bad Beat Jackpot that allows player suffering from bad beat
blues to turn their situation around, adding a new spin to its Texas
Hold'em poker games.
Bad
News From Israel
Jun 25th, 2007 - Reports from the Israeli news publication Haaretz
indicate that a District Court in Tel Aviv has upheld a lower court
finding that companies operating online gambling websites targeting
Israelis are breaking the law, even if operated and registered abroad.
IGH
SHORT ON CAPITAL? (Update)
Jun 25th, 2007 - Interactive Gaming Holdings (IGH), owner of the
Premier Bet and Heathorns betting and gaming brands continues to
experience financial problems following the recent departure of
its former CEO John Heaton (see previous InfoPowa reports). This
week the company, the shares of which are suspended on the London
market, belatedly published a set of full year 2006 results showing
a further after tax loss of GBP 1.92 million (2005: GBP 2.33 million)
Eu To Use Wto Online Gambling
Fracas To Open Up U.s. Trade
Jun 17th, 2007 - Just a few days before the June 22 World Trade
Organisation deadline for compensation claims against the United
States in respect of its protectionist stand on Internet gambling,
the European Union has given notice to the United States that it
expects compensation.
Sad End For The Pokerdome
Jun 17th, 2007 - Remember the excitement and publicity surrounding
the advent of the Pokerdome just last year? The $12 million, hi-tech
poker venue in Las Vegas looked set to revolutionise poker competitions
with interesting high-tech innovations. Design features aimed at increasing
spectator appeal were built in, like LED displays for the dealer button
and players' pulse rates monitored in high-pressure situations and
displayed to the audience from an encapsulated playing area.
Uk Poker Clubs Reject Regulation
Jun 17th, 2007 - The UK Poker Clubs Association was poised to carry
out its April threat to litigate against government moves to regulate
it as we went to press this week. The Financial Times reported that
the clubs, representing 72 000 players across 14 organisations intend
to lodge an application for a judicial review in the High Court
in London today (Friday) to halt government regulatory plans.
Online Poker And Music Combine
Jun 17th, 2007 - Scotland’s "T in the Park Festival"
features some of the hottest acts in UK music at one of the biggest
annual outdoor festivals in Europe. This year the PKR.com online
poker company will be introducing the audience to something a little
different by showcasing online play on casino games and poker for
the first time at a music festival.
Online Poker Head Hunting From
Cryptologic
Jun 17th, 2007 - Online poker software developer CryptoLogic Limited
played another ‘ace’ this week with an Internet poker
industry first - a ‘headhunter’ tournament software
concept in which players win cash for every player they eliminate.
The company also unveiled new features that allow players to learn
and improve by reviewing key hands and identifying the turning point
in every big match.
Online Gambling Group Blasts
Cycle Tour Organisers
Jun 17th, 2007 - Online gambling group Unibet is understandably
outraged at a ban on its sponsored Green Cycle Team from next month's
Tour de France - allegedly because of French laws that forbid online
gambling advertising by foreign companies. The injustice is compounded
because the main sponsor of the Tour, which begins in London, is
France's horse betting monopoly Pari Mutuel Urbain, with French
lottery operator La Francaise des Jeux the sponsor of a team, too.
Complications For Bwin's Real
Madrid Deal
Jun 17th, 2007 - With the ink hardly dry on a major sponsorship
deal between the famous Real Madrid football club in Spain and top
Austrian online betting group Bwin Interactive (see previous InfoPowa
report) it appears that a consumer protection association is trying
to throw a spanner in the works.
First Offline Poker Tournament
Planned By Sky Poker
Jun 17th, 2007 - The English Midlands city of Birmingham has been
chosen as the venue Sky Poker's first ever offline poker tournament,
with the city's Broadway Casino as the venue.
Party Gaming An Attractive
Proposition For Amercian Giants?
Jun 17th, 2007 - Speculation in UK business circles is mounting
following last week's disclosure by the London-listed online gambling
group Party Gaming that it was involved in discussions with US authorities
over its legal position in that country.
Wsop
$1 500 No Limit Hold 'em Pays Out Bigtime
Jun 6th, 2007 - World Series of Poker action continued to dominate
the weekend, with many poker pros signing up for different events,
in many cases going from an elimination in one event such as the
$5 000 Mixed Hold 'Em to the $1 500 buy-in No Limit Hold 'Em, which
attracted a record field of 2 998 players - many of them top-ranking
pros or experienced online tournament players. Last year's entry
for the event boasted a starting field 222 smaller.
Neteller
Founders Still Untried
Jun 6th, 2007 - Neteller founders Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre
will remain untried for a further month, according to a statement
this week by the public information officer for the US District
Attorney's Office in New York, where both men are on massive $5
million bail and restricted to movement within the state.
U.s. Attorney's Office Neteller
Statement
"Supporting illegal gambling is not a business risk, it
is a crime," says US official
Uk Gambling Promo Restrictions
Agreed
Betting companies to confine kiddie shirt sponsorships and obey
advert curfew
Neteller To Withdraw From Israeli
Market
Legal uncertainties given as the reason
More Asian Moves For Cryptologic
568 Network deal strengthens Asian strategy
New Boss For Gigamedia
CFO takes command
Uk Bingo Sites Change Hands
For Gbp 13.5 Million
Cashcade Buys OnlineBingo.co.uk and Think Bingo
Neteller
Releases Update On Us Online Gambling Funds
Jun 6th, 2007 - Besieged Isle of Man e-wallet Neteller issued a
press release updating the public on its situation this week, but
it wasn't the news many have been waiting for - in fact it followed
pretty closely the wording of previous announcements (see previous
InfoPowa reports)
iMEGA
DEALS A NEW CARD IN ONLINE GAMBLING
Jun 6th, 2007 - Setting the Internet message boards and company
communications alight this week is news that a little known organisation
titled the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association
(iMEGA) has filed a lawsuit against U.S. Attorney General Alberto
Gonzales, apparently with the objective of halting the enforcement
of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
Poker Persecution In Winnipeg
Jun 6th, 2007 - Canadian media reports this week told of three Winnipeg
clubs busted for illegally profiting from Texas Hold'em poker games
by taking a rake, or cut of the money.
Google Extends Online Gambling Ad Ban To Free Play Sites
Jun 6th, 2007 - The giant search engine and information site Google
in the UK has extended its ban on Internet gambling adverts to embrace
play-for-free sites with immediate effect.
Multiplayer
Viper Software Launched
Jun 6th, 2007 - Online gamblers will be able to compete head to
head with other fans of games like Lara Croft Tomb Raider and Thunderstruck
with the introduction of new multiplayer Viper software from Isle
of Man based Microgaming.
No
More Cybercafe Licences For China
Jun 6th, 2007 - Citing the need to reduce the potential for harm
to young people, Chinese officials will not license any more Internet
cafes this year while regulators carry out an industry-wide inspection.
New Look For
Titan Poker
Jun 1th, 2007 - Titan Poker.com has undergone a total revamp and
re-design, giving the website a slick new look and feel with new,
warmer and more impactful colours in a move away from the former
standard soft blues to a more edgy black and red. Adding educational
content to the site, a new facility titled "Titan Poker Academy"
has been introduced as part of the remodelling.
Players Advisory
Council Appointed For W.s.o.p.
Jun 1th, 2007 - World Series of Poker top management will be receiving
top quality and extensively experienced player advice from eight
poker professionals who have agreed to join a new International
Players Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council will be to
consult with World Series of Poker management on ways to enhance
the player experience for registrants who come from outside North
America.
Good Start
To 2007 For 888.com
Jun 1th, 2007 - In a regulatory statement to the London stock exchange
this week the chairman of online gambling group 888 Holdings plc
says that first quarter results will be up to expectations as a
result of acquiring more customers and introducing new games.
Roxy And Splendido
Exit U.s.a.
Jun 1th, 2007 - Marketing affiliates for online gambling operations
Roxy Palace, Casino Splendido and Roxy Poker were informed by the
owners this week that the three venues would be withdrawing from
the US market with effect from June 1st 2007. The sites were formerly
available to American online gamblers resident outside the 11 states
which expressly forbid online gambling.
Uk Gambling
Commission May Rein In Novelty Betting
Jun 1th, 2007 - Recent novelty betting partnerships between Will
Hill and Paddypower, and more recently Betfair and Virgin Games
could find themselves restricted by the UK Gambling Commission following
its announcement last week that it is to consider introducing tough
restrictions on the type of bets that bookmakers are allowed to
offer.
More Disputes
Settled In Favour Of The Player At Ecogra
Jun 1th, 2007 - The Fair Gaming Advocate at online gambling standards
and player protection authority eCOGRA has released the latest dispute
statistics, covering the period January to April 2007 and showing
that 54 percent of disputes over the period were settled in favour
of the player.
New Games From
Microgaming Feature Jaunty Jellyfish And An Animal World Cup
Jun 1th, 2007 - Three quality new games debut from the Microgaming
stable this month – a traditional British pub fruity offer,
an unusual deep-sea video slot and the latest in the company's series
of video poker variants.
New Online Gambling Progressive
Game Imminent
Jun 1th, 2007 - Online gambling software provider Magnus Entertainment
Group is busy building some impressive publicity hype this week
on a new progressive jackpot game from its subsidiary Magnus Gaming
Technologies Ltd. Branded "Megaz Bucks", not much is known
about the game and its potential rewards despite all the publicity.
First
South African Poker Championship Won By U.s. Online Player
May 25th, 2007 - The inaugural South
African Poker Open, held at the luxurious Montecasino complex in
Johannesburg, came to a successful end this week after an impressive
display of skill by All Africa poker champs, veteran players and
international online qualifiers.
Bwin
Wins Another Online Gambling Issue
May 25th, 2007 - Bwin has won another legal hand in an online gambling
dispute in which Omnia Communication-Centers GmbH sought an injunction
to curtail the betting group's Austrian activities.
U.s.
Attacked Over W.t.o. Decision
May 25th, 2007 - The World Trade Organisation
dispute over online gambling with Antigua moved centre stage again
in Geneva, Switzerland Tuesday as the Antigua and Barbuda delegate
criticised the USA and asked other countries to join it in seeking
compensation from Washington for its failure to comply with global
trade rules.
Virgin
- Betfair Partner Up R
May 25th, 2007 - Virgin Bets, a new
betting service from the Virgin Games stable will be at the centre
of a marketing push, probably in the autumn, and supporting the
action will be the experience of major online betting group Betfair.
More Big Money In Gukpt Event
May 25th, 2007 - The Grosvenor UK Poker
Tour (GUKPT) continued to attract attention with exciting poker
and big money last weekend in Brighton, with an hour-long tense
heads up between David Smith and Neil Carr for a bumper first prize
of GBP 95 100 ($189 000).
Smoothing The Payouts At Wsop
May 25th, 2007 - News items on the
next World Series of Poker are proliferating as the biggest poker
event in the world draws closer, and this week the subject was how
busted players who are in the money bubble are paid out.
Pokerstars Reports Biggest Ever Sunday
Turnout
May 25th, 2007 - Continuing to break online poker records in its
regular Sunday tournaments, Poker Stars.com achieved a stunning
new all-time attendance record this weekend when 10 894 players
pitched for its big Sunday Millions event.
Online
Payment Processor Action
May 25th, 2007 - The lucrative if confusing European payment processing
sector will soon see Canadian competition following an announcement
that Vancouver-based payZILLA Technologies Inc, has acquired the
European facing payZ EU firm.
Bingo
Hall Smoking Bans Could Be Good News For Online Gambling
May 25th, 2007 - Commissioned by online gambling white label provider
St Minver in Gibraltar, a recent research study has found there
could be a positive business spin-off for online gambling companies
in the wake of UK smoking bans in land bingo halls.
U.s.
Horse Racing Quick To Deploy The Internet
May 20th, 2007 - According to press
releases distributed through PRWeb this week, sections of the horse
racing business in the USA have been quick to urge Americans to
use the Internet for their betting and racing information.
Bwin Quarterly
Results Improve
May 20th, 2007 - Austrian public company Bwin has released its latest
quarterly report with the good news that things are getting better
after a tough recent history that saw significant short term losses,
mainly due to the UIGEA impact on subsidiary Ongame.
eCOGRA
ONLINE GAMBLING TEST REGIME ACCEPTED BY GIBRALTAR
May 20th, 2007 - eCommerce and Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance
(eCOGRA) has become one of the first organisations to be approved
by the Ministry responsible for Gambling of the Government of Gibraltar
for testing and certifying the integrity of online gambling equipment
and software used by Gibraltar licensees.
Telephone Wagers Decline At Ladbrokes
May 20th, 2007 - London-listed Ladbrokes, which claims to be the
world's largest publicly traded gaming company, has announced that
profit fell 10 percent in the first four months of 2007 due to fewer
telephone wagers.
Uc Group Launches U.s. Online Gambling Awareness Initiative
May 20th, 2007 - The London-based UC Group payment services provider,
in association with British accounting group Baker Tilly has launched
its Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative (see previous InfoPowa
reports) across the United States. The initiative urges support
for legislative attempts by Congressman Barney Frank to regulate
and license online gambling in the United States as the optimum
way to protect online players.
Name And Domain Change For A Veteran Online Casino
May 20th, 2007 - Players at the Cryptologic-powered "The Sands
of the Caribbean" online casino have been informed this week
that the long-established venue has been re-branded.
Who
Bought The Poker.com Domain?
May 20th, 2007 - In the two weeks since the Casino Affiliate Convention
ended, there has been growing speculation about who bought the Poker.com
domain....and how much they paid for it. The domain was part of
a silent auction held during the event, in which high prices were
recorded for a number of singular domains.
Poker
Stars Hits Its 10 Billionth Hand
May 20th, 2007 - Over 100 000 pokerheads were
on the Poker Stars.com tables this weekend, hoping they would be
at the right time and in the right seat for the 10 billionth hand
of online poker, imminent at the world's biggest online poker venue
(see previous InfoPowa report).
Party
Poker Presence At W.s.o.p.
May 16th, 2007 - Despite its cautious approach to Internet-sponsored
contestants, the World Series of Poker appears to have no problem
with accepting heavyweight advertising from online poker companies,
judging by an agreement signed this week.
Florida
Ups The Poker Ante
May 16th, 2007 - Unless Florida governor Crist vetos it (an extremely
unlikely occurrence) Florida poker players will be able to up their
bets from July 1 following passage of a bill through the Florida
House and Senate that raises the maximum betting limits in the state.
Young
Online Poker Gun Takes The Grand Prix De Paris
May 16th, 2007 - The 18 year old Canadian online poker star Will
Ma (better known as cuteipi314 in the virtual arena) emerged as
the champ in the final table of the Grand Prix de Paris at the Aviation
Club de France in Paris this weekend.
Texas Poker
Proposal Folds
May 16th, 2007 - Texas state Representative Jose Menendez's bill
HB 3186, which proposed improving the legal position for Texas poker
players' game of choice, has been [temporarily] stymied by a procedural
time-out according to media reports from the state that gave Texas
Hold Em its name.
New Trustee At Gamcare
May 16th, 2007 - Gamcare, the responsible gambling body based in
the UK has appointed a new member to its Board of Trustees. President
of the board, Lord Andrew McIntosh welcomed Simon Thomas, an experienced
gaming executive, aboard last month.
Canadian Problem Gambling Survey Planned
May 16th, 2007 - The provincial government of British Columbia is
commissioning a new study on problem gambling, a week after news
reports that casino employees often encounter distressed gamblers,
and some who are aggressive or threatening at casinos in the region.
Czech
Possiblities For Online Gambling Are Attractive
May 16th, 2007 - The Czech Business Weekly carried an intriguing
interview with corporate lawyer Jindøich Rajchl, who does
work for the giant Austrian-listed betting group Bwin Interactive
among others.
Online
Poker Software Firm Looking For Business
May 16th, 2007 - It appears that Playwize plc, the AIM-listed games
developer with links to Microgaming may be gearing up to market
its reportedly exciting new animated 3d poker software package which
was the subject of much publicity last year.
U.s. Land Giant's First Quarter
Results Up
May 11th, 2007 - The world's largest gambling group, Harrah's
Entertainment Inc in Las Vegas has reported continued prosperity
in its first quarter 2007 results released this week.
Watch Out For Wsop Scams
May 11th, 2007 - Enterprising crooks have apparently been trying
to scam poker players with offers of heavily discounted seats for
the main event of the 2007 World Series of Poker epic scheduled
for July in Las Vegas.
Honing Your Wsop Skills
May 11th, 2007 - Would be World Series of Poker champions will
have an opportunity to be coached by some of the top names (and
former champions) in the game before this year's epic starts.
Wto Manouevring Could Open
Up A Slippery Slope
May 11th, 2007 - The United States Trade Representative filed a
motion to change its original World Trade Organisation agreements
on the international passage of goods and services this week amid
widespread criticism.
Watch Out For Those Online
Postcard Greetings
May 11th, 2007 - Ever had one of those unexpected "you
have a greeting card waiting" emails from unknown persons?
You're in good company, as hundreds of players report the same scammer
experience, which has now become the subject of an official warning
from IT security firm Sophos.
Search Engines Toughen Up On
Gambling
May 11th, 2007 - New Media Age reports that the search engine
giant Google has refused to review its ban on gambling paid-search
ads following new advertising that sidesteps the company's strict
legislation.
First Quarter 2007 Results
From Wpt
May 11th, 2007 - WPT Enterprises, Inc. has announced financial
results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2007. Highlights for
the quarter include the delivery of five episodes of Season V of
the World Poker Tour (WPT) television series and the signing of
a Professional Poker Tour (PPT) Season I agreement in Finland, which
represents the first executed agreement under the Party Gaming sponsorship
agreement.
Cryptologic In The Money
May 11th, 2007 - Veteran online gambling software provider Cryptologic
has reported another eventful quarter, listing eight new licensee
sites, 40 new games, interesting acquisitions and continuing Asian
expansion among its achievements.
Playtech First Quarter Results
Released
May 11th, 2007 - Online games developer and turnkey provider
Playtech says total revenues for the first quarter 2007 are up on
quarter 4 but lower than the same period last year when US players
were welcome at the firm's licensees. Whilst total revenues rose
14 percent over the last quarter of 2006 to US$19.8 million, there
was a 5 percent decrease when compared to quarter 1 revenues in
2006.
Great
British Poker Tour Will Be On I.t.v.
May 9th, 2007 - British viewers have a poker treat in store following
an agreement between Gala Casinos and ITV4 which will result in
all six festival events in the Great British Poker Tour being televised
later this year.
Us Decision
To Disregard Wto Ruling Is An Insult To The Global Trade Body
May 9th, 2007 - The respected London publication Tax-News.com says
that the decision by the United States government to unilaterally
modify its original World Trade Organisation agreements to remove
online gambling from WTO authority is a slight to the global organisation.
Uk Companies
Hire Us Lobbyists For Online Gambling Grass Roots Campaign
May 9th, 2007 - The efforts of Congressman Barney Frank and other
US politicians to introduce legalised and regulated online gambling
to the United States (see previous InfoPowa reports) will receive
a further boost this week by the news that two U.K.-based companies
are planning a grassroots campaign in favour of legislation to regulate
the multi-billion-dollar industry.
Another Major
Sports Betting Ring Dismantled In N.y.
May 9th, 2007 - New York law enforcement authorities mounted another
major sportsbetting raid this week, deploying over 200 police officers
in an operation that dismantled a $2 million organisation. Local
police departments from New Rochelle, Mount Pleasant, Pleasantville,
White Plains, Yonkers and Yorktown provided assistance in the raids
on 30 different locations, in which 18 operators and bookies were
arrested.
Internet Spam Levels Reach All Time High
May 9th, 2007 - Every Internet user has experienced the irritating
and time wasting hassle that uninvited hard-sell emails - spam -
create, and this week the US specialist network and messaging management
company Ipswitch Inc gave an indication of just how bad the plague
has become.
Blackberry
Hold 'em Launches
May 9th, 2007 - Mobile games developer Hands On Mobile, and Blackberry's
BPlay have at last launched the eagerly anticipated World Poker
Tour (WPT) Texas Hold'em game on Blackberry personal devices.
Final
Chapter For Betonsports
May 9th, 2007 - The Betonsports saga could be nearing an end, according
to a report in the UK newspaper The Sunday Telegraph, which quotes
company officials as saying that the embattled company could be
about to cop a guilty plea bargain with the US Department of Justice,
and that liquidation proceedings could be on the books thereafter.
French
Player Scores The Big One At Everest Online Casino
May 4th, 2007 - In a jackpot hit that
the casino management describes as "phenomenal" this week,
a French player at Everest Casino must have been knee deep in four
leaf clovers, rabbits feet and horseshoes when he clicked in to
the Atlantis video slot, made a single bet and hit the spin button
to win $100 080.
Fast
Recovery From Neteller On Card Issue
May 4th, 2007 - The Isle of Man-based e-wallet
Neteller seems to have bounced back remarkably quickly from the
sudden withdrawal of the Cirrus Maestro network, which forced the
e-wallet to put a hold on the use of the Neteller Card (see previous
InfoPowa report).
North
Carolina Appeals Court Rules That Poker Is A Game Of Chance
May 4th, 2007 - The North Carolina
Appeals Court established a US legal precedent this week by upholding
the decision of a lower court regarding poker in North Carolina,
stating "...while skillful players can reduce the chance factor,
they cannot control the turn of a card." Poker will therefore
remain illegal in North Carolina unless new situations arise.
Party Gaming Signs With Affiliate Fraud Buster
May 4th, 2007 - If you're ripping off
the branding or reputation of Party Gaming, watch out - the gambling
giant has signed up the UK company Envisional for an extensive affiliate
fraud monitoring contract embracing major group online gambling
operations, including Party Casino, Party Bingo and Party Poker.
Cryptologic Acquires Exclusive Rights To Jewel Quest
May 4th, 2007 - CryptoLogic Inc. online
gambling provider subsidiary, WagerLogic Limited, has inked an agreement
for the exclusive rights to develop the first-ever slot version
of Jewel Quest, an award-winning, hugely popular and visually stunning
puzzle-match game by iWin, Inc.
Hong Kong Company Wins China's First Internet Lottery Contract
May 4th, 2007 - The appointment as the first online agent
for China's popular welfare lottery has been won by Hong Kong-listed,
Beijing-backed internet video venture VODOne, company chairman Zhang
Lijun announced this week.
Americas
Card Room Players Welcomed At Bookmaker.com
May 4th, 2007 - Bookmaker.com, the US brand
for the Costa Rican-based group BetCris has acquired players from
the Americas Card Room network and marked the occasion with the
launch of new 3D graphics software.
Three
New Games For Playtech Fans
May 4th, 2007 - Online games developer and
turnkey provider Playtech has released three new games into its
online casino game inventory. The new arrivals are in addition to
the expanded introduction of the progressive side game Dollar Ball
to all of Playtech's non-progressive 5-reel video slots games.
MORTENSEN WINS WPT 2007 CHAMPIONSHIP (Final)
Apr 30th, 2007 - Carlos "El Matador"
Mortensen of Team Full Tilt Poker showed true grit and skill at
the Bellagio in Las Vegas this weekend to win the World Poker Tour
championship bracelet for 2007, along with a winner's prize of almost
$4 million and a $25 000 seat at the World Series of Poker later
this year.
888.com Increases Profits Despite Uigea
Apr 30th, 2007 - The Gibraltar-based
888.com gambling group has shown investors just how resilient it
is with a set of results that includes a 34 percent increase in
year pre tax profit and first-quarter revenues that are 16 percent
ahead of the preceding quarter. And all despite the depredations
of last year's Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act which
caused the group to exit the US market.
European Commission Takes Up Online Gambling
Sponsorship Case
Apr 30th, 2007 - According to reports
in the Financial Times in Britain, the Tour de France cycle race
has been hit by controversy not over drugs but gambling, with a
team banned for being sponsored by an online bookmaker. And the
European Commission is taking an interest in the issue.
Poker For Japan
Apr 30th, 2007 - News from Japan
reflects the growing popularity of poker in that country, where
the inaugural All-Japan Poker Championship has been announced by
the organising committee.
Effects Of The Uigea
Apr 30th, 2007 - The British company
Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC) published an interesting
market report this week, examining the impact of the US Unlawful
Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. And it concludes that this controversial
legislation passed late last year may have had a slightly bigger
effect on online gambling than was at first thought.
Rga Denies Support For U.s. Initiative To Amend
The Uigea
Apr 30th, 2007 - The US market
for online gambling may be worth billions, but it is not worth fighting
for seems to be the conclusion reached by the British trade association
the Remote Gaming Association this week.
Casino Cautions
Apr 30th, 2007 - After many weeks
of ongoing slow-pay complaints from players, with accompanying tales
of conflicting information from support reps and ignored emails,
it looks as of Hype Casino.com is in the "not recommended"
dog box at top online gambling portal Casinomeister.
Online Casino Plans An In-flight Entertainment
Take-off
Apr 30th, 2007 - One of the biggest
online casinos in the online gambling business, 888.com could soon
be on your in-flight screens following a deal with in-flight entertainment
software developer, DTI.
New Internet Gambling Survey
Apr 30th, 2007 - The British organisation
Responsibility in Gambling Trust (RiGT) has announced that it is
part funding a research programme into Internet gambling and the
role of the family.
Correction:
Neteller Duo Court Date Is May 16
Apr 27th, 2007 - More information is
now to hand concerning the latest extension of a court date for
Neteller founders Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre (see earlier
InfoPowa reports)
Another Neteller
Crisis?
Apr 27th, 2007 - Neteller card users
could be in for a tough time if an email received around the world
and ostensibly emanating from the Isle of Man-based e-wallet is
genuine and correct.
Free Online
Poker Site Launched
Apr 27th, 2007 - The most popular -
and populous - online poker room around, Poker Stars.com has beeSome
months ago InfoPowa carried news of a new online poker site branded
The Gambler Poker Club.com forming from a base in Los Angeles and
endorsed by country and western signing star Kenny Rogers (who at
one time owned his own poker site now closed.)
888.com And
Ladbrokes Acquisition Deal Is Off
Apr 27th, 2007 - The widespread speculation
that Ladbrokes and 888.com were making merger talk can now cease
following an announcement from both companies that their discussions
regarding " a business transaction" have been abandoned
by mutual and amicable agreement.
Repeal The
Uigea
Apr 27th, 2007 - When he announced
his plan to propose the repeal of the Unlawful Internet Gambing
Enforcement Act recently, Congressman Barney Frank said that a significant
public outcry against the Act, which disrupts the ability of American
online gamblers to make financial transactions in their legal pastime
of choice, would be a critical element.
New Bill
to Legalize Internet Gambling
Apr 27th, 2007 - There is a link to
the complete Barney Frank bill titled 'The Internet Gambling Regulation
and Enforcement Act of 2007' in the article.
Cryptologic
Chosen To Power W.p.t. Online Gambling Site
Apr 27th, 2007 - Top online gambling
software developer and turnkey provider CryptoLogic Inc., and WPT
Enterprises Inc. (WPTE), a leader in poker entertainment, announced
today (Wednesday) a three-year contract that will move the World
Poker Tour’s (WPT) gaming site for the international market
to the world’s largest non-US shared gaming network.
MORE BIG
NAMES DEPART THE WPT CHAMPS (Update)
Apr 27th, 2007 - Days 2 and 3 of the
World Poker Tour championship at the Bellagio in Las Vegas have
continued to entertain spectators with great poker and the antics
of many of the top stars in the game.
TAXATION
COULD BE THE QUID PRO QUO FOR A REPEAL (Update)
Apr 27th, 2007 - Taxation is likely
to be the sweetener to get US fellow politicians to support Congressman
Barney Frank's attempted repeal of the controversial Unlawful Internet
Gambling Enforcement Act this week, according to political observers
in the respected Washington publication The Hill.
Bank Trouble
For Pokerstars
Apr 24th, 2007 - The most popular -
and populous - online poker room around, Poker Stars.com has been
the subject of worried forum postings following a series of bounced
checks to players, and this week the issue was addressed by the
online poker information portal Poker-King.com.
Major Taiwan Online Gambling Prosecutions
Apr 24th, 2007 - The China Post reported this
week on a major online gambling bust by Taiwanese police - this
one in the Panchiao District, where prosecutors and police claimed
to have uncovered the country's biggest yet online gambling website.
Intercasino
Tops In Gambling.com Player Poll
Apr 24th, 2007 - Intercasino.com is
the top choice for the 10 000 Gambling.com members who voted in
the online gambling magazine and search engine's High Roller's Awards
initiative recently. The poll was held to mark the first anniversary
of the company's magazine.
Washington
State Eases Up On Players?
Apr 24th, 2007 - Online gambling industry
observers were surprised, but still welcomed a move by Washington
State legislators last week to introduce some sense into the state's
draconian anti-online gambling laws, which made online gambling
a felony with the sort of punitive measures normally reserved for
serious crimes.
New
E-wallet Launches
Apr 24th, 2007 - The integrity and financial probity of Internet
third party e-cash processors is a matter of concern for everyone
involved in the industry in these tricky times, as US legislation
forces established companies out of the US online gambling market,
leaving the field open to less proven entities.
Players Urged
To Mobilise Against Uigea
Apr 24th, 2007 - Following discussions at
political and ownership levels, many online gambling operators and
information portal owners are collaborating in trying to mobilise
a major wave of player support for the efforts of Congressman Barney
Frank to repeal the US Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
WPT CHAMPS
(Update)
Apr 24th, 2007 - The World Poker Tour Championship
at the Bellagio in Las Vegas continued to provide great competitive
poker action right up to the close of Day 1B which saw the field
further thinned down from a start of 333 entries, slightly more
than Day1A which boasted 306 players.
Tough Times
For Vc Gaming
Apr 17th, 2007 - Online gambling AIM
listed company VC Gaming has released its latest full year results
with pre-tax losses of Euro 28.8 million showing just how tough
the market has become in countries like Germany, where the firm
has been mainly focused. Over the same period last year a profit
of Euro 12.8 million was achieved.
Swedish Poker Champs Held In Estonia
Apr 17th, 2007 - The action packed Swedish
Poker Championship took place this week...in Tallinn, Estonia following
recent Swedish police raids on poker tournaments. The last minute
change of location did nothing to diminish a great event in which
many leading stars took part, and an amateur player truimphed.
World Travel
Through Betfair Poker
Apr 17th, 2007 - "Passport Stamps"
is the name of Betfair Poker's new game in weekly satellite tournaments
starting from $5.50 and offering the opportunity to win buy-ins
for leading global poker competitions.
Sports Betting
In Delaware?
Apr 17th, 2007 - Over the weekend the
US publication News Journal reported on suggestions by the racing
industry in Delaware that legalising sports betting would be good
for topping up state tax coffers....and getting gamblers to racinos
and their slot parlours in the state.
Double Click
Acquisition By Google Could Have Online Gambling Impact
Apr 17th, 2007 - This week's massive
$3.1 billion Google deal, in which the company acquired online advertising
company Double Click for almost double what it paid for the fee
video enterprise YouTube last year, could impact the online gambling
industry say marketers.
National
And State Lotteries In Americas To Get An Online Boost
Apr 17th, 2007 - New Wave Media Inc., WagerPhone Inc. and
Impact Mobile signed an agreement this week that calls for the companies
to partner up in order to offer a variety of mobile gambling services
and solutions across North and South America.
Big Brother
To Watch Chinese Online
Apr 17th, 2007 - The Chinese government will
soon assign "virtual cops" to monitor and wipe out pornography,
gambling and other *illicit* activities on the Internet, the Ministry
of Public Security (MPS) said this week.
VIETNAMESE
ONLINE BETTING RING ORGANISERS GET JAIL TIME (Update)
Apr 15th, 2007 - This week saw the
final denouement in a case against a Vietnamese gambling ring which
was busted earlier this year (see previous InfoPowa report)
Doyles
Room Switches To Microgaming Online Poker Network
Apr 15th, 2007 - Speculation and rumour
on where the famous Doyles Room.com online poker venue would relocate
following the pull-out from the US of Tribeca-Tain-Playtech network
came to an end this week with the announcement that the popular
site has joined the expanding Microgaming Poker Network.
Now Sportech Chooses Openbet Online Gambling System
Apr 15th, 2007 - British group NDS subsidiary
Orbis has signed up its third licensee for the OpenBet online gambling
system in as many months following an agreement with UK betting
group Sportech, which owns and operates Littlewoods Gaming.
No
More Online Turks For Party Gaming
Apr 15th, 2007 - Publicly listed online
gambling group Party Gaming, has withdrawn online gambling services
from subsidiaries such as Party Poker.com and Party Casino.com from
the Turkish market in response to legislative developments in that
country.
Betonsports Fugitive Stung Into A Response By Fintimes Story
Apr 15th, 2007 - Not for the first
time, someone who is the subject of a media report has denied the
claims made and accused the publishers of unprofessional reportage.
According to the online gambling information portal Gambling911,
the latest case is BetonSports fugitive Norman Steinberg who is
currently being sought by the US Department of Justice on a series
of charges including money laundering and racketeering linked to
the sportsbetting activities of BetonSports.com.
Party Gaming Bounces Back
Apr 15th, 2007 - One of the world's
leading online gambling groups, Party Gaming has again been catching
the eye of analysts and investors due to the remarkable bounce-back
achieved by its share price.
Online Poker Sites Reduce Risk To Promoting Pros
Apr 15th, 2007 - In a sign of the (USA) times, Casino City
writer Aaron Todd revealed this week that Ultimate Bet and Absolute
Poker have made amendments to marketing strategy that will result
in several well-known poker pros such as Michael Mizrachi, Mark
Seif and Antonio Esfandiari, no longer being used to promote the
sites.
Wilfing
The Web
Apr 15th, 2007 - The Internet lexicon has
a new word to describe an online activity, according to a light
article in Newsfactor.com, and it turns on the desperate phrase
"Now what was I looking for?" usually uttered as a "wistful
question of the gray-haired set!"
The
Ups And Downs Of Gambling
Apr 10th, 2007 - Have you ever made
a mental bet on which one of the elevator cars you're waiting for
will arrive at your floor first? If a new California (where else?)
company, Elevated Gaming, has its way, you'll soon be able to place
those bets wherever it's legal, and win money if your prediction
is right.
The
Master Truimphs In Wsop's Indiana Circuit Tournament
Apr 10th, 2007 - The weekend's poker
action centred on the World Series of Poker Circuit event at Caesars
in Indiana, where an impressive lineup of poker pros fought it out
for a seriously good payday of $238 756.
Compete
For Wsop Seats At Player Only.com
Apr 10th, 2007 - Players Only.com has
budgeted an impressive $150 000 for a new series of tournaments
in which a World Series of Poker sponsored seat worth $12 000 will
be won each week for the next three months.
Cricket Poker Stumped
Apr 10th, 2007 - One of the world's great
cricketing legends, fast bowler Shane Warne found himself headed
back to the pavilion in short order this week, but it was a UK-based
gaming website, rather than a cricket pitch that witnessed his departure.
Size
Does Count!
Apr 10th, 2007 - News reports of a
French study of player behavioural patterns in the popular poker
variant Texas Hold 'Em (see previous InfoPowa report) have been
fleshed out in some interesting Easter holiday reading from The
Scientific American this week.
Ultimate Is Aruba Bound
Apr 10th, 2007 - Online poker site
UltimateBet.com has announced that the popular Caribbean resort
of Aruba will again host this year's UltimateBet Poker Classic for
the sixth consecutive year.
Russian Ruling Is That Poker Is A Sport
Apr 10th, 2007 - The respected poker
portal Poker News.com published a truly encouraging story for poker
players this week with the news that the Russian Federation's 'Federal
Agency of Physical Culture and Sports' has cleared the way for a
new Russian poker boom by characterising the game as a sport.
Get Rid Of U.s. Online Gambling Discrimination
Apr 10th, 2007 - Solid Sunday reading this week was a succinct but
well-informed editorial opinion in the Los Angeles Times that examined
the discriminatory nature of US legislation dealing with online
gambling.
Playing It Safe In Online Gambling
Apr 5th, 2007 - "Second Life," the increasingly popular
online virtual world which already has millions of registered users
and its own economy and currency, known as the convertible-to-US
dollars Linden Dollar, is probably unique in the US online gambling
world - it actually wants the FBI to visit and give it an opinion
on its US legality!
The Great
Poker League Launches New Bingo Site
Apr 5th, 2007 - In partnership with Aqua Gaming the Great Poker
League (GPL) group has launched a new bingo site this week on a
no-download platform that prospective customers can try for free
at GPL Bingo.com or .co.uk.
Hippo Jo Launches
With Rtg Software
Apr 5th, 2007 - Making its debut in the online gambling industry
this week is a new RealTime Gaming powered online casino branded
Hippo Jo.com. With wagering in British pounds or Euros, the newcomer
is offering over eighty games and a tiered bonus structure.
Betshop Joins Microgaming's Online Poker Network
Apr 5th, 2007 - Leisure and Gaming plc subsidiary Betshop.com has
signed up with the Microgaming Poker Network for its online poker
activities, joining a growing number of new additions that have
joined the network this year.
NEW YORK SPORTS
BETTING ACCUSEDS TOP 50 (Update)
Apr 5th, 2007 - The total of persons charged in what is probably
New York's largest sportsbetting bust yet (see previous InfoPowa
reports) has topped 50 with the prosecution of a former New Jersey
Assemblyman this week.
White Label
Business Works For St Minver
Apr 5th, 2007 - The Gibraltar based white label provider St Minver
received some solid business publicity this week in an article that
appeared in the UK newspaper The Independent under the title "Producing
'white-label' games for major websites is proving highly profitable
for St Minver."
More Bad News
For Canadians
Apr 5th, 2007 - Frustrated Canadian online gamblers are trying to
figure out exactly what is illegal about gambling online in their
country following a series of pull-outs by industry companies and
tales of US Department of Justice collaboration with the national
Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Neteller's
Asian Boss Steps Down
Apr 5th, 2007 - Dale Johnson, the highly experienced businessman
who has spearheaded the Neteller group progress in the Asian and
Pacific markets for the past three years has retired as an executive
director of the company but will remain on the Board as a non-executive
director with consulting duties.
Griffin Takes
Monte Carlo Poker Crown And Euro 1.82 Million
Apr 5th, 2007 - A pair each of British, Scandinavian and American
players sat down with a Canadian and an Irishman this week to decide
who would take home an almost Euro 2 million pay check and the respect
for winning the prestigious European Poker Tour Grand Finale in
Monte Carlo.
New Online
Games From Microgaming
Apr 2, 2007 - With the sophisticated new Hitman slot released earlier
this week (see previous InfoPowa report) capturing much of the limelight,
it might be easy to miss two other top games from the Microgaming
studios released as well.
Where Does
Most Malicious Code Originate?
Apr 2, 2007 - Information Week has published an intriguing new report
from the Finjan cyber security company warning users that many online
threats may not be coming from the seedy underbelly of the Internet
but rather from adveretising on seemingly harmless and well-known
sites. And contrary to conventional wisdom, Russia and China are
not the main sources.
Online-casinos.com
Launches Another Player Assist
New roulette training tool unveiled by online gambling portal. Online-casinos.com
has added another player assist to its range of free player help
and education facilities available on the site with the launch of
Roulette Trainer Pro.
New
Survey Results From Uk Gambling Commission
UK authorities publish the first in a series of useful statistical
studies on gambling as the Internet booms in Britain.
Nevada
Politicians Preparing New Attempt At Online Gambling Study
Possible alliance with Barney Frank initiative mooted
Neteller
Customer Coalition "building An Army"
US customers financially prejudiced by the Neteller vs. Department
of Justice wrangle have formed a strong and fast growing alliance.
F.b.i.
Criticised For Abuse Of Power
Growing row in the US over FBI over-reaching itself....and Senator
Kyl wants even more secrecy.
New
Online Games From Microgaming
Power poker and a 'fruity' slot released by games developer this
month
Pessimistic
Outlook For U.s. Online Gambling
American financial services group thinks study is more likely than
repeal in the immediate future
Playtech
Results Show The Business Is Still Strong
Solid increases in revenues crafted by expansions into Europe and
Asia
Neteller
Goes Cold On Turkey...and Canada!
Isle of Man e-wallet announces new online gambling geographic bans
due to "regulatory risks"
Where
Does Most Malicious Code Originate?
No, it's not Russia or even China - it's the good ol' USA and Britain!
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