News August 2006

U.S. TAXMAN INTERESTED IN POKER TOURNEY WINNINGS (372) (31-August-2006)

Treasury publishes guidance plan for poker

If you were worrying about the tax implications of that big poker tournament win you enjoyed in the United States, the U.S. Treasury has a plan for you according to a report carried in Card Player magazine this week.
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CENTREBET BEATS THE FORECAST (371) (31-August-2006)

Remarkable turnround by Aussie betting group, and expansive plans for the future

Australian online gambling group Centrebet International Limited has turned a loss of $2 million in 2004-2005 into a net profit for the year of $2.798 million in its latest financial results.
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WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION PANEL MEETS NEXT WEEK ON U.S. INTERNET GAMBLING ISSUE (370) (31-August-2006)

Geneva panel to decide whether the U.S. is compliant with earlier WTO rulings

Next Monday could be crunch day for the United States in its long-running World Trade Organisation dispute with Antigua and Barbuda over internet gambling bans (see previous InfoPowa bulletins)
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WSOP FINALIST'S HOME RAIDED FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL ONLINE GAMBLING ACTIVITIES (369) (31-August-2006)

Luxury goods and cash receipts impounded.

Reports in the San Antonio press this week claim that local police searched a home owned by Richard Lee , the recent winner of nearly $3 million at the World Series of Poker , for evidence of an extensive illegal Internet gambling operation.
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'WE'RE NOT VIOLATING EU RULES WITH OUR MONOPOLY' SAYS DUTCH MINISTER (368) (31-August-2006)

European Commission assured that Dutch government is playing it by the book

The Dutch government has reiterated its view that its policy on gambling does not violate EU rules, according to a report this week in NIS News. Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner briefed the Dutch parliamentary Lower House on his response this week.
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TRY OUT THE VEGAS HANDHELDS GAMES (367) (31-August-2006)

Wireless developer issues an open invitation to play on new promotional website

Diamond I, Inc ., a developer of wireless gaming products, including the WifiCasino wireless hand-held gaming system, announced this week that it has launched a new, interactive website to offer visitors a chance to try out the same slots, roulette, blackjack and poker as will be available on the company's GS2 wireless gambling device. The trials will be "for entertainment purposes only" the company emphasises.
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4 TOP BLACKJACK VARIATIONS, 4-OF-A-KIND BONUS POKER AND SEAFARING FUN AT TRIDENT GROUP (366) (31-August-2006)

Hours of online casino fun and great opportunities for reward in latest game releases

Blackjack fans at King Neptune's Casino ( www.kingneptunescasino.com ) and Trident Lounge Casino ( www.tridentloungecasino.com )  will surely greet Trident's just released Gold Series Volume 2 games with enthusiasm. With 4 variations of the popular blackjack genre, all brilliantly crafted with imagination, cutting edge technology and gambling tradition, the Gold Series is set to define new quality levels in online gambling table games.
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POKER PLAYERS' ALLIANCE RENEWS ATTACK ON INTERNET GAMING BAN (365) (31-August-2006)

As Rep. Leach embarks on a field hearing in Iowa, the PPA lets rip at online gambling ban proposal

The 100 000 strong Poker Players' Alliance is pretty smart at choosing the right timeframes for its attacks on the proposed bans on Internet gambling in the USA.  This week it synchronised its latest blast to precede a field hearing scheduled for Iowa by one of the bans proposers, Rep. Jim Leach .
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MORE ONLINE CASINO CONSOLIDATION (364) (31-August-2006)

Chartwell Technology and Parlay Entertainment agree to merge

Two gambling software developers and providers in Canada have agreed to the latest industry merger this week. Chartwell Technology Inc. and Parlay Entertainment Inc. intend to combine their businesses and talents as agreed in a binding letter of intent (LOI) executed on Aug. 30, 2006.
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TRIBECA LANDS SPORTING INDEX ONLINE POKER DEAL (363) (30-August-2006)

Leading UK spread betting group to join network

Sporting Index , a major spread betting company that holds some 70 percent of the UK market has chosen Tribeca Tables as its online poker software and network provider of choice, signing a deal this week.
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CBS TO SCREEN THE ULTIMATE BLACKJACK TOUR (362) (30-August-2006)

Two seasons of coverage for top blackjack players and ordinary joes vying for a million dollars

Move over, poker here comes blackjack could be the cry from US television broadcaster CBS which this week announced a two season commitment to screening a major blackjack oriented TV show titled Ultimate Blackjack Tour.
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$500 000 PRIZEPOOL IN ONLINE POKER ROOM TOURNAMENT (361) (30-August-2006)

This year's 888.com UK Poker Open to be broadcast daily on Challenge TV

Online poker players looking for a sponsored seat in the 2006 UK Poker Open championships can still qualify through 888.com satellite tournaments on the Internet every Sunday, the gambling group announced this week.
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RELIGIOUS RIGHT PRESSING FOR SENATE VOTE ON INTERNET GAMBLING (360) (30-August-2006)

Baptist spokesman in the U.S. wants to see "a more moral, healthy, God-honoring nation"

The Baptist Press focused on the legislation facing a reconvened U.S. Congress this week, looking toward the resumption of legislative activity on September 5 and describing legislation supported by pro-life and pro-family Americans as "...hanging in the balance."  The prohibition of Internet gambling is one of the legislative items that the religious right wants to see banned, apparently.
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LVFH ONLINE POKER SOFTWARE FOR THE PIG.COM (359) (29-August-2006)

Action Poker Gaming signs up Legendz online gambling group

Vancouver - based Las Vegas From Home.com Entertainment Inc. ("LVFH") online poker software will soon be providing exciting action at the Legendz Gaming Corporation operator group online poker venue The Pig.com following a licensing deal signed this week between LVFH subsidiary Action Poker Gaming and the gambling operator.
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NEW ONLINE CASINO SOFTWARE UPGRADE FROM REALTIME GAMING (358) (29-August-2006)

11 new game titles feature in v.6.1

Online casino software developer and turnkey provider RealTime Gaming has continued its competitive software release schedule for 2006 with the introduction of the new version 6.1 of it's popular online gaming software platform. Version 6.1 marks the second release of 2006, with one more release scheduled before year's end.
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WORLD CUP FEVER GOOD FOR ONLINE BINGO (357) (29-August-2006)

Women players take refuge from World Cup at Cyberslotz

It may be a coincidence, but the UK online bingo site Cyberslotz.co.uk has recorded a 30 percent upswing in business - mainly from female players - over the past 8 weeks during which mainly male attention has been focused on the World Cup.
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32 VEGAS ONLINE CASINO CLAIMS LATEST INTERNET MULTI-MILLIONAIRE (356) (29-August-2006)

US player wins the Gold Rally jackpot

The latest instant Internet multi-millionaire is DianeB from Georgia in the USA, who hit the Playtech Gold Rally progressive jackpot at the 32 Vegas.com online casino this week.
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COOL ONLINE CASINOS (355) (29-August-2006)

Classy and understated

The owners of the latest online casino to be launched with Realtime Gaming software seem to have done a lot of research before putting the site together, and the result at VIP Lounge Casino.com bears witness to their diligence.
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NEW VIRTUAL HORSE RACING SOFTWARE RELEASED (354) (29-August-2006)

Horse racing simulator can handicap races

Advantage Sports Betting has released a new betting product branded Virtual Horse Racing targeted on sports bettors who enjoy virtual horse racing on PCs and laptops using this sort of lifelike racing simulator.
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MORE GAMES FOR ONLINE CASINO 888.COM (353) (29-August-2006)

Football and snooker the themes for new video slots

Major online casino operator 888.com has followed up on the success of previous sports-linked new slots by releasing two more themed video slot games developed by the in-group software company Random-Logic.
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TURKISH ONLINE POKER SITE MAKING FALSE CLAIMS, SAYS MALTA LICENSING AUTHORITY (352) (29-August-2006)

Pokerzade.com stays silent as LGA publicly denounces its licensing claim

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority which oversees online gambling licensing on the Mediterranean island of Malta is clearly determined to turn the spotlight on false claimants to its license.
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PHONE MESSAGE EVIDENCE REVEALED IN GOLD CASE (351) (29-August-2006)

WSOP champion alleged to have confirmed 50-50 deal before the main event took place

The British television producer resident in Vegas who is suing current World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold for half his $12 million in winnings has claimed in his suit that on the day before the final table began Gold left a telephone message assuring him that their deal was good.
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WILL KYL FOLLOW GOODLATTE FORMULA ON INTERNET GAMBLING CARVE OUTS? (350) (29-August-2006)

It's a gamble - trying to reduce opposition to an online gambling ban by sliding around the exemptions issue

Whilst there are doubts that U.S. legislators will have enough time and support in the current Congressional season to get the latest attempt to prohibit online gambling approved, the Las Vegas Gaming Wire made some cautionary points on the issue this week.
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STATEMENT BY WSOP WINNER ON LITIGATION (349) (26-August-2006)

Jamie Gold 'disappointed' that litigant chose to file suit instead of negotiating a resolution

The 2006 World Series of Poker champion, Jamie Gold issued a statement over the weekend regarding litigation launched by Bruce Crispin Leyser , who claims that he has voicemail messages and other evidence on an pre-main event agreement with Gold to share half of his $12 million winnings in return for recruiting celebrities to endorse Gold's sponsors, the Bodog group.
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NORTH CAROLINA DEBATE ON POKER SURFACES AGAIN (348) (26-August-2006)

Is poker a game of skill or chance?

A Durham, North Carolina businessmen has put the skill vs chance argument surrounding the game of poker back under the microscope by launching litigation that challenges a previous ruling by a local judge.
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WORLD POKER TOUR BITES BACK (347) (26-August-2006)

Counsel for poker group say's top players' case is misleading and without merit, and places WPT at a disadvantage

World Poker Tour group's legal counsel filed the company's first response this week in an interesting case brought by leading poker players who claim that the WPT tournament agreements place them at a personal and business disadvantage (see previous InfoPowa bulletins)
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ANOTHER TOP DEAL FOR FUNTECH (346) (26-August-2006)

CDM Fantasy Sports makes Fun the biggest fantasy sports provider in North America

Fun Technologies , the Canadian skill gaming and fantasy sports provider headed by Lorne Abony has acquired another prime property for its expanding group of companies.
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CORAL TO BACK UK PREMIER RUGBY (345) (26-August-2006)

British gambling group becomes a key partner with new contract

Coral.co.uk is the latest major gambling company to become a key partner of Premier Rugby and the Guinness Premiership as a result of a contract that will see the company backing rugby at professional club level for the next two years.
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MYANMAR WARLORD GEARS UP LIVE-OVER-THE-INTERNET GAMING (344) (26-August-2006)

When land facilities in the remote Mong La area of Myanmar (formally Burma) close, an alternative rises....

Live-over-the-Internet gambling services accessible by Chinese online gamblers are taking shape in a remote Myanmar region close to China, reports the Asia Times Online this week.
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ONLINE CASINO AND POKER PROFITS UP AT PLAYTECH (343) (25-August-2006)

Online casino and poker room provider enjoys a successful first half 2006 performance - casino income up 129 percent and poker 851 percent.

The online casino and poker room software developer and provider Playtech Limited has followed a profitable 2nd quarter (see previous InfoPowa reports) with very creditable half year results which have seen a 139 percent overall increase in revenues in the six months ended June 30 2006.
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TECHNOLOGY CROSSOVER A POSSIBILITY IN NEW LAND ePOKER ROOM (342) (25-August-2006)

Dealers and physical chips unnecessary in new Californian venture

Poker players at the Hollywood Park land casino in California will soon be able to try out a cutting edge way to play their fave game at the new ePoker Room now under construction.
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THESE FISHIES ARE BUNNIES! (341) (25-August-2006)

What an event - a strip poker confrontation between Playboy Playmate novices and World Series of Poker champs!

A Vegas entrepreneur has come up with the ultimate in eye-catching poker tournaments to titivate and intrigue a wide audience and attract television exposure, too.  He plans a strip poker match between World Series of Poker champions and Playboy Playmates , most of them novices at the game.
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MIRROR IMAGE FOR PARTY POKER (340) (25-August-2006)

New mirror advertising in public washrooms will get your attention

Party Poker marketers are determined to get the attention of potential customers wherever they may be, and that includes public washrooms according to media reports this week.
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USA PLANS FOR LADBROKES DEFERRED, BUT ITALY CALLS (339) (25-August-2006)

Good numbers for first half of the year...and some interesting expansion plans for top Brit bookie firm

The giant Ladbrokes betting group is to shelve it's US Internet expansion plans for now, "In view of ongoing uncertainties within the U.S. legislative environment," Reuters reports this week.
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KELLI IS TOP OF THE POKER POPS! (338) (23-August-2006)

Californian sews up the Ladies Poker Party

Fighting her way through a starting field of 419 players, Californian Kelli Griggs took the top money prize at the Bicycle Casino's Ladies Event this week, more familiarly known as the Ladies Poker Party .
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SWEDISH GOVERNMENT CASINOS HAVE A NEW BOSS (337) (23-August-2006)

Claes Tellman to head Svenska Spel casino subsidiary

The Swedish government owned Svenska Spel has appointed Claes Tellman to head its casino subsidiary Casino Cosmopol . Tellman was formerly Vice-President, Communications, at Svenska Spel.
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ONLINE CASINO MILESTONE PASSED ON CRYPTOLOGIC PROGRESSIVE (336) (23-August-2006)

Fancy a flutter? The well named Millionaire's Club progressive jackpot now stands at over $4 million

Probably sooner rather than later an Internet gambler at one of the Cryptologic-powered online casinos is going to make online gambling history by bagging the biggest progressive jackpot ever.
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HORSERACING HYPOCRISY (335) (23-August-2006)

Governor Pataki likes the Internet when it comes to horseracing

The hypocrisy of US federal government attempts to stifle or ban online gambling - at least some forms of online gambling - was thrown into sharp focus again this week with the announcement that New Yorkers will soon have two new ways to bet on their favourite horses: Cellphones and on the Internet!
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SNOWBOARDER IS PARTY POKER'S TOP ACTION SPORTS STAR (334) (23-August-2006)

Danny Kass takes the Big Throwdown Championship

Party Poker's blend of poker excitement and major action sports stars (see previous InfoPowa reports) in the Party Poker Big Throwdown Championship has a winner.
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BIG WINS START THE ONLINE CASINO WEEK (333) (23-August-2006)

Two major hits at Pinnacle and Slotland online casinos

Almost $545 000 was scored in two big wins at online casinos as the week started. The online casinos Pinnacle and Slotland each announced major wins by their players.
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GOLD SUED FOR HALF WSOP WINNINGS (332) (23-August-2006)

$6 million law suit filed in Las Vegas on online poker deal

The current 2006 World Series of Poker main event winner, Jamie Gold will not be enjoying his $12 million first prize just yet; a law suit claiming half of the giant bonanza has been filed in Las Vegas, and WSOP host Harrahs Entertainment has been restrained by court order from paying out until the case is heard on September 1.
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NEW MARKETS FOR ONLINE GAMBLING (331) (22-August-2006)

In the wake of the BetonSports crisis, many online gambling companies are looking to create business elsewhere reports Business Week

The respected publication Business Week commented on the online gambling industry in the wake of the BetonSports crisis (see previous InfoPowa bulletins) this week, reporting that the BetonSports debacle and the arrest of its ex-CEO David Carruthers has resulted in business moves to reduce exposure to the vagaries of the US online gambling market.
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CONFERENCE CORNER (330) (22-August-2006)

Irish history and scenic beauty the background for the IGCE conference

The historic Fitzpatrick Castle set in stunningly beautiful grounds at Killiney near Dublin, Ireland is the venue for the  International Gaming Conference and Expo scheduled for November 5 - 7 this year.
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IRISH POKER OPEN PRIZEPOOL SET AT EURO 2 MILLION NEXT YEAR (329) (22-August-2006)

Paddy Power's big event is one of Europe's largest

The Paddy Power.com sponsored 26th Irish Poker Open will have a guaranteed prize pool of Euro 2 million next year, the gambling group announced this week.
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BIG MONEY ONLINE POKER ACTION SUMMARY (328) (22-August-2006)

This week's big bucks events continue to draw the players

The regular weekend, big-money tournaments continued to flourish this week with the organising online poker rooms all meeting their participation targets, thus ensuring that the guaranteed prize pools were reached.
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CANADIAN RESPONSIBLE ONLINE GAMBLING STUDY PROPOSED (327) (22-August-2006)

IGC ready to assist by recruiting respondents

The Ontario-based Factz Research Institute has partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling to research problem gambling and other addictions on a global basis, and the Interactive Gaming Council will be assisting by recruiting suitable respondents for the study.
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PARTY GAMING THE FRONT RUNNER TO BUY VICTOR CHANDLER GROUP (326) (21-August-2006)

Well established bookie is regarded as a neat fit for Party Gaming sports betting aspirations

The UK newspaper The Observer reported over the weekend that London-listed gambling group Party Gaming is leading the race in a bid to buy the predominently sports betting Victor Chandler group, which also has online casino and poker interests. Both companies are licensed and based in Gibraltar.
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BRITS LIKE AN OFFICE FLUTTER (325) (21-August-2006)

New study reports that 3 million online gamblers use company time to bet each week

Online odds comparison site BetRescue has released the results of a survey which shows that a significant number of British gamblers use the workplace to indulge their gambling entertainment.
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CONFERENCE CORNER (324) (20-August-2006)

Diarise November 13 - 16 and yes, G2E is still being held in Vegas

The American Gaming Association has announced that this year's Global Gaming Expo (G2E) will be held from Nov. 13-16 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre . The move to November is expected to be permanent and organisers of the event are hopeful it will help its continued growth.
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MS X-BOX TO GET TEXAS HOLDEM (323) (20-August-2006)

For release this week - poker's most popular game at Xbox Arcade

X-Box fans will be able to get their hands on poker's most popular game - Texas Hold Em - this week as Microsoft releases it on the Xbox Live Arcade on August 23.  And for a limited time players will be allowed to download the game for free.
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WSOP PLAYER FIGURES SHOW IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION MADE BY ONLINE POKER SITE (322) (20-August-2006)

One online poker site alone provided 19 percent of World Series Of Poker entrants

One of the many record statistics flowing from the recently completed multi-million dollar 2006 World Series of Poker championship is the impact that online players have had on the world's greatest poker tournament.
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BETONSPORTS CLASHES WITH NETELLER OVER PAYOUT CLAIMS (321) (20-August-2006)

Neteller executive denies that his company is holding up payment to players

The ongoing tragedy of the BetonSports decline (see previous InfoPowa reports) continued this week as assertions and denials went back and forth regarding payouts to players as ordered by a US federal court.
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600 POKER ROOMS GIVE PLAYERS PLENTY OF CHOICE (320) (20-August-2006)

Recent research shows increase in available online poker rooms

Moves by US politicians to put an end to online gambling in that country have had little effect on the growth in the number of online poker rooms, according to Poker Site Scout.com .  The site reports that there are now 600 online poker rooms and counting, giving players an unprecendented choice for entertainment venues.
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MORE FACILITIES AT NETELLER (319) (20-August-2006)

Visa Delta and Electron cards boost Neteller's e-wallet  

Online e-cash processor Neteller has added Visa Delta and Electron cards to its stable of credit and debit cards supported by its e-wallet, and the Isle of Man based company has introduced new security measures for Visa and Mastercard customers.
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KIWI ONLINE SKILL GAMERS IN THE HUNT FOR A MILLION (318) (20-August-2006)

US and Canadian finalists could take the biggest skill gaming prize around

Two players from the Kiwi Skill.com site have the opportunity to become $1 million richer next month after qualifying to participate in the World Wide Web games organised by FunTech  for Saturday, September 9th in Los Angeles.
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BIGGER PROFITS FOR SKILL GAMES PROVIDER (317) (20-August-2006)

FunTech continues on the path to success with a 135 percent growth in revenues

Canadian-based Fun Technologies hailed its second quarter results this week as a sign of health in the skill-gaming sector, and announced yet another acquisition - that of UK-based free-play site Teagames.com .
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WCOOP LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY (316) (20-August-2006)

Pokerstars organisers are putting the final touches to a championship that should break previous records

The September 16 starting date for the fifth annual World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) is just around the corner, and Pokerstars organisers will be burning the midnight oil getting ready to host players from more than 80 countries competing in 18 tournaments for a guaranteed prize pool of $10 million.
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HARRODS CASINO RELEASES JACKPOT VEGAS SOLITAIRE (315) (20-August-2006)

New game features a progressive jackpot

Harrods Casino Online , the Kismet International -owned and powered Internet gaming site associated with the world famous Knightsbridge department store, has announced the launch of its new Jackpot Solitaire offering, the first version of the game to feature a progressive jackpot that mathematically speaking, could tip the scales in favour of the player.
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APAT ONLINE LAUNCHES TOURNAMENTS AT POKERSTARS (314) (20-August-2006)

Plenty of poker action on 30 international tourneys

The Amateur Poker Association and Tour ("APAT"), in association with PokerStars.com and PokerPlayer Magazine , announced the launch of the APAT Online Series this week, promising loads of poker action on one of the Internet's top online gambling sites.
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NEW REALTIME GAMING LICENSEE LAUNCHES (313) (20-August-2006)

One Club Entertainment has big ambitions for UK business

One Club Entertainment is the latest Realtime Gaming licensee to launch in the UK, going live with its first venture, One Club Casino.com this week.
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INTERCASINO PLAYER HITS A JACKPOT, TOO (312) (20-August-2006)

Caribbean Stud Poker delivers the goods for new player

Just minutes after signing up, Intercasino newbie Ryan P . collected a massive $148 594.39 win from InterCasino.com's award-winning Caribbean Stud Poker .
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MAJOR WIN FOR KING NEPTUNE'S ONLINE CASINO PLAYER (311) (20-August-2006)

First time lucky Joanne hits the Major Millions jackpot...but at first thought she had lost her Internet connection!

August 15 was a red letter day for online player JoanneS ,  an historial and ancient books archivist from Georgia; on her first and only bet on the Major Millions progressive slot at King Neptune's Casino ( www.kingneptunescasino.com ) she hit a life-changing $362 745.20 jackpot on a total wager of only $18!
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PARTY GAMING BILLIONAIRE IS INTO FINANCIAL SERVICES NOW (310) (20-August-2006)

Putting the Party Gaming harvest to work

Party Gaming co-founder Vikrant Bhargava , who resigned from the board of directors and cashed in a truckload of shares is intent on growing an already substantial personal fortune, it appears.
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2 000 BETONSPORTS EMPLOYEES TO GET SEVERANCE PAY (309) (18-August-2006)

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.
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BETFRED GOES RED (308) (18-August-2006)

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.
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PROTEGE 2 CONTEST FROM NEGREANU LAUNCHED (307) (18-August-2006)

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.
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NEW MOBILE POKER GAME (306) (18-August-2006)

"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 .
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NEW ISLE OF MAN COMPANY WILL MARKET ZONE4PLAY'S B.J. (305) (18-August-2006)

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.
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CHARTWELL TECH GETS CASHCADE ORDER (304) (18-August-2006)

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 .
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LADIES AUGUST ACTION (303) (18-August-2006)

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.
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WHERE TO NOW FOR BETONSPORTS PLAYERS? (302) (18-August-2006)

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)
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BODOG HEADS FOR THE BAHAMAS (301) (18-August-2006)

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)
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BWIN BENEFITS FROM PARTY GAMING RUMOURS (300) (18-August-2006)

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.
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CARRUTHERS OUT OF JAIL (299) (17-August-2006)

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 nearly a month behind bars following his arrest on racketeering and fraud charges, Associated Press reports today.
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BUZZER JOINS THE BETFAIR PROS (298) (17-August-2006)

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.
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GOOD RESULTS FROM EXCAPSA (297) (17-August-2006)

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.
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CONFERENCE CORNER (296) (16-August-2006)

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.
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POSTPONED BODOG CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR (295) (16-August-2006)

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.
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IRISH TAKING A NEW LOOK AT CASINO REGULATION - AND IT INCLUDES INTERNET VENUES (294) (16-August-2006)

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.
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CARRUTHERS RELEASE HAMPERED BY BAIL REQUIREMENT (293) (16-August-2006)

Dedicated phone line has to be installed

Associated Press reports that Tuesday night ex- BetonSport CEO David Carruthers remained in a St. Louis jail because a dedicated phone line had not been installed in his new local residence as required by the bail conditions.
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BETCORP SPORTSBOOK READY2BET.COM LAUNCHES (292) (15-August-2006)

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.
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FIRST TIME OUT SHANNON PICKS UP ALMOST A MILLION (291) (15-August-2006)

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.
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NEW SCHEDULE FOR PPT (290) (15-August-2006)

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.
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US LAWS ARE PROTECTIONIST, SAYS ANTIGUA'S LAWYER (289) (15-August-2006)

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.
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CARRUTHERS RELEASE EXPECTED TODAY (TUESDAY) (288) (15-August-2006)

And the US banning order on BetonSports is extended

The former CEO of embattled gambling group BetonSports David Carruthers remained in a St Louis jail throughout Monday, but the court order forbidding BetonSports from taking bets from US players and ordering it to pay back their deposits was extended.
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ONLINE GAMBLING BUSINESS IS BOOMING IN GIBRALTAR (287) (15-August-2006)

Online gaming has supercharged the local job market

One of the most interesting articles on the industry this week was carried in the UK newspaper The Times, which looked at the online gambling licensing jurisdiction of Gibraltar, a self governing territory neighbouring Spain which has close ties with Britain.
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RED FELT SPORTSBOOK (286) (15-August-2006)

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.
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BETCORP BACKS AWAY FROM U.S. PLAYERS (285) (15-August-2006)

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).
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BIGGER ONGAME POKER CLASSIC NOW RESCHEDULED (284) (15-August-2006)

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.
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AUSSIE BETFAIR ON THE LAUNCHPAD (283) (15-August-2006)

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.
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CASUAL GAMING A STRONG NEW TREND (282) (15-August-2006)

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.
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ECOGRA ACHIEVES 100 ONLINE CASINOS TARGET AHEAD OF PLAN (281) (15-August-2006)

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.
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WRITE YOUR SENATORS, SAYS PPA (280) (15-August-2006)

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.
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MOBILE KENO INTRODUCED BY ZONE4PLAY (279) (13-August-2006)

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.
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SMS GAMES FOR SPANISH TELECOMM (278) (13-August-2006)

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 .
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FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS (277) (13-August-2006)

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.
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PERPETUAL POKER TO FLOW FROM NEW PARTNERSHIP (276) (13-August-2006)

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 .
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WPT FINALS START LATE OCTOBER (275) (13-August-2006)

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 .
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WE'RE NOT THROUGH WITH YOU YET, DOJ TELLS BETONSPORTS (274) (13-August-2006)

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.
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ONLINE POKER PLAYER GOLD HAS THE MIDAS TOUCH (273) (13-August-2006)

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 .
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MOLNICK GETS HIS EUROPEAN PATENT (272) (11-August-2006)

"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.
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IGT ENDORSED FOR NEVADA HAND HELD INITIATIVE (271) (11-August-2006)

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.
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THIRD SEASON FOR HIGH STAKES POKER (270) (11-August-2006)

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.
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LET THE PEOPLE PLAY SAYS FILM PRODUCER (269) (11-August-2006)

"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.
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WORLD SERIES OF POKER FINAL TABLE DOWN TO THREE (268) (11-August-2006)

Million dollar bets, huge chip counts and aggressive play from Gold

The predictions that this year's WSOP main event final table would be a humdinger were right on target; from the beginning on Thursday just after 2pm Vegas time there was aggressive play, especially from chip leader Jamie Gold who dominated the game with a major advantage in chips. Gold has taken out 5 of the final table eliminations so far.
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US GAMBLERS WORRY ABOUT BETONSPORTS DEPOSITS (267) (11-August-2006)

Growing impatience as players ask, "When do we get our money back?"

With the BetonSports debacle seemingly going from bad to worse, American gamblers who made deposits through the companys telephone and online facilities are growing increasingly impatient at the lack of information on when they will get their deposits back from a management that appears to be mesmerised by the abrupt reversal of fortunes the company has suffered as a result of US legal action.
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BETONSPORTS IN COSTA RICA TO CLOSE TODAY? (266) (11-August-2006)

Employees claim they have been told they will be let go

The BetonSports crisis took another downward turn this week when unofficial reports from employees and an off the record comment from a Costa Rican official of the company suggested that the Costa Rican operations are to close down today (Friday)  If true, the reports confirm earlier stories emanating from Costa Rica that the company was selling off its car fleet.
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ONLINE FANTASY SPORTS UNDER FIRE (265) (11-August-2006)

Major League Baseball to appeal federal ruling

A US federal court ruling that online fantasy baseball businesses can use names and statistics without paying for a licensing agreement has fired up Major League Baseball in the USA, spurring the body to appeal the case.
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BWIN HAS A PROBLEM (264) (11-August-2006)

Austrian gambling group's German license pulled - Bwin accuses authorities of perpetuating a monopoly

Bwin , the new brand for Austrian public company Bet and Win ran into trouble with the German authorities this week. Exacerbating share price problems caused by an earlier profit warning, the state government of Saxony issued a ban on the group's operations.
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ALL CHANGE AT UK BETTING (263) (11-August-2006)

Playtech takes over from Chartwell Tech

The London listed betting group UK Betting is changing software platforms it was announced this week. Playtech will take over from former provider Chartwell Technology .
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POKER CHAMPS EXCLUSION OF U.S. PLAYERS IS NOT RELATED TO BETONSPORTS DEBACLE (262) (11-August-2006)

Owner Betfair has always maintained a "no US players" policy

The recent decision by Poker Champs.com to exclude US players (see previous InfoPowa reports) is not a consequence of the anti-online gambling moves by the US Department of Justice , but part of a longstanding policy at owners Betfair , a company spokesman told InfoPowa this week.
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KIND WORDS FOR CRYPTOLOGIC IN THE MOTLEY FOOL (261) (11-August-2006)

Buy these shares now, says Demon Doug

Online gambling turnkey provider Cryptologic was given a welcome boost this week when the widely read publication "The Motley Fool" featured as its "Post of the Day" a contribution that lauded Cryptologic and decried US attempts to kill off online gambling.
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BODOG OVER THE [BLUE] MOON AS LITIGATION IS DISMISSED (260) (11-August-2006)

BlueMoon representatives appeared in court and voluntarily dismissed the case 'with prejudice'

A lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court against Bodog Entertainment Group (see previous InfoPowa bulletins) and related parties by BlueMoon Entertainment of L.A. was dismissed this week.
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ONLINE POKER RULES, OK! (259) (11-August-2006)

Poker still offers the best online growth prospects

If you're wondering how recent measures aimed at cracking down on online gambling and gaming in the US will affect the online sports and gambling industry in general, the answer will probably be found in a new report from the Irish company Research and Markets.com.
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FIRST HALF 2006 ONLINE CASINO DISPUTES REPORT RELEASED (258) (10-August-2006)

Fair Gaming Advocate dealt with 265 complaints

The Fair Gaming Advocate in the London offices of eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) reported this week on complaints received by the non-profit player protection body during the first six months of 2006.
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WHITE LABEL PROVIDER PARTNERING WITH ORBIS ON NEW GAMES (257) (10-August-2006)

St Minver will have access to games suite including nine new games for launch this year

Gibraltar-based St Minver , a public company that provides white label online gambling facilities has entered a partnership with the UK games developer Orbis for access to its gambling suite, including 9 new games scheduled for release by the end of 2006.
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ONLINE CASINO JACKPOT WINNER REACHES NEW HEIGHTS (256) (10-August-2006)

$9 stake for a $902 505 win - that's return on investment!

Oregon roofing contractor Matt Eilenberger (35) may be used to heights, but none as thrilling as nailing a $902 505 return from a gambling stake of only $9!
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BIG GUNS BOOST EiG (255) (10-August-2006)

Leading online gaming personalities will speak out at Barcelona conference and expo

"One offline event that is a 'must attend'" is how Mitch Garber , CEO of PartyGaming described EiG 2006 this week. The fifth annual European i-Gaming Congress & Expo, taking place at the CCIB in Barcelona, Spain over 11-13 October, is set to be one of the most incisive and influential talking shops to date, with organisers Clarion ATE unveiling a host of senior executives drawn from the world's leading operators and suppliers amongst its long list of speakers.
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PARLAY AND PADDY SIGN BINGO DEAL (254) (10-August-2006)

Canadian provider will supply low-stakes games for Irish gambling group's online operations

Parlay Entertainment Inc. and Paddy Power plc , Ireland's largest betting and gaming company actioned an agreement this week which required the Canadian provider to add Parlay Bingo to Paddy Power's roster of online games.
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FINAL WSOP TABLE DECIDED (253) (10-August-2006)

Goldberg goes out in tenth position

The stage was set in the early hours of Wednesday morning Vegas time for the thrilling climax to the World Series of Poker main event - naming the surviving nine players for the final table.
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GALA BINGO JOINS THE OSBOURNES (252) (10-August-2006)

Sponsorship for Sharon Osbourne TV show

The UK's online gambling giant Gala Coral's bingo division is to sponsor ITV' s new talk show 'Mrs Osbourne Presents' hosted by TV personality and current X-Factor panelist Sharon Osbourne , according to an announcement this week.
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ANHANG ACCUSED TO STAND TRIAL IN PUERTO RICO (251) (10-August-2006)

Enough evidence to justify a trial, says judge

The murder by stabbing of popular online gambling executive Adam Anhang last year had a sequel in a Puerto Rico preliminary hearing court this week, when the judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence available to put a 23 year old dishwasher on trial for the crime.
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WTO DISPUTE - U.S.A. AND ANTIGUA BREAK OFF TALKS (250) (10-August-2006)

Ball now in the World Trade Organisation's court

It's official - the Antiguans and the US trade negotiating team are unable to settle their differences on Internet gambling and have broken off talks.
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ALBERTA (U) HAS THE BEST POKER BOT (249) (10-August-2006)

Artificial Intelligence competition featured Texas Hold 'Em

The world poker [robot] championship (see previous InfoPowa reports) organised by the American Association of Artificial Intelligence in Boston has been won by the University of Alberta .
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ECOGRA PLAYER SURVEY WILL BE THE BIGGEST EVER (248) (8-August-2006)

"....it's really listening to what the players have to say. It's really finding out what's important to them."

This week IGN published an interesting insight into what is planned to be the biggest global online gambling player survey yet attempted.

The player protection and industry standards body eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) has commissioned experts from both the USA and the UK to carry out the survey, which will access the opinions of some 20 000 players in major markets across the world over a period of some two months.
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JACKPOT FACTORY DRAWS A LINE UNDER BLACK HAT SEO DEBACLE (247) (8-August-2006)

Increased monitoring, new checking systems....and a major donation of $25 000 to Gamcare

The management at Jackpot Factory group has drawn a line under the disastrous search engine optimisation debacle that generated major player outrage in recent months (see previous InfoPowa bulletins)

Following an on-site investigation ordered by the player protection and online gambling standards body eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) Jackpot Factory was the subject of a compliance committee hearing over an outsourced search engine optimisation program that targeted vulnerable audiences. The group's internal checking mechanisms failed  and have been replaced with new systems ordered by the eCOGRA audit to avoid any repetition, and the offending material has been taken down.
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LAST 27 NOW IN THE SERIOUS WSOP MONEY (246) (8-August-2006)

Chip leader Jamie Gold is well named....

Monday's short session at the World Series of Poker Main Event has brought the competitive field down to the last 27, with big money assured for everyone still battling toward the ultimate first prize of $12 million.
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BETONSPORTS LATEST - CARRUTHERS REMAINS IN JAIL (245) (8-August-2006)

No help for ex-CEO as family tries to raise million dollar bail

The Times reports that three weeks on from his arrest whilst transitting the USA, David Carruthers remains in jail whilst his family and friends try to raise the million dollar bail set by US authorities, and find a "permanent address" for him in St. Louis until his case can he heard.
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WORLD SERIES OF POKER LATEST (244) (7-August-2006)

Many big names out of the running for poker's biggest prize

The main event in  the World Series of Poker continued to ace out big names as the field was narrowed down over the weekend.
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ONLINE GAMBLING BILL STILL WAITING AS SENATE GOES INTO AUTUMN RECESS (243) (7-August-2006)

Senate leader has online gambling Bills on his list for September resumption, but time is running out

The bills that seek to cripple and ban the online gambling industry in the United States remained unheard as the Senate adjourned for the 4 week autumn break last Friday.
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ECOGRA COMPLIANCE EXECS RELEASE FINDINGS ON JACKPOT FACTORY (242) (5-August-2006)

Three man committee considered report from an independent investigating team

The Jackpot Factory group search engine optimisation campaign which backfired so badly for the formerly reputable online casino group (see previous InfoPowa reports) was front-and-centre again this week with the release of a compliance committee's findings.
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PORTER VISIT TO I.O.M. CONFIRMED (241) (5-August-2006)

Congressman wants to study regulation of online gambling sites

Reports last month (see InfoPowa bulletins) that Representative Jon Porter of Nevada intends to visit the Isle of Man soon were confirmed by the politician this week, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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WPT REVENUES UP 67 PERCENT (240) (5-August-2006)

Second quarter numbers show improvements in company performance

Announcing the second quarter results this week, World Poker Tour CEO Steve Lipscomb said that the company was pleased with the results, which show a 67 percent increase in revenues over the same period last year.
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ANTIGUA'S WTO ACTION TRIGGERED BY JAY COHEN (239) (4-August-2006)

US WTO representative between a rock and a hard place if decision goes Antigua's way

The Washington Post reports that the US Administration can thank ex-sportsbook operator Jay Cohen for its embarrassing World Trade Organisation troubles with the tiny Caribbean islands of Antigua and Barbuda .
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MAIN EVENT FIELD NOW DOWN TO 1139 (238) (4-August-2006)

After Thursday's rest, the action starts again today (Friday)

"The Meat Grinder" main event of the World Series of Poker has now eliminated all but 1 139 of the starting field of 8 773 players, 270 of them women, and after Thursday's rest day break the action starts again at noon Vegas time Friday.
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TAKING NO CHANCES - EXECS LOOK AT EXTRADITION INSURANCE (237) (4-August-2006)

BetonSports case puts the spotlight on the long arm of US law

Reuters reports that recent events such as the extradition of UK bankers wanted in connection with the Enron case in the USA, and the BetonSports failure to appear at a criminal hearing in St Louis this week have resulted in an upsurge of interest in extradition insurance.
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888.COM SAYS OUI TO FRENCH SPONSORSHIP (236) (3-August-2006)

Two season deal signed

Gibraltar based gambling group 888.com has reached an agreement to be the official sponsors of Toulouse Football Club from this week. The deal will run for two seasons.
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GAMEBOOKERS JOINS THE PARTY (235) (3-August-2006)

GBP69 million paid for sportsbook acquisition

Party Gaming's long quest for a sportsbook is over, it seems.  This week the gambling group confirmed longstanding rumours by adding Gamebookers to its stable following a GBP 69 million deal with owners Trident Gaming out of the Isle of Man.
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REGISTRATIONS OPEN FOR EiG (234) (3-August-2006)

Top level speakers lined up for October 11 - 12

One of the most important industry conferences in the European region, the European Interactive Gaming (EiG) scheduled for the second week in October has opened registration facilities.  The good news is that the rates have not changes since last year's highly successful event.
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CRYPTOLOGIC PROFITS SOAR (233) (3-August-2006)

No "soft" second quarter for this software provider!

Canada's premier gambling software developer and turnkey provider, Cryptologic scored a thumping second quarter profit despite unsettled political conditions in the USA and the traditionally slower gambling market usually experienced at this time of the year.
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CALTECH KNOWS WHAT MAKES GAMBLERS TICK (232) (3-August-2006)

New brain research identifies the "gambling" impulses

A California Institute of Technology research team headed by Steve Quartz claims to have identified the subcortical activity in the brain that distinguishes the gambling activity.
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IN THE MONEY (231) (3-August-2006)

World Series of Poker Main Event prize figures make mouth-watering reading

Final figures on the prize pool for the WSOP Main Event have now been officially released and showcase rewards that break all previous records for this global poker championship.
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COOL CASINOS (230) (2-August-2006)

Sisters....

The highly regarded 32Red plc online gambling group out of Gibraltar has launched its latest offering, a slick new Microgaming-powered online casino branded Dash Casino.com .  With a simple but elegant...
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8 773 PLAYERS IN WSOP MAIN EVENT (229) (2-August-2006)

Harrah's releases final head count for Main Event field...and the champ will pocket around $11.5 million!

Total entries for the Main Event in this year's World Series of Poker Championships (see previous InfoPowa reports) currently ongoing in Last Vegas have not only broke all records, but have exceeded the expectations of the organisers.
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FREE CARRUTHERS WEBSITE STARTED (228) (2-August-2006)

Predicament of jailed ex-BetonSports exec is on the Web

A website dedicated to publicising the predicament David Carruthers finds himself in, and the circumstances of the case against BetonSports has made an appearance on the Internet.
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WSOP DIRECTOR IS NO CHUMP FOR THIS CHIMP (227) (2-August-2006)

Pokershare certainly worked this publicity exercise well

Over the past month, starting with a viral rumour mill campaign, and graduating to editorial publicity the PokerShare marketing folks have skilfully heightened the profile of their company through Mikey the Poker Playing Chimp . This innovative scheme presented a poker playing chimpanzee called Mikey as a World Series of Poker contestant with a buildup on his training and abilities.
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ONLINE POKER COMPANY HEADED FOR THE EMERALD ISLE (226) (2-August-2006)

200 new jobs for Dublin

The confusing legal climate, and the uncertain future for online gambling companies in the United States are cited as the main reasons for a US company moving its corporate head office to Ireland this week.
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MORE TROUBLE FOR BANNING BILL (225) (2-August-2006)

World's largest business federation protests on burden that banning places on banks

Last week it was the Independent Community Bankers of America complaining about being over-burdened by the Goodlatte Bill's proposals to ban online gambling and disrupt US financial flows to the industry; this week the call was taken up by another major business confederation in the States.
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SIX FOOT, CIGAR SMOKIN' ONLINE GAMBLING PROSECUTOR (224) (2-August-2006)

US Attorney says offshore betting "could" be used to fund terrorist attacks

US Attorney for Missouri Catherine Hanaway is becoming an increasingly well known name as the BetonSports crisis rumbles on, and this week the UK newspaper The Guardian fleshed out this colourful personality with an interesting biographical piece written by its reporter in St. Louis.
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MOBILE ACTION THE NEXT WPT ATTRACTION (223) (1-August-2006)

Turnkey solution from 3G-Scene for a famous poker brand

World Poker Tour Enterprises, Inc., has licensed its brand to London-based mobile gambling service provider 3G-Scene Limited for a joint mobile gaming offering.

3G-Scene will provide WPTE with a turnkey solution, including product design, management and sales, for WPTE's mobile gambling offerings globally in countries where such gaming is permitted.
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MONEY-CASINO GOES ALL-IN ON AN INTERNET POKER ROOM (222) (1-August-2006)

Ongame the software and network of choice for online casino operator

Money Casino in association with PokerEon.com has launched a new poker room and joined the Ongame Network, one of the leading internet poker networks with approximately 8.6 million registered players, guaranteeing non-stop tournament and ring game action and maintaining the highest standards of security, reliability, and technical excellence.
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GAME ACCOUNT SNAFFLES ATTHERACES DEAL (221) (1-August-2006)

Horse racing website fast out of the gate for skill games

UK skill gaming provider and network GameAccount has scored with another important account, signing up At The Races.com,   one of the UK's leading horse racing and betting websites, to supply the latest skill gaming to its growing community of users.
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BETONSPORTS IGNORING FEDERAL CHARGES SAY PROSECUTORS (220) (1-August-2006)

No show in St. Louis and arguments over service of papers

The St. Louis Post-Despatch reports that BetOnSports will ignore a federal criminal prosecution and civil case aimed at shutting its billion-dollar U.S. operation, according to a federal prosecutor in a court statement on Monday.

BetOnSports lawyers failed to show up Monday morning for arraignment of the company on criminal charges that include mail fraud, wire fraud and racketeering.

They also failed to attend a civil hearing in the afternoon, where federal prosecutors asked a judge to make permanent a temporary order that bans the company from doing business with U.S. customers and seeks the forfeiture of more than $4.5 billion and other property.
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CONTINENT 8 IPO POSTPONED (219) (1-August-2006)

Pricing concerns in a turbulent market blamed

The Financial Times reports that Continent 8 Technologies has pulled its planned floatation in London due to market turbulence and concerns that at this time the offer would not achieve its price targets.
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ON DEMAND FUNDS CLOSING (218) (1-August-2006)

E-Cash processor halts operations on August 18

If you have funds tied up in On Demand Funds , an online e-cash processor, contact the company now.  This week ODF was giving players the following bad news:
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IN LIGHTER VEIN - FANCY DRESS AT WSOP MAIN EVENT (217) (1-August-2006)

Losing this bet involved a few costume changes!

When Joe Sebok lost a bet to his friend and fellow poker pro Gavin Smith he had to arrange several unusual costume changes for his appearances in the four opening days of Main Event matches at the World Series of Poker this week.
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ONLINE CASINO EXEC REMAINS IN CUSTODY (216) (1-August-2006)

BetonSports ex-CEO pleads not guilty to all charges

The AP reportage out of St Louis was a little confusing yesterday (Monday) The initial report was that dismissed BetonSports CEO David Carruthers had not been arraigned with 7 others due to travel delays, but then later reports said that he had, in fact arrived in St. Louis, had been arraigned and pleaded not guilty.

However, unlike the others named in the federal grand jury indictment he remained in custody in St. Louis until his legal representative could negotiate a bail agreement.
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MENTOR GAMING OFFERS NEW ONLINE SLOTS ACTION (215) (1-August-2006)

Online casino games developer has big plans

For the second time in the past three months Mentor Gaming has released new games, this week announcing the availability of 54 online slot games at licensee sites. The new online slot machines from Mentor Gaming will feature 3 and 5 reels with full screen option and advanced 3D technology.
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CORAL TO SPONSOR RUGBY SEVENS (214) (1-August-2006)

Fast and furious seven-a-side rugger will kick off at Twickenham on August 12

Premier Rugby and Middlesex County Rugby Football Union confirmed this week that online betting company Coral.co.uk is the latest major UK company to be associated with England's seven-a-side rugby event which takes place at Twickenham near London on the Saturday 12th August.
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MORE EXPO SPACE AND A NEW WEBSITE FOR ICEi (213) (1-August-2006)

I-Gaming's profile heightened at premier international casino exhibition

Clarion ATE, the organisers of the annual International Casino Exhibition in London have further increased the interactive gaming expo's profile as an event in its own right. The exhibition now has its own dedicated website ( www.icei-exhibition.com ) and online registration facility - live from mid September - representing an evolution from the initial dual marketing strategy under the wing of bricks and mortar gaming sister show, ICE.
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LEARNING HOW TO BET (212) (1-August-2006)

Betfair educates the gamblers

Online betting exchange and poker group Betfair has launched a player-educational facility free of charge branded The Complete Betfair Trading Course - A free course in Power Trading.
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BETONSPORTS DENIES MOB CONNECTIONS (211) (1-August-2006)

We evicted SDS, says spokeswomen

Reports in the UK press over the weekend linking BetonSports to a New York organised crime family were addressed this week by a spokeswoman for the company.
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PLAYBOY DEALS CRYPTOLOGIC A WINNING HAND (210) (1-August-2006)

Famous men's magazine brand signs up for online poker action

Playboy Enterprises Inc . will use poker software from CryptoLogic Inc . to run its Internet poker website, the companies announced this week.
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SPORTWETTEN, INTERWETTEN AND PRO7 CHOOSE GREENTUBE FOR SKILL GAMES (209) (1-August-2006)

Austrian provider signs up new partners

Greentube AG , an Austrian-based provider of multiplayer skill games, has completed the integration of important new customers, including sports betting companies Interwetten AG, Admiral Sportwetten AG , and broadcasting channel Pro7 Schweiz .
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RIVAL LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE CASINO I-SLOT (208) (1-August-2006)

The400Group online casinos offering latest game

Canadian and Curacao gambling software developer Rival Gaming has released a new addition to its gambling suite - Reel Crime 2: Art Heist. Part of a family of online games that add an interactive dimension to classic online slots, Art Heist is a multi-line, multi-reeled slot game that takes players into the comic universe of a pair of bumbling art thieves.
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ST. LOUIS HEARING AN ANTI-CLIMAX (207) (1-August-2006)

Carruthers and BetonSports representatives absent

The court hearings scheduled for Monday this week turned out to be something of an anti-climax: Dismissed BetonSports CEO David Carruthers did not make an appearance; neither did any BetonSports representative; the judge set a hearing date of August 21 but warned that there may be a postponement and another judge extended the restraint of trading order on BetonSports for the second time in as many weeks.
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