Congratulations -- CryptoLogic was recently chosen by Wall Street Journal stock analyst Brandon Osten as one of the top picks of the year. Osten, who is one of a group of analysts referred to by the newspaper as "Home-Run Hitters," recommended Crypto to investors this year. Anyone who took him up on his advice is sure to be pleased with the software company's 96 percent total return. "Last year its financial results didn't get dragged down the way a lot of other companies' did," Osten said. Crypto's stock fluctuates according to U.S. lawmakers' success in banning Internet gambling, he said, instead of with news about technology companies. In other CryptoLogic news, the Toronto-based company will hold a conference call at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday to provide a second-quarter update. To participate, call 416-695-5806 or 1-800-273-9672. The National Center for Responsible Gaming raised a record $65,000 at the Fourth Annual JCM-AGA Golf Classic held recently in Henderson, Nev. Gaming industry contributions to the NCRG now total $7.4 million.
Tidbit from the UK -- Wembley is selling its ticket retailing business as part of its departure from event services. Earlier this year, the company sold Keith Prowse Hospitality and its 50 percent share in The Beatles Story visitor attraction. Nigel Potter, chief executive, said Wembley wants to concentrate on the high-growth area of track-based gaming.
New Stuff -- Jackpot Madness is launching what it is calling the Web's first progressive roulette game, Roulette Royale. Jackpot Madness uses Microgaming software. Cirsa, which develops and markets online systems for instant lotteries and interconnected bingo halls, said today that it has been awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification. The certification covers the entire development process for online systems.
Makin' Deals -- The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has chosen BMM North America to help it review and certify the software used by online gaming companies in its jurisdiction. Online Gaming Systems is signing on with Quova for use of Quova's GeoPoint geo-location software. OGS will implement GeoPoint into its online gaming software to ensure jurisdictional compliance regarding player location.