Europe's most mystical gaming jurisdiction is about to enter the Internet space.
Software supplier Boss Media issued a short news release last week announcing it had been chosen by Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM), a land-based casino in Monte Carlo, to develop an online gaming system for Casino Monte Carlo.
Boss Media CEO Peter Bertilsson said if all goes according to plan the Web site could be up in running by late winter or early spring of this year.
The venture will be SBM's first experience with interactive gambling as well as the first authorized Internet gambling service in Monte Carlo.
Regulations in Monte Carlo don't currently allow for Internet-based gambling, although Bertilsson is confident the necessary changes will be made before the scheduled launch of the site.
"The government owns the casino and sets its own rules," Bertilsson said. "I don't think the lack of Internet regulations are going to be an issue."
Bertilsson added, "Monte Carlo is the best brand name in the world for high rollers. I can't really say much, but you can speculate on what type of customers will be in their database."
Monte Carlo has long been the subject of film and lure after becoming a destination for many of the world's richest and most elite gamblers.
Naturally, Boss and SBM will use the mystique of Monte Carlo to their advantage in developing the site.
"We probably won't get James Bond, but I think we might get awfully close," Bertilsson said.
For Boss, Bertilsson said, the partnership with Casino Monte Carlo is a huge step in the company's shift from providing software to relatively small operators to designing customized sites for land-based gaming entities.
The company's additional land-based clients include Kerzner International (www.casinoatlantis), Svenska Spel (www.casinocosmopol.com) and Gala Group (www.galainternational.com).