BoS Gets Proactive -- BetonSports CEO David Carruthers plans to pilot an independent advisory council to deal directly with the social, economic and public concerns surrounding regulation of the online gambling industry in the United States. The council will be facilitated by neutral parties affiliated with the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR). Council members representing all sides of the issue from law enforcement to parenting groups will address the importance of creating a dialogue and devising solutions to many of the issues facing the Internet gambling industry in the U.S. BetonSports has also released a white paper report on the I-gaming industry that lays out a line of reasoning in favor of regulation in the United States. The paper contains information about existing regulatory models, legal precedents and international decisions affecting the industry.
International Summit -- To alleviate growing concern about the safety of the I-gaming industry, the UK, which last year became the only industrialized nation to introduce a regulatory framework for the online gambling industry, will host this year the first international summit on online gaming. The British government wants to ensure decided measures are in place to stop children from using online gambling sites and to prevent the possibility of money laundering. Culture Minister Tessa Jowell said, "This is a global problem and requires a global solution, which is why this summit is important." Australia, South Africa and New Zealand have expressed interest in participating, and gambling jurisdictions such as Malta, Costa Rica and Antigua will also be invited. U.S. involvement has not been determined.
Play With Cindy -- Ever-present Internet model and self-proclaimed poker enthusiast, Cindy Margolis, launched her own official poker room Monday, aptly named Cindy's Poker Room. Developed in partnership with Mercury Sports N.V. and powered by software from Full House Entertainment, Cindy’s Poker Room offers Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hi/Lo and 7 Card Stud. "Ever since my husband started playing home games with his buddies, I have been hooked," Margolis said. "Poker is so hot today, plus it's a great way to make a little extra cash--and meet new friends! The addition of the Cindy Margolis name will, I hope, instil a greater sense of trust."
Quoteworthy -- "Twelve months ago I said that British racing was well placed to meet the challenges ahead, and so it has proved. Despite well-documented legal setbacks in 2005, and their knock-on financial effects, the sport remains a success story, and in robust health. British racing has never been more popular--it is second only to football in spectator numbers and television viewers--and credit for the continued progress is due to all those who participate in and contribute to the sport. There are numerous reasons to believe we can go on to greater success in 2006. We have record levels of investment in the sport, both in terms of racehorse owners and our racecourses: all those with a passion for racing cannot wait for Ascot's reopening later this year, and this year will also see a new all-weather track launched at Kempton Park, and also Great Leighs, the first course in Britain for over 75 years, open for business."
-- British Horseracing Board chief executive Greg Nichols talks about the resiliency of the British horseracing industry.
Pay-per-Click -- Gaming Corporation PLC, which operates gambling-focused search engine gambling.com, has launched the second version of its pay-per-click search engine. "This evolution in the search technology allows gambling.com to distribute their gaming related listings to other targeted gaming web portal sites, thus increasing their exposure and revenue earning potential," said CEO Justin Drummond.
Charity Auction -- Online auction site eBay is offering a poker table signed by nearly 50 celebrities backstage at last month's Radio Music Awards to the highest bidder, but all proceeds will go to the Make a Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The table, provided by retro-Vegas style sportsbook-casino-poker room Aces.com, was autographed by Snoop Dogg, the Backstreet Boys and other celebrities who presented at the annual awards show. "It was quite a party!" said Rene Queseda, manager of Aces.com. "When they found out it was for such a good cause, the celebrities were more than happy to give us an autograph."