PokerStars Returns to Simpler Ways -- Online gambling site PokerStars.com, still serving U.S. players, will return the eCheck instant deposit service to its American clientele. The service would require qualifying customers to provide PokerStars with specific banking information so that the money can be taken directly from a specified checking account via Electronic Fund Transfer. However, the minimum amount that can be transferred via eCheck is $25, and there is a $600 maximum within a 24 hour, seven-day period, plus a $2,000 maximum within 30 days.
No More Blood Sports -- The Irish Council Against Blood Sports (ICABS) is urging online sports betting company Paddy Power to stop accepting bets on the number of ears that will be cut from the heads of bulls after bullfights. The Spanish language version of paddypower.com offers players the chance to bet on a ritual that takes place at the end of a bullfight in which the matador removes the bull's ear as a gruesome trophy of his victory. Paddy Power spokesperson, Gary Connolly responded: "We neither support nor denounce bullfighting, we simply respect this Spanish custom and offer a choice to those customers who wish to bet on it."
ATP to Players: Zero Tolerance on Betting -- The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has instituted a zero-tolerance policy regarding gambling following an investigation into possible match fixing on a recent match between Russian star Nikolay Davydenko and Argentina's Martin Vassallo Arguello. Executive chairman Etienne de Villiers said penalties for ATP players being caught involved in gambling on the sport would be subject to fines up to US$100,000 and a lifetime ban.
Liberals Attack Gambling Act -- Following Saturday's implementation of the UK Gambling Act, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Don Foster attacked the government's handling of measures to protect citizens from gambling addiction. "While many of the gambling reforms are welcome, the government must recognize its failure to put adequate provisions in place for the problems the Act may bring," Foster said. "There has been a huge surge in online gambling but ministers have failed at every opportunity to bring Internet gambling companies onshore where they would pay tax and be properly regulated. It took the gambling industry five years to meet its previous funding target for problem gambling services -- the industry needs to be much more responsive if it is to protect the most vulnerable. The Gambling Act had great potential, but the government's handling of it has been fraught with chaos, confusion and contradiction from start to finish. Systematic delays and a lack of appropriate planning have left many operators around the UK confused about deadlines right up until the last minute."
Turnover -- Isle of Man Chief Minister Tony Brown on Friday announced the appointment of new Gambling Supervision Commission Chair Claire Milne and new member Jerry Carter. Milne, who has a background in intellectual property, IT Law and data protection, is replacing outgoing Chairman Jane O’Rourke.
Results -- Online gambling software firm Playtech on Monday posted strong revenues for the first half of 2007, despite being rocked by the U.S. I-gaming ban in 2006. Revenue for from casino games for the period ending June 30 was $32.6 million with revenues of $10.5 million from poker. Meanwhile, the company's finance director, Shuki Barak, announced his departure from the company. He is leaving for personal reasons.
Strong Results -- Paddy Power has posted an operating profit of over 40 million euros (US$54.4 million) in the first half of 2007, an increase of 100 percent. Online activities saw profits rise over 50 percent to 15 million euros (US$20.4 million). CEO Patrick Kennedy attributes the remarkable growth to a "perfect storm" of horse racing, football, rugby and golf which produced a series of "unlikely and certainly lightly-backed results." Total revenue for the period saw a rise of 37 percent to 144 million euros (US$195.9 million) from 104 million euros (US$141.5 million).