In Game -- Online gaming software developer Interactive Systems Worldwide Inc. has signed an agreement through its wholly owned subsidiary, Global Interactive Gaming Limited, to provide software to online betting group Sportingbet PLC. The technology will enable Sportingbet to offer play-by-play betting while events are taking place. The service will be available across European markets. The agreement carries an initial 18-month term, and the launch is scheduled for early June.
Backgammon -- British gaming company Ladbrokes will launch online backgammon next Thursday with the help of top tournament organizer and legendary player Lewis Deyong. Ladbrokes hopes to attract offline backgammon players as well as online poker players and casino gamers who have never played backgammon.
Kiwi Live -- Kiwi Casino is now offering live games--featuring real people dealing at the tables via a live video feed--at kiwicasino.com. The technology enables players to interact with the dealers while playing blackjack, roulette, baccarat and sic bo.
Anti-Cyber Crime -- Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev is calling on the world to unite against cyber crime. Speaking at a press conference this week in Moscow for the International Anti-Cyber Crime and Cyber Terrorism Forum, Nurgaliyev said the frequency in Russia of attacks by hackers and extortions from Internet bookmakers, banks and other businesses has reached a dangerous level, threatening the security of citizens. "The consequences of online attacks could even prove to be comparable with the use of weapons of mass destruction," Nurgaliyev said. "The creation of a solid barrier to prevent the spread of these practices, with a clear cross-border character, is impossible without unifying all the affected countries."
Challenging Paris -- Online poker room PartyPoker.com has offered 20-something heiress Paris Hilton the chance to win her $178,000 Bentley back after reportedly losing it in a poker game this week at her family's casino in Las Vegas. "It is a simple deal for the Simple Life star," said PartyPoker.com spokesman Warren Lush. "If she goes heads-up online in a no-limit Texas Hold'em challenge against poker legend Mike Sexton and wins, we'll hand her the keys to a brand spanking new Bentley." Hilton has been given 30 days to take Party up on its offer; the company is willing to set up a face-to-face game if she doesn't want to play online.