Betfair's API -- Birmingham-based Image Habitat is the latest company to develop an application using Betfair's Application Programming Interface, which enables software developers to communicate directly with the Betfair database and develop applications with functionality that Betfair does not already have. Image Habitat's new product, "BetANYWHERE" (www.betanywhere.co.uk), lets punters wager through Betfair with any WAP- or Java-enabled mobile phone. Image Habitat says BetANYWHERE boasts a look and feel that is available in full color graphics, is similar in look and feel to Betfair's Internet site, provides the full range of sports betting and enables users to use their standard Betfair account. The Java version of BetANYWHERE is available for £3 a month, while the WAP version is available at a pay-as-you-go rate of £1.50 per 24 hours of access. Thirty-five software developers have signed on to use Betfair's Application Programming Interface since the company launched its developers program eight months ago. . . . Betfair says it expects to match 4 million bets for the Grand National on Saturday; that would more than double last year's record of 2 million matched bets.
Quoteworthy -- "We are in the process of analyzing the WTO appellate body's lengthy and complex decision. From our initial review, we applaud the decision in so far as it reaffirms the sovereignty of United States gaming laws. We look forward to working with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, members of Congress, and other appropriate parties to better understand the concerns of the appellate body as regards the federal gambling laws, including the Interstate Horseracing Act. The horseracing industry has operated for more than 25 years pursuant to the Interstate Horseracing Act, a federal statute that provides a framework for interstate simulcasting of horse races among 42 states. These state licensed and regulated activities account for more than 80 percent of our industry's revenues, generate more than $1 billion in annual local, state, and federal taxes, and are the primary economic engine that supports the 472,000 workers in the $34 billion racing and breeding agribusiness."
- D.G. Van Clief, Jr., commissioner of the
National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
Promotion -- Race wagering and content provider Youbet.com says that a promotion it launched on March 26 called "Mystery Mutuel Rewards" resulted in a 41 percent increase in member sign-ups during its first weekend as compared to other weekends this year. The program gives participants a chance to win one of 34,000 cash prizes totaling $300,000 by redeeming vouchers at the company's Web site. The company is advertising the promotion in the online and print editions of the Daily Racing Form, at ESPN.com's horse racing section, on Ticketmaster.com and on its own Web site.
Poker Beat -- Bodog.com will sponsor the Celebrity Poker Shootout and the Second Annual Treasure Island-Las Vegas Casino Night on April 14 at the Barker Hanger of the Santa Monica Airport. The event will benefit the Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation and feature such players as Marge Hearn, members of the Lakers squad, Debra Messing, Shannon Elizabeth, Mimi Rogers, Will Sasso, Breckin Meyer, Chris, Danny and Jordan Masterson, Donovan Leitch, Gabrielle Union and more. . . . Poker information portal Cardplayer.com is improving its live professional poker tournament coverage by providing live streaming audio and video for all of the Bellagio Five-Star World Poker Classic events, which began on April 5 and culminates on April 25. . . . Pokertropolis.com has posted opening odds for players to win the 37th World Series of Poker finals this year, with movie star Ben Affleck the current favorite at 450-1.
7WIN7 Mobile -- Kahnawake-licensed Jackpot Factory Group has launched a new java-based mobile casino called 7WIN7 Mobile Casino (7win7.com). The casino offers video poker, double magic slots, roulette, blackjack, a scratch card game and a progressive jackpot slot. Wireless casino technology company Spin3 provided its Spinloc security authentication system for the 7WIN7 Mobile, and Microgaming provided its integrated gaming and casino management software.
Sponsorship -- BetandWin.com has extended its commitment to the MotoGP World Championship to sponsor this year's April 10 event in Jerez, Spain, a country which the company has identified as a target for its market expansion. BetandWin's logo will appear on numerous banners at various positions along the track and also on the press board and winner's rostrum. The company is already a three-time sponsor for Grand Prix events in Portugal, Great Britain and Japan.