Play it Safe -- The Jackpot Factory Group announced today that online gambling watchdog eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) has lifted its suspension of the online casino group's "Play it Safe" seal. eCOGRA suspended the seal pending an investigation into an "unacceptable search engine optimization campaign," in June, which involved Jackpot Factory contractors. The company said that with ongoing cooperation and increased monitoring by eCOGRA, the employees responsible for the infraction have been disciplined. The company also donated $25,000 to GamCare as a gesture of good faith.
Live from Hobart -- Betting exchange Betfair will reportedly launch its Australian Web site later this month after receiving licensure from Tasmania's gaming commission almost eight months ago. Over that period, Betfair worked in conjunction with infrastructure director Paul Moss to facilitate the development of ground-up infrastructure and to resolve abnormalities in the communication technology.
Libertarian Stance -- The Libertarian Party released a statement on Friday criticizing House Speaker Dennis Hastert's (R-IL) campaign to outlaw Internet gambling. Hastert has included the prohibition in his recently unveiled American Values Plan. Libertarians warn that if the Senate were to pass a bill similar to the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act (H.R. 4411), U.S. financial institutions would be forced to discontinue payments to online gaming organizations outside U.S. boundaries. The Libertarians also point out that the bill poses no threat to state sponsored gambling however. Libertarian Party Communications Director Steven Gordon said: "It's clear that Hastert and Goodlatte are trying to force their moral views on the entire country."
Still No Progress -- Negotiations between the U.S. and the Caribbean state of Antigua and Barbuda, concerning the U.S. ban on Internet gambling, has come to an indefinite halt. In 2005 a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel sided with Antigua and Barbuda's claim that the U.S. ban on Internet gambling violated global trade rules. Subsequent efforts at reaching a negotiated settlement stalled and eventually broke down. "Our delegation presented a number of proposals for the U.S.'s consideration, but, sadly, they were not prepared to accept them," said Harold Lovell, minister of tourism, foreign affairs and international transport and trade for the Caribbean state. "What they offered us was not acceptable." Trade officials expect Antigua and Barbuda to notify the WTO on November 4 of its decision to resume proceedings, which would, in turn, allow the U.S. to commence its appeal.
Parlay and Paddy -- Internet bingo software developer Parlay Entertainment Inc. announced today a partnership with Irish gaming company Paddy Power Plc. Under the agreement Paddy Power will add Parlay Bingo to its catalogue of low-stakes online games.
Orbis and St. Minver -- Orbis, an NDS Group company and provider of the OpenBet gambling platform, announced European gaming network operator St. Minver as its latest customer today. Orbis has agreed to supply St. Minver with games content to be distributed across their European gaming network. Nine games are scheduled to launch later this year.
Stock Report -- London I-gaming stocks remained relatively immobile today, with the exception of three companies. Online payment processor Fireone gained 25.50p to close at 233p, while Neteller put on 4.50p to end the day at 421p. Sportingbet lost 9p, closing at 280p.