Betfair Poker -- I-gaming software provider CryptoLogic has revealed that Betfair, one of its biggest poker licensees, intends to begin using poker software developed in-house. No definitive decisions have been made on the matter, but it is apparent that Betfair would like to terminate its contract with CryptoLogic's subsidiary, WagerLogic Limited, in early 2006 so that it may launch its own poker network. Betfair's departure would not affect CryptoLogic's financial results for the year 2005, but could have a material effect on 2006 earnings unless the loss of revenue can be balanced by growth from other existing and potential new licensees. . . . CryptoLogic has appointed Stephen Taylor as its chief financial officer. Taylor has more than two decades of experience in financial and business management, public markets and mergers and acquisitions.
eBingo Caliente -- Internet bingo solutions provider Parlay Entertainment Inc. has completed a software licensing agreement with Hipódromo de Agua Caliente, a 90-year-old race and sports book operator based in Tijuana, Mexico. The agreement will result in a new Web site called "eBingo Caliente" (www.caliente.com.mx) that will target the Mexican and South American markets with a Spanish language, 90-number bingo product. The Web site will launch sometime in the third quarter of 2005 and will feature a Spanish language user interface as well as Spanish-speaking bingo callers.
Self Regulation -- The latest initiative from self-regulatory body eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming, Regulation and Assurance) focuses on barring minors from gaming sites and protecting gambling addicts from financial harm. The 56 online casino and poker rooms that are members of eCOGRA will implement specific policies and requirements that were designed in collaboration with the G4 responsible gambling group. All sites will be required to carry a prominent "Responsible Gaming" section in which the dangers of underage and problem gambling are explained. The sites must also provide seven-day "cooling off" periods and six-month self-exclusion periods for problem gamblers in addition to deposit limiting mechanisms. Training programs are being established at the sites to familiarize staff with the financial and playing patterns that are typical of problem gamblers.
Cybersquatting -- A U.S. District Judge in Alexandria, Virginia has ruled that a number of domain names used by Costa Rica-based online gambling company Global DIP are "confusingly similar" to Las Vegas casino The Venetian's trademark. The company has consequently been ordered to cease using the URL's "VenetianGold.net," "VenetianGold.com," "VenetianGold Casino.com," "VenicianGold. com," "VenetianGoldCasino.net," "VenecianGold.com" and "VeniceGoldCasino.com" because they violate the Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer Protection Act of 1999.
UK Ads -- The British Casino Association is reportedly expressing its concerns to the British government about the increasing amount of advertising done by foreign-based online poker operators. Although foreign operators may advertise as long as they do not invite customers to deliver any money, the traditional casinos are concerned that the nature and extent of the ads now breaches the relevant laws (Section 42 of the 1968 Gaming Act). Meanwhile, the advertising of online casinos was supposed to have been discussed at a meeting of the Gaming Board, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the ASA and Ofcom. Law firm Olswang reports that the groups were supposed to issue a joint statement on the matter, but none has yet been released. Considering that the ads will become legal as soon as the new Gambling Act takes effect, it is doubtful that any legal action will be taken.
Guilty -- The Lincoln Park dog track in Rhode Island and two of its former executives were found guilty on Monday of conspiring in 2000 and 2001 to bribe the state's former Speaker of the House with up to $4 million to support legislation that would allow the park to introduce slot machines. Lincoln Park, its former general manager Dan Bucci, and Nigel Potter-the former chief executive of British company Wembley, which owned the park at the time-were each convicted of conspiracy and wire fraud. The sentencing date has been set for Oct. 28, and all three parties could be fined up to $1 million while Bucci could face up to 25 years in prison and Potter 20 years in prison. No bribes were ever actually paid, and former House Speaker John Harwood never faced any charges. The first trial of the case ended in February with a deadlocked jury. The track was recently sold to a Connecticut-based company that plans to add slot machines.