Sportingbet Sounds Off -- Speaking at the publication of the company's first quarter results in late November, Sportingbet CEO Andrew McIver railed at the U.K. government for its lack of support amid the recent crisis affecting listed operators in the United States. "We are disappointed with the lack of support the industry has received from the U.K. government prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)," he said. A company spokesperson added that comments from U.K. Secretary of State Tessa Jowell regarding the U.K. government's opposition to prohibition of remote gambling were "too little too late."
Members Only -- U.K. bookmaker Blue Square recently partnered with fellow operator Grosvenor Casinos to launch a U.K.-only poker tour, scheduled to commence in January 2007. Across a 10-month span, 10 Grosvenor casinos will host the events. Individual event winners, meanwhile, automatically win a seat at the U.K. Poker Tour Grand Final to be held at the end of the year. Buy-in is $1,969, with players also able to qualify in satellites at Grosvenor casinos or online at Blue Square Poker. Players will have the chance to play for a share in an anticipated $7.9 million in prizes across the 10 events.
Moolahn Rouge -- Online casino group Jackpot Factory this week announced the release of its new progressive game, Mega Moolah, powered by Microgaming technology. The game offers four-tiered jackpots, the largest beginning at $1 million, as well as Wild Symbol, Free Spin Symbol, Multiplier Symbol and a randomly generated bonus feature. Its next smallest jackpot is $10,000, said the company in a prepared statement.
New Releases -- I-gaming provider Microgaming announced this week the release of a five-game package that includes video poker, blackjack and a range of video slots.