Names and Faces -- David Banks has been elected the new president of the Australian Casino Association for the upcoming year. Rowen Craigie will serve as vice president. Banks is the CEO of Star
City; he replaces Grant Bowie, the former association president. "I look forward to further promoting the industry's many initiatives in areas such as responsible gambling, training and compliance, as well as building the profile of the association with members, regulators, parliamentarians and other key stakeholders," Banks said.
New Stuff -- Netgame Factory is launching a suite of mobile gaming products called the Game Gateway System, which includes traditional lotteries, charities and other pre-developed games and specialized services. The Stockholm-based company said the system is a virtual "lottery in a box" and will offer everything an organization needs to start a mobile lottery.
US Tidbit -- Mutuals.com's Vice Fund, which invests only in industries it deems "socially irresponsible," said today that it will market itself at
gambling and alcohol trade shows and events. The fund invests in stock of alcohol, gambling, tobacco and defense companies. "People who work in these industries seem to love the concept of our fund," said Eric McDonald, the co-portfolio manger. "These trade shows give us great exposure to the leading gaming and alcohol industry experts and employees, as well as consumers who are spending money in these areas."
Bit from Asia -- Dow Jones reported today that Tanjong plc, a Malaysian gaming and power company, has signed up several thousand customers to its mobile betting service, which launched earlier this year. The company's gaming unit is called Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn. Bhd., and it holds number drawings three times a week that can be bet on by mobile phone. Only adult, non-Muslim subscribers of Maxis Communications Bhd. who have accounts may use the service.