Decent Proposals -- The U.K. Parliament's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) today published its proposals for the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005, which will ensure that all operators comply with the new regulations. This marks the beginning of a three-month consultation period on the proposals mapped out in the act, which will take effect Sept. 1, 2007. The DCMS is welcoming all comments from local authorities, licensing justices, gambling operators, industry groups and all other interested parties until May 2.
Call for Disclosure -- Martin Cruddace, head of legal affairs for controversial betting exchange Betfair, is calling on the new U.K. Gambling Commission to grant licenses only to bookmakers who are willing to share all client information with the authorities. The betting exchange is leading by example by already possessing numerous similar agreements, including one with the Football Association. Traditional bookmakers, however, have agreed to disclose details of wager amounts in suspicious cases, but not who was placing the bets or how they did it. "We would hope that full openness is a condition of a bookmaking license in future," Cruddace said.
Poker for Traders -- In response to an evidently enormous interest from its users, European stocks and shares Web site the Advanced Financial Network (ADVFN) has launched an online poker room geared toward the trading community. ADVFNpoker.com, powered by Internet gaming software developer Chartwell Technology and managed by Inside Gaming, carries all of the usual suspects, such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hold'em and stud. Inside Gaming recently announced its desire to offer management services to big brand gaming licensees.
SMS Demand -- South Australian "No Pokies" MP Nick Xenophon is urging the Australian federal government to put a stop to a new betting scheme enabling people to place bets by sending SMS messages via their mobile phones. Xenophon has written to the commonwealth demanding amendments to the Interactive Gambling Act to stop the scheme because, he said, text message betting is likely to put more young people at risk of becoming problem gamblers.
Poker Mouse -- International workplace solutions company Hela, which bills itself as the "Corporate Wellbeing" company, is marketing its wireless optical mouse as the "Poker Mouse." The Perific Mouse can be used in midair or in the user's lap up to six feet from the computer; thus, according to Herman Bynke, managing director of Hela, it is ideal for online gaming because it is comfortable to use and cuts down on potential health problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Boehner -- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives today elected Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, as majority leader, upsetting Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., in a 122-109 vote. Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay stepped down in December after being indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges by a Texas prosecutor. DeLay and lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who was recently charged with conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion, are accused of manipulated voting and other factors surrounding the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act in 2000. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, introduced a prohibitory I-gaming bill in November, 2005 and reportedly expects it to make its way through congress this year.