Cricket's Memorandum -- Betfair on Saturday signed its fourth memorandum of understanding with a sports body. The Anti-Corruption and Security Unit of the International Cricket Council has become the latest organization seeking to eradicate corruption within the sport by signing the agreement that would allow it to access punter information in cases of suspicious betting. Since it signed its first memorandum with the U.K. Jockey Club in June, Betfair has entered into similar agreements with the Association of Tennis Professionals, the Darts Regulation Authority and now the International Cricket Council.
Cockroach Betting -- Seven thousand punters are expected to attend the 23rd annual Cockroach Races Jan. 26 in Brisbane, Australia, where contestants can enter their thoroughbred roaches in as many as 14 different race events. Many in attendance will have reared and trained their own roaches, but those who did not have the time to trap and train can buy a competitor at the event. The same cockroach can be entered into any of the 14 races for a $5 fee, assuming the owner can catch it.
Beefing Security -- Following the recommendations of its Security Review Group, the U.K. Jockey Club is creating four new staff positions to battle corruption in racing. The club is accepting applications for a head of intelligence that would report directly to Director of Security Paul Scotney, for a betting analyst that would monitor all betting markets and for two other intelligence-related positions. The betting analyst opening will be posted in the Racing Post, while the three other openings will be posted in the Police Review and at www.policeoracle.com. All four openings will also be posted on the Jockey Club's Web site.
Right to Wager -- The Trident Entertainment Group, which operates King Neptune's Casino, Trident Lounge Casino, Vegas USA Casino, and Trident Poker, recently donated $1,000 to the National Council on Child Abuse and Family Violence (NCCAFV). The group asked its casino players to nominate a charity to be entered in a drawing for the donation. NCCAFV was chosen Dec. 28.
RaceTrackCasino -- www.racetrackcasino.com launched Jan. 1 using Playtech software. The new site offers 60 casino games, 3D graphics, surround sound, live chat features, game play and transaction history and multi-player and private tables. The GamingPromo Affiliate Program will promote the casino.