Queensland Racing -- It has been discovered that Mark Read, executive chairman of betting firm International All Sports, had informed Queensland Racing Minister Robert Schwarten of betting price distortions, conflicts of interest and other concerns about Queensland Racing in April 2004, a full six months before the Daubney-Rafter inquiry was ordered. Schwarten replied to the letter in June and referred Read's concerns to Queensland Racing, a move that Read described as tantamount to sending a whistleblower back to the agency he was blowing the whistle on, according to the Courier-Mail. The letter is at least the second example of Minister Schwarten neglecting to act on a warning. Allan Reardon, former chief metropolitan steward, has said that he personally briefed Schwarten about potential corruption for an hour in March. It wasn't until October, when Sportingbet Australia's CEO Michael Sullivan publicly questioned the integrity of racing in Queensland, that attention was given to the matter and an inquiry was eventually called. Schwarten stated at the time that Queensland Racing had never received any complaints. The Daubney-Rafter inquiry will begin public hearings on Feb. 7.
Mobile Coral -- I-gaming applications and solutions provider Zone4Play Inc. has signed an agreement to supply U.K.-based bookmaker Coral Eurobet Limited with a mobile Java-based fixed-odds gaming suite. Zone4Play will install its proprietary ZoneITS solution, a designated server that creates an API between the client and bookmaker's back office. Keno, hi-lo, dice and a slot machine game will be offered at first, and one new game will be released every month thereafter.
Bill Reading -- The third reading of the U.K. Gambling Bill will take place before the House of Commons on Jan. 24, one day before delegates representing most of the industry will be gathered in London for the International Casino Exposition.
Deck Customization -- MagicPokerCards.com has created a software program that enables players to create custom card decks with images of their choice for use at some of the most popular online poker rooms, including Party Poker, Empire Poker, Paradise Poker and Poker Stars. The program can use most image files already on a hard drive and can pull images from a digital camera or scanner.
Welcome Aboard -- Betting exchange and skill gaming software provider CES Software has named Richard Weil president of the company's business operations. Weil had previously worked for Scientific Games Corp as corporate vice president of international business development. For the past six months he has been acting as an advisor and consultant to the CES management team.
China -- China's aggressive new policy to stamp out online gambling includes enhancing the Ministry of Information Industry's ability to monitor the Internet and tightening related approval and filing procedures. Any company that provides online gambling services will lose its business license and incur other serious punishments. Additionally, gambling Web sites set up by foreign companies will be destroyed. Although the Chinese government had already been pursuing an increasingly tough campaign against online gambling and pornography for several months, it decided to take even stricter measures after it was revealed last week that several government officials have spent millions of dollars in public funds gambling in foreign countries.
Philippines Bill -- A gambling bill that would extend Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (PAGCOR) gambling rights for the next 25 years passed its third reading before the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 113-26. The bill must pass the Senate before it becomes law.
New Table Game -- Play for fun gaming site Slingo, Inc. has announced that its game, "Bonus 21," has been made into a table game and is available at two casinos in Atlantic City. Bonus 21 is similar to blackjack, but offers more side-bet options, including betting on the outcome of the first two cards dealt.
Essential Skills -- The World Poker Exchange has signed a promotional deal that will have FHM magazine promoting poker playing as an essential skill that every man should possess. The ad campaign will begin in February with a series of editorials and advertisements. The magazine will also launch a section of its Web site, FHM.com, that will enable users to download videos explaining poker techniques. Readers will be encouraged to visit World Poker Exchange, where 10 players will be invited to play in a televised tournament for £10,000.