Tidbit from Down Under -- Australia's Productivity Commission has found that Australian adults spend approximately AU$1,000 per year gambling. In addition, about 300,000 adults have what the commission calls significant gambling problems. Gary Banks, the commission chairman, is calling for betting laws to control the social problems associated with excessive gambling. The amount of money spent on gambling in Australia has risen 15 percent since 1997-1998.
US Bit -- A branch of the Salvation Army, a U.S. Christian charity, is refusing to accept a $100,000 donation from a Florida lottery winner. Maj. Cleo Damon, head of the Naples, Fla. Salvation Army, said the organization would not take the gift from David Rush because he counsels homeless families against gambling. "Everybody has a right to be as sanctimonious they want to be," Rush said. "I respect the Salvation Army's decision. I do not agree with it, but that is their prerogative."
Legal Stuff -- Reuters is reporting that the owners of the ".biz" domain name will pay about $1.2 million to resolve a lawsuit brought about as a result of their name distribution practices. NeuLevel Inc. , the manager of the domain name, is facing allegations that its system is an illegal lottery.
Making Deals -- BSkyB said recently that it will make its SMS and Java mobile entertainment available through its TV channel via a deal with mobile gaming company Digital Bridges. Sky Active has more than 6 million customers.