Data Hub -- The Gannett New Service reported today that a poll has concluded that most Internet gambling is done during office hours, meaning that most people who gamble online do so while at work (or else are unemployed). The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive Inc. and commissioned by Websense Inc. , found that Internet gambling sites experience 70 percent of their traffic between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and that 2 percent of people admit to gambling and looking at Internet pornography at work. ... A recent survey by Jupiter Research found that of 10,000 Internet users in Europe, those with broadband connections are more likely to pay for online content than those with slower access. A representative from Jupiter said the "always on" quality of broadband service is slowly convincing people that it's desirable to see music, games and other content for a small fee. "They are beginning to think that in the future they will pay a few additional pounds or euros for gaming or video or the digital download of music," the representative said.
Tidbit from Down Under -- The Australian Financial Review is reporting that online casino advertising in Australia could be affected by the High Court decision in Gutnick v. Dow Jones. The case involved whether defamation can be prosecuted under Australian law if the offending content was electronically published, and attorneys in the country are now saying that the same principles could be applied to online casino advertising. According to the Interactive Gambling Act of 2001, it is illegal for online betting and gaming sites to be offered to anyone physically situated in Australia.
News from the UK -- Rank.com said today that one of its players won £48,823.65 on Bingo-Keno Super-Jackpot after putting in an initial stake of £10. The player, whom they refer to as "Mrs. Kendall" of Wales, is said to be a 32-year-old customer services executive. Rank.com is operated by The Rank Group plc, which also owns Mecca Bingo, Grosvenor Casino and Hard Rock Casino.
Names and Faces -- Independent testing and certification agency BMM International Pty. Ltd. announced today that Deborah Burney will be the Melbourne-based company's new operations manager for BMM North America Inc. In addition, Danny Stewart will be the testing manager of BMM North America. Burney will report to Hugh Monypenny, the managing director of BMM International and the president of BMM North America. In other BMM news, North America office Chief Executive Ian Manning has finished his yearlong contract and is returning to Australia to pursue other interests. The group says he will continue his relationship with it as a consultant. Monypenny will serve as interim CEO until a replacement is found.
New Stuff -- Bingo Entertainment Ltd. is planning to introduce its Empire Bingo Licensing System at the ICE show in London on Jan. 20. The online gaming management and marketing company manages six popular bingo sites including bingofala.com and bingomega.com.
Legal Stuff -- Online Gaming Systems Ltd. said its FIRE system was recently certified as being technically compliant with the Northern Territory Treasury's technical functional requirements. The certification is part of the Northern Territory's approval process for Casino Pariso, which is owned by International Gaming & Entertainment.