Miles of Tipping -- Miles Rodgers, the former managing director of Platinum Racing who was banned from racing by the U.K. Jockey Club for two years in April, intends to establish a private tipping service that will maintain no more than 25 clients who will pay £3,950 per year for "information you have previously only dreamed about." According to a Web site promoting his services, "If you are worried about the effect the recent adverse publicity may have had on my contacts, let me reassure you that I have spoken to them and they are all more than happy to continue our prosperous relationship." The Jockey Club disapproves, but has no power to prevent Rodgers from starting the venture.
HeadendWare -- California-based ICTV, a company that provides infrastructure to deliver new iTV services to digital subscribers, has reached an agreement with Zone4Play, a company based in Israel that provides interactive game applications for iTV, Internet and mobile platforms. Zone4Play will become an Elite Solutions partner for games of skill and chance on ICTV's delivery platform, "HeadendWare." Zone4Play will equip HeadendWare with popular games such as blackjack, slots, video poker, Caribbean poker and roulette.
Upgrading Sky -- BSkyB plans to update its Sky Active interactive TV portal and to offer more online activities by initiating a five-year plan to significantly change its brand, values and core offering. To facilitate progress and development, the company is creating a new position, Sky Interactive editor, responsible for building a team to design new media services. The company, which seeks to offer more online services, such as dating and games, will also create a new position for a commercial chief of Sky Online, Sky's Web division.
Two Million Strong -- PokerRoom.com announced last week that it had signed its 2 millionth member. Operating since 1999, the group also says it has experienced a 60 percent increase in membership since the beginning of 2004.
Quoteworthy -- "My position is if an investor files an application, I am willing to move forward with it. But I need to know if the legislature would be behind the commission if they arrest us and put us in jail."
- Eileen Petersen, chairwoman of the U.S. Virgin Islands' Casino Control Commission. The legislature of the Virgin Islands approved regulations for I-gaming in August 2001, but has since received notice from the U.S. Department of Justice that it believes online gambling violates federal law. Petersen said that so far no Internet gaming companies have filed applications to offer services. Meanwhile, the Casino Control Commission is not receiving appropriate funds to function at an optimal level. Last year the commission was appropriated $615,000 but received only $520,000. It has requested $1.5 million this year. Sufficient funding would enable the commission to provide education and awareness of the St. Croix gaming industry, develop gambling education and addiction treatment programs, and properly train staff in new technologies, innovations and strategies.
Stock Exchange Cricket -- Betfair has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with the London Stock Exchange Cricket Club (S.E.C.C.), a team whose membership is open to all members of the London Stock Exchange. The club is about to head to Scotland, where it will play a series of matches against the Scottish financial community and MCC.