Quoteworthy -- "There are no more attacks against these specific companies (online gambling operators), but no one is safe from such attacks. All firms with money are under threat; no one is safe. Any organization with access to the Internet is open."
-- Yevgeny Yakimovich, head of the Russian Interior Ministry's Section 'K', which investigates hi-tech crimes, such as the recent rash of DDoS attacks. One of the difficulties Russian and British investigators face when tracking hackers is that members of a digital crime organization can operate many miles away. In fact the three young men recently arrested for launching DDoS attacks on Internet sportsbooks resided in three different regions of Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Saratov) and may have never even physically met. They have not yet been charged, but could face 15 years imprisonment if convicted of extortion.
Proposition -- In Australia, Opposition Leader Mark Latham has proposed a national policy to reduce problem gambling. His plan involves restricting cash withdrawals from ATMs in gaming venues to $200 per day and outlawing cash advances on credit cards. Under Latham's plan, government commonwealth services agency Centrelink would take a lead role in helping problem gamblers by preparing family income protection plans and allowing funds to be put under control of family members. The Australian Bankers Association, however, disputes Latham's propositions, saying it is "technically unfeasible to set total daily cash withdrawal limits within a venue," and that it would have a "disastrous effect" on community clubs. Other critics, such as Federal Community Services Minister Kay Patterson, claim Latham has proposed no new ideas and many his of suggestions are already in place. Patterson thinks states should take more responsibility for gambling since they clear $4 billion per year in gambling revenue.
Youbet Expansion -- California-based horse racing wagering and content provider Youbet.com, Inc. has appointed Victor Gallo to lead the company's response to new legislation in Nevada that permits advanced deposit wagering. Gallo, who until now served as general counsel for Youbet, will become Youbet's general manager in Nevada and will be responsible for developing new business opportunities in Las Vegas. Youbet's general counsel position is being filled by Scott Solomen, who is joining the company from Los Angeles-based investment firm Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin, where he served as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary of international investment banking.
Sponsorship Heat -- Ladbrokes and Boyle Bookmakers are angry that RTE, the Irish Public Service Broadcasting Organization, has allowed Paddy Power to sponsor television coverage for all 25 days of live Irish racing. Paddy Power's sponsorship deal includes recognition slots on each side of commercial breaks. Ladbrokes spokesperson Jack Mooney told the Racing Post, "We are annoyed and disappointed that RTE did not put this out to tender. We consider this unfair. It’s the equivalent of a political party sponsoring a political program. What would the other parties think in such circumstances? In addition we feel that Paddy Power is sponsoring racing through the back door. Their money goes to RTE whereas ours goes into Irish racing." Boyles is upset because when it signed on to sponsor next year's Irish 2,000 and Irish 1,000 Guineas it believed it would be the exclusive sponsor.
Fatwa Says No -- The National Fatwa Council, Malaysia's highest Islamic authority, declared this week that short message service (SMS) texting contests contain elements of gambling and should therefore be avoided by Muslims. The Council's chairman Ismail Ibrahim, said, "I advise everyone to follow the ruling because anyone caught flouting it can be charged in the Syariah (Islamic law) court." This announcement follows an order issued last week by Malaysia's Information Minister that all radio and television networks must immediately stop airing all SMS contests that are not skill-based.
CES Still Working on Exchange -- CES Software has released an AGM Statement saying that in 2004 its management has focused on moving the group from a development phase towards the commercialization of its technology by expanding considerable effort in establishing a betting exchange for European bookmaker BETandWIN. The company stated that its progress in setting up the exchange has been slower than expected, but it now plans to launch the platform near the end of 2004. CES, which recently acquired the pay-to-play skill games network at SkillJam.com, says its board "believes that person-to-person skill gaming and exchange betting businesses are complementary to one another, and closely aligned, and that by expanding its range of person-to-person product offerings, the group is better positioned to capitalize on the significant potential of the person-to-person gaming market."