Excapsa Mobile eWallet -- Wireless platform software provider Phantom Fiber Corporation has partnered with online gaming software applications developer Excapsa to announce the launch of a global mobile gaming solution that integrates a shared eWallet with Excapsa's other games and is available across global communications networks to mobile phone and PDA users. Excapsa licensee brand UltimateBet is the first to enable its customers to use the technology, and Excapsa's wholly owned licensing subsidiary, Game Theory Limited, has signed a 5-year partnership deal with Phantom Fiber to launch the mobile platform.
More OpenBet Biz -- Online sports book and gaming operator Interactive Gaming Holdings Plc this week debuted the OpenBet Casino platform on its Premier Bet Web site, giving users access to a selection of no-download games from UK-based Orbis Technology. The OpenBet Casino offers the gamut of casino games, card games and multi-reel slots… UK-based online betting companies UKBetting and Totalbet have teamed up with UK games provider specialists Electracade to launch a brand new online version of Roulette, which will operate on the Orbis OpenBet platform.
Robin Hood Recruited -- Poker tournament Web site PokerStars.com announced the addition of renowned poker player Barry Greenstein to Team PokerStars. Instead of pocketing winnings, Greenstein donates 100 percent of his tournament winnings to a variety of charities including Children Incorporated, which provides for more than 15,000 children in 21 countries around the world. Greenstein is also ranked among the highest money winners on the World Poker Tour circuit.
Multi-Platform Gaming Conference -- Trade show production company ATE's second annual Multi-Platform Gaming (MPG) conference was held in London Tuesday and Wednesday. Sportingbet's Alex Czajkowski said successful multi-platform gaming relies on giving the customer the appropriate brand experience over each platform instead of the same general experience. Michael Caselli, editor of iGaming Business, highlighted the emerging platforms of in-flight gambling, leisure gambling on devices such as PS3 and the Xbox, interactive TV, IP TV and at home media centers. Delegates agreed that now is the time to embrace the changes in the industry and start experimenting with the next generation of multi-platform gaming.
Hard Rock Sale -- Rank Group Plc, the UK owner of Mecca Bingo clubs and Grosvenor Casinos, is reportedly considering selling its Hard Rock restaurant and hotel chain to concentrate on its UK gaming operations. Merrill Lynch & Co. is advising the company on a strategic review of Hard Rock to decide whether to retain the division. Rank also owns the Blue Square online betting company.
Training -- Mission Australia, a Christian-based charity that deals with the aftermath of problem gambling among other things, has signed a deal to train staff for Betfair's new Tasmanian operation, according to the Mercury. The charity said it had no qualms about training people to work for a gambling company such as Betfair because the contract is about giving Tasmanians new job skills. The staff will be trained in office and administrative skills, which are transferable skills. The contract would initially involve about 15 staff but could grow to about 100. The training deal would also qualify for a government subsidy under an agreement with the state Education Department.
Unauthorized Poker -- The UK Gambling Commission today sent written notification to police forces, local authorities and the licensing trade associations throughout the UK as part of a clampdown on illegal poker games. According to the 1968 Gaming Act, gambling for money in licensed premises such as pubs is highly restricted. A permit is required to do so and the games cannot be used as incentive for patrons to visit a pub. However, the Commission has published new guidelines on the rules and advises pub and members club owners to discourage the establishment or organization of games outside licensed casinos or card rooms. "Poker is a great game," Gambling Commission Director of Operations Phill Brear said. "But properly regulated operators such as casinos employ trained and licensed staff as dealers and supervisors, they use CCTV to monitor play, they offer protections to players, and they are closely monitored and supervised by the Gambling Commission. Poker in pubs and similar arrangements offer none of these safeguards and we will work with the authorities to clamp down on illegal games."