Mobile Threats -- Mobile security firm SecureTest claims that companies that interact with consumers through mobile phone applications could easily become victims of hackers breaking into applications, modifying code, and then manipulating Web sites. Such manipulation, for example, could include lowering the price of an item or increasing a proposition's betting odds. SecureTest says it demonstrated this point by staging the hack of typical, but fictitious horse race betting application. Using a standard mobile phone and freeware software tools, the company modified the application's J2ME source code and then used the application to modify the content of the database that contained live betting odds. According to SecureTest, a hacker who is able to breach a server to this extent could also gain access to database information and client data. To protect against the hacking of a mobile application, SecureTest suggests that operators test the penetration of the mobile application source code and consider all routes into the network.
Appointment -- Online bookmaker betinternet has introduced Garry Knowles as its executive director. Knowles, 38, joined the company in November 2003 as head of trading operations. Since then he has added live casino games and a new skill-based Internet football game to the company's offerings and has played a key role in boosting margins and profitability. Knowles previously worked for MGM Mirage as a director of customer relations. Prior to that, he spent 15 years working for William Hill.
New Games -- InterCasino has added 12 slots and two scratch cards, bringing its total number of games to over 100. The site's manager, Ryan Hartley, said the big attractions among the new games are the nine-line slots and the scratch cards. The biggest hit so far is a nine-line version of Millionaires Club. "The response to this game has been phenomenal," Hartley said, "and the fact that the progressive jackpot is now over $700,000 just goes to show how popular it really is."
China -- The Chinese province of Guangdong's public security department has declared that any travel agency that takes tourists to visit overseas casinos will have its operating license revoked. The announcement is consistent with the Chinese government's fierce anti-gambling campaign in 2005. In January it was widely reported that China gambled away roughly $70 billion in both public and private money to overseas casinos.
Manches -- iGGBA (Gaming, Gambling and Betting Association) announced today that Manches LLP, a full-service city law firm, has become the association's newest member. With a strong gaming team headed by David Schollenberger, the group has broad experience in acting for companies involved in interactive gaming, gambling, betting and lotteries.
Poker Beat -- Bodog.com says it will send 24 players to the World Series of Poker in 24 hours starting June 11 at 11 a.m. (EST). The coveted WSOP seats will be won in a variety of qualifying tournaments with varying buy-ins, and Bodog.com is guaranteeing all 24 WSOP prize packages, regardless of the number of registered entries. Winners will receive the Bodog.com World Series of Poker prize package worth over $12,500 and, of course, the chance to win $10 million at the main event. The prize package includes the $10,000 buy-in, airfare, accommodation, Team Bodog gear, and a ticket to the Bodog.com party held at the Rain Nightclub at the Palms Hotel & CasÃno on July 6. Bodog.com will be host its Poker & Sports Marketing Conference the same week at Mandalay Bay.