The Italian Pirate -- World Poker Exchange today announced an exclusive partnership with professional poker champion Max Pescatori (a.k.a. "The Italian Pirate"), who will serve as the resident odds maker for poker tournament betting lines. Pescatori will share his extensive knowledge with poker fans in his monthly column on the site, featuring tips for betting on poker. He will also represent World Poker Exchange during tournament appearances at the World Series of Poker and the London Open 2005, and starting in July he will host a regular "virtual table" at World Poker Exchange, where members will be invited to play against him. The betting lines will be available at World Poker Exchange's affiliated site, World Sports Exchange, as well. Terms of the agreement were not released.
Mahjong Mania -- Mahjong Mania (a trading name for gaming software developer Mahjong Systems Limited) today announced a software agreement with Gambling Federation through which the former will provide its mahjong software to the latter. The software will initially be available at Gambling Federation's premier licensor, Videopokerclassic.com. Mahjong Mania President Adriaan Brink said his company expects Gambling Federation's "significant Asian player base to enhance our overall liquidity and the playing experience for all of our customers."
Derby Damage -- Scotsman reports that the winning of the Vodafone Derby at Epsom by 3-1 favorite Motivator translated to six-figure losses for British bookmaker Coral. Simon Clare, a spokesman for the company, called the outcome "quite simply the worst possible result for Britain’s bookies, who will face a multi-million-pound pay-out." Damien Walker of totesport, meanwhile, estimates that the horse's win cost bookmakers £5 million.
More iGGBA Activity -- Kroopier Technologies, a provider of security solutions for remote gambling companies, has joined iGGBA (the interactive Gaming, Gambling and Betting Association). Kroopier Director Ignacio de Juan said that his company is looking forward working with iGGBA to bring a perspective on security concerns to international discussions on Internet casinos.