New Member -- iGGBA (interactive Gaming, Gambling and Betting Association), an industry body for the European online gaming industry that aims to work with government and regulators in formulating fair interactive gambling regulation, has welcomed gaming machine manufacturer Bell-Fruit Games to its ranks. iGGBA has more than 50 members and believes that by supporting a broad and diverse membership base, every necessary issue can be considered in the interplay between the different parties.
Unitab Broadcasts -- The Australian Financial Review reports that Queensland-based gaming operator Unitab has signed a deal to carry ThroughVision racing broadcasts in almost all of its outlets across the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia. The company says its comprehensive betting data will complement TVN's racing broadcasts for a rapidly expanding audience base.
Mahjong Deal -- Mahjong Mania (the trading name of Mahjong Systems Limited) has signed an agreement to provide its Mahjong software to Canada-based I-gaming software and solutions company Gambling Federation for use within its online gaming suite. The aggregate play-for-money Mahjong game, which pools players from all of Mahjong Mania's partners in order to ensure optimal liquidity and player numbers, will initially be available at Gambling Federation licensor Videopokerclassic.com. Mahjong is a popular household game in China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, and Mahjong Mania, and the two companies believe that the Mahjong product provides the potential for operators of Internet casinos and sports books to penetrate the Asian market.
New Games -- Curacao-licensed online gaming operator InterCasino.com has added 12 new slots and two new scratch card-games from software provider CryptoLogic Inc to its suite of casino games, bringing its total to over 100.
WSOP Podcast -- Professional poker player and commentator Phil Gordon has begun streaming a daily podcast from the 2005 World Series of Poker. Fans and players can hear the podcasts for free at expertinsight.com, a website that sells and showcases an instructional video for poker.
Mobile Lottery -- The producers of concert charity Live 8 are distributing tickets to the star-studded show by holding a mobile lottery. People can enter the competition as many times as they like by sending a text message for the price of £1.50 per entry. Sporting Index predicts that text entries could raise up to £19.5 million.
NPA -- The rising popularity of poker has fostered the creation of the National Poker Association for players in the U.S. The organization intends to offer members benefits such as discounts on travel, entertainment and shopping, to promote enthusiasm for the game and to lobby for improved poker legislation. For $25 per year, members can purchase NPA logo apparel, access a land-based poker room locator, view tournament schedules and receive updates on legislative issues.