In the Bo-doghouse -- Costa Rican national police Friday raided the home of recent Forbes Magazine cover model and billionaire's club member Calvin Ayre on suspicion that he was hosting an illegal poker tournament inside the $3.9 million mansion. Ayre, owner of online gambling company Bodog, denied any wrongdoing, explaining to police that he was, in fact, taping a segment of his reality show, "Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker," that featured a party at his house. He laughed it off saying, "When you're on the cover of Forbes, you attract a lot of attention."
Quoteworthy -- "There has not been a single prosecution since Tessa Jowell promised to crack down on online gambling companies. The secretary of state has obviously turned a blind eye to such companies, and in the meantime, vulnerable people have been left to fall victim to the dangers which gambling presents. It is imperative that the government takes action on the companies which it knows are falling foul of the legislation."
- U.K. Shadow Minister for Culture Media and Sport Malcolm Moss, wondering what happened to Culture Minister Tessa Jowell's proposed crackdown on Internet gambling advertising that uses language to entice people to play online games for money.
Mahjong Mania in the Palace -- Montreal-based Dynasty Gaming Inc., through its subsidiary Mahjong Systems Limited (MSL), announced last week the completion of a deal to supply online gaming company Golden Palace Limited with its Mahjong Mania gaming software, marking the seventh contract signed by MSL since its 2005 introduction. Mahjong Mania was launched on Ladbrokes' online sports betting site in January.
Horsebacking -- Australian millionaire horse owner and punter Eddie Hayson was charged by Racing NSW Friday for backing his own horse with betting exchange Betfair, which was only last month granted a license to operate in Australia. Hayson reportedly asked his friend commission agent Steve Fletcher to place a bet with Betfair on his horse, Flying Song to win a race at Gosford last Thursday. But according to racing rule 175b, an owner cannot bet on his own horse to win with a betting exchange. Hayson contends he was unaware of the rule.
Give 'Em a Hand -- Costa Rica-based Absolute Poker.com announced today that it has passed the 300 million mark for the number of poker hands dealt on its Web site since its 2003 debut.