Re-launching -- Kiss Casino has ended its relationship with Boss Media and has re-launched its Web site using RealTime Gaming's software. Kiss Casino asked its customers to close their accounts before March 31 and then return to download the new RTG software. Like its sister site, Giant Vegas, Kiss Casino will be managed by Thorsten Hillebrecht, a former executive of Global Player. . . . Virtual City.com has re-launched with new futuristic graphics and upgraded Viper software. The site now features expert mode options, easy navigation, game descriptions, sound options and regular additions of new games.
Settlement -- Torbjorn Ihre, a lobbyist for the European Betting Association (EBA) said this week that the association does not bar betting exchanges from joining its ranks. He stated, "EBA has in its Articles of Association rules for which companies can apply for membership. EBA has never considered refusing membership to betting exchanges."
Environmental Impact -- British betting group Rank has been removed from the FTSE4Good, an index of ethically sound and socially responsible companies. Rank failed to meet the index's standards by not establishing a policy to monitor and minimize its environmental impact.
Belle Rock Gaming -- The Carmen Media Group is linking its seven flagship online casinos and three poker rooms together to form one large group, Belle Rock Gaming, operating under one Gibraltar license. Each of the individual operations will continue to offer the same games and interfaces. All of the Belle Rock Gaming Group's casino's have received the eCOGRA seal of approval for fair gaming, prompt payments, player service, and responsible conduct. Belle Rock plans to offer huge promotions and group loyalty appreciation programs.
Wireless Casino -- Costa Rica-based Tengel Corp has released Casino4Wireless.com, a wireless casino application that was built with the group's own proprietary technology. Casino4Wireless supports wireless connections via external modem, GPRS base, WiFi and Bluetooth. Player information is kept secure through RSA 2048-bit encryption.
America Tab -- Account wagering provider America Tab announced that it plans to take bets on foreign racing events. The company has filed a request for approval with the Oregon Racing Commission, but would likely not abandon its plans if its request were rejected. Horesemen's groups and Magna Entertainment argue that by offering wagers on foreign racing America Tab will hurt American racetracks' revenue streams, but America Tab's Charlie Ruma disagrees. "Quite frankly, it has nothing to do with the United States. It puts no one in the U.S. in jeopardy," he said.
Blackout -- The Australian Hotel Association (AHA) sought a federal court injunction against the Sky Channel and its owner Tab Ltd from blacking out Sydney horse races. The AHA claims that Sky Channel is breaching its contract by refusing to broadcast the events. Pubs and hotels are often the only place punters can watch the races. The court said it was unable to deliver a decision without further deliberation on the matter.