Mobile Solutions -- Multi-platform gaming solutions provider Zone4Play Inc. has granted South Africa-based online casino operator Cosmotrade Investments Ltd. a non-exclusive, non-transferable five-year license to distribute, promote and sub-license Zone4Play's mobile gaming solutions. In addition to front-end development of mobile casino games, Zone4Play will provide its ZoneMAS back-office system and ZoneITS interactive terminal server. The companies will target a European audience.
New York Bust -- "Operation Toll Free," a two-year investigation into an illegal sports betting ring in New York, culminated this week with the indictment of 36 people, including the head groundskeeper for the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. Allegedly controlled by the Bonanno organized crime family, the ring is said to have operated three wire rings--in Kew Garden Hills, Flushing and Costa Rica--and relied on computers, the Internet, e-mail and AOL's instant messenger to do business. The various defendants face a combined 39 counts of offenses, including promoting gambling, possession of gambling records, conspiracy and more.
New Merchants -- Isle of Man-based online payment processor NETeller has added European betting companies Betfair.com and Expekt.com to it merchant base, giving those companies the ability to offer wagering services to the more than $1.5 million worldwide users of NETeller accounts. However, neither company accepts bets from residents of the United States, where a large number of NETeller account holders originate.
China Busts -- More than 1,000 police officers in Shanghai participated in a massive citywide sting Tuesday that resulted in the detainment of 13,000 individuals suspected of a number of crimes, including illegal gambling. Among those detained, two were on a national wanted list for allegedly organizing gambling over the Internet.
Youbet -- California-based Youbet has appointed James Wang, a former business and process planning manager with United Airlines and Telepacific communications, as its new director of player services. Wang will oversee the design, development and implementation of deposits, withdrawals, wagering and reporting processes to support the company's online and telephonic interface with customers. . . . Part of Youbet.com's endorsement contract with legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas includes the launch of a new Web site (www.dwlukas.com) devoted to Lukas' career. The site will feature weekly racing commentary, photos, Lukas-related chronologies, and Lukas' views on his Triple Crown entrants. Last month Lukas won his 597th grades stakes race, boosting his career thoroughbred earnings to $241 million.
RNG Certification -- Sweden-based online casino software provider Net Entertainment has had its random number generation certified by both Canadian testing facility Technical Systems Testing (TST) and the Swedish National Laboratory of Forensic Science (SKL). Net Entertainment is the Internet gaming division of Swedish Stock Exchange-listed gambling firm Cherryforetagen, which has over 350 land-based casinos.
Welcome Aboard -- Online skill gaming and betting exchange software provider FUN Technologies has appointed Avi S. Greenspoon as a director of the company. Greenspoon is a partner of Toronto law firm Fogler, Rubinoff LLP, where he practices corporate and securities law. He has also served as a director at Hy & Zel's Inc.