Largely Unchanged -- A U.S. trade official told Reuters that the panel handling the I-gaming dispute between the United States and the islands of Antigua and Barbuda has issued its final report, which is "largely unchanged" from the preliminary ruling issued last month. According to Reuters' sources, the panel declared that the United States was at fault for failing to pursue good faith negotiations that might have led to policies that are consistent with WTO rules instead of a complete ban that is inconsistent with WTO rules.
Asian Lotteries Market -- Research and Markets, an international research and data firm with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, has published a new market analysis report, titled "Lotteries and Organized Gambling in China, Hong Kong and Macau," which covers the three types of lottery currently operating in China: traditional lotteries on printed tickets, instant win games, and computer-linked lottos. The report works to advance the premise that although few lotteries and virtually no other legalized gambling are permitted in China, there are indications that the market will grow and flourish. It also examines the more organized gambling industry in Macau and sports betting industry in Hong Kong.
Virus -- Another virus began infecting computers across the world on a large scale this weekend. A worm called Sasser takes advantage of a flaw in the Windows operating system that was announced by Microsoft Corp. three weeks ago. The company had issued a fix for the error, but many computer owners have not yet updated the patch, leaving their computers vulnerable to an infection by Sasser, which can spread automatically to susceptible computers, and unlike most viruses, does not require that an infected file be launched on the computer. The worm causes most computers to continually crash and reboot, but causes no permanent damage to any files or computers. Discovered by security agents on Friday, Sasser had infected hundreds of thousands of computers by mid afternoon today (CST).
EdgeTV -- Telecommunications veteran Reagan Silber and Silicon Valley executives Keith Richman and Charles Katz are taking the helm of EdgeTV, a 24-hour television network dedicated to gaming--from casino games, to fantasy sports, bridge and crosswords. EdgeTV has enrolled the aid of Creative Artists Agency, a talent and literary firm that will assist the network in business activities and content acquisition strategies. John B. Burns III, former ABC Family president of distribution, will serve as vice chairman, and HotHouse Media will take responsibility for creating distribution agreements with cable and satellite providers. The company is in final discussions with a Las Vegas-based casino group to establish permanent production and broadcast operations with a casino. EdgeTV hopes to launch in the first quarter of 2005
Kentucky Derby Records -- The 130th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday shattered North American records for total betting on an individual event and betting on a single day of racing. Wagering on the derby at the track and at simulcast outlets totaled $99,348,706, 13 percent more than last year's $87,968,037. Total wagering for the entire 12-race day came to $142,775,857, 2 percent more than last year's record of $140,379,426. Viewing ratings for NBC's broadcast of the race were an 8.3, tying derby viewing ratings from 2001 and 2002 for the highest since 1992. The rating is 8 percent higher than last year's 7.7. Each rating point represents about 735,000 TV homes.
Quicksilver on Wireless -- Wireless technology supplier Phantom Fiber and I-gaming provider IQ-Ludorum will launch a wireless wagering service for Quicksilver Sports Ltd. in early June 2004. QuicksilverSports.com will become the third operation after BetWWTS.com and WagerOnSports.com to use the wireless wagering platform developed through Phantom Fiber and IQ-Ludorum's partnership. Quicksilver, which plans to expand its business in Asia, is a Jamaican company that has been online since May 2001, offering a race book at HorseParlor.com and a casino at Mahoganycasino.com.