Multi-Platform Poker -- Multi-platform remote gaming solutions provider Zone4Play will soon launch a multi-player Texas Hold'em poker game to be available on Sky Digital's interactive television network and accessible from several channels, including Avago, The Poker Channel (sponsored by Party Poker) and Channel Five. It will be launched as a play-for-free game and upgraded to feature real-money wagering when new gambling legislation takes effect in the United Kingdom. The company is also developing a mobile version of Texas Hold'em for a large British bookmaker. Called "Mobile MP Texas Hold'em Poker," the mobile solution will be introduced later this year with play-money and real-money wagering support. Zone4Play's hosting environment platform will enable players who access the poker network via mobile, interactive TV and the Internet to play against one another across platforms.
OPAP -- Greek Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis has announced that the country's lottery provider, OPAP, will begin allowing punters to wager on local football matches in an effort to raise revenues. . . . A new government report shows that the Greek gaming market increased by 28 percent in 2004, to €5,835 million compared to €4,550 million in 2003. OPAP's market share rose from 49 percent to 52.6 percent over the year.
Bingo.com Acquisitions -- Online bingo portal Bingo.com Ltd. has purchased real-money bingo sites Winabingo.com and GroovyBingo.com. The company has completed an asset purchase of the sites for a sum to be determined by the number of active players in the database and the amount of revenue generated over the next year. Active players from Winabingo and GroovyBingo will immediately receive credited accounts to begin playing in games on Bingo.com, which only recently launched real-money games on its portal using software from Chartwell Technology. The Flash-based system provides 75- and 90-ball bingo games with chat features and a full suite of soft games available as side games or intermission entertainment. Bingo.com says the passage of the U.K. Gambling Act led to its decision to diversify its business model by entering the cash bingo market. The company claims to have a player base of over 1 million registered players, with 30,000 visitors and 800 new signups every day.
No Betfair Study -- Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon stated at a budget estimates hearing Monday that the state's government will not conduct a social-impact study into the effects of awarding a betting license to Betfair. "I don't believe if we have to go down that path we'd do it for one license holder," Lennon said.
Certified -- Swedish online poker software and solutions provider Ongame has completed inspections to become a certified member of eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation Assurance). Ongame provides the gaming software and technology that powers the PokerNetwork aggregated system, which hosts a number of poker operators, including Ongame's own poker operation, PokerRoom.com.
Name Change -- Online gaming software and solutions provider 24hBet has changed its name to 24hPoker to emphasize that poker is the company's main focus. The company recently launched 11 new online gaming sites powered by 24hPoker's software for poker and sports betting. All of the sites funnel their action into the 24hNetwork and will be marketed by local partners who target players in Russia, Asia, South Europe, Great Britain and the Nordic countries. The new sites can be found at asianapoker.com, dreamlandpoker.ru, goplay.ru, pokerium.com, heypoker.com, 727poker.com, rivalpoker.com, capbet.com, 66poker.com, tipexpoker.com and pokerclubeurope.com. 24hPoker reported a gaming surplus of €2.8 billion during the nine-month period from May 2004 to January 2005. It plans to float on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in 2006.
Prohibition Bill -- Frank Fahrenkopf, president of the American Gaming Association, told the Washington Internet Daily that his organization would not support any federal legislation that does not do three things: "(1) protect states' rights to regulate gambling, (2) avoid creating competitive advantages or disadvantages between and among commercial casinos, Native American casinos, state lotteries and pari-mutuel wagering operations, and (3) assure the legality of any form of gaming now deemed legal." The AGA's chief lobbyist, Brett Hale, has reportedly viewed the latest draft of the Kyl bill and says that the association will not oppose the bill if it remains unchanged.