Ritz to Leave Crytpo -- Interactive gaming software developer CryptoLogic Inc. announced today that the Ritz Club London Online has decided to cease its relationship with WagerLogic, CryptoLogic's wholly owned subsidiary, effective on or prior to October 28, 2006. It also announced that it has extended its contract with licensee online casino InterCasino until at least Jan. 1, 2012.
PhilWeb to be Swallowed -- ePLDT, the information and communications technology arm of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), is purchasing Philippine online sports betting company PhilWeb Corp for PHP502.4 million (US$9.76 million). The acquisition will enable ePLDT to bring gaming content to its mobile customers.
Competing with Online -- To better compete with Internet betting, Canterbury Park race track in Shakopee, Minn. will implement some changes this season to keep bringing bettors to the races. Beginning Saturday, the race track will have roving mutuel tellers taking bets on the grounds, upgraded betting machines, and more learning opportunities to help inexperienced horseplayers try to pick winners. "We think focusing on live racing is the way to grow it," said Canterbury President Randy Sampson. "For better or for worse, that's the direction we're forced to go." Track officials are pursuing bills that would legalize online betting, allow slot machines at the track or expand Canterbury's card club. Rep. Andy Westerberg, R-Blaine, chairman of the House Gaming Division, introduced a bill this year that would legalize online betting, but it is unlikely to pass this session. For now, track officials are hoping their horses can draw more money during the racing season.
No Monday in Northern Ireland -- U.K. lottery company Chariot's new lottery, Monday, will not be available to residents of Northern Ireland, according to the Belfast Telegraph. Chariot Communications Director Stuart Handley said Northern Ireland has been excluded because the law simply doesn't allow it. "It definitely isn't a snub to the people of Northern Ireland, as it is all to do with legislation, and we are not in a position to change that," Handley said. "We would love it if Northern Ireland residents could play. If we could take Northern Ireland money, we would be more than happy to do so."
New Stuff -- BoSPOKER.com, the poker arm of online betting company BETonSPORTS, said today that it has added 7 Card Stud to its arsenal of games. "Stud is considered the basic poker game, without the intricacies and betting patterns that you see in Hold 'Em," BoSPOKER.com Brand Manager Nick Lynes explain. "Stud is a natural fit for our sports betting customers and our version is superior to most of those offered at other online poker rooms." . . . Interactive gaming content provider Gextech will showcase Smart-Stitch, the driving force behind its new virtual fixed-odds football betting game, Fantastic League, at the Global Interactive Gaming Summit and Expo (GIGSE) May 16-18 in Montreal. Smart-Stitch is the foundation on which Fantastic League was built. It enables Gextech to reproduce realistic sports and leisure-based fantasy games. Gextech will also debut at GIGSE at least six mobile games, including Fantastic League Penalty Shootout, Vampire Scratch and Pixy Circus scratch-card games, Treasure Cash, roulette and blackjack.