Crypto Version 6 -- InterCasino UK has launched a new version of its online casino using CryptoLogic's new Version 6 software platform. The new software features two new games, "Super Slideshow" and "Fruit Fight," which are similar to the fruit machines found in British soft gaming venues like pubs and restaurants. Other new games include "Casino Solitaire," "Casino War," "Super Fun 21" and "Bonus Video Poker." An improved games menu enables players to view an in-game preview of games before loading them.
Quoteworthy -- "If, in the course of Parliamentary scrutiny, it is absolutely clear that what people want to see is a more gradual approach, then of course we will consider that. I will take very seriously constructive proposals for improving this bill that arise during the course of its Parliamentary scrutiny."
--Tessa Jowell, England's secretary of Culture, Media and Sport. One week ago, Jowell dismissed the bill's dissenters as a minority of "snobs," but it appears that she is now willing to make some concessions to pass the bill. Part of the "gradual approach" might include putting a five to 10-year cap on the maximum number of casinos, which could be lifted after urban regeneration benefits and the effects of gambling addiction are evaluated.
VAT for Exchanges? -- The Sunday Business Post reports that Ireland's revenue commissioners have begun investigating whether betting exchange Betdaq, which should process over 1 billion euros in betting through its Dublin-based server this year, should remain tax-free. Some tax inspectors are arguing that Betdaq should be liable for a 21 percent VAT service tax. Some of the Business Post's sources speculate that the inquiry could be extended to all betting exchanges and might eventually end up in the High Court.
A Payment Revolution? -- U.K.-based Orbis, a News Corporation majority-owned online gambling software provider, is developing a technology plan that would create a plastic card that could be used to replace cash for all betting transactions with bookmakers, on the Internet and in casinos and could also be used for security verification. Such dedicated charge cards would benefit gambling operators by fighting fraud and eliminating some of the heavy fees credit card companies deduct from betting transactions. The cards are at least five years away from implementation, however. Orbis is also developing plans to convert all slot machines to Internet-style platforms.
Smart Card -- TVG Technologies Ltd., a provider of secure smart card crypto interfacing systems (not to be confused with TVG Networks), announced that it has received a letter of intent from a private customer regarding a long-term $50 million contract to supply its SmartNet product with added features over a five-year period. TVG Technologies plans to supply SmartNet with software applications for online casinos.
Nintendo Hold'em -- Mejecso, a company that provides diversified applications and content for digital entertainment platforms, has developed a Texas Hold'Em game for Nintendo's portable Game Boy Advance platform. Players can play in single-player mode against up to 10 other players or in career mode, in which they compete against computer-controlled players in the Texas Hold'Em championship tournament in Las Vegas.