Cox Matter Put to Rest -- There will be no investigation into Tasmanian Racing Minister Jim Cox's alleged bribing of the Tasmanian Jockeys Association (TJA). Tasmanian Police say there's no case to be made because TJA secretary Kevin Ring, who initially said in a sworn statement that Cox offered members of the association $1 million to "roll over for Betfair," is now distancing himself from the comment. Ring told ABC Radio Friday that Cox's offer was not given in the context of a bribe. According to Ring, Cox said that if Betfair came to Tasmania, there could be more money for worker's compensation. To further prove his case, Cox produced notes from the meeting during which the comment was allegedly made. Though it wasn't a full transcript of the meeting, Cox maintains that he did not use those exact words. He said he felt vindicated. "There was no bribe; there was nothing untoward" he said. "We all agree on that, so I would really like to think this now is the end of the matter."
Poker Is Spreading -- Online poker network Ongame has announced the launch of Europoker.com in Poland and Russia, in their native languages. Gambling's popularity has grown over the last three years, according to Moscow Authorities, so the Russian launch of Europoker.com will be accompanied by a massive marketing campaign with a Moscow focus that will include TV and radio spots that will run until the end of the year, when new laws on the promotion of gambling in Russia come into force. Europoker.com will initially offer only poker, with casino games to be introduced in early 2006. Ongame says it will also be launching native-language sites in Spain and Germany. . . . PokerAffiliate.com partners EuroPoker.com, eCardroom.com and HoldemPoker.com can now target players within the geographic regions of their choice and select the financial reward schemes best suited to regional audiences. "We have substantially invested in the development of PokerAffiliate.com because we are 100 percent committed to helping our valued partners make big money in the shortest possible time," said Edward Ihre of PokerAffiliate.com. "We also have the facility to customize deals for larger media corporations and adapt our programs and financial deals to suit."
Gaming in Africa -- I-gaming software and e-commerce processing company Pegasus Gaming Corp. has completed an exclusive license agreement to operate Web gaming portal Atlanticlounge.com in Africa. The first phase of the deal entails the launch of sports betting, casino and horse betting offerings, followed by a mobile casino game and a P2P multiplayer poker platform.