Nambling Notes - Nov. 25, 2002

25 November 2002

Bits from Asia -- Malaysia's only satellite television operator is now broadcasting horse races in an effort to get more people to gamble on the sport. The television service, Astro, is owned by Ananda Krishnan, a Hindu billionaire. Krishnan also owns the country's largest cell phone operator, Maxis, which has a mobile telebetting service. The Straits Times reports that Astro is keeping mum about the races so as not to attract attention from Malaysia's Muslim population, which is against gambling. ... The discussion about legalizing soccer betting is heating up again in Hong Kong. Andrew Cheng, the chairman of the Home Affairs Panel, said Friday that the panel is expected to talk about the subject at its meeting on Tuesday. Should soccer betting be approved, it could increase what the government takes in from gambling taxes by US$128.6 million per year.

US Tidbit -- The Nevada Gaming Commission recently approved American Wagering Inc. 's new kiosks that allow for 24-7 sports and race betting in Nevada's casinos. The kiosks will be placed in heavily trafficked areas of casinos and will enable gamblers to bet on sports, horse races and auto races. They'll also enable bettors to play after the sports books close for the night, said Tim Lockinger, the CFO of American Wagering. The company plans to use biometric technology to keep minors off the machines.

News from the UK -- World Gaming on Thursday expressed its pleasure over Rep. John Conyers' recently proposed bill that would create a commission to study I-gaming regulation. The Michigan Democrat, when he announced the bill, said he wanted to start a conversation about regulation of the online gambling industry. World Gaming's David Craven said the London-based company embraces any movement toward regulated I-gaming in the United States. "Internet gambling is here to stay and we feel that regulation is the best way to ensure that it is safe and secure," Craven said. "We are very excited about the growth opportunities in the U.S. and Mr. Conyers' lead in favoring the gaming regulation for the Internet." .... Camelot is said to have entered a deal with Sky to offer the National Lottery through interactive digital television. Few details about the deal are available, but Europemedia is reporting that the channel will allow viewers to purchase tickets through the iTV platform.