Java Games -- Gaming Corporation has launched a Java-based casino that enables gamers to play six games without having to download any software. Gaming Corporation decided to create the site after its gaming portal, www.casino.co.uk, found that 20 percent of its customers preferred casinos that did not require software downloads. The new Java based games were developed by Sweden's Boss Media AG.
ITV Betting -- The Guardian reports that Sportech has a five-year deal to provide interactive betting on some U.K. television shows, including Pop Idol and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! The company expects to launch the Pop Idol game next month as ITV introduces the ITVi interactive service. Sportech is also going to provide the interactive betting services for an Endemol production called 24 Hour Quiz, which will debut in the spring and feature live coverage on channel ITV2.
Sponsor -- Australian betting company SuperOdds is now a sponsor of the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club. SuperOdds, the official betting agency of the Rugby World Cup 2003, has also launched a new Web site and telephone betting service in the United Kingdom.
Survey Says -- Commissioned by Harrah's Entertainment and conducted by Roper ASW, the latest annual Profile of the American Casino Gambler surveyed 2,000 people to reach its findings that casino gambling in the United States is on the decline. The survey estimates that about 51 million adult U.S. citizens gambled at a casino in the last year--2 million less than last year. Other important estimates: 54 percent of gamblers are women, 57 percent of gamblers are older than 50, 74 percent of gamblers play slots and 14 percent play table games.
Simulacast Conference -- The Thoroughbred Racing Associations' annual Simulcast Conference this week has drawn around 300 U.S. racing officials. One of the focal points of the conference is the recommendations made by consulting groups Giuliani Partners and Ernst and Young on how to improve security following last October's attempt by three men to rig a six-race bet at the Breeders' Cup. Another hot topic at the conference is the development of new technologies for wagering, particularly wagering via wireless applications.