Open for Business -- The Alexander First Nation in Edmonton, Alberta, has established a gaming commission and is now offering online gaming licenses to qualified applicants. The Alexander Gaming Commission was founded on March 24, 2006 pursuant to the provisions of Alexander First Nation Band Council Resolution 2005.2006.057 and the resulting Alexander Gaming Law. The Alexander First Nation has also employed and empowered data technologies firm Alexander Internet Technologies to facilitate the involvement of Alexander First Nation and its members in Internet and technology industries. AIT is currently completing construction of phase 1 of a 25,000 square foot co-location data center, set to open December, 2006. AIT will to offer backup and disaster recovery, which are 100 percent maintained by professional backup administrators, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Live in Vegas -- Casino game technology provider Progressive Gaming International Corporation announced today that the Las Vegas Palms Hotel and Casino, has begun accepting live wagers on the Rapid Bet Live Wireless mobile betting devices on casino grounds. Rapid Bet Live allows live "in game" wagering throughout the entire course of a sporting event. A promotional event was held during last night's football game between the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings.
Betting in Vietnam -- It looks like bets on foreign soccer matches will become legal in Vietnam beginning in 2007. Local newspapers quoted the nation's sports minister as saying that the National Sports Committee is seeking government approval to establish a joint venture with a foreign bookmaker to provide betting services on international soccer games. The country currently prohibits all forms of gambling.
Jailed -- An unregistered financial adviser who fleeced more than £2 million from his clients over a 10-year period to fund his Internet gambling addiction was jailed Monday for nine years in Manchester, England. Philip Smith, 48, defrauded at least 51 people out of the money, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable. Additionally, he stole £42,000 from his brother who had previously lent him money to pay off mortgage arrears. In total, Smith took £1.75m from clients and laundered a further £600,000 to fund his online gambling habit - with accounts at firms Betfair, Stanley James, Blue Square and Spread Ex. Judge Peter Larkin at Manchester's Minshull Street crown court said it was dishonesty on a "truly breathtaking scale." At one point, Smith had 67 credit cards registered with a single online betting company and it is thought that he squandered £2m by gambling on horses, golf and other sports.