Corrupt Jockeys -- Following a recent inquiry into corruption, the U.K. Jockey Club on Wednesday banned former flat jockey Gary Carter from racing for five years. Carter allegedly breached the rules of racing by passing information about his rides to gamblers, associating with a gambler excluded from the sport and misleading Jockey Club investigators regarding eight races at various racecourses held in August and September 2003. Leading betting exchange Betfair noticed suspicious betting patterns on each race. . . . Former champion jockey Kieren Fallon was released this week on police bail after being questioned over race-fixing allegations. Fallon is one of 27 people arrested so far in Britain's largest ever horse racing corruption investigation, "Operation Crypton." The six-time champion was arrested just over a year ago and questioned by detectives at Bury St. Edmunds police station. Police have been conducting an intensive investigation into an alleged fixing racket, which they suspect may have involved more than 90 races between 2002 and 2004. Half a dozen other jockeys and trainers have also been arrested but not charged.
Responsible Gambling -- The Jackpot Factory, a group of online casinos, poker and bingo rooms, has implemented a responsible gaming program designed by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA). In compliance with eCOGRA, all Jackpot Factory group casinos offer advice on how to gamble in a responsible manner and how to detect potential gambling problems. David Brickman, a spokesman for Jackpot Factory, said the group's first concern is its players and promoting responsible gaming. . . . HoldemPoker.com was awarded accreditation from the Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4), an independent advisory group, for its commitment to responsible gaming. HoldemPoker.com has worked with G4 to implement features and procedures specifically designed to prevent and minimize the harm caused by problem gambling. Members of HoldemPoker.com can now check their gaming activity and set personal limits, and problem gambling help is available on the HoldemPoker.com Web site via G4's e-mail counseling service.
Kiwi Upgrade -- Kiwi Online Casino, part of Christchurch Casinos Ltd. Group 's independent offshore operation, Kiwi Gaming, has upgraded its customer support system to enable customers to play up to three games simultaneously or to deposit more money without having to risk losing their winning streaks. The update also features a slots auto-play function, enabling players to set their favorite slot games to auto play for up to 9,999 games. A new bonus slots game, Queen of the Pyramids, has also been added.
Scots Are Nuts! -- According to a new survey by men's magazine Nuts, gambling has become the most popular vice among young men, and men in Scotland are the biggest gamblers, with half of young Scottish men spending an average of as much as £40 a month on the habit. The magazine surveyed 1,000 men and women aged between 18 and 35. The results are attributed to the increasing number of online betting sites and celebrities making gambling more fashionable, said Nuts. "Gambling has recently been accepted as a sport or hobby and the fact that people are winning money only serves to make it more appealing," Phil Hilton, editor of Nuts, explained "Gone are the days that gambling is for mugs."
Licensing Deal -- Internet sports book provider betinternet.com is expanding its online gaming to introduce a full-featured online casino provided by casino software developer RealTime Gaming.