Friday, Sep. 5
Mobile -- WinwardCasino.com has become the first wireless casino suite to launch Parlay 's real-time and real-money software. With the help of Phantom Fiber Inc., the casino offers 17 games for play and provides security features that enable the user to access the same account from either a mobile device or desktop PC.
Lasseters -- Lasseters Corp. demoed its new online casino games Wednesday during the company's annual general meeting. Players can trial them at www.AussiNugget.com. The games were developed by Online Gaming Systems, with whom Lasseters inked a licensing deal in July. Lasseters' former software supplier, Access Gaming Systems, has threatened legal action over licensing issues associated with Lasseters' use of its product, although none has been taken to date.
PLAYER -- Avery Cardoza, author of more than 25 books on gaming and gambling, will deliver his new magazine, PLAYER, to newsstands on October 21. The publication claims it will provide info on all the passions of the gambler's lifestyle, including the drinks, the smokes, the clothes and the toys.
Licensing -- Gibraltar's Chief Minister Peter Caruana this week inaugurated the office of Cassava Enterprises as it became the latest online gambling company to receive a license in the jurisdiction.
Conference -- A group of nonprofit council members composed of legislators, regulators and gaming experts from 12 different U.S. states will meet in Rhode Island this weekend to discuss a variety of gambling issues, including video lottery terminals, casino legislation, and federal Internet gambling laws.
Identity Theft -- Earlier this week the Federal Trade Commission reported that more 10 percent of the U.S. adult population has been the victim of identity theft, which takes not only full blown identity removal into consideration, but also theft of credit card details. It also reports that these crimes have been decreasing in number, probably due to increased awareness on the part of banks and consumers. . . . Also this week, a group of major consumer service companies that includes Microsoft, Amazon.com, Visa and more formed an Online Identity Theft Prevention Coalition.
Thursday, Sep. 4
News from the US -- Congress Daily reported today on Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's announced Senate agenda and top priorities for the rest of 2003. Legislation to regulate the interactive gambling industry received no mention.
Mobile -- Cantor Index and Cantor Sport have teamed up with O2 to create Cantor Mobile, a fully interactive financial and sports betting and information service. The service offers betting information, stock market information and a Dow Jones news wire, video content, and constantly updated tickers and reports. O2 is giving away a free Xda and subscription to the service to all new and existing Cantor Index and Cantor Sport subscribers.
I-lottos -- New Zealand News today reported that the New Zealand government has abandoned its plans to ban the Lotteries Commission from entering the lucrative online gambling market. Current proposed legislation contains nothing that could stop lotteries from being sold internationally over the Internet. New amendments to the government's Gambling Bill will be discussed in Parliament next week.
A RealTime Change -- Two online casinos, Geisha Lounge and Grand Aces Casino have announced they will begin using RealTime's Gaming software platform on Sept. 10. New players will download the new software, but existing users will be able to continue using the older version. Both systems will run on parallel platforms. Both sites say the change is due to a need to update their casinos.
Wednesday, Sep. 3
Bet and Party -- BetonSports.com has announced the launch of its 2003 NFL Wagering Package. In addition to placing bets on every NFL game of the season, fans will be able to wager on various propositions, such as who will lead the league in rushing yards, who will be crowned MVP, and which team will win the Super Bowl.
BetonSports.com is also launching its second annual Party Tour by sending two RVs to various NFL and college games in 24 cities this season. The vehicles will promote responsible online gaming and educate consumers about the advantages of offshore wagering.
Tab Cooperation -- Australian betting companies Tab Ltd. and Tabcorp are working together to pressure the government to close the legal loophole that allows Australian residents to place wagers with online betting exchanges like Betfair. The companies are also arguing that the betting exchanges should not be permitted licenses to operate in the country. The Tabs contribute $1.25 billion a year to the economy, including $471 million in wagering taxes.
Tuesday, Sep. 2
Licensing -- N.R.G. Entertainment, Inc. in Antigua has obtained from Action Poker Gaming, Inc. a software license to establish an online casino at www.nrggrandcasino.com. Having provided the complete turnkey hardware and software package, Action Poker will assist in operating the new site that currently offers Chinese Poker, Big2, Stud, and Texas Hold'em.
Goldenballs -- The pride of GoldenPalace.com, Mark Roberts, completed another successful streak at yesterday's Madrid vs. Bettis Soccer match. The game marked Golden Boy David Beckham's debut with Madrid, but the tattoo on Roberts' chest proclaimed "I'm The Real Goldenballs."
Change -- According to BizWorld, Irish bookmaker Paddy Power is considering several changes to its online services after experiencing weak interim results. Possible changes include an online casino that would likely be run from Jersey or a similar location, revamped online and telephone services that would allow users to access both services using a single account, and new language options. Paddy Power is also considering opening 24 new stores in Britain.
Sponsor -- Sportsbook.com has become a primary sponsor of rookie Darren Manning's #15 RAC Walker Racing Champ Car, making it the first sports book to provide a motor sports sponsorship. On Sept. 28, Sportsbook.com will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the Miami street race.
Dealing -- On Wednesday EssNet announced that it had acquired the business of Netgame Factory, the Stockholm-based company that licenses and operates mobile gaming solutions worldwide for customers in lotteries, telephone network operations, and media. EssNet also acquired 50 percent of Oberthur Netgame Factory Ltd, a company that develops and markets comprehensive mobile lottery systems.
Tele Ban -- The British Jockey Club on Monday initiated a policy that bans riders from using mobile phones within the changing rooms of race courses. The ban is an attempt to increase the integrity of the sport which last year saw a wave of corruption that resulted in several bans and suspensions. By prohibiting cell phone use, the Jockey Club eliminates the jockeys' ability to pass information on to punters. Riders at two courses, Leicester and Hamilton, protested the new regulation by walking out of Monday's racing.