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7 May 2005
The date at which casino company Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings was anticipated to emerge from Bankruptcy has come and gone, and a new date, May 12, has been declared in its place. Formerly known as Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, Trump Entertainment applied for bankruptcy court protection in November after accruing $1.8 billion in debt.
Based in Atlantic City, Trump Entertainment owns three casinos in the NJ resort town, including Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Plaza and Trump Marina, in addition to a riverboat casino in Indiana.
Trump's reorganization plans were approved in April by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Judith Wizmur. According to reorganization plans, company bondholders received majority control of the company.
Source: onlinecasino-news.com
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OMNI CASINO'S
6 May 2005
The luckiest player on the Internet this week
What's better than hitting the jackpot...how about two in less than a week! On April 28th, near 11:00 PM, user '10920NW10' from Florida, in the USA, was sitting in front of his computer doing what he loves to do, playing slots, when the first jackpot hit in "$1 Triple Olive's" progressive slot machine in Omni Casino, paying out $27,764.00. As if that wasn't enough for '10920NW10', on the evening of May 3rd, he played "Shot 'O' Rama Video Slots" (5 line, 5 coins, 25 cents) at around 1:00 AM and hit another progressive jackpot of $88,204.00.
"I receive 2 gambling magazines each month, and in the back there are always stories about recent winners. Invariably, at least two thirds of them start, 'I only had a few minutes to play, so I sat down with $20, and after 10 minutes I hit the jackpot,'" quipped '10920NW10.' "Well, I really did just sit down for about 15 minutes, and 'Cha-Ching', I hit the progressive for over $88,000."
This is not the first time one player has hit multiple jackpots, last year it happened three times, including user 'Mark' from Bermuda who hit two jackpots in the same day for over $148,000. Talk about the life, living in Bermuda and hitting two jackpots in the same day. |
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| 5 May 2005
Well, it's time for our twice monthly Golden Palace update. It seems like every week, the notorious online casino makes some other unseemly purchase on eBay. This week, however, the folks at Golden Palace outdid themselves with two wacky acquisitions in just a couple of days. First there was Britney Spear's alleged pregnancy test, which the online casino bought this week for just over $5000. While this should have satisfied the online casino's thirst for quirky publicity stunts, Golden Palace then came across a find that it just couldn't pass up.
Remember in November of last year, when Golden Palace shelled out a whopping $28,000 for a grilled cheese sandwich bearing a likeness to the Virgin Mary? Well, this week, Golden Palace became the proud owner of complementary accessories to the heralded sandwich, when it acquired the pan in which the grilled cheese was prepared. Compared to the amount that the online casino paid for the sandwich itself, the pan's $5,999 price tag almost seems like something of a bargain.
Source: onlinecasino-news.com
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4 May 2005
The seventh annual Global Interactive Gaming Summit & Expo (GIGSE) recently announced that it has postponed the deadline for "early bird" registration until May 6th. Early registration for the I-Gaming convention grants participants ten percent off registration fees for June's conference.
GIGSE is expected to draw more participants and exhibitors than in previous years, and in honor of its widening appeal, the conference has opted for a significantly larger exhibition hall. In total over 1,200 participants are expected to attend, representing 42 countries.
Overall, more than 75 gaming companies, including 37 first-timers, will exhibit products and services at the I-gaming summit. Products and services on exhibition will include fraud and security management tools, mobile gambling, affiliate marketing and payment resources.
Franz Wolfart, president of the Novomatic group of gaming companies and president/CEO of the American Gaming Association, Frank Fahrenkopf will offer keynote addresses.
More information on GIGSE is available at www.gigse.com.
Source: onlinecasino-news.com
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3 May 2005
After several previous attempts to officially prohibit online gambling, Arizona senator John Kyl is at it again. This year's version of his online gambling bill has been drafted and is expected be introduced within the coming weeks. Senator Kyl's bill proposes to criminalize the use of credit cards, wire transfers and other methods of payment to sponsor online gambling ventures, which was the major theme of previous versions as well.
Nonetheless, whereas prior attempts included a definition of legal versus illegal online gambling, this version refrains from making such clear distinctions. The 2005 bill also does not make an exception for internet horse betting, an activity which is permitted in certain states. The lack of exemptions for selectively legal forms of online gambling is what prevented previous versions of the bill from being passed in both the House and Senate.
Senator Kyl will have until the 109th Congress concludes in November 2006 to succeed in getting the bill through both congressional chambers.
Source: onlinecasino-news.com
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Big bonus space beams, powerful pokers and fishing jackpots feature in latest games
Turnkey provider Microgaming maintained its commitment to continuously release new games this week with the launch of four new offerings for April.
The lead game in the current collection is a good example of what can be achieved with a multi-featured, bonus-rich video slot. What On Earth is a rocket ride of a new, Sci Fi themed game with innovative and rewarding bonusing systems.
This five reel, nine payline advanced video slot will appeal to a wide range of players through Wild and Scatter features and bonuses. The fun outer space theme is presented through high quality graphics featuring everything from Flying Saucers and galactic monsters to whirling asteroids, with amusing characters - and bonuses - that players can beam up for rewards from x3 to x 400. This is possibly one of the most imaginative new games currently available.
With a maximum jackpot of 37 500 coins to be won, and a whole range of new scatters, wild and special Beam Me Up and Destination bonuses, this one delivers more reward opportunities to the player and a whole lot of entertaining fun in chasing the highest value Earthlings to beam up.
The first in a new series of 50 Play Power Poker multi-hand video poker games is featured in the latest releases. Aces and Faces 50 Play is inspired by the widespread popularity of this style of gaming, where 50 hands of video poker, each drawn from a seperate 52 card deck can be played at the same time. The new series, which is to include six games takes the present Microgaming 10 play range to a new and faster level and comes on the facilities-rich Viper software platform. Clean graphics, big jackpots and fast action characterise this new offering and bets from 0.25 to 0.50 can be made.
Off The Hook reel slot is in the popular three reel, one payline, high value jackpotstyle. The game has an amusing fishing theme and a wild feature that can double and even quadruple the player's winnings. Jackpots of up to 40 000 can be caught with the right sort of bait...or bet on this appealing game, presented in bright andcrisply executed graphics . Off The Hook takes three coins per line ranglng from 0.25 to 5.00 and operates on the well proven Microgaming advanced slot architecture.
The range of Microgaming single hand video pokers has been extended with the launch of All American Video Poker to its wide choice in this populargenre, and with lean and clean graphics and great pay tables there's likely to be plenty of action on this recent arrival. The new game is a played with one hand of cards drawn from a single 52 card deck, and operates from the Viper platform which means that players have access to a full range of player assists and guides, together with statistical analysis and recording tools and autoplay capability. All American Video Poker delivers a maximum jackpot of 4 000 coins, with a secondary jackpot of 1 000 coins and wagers of 1 to 5 coins per hand in denominations ranging from 0.25 > 5.00. That means that on a maximum bet, a player can take home up to 20 000 credits.
RNG certified by Technical Systems Testing
Turnkey provider Real Time Gaming was celebrating this week following the announcement from Technical Systems Testing (TST), that it has certified RealTime Gaming's Random Number Generator (RNG) to be fair and random.
TST is an internationally recognised accredited testing facility, with a client roster that includes International Game Technology (IGT), Aristocrat, Mikohn and the Michigan, Massachusetts, DC and Ontario Lotteries.
TST's fully independent testing procedures ensure that the software systems and equipment that operate many of today's most reputable gaming destinations are certified to the strictest standards of technical compliance.
Mike McMain, Chief Technology Officer and COO, says “RealTime Gaming is pleased to receive TST certification of our software as it solidifies what the millions that enjoy our product have always known – RealTime Gaming does take gaming seriously.”
Quova selected to provide anti-fraud and location technology
Turnkey provider Playtech and the geolocation experts Quova Inc signed a deal this week that provides geolocation data for regulatory compliance and fraud prevention, a significant step in online casino gaming.
Quova's GeoPoint, which determines the geographic location of a website user and the cyber-location of an online transaction in real time, has been incorporated into Playtech's unique unified gaming platform to help customers screen out potentially fraudulent users and remain compliant with multinational regulations on Internet gambling.
"We were a longtime customer of Quova's closest competitor, but we decided we needed a more responsive partner and higher-quality data," said Rami Beinish, CEO of Playtech. "Knowing the customer's location is critical in our industry, and Quova is providing us with the capabilities we need to offer more and better information solutions to the customers who depend on us."
Founded in January 2000, Quova, Inc. is a provider of geolocation services to online businesses. The company's patented technology provides the geographic location of website visitors in real time, enabling businesses to manage digital rights, target content, detect fraud, conduct site analysis and ensure regulatory compliance. Quova's customers and partners include industry leaders such as Major League Baseball Advanced Media, BBC, BellCanada, Cisco Systems, Cyota, Corillian, Times Online, ABSOLUT, HPshopping, IBM SurfAid, VeriSign, EverBank, Wire Card and Sky Sports.
Online bingo fans have an additional virtual bingo hall to add to their list following English Harbour New Ventures launch of SuperSlotsBingo.com this week. The announcement follows a deal reported earlier this month to introduce poker to the site.
SuperSlotsBingo.com is free to download and offers players the option of playing for free or with real money. Features include daily bonuses, reward promotions, progressive jackpots and frequent tournaments, coupled with game play features like animated graphics, fully-functional chat, live 24/7 customer support, auto-dauber and auto-play. Players can buy cards for as little as $.05 and may purchase up to 50 cards for a single game.
The new site has extensive security and anti-hacking software. Players can participate in daily hour-long ‘Coverall Marathons’ with the chance to win $1,000 blackout or $2,000 coverall prizes and several other promotional events are available or planned for the future.
Fewer dealer errors, less chance of problems
Casino Webcam, the live-over-the-internet casino franchiser with 15 licensees operating out of Costa Rica has installed sophisticated TCS John Huxley equipment on its roulette tables to improve game security and obviate dealer errors.
The additional software and hardware solution, which compliments CWC's existing monitoring systems, ensures that the roulette games are free from any type of wheel or dealer bias. The installation of the equipment also eliminates the need for dealers to manually key game results, which translates to fewer dealer errors.
The TCS Roulette Wheel Analysis System spots bias and trends before the player does. Casino management can check the performance of any
roulette wheel, anywhere and at any time. Winning number data is automatically and securely collected through the TCSJH Reader Head. The unique software program instantly converts data into various, easy to read, full colour pictorial reports, such as Individual Number Bias, Wheel Sector Bias, Performance Change, Spin Speed and Table Performance.
A first for Irish betting group
Paddy Power.com claims it has become the first bookmaker in the world to launch live multiplayer backgammon using gameware provided by GameAccount, a skill gaming supplier for sportsbooks who want a single-wallet skill gaming solution. The company also provides and hosts games for internet sites such as FHM.com, Maxim, Wanadoo and the Sun Online.
Paddy Power's backgammon provides a modern take on the still popular ancient board game, offering fully integrated online backgammon that allows players to see opponents’ moves, giving an immediate experience which is enhanced by player ratings and in-game and lobby chat facilities. The white label product delivered to Paddy Power offers real-time exchange rates and multiple language versions in this dynamic international environment.
Paddy Power plc, recently recorded a 27 percent increase in turnover from GBP 913 million in 2003 to GBP 1,156 million in 2004.
ex-Carmen Media man to be marketing director
Reports over the weekend indicate that David Carruthers, CEO of the major online gambling group BetonSports.com has made two new key appointments in the wake of the departure of Customer Service exec Kyle Gabriel.
Former Carmen Media director Clive Archer joins the group as operations and marketing director. Archer was reportedly largely responsible for the international success of Carmen Media online casino brands like River Belle and Gaming Club, and remains a director of online marketing firm Interactive Circle. He will take on day-to-day responsibility for managing the Costa Rican operations of BetonSports, and is tasked with raising the firm's online profile, which media reports suggest has slipped somewhat in recent times.
BetonSports chairman Clive Parrit says that Archer will "...add tremendous insight into our future strategic positioning and operations development."
Richard Creed, has been named as commercial director for BetonSports with responsibility for assessing new business opportunities and commercial activities.
"Richard Creed, with his extensive experience of business planning and mergers and acquisitions, will bring additional firepower to our executive team," Parrit said.
Creed, aged 49, was previously a partner in Casson Beckman, Chartered Accountants, where he specialised in corporate finance activities particularly mergers and acquisitions. Since leaving them in 1992, he has worked for a number of organisations on change and risk management projects as well as opening operations in the Far East."
More Department of Justice media interference in the States?
Reports in the New York Post and Media Link this week suggest that the U.S. Department of Justice may again be interfering with mainstream media on the question of Internet gambling advertising.
The report reveals that Esquire Magazine is "possibly" pulling a million dollar's worth of Bodog.com advertising from upcoming issues following what was described as "....a visit by the FBI related to online gambling." It was reported that several subpoenas were issued by the federal agents. However, Esquire's parent group, Hearst said the placement would go ahead.
Bodog had earlier flighted a big spread in the April issue.
When we went to press Esquire had not responded to our requests for more details.
The DoJ was in the headlines last year for allegedly "intimidating" media into dropping online gambling advertising by advising search engines and various publications that this may constitute an illegal activity. The DoJ was challenged by Casino City in an important law suit seeking a declaratory judgement on the issue. The government won the first round, and the case is on appeal by Casino City.
Flash games, new slots for Bodog online casino
Instant play Craps, Roulette and three new slots, all on a Flash instant play technology platform were launched this week by the online casino division of Bodog.com
The Flash no-download platform means that the games are Mac or PC friendly, for real money or fun.
In addition, the casino has released 3 more slot machines in its download casíno suite of games. Ronin, Goldbeard and Aztec’s Treasure join Cleopatra’s Gold in a suite of 20 line, random progressive jackpot slot machines.
Lower Mars LLC came to notice this week with their "JACKPOTmini!" gaming software currently being marketed by Amiga at around 17 bucks. We haven't seen the product, but the blurb promises "... colorful graphics, great sound and all the gaming action that anyone might expect from a trip to Vegas." There's video poker or double down at full-featured blackjack with two high stakes slots when you’re looking for a break from the table action. The intelligent engine behind each game enables players to practice and perfect gaming strategies.
Kyl to have another go at banning
KJZZ out of Phoenix, Arizona reported this week that in an interview with state representative senator Jon Kyl he confirmed that 2005 will be another year in which he will continue efforts to bring about legislation aimed at banning Internet gambling instead of regulating it. Kyl has tried unsuccessfully for several years to push through prohibition Bills.
Tennis : live betting from Blue Square
UK online betting group Blue Square is to introduce live betting on major tennis tournaments this weekend, facilitating this by streaming the events live over its Website reports New Age Media.
If the project indicates there is enough interest to make it viable, more events will be streamed this year. Future coverage is likely to include sports with even more mainstream appeal. "This is very much a toe-in-water thing," said spokesman Ed Pownall. He added, however, "If it goes well we might expand on the idea very quickly.
Blue Square says that the increasing amount of televised live sport has been one of the key factors behind the growth in online gambling, with players far more likely to bet on something they can watch. However, despite the proliferation of channels, many high-profile events still aren't available to UK viewers.
To get around this, Blue Square has bought the rights to the SAP Open final this in San Jose, Calif., a tournament that includes Andre Agassi and last year's winner, Andy Roddick.
Rival bookies will be watching closely and could start chasing similar rights. Streaming matches over their sites is far cheaper than launching a new TV channel, as William Hill did last year, and online rights still cost relatively little.
WiFi gaming for mobile gaming around land properties
Diamond I, Inc. (formerly AirRover Wi-Fi Corp.), has opened an interactive online web-based preview of its WifiCasino GS hand-held Wi-Fi-based gaming system, offering the general public a comprehensive preview of the innovative product.
The system preview is available to all interested persons at http://www.diamonditech.com. WifiCasino GS is a secure wireless PDA-based gambling and media network designed for Las Vegas-style casinos and resorts, as well as cruise ships and race tracks. It is designed to allow patrons to gamble anywhere on a casino, ship or track premises where this is permitted by regulatory bodies, including in their rooms, pool-side and at the bar.
Using unique, patent-pending proprietary technologies, Diamond I claims the system offers a highly secure and consumer friendly gambling solution which can be extended beyond gambling applications, to include providing Internet access, obtaining resort information, ordering meals and drinks, accessing concierge services. With future applications in mind, the modular design will accommodate future plug-ins that provide additional functionality, thereby permitting the host resort to provide its patrons with new forms of services and experiences.
Currently, Diamond I is supporting pending legislation, which has passed the Nevada Assembly and awaits Senate action. This law, once enacted, would permit gaming in public areas within a casino's premises, exactly the areas in which the WifiCasino GS is designed to operate. Although Diamond I is optimistic that this pending legislation will become law, no prediction can be made whether such will be the case.
The company has also begun the process of securing a license for the WiFiCasino GS product in the Philippines. Diamond I's first in-person presentation to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is expected to occur soon. Bingo is another possible application area where the company is currently pursuing an agreement with numerous gaming facilities operated by Native American tribes.
SecureGamble provides the gambling and security features for the product, allowing users to gamble from PDA's within the hotel. It uses biometric identification, location tracking, and other security implementations to guarantee legitimate gambling. Other elements include the GSAdmin back end package which allows management to monitor any active module or application in real-time. OpenHand CRM/SRA is the full CRM and Statistical Recording/Analysis engine of the system. It works to collect user data, activity info, location info, etc.
Betfair announced this week that it has been awarded a license to operate in Austria. It's the first time the betting exchange company has received regulatory approval to operate outside the United Kingdom and could be the first step toward gaining acceptance throughout Europe. Australia is also being courted despite some oppodition from the horse racing sector in that country.
More sovereignty hassles?
There could be more European hurdles placed in the way of betting groups seeking cross-border customers. Evelyn Gebhardt, the German Socialist rapporteur for the Services Directive (SD) and a member of IMCO (European Parliament committee for the Internal Market and Consumer Protection), this week proposed amendments to the commission's Services Directive Commission in the European Parliament. The report confirms that gambling will be excluded from the SD, something that will inevitably impact negatively on sovereignty issues from a gambling group perspective.
Just for the guys, but no real money yet.
Poker Media Group has launched Bikini Poker.com which has a distinctly masculine appeal with plenty of pin-up girls - but only play for free at present. The site opens with a freeroll tournament series that will award the winner the latest Apple iPod. The first of this series of daily freerolls commences on April 29, and culminates in the monthly freeroll final. Bikini Poker has downloadable poker software, featuring a variety of popular poker game options, including Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Seven Card Stud and Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo, all of which can be played Fixed Limit, Pot Limit or No Limit. Players can also opt to play in ring games, freerolls, tourneys (single and multi-table), satellites or Sit and Gos. Games are currently available for free-play only, but future releases will allow real-money play.
Cryptologic founder's latest venture reports first quarter
The online gaming technology provider started by Cryptologic founder Andrew Rivkin, Fun Technologies, has announced encouraging results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2005.
Q1 has seen the provider of skill gaming, exchange-betting technology and online sports information bring in consolidated revenues of GBP 1.5 million, up 176 percent from fourth quarter, 2004. Revenues from Fun Technology’s subsidiary, SkillJam, are also up 35 percent from fourth quarter, 2004.
The report reveals that SkillJam’s success comes after deals with numerous new licensees, including The Network for Games and Inspired Broadcast Networks, and the success of its partnership with AOL, all resulting in a growth in its customer database to a creditable 7.5 million.
This quarter also saw the group complete acquisition of Las Vegas based sports information provider, Don Best, signifying a new revenue stream for the company, representing 51 percent of revenue in the quarter.
“The first quarter of 2005 was full of significant accomplishments for Fun”, said Lorne Abony, Chief Executive Officer. “We have continued to grow our businesses, and expanded on the exceptional corporate momentum built during 2004.”
On February 4, 2005, the Company closed the placing of 4,800,000 new Ordinary Shares at 178 pence (C$4.02) per share, raising net proceeds of approximately GBP 8 million. The proceeds of the placing will be used to further develop and grow the groups skill-gaming business, continue business development, and for general corporate purposes.
Play-for-free site to offer real money play
One of the largest online bingo sites, Bingo.com Limited has engaged Canadian turnkey provider Chartwell Technology to supply its cash gaming system.
With a player base claimed at over a million online bingo fans. Bingo.com says it attracts over 30 000 visitors each day, signs up 800 new members every 24 hours and has served over 4 billion cards to date on a play-for-fun basis.
The bingo specialist says that due to recent positive regulatory developments such as the UK Gambling Bill it has decided to take advantage of its brand and dominant position in the free online bingo industry and enter the play for cash bingo market.
Under the terms of the license agreement, Chartwell will provide Bingo.com with its gaming system, offering players the experience of flash based 75 and 90 ball bingo games, complete with chat features and the opportunity to play a full suite of soft games which are offered as side games or intermission entertainment.
“We are delighted to have been selected as the software provider to one of the world’s largest online bingo companies”, Darold Parken, President and CEO of Chartwellsaid in announcing the deal. “Community based gaming has become one of the fastest growing segments of the gaming industry and the launch of Bingo.com’s play for cash offering gives us a strong industry partner and represents a significant step towards positioning the Company as the leading bingo software provider to this exciting gaming market segment.'
While still in its infancy, online bingo has already attracted more than five million players with a demographic profile that differs significantly from that of online casino and poker players. This suggests that bingo will make a significant contribution to the growth of the online gaming industry, expected to generate revenue exceeding $18 billion by 2010, according to Christiansen Capital Advisors. Therefore the growth of online gaming as a whole has the potential to significantly exceed published forecasts.
Will Hill has some competition for Stanley Leisure deal
Hard on the heels of our report last week concerning William Hill's reportedly GBP 500 million offer for the UK and Irish betting shops of Stanley Leisure, came news that they could have a fight on their hands.
Another large and well established betting operator, The Tote is gearing up to compete in the deal, according to reports in The Sunday Times this weekend.
The reports say that The Tote has engaged the Lazard investment bank to prepare an offer for the Stanley Leisure properties.
Rumours were swirling around Tradal, a Cyprus headquartered group with interests in Empire Poker last week that it was making moves to list as a public company.
The speculation started when news leaked out that Tradal was in "exclusive" consultations with stockbroking specialists Numis regarding a possibly GBP 500 flotation strategy targeted on London's AIM market.
There has been no confirmation from the company.
Tradal is the latest of a number of poker sites to consider going public. There has be en intense speculation that market leader Party Gaming, which operates the world’s largest online poker business, Party Poker, is to float in London after it appointed investment banks Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein and Investec to advise on its options, including an IPO.
If it presses ahead, Party Gaming is expected to achieve a valuation high enough to propel it straight into the FTSE 100 index of Britain’s blue-chip companies.
Similarly, Cassava Enterprises / Casino On Net, owner of the 888.com site, has hired CSFB to advise it on a possible flotation. It is reported to be considering a listing that would value the business at more than GBP 800 million. In addition to 888.com, the Israeli owned group also owns the Pacific Poker network.
UK online betting group Sportingbet was the first British company to generate this level of interest when it acquired Paradise Poker last October for GBP169 million.
Since the deal was announced, shares in the group have more than doubled, and the company’s valuation is approaching GBP 1 billion.
Final chapter in the PokerNow dispute
Judging by reports from a number of reliable sources this week it seems that the Party Poker vs PokerNow issue is to end with the disappearance of the latter.
The reports indicate that PokerNow is to be absorbed by Party Poker as the main skin on its network.
PokerNow has been in trouble with licensor Party Poker, which accused it of violating agreements by offering rakebacks to its players, many allegedly lured away from Party Poker itself.
PokerNow apparently still owes affiliates their rewards for February, although March was paid recently. Players' money is not in danger as Pokernow and Party Poker players are both banked by IGlobal Media, the parent company of the network.
Online poker fora were full of comment several weeks ago on what looked like a clash over rake rebates to players by relative newcomer Poker Now which commenced operations last October.
PokerNow was thought to be unique among Party Poker skins because it offered the same multi table tournaments as Party Poker itself, to which the other skins do not have access.
Online poker expert, Pokeraddict told us that PokerNow's marketing was apparently geared towards rake rebates, competing with other skins by paying the affiliates 25 percent of rake back at first, although it is understood that in the end some were getting more then that.
These affiliates kicked back a sizeable chunk of this reward to the players they had signed up. Unfortunately for them, Party Poker strictly forbids any marketing practice that lures their players away.
Sources claimed that Party Poker lowered the boom on Poker Now by witholding their February payments whilst the entire system was subjected to a detailed inspection. This left Poker Now in an invidious position vis-a-vis payment to its affiliates and sent shock waves through the poker community, although it is believed that some affiliates paid their players the rake back rebates out of their own pockets.
PokerNow has apparently had a previous affiliate dispute when one of their first affiliates skipped out on a number of payments and promises under the now notorious"SHARK" bonus code, which promised rewarding kickbacks and DVD's. There were massive sign ups and some people still remain unpaid with most never receiving the promised DVD's.
Party Now acknowledged the dispute and made the following comment:
"Discussions with PartyPoker are underway and within a few more weeks we will be able to clarify any ambiguities associated with acceptable marketing promotions by affiliates. During these discussions PokerNow would still request affiliates not to offer rake back deals. We are happy to let you know we are putting a plan into place to pay 100 percent of all monies owed, including February. This plan will be unveiled in approximately 3-4 weeks."
The risks of operating an Internet gambling facility in a dangerous environment
The penalties for getting caught gambling on the Internet in China were once again highlighted this week in the latest reports from the Chinese media.
46 criminals involved in 14 cases of Internet gambling were sentenced in Shanghai's Jiading, Xuhui, Luwan and Yangpu district courts.
They received terms from six months probation to three years in prison and fines between 1,000 yuan (US$121) and 950,000 yuan (US$114,873), the Shanghai Higher People's Court announced.
"The criminals made money by running an online gambling site called Baccarat and organising gamblers to play," said Gao Yuan, the spokesman of the court. "Large amounts of money were involved."
One of the accuseds, Gan Jieqi worked with Zhao Xin, Gu Jundong, Xu Ju, Zhao Feng and Qin Hongjian, currently still at large, establishing several gambling houses in the Jiading District by connecting them through the Internet to casinos in a hotel in Myanmar where Gan had worked.
From last June to November, 17 gamblers visited the houses and bet online. More than 80 million yuan (US$9.7 million) were won or lost.
On November 5 of last year, they were arrested by local police.
In another online gambling case detected in the Xuhui District, tens of millions of yuan were found to have been bet on soccer. Yuan Min, the owner of an IT company, became the agent of an online soccer match last April and made money by attracting Zhang Wenda, Tang Yanwei and Pan Tian to join the business and run the online gambling.
The four criminals were sentenced to imprisonment for from eight to 24 months and fined between 20,000 yuan (US$2,418) and 300,000 yuan (US$36,276).
$2.9 million prize from World Poker Tour final at the Bellagio
LA resident Tuan Le is the new World Poker Tour champion, taking home $2.9 million after 7 tough hours at the Bellagio tables in what has become the world's most expensive poker tournament, reports the Las Vegas Sun.
Now in its third year at the Bellagio, the tournament draws only a few hundred people compared with the thousands that gather each spring for the World Series of Poker. But with a $25,000 buy-in, the Bellagio event attracts the world's best and most aggressive players.
There were no Internet-tournament players - the six people who made the final table Sunday are all experienced casino tournament players.
Le won a World Poker Tour event at the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut last year. Paul Maxfield of England, who took second, placed in a World Series of Poker event last year. Third place winner Hasan Habib of Los Angeles placed second at last year's WPT Championship. Long Beach resident John Phan, in fourth, won a Commerce Casino tournament this year and placed in a tournament at the Plaza casino in downtown Las Vegas last year. Fifth place winner Rob Hollink of the Netherlands won a European Poker Tour tournament in Monaco this year.
Poker pro Phil Ivey, the only Las Vegas resident at the table, has won three World Series of Poker events and placed in several other tournaments. He placed sixth.
Maxfield won $1.7 million, Habib won $896,375, Phan won $518,920, Hollink won $377,420 and Ivey took home $264,195.
The first 100 placeholders in the tournament, which began April 19, were paid prize money from the pool of nearly $11 million. The minimum prize was $30,000.
The final table will be broadcast June 29 on the Travel Channel, which has broadcast rights to World Poker Tour events.
Habib began Sunday's final table with $7.8 million in chips, followed by Ivey with $3.4 million, Hollink with $4.4 million, Maxfield with $2.9 million, Le with $2.7 million and Phan with $1.5 million.
Habib was well ahead of the pack for much of the game but drew a number of losing cards later on.
More than two hours passed before two players, Ivey and Hollink, were knocked out in quick succession. About three hours in, Phan was out, followed by Habib three hours later. With a king and a five card, Maxfield tried for a flush but went out before midnight.
Players began the tournament with $50,000 in chips each. The final table began with minimum bets of $40,000 to $80,000. Those bets got richer as the evening wore on and eventually reached a World Poker Tour record.
Antes rose from a few hundred thousand to around $500,000, with players raising one another in the millions of dollars per hand. Little-used yellow chips, each worth $100,000, emerged several hours into the game.
More than 450 players entered the tournament compared with last year's 343 players. Last year's top prize winner took home $2.7 million from an $8.6 million prize pool.
Getting noticed on the silver screen
Costa Rican based sportsbook MyBookie.com has scored a marketing coup in online gambling...it has signed an exclusive product placement agreement with Warner Brothers for the upcoming film 'Lucky You,' starring Drew Barrymore and Robert Duvall.
The agreement makes provision for the MyBookie.com website to be prominently featured in the film and within the storyline. The movie features a college student who hits it big online then turns his sights to Las Vegas, where he tries to beat the odds in a quest for the world championship. Eric Bana and comedienne Debra Messing also star.
"This is definitely a first for our industry, and we are currently looking at a variety of potential partnerships within the television and music industry," says Mike Nichols, founder of MyBookie.com. "We see our products really as an extension of the entertainment industry as a whole."
In business since 1997 MyBookie.com is a fast growing gaming site on the Internet, and recently announced the upcoming launch of its newly developed brand NINE.com, slated for July. In addition to providing bet facilities on a multitude of sports, news, financial, entertainment and political wager options it also offers online casino action on BlackJack, Poker, Roulette, slots, craps and other casino games.
Professionals vs celebrities in new GSN series on poker next month
The blurb asks "Are actors better bluffers or will the poker professionals sweep the celebrities in the high stakes game of No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em?" in a press release this week. The question will be answered when GSN premieres Poker Royale: Celebrities vs. Poker Pros, a seven-episode U.S. TV series debuting as part of GSN's weekly Casino Night, Friday, May 6 at 9:00PM ET/PT.
Shot on location at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, the latest edition of GSN's Poker Royale franchise sparked witty banter across the table between the pros and the representatives of the fastest growing group in the poker world, celebrity players. Not underestimating their opponents, the experienced pros put on their best game faces in an attempt to make it to the final table for a chance for the $50,000 championship grand prize.
The team of celebrities include: Lance Bass (NSYNC), Tracy Bingham (The Surreal Life, Baywatch), Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, Boyz N the Hood, GI Jane, Ladder 49,), Mimi Rogers (The Door in the Floor, Austin Powers), Jennifer Tilly (Liar Liar, Bound), and Patrick Warburton (Less Than Perfect, Seinfeld).
The professionals include Scott Fischman (Two World Series of Poker bracelets), Kathy Liebert (One World Series of Poker bracelet), Cindy Violette (One World Series of Poker bracelet), Roxci Rhodes (Ranked one of the top ten women players by Card Player magazine), Paul Darden (Winner of the 2003 World Poker Tour Gold Rush Tournament) and Kenna James (One World Series of Poker bracelet).
In the first six one-hour episodes of Poker Royale: Celebrities vs. Poker Pros three professionals and three celebrities face off. Every episode champion wins $10,000 and ten points. The player who finishes second receives eight points, third place receives six points, fourth place receives four points, fifth place receives two points and last place receives zero points. The players who make the final table will each receive $10,000 in chips to begin.
In the two-hour finale, the top three point leaders for both the celebrities and the pros take the top seats. Airing on June 17, the finale winner will take the $50,000 grand prize.
Most expensive land casino resort yet opens doors this week
The U.S. press was full of big news from Las Vegas this week - the most expensive casino in the world was to start operations Thursday, confirming a resurgent gambling Mecca with all the style and razzmatazz for which this city is world renowned.
The $2.7 billion Wynn Las Vegas resort, fronted by a tree-covered artificial mountain, opens at a time of record tourism and booming real-estate prices.
Steve Wynn, the gaming magnate known for creating casino resorts like The Mirage has become something of a celebrity himself, starring in a television commercial standing astride the rooftop of the gleaming 50-story bronze tower of his latest investment.
Already just the promise of the new resort's opening has upped the ante for rival Las Vegas destinations, analysts say.
Every time a major resort opens with the kind of profile that all of Wynn's properties have enjoyed, it causes everyone else to enhance their amenities," said Erika Yowell, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority spokeswoman.
Several major Strip casinos have added upscale hotel towers or will soon open new ones, including Caesars Entertainment Inc.'s Caesars Palace. Mandalay Resort Group in December 2003 opened THEhotel adjacent to Mandalay Bay, and the Bellagio, owned by MGM Mirage, opened a spa tower, complete with a fountain of liquid chocolate, last December.
Although he is excited about his hotel's complicated design with its asymmetrical roof and horizontal white lines, Wynn said the resort's success will come down to service and employees that show a greater interest in making guests happy.
Speaking at a conference last week in Los Angeles, Wynn said the 9,500 employees have been told not to worry about money or failure. Such things are inevitable in a new operation and a new building. Their one charge, he said, is to not let guests leave unhappy, whether it takes reversing a charge or even returning a bet.
"The only thing that matters is that the people who come to this environment be happy and playful. It's not about us, it's about them," he said.
Originally branded "Le Reve" after a Picasso painting, but later changed in a brand unifying exercise the new resort is said to be the ultimate in luxury. The company's Web site boasts that "Michelangelo took four years to complete the Sistine Chapel. Your room took five." The 2,700 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Strip, the mountain and lake, or the resort's 18-hole golf course.
The complex offers 18 restaurants, some run by celebrity chefs, theatres, a spa and dozens of designer boutiques along with a Ferrari Maserati dealership. With 37.4 million tourists visiting the city last year and predictions of another record this year, the new complex will be receiving some close attention as the latest attraction in a fun city.
Fourth Annual Remote Gaming Forum
The 4th Annual Remote Gaming Forum brings together the remote gaming industry as well as its service providers to discuss and debate the effect of consolidation, how to build costumer loyalty in an industry where product differentiation is scarce, what the potential of skill-based gaming is and whether mobile gambling and other platforms should be seen as additional revenue streams or merely as a brand extension bringing in a couple of extra pennies.
The venue is still to be announced, but dates are 28 and 29 June this year, in London.
The event will examine issues such as:
How to become an attractive acquisition target?
Integrating skill-based games into your current business model
Converting browsers into players cost-effectively for successful customer acquisition
Building customer loyalty and strengthening brand value
Profiting from mobile gambling and other gambling platforms
Evaluating solutions for tackling fraud, money laundering and Payment issues
Will bingo be the next poker?
Targeting the female gamers with pay to play and soft games
Understanding the effects of the UK Gambling Act on the remote gaming industry
With a top speaker line-up including 29 cutting-edge viewpoints from companies such as Sportingbet plc, BETonSPORTS, PartyGaming, Betandwin.com, Yahoo! Europe, VIP Management Services, Gaming Corporation plc, Betfair, Wanadoo UK plc, Royal Bank of Scotland and Helix Gaming.
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