Casino Gambling News Blog for October '07

October 29, 2007
Poker Players Alliance Makes Motions to Educate Capital Hill
The PPA sent 100 of its members to Washington D.C. over the weekend to spread the good word, if you know what I mean. It's all about gettin' educated! That's what I'm talking about! Thanks to the PPA, the U.S. Congress is getting the dose of education they need to understand what the UIGEA really is and how online casino gambling regulation is a feasible necessity. From what the PPA reports following their 3-day sojourn in DC, the response to their lobbying and education efforts was great, and apparently there are even some more co-sponsors attached to the legislation that seeks to deliver online gambling back from the darkside of the UIGEA.

October 27, 2007
Two More Online Casino Games Released by Playtech Software
Following the release of a new mobile version of Gold Rally, Playtech has come out with two new online video slots. If you enjoy slots for their entertainment, these two new video slots by Playtech pay the bill in my opinion ("Pay the bill"...Is that even the right expression?). Anyways, they are called Bonus Bears and What's Cooking, each featuring 25 and 30 paylines respectively, and both of which offer generous bonus rounds. The best thing about these games, however, is their animation, themes and introductory storylines. Playtech also just released a mobile version of their highly popular slot, Gold Rally, which has a progressive jackpot.

October 26, 2007
Sweden's Online Casino Gambling Monopoly has Impressive Quarter
Overall profit for Svenske Spel has grown by nearly 20% since last year, with one-third of that profit coming from online gambling activities. There's no doubt Sweden's gambling monopoly, Svenske Spel, has great incentive to keep their monopolistic empire in place. The State-run company just reported their third quarter earnings, which unsurprisingly show a large increase of profit - nearly 20% - from the same time period last year. A third of this profit came from online gambling, with casino, poker and bingo games showing steady growth.

October 26, 2007
A Few Good Reasons Why Online Sports Betting Will get Legalized in US
Some sports bookies think the key to legalizing online betting lies with Las Vegas corporations. The Las Vegas Sun recently had an interview with Steve Budin, who is a former sports bookie CEO of an offshore sports betting empire that was later shut down by U.S. authorities. Having just finished his memoir, Budin is speaking out in favor of regulating internet sports betting, which he says will get done by the giants of Las Vegas. In other words, Budin thinks the corporate interests in Las Vegas will be essential to keeping the Mob out of online gaming. I agree. I also think something needs to be done soon before the Mob has their way.

October 25, 2007
Harvard Law Professors Speaking out in Favor of Online Gambling
I'll take two Harvard professors on my team any day, especially if they know what they're talking about. In regards to overturning the UIGEA, any help in the legal arena is appreciated by me, especially when it is coming from Harvard Law professors. I don't mean to overrate anything here, but I have to say that the Harvard name comes with a degree of respect that will get people to pay attention and listen up. Two professors - Charles Desson and Allan Dershowitz - are each taking a stance to show why online poker and sports betting are games of skill and why the UIGEA is a violation of political power and civil liberties.

October 25, 2007
Online Casino Gambling Spam Does More Damage Than Good
As much online casino spam as I get, and as ill-reputed as spam is, I am baffled that people still send it...but then again...For all you spammers out there, don't you realize you are doing more damage than good. I'm sure you probably get some people to sign up at an online casino, but considering the number of people that you are turning off, you are only hurting your own potential for success, not to mention the reputation of the online casino. Speaking of which, all you online casino operators need to get control of your affiliates. Don't you know the spammers are causing irreparable harm to your reputation. All I'm saying is that I don't care how good a reputation a site has, if I ever get spam in their name, I'm not playing there, plain and simple. There are too many other establishments that deserve my business. Okay, I know this sounds like an angry rant, so just try picturing a sweet old lady saying this with a smile on her face.

October 23, 2007
Acropolis Online Casino is for Sale, But it Looks a Little Off to me
Even if $500,000 is pocket change to you, I might think twice about laying down those bucks for Acropolis Online Casino. Going once, Going Twice, Going Thrice...Sold? Still no buyer yet, the owners of Acropolis Online Casino, Leisure & Gaming, are looking to divest ownership of the well known and reputed online casino. Now, I may be ignorant in matters of buyouts and company worth, but an asking price of $500,000 seems very low to me considering the claims made by L&G regarding the profit earnings of Acropolis Casino. It shall be interesting to see what the gaming market thinks of this offer and how, and most likely, when a purchase goes down.

October 23, 2007
Calvin Ayre's Online Bodog Blog is Getting Stranger by the Minute
As the domain battle continues, Ayre has feverishly challenged Scott Lewis to a ringside battle in order to settle the dispute. As much as I do secretly wish to see Calvin Ayre and Dr. Scott Lewis from 1st Technology duke it out ringside, I know that Ayre's crazed challenge is a publicity stunt if anything else. The chances of Lewis accepting the offer are nill and slim if you ask me, unless of course the whole debacle has a been a publicity stunt from day one. Well, I'm not that much of a conspiracy theorist, but I wouldn't put it pass good'ol Ayre, who really does seem to be getting more crazy and less professional every blog post he makes. Oh how the seasons change and things don't always look the way they appear...

October 23, 2007
Online Gambling CEO From Unibet is Arrested in Holland on French Warrant
Unibet's CEO gets picked up by French authorities while boarding a plane in Holland. Sachrebleu! I spelled it wrong (as you'll read in the post) so in case it doesn't read, what I mean to say is sack (as in, "sack of potatoes") ray (as in "the ray of the Sun") and blue (as in, "the sky is blue"). Get it? sack-ray-blue. I know, enough already! But first allow me to say enough already to the French, who were apparently making progress with the European Union in liberalizing online gambling, but have now gone and done something so stupid, embarrassing and hypocritical as arrest a high profile CEO in the face of the international laws.

October 22, 2007
Global I-Gaming Summit and Expo Seeks to Merge Online and Offline
The Clarion Gaming Group has already laid out the format for next years GIGSE in June, and yes, in Montreal. There's a whole 'lotta mergin going down these days, and Clarion Gaming is right in the middle of it. Not too long after the merger between ATE and the River City Group, the merged bi-product, Clarion Gaming, is seeking to theme next years Global I-Gaming Conference on partnership building, especially between the offline and online casino gambling industry's. And as much as we all know how much teachers like to gambling, this isn't the ATE that is the Association of Teacher Educators. And don't ask me what it does stand for.
 

October 22, 2007
Doyle's Online Poker Room Now Accepting U.S. Players From Some States
Although it didn't come from the mouth of the legend himself, Doyle's Room, in true cowboy form, has announced they have reentered the U.S. facing online gambling industry. When I read the news, it sounded like they were accepting anybody and everybody. However, it turns out they will only be doing business in the less antagonistic State's with greyer legislation. Although that has to be disappointing to the players residing in the notorious handful of persecutory State's, like Louisiana, it's better than nothing, right? And besides, we all know people in those State's are gambling in the online casino anyways. Heck, even Louisiana's State Trooper's are doing it.

October 22, 2007
Mansion Reports Initial Success With Migrated Online Poker Room
Things are looking good for Mansion Poker since their migration to Ongame. At least that's what they say. I have to admit their weekly tournaments look good. Mansion has been busy on the press waves, making a good bid to draw attention to their newly Ongame migrated poker room. So far, so good. Mansion says they have over 30,000 players online at peak times and are seeing ample turnouts for their guaranteed weekly tournaments. I've never played there myself, but they seem to be doing something right with over 30,000 players. Let's hope Mansion can keep it up - Hey, somebody's gonna have to make up for the slack Absolute Poker left behind.

October 21, 2007
Everest Online Casino Sends Player to Dubai - Promises More Promos
It was one of those promos in which the more you gamble over the course of a month, the more entries you get in a raffle drawing. What's that? An all expenses paid luxury vacation in Dubai? It sure sounds nice. But you would still have had to pay for it. And if you were lucky enough, you would have come out with more money than you started. In other words, Everest awarded raffle drawings to players for every $250 wagered over the month of September. The more you bet, the better your chances. If your really lucky, you could win the vacation and come out with alot of winnings in the process. Sounds great, but that isn't enough to entice me on its own. Anyways, the tournament is over, but Everest promises to host more in the near future.

October 21, 2007
Ultimate Bet Offers Some of the Largest Badbeat Jackpots Online
They just handed out $330,000 in badbeat earnings to nineteen players, and are fixing to do it again. So I have to admit that Ultimate Bet's badbeat online jackpots are pretty impressive. I haven't played there myself but I know that I can vouch for thousands of players who log on regularly. Following the $330,000 badbeat jackpot shared by nineteen players, the current jackpot is now worth well over $200,000. Ultimate Bet's payment structure and jackpot build is unique, and enables more players to share the final winnings.

October 21, 2007
There's no Question Absolute Online Poker Room is Guilty of Wrong Doing
It's only a matter of time before Absolute is hit with some serious charges, and I don't just mean charges on a single employee. If you stop to take a look at how the case has unfolded thus far, taking into consideration Absolute's vehement denying of any software hacks, followed by their submission once there was substantial evidence revealing incriminating evidence Absolute is guilty from the top on down if you ask me. I don't think they will get away with trying to pin this on some employee who wanted to make a point. The connection with co-owner, Scott Tom says it all. So does all the tangible evidence against Absolute Poker.

October 21, 2007
France is Next to Legalize Online Casino Gambling, or are They?
I'm betting the French are next to liberalize online gambling in Europe - and sooner than we might think. Oui! Oui! Yes indeed I think France is opening up to online gambling. Whether it's the pressure from the EU, a bad break up with Francaise de Jeux, a sudden realization of all the money they could be making, or all three, the fact of the matter is that France's Prime Minister is on record saying he wants to liberalize the gaming business there. No word yet on whether this would cover all forms of online gambling, or just the interests of the French State gaming monopoly, some type of regulation looks imminent. And you can bet your bottom dollar France is going to get itself in the market beyond its own borders.

October 19, 2007
Online Spades WebSite Resembles Full Functioning Online Casino
It looks like an online casino, smells like one, and even sounds like an online casino, but does it operate like one? It's called Spadester.com, and they look like they could compete with the best of online casinos out there. Three types of spades can be played here, and there are supposedly a great deal of players logged online at any given time. Offering both free and real money accounts, it can't hurt to try them out if you're interested in playing spades online and possibly throwing down a real bet later own. I have to say, however, that Spadester still needs to boost their transparency, specifically in regards to regulation, before I'll gamble there.

October 19, 2007
Online Backgammon Site Makes Transition into Real Money Platform
BackgammonMasters has completed their transition from a Play-for-fun betting sits into a full-fledged real money backgammon platform, and are now accepting real money bets for their live online backgammon games and tournaments. BackgammonMasters became so popular with bettors (largely due to their rankings on Google), that management decided a real money platform was in order. It's my opinion the UK based group still has a ways to go in becoming more transparent and developing trust from players seeking to deposit money with their cashier.

October 19, 2007
Online Casino Claims Big Win, But This Blogger is Skeptical
Another big win was claimed by an online casino, but upon my own investigation, I am left wondering, "Where's the Proof of any win"? I know it sounds cynical, but in the world of online casino gambling, you have to look into everything. You can't afford to just believe everything you read. Get the terms and conditions, verify the laws overseeing the claims and then your Gold. That's why I'm so weary of believing claims by Imperial Casino, who uses Virtual Gaming software and is a member of the bogus Online Gaming Alliance, that a player recently won over $21,000 playing their online slots.

October 19, 2007
Online Poker Tournament Brings Together Poker Magazine Readers
PaddyPower is hosting the final table of the "Battle of the Mags" poker tournament in which the winner will win a seat to the Irish Open. Although it sounds like a big hoopla of a promotion for the most popular online gambling and poker magazines in circulation, the Battle of the Mags tournament is going to be televised on Novement 8th, and aired on Sky TV on December 14th. The final table has a diverse mix of new players, one of whom will walk away with a free seat to the Irish Open and two European Poker Tour events of their choosing.

October 19, 2007
New York Racing Association Seeking to Offer Online Mobile Betting
Upon approval from the New York Wagering and Racing Board, mWager will be taken up by the NY Racing Association. With UIGEA carve-outs fully in place, the New York Racing Association wants to take advantage of its privileged position. And they are seeking to make it happen with something called mWager, which is essentially a mobile online betting solution for horseracing. Who said online gambling was illegal in the U.S. The technology still needs a green light from the New York Wagering and Racing Board, but it looks pretty certain New Yorkers will at least have an opportunity to bet on horse races with their mobile phones.

October 19, 2007
China Interest UK Gambling Firm, Betex, De-lists Shares on AIM
Betex could be in some trouble in China. Or, it could fall on three individual employees. Until they know for sure, shares are de-listed. Betex seems pretty confident they're not going to be in any hot water though. Perhaps they are convicted by their innocence? Despite their ability to still operate in China, the scandal hasn't kept their operations from being disrupted to a certain extent, consequently calling for a temporary de-listing on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. What scandal you ask? Think back to April of this year when three Betex employees were arrested for allegedly operating an illegal Betex shadow business.

October 19, 2007
Yet Another Reason Why an Online Casino Gambling Ban is Stupid
I didn't think anybody could possibly come up with another reason why the UIGEA is a failure, but sure enough, here are some more reasons. Now that the UIGEA has had some time to make an impact, it has become even more apparent just how closely it is resembling the impact of the alcohol prohibition in the 1920's. One year after it has been passed, the UIGEA has done nothing to curb the amount of U.S. citizens gambling online, nor has it lowered the number of problem gamblers seeking help. One CEO recently wrote up a piece on Bloomberg News, further dismantling the UIGEA and why the U.S. should use the WTO ruling as an opportunity to overturn it.

October 19, 2007
Online Sportsbook, Bwin, Ventures onto Land for the First Time in Spain
Considering how much sports betting is done in Spain, I think Bwin has made a good choice for their first land-based betting venture. Now that Spain has liberalized its land-based gambling industry, Bwin, who has formerly only accepted online bets, is venturing onto land to tap into a possibly lucrative opportunity. They recently announced they are teaming up with Betbull, who apparently already has a foot in the Spanish gambling market. With a name like Betbull, who wouldn't right? And on another note, Bwin is not Betfair, which means they are not an online betting exchange. I am going to set the record straight once and for all, because apparently some gamblers are confusing the two. Don't ask me where I heard it. I could have dreamt it.

October 19, 2007
First Ever Asian Casino Affiliate Convention Coming up in Macau
CAC Macau is going down in little over four weeks - November 28-29, 2007 at the Venetian Casino and Hotel. Is this market opening up as most people expect? Get your Kimono's on, 'cause we're going to Macau. Now I don't know if they really wear Kimono's in Macau, but I know they were them in Asia. Although I'm not personally going to be in attendance, it looks like there is going to be a turnout at the first ever Asian Casino Affiliate Convention, organized by none other than Casino Affiliate Conventions. It should be really interesting to see how it turns out, because I personally don't see much opportunity in Asia just yet. Perhaps that's why they're going..."just yet" being the key phrase.

October 18, 2007
Absolute Poker to be Audited Following Serious Cheating Allegations
Although they are innocent until proven guilty, the fact remains there are some serious allegations against Absolute Poker. Several players have accused Absolute Poker of creating a super-user to oust other players out of winning pots. Whether this alleged super-user is a poker software bot or real person, based on its unpredictable playing style and uncanny winning record, some players began to dig up information on the suspect, only to allegedly find out its IP address was coming from an Absolute Poker domain. If these allegations turn out to be true, consider Absolute absolutely gone. They're going to be audited by Gaming Associates, at the behest of Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which isn't enough investigatory action if you ask me.

October 17, 2007
DaVinci's Gold Casino Offers New Bonus and Wraps Weekend Promo
DaVinci's Gold Casino just finished up a promotion in which they gave out $1,000 to several players just for being logged online and gambling. Don't get your hopes too high...It wasn't $1,000 to each player. It was split up, which is still better than nothing. I actually like DaVinci's Gold Casino ( I wouldn't put up a news blog about them if I didn't), and I am especially impressed with their graphics and iSlots. If you haven't played iSlots, I highly recommend them for their entertainment value. DaVinci's offers a free play-money account so you can try them without any risk. Anyways, here's their monthly promo calendar...

October 16, 2007
eCOGRA Speaks out on Unified Online Casino Gambling Regulation
eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, eCOGRA, is confident their regulatory standards are better than all other licensing jurisdictions. eCOGRA Chief Executive Andrew Beveridge (I just realized I know his name by heart even though I've never met the guy) was in attendance at the European iGaming Congress and Expo in Barcelona, and spoke out about the new state of online casino regulation. Okay, besides wishing I was there in attendance myself, I wish that more casinos will seek out eCOGRA certifications. I think Beveridge is right in saying that eCOGRA is setting a regulatory standard higher than the current licensing jurisdictions out there.

October 15, 2007
WTO Arbitration Looms on Horizon for Online Gambling Claims Against U.S.
The U.S. is in hot water now that the EU is ready to make financial claims resulting from the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The U.S. has until the end of October to settle financial claim negotiations with the EU. So far, five claims have been made against the U.S. in addition to Antigua and Barbuda's initial claim when the U.S. disregarded a WTO court ruling and withdrew its obligations to a treaty singed ten years ago. Unless the U.S. agrees to cease accepting online betting activities from within its own borders (horse racing, lottery and fantasy sports), or overturning the UIGEA, they could very well be liable to pay upwards of $100 billion in claims.

October 14, 2007
Mansion Chooses Different Poker Platform Than Existing Online Casino
Ongame got the honors over Playtech's iPoker Network because of their experience and successes in the poker facing gaming sector. Considering that Mansion's online casino is powered by Playtech, it was safe to assume they would go with Playtech's iPoker network in choosing a place to host their poker room. And although Playtech has been making considerable progress in the European facing poker sector, Ongame is a formidable powerhouse in the online poker world. Over 12 million players looked too tempting for Mansion, no to mention Ongame's long and successful track record. That's right. Mansion has chose Ongame.

October 12, 2007
Cryptologic's Bonus Pack 12 of New Online Casino Games
Like clockwork, Cryptologic has released a new batch of casino games. Four super-sized video slots make up the latest game release, upping Cryptologic's repertoire of games beyond 200. As you might expect, all of the new games (four total) are online video slots. These include "Computer Rage", "Panda Panda", "Rajah's Rubies" and "Native Treasure". I had the chance to test out Computer Rage for myself, simply because the theme of the game sounded entertaining, but I have to say I was not that impressed.

October 11, 2007
Rio Casino Las Vegas to Host 2008 World Series of Poker Finale Again
WSOP has confirmed their 2008 finale will, yet again, take place at the infamous Rio Las Vegas, which is no surprise to most people. Next year, however, the Rio is going to be opening up their doors a week or so earlier to allow players to register in advance. The "soft opening" will hopefully keep lines down, which this year's participants know all too well. WSOP says they will be releasing more details on the upcoming season, and will post a schedule on their website very soon.

October 10, 2007
International Pressure Could Help Legalize Online Casino Gambling in U.S.
It still has a long way to go, but legalizing internet gambling in the U.S. could get its best chance from increased international pressure. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley's Internet Gambling Study Act may not even be necessary if the U.S. gets bombarded by international pressure to either pay up lost claims from other WTO and EU member countries, or allow online casino gambling through its virtual borders. Congressman Barney Frank says that claims against the U.S. could surpass $100 billion. Just don't ask Louisiana to do anything about it. They're too busy chasing down $0.70 betting losses of their State Troopers.

October 9, 2007
Lottery and Horserace Carveouts to Help or Hinder Online Casino Gamlbing?
It could serve as a model for internet gambling regulation, but what does it really aim to do in the first place? It's called the Horsepower 8 World Pool Lottery, and it essentially represents the fruit of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in the U.S. Unlike poker and online casino gambling, lotteries and horseracing have been carved out by the UIGEA, and are fair game to U.S. citizens. But is it really fair game? Could you even ask for worse odds than needing to correctly pick eight horserace winners and seven numbers?

October 8, 2007
Betcha.com Online Betting Exchange Owners Surrender to Louisiana
Three men from the Washington State based Betcha.com are not finished fighting a betting dispute with Louisiana 'n company. The owner of the, pseudo online betting site, Betcha.com, along with two employees, have submitted themselves to an Louisiana extradition charging Betcha with illegal gambling activities. Without the cooperation of Washington Governor, Christine Gregoire, the three men had no choice (other than becoming fugitives) and turn themselves in. They spent a night in jail and are out on bail. This case is pretty ridiculous considering it stems from one State Trooper's gambling activity resulting in a $0.70 loss.

October 6, 2007
Chipleader Awarded Online Poker Affiliate Program of the Year
Chipleader is the online poker room affiliate program for Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker. They were recently given a nod of recognition from the guys over at eGaming Review, who publish the popular online webzine, EGR Magazine. I read up on some news over at EGR every now and then and these guys are legitimate. They have their heads in the industry, so I know that an award for Chipleader has merit to it. I investigated for myself...

October 5, 2007
Upcoming Tournament Offerings at Titan Online Poker Room
There are still two seats left for Titan members to the $1 Million freeroll and three promotion giveaways to the January, 2008 WPS in Costa Rica. Titan Online Poker Room is the leading poker room in the iPoker Network, which is owned and managed by Playtech Software. Since Playtech is out of the U.S. market, they have been putting a lot of emphasis in the European industry, and I have to say that they have been quite successful thus far. A European Championship tournament is scheduled in the upcoming months, as are several other big money tournaments which Titan is throwing some satellites around and giving away free seats and prize packages to.

October 3, 2007
Mega Moolah Jackpot Now on its Way to Reaching $4 Million
Microgaming casinos are gearing up for the next big millionaire on the Mega Moolah progressive slot machines. As part of the vast network that makes up Microgaming online casinos, Mega Moolah has become one of the most popular of Microgaming's slots. It starts off at a high minimum progressive jackpot, and the maximum betting amount is only $6.25, which for progressive slot machines with million dollar jackpots, is very affordable. 32Red Casino was one of the first to issue a Mega Moolah press release that has gotten out to the general public.

October 2, 2007
October 2007 Bonuses and Promotions at Virgin Online Casino
Read about the latest monthly promotion and bonus newsletter from Virgin Games flagship gaming site, Virgin Casino. I have to admit that things are looking pretty good at Virgin. Although they were launched this year and are still relatively young (age is definitely relative, especially in the online world), the Virgin brand has held true to its good name and reputation. Right now there are weekly bonuses, a welcome and reload bonus, and Virgin bonus points, which will get you some cool Virgin merchandise at no cost.
 

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