BRIT NEWSPAPER HAS SECOND THOUGHTS ON INTERNET BINGO SITE (Update)

27 July 2007

Controversial MailBingo operations suspended whilst revamp undertaken

Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers in the UK has moved quickly following reports last week in The Observer that despite the Mail's moralising on UK gambling issues, it was running a bingo site that did not carry acceptable problem gambling advice (see previous InfoPowa reports)

In a follow up story this week, The Observer reports that Associated Newspapers has blocked access to controversial website Mailbingo.com after campaigners raised concerns about the type of games available on the site.

The Observer revealed last week that an unusual alliance of church leaders and gaming firms had hit out at the site, which allowed punters to play internet poker, roulette and slot-machine games that failed to adhere to guidelines set out by Gamcare and Responsibility in Gambling Trust, organisations which offer help and advice to problem gamblers.

MailBingo was operated by an outsourced company called Cashcade, but sources at Associated confirmed it had been suspended. The sources pointed out that although the newspaper has campaigned against 'supercasinos', it is not opposed to gambling per se.

The sources revealed that Mail executives decided to terminate the company's contract several weeks ago, and Cashcade subsequently introduced games they felt should not be included on the site.

Production will be taken in-house and the site revamped. The Daily Mail and its Sunday sister title carry horse-racing tips and have run articles on organising office sweepstakes.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa