Casino On Net really is the biggest online casino group on the Internet, with ten million registrations since startup.
That was the message this week from 888.com, the world’s top online casino and poker room which has just become the first online casino to break through the milestone 10 millionth customer mark.
John Anderson, CEO and founder said: “Breaking the 10 million mark is a huge milestone for 888.com and the online gaming industry. Few internet brands have achieved what 888.com has, and our rapidly increasing number of members across both of our products clearly demonstrates that our brand, products and customer service is well liked and trusted by the consumer.”
The announcement was seen by many industry observers as clear evidence that 888.com not only dominates the highly competitive Got2bet industry but also shows that the online sector as a whole is in a healthy condition and still in rapid growth...at least at the quality end of the scale.
Casino On Net from 888.com offers all the excitement of Vegas online with a vast variety of games such as Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Keno and Slots. Recently ranked as the top online casino in the UK as well as worldwide by Igaming Review, 888.com provides superior game-play through a bespoke V7 software package with sharp, realistic graphics.
Pacific Poker from 888.com is the fastest growing online online poker product within a market that has seen a massive explosion in popularity – a 500% increase in customer spending since 2002. Pacific Poker has benefited from the huge number of first time players and offline players going online - unique features such as a free demo mode and low stake tables are ideal for beginners, with the higher stake tables left for the mature player. Pacific Poker also offers a unique hand history feature, which allows the player to look back at a ‘film’ of previous games, learn from their own mistakes and gloat at their genius moves, as well as a comprehensive online Poker school for the novices.
Sportsbook rogues gallery
Gambling 911's Chris Costigan took a trip into the past to revisit infamous names in the sportsbook business this week. Veterans of online gamblers will see some familiar names on this link http://www.gambling911.com/infamous.html in an interesting article titled "Hideous Figures in The World of Got2bet and Where They Are Now"
La Isla Bonita
We featured this online casino in Casino Cautions two weeks back for bad communications, slow-paying mainly Danish players and some quaint domain changes. This week the heat seemed to be again focused on this operation when Jan Gunnar Furuly, an investigative reporter on the staff of the Oslo, Norway based newspaper Aftenposten started asking questions in the Got2bet community. Apparently some sort of ownership struggle has been going on at the casino, which is technically operated from Warsaw in Poland where it has offices and a call centre. Aftenposten has received details on significant numbers of Danish players who are awaiting over-delayed payouts. Furuly has apparently established that in addition over a thousand Norwegians have invested in La Isla Bonita through a WGI company called Club Platinum Inc. and they are impacted by the ownership and possibly financial problems associated with this operation. It has also transpired (confirmed by Antiguan authorities) that contrary to its claims to be licensed in Antigua this is not so. If any of our readers have any useful information on this operation, Furuly would like to hear from them at tel: +47 22864008, mob: +47 91164210 or fax: +47 22864054.
Injunction placed on HGN in live over the internet gambling row
Readers may recall recent InfoPowa bulletins reporting the sudden and unilateral issue of press releases by Melvyn Molnick of Home Gambling Network alledging that Eyeball-CasinoWebCam did not have authority to sub-licence the "live over the internet" gambling technology on which HGN holds a patent.
CWC responded with its own press release asserting its rights in terms of an agreement it claimed with Molnick.
This week saw a further development when CWC obtained a temporary injuction in Clark County Court, Nevada (Case A483872) restraining Molnick from issuing further injurious press releases or contacting CWC licensees on the matter pending arbitration.
InfoPowa asked Molnick for comment but no response had been received as we went to press.
STOP PRESS: In unrelated news, CWC is set to release a new flash version of its live person online casino. This reportedly will work for those unfortunate enough to have a slow dial up connection and will likely be used initially by MVP Casino.
What is alleged to be plagiarisation of an online slot game came to notice again this week following a press release from Atlantis Internet Group of Henderson, Nevada on its casino products.
In the release Avi Casino.com was mentioned as an operation created by Atlantis for an unspecified "...licensed Nevada casino" and one eagle eyed industry observer giving it the once over noted that Jackpot Express - a Microgaming game - was featured along with other familiar products from the Russian 3W Graphics company.
Atlantis appears to own several online casinos using this software, including Atlantis-Gaming.com, All Sex Casino.com,French Quarter Casino.com and Casino-Curacao.com.
Despite contacting Atlantis some days ago for a comment we had received no response by press time.
Atlantis chairman Donald Bailey took a bullish position in the press release, opining that "...some feel it is inevitable that Got2bet will become legal and regulated in the United States and become an increasingly larger part of the business of gambling,''
"Some believe that legislation may be enacted to regulate Got2bet when licensed gaming executives from Las Vegas and Atlantic City become involved in the business; when Internet Gaming software is embraced as reliable by the regulatory gaming agencies; and when the product is used online by a licensed casino in Nevada or New Jersey,'' continued Bailey.
Bailey went on to reveal that his OTC listed company is working with unamed gaming industry executives as consultants, and had created the "play for fun" Avi casino site to Nevada State gambling requirements in anticipation of legalised play-for-money authorisation.
By now most folks in the industry know that Got2bet personalities will be enytertaining delegates in a fun Sumo wrestling evening at GIGSE set to take place in the GIGSE expo hall from 4PM-5PM on Wed., May 19. You can find more details about the match-ups, the celebrity bookies, as well as the designated charity at http://www.gigse.com/2004/?page=charity.
GamCare, which assists problem gamblers, will be the recipient of the hopefully generous donations raised by this event.
Over US$6,000 has already been pledged but more is always needed. If you'd like for your company to contribute to this worthwhile non-profit organization, please contact mailto:sue@rivercitygroup.com to let her know. Those who would like to do so are encouraged to bring a corporate check for their designated pledge amount to GIGSE and those checks will be presented on site to Peter Cox, Managing Director of GamCare.
Despite the positive publicity in recent months, it would seem that UK Betting.com has not been doing too well in a business sense, according to the London Evening Standard.
The British Got2bet and sport website operator stuck fast in the red last year, racking up losses of £5.7million for 2003 against a £8.8 million deficit the previous year.
Executive Peter Dubens said the group expects to make a profit in the current year not counting goodwill amortisation and interest charges.
Licencing could depend on correct handling of problem gamblers
14 May 2004
The Observer reported on the UK gambling reform initiative with more statements from the British authorities on the "social responsibility" implications for licence applicants, including online operations.
UK culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, said at the weekend that casinos’ licences could depend on them identifying and dealing with problem gamblers, stressing that even online casinos may have to comply by limiting player deposits.
Jowell told The Observer that making ‘social responsibility’ a condition of licences would help to mitigate an increase in problem gambling.
"Casino operators say at the moment that they can recognise people who are beginning to develop signs of compulsion and problem gambling," Jowell said. "They say their staff know how, just like people behind bars are quite good at dealing with people who are getting very drunk.
"We haven't taken a settled view on this, but it could include training for staff, and evidence that staff are required to exercise this degree of vigilance."
Jowell is also considering limiting the number of big jackpot slot machines that casinos can operate, in light of evidence that the rapid betting patterns of slots makes it the most addictive.
There could also be maximum loss limits for gamblers, for example, an automatic cut-out on machines, something which could even apply to Got2bet sites, which would have to reject credit cards after a maximum amount.
ParadisePoker.com, at one time the top Internet poker site before being unseated by Party Poker has contracted super model and TV travel presenter Caprice Bouret to front a multimillion-pound marketing campaign in the UK.
Total Media, which handles the PP account says it will kick off a cross-platform campaign covering British newspapers, magazine and outdoor advertising that features the blonde model on 96-sheet posters as the website’s ambassador, possibly emulating 32 Red Casino's successful use of actress Patty Kensit in a similar role.
The poker company, which previously focused on the US market, said it is now launching its new marketing campaign in the UK where online poker has seen a surge in popularity.
Industry has the potential to outgrow other Internet sectors
There was heartening news and bullish new research numbers from a Research and Markets Group (RMG) study this week.
In a new industry report titled ‘The Got2bet Market Research Handbook’ RMG reveals that revenues from the industry have the potential to dwarf those of other Internet services in Europe and the US alone.
The findings, which provide a profile analysis of over 70 key players, and a future market outlook claim to be "the most comprehensive resource for Got2bet business market data available from any source".
RMG points out that earlier studies by the Angus Reid Group represents only 39 percent of more than 275 million Internet users worldwide, which does not reflect the market’s true potential. With the average online casino "winning" a conservative 75 percent of the money deposited, Bear Stearns estimates that the business could to reach levels around US$125 billion by year 2015.
The handbook, which is targeted at executives in all segments of the online casino and gaming business claims to provide an expanded understanding of the Got2bet industry. An analysis is provided for the major industry sectors, including current and expected market opportunities. Market data is presented for the online jurisdictions along with discussions relating to activities and opportunities.
Latest Cryptologic quarterly results show that good progress still being made and the company continues to enjoy a healthy balance sheet.
The listed Canadian online casino software company, posted first quarter earnings which show the company performing well, with record revenue, and earnings up on the same period last year.
The company had revenue of $15.2 million, up from $8.9 million in the same period in 2003, and earnings of $3.8 million, up from $1.8 million.
Spokesmen said its diversification into different online casino products and its successful international operations were behind the strong financial performance.
Online poker continued to produce good business, accounting for 12% of overall revenue, and CryptoLogic has released a new version of its poker software to capitalize on the continued growth of this booming sector.
Other highlights include the launch of the Ritz Club London Online, with licensing from Alderney, which emphasised CryptoLogic's claim to be one of the few software providers with government-certified software.
The claimed share of licensees' revenue from international markets increased from 55% in 2003 to 60% this year, and the company noted in this regard the signing of its newest licensee, Betfair, the world's largest online betting exchange.
The Sporting Exchange, the company behind Betfair, the world’s largest betting exchange, today launched its new internet poker site Betfair Poker.com. The site features No Limit/Pot Limit games and multi-table tournaments amongst other games, resulting in an entertaining and secure gaming experience for players.
Although not linked directly to the parent site the poker room will be marketed to the same customer base in the United Kingdom, and internationally. It will not be offered to residents of countries which ban offshore poker products, such as Australia.
“Betfair is the clear leader in the global sports betting exchange market, and the launch of betfairpoker means the brand is moving to new places,” said Steve Ives, a director of Betfair Poker. “Betfair Poker will be the best integrated poker platform on the Internet and we are confident of rapidly establishing ourselves as a leader in this high growth market.”
Betfair Poker’s site has been developed using software licensed from the CryptoLogic Inc subsidiary, WagerLogic Limited.
Betfair Poker is owned and operated by SEL (Curacao) N.V a Netherlands Antilles Corporation with its offices located at New Haven Office Center, Emancipatie Boulevard 31, Curacao (a subsidiary company of The Sporting Exchange Limited).
Turnkey provider World Gaming first quarter 2004 results show continued progress....and a new poker product is nearing launch date.
The UK-based operator of online gaming products, including casino, sports book, and pari-mutuel betting has reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2004 with the following highlights:
Net profit for the quarter and year to date of US$1.9 million compared to US $441,000 for the same period last year. System-wide wagering volume was up 26 percent from the same period last year, while royalty revenue was up 13% from the same period last year.
Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 were $5.3 million, compared to US$4.5 million for the same period last year. Increased licensee wagering volumes drove the 18 percent increase in revenues in the quarter. Operating expenses were down 19% from the same period last year.
The Group released its expanded horseracing product to licensees last month. The product provides customers of WG licensees to access over ninety horseracing tracks. Further development of this product is continuing over the coming months that will provide licensees with greater options to maximize their net-win say World Gaming officials.
In addition, the group is releasing a multi-player poker product in the second quarter of 2004.
During the quarter, the WG agreed in principle with Sportingbet Plc, a related party, to a two-year extension of its existing software license agreement. In the current period, this licensee represented 68% of total revenues. As previously disclosed, the licensee has indicated that it wishes to explore alternative structures to the existing relationship with the WG once the extension period is completed.
Return to Top ECOGRA TO BRIEF SOFTWARE PROVIDERS
7 May 2004
GIGSE an opportunity to find out about Seals and regulation
Software providers committed to player protection and better credibility for the industry are invited to attend a special briefing during the upcoming GIGSE conference in Toronto.
Executives from eCOGRA (eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) will be presenting a detailed briefing on the process involved in achieving Seal status, which has already been awarded to 41 quality online casinos. The briefing will include the signing-up process, costs, review procedures, the benefits of affiliation and a question and answer session.
The presentation will be made by eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge and will take place in the Grenadier Room at the Intercontinental Toronto Centre at 1.00pm on Monday May 17, 2004.
"Our initiative to improve safety and efficiency in the industry is open to all software providers and casino operators with the requisite commitment", says Beveridge. "eCOGRA is a sincere, strongly funded and independent body focused on guiding online players to genuinely safe and efficient casinos operating to carefully developed and enforced standards.
"Our goal is to introduce sensible self-imposed regulation that will improve business by attracting to our approved casinos a bigger percentage of gamblers tired of questionable practices and inept operational conduct elsewhere".
The purpose of the reception is to provide interested parties with an overview of the objectives and progress of the organisation, and to encourage more software providers to apply for eCOGRA membership resulting in additional reputable casinos earning the Seal.
Joining the lowest of the low in Internet gambling this week was a barely literate crew operating from the newlycasino.com email address and offering to sell to the highest bidder a complete online casino or sportsbook player database including credit card details!
InfoPowa was following up on a reported player privacy invasion case in Gambling911 concerning Newlycasino, which was allegedly posting database samples of player addresses and telephone numbers on various websites. We understand that the broker's name is Thomas T Sullivan of NewlyCasino Ltd admin@newlycasino.com operating from St Petersburg, Florida 33713 US.
On contacting the email address and clearly stating who we were and why we were enquiring, the goon on the other end, who seems to rejoice in the exotic name Nuttawut Sophapadunglert appeared to mistake us for potential customers, and in the ensuing exchange declined to identify the database but confirmed that it included full credit card details. The matter has been reported to the authorities.
False colours
Be careful around Casino-Mauritius.com. Operating under a Belize license and with French ownership, this site raises two red flags. The site is carrying non-linking IGC and PwC logos, implying that they are members of these organisations when they are not. And the Flash software is from an unknown New York based outfit called Gamble Software.
The deal of the week was probably the takeover of turnkey provider Grand Virtual by the Taiwanese Gigi Media Limited group.
Cambridge, Massachusetts -based Grand Virtual was acquired by Taipei, Taiwan-based GigaMedia Ltd. in an all-cash transaction of $32.5 million, funded from Giga's working capital.
Grand Virtual could not answer our question as to who the main benefactors of this windfall would be, but it is assumed that CEO Bob Cahill will be among them. He remains in office.
"GV was a private company prior to our acquisition. We are a Nasdaq company and all disclosure is regulated by the SEC and by Nasdaq rules. At this time we have not provided additional details about the GV transaction, so I am limited in what information I can share with you. In accordance with regulation FD (fair disclosure), we must provide all parties with the same information," investment director Brad Miller told us.
Miller said that the companys licensee list was "confidential" and that it was unlikely to change as a result of the deal. GV's typical gambling suite has around 16 no-download games, and offers licensees a choice of sixteen language versions.
The company, which has some 40 employees, will keep its Cambridge office, where very few changes are envisaged. The company will likely maintain its IGC membership.
GigaMedia says the Grand Virtual acquisition will be beneficial to the company's cash flows and earnings and strengthens the company's diversified entertainment product portfolio.
The group, headed by CEO Arthur Wang (42) operates Taiwan’s two largest music store chains, Rose Records and Tachung Records through its subsidiary G-Music. The Company also operates a major Taiwanese broadband ISP, providing Internet access service and broadband content with multiple delivery technologies.
The company offers interactive Chinese-language multimedia Web sites through its Web destination Gigi Gaga.com. GigaMedia also provides broadband services to corporate subscribers in Taiwan through its subsidiary Koos Broadband Telecom Limited. Strategic investors of GigaMedia include the Koos Group, a major participant in Taiwan’s manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, media, and cable industries.
Giga has had a turbulent year with a NT$ 481.4 million net loss and changes of Board members, CFO and CEO.
Cash Splash and Major Millions go to five reel, fifteen payline format
Jackpot Madness progressive favorites, Major Millions and Cash Splash, have just improved with new, exciting 5-reel, 15 payline versions.
The classic Cash Splash slot that pioneered the big win progressives' rush on the Internet now has a trendy companion in Cash Splash Progressive Video Slot. The new game not only features fresh, vibrant graphics and high speed action, but is a five-reel, fifteen line gaming experience with a multiplier and scatter symbol that can double the jackpot.
The Major Millions progressive has created several instant millionaires and is now available in an exciting new 5-reel version. Players can choose between the original three-reel format of this progressive and an extensively upgraded five-reel video slot platform that offers 15 paylines for a maximum bet of $3.00!
Jackpot Madness players will be familiar with the look, digital quality sounds and feel of Major Millions but can now enjoy a larger thrill factor that includes a x3 multiplier to increase their chances of winning cash payouts in excess of a million dollars.
The original three reel versions of these hugely popular progressives remain in service, with both versions linked to the same progressives through the trusted Jackpot Madness network in order to give players more choice while retaining the prospect of seriously big wins.
Jackpot Madness led the industry in introducing progressives and has paid out a total of over $100,000,000 in prizes through its eleven progressive games over the years.
To celebrate the launch of the new versions of these great games, Jackpot Madness will feature Cash Splash as the June Game of the Month offering 5 free spins to new players.
Intercasino.com player "Redbird" will soon be floating through African skies on an unusual safari experience, thanks to a major win on the casinos Mega-Jackpot progressive Caribbean Stud Poker this week.
There comes a time in every gambler’s life when he deserves to say “At Last”, as “RedBird” so aptly pointed out following his $168,925.75 win.
RedBird, an InterCasino.com player since 2001, is an avid Caribbean Stud player and always plays for the progressive. While his playing career has had more than a fair share of winning highlights, none compare to the thrill of this jackpot hit.
“I was only playing for about fifteen minutes off a new $150 deposit when I won. I was playing from home and I was stunned when I got dealt a royal flush. I had to do a double-take to make sure that I remembered to bet the extra coin to qualify for the progressive jackpot. When I saw that I had played for the progressive I felt really good. Then I pushed the button and kept playing for a while,” he recalls.
RedBird, whose interests include tennis and opera, will be using a portion of his newly found fortune to fulfill his African safari dreams with a hot air ballooning, photo snapping adventure into the wilds of South Africa. Financing his once-in-a-lifetime adventure from his Mega-Jackpot win, RedBird feels that he has won a life-changing experience as well as financial security.
Readers now know that an inaugural charity event is being added to GIGSE in Toronto for May 19. The recipient of the donations to the charity event this year is GamCare (http://www.gamcare.org.uk), a responsible gambling organization based in the UK.
It should be fun with this year's activity being a Sumo Wrestling "Grudge Match" pitting various folks in the industry against each other.
Pledges from industry companies are now being sought to make this a successful fund-raiser. The donor activity has begun with pledges from BetOnSports.com (US$2,500), BoDog.com (US$1,000) and River City Group (US$1,000). We'd love for you to not only match these amounts but to "raise" them so we can send an impressive set of contributions back with the folks from GamCare. It's time for the industry to step up to the plate when it comes to charitable contributions. To let us know of your pledge, email mailto:sue@rivercitygroup.com. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Aussie bankers are opposing Federal Government proposals to emulate US attempts to block the use of credit cards in Got2bet on offshore sites. They have sensibly opined that consumers should be allowed to "....spend their money how they choose".
"The Australian" reported this week that bankers have dismissed a proposal to block Australian gamblers from using credit cards at online casinos, arguing their customers should be allowed to "spend their money how they choose".
A proposal to enforce the ban on foreign Got2bet sites by blocking credit-card transactions is being considered by the Federal Government as part of a review of the Interactive Gambling Act.
The 2001 legislation made gambling at Australian casino sites illegal, but many internet users are flouting the restrictions by using foreign sites.
The Australian Bankers' Association has rejected the transaction-block plan, warning banks should not be forced to become moral arbiters.
Although internet gambling merchants are identified by credit-card companies with a special code, some conceal their identities by pretending not to be involved in gambling.
A National Australia Bank spokeswoman said it was not possible to block transactions "with a great degree of accuracy" and there was a danger of blocking everything.
Visa and MasterCard have systems to identify internet gambling transactions, but warn it is up to the banks to decide how to use them.
It would appear that EC bureaucracy is likely to bog down a resolution of the cross-border internet gambling issue for some years ahead, judging by news reports from Europe this week.
Jean Bergevin of the European Commission has said that a Pan-European agreement on cross-border igaming could be as much as a decade away.
Speaking at the iGGBA’s seminar on the future of gaming in London, Mr Bergevin said that, while recent legal precedents have paved the way for such an agreement, the reality is that it will take some time before it can become European law.
Recently, the European Courts have upheld complaints from remote gambling operators, such as in the Gambelli and Lindh cases, that member governments have no right to restrict cross-boarder trade, while monopolising domestic gaming operations.
Mr Bergevin went on to say that governments’ desire to protect their monopolisation of domestic national lotteries, an important source of revenue, is the key to their opposition to a cross-boarder gaming agreement. The EU, he added, is due to launch a study into the situation later this year.
Panel insists U.S. government at fault in Antigua affair
Tiny Antigua and Barbuda has successfully challenged a U.S. ban on Internet gambling, Reuters reported this week, saying that a World Trade Organization panel had dealt the United States another setback.
U.S. trade officials confirmed that a WTO panel had issued a final report that was "largely unchanged" from its preliminary ruling against the U.S. ban one month ago.
"We intend to appeal and will argue vigorously that this deeply flawed panel report must be corrected by the (WTO) appellate body," the trade official said, echoing comments made last month by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.
The WTO panel determined that the United States' ban on Internet, telephone and other remote gambling services violated its WTO commitments, diplomatic sources in Geneva said.
The United States argued the gambling restrictions were legal under WTO rules that allow countries to make exceptions for laws to protect public morals and public order.
The panel apparently agreed that the U.S. prohibitions were designed to achieve those ends. But it faulted the United States for not pursuing good faith negotiations with Antigua that might have identified WTO-consistent alternatives to the ban.
Two of the better Real Time Gaming licensees, the Nostalgia group and the Phoenician group are to merge according to unofficial comment from the Phoenician casino manager.
The merger will include improved player services.
Nostalgia launched around eighteen months back with 'fifties themes on its Beach Party Casino.com, Happy Days Casino.com, That 70s Casino.com, Far Out Casino.com, Totally 80s Casino.com and Cotton Club Casino.com.
Phoenician is believed to be very well funded and has made a name for itself in a relatively short time online with Phoenician, Grand Phoenician and Phoenician High Rollers casinos.
As at going to press Nostalgia had not responded to our questions and chasers regarding purchase price, future developments, management changes and effective dates.
Want to get into some serious poker education before the next tournament? The University of Alberta's Poki's Poker Academy AI robot opponents could be for you!
With the ongoing poker phenomenon sweeping America on television and the Internet, University of Alberta spin-off company, BioTools is hoping to cash in on the high stakes industry.
The company is using the University’s research wing to launch its online poker game development, marketed as Poki’s Poker Academy to help novices and experts alike.
The software learns patterns and adapts to various playing styles. Developers at BioTools claim that it's not just an advanced poker game but a complex learning tool that can display odds, variables, can graph results as well as the likelihood of certain poker situations.
It forces an opponent to continually change strategies and adapt their play, as it will attempt to exploit any and all weakness or predictability it finds in their playing style and can even bluff, using it’s artificial intelligence (AI) engine.
“Poker has become so popular—this software is for people who don’t yet feel comfortable going to a casino and betting money or for top players who want to improve their game. You could take a good player who would have a tough time beating our game. Poker Academy is for all levels of players,” said Mike Fedeyko, sales and marketing manager at BioTools.
“We are getting closer to beating the best players in the world. Our current programs can acquit themselves quite well against strong opposition, and they continue to become stronger as the research progresses. I do not believe they are superior to the best humans yet, but I believe that day will come—possible within the next year or two,” explains said Darse Billings, a former professional poker player and Alberta PhD student working on the project.
