Gamble Ramble

Playtech’s Vision for the Future is 3D

2007-08-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

Playtech, a provider of software platforms for the online gambling industry, has announced that it has signed a deal with 3D poker operator PKR.com.

The partnership will see Playtech creating a bespoke online casino for the poker firm that will feature an extensive variety of popular casino games.

Mor Weizer, Chief Executive Officer of Playtech, said: “PKR.com is a highly respected operator in the online poker market with a unique offering to both the 3D and gaming console markets.

As such this opens up a whole new demographic for Playtech which will now be able to enjoy our market leading casino gaming platform married seamlessly with the high quality 3D poker experience that PKR.com's customers have come to expect.'

Since its launch less than a year ago, under a license from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC), PKR’s poker business has grown steadily to reach 7,000 concurrent players at peak times.

BetOnSports Pleads Guilty to Racketeering

2007-05-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

Online gaming operator BetOnSports has submitted a guilty plea to a federal court in Missouri (where Gary Kaplan had denied the same charges), to charges of money laundering and racketeering.

The London-based company will now faces fines of up to $500,000 (£251,880), plus billions of pounds in forfeitures and the return of money held on behalf of US account holders.

BetOnSports will also supply witnesses and evidence in the continuing case against its founder Mr Kaplan and former CEO David Carruthers as part of the agreement to avoid further criminal prosecution.

Both men remain under arrest pending trial.

US attorney Catherine Hanaway stated that the plea “should put an end to the BetOnSports illegal gambling empire.”

According to the lawyer representing BetOnSports, Jeffrey Demerath, the firm will now cease operating and be wound up.

BCA Criticizes Tessa Jowell

2007-05-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has been hit with claims of 'blatant unfairness' in her treatment of existing gambling businesses as she forges ahead with plans to introduce a number of new casinos to the UK market.

Jowell was challenged in the High Court by the British Casino Association (BCA), who queried the legitimacy of the Government's new gaming policy, which includes the controversial opening of one 'super-casino'.

The BCA, which guards the interests of more than 90% of current British casinos, argued the new casino firms will be given a biased and illegitimate competitive advantage.

The Association informed the judge existing casino businesses could lose out on as much as £120 million a year in profits while old operators may be forced to fold.

Michael Beloff QC, appearing for BCA and four of its member companies said: ‘Whether she deliberately abandoned that policy or not, she has created a situation in which existing casinos are condemned to second-class status.’

If the BCA's application for judicial review at the three-day hearing is a success, it may change the shape of the UK gaming industry as a whole.

PartyGaming Beefs Up Security

2007-05-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Leading online gambling firm PartyGaming, which operates a host of sites including PartyPoker.com, PartyCasino.com and PartyBingo.com, has subscribed to a large affiliate fraud monitoring contract with Envisional.

The company will utilise its A31 intelligent search technology to identify, analyse and verify all suspected cases of affiliation to PartyGaming’s six main websites and detect any abuse of PartyGaming’s name and brands.

Martin Weigold, Group Finance Director with executive responsibility for corporate social responsibility at PartyGaming, said: ‘We take our legal obligations and ethical responsibilities very seriously.

Envisional’s advanced artificial intelligence capabilities will help us ensure continued compliance with strict marketing regulations, as well as protect the party brands in which we have invested so heavily over the years.’

Envisional’s A3I – Advanced Automated Artificial Intelligence – technology scans the world wide web for text, logos or images including those used on blogs, auction sites, trade boards, Internet Relay Chat channels and peer-to-peer networks, listing results in order of urgency and importance.

Barney Frank Unveils Bill to Challenge UIGEA

2007-04-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

After weeks of speculation, Democratic Congressman Barney Frank has today introduced the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 that could create an exemption to the UIGEA for properly licensed operators.

According to an official press release, “The Act establishes a federal regulatory and enforcement framework to license companies to accept bets and wagers online from individuals in the US, to the extent permitted by individual states, Indian tribes and sport leagues.

All such licenses would include protections against underage gambling, compulsive gambling, money laundering and fraud.”

Following the introduction of the bill, Mr Frank explained, “The existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans and this interference should be undone.”

A full and exclusive interview with Barney Frank will be featured in the forthcoming iGaming Business magazine.

Casino Affiliate Convention in Amsterdam Breaks Records

2007-04-26T16:14:00.000-07:00

The 5th Annual Casino Affiliate Convention and Gaming Marketing Conference is bigger than ever before. Located at the NH Grand Krasnapolsky Hotel, the convention is expected to host at least 350 affiliates, many of whom will be so-called ‘super affiliates.’

Nearly one thousand are expected to flock to Amsterdam, due to the industry’s massive European expansion.

The exhibit hall for the CAC 2007 has been completely sold out for several months, though a few additional sponsorships remain. Online registration ends this Friday, April 27.

Organisers are recommending that delegates use the official message boards to announce what they offer and what they are looking for, as well as for keeping in touch with friends and colleagues.

One major attraction is the exclusive domain name auction, where affiliate sites from the US that have closed since the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act, will go to the highest bidder.

There will also be a number of social events and parties, including the exclusive sponsored party at the Odeon Club in Amsterdam.

The CAC 2007, hosted by Ticonderodga Ventures has been such a success that a similar conference catering for the Asian market, and based in Macau, is already being planned.

William Hill Bids to Break up Greece’s Gambling Monopoly

2007-04-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bookmaker and online casino giant William Hill announced that it has requested a license to open betting shops in Greece, challenging the stronghold over the market established by the country’s official betting organisation, OPAP.

If the license is not granted by the Greek government, as some expect will happen, the firm is prepared to fight it out in the in European courts in an attempt to put a dent in OPAP's monopoly.

William Hill chief executive David Harding said, ‘We believe the recent European cases mean that what is happening is in breach of EU law. If it is rejected we will go to the courts to argue our case and that could involve going to the European Court of Justice.’

The company may receive the EU’s support to enter the market after March’s European Court of Justice (EJC) ruling barring Italy from using criminal law to shut out foreign bookmakers in a case presented by Stanley Leisure.

However, OPAP has already informed Greek newspapers that it expects William Hill's application to be rejected due to its monopoly agreement.

World's Leading Gaming Summit Hits Europe

2007-04-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

The world’s foremost gaming and casino conference, produced by the internationally renowned team behind the Gaming Executive Summit Australia and the Asian Casino Executives, will make its debut at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel in Madrid, Spain, between July 10 and July 12, 2007.

The conference is expected to attract a selection of leading gambling firms from all over Europe and has already lined up a speaking panel that includes CEO’s from some of the biggest names in the industry.

The panel is set to include 888 Holdings, Casinos Austria International, Gala Coral Group, Ladbrokes, Probability Games, Remote Gambling Association, The Alderney Gambling Commission and Trident Gaming.

The focus of the Gaming Executive Summit will be on key discussion topics such as shifting market dynamics, the changing shape of the regulatory landscape, strategies for developing the industry as well as presenting the latest gaming innovations and technologies.

Barney Frank to Target Ban on Credit Cards

2007-04-17T06:32:00.000-07:00

Barney Frank, the Massachusetts Democrat who is to present a bill to challenge the UIGEA within the next two weeks, has stated that he may not be able to tackle the entire online gambling issue due to the jurisdiction of his committee.

According to sources at Reuters, Frank claimed yesterday, “My committee only has jurisdiction over credit cards. I can't do more than repeal the ban on the use of credit cards. We don't have jurisdiction generally over the Internet or other aspects of this.'

The announcement followed confirmation from Frank that a bill to challenge the ban on online gambling would be presented within the next two weeks, although he also stated that it needed time to garner support.

'I think a reconsideration among my colleagues is beginning but it's not far enough along yet. If the storm of public unhappiness is great enough then I will try to substantially revise that ban,' added Frank, according to the Reuters source.

That storm of public unhappiness will inevitably swell amongst US poker players, who have already lobbied for an exemption (for poker) from the ban, to which Frank replied, “I am not going to draw a distinction between poker and blackjack.'

Frank concluded that no major progress on the bill was imminent.

Gottabet : The Next Big Thing

2007-04-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

Gottabet, a London based social network site, is founded by Wim Vernaeve and Bertrand Bodson. It is not like your typical betting site and is more for friends to place fun and small bets. Members set up bets, either for actual money or for the Gottabet currency, called “peanuts,” which have no cash value but give bragging rights.

An example bet is “How Many Years till US leaves Iraq?” Participating costs 30 peanuts, and the winner takes the entire pot. For cash based bets, Gottabet takes a 5% fee of the pot.

Odds can be set, and a portion of the proceeds can be donated to charity. An example - two women are betting any Gottabet members that they can lose weight by a certain date. Bets can also be kept private or by invitation only.

Settlement of cash bets is done via credit and debit cards. As Gottabet is a social network - all users have a profile page where they can add friends. And users are rated not only by how many peanuts they gather but also on their reputation.

Gottabet has been working on a mobile version of the product and they have successfully implemented widgets for people to promote their bets on other websites. Currently, they have a tool to add a link to the bet from Facebook.

If you are wondering how to justify or decide on the winner of a private bet between two person, Gottabet has a community-driven referee system, one that allows people to rate the bet creator and bet referee (not unlike eBay’s self-regulating rating system). So the result is quite fair since it is based on third party assessment.

The social networking widget/friendly bet thing could make this an interesting place to tie in corporate sponsorship, it is not surprising that Gottabet has been heavily tipped to be the next big thing on the internet.

If you guys are interested, go to the site and have a look. It could be addictive once you start winning a couple of bets..

UK hooked on internet gambling

2007-04-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

The latest paper from UK Gambling Commission has shed light on the extent of the nation’s gambling habit. It found that eight percent of the country's adults have dabbled in at least one form of remote gambling in the previous month.

According to the ‘Survey Data on Remote Gambling Participation’, the National Lottery was the most popular form of remote gambling, with over five percent of respondents admitting to having gambled remotely on the Lottery in the last month.

Online poker came in as the second most popular choice at two percent, with betting third at just under two percent.

Remote gambling using a computer, laptop or handheld device was the most popular option at five percent, closely followed by gambling via mobile phone and interactive/digital TV. The survey also discovered that people in the 18 to 34 age group were the most likely to gamble.

Commenting the survey, Gambling Commission chairman Peter Dean said, “This new series is an important part of the Commission’s monitoring.

The figures reflect the uptake of new technology with people choosing to gamble via the internet as well as through mobile phones and interactive television.”

Online Casino Group Purchase Deal Makes Full House

2007-04-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

Leading online casino group 888 Holdings has announced that it will buy out the online bingo business of Globalcom Limited for up to $43.4 million in cash.

The deal is expected to make a positive impact on the company’s revenues in the immediate future. 888 has agreed to pay $32.4 million, minus the amounts payable to customers, over a period of a year, following the conclusion of the deal.

The remaining $11 million is performance related depending on the success of the company which includes sites such as twofatladies.com and bingofabulous.com.

'Bingo will be a valuable addition to our entertainment services, which we expect to provide excellent cross-selling opportunities,' Chief Executive Gigi Levy said in a statement.

The Internet Bingo industry has seen a boom in recent years with hundreds of sites operating in the UK alone.

WTO - US Lose Internet Gambling Case

2007-04-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed today that the US has lost its battle against Antigua and Barbuda, citing that the US had done nothing to abide by an earlier verdict that termed some of its online gambling restrictions as illegal, according to reports by Reuters news agency.

The Geneva-based trade adjudicator said that the Caribbean island had provided additional evidence that strengthened its case.

'The panel concludes that the United States has failed to comply with the recommendations and rulings of the (WTO's) DSB (Dispute Settlement Body),' the WTO said in the ruling, which is subject to appeal.

The dispute concerns an April 2005 WTO verdict against US prohibitions on Internet betting, notably on horse racing. Since then, the US Congress has passed additional legislation to ban betting over the Internet.

'This is a smashing success for Antigua in every possible way. The report will sweep away any lingering doubt that Antigua has obtained a clear and convincing win over the United States in this matter,' said John W. Ashe, Antigua's ambassador to the WTO. There was no immediate reaction from Washington.

In the ruling, the WTO panel of three trade judges said that the United States had not contested the Antiguan charge that it had done nothing to implement the 2005 ruling.

Instead, Washington had simply sought to re-open the case, but without giving the panel any grounds to do so, it said.

Online Casino Heads Straight to the Top

2007-03-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Top5games, a high-end website providing reviews and tips on established online casinos, has teamed up with eVisibility, a leader in Internet marketing, to devise a new marketing campaign.

The move is designed to help the site increase the number of reports it generates about the online casino industry and assist it in becoming the number one destination for up-to-date information on the online gambling world as well as offering online casino strategies for its target market of gaming beginners.

The partnership is also set to increase the number of online gamers that visit the site and provide a fresh look at the best methods available to lure the online gaming community.

eVisibility specialises in search engine optimisation and market analysis and provides a detailed 35-page report on the effectiveness of a company’s website.

Odds on India for Must Win Game

2007-03-25T01:46:00.000-07:00

Odds on India to win the Cricket World Cup had been lengthened following their shock defeat to Bangladesh in the Opening Match of Group B, but their win over Bermuda on Monday prompted MaharajahClub.com bookmakers to shorten their odds to 8/1.

India, who secured a record-breaking 257 run victory in Monday’s game, must win tonight’s match against rivals Sri Lanka to stay in the tournament. Australia remain the clear favourites at 2/1 to take the coveted cricket prize.

Additionally, with 155 runs so far, Indian Batsman Sourav Ganguly (12/1) is a strong contender for Best Batsman but Australia’s Ricky Ponting (136 runs) is the favourite for this prop at 6/1.

“Most of our punters are southeast Asians living in Britain, so their loyalties are split between India and England,” said Sachin Pawa CEO of MaharajahClub.com. “The loss against Bangladesh had some people sceptical about India and we started to see more money wagered on England, but since the win against Bermuda we’re seeing much more money back on India this week.”

MaharajahClub.com offers more Cricket World Cup betting propositions than any other online sportsbook. While most sportsbetting sites just offer cricket as an afterthought, MaharajahClub.com offers odds on every match in the month-long Cricket World Cup tournament as well as player props like Best Batsman and Best Bowler.

MaharajahClub.com offers in-running wagering on many games including Saturday’s crunch match between Australia and South Africa.

The Second Stage, or Super 8, phase of the Cricket World Cup continues next week in Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana and Barbados. The Semi-Final Round will be held in Jamaica and St. Lucia the following week with the Final Match in Barbados April 28th.

Complete and current Cricket World Cup odds and props are posted at the MaharajahClub.com Sportsbook

NETeller Set To Announce Compensation Plan

2007-03-25T01:42:00.000-07:00

In an official press release NETeller, the much publicised payment processor, has announced that it has signed agreements with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (“USAO”) and Navigant Consulting, a consulting firm providing litigation, financial, healthcare, energy and operational consulting services.

The announcement is set to mark the start of a process to redistribute frozen funds to its former customers.

Signed on March 20 the agreement will outline terms and a timeline under which NETeller organise the distribution of funds to its US customers. The statement details that the group hope to outline the specific details of this plan within the next 75 days.

In the meantime Navigant will provide a report to the USAO on the Group’s current financial condition.

“We continue to be committed to returning funds to our US customers and working with the US Attorney’s Office,” said Ron Martin, Group President and CEO. “Progress, while not always visible to the outside observer, has been steady and these agreements mark a milestone in the process.”

NETeller founders Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre were arrested in January on a charge of conspiracy to transfer funds with the intent to promote illegal gambling.

Online Casino in Financial Restructure

2007-03-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

32 Red Online Casino, poker room and sportsbetting company, has undergone a financial restructuring initiative, by renegotiating its banking facility with Royal Bank of Scotland.

A revised loan facility with RBS has been entered into by the online gambling group for £3.5 million, ensuring the continuation of a 'constructive relationship' with the bank and using its revised gearing to form a sound financial platform for the next phase in the company's development.

32 Red online casino also proposes to raise £3 million, before expenses, by way of a placing with institutional and other investors. The institutional part of the placing has been fully underwritten by Numis Securities Limited.

The agreement with RBS is subject to shareholder approval being given for the placing at the company’s AGM to be held on 10 April 2007. RBS will also be receiving a warrant to subscribe for 560,000 ordinary shares in the company at 1p per share, in lieu of receiving banking fees associated with the loan.

12 million new Ordinary Shares at 25 pence per share will be offered. Numis, as agent for the company, has agreed conditionally to obtain subscribers for the placing shares. The placing shares will represent 17.43 percent of the 32 Red's enlarged issued share capital.

Commenting on the refinancing Ed Ware, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to successfully re-negotiate our banking facilities.

With this completed and the recent new appointments of Martin Saunders and Jon Hale to the management team, we look forward to delivering on our plans to integrate the BetDirect business that we outlined at the time of the acquisition.”

Win Money with Golden Triva

2007-03-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

GoldenTrivia.com is an international trivia game-site. At each level of the game, 2 participants compete. The winner of each level may choose to receive the cash prize, or to continue to the next level and compete again, against another participant, for a higher prize.

Game Rules

Each game consists of 5 questions that must be answered within 60 seconds. Both players receive the same questions. The winner is the player who answers more questions correctly.

If the participants have an equal number of correct answers (tie game), the winner is chosen randomly. These rules apply to all game levels. At level 1 game the prize is a credit for a level 2 game.

At level 2 (or higher) game the winner may choose to receive the cash prize, or to continue playing at the next level, for a higher prize.

For Example

Deepak Singh from India signed up to the site and purchased a game card (only $4. You can also get it for FREE by taking special promotions). The gamecard appeared on Deepak's screen, and he ticked his answers.

Meanwhile, Joanne from America purchased a gamecard. Joanne received the same questions as Deepak. After Joanne ticked her answers, the system determined that the winner was Deepak! Deepak won at the first level and could continue to the second level, for the $9 prize.

At the second level, Deepak competed against Anthony from England. Anthony won, and could choose to take the $9 prize or to continue playing for the $18 prize. And so on…

Prize Structure

Level 1 Prize : Level 2 Credit
Level 2 Prize: $9 or Level 3 Credit
Level 3 Prize: $18 or Level 4 Credit
Level 4 Prize: $35 or Level 5 Credit
Level 5 Prize: $70 or Level 6 Credit
Level 6 Prize: $140 or Level 7 Credit
Level 7 Prize: $250 or Level 8 Credit
Level 8 Prize: $500 or Level 9 Credit
Level 9 Prize: $1,000 or Level 10 Credit
Level 10 Prize: $2,000 or Level 11 Credit
Level 11 Prize: $4,000 or Level 12 Credit
Level 12 Prize: $8,000 or Level 13 Credit
Level 13 Prize: $15,000 or Level 14 Credit
Level 14 Prize: $30,000 or Level 15 Credit
Level 15 Prize: $60,000 or Level 16 Credit
Level 16 Prize: $120,000 or Level 17 Credit
Level 17 Prize: $250,000 or Level 18 Credit
Level 18 Prize: $500,000 or Level 19 Credit
Level 19 Prize: $1,000,000

Payments

You can withdraw funds from your GoldenTrivia.com account through PayPal, and transfer them directly to your checking account. You can also withdraw funds by check processed by a 3rd party company.

Check out GoldenTrivia.com for a chance to win $1,000,000. Play the games and earn money fair and square by beating other players.

Phantom Mobile Card Game is the Reel Deal

2007-03-09T08:11:00.001-08:00

Phantom EFX, a high profile publisher of PC casino games, has announced the introduction of its latest PC title - Reel Deal Card Games, the only all-card title offering an online option for over 75 classic card games.

“We have a very dedicated group of customers who have been anxiously waiting for Card Games,” said Aaron Schurman, Director and CEO of Phantom EFX. “This title puts a modern and exciting a spin on classic games that people have played throughout their entire lives – it’s a totally new experience for people who love to play card games.”

Reel Deal Card Games offers a wide range of card games including favourites like Poker, Gin and Euchre, or more adventurous types can try their hand at Cribbage, Hearts or more than 40 varieties of Solitaire.

The game also offers beginner level games, including Go Fish, Old Maid and War. Each game holds a distinctive Prize Vault and Mall where players can slowly reveal hundreds of prize items and surprises – all aided to maximise the player experience.

Online Casino Profits Spoil the Party

2007-03-04T00:49:00.000-08:00

PartyGaming, the leading online gaming operator, has reported a 5.7 percent fall in its principal full year profit.

For the year to Dec 31, 2006, the group made earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) share option charges, and exceptional items of $550.7 million compared with analysts' consensus forecast of $564.8 million and $583.7 million in the previous period.

Although the company was forced out of the US market, which provided 75 percent of its profits, last October, the group has recovered by focusing on its European markets, the Middle East and Africa, with its underlying EBITDA from continuing operations rising by 158 percent to $50.9 million.

“Whilst the decision to stop accepting customers from the US was a bitter blow for our business, our continuing operations have grown strongly from the lows reached in November 2006, benefiting from the rapid reorganisation of our business and the acceleration of our efforts in international territories,” said chief executive Mitch Garber.

Americans Continue to Visit Online Casinos According to ScanSafe

2007-02-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

According to a recent report published by cybersecurity vendor, Scansafe Ltd., US citizens are continuing to gamble online despite the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

Admittedly, US citizens now have fewer options for making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos especially following the decision by Neteller to cease doing business with US online gamblers and the fact that other payment processors have begun backing out of the market.

However, start up companies are already beginning to fill the void, and US gamblers are finding a way around the attempted roadblocks set in place by the DOJ.

Scansafe confirmed this in their recent report which shows that employees of Scansafe customers in the US were continuing to visit online gambling sites. In fact the number of requested hits to gaming websites was up by 77% in the last week of January, 2007.

To put this into context, Scansafe provides website blocking services to large companies seeking to regulate the types of websites that employees can visit. They process and examine over 6 billion hit requests each month.

Although Scansafe cannot track whether or not real money bets are being placed with gaming sites, their is an expectation that US citizens are continuing to place real money bets online.

While the increase in numbers could very well be attributed to US players searching for new sites that will accept US Dollars, the fact remains there is still a healthy demand for online casinos and internet betting.

The supply side is certainly doing what it can to keep up. Already, there are at least two start-up company's saying they will accept US account holders. EZi Pay is currently being accepted at several online casinos, while a larger movement is in the works to launch what many online gambling insiders are predicting will be the replacement for Neteller.

Called YouTeller, the new eWallet is acquiring the necessary certifications and regulations before launching in the near future.

Stanley Ho Opens New Casino in Macau

2007-02-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

Casino Grand Lisboa, the 25th casino in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), opened on Sunday.

The casino complex, located in downtown Macao, features 240 gaming tables and 480 slot machines, but without the regular setup of VIP rooms for the highrollers. The hotel section boasts 420 guest rooms and suites, a number of dining venues specializing in a big variety of western and Chinese styles and luxury boutiques.

Casino Grand Lisboa, another flagship of local gaming czar Stanley Ho, is widely seen as the tycoon's counterattack to the foreign investments in the industry.

"The Grand Lisboa combines the best of our heritage with the world's latest technology," Ho said while addressing the opening ceremony, which grouped thousands of celebrities and gamblers.

Macao, with a population of 500,800, has a 150-year history of gaming industry and is the only part of China where casino gaming is legitimate. Direct tax paid by the casinos dominates over 70 percent of the MSAR government's yearly revenue.

Introducing Get21 Blackjack Tournaments

2007-02-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

As most casual observers have probably noticed, poker tournaments, both online and land-based varieties, have surged in popularity over the last few years. Whether daily events in online poker rooms, weekly televised tournaments with celebrities, or the mega-famous WSOP, poker tournaments and the attraction to them has become a virtual mainstay in the gambling community. Now, some people are trying to replicate the success of these tournaments by expanding the tournament structure to Blackjack.

Already common in Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Caribbean, Blackjack tournaments are becoming more and more popular. Blackjack players are often just as enthusiastic and competitive as their poker-playing counterparts and several industry execs, and the public, have taken notice. To capitalize on this interest, online destinations featuring multiplayer Blackjack and regularly scheduled Blackjack tournaments are popping up in increasing number.

Get21.com, which claims to be “The First Multiplayer Blackjack Tournaments Room,” has relied on the input of several Blackjack professionals to create a site featuring continuous multiplayer Blackjack tournaments with a wide range of prizes, structures, and buy-in fees. Get21 offers Single Table Tournaments which include a “Shootout” tournament table, “Heads up” tournaments, and “Sit & Go” single table tournaments. “Sit & Go”-s can also be found at their Multi Table tournaments in addition to their regularly scheduled tournaments and those specially scheduled. Buy-in fees range from $1+$0.1 to $2,000+$150.

Tournaments at Get21 and other multiplayer Blackjack destinations are usually carried out as follows: after paying the buy-in and house fee (amounts vary from site to site and from one tournament to the next), each player receives 1,000 new chips. Players can not accumulate chips from one level to the next. The buy-ins are put into the prize pool and the House keeps its fee(s). The tournament’s winner is then the player who has collected the most chips at the end of the game. Buy-in amounts, House fees, no. of players, no. of hands per level, no. of levels, etc., all vary according to the tournament structure. Players who lose all of their chips are eliminated.

If you enjoy playing Blackjack and want to try out this new variety or, you have never been too much of a fan but the thought of competition inspires you enough to give it a shot, check out Get21.com and multiplayer tournament blackjack. The trend is sure to heat up in the coming months as several television networks have already tapped into the activity’s potential and begun airing tournaments and programs related to the game. This fall, beginning Sept. 16th, the CBS network is airing what will be a weekly-televised Blackjack and has already announced the filming of a second season! It only takes a few clicks of the mouse to try out this new and exciting development in the gaming industry and get in early on the action.

Gambling Addiction #3

2007-02-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

Causes

The behavior frequently develops from occasional gambling to habitual gambling and then, the urge to gamble becomes so great that the tension can only be relieved by more gambling. Hence, a pattern of addiction emerges. Players begin to player higher stakes and take larger risks. They may begin to ignore friends and family and neglect other responsibilities. The 'exact' cause is actually unknown and it's not definite if some people are more predisposed to the behavior than others. In any case, it's important to recognize the problem as early as possible to be in a better position to correct it before more serious consequences occur.

Treatment and sources for Help

Fortunately, there are ways to treat the problem and organizations exist which are designed to inform and help anyone suffering from gambling addiction. Gambler's Anonymous is probably the most recognizable organization dealing with problem and is a good place to start. Online casinos as well (at least, the reputable ones) usually include links on their sites to other sources of information on problem gambling and support policies and initiatives designed to combat it. Visit our 'gambling organizations' category on the left for a short list of other organizations that may offer more information. Also, you may want to check out some of the books we have listed on our site which deal with 'gambling addiction' and ways to fight it.

Sportingbet Chairman Quits Job, Allowed to Leave US

2006-09-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Sportingbet's Chairman Peter Dicks quit his job with the online bookmaker on Thursday, within minutes of a New York City court ruling that he could leave the United States, sending its shares up 25 percent.

Dicks left the criminal court after a 10-minute hearing. He was given back his passport and made no comment but is expected to return home soon. "His intention is to return to the UK shortly," a source familiar with the situation said.

The company issued a brief statement in London saying it had accepted Dicks immediate departure with great reluctance and later said New York Governor George Pataki's office had withdrawn a governor's warrant necessary to transfer Dicks to the state of Louisiana.

Sportingbet's shares rose 10 percent early on amid speculation Dicks might not be extradited to Louisiana to face charges of violating the state's laws against online gambling. News of the court ruling sent them up another 15 percent to close at 192 pence.

Dicks had appeared in court to face charges of "gambling by computer" and was allowed to return to Britain on the condition that he return to New York on Sept. 28 for a hearing on his extradition to Louisiana.

"People feel that this is a more pragmatic approach to gaming firms and is a bit less negative for the company. But the stock is still a long way off from where it was a few months ago. This is still a sector with remarkably little visibility," one dealer said following Dicks's court appearance.

Sportingbet said Dicks had left to concentrate on personal matters and that a new independent non-executive chairman would be appointed in due course.

Dicks's arrest last week at JFK airport in New York followed that in July of David Carruthers, who was then chief executive of BETonSPORTS Plc, by U.S. federal authorities on racketeering charges.

The arrest of Dicks added to fears of a U.S. crackdown on the online gambling industry and wiped over $1.5 billion off the stock market value of the UK-listed sector last Thursday.

"No-one is much the wiser as to what will happen until the September 28 hearing," said a spokesman for an online gaming company who declined to be named.

Investors have been looking for insight into whether Dicks's arrest was linked to Sportingbet's sports betting operations, or whether it also covered other online gambling activities like poker and casino.

Harrah's Moves Away from Coins to Ticket Machines

2006-09-17T04:42:00.000-07:00

The sound of winning at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is about to change. The company is trading in its old coin payout system for new printed tickets that use bar codes to record winnings.

And while the famous sound of coins striking a metal hopper will disappear, the quiet — and clean — tickets are winning customers over.

“I like it better,” said Sara Waldroop, a Macon County resident who plays at Harrah’s Cherokee. “When you go to Biloxi or some other casino, they give you those tickets and it’s so much easier than standing in line at the cashier or waiting for somebody to come and fill the machine.”

The changeover at Harrah’s Cherokee is 83 percent complete with 600 machines to go, General Manager Darold Londo said Monday. On Dec. 8, the $10, $25 and $100 coins will be worthless. Anyone with the coins needs to spend them by that day.

Most other casino companies are phasing out coin slot machines. Harrah’s, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, offers slot machines and video card games.

David Strow, a spokesman with Las Vegas-based Harrah’s Entertainment, said the move toward ticket payouts is a company-wide plan. Harrah’s operates 37 casinos.

“It’s a much, much more convenient way to play,” he said.

Frist Seeks to Attach Internet Gambling Legislation to Defense Bill

2006-09-17T04:36:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is attempting to use a bill authorizing U.S. military operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, to prohibit people from using credit cards to settle Internet gambling debts.

Sen. Frist, Republican from Tennessee, and his aides have been meeting with other lawmakers and officials in both the House and Senate to get the measure attached to a compromise Defense Department authorization bill, according to a Senate GOP leadership aide.

The House passed a version of the Internet gambling measure in July, but the Senate has taken no action on similar legislation. Neither of the defense bills passed by the House and Senate mention it.

Frist is pushing for an approach that isn't quite as sweeping as the House legislation, said the leadership aide and lobbyists tracking the issue. All spoke on condition of anonymity because of the continuing negotiations.

Frist, eyeing a 2008 presidential bid, recently discussed the online gambling measure in the politically important state of Iowa. He also called it a legislative priority in a recent speech on the Senate floor.

The measure's supporters include the National Football League as well as conservative and anti-gambling groups. Some banking groups are lobbying against it.

Gambling Addiction #2

2006-07-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Symptoms

Here are several of the signs to look out for when determining if you or someone else is developing a problem:

Increasing the frequency and the amount of money gambled
Spending an excessive amount of time gambling at the expense of job or family time
Being preoccupied with gambling or with obtaining money with which to gamble
Gambling creates a special and intense pleasure, an aroused sense of being "in action"
Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences such as large losses, or work or family problems caused by gambling
Borrowing money to gamble, taking out secret loans, or maximizing credit card
Bragging about wins but not talking about losses
Recurrent mood swings, higher when winning, lower when losing
Gambling for longer periods of time or more money than originally planned
Secretive behavior such as hiding betting slips or receipts; having mail, bills, etc., sent to work, a P.O. box or other address

Gambling is a familiar behavior that is not considered a disorder until the symptoms listed above are displayed. Similarities between Pathological Gambling and the development of substance dependence are evident. Initially, many gamblers report feeling "high" and success leads to increased gambling which in turn might result in an overly large amount that exceeds the gambler's resources. Naturally, this then leads as well to overconfidence and risk-taking behavior that otherwise wouldn't occur normally.

Early detection is essential. If the problem is allowed to go on, personal relationships may finally begin to suffer and financial and legal difficulties may begin to surface.

Gambling Addiction #1

2006-07-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

What we've provided in this space is a short introduction to 'gambling addiction' or, compulsive gambling. While gambling is meant to be an enjoyable experience, it's possible to develop an unhealthy pattern of behavior with very serious and very negative consequences.

Needless to say, this eliminates any of the 'enjoyment' associated with gambling. It is estimated that incidences of problem gambling are at 2-3% in the US, while pathological gambling is around 1%.

Statistics vary for different groups and different countries, but nonetheless: gambling addiction is a very serious problem and it's worth educating yourself about it BEFORE you begin visiting casinos online or elsewhere.

Definition

Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. People with a gambling 'problem' may not experience compulsions to gamble - in a medical sense - but nevertheless, their can harm themselves and people around them with their behavior. Pathological gamblers, alternatively, suffer from a recognized disorder (described in the DSM-IV) and should seek professional help.

Me And Gambling

2006-06-13T02:24:00.000-07:00

I am a gambling freak and my interest is to explore the different casinos (land and online) and maybe give some advice (good or bad, i don't know) to readers.

Don't take anything here seriously and don't gamble if you cannot afford to lose the money.

NOTE: THE AUTHOR DOES NOT ENDORSE OR PROMOTE GAMBLING. THIS IS A PERSONAL JOURNAL WITH PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND OPINIONS.