Issue N13, 2009
April 1, 2009
Jadestone Introduces Backgammon Product
After recently launching its quality DiceArena product that put its products firmly on the map, the Swedish gaming company, Jadestone, announced that it would be supplying the market with a new backgammon package. The platform will include the opportunity for multiplayer backgammon gaming, and will be available in over 25 different languages for maximum exposure to many corners of the world.
“It's our ambition to serve our partners with high quality content in a timely manner,” noted the Manager of Business Development at Jadestone, Tobias Nissen. “Our new DiceArena platform lets us do that in a very cost efficient and robust way.”
“Backgammon is the first new game we deploy for our existing partners with a substantially reduced integration effort,” he commented. “It's a win-win situation that also players will benefit from since they can keep their avatars and names across more games.”
The first sites to benefit from Jadestone’s new product will be PAF, Bwin and Nordic Bet, with plans to expand in good time. Players will be able to benefit from games and tournaments starting this spring.
European Commission Calls for Change in US Gambling Policy
In a preliminary report issued by the European Commission, it was found that the United States has in place a discriminatory and unjustified online gambling policy that regularly pursues European based gambling operators.
The European Union Trade Commissioner, Catherine Ashton commented on the findings that were initiated after a request by the Remote Gambling Association and said: “It is for the US to decide how best to regulate internet gambling in its market, but this must be done in a way that fully respects WTO obligations. I am hopeful that we can find a swift, negotiated solution to this issue.”
“The European Commission investigation further highlights the need for the Obama Administration and Congress to regulate internet gambling not only to protect consumers but to restore integrity to the international trade system,” said Jeffrey Sandman, speaking for the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative. “The Obama Administration should seek to forge a new direction on internet gambling, rather than keeping in place a protectionist trade policy that hypocritically discriminates against foreign online gambling operators.”
Since the United States passed its controversial Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the United States has been accused by many operators around the world for its indiscriminate persecution of foreign companies, while blatantly allowing local US companies to operate in its market.
888 Reaches to Racing World
Fans of horseracing will be pleased to note that their favorite UK publication, The Racing Post, will be launching a new online casino and poker site, thanks to a lucrative new partnership deal signed with 888 Holdings. The white label business to business contract will ensure that the Racing Post benefits from 888.com’s top quality back end software, games portfolio, banking methods and customer support.
“888's unique position as a leading gaming operator offering total gaming services in the business to business field is a compelling proposition, as many operators need a lot more than good software in order to maximize their online gaming potential,” said Gabi Campos, the Managing Director for 888's business to business division, Dragonfish. “This agreement continues 888's development as a leading business to business provider and follows on the back of a number of successful partnerships established over the past year. We look forward to working with a brand of the stature of the Racing Post to maximize their potential in the online gaming field and together achieve new revenues.”
“This partnership is a crucial part of our overall online strategy giving customers the best content available while simultaneously growing revenues,” said the Head of Commercial Online for the Racing Post, Mark Renshaw. “We believe that 888's online gaming expertise combined with our trusted brand and loyal customer base will create a major opportunity for both parties.”
Great Slot Win at 3D Casino
For only the second time in the site’s history, the progressive jackpot has been won at the 3D online slot casino, Win A Day. The very lucky player made a beeline for the super simple Slot O Matic slot game and was incredulous after her $160,000 win. “Slot-O-Matic is so easy to play,” said the winner, after she had composed herself and found the words to speak. “I have to admit I was daydreaming a bit when suddenly I saw that six figure number! I had to get my husband to look at it before I could really believe it! I still find it hard to believe!”
Speaking for Win A Day, operated by the same group that brings the industry the highly popular Slotsland casino site, Ondrej Tuma was not surprised by the appeal of Slot O Matic. “We've found that virtually every player tries this game at least once and most players take a few spins of it every time they come to the site,” he said. “I think it's because it's such an easy game to play. Beginners like it but even more experienced players that usually play the multi pay line games like to take a break once in a while, it seems.”