Issue N21, 2007
May 31, 2007
Online Gambling Site Benefits from Miss Universe Winner Upset
It was all smiles for the winner of the 2007 Miss Universe Pageant as the lovely Riyo Mori of Japan was crowned with the title this week. Her country was understandably proud of her and the 20 year old got a lot of applause from the audience as well. But Ms. Mori wasn’t the only one thrilled over her win. The popular online betting site, BetUS.com also benefited from Japan’s success in the pageant and – it is rumored – made itself a quiet killing over the weekend.
Riyo Mori was not the favorite to win the pageant and not many people had their money placed on her, with a 22:1 odds rating. Up until the last moment, Miss Venezuela and Miss Brazil tied for first place among the favorites at 4:1. If punters were lucky, and placed a mere $100 on Miss Japan, their payouts would have reached over $2000. As such, BetUS.com, one of the few companies taking bets from American gamblers, had a weekend of high profits because of the upset. Many underdogs reached the final rounds of the competition and many who were considered definite top-five contenders, (such as Miss Greece), never even reached the swimsuit stage of the competition.
New UK-led Initiative to Back US IGREA Bill
A new, British-led campaign has been announced that will lend support to U.S. politician, Barney Frank’s recent call to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). Frank recently presented a bill – known as the IGREA (Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act 2007) – and is seeking support from a variety of organizations across the globe. The latest body to back Frank’s cause is the Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative, created by two British companies – the U.C. Group and Baker Tilly Accountants.
The new initiative will not only promote the idea of safe and regulated internet gambling, but will also marshal support for Barney Frank’s IGREA and provide updated information to anyone who wishes to learn more about the bill. Even before Frank introduced his bill, the two British companies – who stand to gain a lot if the bill is passed – were lobbying U.S. politicians to take a stand against the UIGEA. In a press release, a spokesman for the new initiative said: “Stringent licensing and regulations will protect American consumers and provide safeguards to protect against underage and compulsive gambling. Representative Frank's bill is a big step in the right direction to limit government intervention that is futile and heavy handed.”
CryptoLogic Set to Move to Ireland
By next month, the giant software provider, CryptoLogic, should have completed its plans to move its headquarters from Toronto, Canada to Dublin. The Irish Times recently reported that the company’s shareholders have given the green light for the move to be finalized very soon. The only thing now standing in the way of the final change of address is the granting of permission by the Ontario superior court – a move that is seen as a mere formality and which should be completed in a special hearing next week. For tax purposes, the group – which juggles 77-million Pounds a year – will be incorporated in the channel island of Guernsey.
Multi-Language Choices for Online Casino Players
In a worldwide trend that has seen online casinos moving away from the typical ‘English-only’ mentality and serving a wider, more globalized community of gamblers, the Jackpot Factory Group has announced that all its Jackpot Casino will carry a new multi-language Viper software program. The program, provided by the software giant, Microgaming, will enable French, Italian, Spanish and German speakers to access over 300 games available on the site. Exciting choices include table games such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack, as well as some of the best progressive jackpots in the industry such as the Mega Moolah.
The Jackpot Factory Group’s attention to non-English speakers does not stop at games only. A spokesman for the group explained: “In addition to the software, we have expanded our casino management team that will specifically cater to the non-English speaking speakers, giving them personal attention in an exciting online casino environment.” The new software can be downloaded free of charge from www.alljackpots.com.
Microgaming Releases New Games
Microgaming, a leader in the field of software development, has announced the introduction of a new series of slot games that is sure to thrill players. The new series includes UK style video poker – a whopping fifty-hand Double Double Power Poker Machine that offers exciting features. Another new game is the underwater-themed Jellyfish Jaunt with a minimum jackpot of $45,000.
Microgaming continues in its campaign to provide players with a great turnover of new games, without losing sight of its mission to provide top-quality games with excellent graphics using the latest technology.