Issue N25, 2009

July 1, 2009

Victor Chandler to Roll out New Slot Games

One of the United Kingdom’s most influential and reputable online gaming groups, Victor Chandler, has announced a multi year partnership deal with Cryptologic software company that will see players enjoy new slot games at VC sites. Cryptologic will provide Victor Chandler with at least ten new slot games to complement its sports betting and casino offerings, all of which will be made available by the end of the year. Several of the games will be rolled out in the third quarter of this year.

“Cryptologic is one of the best in the business, so partnering with them makes perfect sense,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Victor Chandler International, Michael Carlton. “We are committed to providing our customers with a sophisticated, multi layered operation with easy to use betting platforms that will keep them coming back for more and Cryptologic games deliver just that blend of simplicity and sophistication.”

The Chief Executive Officer and President of Cryptologic, Brian Hadfield also praised the deal and said: “Today, Cryptologic adds yet another blue chip European gaming brand to the growing list of customers offering players an extraordinary e-gaming experience. This is an excellent example of Cryptologic's 'built-once-license-often' business strategy in action - and a sign of the continued demand for our games among the world's top operators.”

British Columbia Introduces New Responsible Gaming Program

The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) has been praised for its innovative new responsible gambling program that has been introduced to help players make intelligent choices about their gaming. The program initiated a concept called GameSense, whereby players are given relevant and up to date information about ways to play safely and responsibly. The information is made available online and through gaming outlets around the region.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Michael Graydon said: “GameSense is really about balancing the fun element of play and individual choice with the need to exercise a sense of control and stay within one's boundaries when participating in games of chance.”

BCLC will also be using television ads to get its message across, an issue that the corporation is particularly pleased about. “These ads represent the first ever responsible gambling television messages to appear in BC, and we're extremely proud they have been deemed important enough to have received Public Service Announcement status from the Television Bureau of Canada,” said Graydon.

The responsible gaming program has received praise across the board. “The introduction of the GameSense innovation will make essential problem gambling prevention information much more friendly, appealing and accessible,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the Responsible Gambling Council, Jon Kelly. “It reflects BCLC's ongoing commitment to provide gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner in communities around this province.”

Michael Jackson Commemorated through Online Casino

The online gambling world, along with the rest of the globe, was shocked to learn about the untimely death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Within minutes of his death from a massive heart attack, online gambling forums and chat rooms were buzzing with the incredible news and speculations about what caused his death. Soon after the official announcement, Cyber Betting Ltd., a UK based gaming group decided to commemorate the life of this amazing artist and performer by creating an online casino in his name. The Michael Jackson Casino is powered by Real Time Gaming software and promises to bring players quality entertainment that merges with graphics and images of Jackson at his best.

At the Michael Jackson Casino, players can find top games such as video poker, slots, blackjack and baccarat, to name just a few. The site is not simply a gimmick and provides 24 hour support for all players, as well as top security and simple payment methods to make depositing funds a breeze. Players can take advantage of a 150% sign up bonus of up to $600.

Belgium Demands Online Operators Be Situated in the Country

The draft of a new law that we bring about sweeping changes to the gambling system in Belgium has been met with disapproval by the European Commission, after it was found that the legislation went against many of the principles of free trade laid down by the EC. One of the most blatant steps against these principles came in the Belgian government calling for online gambling operators to be located inside the country if they wanted to be eligible for licenses.

“The requirement for operators to be established in Belgium is one of the clearest violations of EC Treaty provisions," noted the Director for Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, Maarten Haijer. "It wrongly denies that many online gaming operators are effectively regulated, licensed and controlled elsewhere in the EU. As several jurisdictions in the EU already prove, it is possible to guarantee a high level of consumer protection and have a well regulated and competitive online gaming and betting market at the same time."