Issue N26, 2009
July 8, 2009
Norway Government Faces Further Pressure on Gambling Laws
Interest groups across Europe are putting greater pressure on the Norwegian government than ever before to put its plans to implement anti-gambling laws on hold before the national elections in September. The present government hopes to begin a ban on all financial transactions to gambling operators by August, in a bid to protect state gambling monopolies and, say it says, to protect Norwegian citizens.
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) sent a warning to the government this week saying that the laws were completely incompatible with the freedoms of Europe’s internal gambling market and that an infringement proceeding may be launched if the country does not suspend its decision.
“It is difficult to believe that the aim of the proposed measures is to protect consumers and restrict gambling given the Norwegian monopoly’s appetite for recruiting new players and the extent of its marketing campaigns,” said Clive Hawkswood, the Chief Executive of the Remote Gambling Association. “The Norwegian authorities appear to be more motivated by the need to protect revenues from gambling, but this is not a valid justification to restrict the internal market rules. Norwegian consumers should have a right to chose from responsible gambling operators licensed in the EEA States, which are at present subject to discriminatory measures.”
“We hope that the implementation of the regulations is delayed and that the new Norwegian government in September are prudent enough to revisit this issue as so many other European States have in creating access to markets,” concluded Hawkswood.
More Cryptologic Games Added to 888 Sites
888 Holdings Plc announced this week that it has added a further five games to its top online casino brands across the internet, as an expansion of its existing contract with software icon, Cryptologic. The partnership between the two companies will have a significant number of Cryptologic games, in multiple language versions, appear at 888 sites by the end of the first quarter next year.
“888's success is built on offering a comprehensive selection and a powerful, trustworthy entertainment experience - and CryptoLogic's games help us deliver just that,” said Gigi Levy, the Chief Executive Officer of 888 Holdings Plc. “CryptoLogic's games have earned acclaim from our players, and delivered strong numbers for our business. We are confident that these new CryptoLogic games will be both popular and profitable.”
The sites that will carry the new Cryptologic’s games include Pacific Poker, 888 Ladies, 888 Sports, Casino On Net and 888.com.
“The relationship between CryptoLogic and 888.com continues to grow, driven by our mutual commitment to a superior player experience,” said Brian Hadfield, President and Chief Executive Officer at CryptoLogic. “It's exciting to have one of the biggest names in e-gaming choosing CryptoLogic games. CryptoLogic and 888 both recognize that in today's internet gaming market, playability means profitability.”
GTECH Continues to Run Wisconsin Lottery
The iconic global facing lottery company, GTech Corporation, has announced that it was successful in securing an extension of its contract with the Wisconsin Lottery. The extended contract will go into effect in June 2011, and will see GTech continue to operate the online and offline lottery brands in the state. GTech will also provide lottery hotline management, marketing and advertising support, and operate and maintain the lottery’s terminals and communications network.
GTech’s relationship with the Wisconsin Lottery spans back to 1989, and the lottery has generated more than $8.35 billion in total revenue since then. The citizens of Wisconsin have enjoyed over 95% of that money.
“We appreciate this demonstration of support by the Wisconsin Lottery. This contract extension illustrates their continued confidence in GTECH’s capabilities and is a testament to the success of the partnership which spans two decades," said Jaymin B. Patel, President and Chief Executive Officer of GTech. “We will continue to work with the Wisconsin Lottery to bring them to the next level of growth, helping them to build a strategy for the future to ensure the Lottery continues to attract today’s player as well as the next generation of players.”
“We are also prepared to support the Lottery’s growth strategy through new retail business models to further drive sales and help them to achieve the highest possible revenue for property tax relief in Wisconsin,” added Patel.
Poker Stars Announce 2009 WCOOP Schedule
September promises to be one of the hottest months of this year if the poker action is anything to go by. Top online poker room, Poker Stars announced the schedule for its World Championship of Online Poker tournament and said that an incredible 45 events will be held this year.
“There are hundreds of exciting tournaments all year round, but nothing compares to the WCOOP – it’s the ‘must play’ event of the year for any poker player,” read a press release this year. “Last year, over 20,000 players came together from across the world to compete in the largest ever online poker event for their chance to become a World Champion.”
Poker Stars is giving away a massive $40 million in this year’s 2009 WCOOP event, which will feature games such as Texas Hold ‘em, HORSE, Badugi, Razz, Omaha and 2 – 7 Triple Draw – to name just a few!
The tournament kicks off on September 3rd with a $1,250,000 guaranteed event and wraps up on September 20 and 21st with a two day No Limit Hold ‘em Main Event with a massive $10 mi guaranteed prize pool.