Issue N3, 2009
January 21, 2009
Kentucky Appeals Court Overturns Gambling Domain Decision
A Kentucky Appeals Court finally put an end to the madness that seems to have gripped state Governor Steve Beshear in his attempts to seize the domain names of no less than 141 online gambling sites. Beshear won the right to do so in a court presided over by Judge Thomas Wingate, however the matter received so much negative publicity that it was decided to take the case to a higher court. On Tuesday, the Appeals Court ruled in a 2:1 majority that there were no grounds to seize the domain names, based on the fact that domains cannot be considered ‘gambling devices’.
“It stretches credulity to conclude that a series of numbers, or Internet addresses, can be said to constitute a 'machine or any mechanical or other device…designed and manufactured primarily for use in connection with gambling,” wrote Judge Michelle Keller wrote, representing the majority. “We are thus convinced that the trial court clearly erred in concluding that the domain names can be construed to be gambling devices subject to forfeiture.”
As noted, not all of the three judges were in favor of overturning the lower court’s decision and Judge Michael Caperton wrote: “The internet gambling domains serve as addresses which enable the local computer to locate and communicate with the remote computer. While we see a name on the computer screen, the computer 'sees' a string of numbers. The 'string of numbers' is a necessary component' of the Internet gambling device because without these numbers, the link between the computers could not be initiated and/or maintained. Just as a wire placed into a computer becomes part of the computer, so do the Internet domain names that link remote computers for purposes of gambling become part of the gambling device.”
Playtech Brings Live Gaming to European Market
Playtech, the industry leading software provider and games producer, announced this week that it would be bringing European gamblers a new gaming option – that of live gaming. This form of entertainment – whereby players get to interact with live dealers at land-based casinos through webcams in the comfort of their own homes – is hugely popular in Asia. Playtech has decided to bring the excitement felt by Asian players to the European market, where players will be able to interact with European dealers in their own languages, and enjoy games such as baccarat, blackjack and roulette.
“Playtech's upcoming European facing casino games reflect our commitment to continually broaden our product range and upgrade its quality,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Playtech, Mor Weizer. “Expanding our Live Gaming offering is the natural next step for Playtech as we extend our reach and enhance the profitability of our licensees throughout Europe.”
Slot Fans Celebrate Inauguration Through Lucrative Tournament
As Obama fever sweeps America, slots fans are finding an ingenious way to celebrate the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States. Thousands of slots players headed to Online Vegas casino site to take part in the lucrative $2009 Presidential Inauguration Guaranteed Slots tournament on the day of the ceremony. The tournament will run until January 23rd and players stand to win a first place prize of $500, with the top 100 players also in line to win part of the pot.
“This tournament is great!” said one player, identified only as Max C. “It really symbolizes what we, as Americans, are experiencing. It is a joyful occasion in our history and being able to spend some time relaxing, playing an online slots tournament is a great way to enjoy today's festivities.”
A whopping 11,000 players have already signed up for the tournament, which is free to enter. Re buy ins cost a mere 0.99c.
First Progressive Win at Slotland Sister Site
WinADay.com, the 3D, no download online casino site that was created as a sister site to the popular Slotland.com, was pleased to announce the first progressive jackpot win at the site. An Italian player, trying her luck on the Wheeler Dealer game, won a total of $148,700 and could simply not believe her windfall.
“When I first discovered this 3D site I thought, hey, this is different,” gushed Monica68. “There's something different about it alright! It made me a winner! This is the first time that I've ever won anything more than 50 Euro and, mama mia, I can tell you, its fantastico!”
WinADay have already reset the progressive jackpot, which links the four slot games and one video poker title on the site, to $30,000, in the hope that a lucky player will hit it again in the very near future. In the meantime, players are heading to WinADay in droves to enjoy the excellent slots selection, and put themselves in line to win life-changing amounts at this new, exciting online casino.