Issue N32, 2013
August 8, 2013
US Appeals Court Rules Against Poker Acquittal
In 2011, Lawrence DiCristina was charged with running illegal poker games in New York under the Illegal Gambling Business Act.However, instead of being sentenced, the ruling judge at the time, Jack Weinstein, ruled that poker is a game of skill and therefore DiCristina cannot be eligible for prosecution under New York laws.However, the victory was short lived after the Second US Circuit Court of Appeals this week reversed Judge Weinstein's ruling and sent the case back for sentencing.DiCristina could be imprisoned for up to 10 years.One feather in the cap for gambling proponents is that the court did not dispute the skill vs poker debate and simply left it as such.
"Today’s decision by the 2nd Circuit Court, while unfortunate, only adds to the growing call for federal clarity on the definition of gambling," said the Chief Executive of the Poker Players Alliance, John Pappas. "The 2nd Circuit clearly did not dispute the district court’s finding that poker is a game of skill. This is a key point distinguishing poker from the types of gambling games that Congress and state legislatures have often tried to prohibit. What the court did was conclude that the IGBA does not set forth an independent federal definition of gambling, but instead only incorporates state law."
888 Holdings Confirms Deal with Caesars to Enter New Jersey Online Gambling Market
888 Holdings, the online gambling group which trades on the London Stock Exchange, released its second quarter report this week and confirmed at the same time that it had entered into an agreement with Caesars Interactive Entertainment to provide online casino and poker games to the New Jersey market.Caesars owns four out of the twelve terrestrial casinos in Atlantic City and the deal promises to place 888 firmly in the heart of this new market.
"This is an important development in our US strategy which will allow 888 to offer 888-branded poker and casino products in New Jersey, subject to required regulatory approvals," said the Chief Executive Officer of 888 Holdings, Brian Mattingley. "We are extremely well positioned in the US and are working with the regulators in Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey as these three states become ready to open."The group also announced that the third quarter of 2013 had begun in line with its expectations, although the market of bingo continued to be challenging and competitive.
Greece Bans Hundreds of Online Gambling Sites
Greece has announced a sweeping ban on over 400 online gambling sites in one of the harshest steps taken against the industry in this country.Included on the banned list are online casinos, poker rooms and even blogs which promote online gambling services and products.It seems that the Greeks got a little confused about the products being offered in their own market, banning the US based casino, Caesars, which has never marketed to Greek players before.Strangely, the list doesn't include the more obvious choices such as Full Tilt Poker and Poker Stars.
It is not yet sure how Greek intends enforcing the ban on these banned companies, although it is thought that the government may try to force Internet Service Providers to block the sites on the list.No official announcement about the banned list has been made by authorities on the issue just yet, and all the information coming out of Greece is based on leaked documents published by the media.Online gambling operators are still waiting to hear officially if they are considered 'banned'.The Greek online gambling policy has been criticized by the European Union, which says that it goes against EU treaties.
La Vida Casino Launches New Slot Games by Microgaming
Popular online gambling sight, Casino La Vida has launched three exciting new slot games that will definitely thrill fans of Microgaming powered online games.The first two, Wild Catch slot and Sweet Harvest slot, launched on August 7th, while the third game, Dark Knight Rises video slot, will be added to Casino La Vida's arsenal at the end of the month.
Wild Catch is a fishing themed game which takes players on an adventure to reel in a big catch in the wildest areas of the ocean.The slot game boasts two free games features, wilds, scatters and free spins.
The second game, Sweet Harvest is based on a rural farming theme where rustic romance develops on the reels and a rewarding Fruit Basket icon triggers the high paying Sweet Harvest bonus.
However, it is clearly Dark Knight Rises slot which players are waiting for the most. This Batman themed game, based on the movie of the same name, promises to bring action packed adventures to the reels and lots of payouts to players through non step bonus features.