Issue N37, 2010
September 15, 2010
Microgaming Rolls Out New Slot and Blackjack Tournament Schedules
As if the excitement at Microgaming online powered casinos wasn’t enough, the software giant has announced that it is rolling out a super new schedule for the benefit of its slots and blackjack fans. Players will be able to enjoy new slot tournament formants with additions such as reloader tournaments, survivor tournaments and one shot tournaments. Blackjack players will be thrilled with a weekly Blackjack Attack tourney that carries a $500 prize through multi round entertainment. Microgaming also said that it was introducing three new slot tournaments, namely the Midweek Moolah, the Weekend Whopper and the Monthly Monster, with prizes ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.
“Microgaming is always looking for new ways to improve the casino experience and we believe that our slot and blackjack tournament schedules do just that,” said the Head of Casino at Microgaming, Mike Hebden. “We have delivered a number of new, smart, player focused initiatives that we are confident will meet the expectations of even the most discerning casino player and will further increase engagement and uptake from the casino community.”
“Microgaming constantly strives for innovation and we will continue to analyze our casino offering and make further improvements to ensure we stay ahead of the curve as the market evolves,” he concluded.
Is Betfair Ready to Float on the LSE?
One of the most successful betting companies to rise in the last decade, Betfair, may be readying to take the plunge on the London Stock Exchange, according to a report in the Sunday Times. The newspaper said that Betfair was eyeing its flotation on the LSE worth an estimated £1.5 billion and that an announcement to this effect would be made within two weeks.
Founded by former professional gambler, Andrew Black and former JP Morgan trader, Ed Wray, the flotation could make these two entrepreneurs – who own 25% of the business – very, very rich. Other employees also stand to make a small fortune if the flotation goes through. In the meantime, the company is staying mum on the rumors and would not comment on the speculation by the Sunday Times report. “Our position hasn’t changed, we have no comment on press speculation,” said company spokeswoman, Tessa Murray. Another spokesperson said: “Betfair is an international internet success story and constantly explores opportunities for further growth. As a successful private company, an IPO is one option for a business of this scale and we keep it under review.”
Lucky Player Wins Porsche at PKR.com
A 45 year old policeman from Denmark swapped his blue-light vehicle for the car of his dreams after winning a luxury car at PKR.com online poker site. Carsten Orum, who plays under his moniker name ‘Levica’ at PKR Poker, entered the competition and had his name drawn from a playing field of 322,887 others. He had earned himself 25 entries into the Win A Porsche prize draw promotion and was absolutely delighted when he was told of his win. What makes this windfall extra special is that the player sells luxury cars in his spare time.
“The car is ballistic!” said the player. “I’ve just spent six days driving the car around Germany. I sell nice cars as a hobby but I never imagined I’d own one myself.”
A statement from PKR.com read: “He [Orum] will now able to switch from the blue lights he has been accustomed to in the day to the distinctive charm and speed of the Porsche by night. Orum has customized his Porsche with a few added extras including a personalized number plate.”
The winning numbers were drawn by PKR Poker professional team member, Sofia ‘wellbet’ Lovgren.
Significant Rise in UK Online Gambling
A recently issued report shows that online gambling in the United Kingdom has risen significantly, with a staggering 40% rise in the number of players in the past year alone. According to Nielsen Media, an extra 3.2 million people from the UK logged into online gambling sites last year. This was even greater than the number of people who joined social networking sites such as Facebook (2.2 million).
Sites such as Party Poker and Party Casino saw impressive increases of 174% and 360% compared to last year.
Neil Beston of Nielson said that due to the face of the recession, the profile of the typical online gambler has changed. “While the phenomenal growth in gambling sites over the last two years has been driven by men and women of all ages, it appears to be powered particularly by middle-aged men, the well-educated and high-earning households,” he said.
Nearly half of all British online gamblers earn over £30,000 a year and women comprise around 46% of players. This has encouraged operators to target this once-ignored market and appeal to the fairer sex.