Issue N39, 2008
September 25, 2008
European Union Online Gambling Team Visits US
After months of pressure from European based gambling companies, the European Union sent out a special investigation team to meet with representatives of the US Executive Branch and Congress and discuss the issue of online gambling. The team is hoping to examine up close the laws that are enforced on European companies that wish to operate in the US market, as well as the persecution of companies who operated in the United States before the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
All eyes have been on this unique fact finding mission this week, although most analysts agree that the European Commission will probably have no choice but to suggest that the case reach the World Trade Organization for settlement. The Remote Gambling Association summed up the general sentiments: “It looks very much as if this matter will be sent to the WTO at the end of the commission's investigation,” said an outside counsel for the group.
The European Commission will probably seek compensation for companies who have lost out on revenue since they were blocked from operating in the US gambling market, as well as those who are continually being persecuted by US authorities, even though they left the market after the UIGEA.
Multiple Live Dealer Casino Launched
Attendees at the annual EIG expo this week were exposed to a super new product that has taken the concept of live dealer gaming up another notch. Living Gaming Systems, a specialist company in live online gambling solutions, announced that it has created the first multiple live dealer option, allowing players to pick their dealers, casinos and locations.
The company said that the new option will be developed in phases, and will initially work with two online casinos around the world – the Malpas Casino in Greece and the Fitzpatrick’s Casino in Limerick, Ireland.
The Chief Executive Officer of Live Gaming Systems, Michael Ryan: "We are very excited to showcase our new live game services at the EIG conference. This is an opportunity for the top players in the land based and online gaming industries to see how we effectively marry the two business models in a way that is mutually beneficial, and of course, profitable."
The Director of Fitzpatrick's Casino in Ireland, Ian O'Halloran said: "We are delighted to be the first land based casino on the LGS Casino Broadcast Network and we look forward to extending the Fitzpatrick's Casino live game experience to a massive global audience. I am confident that our relationship with LGS is the optimal and most profitable live gaming strategy available to Fitzpatrick's Casino. The integration with our facility has been seamless and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with LGS."
Bruce Betting Joins Ongame Network
The Irish bookmaker, Bruce Betting has signed a deal with the ever expanding Swedish gambling operator, Ongame to join its poker network. Ongame will provide Bruce Betting’s online poker site with a full suite of top poker games and thus provide the bookmaker’s customer base with additional playing options.
Both sides are reportedly pleased with the new partnership, not least because of Bruce Betting’s strong and well-established 30 year presence in the Irish gambling market where the company runs over 60 betting shops.
“We know what to look for in a new licensee in order to maintain financial growth and stable player equity within our network,” said Kevin O'Neal of Ongame Poker, “and Bruce Betting is a company that matches these criteria well. We are delighted to bring them aboard and are looking forward to delivering an unrivalled online poker experience to their clients.”
Pall Smallwood, the Manager of Poker at Bruce Betting said: “At BrucePoker.com we are working hard to deliver the ultimate poker experience to our customers and with Ongame Network, one of the best known and trusted platforms available, we feel that BrucePoker.com will be recognized as the site to play on for the exciting and challenging experience that today's online poker player's want.”
Bodog Poker Launches Second Open Tournament
Bodog Poker announced this week the schedule for the upcoming Bodog Poker Open II that will run from September 28th. Bodog has promised an event that is bigger and better than last year’s, with a $650,000 guaranteed prize pool, and a $300,000 Main Event on October 5th.
The Bodog Poker Open II will consist of fourteen events that are sure to cater to all player preferences and bankrolls. Also included are six exciting bounty events where players get to go after members of Team Bodog with bounty prizes of $109 on their heads.
Justin “ZeeJustin” Bonomo, a member of Team Bodog, said: "Whoever said sequels are never as good as the original certainly wasn't talking about the Bodog Poker Open II. The first Bodog Poker Open was pretty big, but the Bodog Poker Open II takes it to a whole new level with more events, more money guaranteed, deeper stacks, and they're keeping it fun along the way with bounty tournaments. I welcome all players to take a shot at me during the series."