Issue N40, 2008
October 2, 2008
Kentucky Online Gambling Takeover Attempt Delayed
The online casino industry was fuming all of last week over an attempt by the Kentucky Governor, Steve Beshear to take over 141 online gambling sites’ domains in what he claims is a bid to protect local gambling interests in the state. On Friday, a court that was meant to seal the fate of these gambling sites, decided to grant a last minute continuance to the case and announced that court will reconvene on October 6th.
If Governor Beshear wins the case, the domain names of some of the top casino and poker sites in the industry, including Poker Stars and Ultimate Bet, as well as software companies such as Microgaming, will become the property of the state and will essentially bar Kentuckians from entering these sites.
The industry has been up in arms over Beshear’s attempts, with many claiming that the Governor has crossed a red line. The Poker Players Alliance, one of the many interest groups keeping a close watch on the matter, issued a statement on Friday saying: “The Poker Players Alliance is pleased that the court decided allowed for a full review of this case, including arguments from both sides. Until this point, the state and its hired gun class action attorneys have acted in an ex-parte fashion - only presenting one side of the argument to the court. The continuance granted today will ensure all the cards are on the table and allow the current owners of the domain names of the 141 websites to retain ownership in the interim.”
Playtech Adds New Poker Room to Online Poker Network
Playtech, one of the world’s foremost online software provider, is enjoying a meteoric rise in popularity of its Italian poker network. Every week, the network seems to be adding another top poker room, and this week the company announced that it was welcoming its fourth licensee. Cogetech, a leading online and land based Italian gambling company, has joined other companies such as Eurobet Italia (owned by Gala Coral), Snai and Sisal to enjoy one of the best poker game portfolios in the business.
The Chief Executive Officer at Playtech, More Weizer said: “This latest addition of Cogetech to Playtech's Italian ipoker network demonstrates that the company is capturing an ever more prominent position in the country, and is committed to expanding its presence in regulated European markets. We look forward to a long and productive partnership that will be mutually beneficial to both parties, and to providing new and exciting gaming opportunities for Italian players.”
Responding to Weizer’s words, the Chief Executive Officer at Cogetech, Fabio Schiavolin said: “We chose Playtech over other operators because they are one of the leading players in global management platforms with a very strong and liquid poker network. We look forward to working with them to provide all our customers with an exciting, reliable and continually evolving service which will provide the best possible player experience.”
Backgammon Masters Launches New Slot Game
In a bid to provide its loyal customers with unique side games as they wait for tournaments to begin, the popular gaming site, Backgammon Masters has launched the first in a series of slots games. The new AstroPay slot machine game has been created to complement Backgammon Masters’ suite of skill games, including poker, blackjack and, of course, backgammon.
“We've always been known for our high quality game experience and our superior graphics, the feedback from our players prompted us to offer more of their favorite games, if they're coming to us to play, they know it's going to be superior,” said the Chief Executive Officer for Backgammon Masters, Jay Ryan. “We urge our players to come test the new games and let us know what they think. Our audience's opinion is the best form of live quality assurance testing we have. We are committed to hearing our customers and giving them the experience they want.”
Bingo Site Mysterious About Expected Changes
Rainbow Bingo, the sought-after online bingo room, has confirmed that players can expect great changes at this site, but has remained mum about what these changes entail. Since Rainbow Bingo changed software platforms, it has been very busy behind the scenes preparing a super new games package for their loyal players.
All that was stated by Rainbow Bingo’s marketing department on the subject was: “The rumors are true - Rainbow Bingo will be undergoing some exciting changes over the coming few weeks of which we are sure players will love the new developments. We have listened to the players since we have re-launched on a new software provider over six months ago and now feel we are in a position to be able to offer the players more.”
Online bingo players have been urged by the site’s management to keep careful watch in order to catch a first glimpse of the new look site.