Issue N46, 2009
December 2, 2009
UIGEA Implementation Delayed
After massive pressure was placed on the US Treasury to delay the implementation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in the United States, the government announced that it would be postponing the law for at least six months. The Treasury said that it would give banks and financial institutions more time to get organized in order to adapt themselves to the law by June 2010, while pressure groups are hoping that politicians will use this window of opportunity to get their anti-UIGEA pushed through to the Senate.
Rep. Barney Frank, who has been working to overturn the UIGEA in the United States commented on the delay in the bill’s implementation and said: “The Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors deserve a great deal of credit for suspending these midnight regulations promulgated by the Bush administration which would curtail the freedom of Americans to use the internet as they choose and which would pose unrealistic burdens on the entire financial community.”
“This will give us a chance to act in an unhurried manner on my legislation to undo this regulatory excess by the Bush administration and to undo this ill-advised law,” he added.
Poker Record Broken
A 22 year old Russian online poker player has broken an industry record by playing a staggering number of poker hands in a 24 hour period. The player, known as innerpsy, logged in an incredible 40,0888 hands in 18 hours and 33 minutes last Saturday. The session was streamed live from PokerStars and was hosted by the Russian poker forum Card Game Masters. Poker pro Max Lykov provided commentary for the event. 10,000 poker fans, many of them from the Russian poker community, tuned in to watch innerpsy play hand after hand of poker and beat the record.
“Before this challenge, I had never actually played more than 20,000 hands in a day before, but the idea came up and I just figured I could do it,” said the young player. “It was one of the toughest things I have ever accomplished, but I am proud I managed it.”
“I gained a lot of experience doing this and will definitely try it again in order to improve upon my result. One of my main goals is also to reach Supernova Elite status,” he added.
Sportingbet to Sponsor UK Rugby Team
UK’s leading sportsbetting operation, Sportingbet announced that it has signed as sponsorship deal with rugby league Hull Kingston Rovers. The deal is considered particularly lucrative for the well known team, which will enjoy shirt sponsorship as well as tie ins for its extensive portfolio of products.
“Sportingbet.com is proud to be supporting Hull Kingston Rovers this season,” said the Head of Sportsbook at Sportingbet, Marc Thomas. “We'd been monitoring them closely over the last season and their terrific performances confirmed what a great opportunity this is."
“Sportingbet.com shares many of the values and attributes of the club and its supporters - a real heritage, knowledge and passion for rugby league, a desire to entertain and to bring fans closer to the game,” he said. “Hull Kingston Rovers is such a well known and well supported club and its profile has been growing immensely over the last few seasons. Sportingbet.com is excited to be part of this and like all other rugby league supporters we can't wait for the season to begin.”
The Chairman of Hull Kingston Rovers rugby club, Neil Hudgell said: “Hull KR has grown into one of the leading clubs in the game and this partnership reinforces this. Sportingbet.com is Europe's biggest online bookmaker and we are delighted to be working with them. Sportingbet.com are leaders in their field so this partnership makes a significant statement about where we, as a club, are heading.”
Paddy Power Casino Adds Live Dealer Product
The idea of live gaming has taken the online casino world by storm, allowing players to enjoy all the benefits of a live casino from the comfort of their own home. One of the most popular online casinos in the industry, Paddy Power has now launched a live dealer product that should make many of their customers happy. The casino has launched a Live Dealer site for players after partnering with Evolution Gaming.
Paddy Power now uses video streaming technology which essentially sends live pictures from a real life casino, allowing players to chat to the live dealer. And as an extra feast for the eyes, eight lovely female dealers are waiting to serve on those casino tables. Paddy Power is now able to offer several popular games to its players seeking a dealer experience, namely roulette, blackjack and baccarat. Evolution Gaming already provides live dealer platforms for top casinos such as Unibet and VC Casinos.