Issue N47, 2007
December 13, 2007
Microgaming to Launch Updated Poker Software
Always looking for ways to improve their products, Microgaming Software Company announced this week that will be revealing a beta version of its poker software. It is expected that the industry will be able to view the updated software at the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) that is due to take place in London, England next month. Roger Raatgever, CEO of the Isle-of-Man based company said that the new program was based on intensive player feedback about what they would like to see in poker software. All forty of Microgaming’s poker rooms will be upgraded with the new software by early next year.
Microgaming revealed some of the great features that the new software will include, such as a complete table redesign with multi table capabilities. It will also constitute intuitive features that will manage to direct any level of players to the correct tables, so as to provide the ultimate poker experience. Other exciting additions include improved chat room features to ensure a great social atmosphere, as well as the creation of personal avatars. “By helping players get to the right tables, faster and ensuring they have all the features necessary for a great all round experience when they are there, we are delivering for both the players and our operators,” said Raatgever.
Internet Money Service to Stop Operations
One of the most popular choices of payment for online gamblers has announced that it is pulling out of the money exchange market. FirePay, the UK based company notified all its members that it would stop operations, effective immediately. This sudden announcement comes as quite a surprise for gamblers and industry experts alike.
FirePay announced that customers would no longer be allowed to fund their accounts with the company, nor would they be able to exchange money, as they could in the past. A statement issued by FirePay said: 'Effective Monday, December 10, 2007, FirePay will no longer allow funding, spending or payment transactions.”
With regard to the withdrawing of any outstanding funds in their accounts, players have a 150 days grace period to do so. In this time period, too, they will be able to review their account statements. In a statement this week, FirePay said that no fees would be imposed on the withdrawal transactions. After 150 days, players who wanted to withdraw their funds would only be able to do so through a direct request to FirePay and would incur a cost of $25.
Super Hero Slots Hit CryptoLogic Casinos
CryptoLogic, the legendary industry software provider has been honored in the past for its award-winning games, including the prestigious Top Casino Software award by Online Gambling Magazine. Players therefore will not be disappointed with CryptoLogic’s latest releases – two new additions to its already hugely successful Marvel Super Heroes series. Spider Man and Fantastic Four will join house regulars such as the Hulk and X-Men to bring players exciting slot action like never before.
The Fantastic Four slot game features favorite characters such as Dr. Doom, Mr. Fantastic and the Thing, and allows players to enjoy up to fifteen free game spins and the chance to win a bet 5,000 times over! Meanwhile, Spider Man swings into action to rescue victims from mortal danger over the rooftops of metropolitan New York. Rewards are a big feature of this new slot game, with players standing in line to win up to 5,000 times per line bet.
The company’s CEO, Javaid Aziz, said in a statement: “CryptoLogic’s new Spider Man and Fantastic Four games are the latest examples of our industry-leading innovation, and our partnerships with the world’s biggest gaming and entertainment brands.” The new games will be distributed among CryptoLogic’s licensees on an exclusive basis.
British Government Urges US to Consider Online Gambling Regulation
In a press release this week, the British Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative indicated that the UK government was keen to see the United States adopt a policy of regulation toward its online gambling industry, instead of the current trend towards outright prohibition. A spokesman for SSIG said: “Rather than negotiating away settlements that could negatively impact the U.S. economy, the Administration and U.S. Congress should seek a more sensible policy solution and regulate Internet gambling.” He was referring to a multi-billion dollar compensation suit brought against the United Stated by several countries around the globe, including the European Union, through the World Trade Organization, regarding what is seen as the US’s unfair monopoly on local online casino markets.
The SSIG urged the United States to seek alternative ways to handle the issue of online gambling, including the adoption of Frank Barney’s Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (known as HR 2046). This bill proposes a comprehensive regulation of the industry and is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue to critical US government programs.