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Saturday 13 March 2010
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Neovia Financial signs new contracts to Neteller
Online payment processor Neteller reports IGE2010 to be successful.
Accordingly to press releases Neovia Financial have signed several new contracts during IGE2010, including European gaming brands BetYa, GWBet and UWin to its e-wallet payment service Neteller, and BSkyB's Sky Betting and gaming brands Sky Bet, Sky Bingo, Sky Vegas and Sky Poker will join the Neteller e-wallet service ahead of their expansion across Europe and the Far East.
“We were in the process of expanding our gaming operation and were looking at alternative payments over and above credit cards,” said Bernard Casey, Head of Gaming Operations at Sky Betting and Gaming. “We choose NEOVIA’s Neteller as our first e-wallet because of its reputation as the industry’s premier e-wallet as used by the majority of gaming players.”
Neovia also announced the signing of an agreement with Sega Corporation, which made its entry into the online gaming market in October 2009 following licensing approval by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
“NEOVIA continues to capitalise on the remarkable growth of the online gaming market by providing trusted, secure and innovative payment services to one of the largest and best names in the industry, SEGA Games Ltd.”, said Dan Starr, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Products at NEOVIA.
January 31, 2010
Cantor Gaming opening Vegas to online gaming
In-running sports betting and casino games now available in Las Vegas.
Cantor Gaming, an affiliate of global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, announces that its mobile PocketCasino in-running sports betting system now includes casino-style games at The Venetian and The Palazzo casinos in Las Vegas.
Launched during September last year, the system enables players to place wagers during American football games on whether a team will make the next first down or field goal while also allowing punters to throw money behind point spreads and money lines, and Cantor Gaming, based in Las Vegas, has now enhanced its product portfolio to include a variety of traditional casino games, including blackjack, video poker and slots in addition to their innovative XtraOdds Blackjack and XtraOdds Baccarat, which includes proposition bets calculated on the dealt cards.
“We are delighted to be expanding the reach and the content of PocketCasino at The Venetian and The Palazzo,” said Lee Amaitis, President and Chief Executive Officer for Cantor Gaming. The initial reaction to our in-running sports wagering product has been incredibly positive and the addition of casino-style games on the mobile device adds a further dimension for patrons. We’ve also invested significant time and resources in the development of original games."
January 31, 2010
Boss Media, Finsoft, Dynamite and St. Minver now GTECH G2
Following the acquisition of several strong igaming companies GTECH G2 is now in business.
With its formation during 2009 and following GTECH acquisitions of several strong brands and companies across the digital gaming and sports betting industry, the interactive division of GTECH (part of the Lottomatica Group) is now in business. GTECH G2 opened its doors along with IGE 2010 as they released their new website gtechg2.com on January 25th.
January 31, 2010
Microgaming launches live dealer Blackjack
Software provider Microgaming adds live dealer Blackjack alongside Baccarat and Roulette.
With the realism of land-based casinos players now have the option to bet and interact with actual dealers dealing real-time cards streamed through video. In addition Microgaming also introduces two new features in Bet Behind and Waiting List. Bet Behind allow players to follow games as they occur and to place bets on seated players. Waiting List acts as an alert function for players and enables them to keep an eye on their favourite dealers by informing them when a space appears on a table. Microgaming states that not only does it guarantee users playing with dealers that they know, but also allows the opportunity to play side games while ensuring to be notified when a seat is available at their favourite game.
January 30, 2010
Apple remains a contender to PC's
iMac, iPhone, and now with the latest edition iPad, the online gaming industry may need to re-think future strategy?
For long the online gaming industry has mainly had its focus on PC's and Windows, but with the ongoing success of Apple there is growth in players using Mac's, and with Apple's latest edition iPad, easy and fast access to gaming may be boosted. Apple estimates an annual sale of 3-4 million unites, and it appears perfect for the couch and multitasking, relaxing while at the same time playing a few hands of poker. Either way the iPad certainly has the technology and power to handle the task. To date its estimated that only four of the major brands offers Mac versions.
January 30, 2010
PartyGaming co-founder Anurag Dikshit divests all ownership
Anurag Dikshit sold of remaining 39 million shares in PartyGaming.
Dating back to the beginning of online poker, Party Gaming co-founder Anurag Dikshit has divested all ownership in the company with the sale of his remaining stock this last Tuesday.
As reported by by the London Stock Exchange and the British newspaper The Telegraph, Dikshit owned slightly more than 38.8 million shares of Party Gaming PLC, traded in London under symbol PRTY. With the sale Dikshit has now fully divested himself of any connection with the company. It is estimated that Dikshit bet on PartyGaming have earned him a payback in the region of £700 million.
January 30, 2010
Chartwell Games appoints new CEO
Daniel Phillips new CEO of subsidiary Chartwell Games (International) Ltd.
Chartwell Technology Inc. appoints new Chief Executive Officer of Chartwell Games (International) Ltd., its wholly owned subsidiary.
Mr. Phillips joined Chartwell Games in August 2009 as VP of Operations, and he began his career with Ladbrokes and thereafter he spent eight years with the GalaCoral Group and their online division, where he last held the position of Gaming Director.
In his new role Phillips is replacing Lee Richardson, who is now pursuing other opportunities in gaming. Phillips will oversee international operations of Chartwell, including business development functions, marketing, sales and expanded client services.
January 26, 2010
Poker Fantasy to Merge Network
Online card room Poker Fantasy moves to Merge Network.
Poker Fantasy moves to a new poker network on January 31st, Merge Network, licensed and regulated by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and given the move Poker Fantasy expects to re-launch around February 15th.
Accordingly to traffic ranking site PokerScout.com, the Merge Network is the 19th largest worldwide and holds an average of 255 real money players, while during peak hours around 400 cash game players. Network rankings, #1 PokerStars, #2 Full Tilt Poker, #6 Cereus Network, #10 Cake Poker Network, #15 Bodog, #19 Merge Network.
Merge Network largest brand is Carbon Poker, and other poker rooms on the Merge Network include Aced, Poker MVP, Poker Nordica, Reefer Poker, and Spin32 Poker. The Merge Network is reported to have its headquarter in Australia while game servers in Kahnawake, Canada, and the network accepts US players.
January 25, 2010
Universal Poker Network and Everleaf Gaming Network merges
UPN and EGN join forces and merger networks to boost player liquidity.
The network merges continues and as Cryptologic joined forces with Boss Media and their International Poker Network (IPN) in early 2009, now Universal Poker Network (UPN) and Everleaf Gaming Network (EGN) join forces in order to attract more players to their system. The new network was officially formed on January 19 and will include some 30 brands and poker rooms. The network further expects around 600 cash players at any given time and with new poker rooms to be launched the pool is expected to show solid growth.
UPN was previously a European network with Euro currency only, while EGN allowed US players and US currency. The new and merged network will accept players worldwide including the US and will shortly implement a multi-currency system and updated cashier module, supporting additional payment methods. Players bankroll can be available in Euros or USD, which is available as a one time decision that cannot be reversed.
The network will further include enhancements such as table filters, automated re-load option at cash tables and new avatar upload as well as a $1,000 freeroll to celebrate the new merger taking place today.
January 23, 2010
Full Tilt Poker introduces Rush Poker
Need for speed and 300 hands per hour?
Online poker holds an average of twice the speed compared to regular live play, and with Rush Poker players looking for high speed and high level action now have the option to join Team Full Tilt in playing Rush Poker.
While a new innovation from Full Tilt Poker the concept of fast poker is not new as Australian Keith Sloan introduced Speed Poker already in 2005, and where Mansion Ltd later acquired the rights to Sloan's concept. Full Tilt however is now making its debut with Rush Poker and with an average of 280 hands per hour its most likely a game suited for semi-pros to pros. Players who prefer to learn their opponents will soon find that the game is played by the odds, and using any type of third party poker software to check hand history is no good as players face new tables and opponents for every hand. The game, played as Hold'em, means that you will join a large pool of players, and folding your hand you will immediately be moved to a new table for a new round, eliminating any waiting period for the next hand to start.
Whether the game will catch on is in the hands of the players but at the time of writing there is Rush Poker action. Full Tilt Poker has also applied for a patent on Rush Poker, hence if catching on new variations are likely to follow.
January 20, 2010
Ladbrokes Chief Executive Chris Bell steps down
Following nine years in charge Chris Bell steps down in the summer.
Betting giant Ladbrokes has announced that current Chief Executive Officer Chris Bell is to step down in the summer after being in charge for nine years.
During his time Chris Bell oversaw the sale of a hotel chain and the transformation of a company into a network of 2,700 betting shops through the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Spain. Company shares have however underperformed during the past year compared to rival William Hill, and Ladbrokes has also faced hard competition from online rivals PartyGaming and 888 Holdings.
Accordingly to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Ladbrokes is seeking a replacement that will drive the firm’s online operations and ‘pursue a more dynamic and aggressive strategy.
January 19, 2010
Las Vegas gaming revenue shows profit after a two year drop
Profit up 4.35 percent and a winning streak may be in sight.
With 22 consecutive months of falling win the start of a winning streak may be in sight, as Nevada casinos revenue increased year over year. November 2009 showed a growth of revenue by 4.35 percent, breaking a negative drop of 22 months.
State wide revenue was $873.2 million in November 2009, an increase of 4.35 percent from the $836.8 million recorded in November 2008. Fiscal year to date, starting in July and running through the end of November, state of Nevada revenues are $4.3 trillion, down 7.91 percent from the $4.7 trillion recorded the prior year. Figures, as reported by the Nevada Gaming Control Board are two months behind, i.e. November’s revenue figures are reported in January.
January 19, 2010
bwin appoints B2B expert as new Managing Director of bwin Games
Peter Bertilsson new Managing Director of poker subsidiary bwin Games AB.
As the company is looking to strengthen and reorganise its poker business to now include B2B poker products alongside its successful consumer business, bwin appoints former head of Boss Media, Peter Bertilsson, as new Managing Director of poker subsidiary bwin Games AB in Stockholm, Sweden. With an extensive experience from the industry, Peter Bertilsson was previously Managing Director of Boss Media from 2001 to 2006, and turned the company into a successful B2B group, now part of the GTECH G2 Group.
Norbert Teufelberger, Co-CEO of bwin, said: “We have convinced a true veteran of online gaming b2b business to take the challenge leading this business unit, and as the market environment changes in that fast moving industry, the b2b capabilities will be key for USA and Asia but also for riding the regulation wave in Europe. The appointment of Bertilsson will strengthen its b2b offerings, while the company continues to focus on its b2c poker product alongside its core sports betting offering."
“I am very happy to take this opportunity, there have never been greater opportunities within the gambling sector than right now and bwin has a very strong position to make them happen,” said Bertilsson.
January 18, 2010
New Jersey introduces internet gambling bill
Internet gambling and online poker may become legalized in New Jersey.
State Senator Raymond Lesniak has introduced the S 3167 bill, specifically focused on legalizing internet versions of land-based games like poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, craps, the big six wheel, slot machines, mini baccarat, red dog, pai gow, and sic bo etc.
Passing, the bill would take immediate effect should future Governor Chris Christie sign it into law, and to act as a model for intrastate online gaming that other jurisdictions could soon adapt. New Jersey Casino Control Commission would further establish a division of Internet betting to manage licensing and operation. License applicants is looking at a total fee of $200,000, with annual renewals of $100,000 and a $100,000 non-refundable annual fee that would go towards treating compulsive gambling.
January 18, 2010
Real Deal Poker to replace RNG's with Gioia's Cut N' Shuffle
New technology to be launched by Gioia Gaming Systems that will automate the shuffle and cut of physical cards dealt online.
As announced by Real Deal Poker the technology is looking to be launched online in March 2010. "The Cut N’ Shuffle® system employs a fully automated dealing system that scrambles, shuffles, reads, and video captures decks of cards. These results are then sent to a Deck Matrix™ system that provides unique decks for game play that are instantaneous with the start of a game."
Real Deal Poker will also offer Isildur1 a dedicated and personalised set of high stakes tables. This will allow Isildur1 to personally invite the high stakes pros to compete against him in a fair environment and play “poker online” instead of “online poker”.
January 15, 2010
Microgaming stops data mining on its poker network
Hand history through analysis software no longer just a useful player tool.
It's been a popular tool to many players in analysing poker sessions and hand probability, however as third party software has changed from a useful side-tool to instead reveal years of data on million of players, including players strengths, weaknesses and opponents betting patterns, Microgaming is now bringing data mining on its poker network to a halt. With immediate effect hand histories on observed tables will no longer be stored on players computers and the practice of downloading and storing hand histories in bulk will be stopped.
Head of Poker at Microgaming, Andrew Clucas, commented: “Concern has been rising over the long-term effect of third party software upon the poker industry as a whole, and in particular the negative effect it has on the recreational player demographic. The decision to put a stop to the practice of data mining on the Poker Network is part of Microgaming’s overarching network strategy to support operators in attracting and retaining recreational players. It further demonstrates commitment in providing a secure and fair playing environment." Microgaming press release further emphasize that the change is implemented to create a more level playing field for all the players.
January 14, 2010
United Kingdom proposes change to its regulatory gambling structure
Operators licensed outside United Kingdom to apply for license.
United Kingdom government (Department of Culture, Media, and Sport) announces proposed reforms to the regulatory gambling structure, likely to force operators currently licensed outside the United Kingdom to apply for a license from the Gambling Commission, if they want to provide services or advertise in the United Kingdom.
Currently operators located in approved offshore tax havens such as Gibraltar, the Isle of Man and Malta are allowed to advertise in the United Kingdom while avoiding levies, but this is now likely to change with the enforcement of licenses. It is further proposed that new regulations are to include all offshore operators to have active systems that would share information on suspicious betting patterns with governing authorities in the United Kingdom.
Gerry Sutcliffe, U.K. Sports Minister said: "Online gambling has changed significantly in recent years with many European countries taking new approaches to regulation, and it would be wrong of us to stand still where many things are changing around us – especially where the protection of British consumers is at stake."
January 13, 2010
PartyGaming and Danske Spil signs deal on online gaming
Denmark's state operated Danske Spil has signed a 5 year deal with PartyGaming to bring online gaming to the Danish Market.
Jim Ryan, PartyGaming CEO said: This is a landmark B2B deal for PartyGaming and validates our strategy to become a leading provider of B2B services to both corporates and governments around the world. Danske Spil is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading gambling businesses, one that is pre-eminent in the Danish market. We are delighted that Danske Spil has recognised our expertise and high standards of business practice and we look forward to building a significant and profitable enterprise as soon as the newly regulated Danish online gaming market opens.
H.C. Madsen, CEO at Danske Spil, said: With some of the world’s leading products in online poker and casino as well as a large international customer base, PartyGaming is definitely a strong business partner for Danske Spil. Combining this with Danske Spil’s unique and strong position in the Danish market with more than 500,000 Danish online customers will guarantee that together we will deliver a highly attractive customer experience to players in Denmark.
January 12, 2010
Net Entertainment releases download CasinoModule
CasinoModule now available in download and instant play versions.
Net Entertainment reveals the release of a download version of its awarded CasinoModule. Nordicbet, one of Net Entertainment’s oldest customers was first out to deploy the solution just before the Christmas break.
The downloadable is aimed at operators looking to target markets with low bandwidth, but equally to meet the demands of players that prefer to have the casino application installed. The download casino is an extension of the instant play CasinoModule and features a full suite of casino games. Both the instant play and the download casino are managed via a single back office and jackpot based games can be shared between the two instances. Bonus programs and tournaments can be run across the two or only in one of the casinos giving significant operational benefits.
January 12, 2010
GTECH G2 adds nine new games
Nine new games added to instant play casino client.
11 January 2010 (Stockholm, Sweden) – A major update to its instant games casino software brings the instant portfolio to 53 innovative games. The total portfolio including download, instant and 3rd party content is now well over 300 games. This latest update adds 3 new slots, a new video poker game, American Roulette and Showdown poker, 2 new instant win games, new scratch cards and a brilliant new virtual horse racing game, Virtual Derby. Mindful of growing Eastern European markets, the update also adds support for Bulgarian, now 13 languages in all.
January 11, 2010
Estonia Legalises Online Gaming
Playtech takes the lead when Estonia opens up to online gaming.
In the first period Estonian citizens will only be allowed to play on Estonian-based platforms such as Playtech's collaboration with the Olympic Casino Group, before opening up to international operators in 2011. This leaves the Playtech group in a very favourable position at the moment as the main provider of legal online gaming in Estonia. Playtech Executive Manager, Mor Weizer, said: "We are truly glad of this opportunity to start our partnership with Olympic as the leading casino entertainment provider in Central and Eastern Europe."
Estonia is one of the smallest European Union countries, with only 1.33 million citizens, but seen as a gateway to the Baltic region. It borders north and west with the Gulf of Finland and Baltic Sea, respectively, as well as Latvia on the south and the Russian Federation on the east. Regaining its independence in 1991, Estonia started an aggressive and effective reform and growth program, which saw it become one of world's fastest-growing economies for several years. It joined the E.U. in May 2004 and is looking to adopt the Euro currency by 2013. This is where online gambling comes in as the Estonian government hopes that taxing gaming operators will help revive its economy with the added income and new jobs.
January 10, 2010
Microgaming changes rake policy to encourage looser play
Microgaming Network is trying to motivate players to throw more chips on the tables with a change to its rake calculation policy.
The new rake policy are now to follow the “weighted contribution” method instead of the previously used “contributed” method. Contributed rake means that all players in a hand are allocated an equal share of the rake, regardless of how much they actually have spent in the hand, so the player who paid only the small blind would accrue as many rake points as the player going all-in. This is naturally very attractive to tight players, who can accumulate rake points without too much play onto the table.
The weighted method is fairer, and as Microgaming describes it in their press release, “The new Weighted Contribution method is similar to the contributed method, except that the rake is allocated proportionally based on the amount contributed to the raked pot, enabling a fairer rake distribution.” This means that more aggressive players will get a larger share of the rake points than a tighter player, hence making promotions easier to obtain to players who brings in more chip play.
January 9, 2010
Tournament Poker legalised in Denmark
New legislation legalising land-based poker tournaments in Denmark.
The government of Denmark has enacted new legislation legalising land-based poker tournaments. Under the new law, effective January 1st 2010, individuals, companies and associations can now apply for authorisation to arrange public poker tournaments for a period of up to two years, enabling them to host tournaments up to five times a week. Total price pools will however in general be limited to DKK 15,000 (€2000) with a maximum buy-in of DKK 300 (€40), this in an attempt to minimise gambling addiction.
January 8, 2010
Facebook clean up policy places ban on online gambling
Facebook places ban on advertisement from online casinos, sports books, bingo and poker sites.
Facebook, one of the world’s leading networks and social sites, announces a ban on the advertisement of online gambling, even with the present the discussions in the US to regulate and legalise the industry. Facebook has released a list of about 20 areas which they view objectionable, including all online casinos, sports books, bingo or poker sites and advertisement, with no limitations. Other areas to be banned and to be monitored under strict policy is uncertified pharmaceuticals, inflammatory religious content, pyramid schemes and nudity. Facebook revealed that its intention was to protect its online community by implementing a policy of advertising censorship.
January 8, 2010
Steve "gboro780" Gross wins CardPlayer award Online Player of the Year
CardPlayer announces its 2009 award for Online Player of the Year.
With 2009 being to an end the poker publication CardPlayer has announced New Jersey pro Steve Gross ("gboro780") to be the Online Player of the Year in 2009. He is now the third honouree of the award, joining Alex Kamberis in 2008 ("AJKHoosier1") and Isaac Baron in 2007 ("westmenloAA").
Steve Gross earned $1,216,413 playing on major sites during 2009 and accrued 10,188 points, which is the highest total since CardPlayer award began in 2007. In total Gross won 21 tournaments during the year but it was fourth place at the end of December that landed him the title. Runner up was David Sands (SirSands) with 9,420 points and who had made a real push towards the top of the leader board during December.
January 7, 2010
PartyPoker showing Straight
Poker revenues at PartyGaming returning to growth.
Following six quarters of decline PartyGaming reports that European poker operators had been hit by the competition from Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars, using their dominance of player liquidity in the unregulated US market, to cross over the Atlantic and taking a European position.
But Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of PartyGaming, said that “Returning poker to growth has been a key focus for us. We are pleased to see that the initiatives introduced throughout the year are now feeding through into both operational and financial performance with increased player numbers and average net daily revenues versus the previous quarter, despite continued competition from illegal US-facing sites and the difficult macroeconomic climate."
The previously reported early-stage talks of merger with it's Austrian rival Bwin, where however left with no comments, but PartyGaming announced that it had secured a £35 million three year based loan for general purposes, including mergers and acquisitions.
January 5, 2010
888 Holdings acquires Wink Bingo at a possible €67 million from Daub Limited
888 pays £11 million up front to acquire the business, with the price having the possibility to reach as high as £59,7 million.
Wink Bingo and owners Daub Limited may receive as much as €67 million for its online bingo business, which includes online brands Posh Bingo and Bingo Fabulous. Wink Bingo was launched in early 2008 and is today showing over 60,000 active players, hence it is one of the most popular online bingo sites.
888 will pay £11 million up front to acquire the business, with the price having the possibility to reach as high as £59,7 million dependent on performance in the year to end of business in March 2011. The deal follows the takeover of the Foxy Bingo and Think Bingo businesses by 888’s rival PartyGaming in a deal worth nearly £100m in July.
January 4, 2010
Lost $6,4 million, just a bad run
Tom Dawn may have had a bad run in November last year but it is reported that he has won most of it back.
As reported by Usaplayers.com Tom Dawn was down almost $6,4 millions in November and he probably holds the record of the single biggest "bad run" in online poker. The month of December is however reported far better, as he gained most of it back in playing at lower spreads, this to find his winning streak again before moving back to the higher blinds of $500/$1000. January 1, 2010
IPN pays out €507,000 Bad Beat Jackpot
Bad Beat Jackpot, the end of mental drain when holding a monster hand, but for who, Quad Kings or Royal Flush?
In the last week of 2009 a player on the International Poker Network (IPN) hit the networks Bad Beat Jackpot. With Quad Kings losing to a Royal Flush! The player holding the losing Quads received €177,500 and the winning hand €88,750. The other three players did not leave without pocket change as they were each awarded €29,583.
The IPN Bad Beat Jackpot was created to keep players spirit and limit the mental drain of losing even if dealt a great hand, and as any player would agree Quad Kings is by any standard a great hand, and in this event the cash winning hand. Qualifying for the Bad Beat poker at IPN poker rooms the players must be seated at a specific Bad Beat table and use both pocket cards in their winning or losing hand. The losing hand must be Quad Sixes or better, and a minimum of four players must be dealt in the hand.
January 1, 2010
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Games Directory Check out the games directory, game rules, tips and odds for new players, semi-pro and pros...
Poker Tips "When holding a winning hand in hold´em and you check... You´re giving opponents a free card without risk"
Texas Hold'em The pots are bigger in Hold’em than in a stud or draw game and hands per hour often double in comparison. This gives a player twice the chance and makes Texas Hold’em the most popular game of poker.
Seven Card Stud Seven Card Stud is a popular and well known form of poker and is played with up to eight players. Using one deck of cards (52 cards), with jokers excluded, the player is dealt a total of seven cards.
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