Pokies profits
Sydney Morning Herald – Clubs NSW chief executive Anthony Ball claims: ‘‘Fairfield Clubs do a fantastic job in supporting local community groups that might otherwise notexist if it wasn’t for their support’’ (‘‘Punters in west pile money in pokies’’, March 23). That is all well and good, but even Mr Ball would have to concede that the $298 million the clubs raised from annual poker machine profits is quite a lot tohave taken from the local community in the first place. Both the NSW and federal governments justify their softly, softly approach to problem gambling by citing individual rights (‘‘Time…
Online Poker Bill Introduced In New York
Card Player – The state of New York is again taking a hard look at online poker within its borders. A proposed law was introduced into the Senate on Friday, which calls for the authorization of online poker, a game referenced as one in which requires skill, and for the awarding of 10 licenses. Each license would be good for a decade, costing $10 million apiece. Revenues would also be subjected to taxes, which, if the bill passed right now, would be 15 percent. The proposal comes after New York voters last year said OK to a handful of commercial…
PokerStars Hopeful 3rd Time’s a Charm for US Online Gambling
Despite setback after setback, Europe-based PokerStars won’t give up on its quest to break into the US online gambling market. After failing in Nevada and New Jersey, the new target is California. But odds are PokerStars is once again drawing dead. The company, operated by the Isle of Man-based Rational Group, is linked to three politically powerful Los Angeles-area card rooms and Riverside County’s the well-connected Morongo Band of Mission Indians. The partnership wants to block Internet poker legislation in the state that bans PokerStars from participating in what many believe will be a massive revenue-generating Internet market that would…
Genting UK opts for Playtech’s Neon system
iGaming Business – Online gaming software giant Playtech has announced that Genting UK, a subsidiary of Genting International, has selected the Playtech Neon system to manage its land-based casinos in the UK. Developed in collaboration with Playtech’s subsidiary Intelligent Gaming, the Playtech Neon system will manage customer data, cash desk operations, table gaming, incentive programmes and compliance across the group. Genting UK’s operations include 41 land-based casinos across the UK, including its flagship Crockfords site in the Mayfair area of London. The Neon system will be implemented during 2014 and will be ready for the opening of Resorts World Birmingham…
Greek Online Betting – OPAP to Tap GTECH
The betting monopoly OPAP has struck a deal with iGaming firm GTECH to provide Greek online betting services its customers. OPAP officials awarded the contract to GTECH after vetting four other firms. It will help their much-needed expansion into the online betting market, which has become increasingly important in anticipation for the 2014 Football World Cup. GTECH is an industry leader in developing and providing iGaming software. Their offering includes everything from online blackjack and slots to lotteries and sportsbetting. It provides games for online casinos and betting sites across Europe and North America. The formerly state-owned company was privatized…
Japanese company cancels agreement for Manila casino
Reuters – Japan’s Universal Entertainment Corp has terminated a deal under which Century Properties Group Inc was to invest in its casino complex on Manila Bay and develop part of the $2-billion project, the Philippine developer said. Century Properties said in a statement it would contest a notice of termination received on Wednesday from the “Okada Group”, a reference to Tokyo-listed Universal Entertainment and other firms controlled by billionaire gaming magnate Kazuo Okada. Century officials said the Japanese group sought changes to terms of the agreement that would have eliminated its exclusive rights for the luxury commercial and residential portion…
