Gaming Today – The battle to determine Florida’s future in the gaming industry is reaching high gear with major efforts being launched by both sides of the issue. Last week, the advocates of increased activity in Florida put forth major marketing efforts under the title of “Best for Florida,” by the proponents of expanding gambling, and “Pushing Luck” by the opponents. Supporters are attempting to educate Floridians on the “tremendous benefits” that can accrue from the building of casinos in the state. “Florida has an historic opportunity to create jobs and locate a huge magnet for convention and trade shows…

UK bingo halls and their companies have been backed by a group of 54 MPs in their campaign to reduce the gambling tax imposed on bingo to be reduced from 20% to 15%. It looks as though the land-based bingo industry in the UK is reaching crisis point. On Friday last week, the Boost Bingo campaign was launched with the industry lobby group the Bingo Association asking the government to bring levies on the game of bingo in line with other forms of gambling in the UK. Currently bingo hall profits are taxed at 20% while there’s a 15% tax…

iGaming Business – Lottery technology business China LotSynergy Holdings has entered into a co-operation agreement with China Mobile Communications Corporation to provide operations to support the mobile payment-based lottery platform of the state-owned telecommunications company. The Chiefgroup.com.hk website reports that the deal was signed between China LotSynergy’s subsidiary, Beijing Huacai Yingtong Technology Company, and China Mobile’s subsidiary China Mobile E-Commerce. Under the agreement, Huacai Yingtong will provide operations support with responsibilities for the system construction, software development, sales strategy and marketing for China Mobile’s platform. The arrangement will enable China LotSynergy to provide lottery betting services through the internet, mobile…

The thought of Bitcoin Las Vegas is getting one more novelty. Starting this week, patrons will be able to use the online currency Bitcoin to pay for rooms, food and drinks at two downtown casinos. The D casino and the city’s oldest casino, the Golden Gate, will accept bitcoins at hotel front desks beginning Wednesday. The Cyber currency will also be accepted at the D’s gift shop and two restaurants. U.S. dollars will remain the only currency accepted on the gambling floor. Derek Stevens, the co-owner of the two casinos, said he’s been intrigued by Bitcoin for years and had…

The Augusta Chronicle – Supporters of expanding legalized gambling to include betting on horse racing and casinos see signs their long odds could pay off after the election. The sponsor of pending legislation that would amend the constitution to allow it said Friday the timing is close but not yet ripe. “Tell them to hold their breath until next year,” said Rep. Harry Geisinger, R-Roswell. Most observers believe an election year in a conservative state is not the time to bring up a potentially controversial issue like expanded gambling. Gov. Nathan Deal is significantly ahead in the polls over his…

iGaming Business – GTECH Corporation, a subsidiary of global lottery and gaming company GTECH, has signed a lottery gaming system and services contract with the Colorado Lottery to provide a full range of lottery products and ongoing services. The contract, which follows a competitive procurement, will begin on November 2, 2014 and run through to June 30, 2021. There are also a maximum of two, two-year extensions that may be exercised in whole or in part at the discretion of the Colorado Lottery. GTECH has estimated that it will receive approximately $70 million (€51.7 million) in revenues over the base…