Christian Science Monitor – At the Garage Café, a dimly lit magnet for young programmers and entrepreneurs in Beijing’s hi-tech Zhongguancun district, one topic dominates the low hum of conversation: Bitcoin. The crypto-currency’s value has soared more than fivefold over the past month, driven in large part by hectic speculative trading on Chinese exchanges. “Most of our customers talk Bitcoin, and some of them trade as much as ten million RMB’s worth ($1.6 million) at a time,” says Xu Tianhai, who manages the Garage. Now they are holding their breath, in the wake of a Chinese Central Bank notice Thursday that banned…

Card Player – Macau is already the top gambling hub in the world — taking in more than $40 billion in gaming revenue this year — but at least one firm wants Internet gambling there. According to MacauBusinessDaily.com, Japanese pachinko hall operator Dynam Japan Holdings will look into developing games for the web in Macau, assuming that it would be legal under the law. The last point reportedly is unclear right now. A Macau bylaw has taken a look at mobile betting within casino properties, though such wagering is not full-fledged Internet gambling. In other words, you’d need to be…

iGaming Business – Lawmakers in New Jersey have expressed doubts over whether the US state can reach tax revenue figures forecast after its full launch of online gambling. According to the PressofAtlanticCity.com website, Governor Chris Christie predicted that online gambling would result in $160 million (€117.1 million) of tax revenue by July 2014, just seven months after the full launch of internet gambling in New Jersey. At a tax rate of 15%, the state had originally forecast $180 million in taxes, but this was later reduced in the approved budget. However, New Jersey Senator Jim Whelan said: “From the get-go,…

Press of Atlantic City – A little more than a week into New Jersey’s foray into Internet gambling, a U.S. congressman is renewing a push for federal regulation of online betting, potentially opening up Internet wagering across the country. U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, introduced a bill in July calling for the federal government to establish a program for licensing Internet poker nationwide. On Tuesday, the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will review the bill during a public hearing. Barton said New Jersey’s action only reinforces the need for a federal regulatory structure as regulations vary among states….

Press of Atlantic City – State Sen. Raymond Lesniak introduced legislation Thursday intended to lure international online gambling firms to Atlantic City. Lesniak, D-Union, announced his intentions last month during a press conference at the Atlantic City Convention Center. At that time, however, the bill would have allowed the companies to be located anywhere in the state. That changed following a suggestion from state Sen. Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic. Whelan said he spoke to Lesniak about amending the proposal to focus on Atlantic City. That’s beneficial to the resort and ensures there won’t be any legal challenges over constitutionality as the…

iGaming Business – Online gambling company Betfair has launched the first television marketing campaign for its Betfair Bingo online bingo brand. According to the Bingosupermarket.com website, the new campaign will focus on the mobile gaming aspect of Betfair Bingo, rather than traditional desktop gaming platforms. A voice-over on the television advert highlights how players can play Betfair Bingo on their mobile or tablet device ‘anywhere’ and ‘on the go’. The television spot also includes an introductory offer for new players, who will be given £40 to spend when £10 is deposited. SOURCE