Latest Online Gambling News

January 30, 2012 - Gambling participation rises as Health Lottery gets new criticism

Figures released by the Gambling Commission are showing the percentage of adults having a flutter has reached a new high. Gaming Intelligence report that over the four weeks to December 2011, 57.3% of the 4,000 adults surveyed said they’d taken part in at least one form of gambling. Of that number over half were playing the National Lottery. That’s a jump from 55.5% in 2010 and 55.2% in 2009. The figure shows that people are starting to consider difference sectors of the entertainment industry as the economy continues to be in an uncertain position.

Read entire article here.

January 26, 2012 - Playtech Applies for eGaming Licence in Jersey

The company employs almost 2,000 people around the world and produces games for companies including Sky, Betfair and Paddy Power. Jersey's Economic Development Minister Senator Alan Maclean said he had been working with the company for a number of months. He said attracting a big company was a "huge stamp of approval for the eGaming strategy".

Playtech is one of the world's largest eGaming software developers, and the first to apply for a Jersey gaming licence. Mor Weizer, Playtech's chief executive, said it met Jersey's authorities after an island delegation visited Israel in May 2011.

Read entire article here.

January 22, 2012 - Sen. Harry Reid dreams of federal poker legislation

As US states frantically formulate plans to legislate intrastate online poker, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) is doubling down on his dream of federal poker legislation. Despite most observers believing that the Department of Justice’s pre-Christmas reversal on the scope of the Wire Act has shifted legislative momentum to the states, Reid sees the federal glass as half-full, telling Gambling Compliance’s Tony Batt that Congress now had “an incentive to get something done.” Reid confirmed that he was “making progress” with Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) on cobbling together a poker plan that could gain bipartisan support in Congress.

Read entire article here.

January 13, 2012 - IGT set for Facebook move

Seattle-based Double Down Interactive has operated the popular DoubleDown Casino on Facebook since April 2004 and IGT revealed that it is ready to spend $500 million in order to purchase the business.
“As technological innovations increasingly influence consumer behavior, social dynamics are quickly transforming entertainment and gaming experiences everywhere,' said Patti Hart, Chief Executive Officer for Las Vegas based IGT.

Read entire article here.

January 5, 2012 - Senator Raymond Lesniak will work with governor to legalise iGaming in NJ

New Jersey Senator Raymond Lesniak, Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, has announced today that he will work with Governor Chris Christie to bring iGaming to the state of New Jersey.
In his statement he referenced the status of his bill, S3019, which if made into law would authorise Internet gambling in New Jersey.

After a panel in the chamber didn’t hear the bill today (the final committee meeting day of the session), Lesniak said: ”Speaking with Governor Christie, I’ve agreed to reintroduce Internet gaming in the next legislative session, and I expect that we can get it through the Legislature and signed by the Governor within the first few weeks of the new session.”

Read entire article here.

January 1, 2012 - What does the reversal on the Wire Act & the Barton Bill Mean

The DOJ’s goal is too shut down all offshore gambling and poker websites operating in the U.S. If the Barton Bill becomes law, the DOJ doesn’t need the Wire Act or the UIGEA as currently written. The Barton Bill makes these two existing laws obsolete and gives the DOJ the law it needs to shut down all the remaining offshore poker websites that still accept U.S. players.

The Barton Bill strengthens the UIGEA with a much broader definition of unlawful online gambling than the Wire Act or the current UIGEA. It defines “internet poker” as a form of “unlawful internet gambling” and would make internet poker illegal without a U.S. license. Unlike the vaguely worded UIGEA, this is fairly clear and enforceable.

Read entire article here.

December 28, 2011 - States Are Scrambling To Make Online Gambling Plans

Illinois and New York are the two states that brought the initial query to get law changed via the Doj. Illinois Lottery superintendent Michael Jones told the Daily Herald that he hoped his state could start selling tickets online within the next three to four months. New York lottery director Gordon Medenica told the Wall Street Journal that his outfit would also start selling tickets online in 2012. “We’ve built the system and had it on a shelf waiting for more legal certainty.”

Read entire article here.

December 23, 2011 - DOJ Flip-Flops On Internet Gambling Law

On the Friday before the Christmas weekend, the Department of Justice revealed that it has changed one of its most important and long-held positions on Internet gambling, stating that the federal Wire Act of 1961 only applies to sports betting. The new position on the Wire Act marks a huge shift for the Justice Department, which has long relied on the law when asserting that all forms of Internet gambling, especially online poker, is illegal.

Read entire article here.

December 21, 2011 - Co-founder of AbsolutePoker.com pleads guilty

One of the men indicted in April as part of the federal case against online poker sites PokerStars.com, AbsolutePoker.com and FullTiltPoker.com has pleaded guilty in a New York courtroom to charges of conspiracy.

Brent Buckley was the co-founder of Costa Rica-based AbsolutePoker.com and entered his plea in US District Court in Manhattan on Tuesday after admitting that he was aware that he was breaking the law by arranging for American banks to process gambling proceeds.
 

Read entire article here.

December 20, 2011  - Shortlist for iGB Affiliate Awards released

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The iGB Affiliate award votes have been counted and the organisers are happy to say that over 4,000 industry affiliates and executives made their choice. A fantastic response, ensuring a truly representative vote, the shortlist includes those who received the most or equal votes in any of the following categories: Best Affiliate (all verticals), Best Affiliate Program (all verticals), Best New Comer (Affiliate & Program), Best Affiliate manager (all verticals), Best iGaming Affiliate Network, The Louis Fabiano Award for the Best iGaming Community and Best Payment System for Affiliates.

Read entire article here.

December 16, 2011 -2012 Don't look so good for Poker Regulation

Maybe you’re an American online poker player, maybe you made your money playing against Yankee fish, maybe you just enjoy following arcane topics – chances are you’ve been eagerly gobbling up all the news you can get about a number of bills pending in the U.S. Congress to legalize and regulate online poker. You know, then, that it’s frustratingly difficult to figure out exactly what’s going on, much less to construct any kind of timeline for when Americans will be able to get back to the virtual felt.

Read entire article here.

December 15, 2011 - Mr. Green Casino gives 35yr old man in Norway 100k X-Mas Gift!

A thirty-five year old man in Norway won 100 000 Euros when playing freespins on the slot machine Dead or Alive at the online casino Mr Green. – “I am euphoric over my winnings. This year there will be some really nice presents under the Christmas tree”, said the 35-year-old Norwegian.

Last month Swedish Eva won the jackpot on the slot machine Arabian Nights and Mr Green paid out the biggest amount so far, almost 2 Million Euros. This time, just a few weeks later, the Norwegian takes home the second biggest winning since Mr Green’s start in 2007.

Read entire article here.

December 7, 2011 - UIGEA guilty verdict hits America

The brother-in-law of a United States Congressman has been convicted on multiple counts of illegal gambling and racketeering after being charged in federal court under the controversial Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006.

Daniel Eremian was found guilty in US District Court in Boston on Monday of multiple charges including racketeering tied to a gambling operation he ran under the auspices of an Internet betting site based on the Caribbean island of Antigua.

Read entire article here.

December 2, 2011 - Nevada online poker applicants identified

Nevada has identified five companies that have applied for licenses to operate when the state’s online poker market opens. CardPlayer received public records from the Nevada Gaming Control Board that identified 888 Holdings, International Game Technology (IGT), Bally Technologies, Cantor Gaming and South Point Poker as firms that have applied. All five are aiming to crack the state’s market with the vast majority applying in a similar way.

Read entire article here.

November 30, 2011- Facebook In Talks To Open Platform For Real-Money Gambling In The UK

Facebook is supposedly engaged in talks with a number of UK operators to open its platform to real-money online gambling, maybe even as soon as in the first quarter of 2012. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, eGR reports that the social networking leader is considering offering an initial eight ‘licences’ to as many UK operators looking to roll out such gambling apps on the Facebook platform.

According to eGR’s sources, Facebook has begun staffing up for the launch and support of real-money gambling ventures in the UK, where online gambling is properly regulated, after initially aggressively promoting the use of Credits to UK online gambling service operators.

Read entire article here.

November 23, 2011 - Juju Jack, Battle for Olympus, and Horns and Halos Released At Intercasino!

Christmas comes early at Intercasino with the addition of three new slots from software developers Cryptologic. 

Juju Jack, Battle for Olympus, and Horns and Halos are all available exclusively at InterCasino only at this time. The new video slot games are themed by voodoo magic, Greek mythology, and the eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell can't get any better then that!

All three of these games offer arcade style bonus rounds, voodoo themed slots, and games where the Gods battle – sounds like fun entertainment to me Streakers so be sure to give them a try today at Intercasino!!

November 1, 2011 - Italians will need to be extra vigilant when gaming online

Italian regulation board, the Independent Administration of State Monopolies, or if you’d prefer the more authentic Italiano version – L’Amministrazione Autonoma dei Monopoli di Stato (AAMS) – has declared that by a new law, all financial institutions in Italy need to report every transaction made by players on blacklisted online casino websites.

The news comes after the AAMS reopened it’s market for new licensees and its Chief, Francesco Rodano, said recently that it wanted to put in place measures backed by a new law to make all financial records available to the government. Looks like it got its way – as all financial institutions, including banks will now be required to turn in the contact information of online gamers.

Read entire article here.

October 31, 2011 - Donald Trump wants to get into the online gambling business

Billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump wants to get into the online gambling business, and his daughter Ivanka Trump, executive vice president of development and acquisitions for the Trump Organization, suggests it would be a revenue generator for governments.

Critics argue, however, that an online gambling bill sponsored by Texas Republican Rep. Joe Barton would actually divert critical revenue away from the states, and to the federal government.


Read entire article here.

October 31, 2011 -Proposal to liquidate assets to pay back UB.com and Absolute Poker players

Online poker players with funds stuck on CEREUS Network sites Absolute Poker and UB.com could be a step closer to getting their money back after details of a possible repayment plan were revealed late last week. A statement released by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission on Thursday announced that Blanca Games (which took over CEREUS in August 2010) has been in serious discussions with the Southern District of New York (SDNY) about a possible proposal to “facilitate the reimbursement of both US and non-US players”.

Read entire article here.

October 31, 2011 - Billionaires Are Betting Big On Internet Gambling

Two years ago Richard Bronson, a former Mirage Resorts executive, came to the conclusion that the Internet would be the next big thing in the casino industry. He co-founded U.S. Digital Gaming to provide software and advertising services to gaming operators and government agencies in the belief that regulated online gambling, especially poker, would eventually be introduced by cash-strapped states seeking revenue.

When it came to raising money for his venture, Bronson found that some of the richest people in America were keen to invest in his Internet gambling business. Bronson secured investments from billionaires like real estate mogul Steven Roth, chairman of Vornado Realty Trust, and shopping mall magnate Herbert Simon, the owner of the Indiana Pacers. “They are all in it for the long haul,” says Bronson, who also signed up Robert and William Taubman, sons of billionaire Alfred Taubman. “Not one of them thinks this will be a sprint, they think it will be a marathon.”

Read entire article here.

October 25, 2011 - AGA says online poker is "safe bet"

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Below is a statement from Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association regarding today’s Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee hearing entitled “Internet Gaming: Is There a Safe Bet?”

“Today’s hearing on Internet gambling made it abundantly clear that the “safe bet” is to allow states, following federal guidelines, to license and regulate online poker. Such action would protect U.S. consumers, keep children from gambling on the Internet, and provide the tools law enforcement needs to shut down illegal Internet gambling operators. It would also create new jobs and tax revenue at a time when our country sorely needs both.

Read entire article here.

October 20, 2011 - Trump Prepping To Enter The Online Poker Environment Once It's Legal

While progress on the US legislative front may be glacially slow, that doesn’t mean would-be online poker operators aren’t positioning themselves for the end of this current ice age. The latest out of the blocks is none other than Donald Trump, who has teamed with New York hedge-fund manager Marc Lasry on a proposal to offer online poker at the state or federal level, whichever comes first. (Our money’s squarely on a state-by-state roll out.) Lasry is reportedly a big fan of high-stakes poker games involving his hedge fund brethren, while Donald is a big fan of suing supermarket tabloids.

Read entire article here.

October 19, 2011 - Man hits record $5.2 million slot jackpot

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Online casino group CasinoRewards has announced their biggest ever million dollar jackpot winner. Novice gambler A.D. has been turned into an overnight multi-millionaire with his incredible $5.2 million jackpot win from a 50 cent bet on the progressive online slot Mega Moolah.

The life-changing $5.2 million will go down in history as the biggest jackpot win in the 11 years of CasinoRewards, topping K.E. and his $5.5 million win in 2008 on the very same online slot game.

Read entire article here.

October 18, 2011 - 180 Employees Walk Out Of William Hill!

Chief Marketing Officer Eyal Sanoff walked out last week with mumorings that the whole episode may have amounted to constructive dismissal and that Hills want Playtech out of the WHO joint venture.

180 of the staff in WHO’s outpost in the Middle East walked with around 20 people turning up for work yesterday. This was a reaction to Sanoff’s departure, a man that, according to an anonymous source on the ground, “Always had their best interests at heart and the fact he’s gone means they’re unsure where their future lies.”

Read entire article here.

October 5, 2011 - Casinos will be ready when (legalized) Internet gaming hits the U.S

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- The fear that players will eventually only gamble at home due to changes to technology and possible legalization of online gaming in the U.S. are overblown, according to gaming industry experts.

"Casinos will be ready when (legalized) Internet gaming hits the U.S.," said Tom Doyle, vice president, product management at Bally Technologies Inc. in Las Vegas. "It's going to be part of the overall experience."

Read entire article here.

October 5, 2011 - Nominees for Poker Hall of Fame have been announced

After a public nomination process on WSOP.com, and a vetting of all nominations by the Poker Hall of Fame Governing Council, the finalists list eligible for induction into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2011 has been determined.

It will now be up to the current Hall of Famers and a panel of media members to determine who actually does join this exclusive club.

Read entire article here.

October 5, 2011 - Bally plans to expand to mobile and online gaming

Online casino games and solutions supplier Bally Technologies Incorporated has announced that it has formed a new business division to encompass its mobile, Internet and social initiatives and complement its more traditional lines.

Las Vegas-based Bally is a developer of slot, video machine, casino management and server-based solutions for the global gaming industry and revealed that its new Bally Interactive branch will offer operators the ability to augment their land-based operations with mobile and online play-for-free and wager-based games.

Read entire article here.

October 4, 2011 - Germany, Spain and Greece close to regulating online gaming

Spain, Germany and Greece are three countries on the verge of some form of regulated online gambling regimes. There have been some developments in the last week in each of these three countries.

The Spanish National Gambling Commission has released a list of companies officially accredited to provide approval and certification to applicants for online gambling licenses. The list includes NMI Metrology & Gaming Limited and Spain 2 TestLabs BMM. This follows the Spanish Parliament approving the Ministerial Order establishing the technical requirements for the provision of online gambling activities, prior to applying for licenses. Applications from potential online gambling operators will be accepted from November 14. The applicants will have to undergo preliminary testing on Internal Control Systems to ensure accurate transaction data transmission to the National Gambling Commission. This will be followed by a more broad based information and gaming system certification within the next four months.

Read entire article here.

Sept 22, 2011 - Frank, Berkley both took contributions from Full Tilt

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., a longtime advocate for federal legalization of Internet poker, accepted an estimated $20,000 in contributions from Full Tilt Poker, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday.

Jessica Mackler, a spokeswoman for Berkley’s U.S. Senate campaign, said in an email statement the money would not be kept. It was unclear, however, how the funds would be disposed.

Read entire article here.

Sept 21, 2011 - Full Tilt didn't violate license by commingling funds

MILAN, Italy -- Full Tilt Poker may have commingled player funds and operations money in bank accounts, but that didn't violate its license with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC).

Alderney licensees are required to disclose to players whether they mix player deposits and operations money in bank accounts or keep them in separate accounts, an AGCC official familiar with the situation told Casino City today. But they are not required to keep the two separate.

Read entire article here.

Sept 19, 2011 - U.S. Digital Gaming to host event in L.A.

LOS ANGELES, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- U.S. Digital Gaming, a leading U.S.-based online gaming company and the Los Angeles Business Journal today announced that they will partner together to present a roundtable discussion on the impact of legalized online gaming in California and beyond. In an unprecedented collaboration to bring gaming industry, business, entertainment and civic leadership together at the same table, the roundtable event will provide stakeholders and business leaders with deeper insight into the issues pertaining to the impact of legally-compliant online gaming in the local, regional and national business community.

Read entire article here.

Sept 19, 2011 - Austria to ban foreign gaming

Read entire article here.

Sept 19, 2011 - Massachusetts House approves poker clause

Massachusetts lawmakers will now seriously consider introducing intrastate poker legislation, after the Massachusetts House last Wednesday approved the inclusion of Representative Dan Winslow's amendment in an expanded gambling bill. Winslow's proposal would require a state gambling commission to produce regulations by 31 July 2012 for the issue of five online poker licences. Winslow said the proposal would create high tech jobs and generate additional revenue for the state. To pass into law, the proposal must still pass the Senate and a possible conference committee. State Governor Deval Patrick also retains the power of veto over any potential legislation.

Read entire article here.

Sept 15, 2011- Ecuador begins country wide land casino shutdown

Ecuador’s casinos have received a six-month notice to get out of the country. The President’s office announced on Friday that the owners of premises conducting casino business across the country would have to shut within six months.

Owners had hoped that it would be as long as five years until the controversial new laws were enforced. Even the least optimistic casino business owners speculated that they would be given between one and two years to close their premises down. President Rafael Correa confirmed that in August when he told them they would have one to two years. He has now reneged on.

Read entire article here.

Sept 12, 2022- Online poker amendment sparks sharp rebuke

Boston —A Republican lawmaker’s plan to explore the introduction of Internet poker in Massachusetts provoked a fierce rejection Friday from Treasurer Steven Grossman, who called the plan “reckless and irresponsible,” as well as a violation of federal law.

“I did not want to let it go even one news cycle without expressing how strongly I feel about the recklessness and irresponsibility,” Grossman told the News Service in a phone interview just hours after the proposal was unveiled.
The plan, an amendment to expanded gambling legislation filed just before a 3 p.m. deadline by Rep. Daniel Winslow, R-Norfolk, would charge a gambling commission with developing legislation to sanction up to five Internet poker operations. The commission would be charged with drafting regulations to oversee the online poker industry, including provisions to restrict players from jurisdictions where online poker is banned and to ensure that online operations comport with federal law.

Read entire article here.

Sept 11, 2011- Massachusetts Files Online Gambling Amendment

Massachusetts is already discussing a bill that, if passed, will allow the state to expand its land gambling projects. On Friday September 9, State Representative Dan Winslow has filed an amendment to the bill to allow for online gambling in the form of Internet poker.

Winslow is a Republican from Norfolk. He said that his proposal fits into the window allowed in the gambling bill and has support from experts in the field. It could provide a significant revenue source, create high tech jobs in the software and regulatory arenas and cater to the demand for online gambling in Massachusetts. The Winslow amendment is likely to come for discussion next Wednesday according to reports in the Boston media. Winslow added, "This one, I think, is a great opportunity for Massachusetts to take the lead. No state in the country has yet enacted legislation to authorize and regulate Internet poker." Online gambling proposals have been moved in New Jersey, Hawaii, Florida, California and Nevada but have not yet been implemented.

Read entire article here.

Sept 11, 2011 - 5000 Signatures to Legalize Internet Poker Reachable in a Week

The Obama Administration has created an online petition initiative. Get 5000 signatures in 30 days and that petition is guaranteed to be reviewed and considered as part of a job and revenue creation plan to help boost the US economy.

Internet poker is part of a multi-billion dollar industry so it should be no surprise that the industry is planning its own petition drive.

Read entire article here.
 

Sept 9, 2011 -Neteller offers new product

Neteller is a leading payment solutions option that is accepted at practically all online casinos. Neteller not only regularly keeps improving its services but also keeps its members informed of the improvements through e-mails. The latest e-mail from Neteller concerns a new product Neosurf.

Neosurf is a prepaid card that can be used to deposit funds instantly into Neteller electronic wallet accounts. Then players can transfer the funds to their favorite online casinos or use them for making other online payments. At the moment Neosurf is available only to Neteller users from France, Italy, Spain and Belgium, but the domain will be extended in the future.

Read entire article here.

Sept 9, 2011 - Slotland Releases New Slot - Pearls of Atlantis

A brand new release has been announced this week by Slotland online casino - "Pearls of Atlantis," played on five reels and nine paylines, and working on the theme of the well-known lost continent.

The game features symbols like sea monsters, seahorses, mermaids, mermen, as well as special features that include an interesting and engaging Treasure Chest bonus round, multipliers, and is tied to a progressive jackpot.

Read entire article here.

Sept 7, 2011 - Commission eyes EU regulation of online gambling

Policymakers and operators alike are broadly in favour of introducing EU-wide legislation to govern the online gambling market. But common rules should not prevent member states from regulating online gambling as tightly as they want, participants in a European Economic and Social Committee conference heard yesterday (6 September).

The European Commission is currently considering whether to regulate online gambling in the EU following the closure on 31 July of a consultation with stakeholders on the issue.

Read entire article here.

August 26, 2011 - Facebook relaxes rules for egaming

Facebook has relaxed its policies on egaming advertising in regulated markets outside of the US, as the social network looks to take a larger slice of advertising revenues from the sector.

According to new guidelines, both online and offline gambling companies can now advertise on Facebook as long as they comply with local laws and obtain prior consent from the social network.

Read entire article here.

August 23, 2011 - California egaming/Poker delayed until 2012

In a letter yesterday to potential stakeholders including card rooms, tribes and racetracks, also signed by Senate Governmental Organization Committee chair Rod Wright, Steinberg wrote: “We believe the concept of bringing intrastate internet gaming to California has merit and is worth pursuing in a smart, methodical way”.

However, despite many hearings and hours of testimony around the issue, said Steinberg, “[S]ignificant, unresolved issues remain, including tribal exclusivity and waiver of sovereignty immunity, the types of games that would be authorized, and who would be eligible to apply for licenses and potential federal constitutional questions.”

Read entire article here.

August 18, 2011 - Full Tilt Poker Faces Another Class Action Suit

Another lawsuit has been filed against Full Tilt Poker this time on behalf of all account holders that played on the online poker site. The class-action lawsuit is against persons and companies linked to FTP and was filed last week in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The suit is extremely similar to the class action RICO suit brought back in July by Steve Segal and his band of merry men “on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated” by FTP having frozen their deposits.

Read entire article here.

August 14, 2011 - Some States Toss The Dice On Legalizing Web Gambling

The District of Columbia is not thrilled that its residents are traveling to Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to gamble in casinos. Starved for cash, like states across the country, the district wants some of the millions in revenue that gambling generates each year.

So district officials want residents to gamble closer to home — inside their homes, actually. Or in cafes, restaurants and bars. By year’s end the district hopes to introduce an Internet gambling hub that would allow Washington residents to play blackjack, poker and other casino-style games.

Read entire article here.

August 8, 2011 - US power players are going to gather at exclusive gaming event

North America’s largest land-based casinos, tribes, lotteries and race wagering businesses will gather at the luxury Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona on 12 to 13 September for an exclusive, invite-only, online gambling event organised by eGaming Review in partnership with Macquarie Capital.

The inaugural eGR Power USA Summit follows on from its highly successful annual sister event in the UK, and will see some of the most powerful US gaming companies, with a combined EBITDA in excess of US$5bn, and around 50 of their senior executives meet with their European counterparts to discuss how they can work in partnership as the US looks to regulate online gambling in the coming years.

Read entire article here.

August 8, 2011 - Overdue Alderney licence fees paid by Full Tilt

Full Tilt Poker has paid Ł250,000 in overdue licence fees owed to the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, according to a release on the regulatory authority’s website.

A frequently updated ‘Full Tilt statement’ on the AGCC site now contains the line: “The recent payment of overdue licence fees by FTP is also in players’ best interests since it allows commercial negotiations to take place that might result in a successful refinancing deal.

Read entire article here.

August 6, 2011 - Caesars Entertainment spent $821k lobbying Congress on the issue of internet gambling

In a recent interview with MoneyShow.com, Caesars Entertainment CEO Gary Loveman claimed his company was “pressing very aggressively for the US Congress to legalize online poker, and I think we have a very good shot.” From where does such confidence spring?

Chris Krafcik (@CKrafcik)crunched the federal lobbying reports for Q2 2011, which show that Caesars spent $821k lobbying Congress on the issue of internet gambling during this period. That’s far more than any other single company, interest group, Indian tribe or state lottery, and represents 23% of the total lobbying spend on internet gambling.

Read entire article here.

August 5, 2011 - Greece pushed through egaming legislation

An advertising war is set to be unleashed in Greece as the country's government yesterday pushed through egaming legislation which would authorise all forms of advertising by applicant operators ahead of licences being granted.

Under changes introduced into the legislation by the Greek government yesterday and passed by its parliament, EU-licensed operators entering the licensing process in Greece will pay 30% GPT and players a 10% tax on winnings during a six-month transitional period. This will commence once the Control Committee to be established under the law has been formed, allowing operators to offer products and advertise freely across all online and offline media, including TV. A date for the establishment of the Committee has not yet been set.

Read entire article here.

August 4, 2011 - ESPN Going To Far By Calling Rodriguez In Home Poker Game Illegal?

Alex Rodriguez is under investigation by Major League Baseball for allegedly participating in poker games held at a record executive's Beverly Hills mansion. ESPN has called these private affairs "illegal." Does that mean my home poker game is against the law, too?  Probably not!

Gambling laws differ from state to state. California, where Alex Rodriguez allegedly played, prohibits eleven specific games under Penal Code 330, as well as any "banking" or "percentage" game. Poker is not on the list, nor does it qualify as a banking game (in which players bet against the house). In a percentage game, the organizer makes money beyond his own winnings in exchange for hosting. It follows that poker played in a private home is legal so long as the proprietor does not demand special compensation.
 

Read entire article here.

July 27, 2011 - No decision until September for Full Tilt Poker

Players hoping for a swift resolution to the Full Tilt Poker saga were left disappointed as the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) adjourned yesterday's hearing until September 15 at the latest.
Full Tilt had its licence from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission suspended in late-June following indictments issued by the US Department of Justice and the site’s ‘subsequent failure to satisfy’ the jurisdiction that its ‘activities inside and outside of the US were in order’.

Read entire article here.

July 27, 2011 - Bodog to leave US market

The owner and licensor of the popular Bodog online entertainment and gambling brand, BodogBrand.com, has announced that players based in the United States will no longer be able to access any of its branded websites after December 31.
BodogBrand.com recently revealed that its Bodog UK licensee had been granted remote and non-remote gaming licenses by the UK Gambling Commission with Chief Executive Officer Patrik Selin stating that this will ‘benefit customers’ by allowing him to ‘attract the best talent in the industry’.

Read entire article here.

July 25, 2011 - Several States Interested in Legalized Online Gambling

New Jersey Online gambling is coming to the US. That is the opinion of Massachusetts Treasurer Steven Grossman. Although the treasurer does not agree with the online gambling movement, he is prepared to back a push in the Massachusetts legislature to allow the state lottery to sell tickets online.

Massachusetts does not yet even offer its residents land-based casino gambling, and at a time when House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Governor Deval Patrick cannot find common ground on that issue, other legislators are looking to move on to the Internet gambling issue.

Read entire article here.

July 25, 2011 - NJ state Senator fights to legalize online gambling

In America, an influential New Jersey politician has penned a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder declaring that current Federal law does indeed permit individual states to operate intra-state online gambling.
New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak was the man that sought to legalise intra-state online gambling for residents of the eastern state in 2010 via his proposed S490 legislation and his letter was sent in response to correspondence composed last week by United States Senators Jon Kyl and Harry Reid.

Read entire article here.

July 20, 2011 - Paddy Power taking bets on Full Tilt return

DUBLIN, Ireland -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Paddy Power Sportsbook today opens a unique betting market on whether Full Tilt Poker players will be back playing real money poker on July 27 – the day following the public hearing with its regulator the Alderney Gambling Control Commission in London.

“Whether Full Tilt Poker is opened or closed on the 27th, players will have good reason to be playing poker on paddypowerpoker.com,” said communications spokesman PaddyPower. “Either way it’s a no lose situation for our punters and poker players as they get paid one way or the other regardless of the outcome.”

Read entire article here.

July 20, 2011 - Bay State will be ready for online gambling

Beacon Hill lawmakers are considering expanding the Lottery to include Internet sales — already a common practice in five states — and Treasurer Steven Grossman said the Bay State will be ready as the idea gains national momentum.

“Whether I think it’s a good idea or not, it’s clear Washington is moving toward online gambling,” Grossman said. “While I oppose it, I want to make sure we are ahead of the curve and are one of the winners of the new world of online gaming and not a loser because we stuck our heads in the sand.”

Read entire article here.

July 19, 2011 - DC Councilmember against legalizing online gambling

WASHINGTON (AP) — A D.C. Councilmember said Tuesday that he wants to repeal a provision that would make the nation's capital the first jurisdiction in the country to offer legal online gambling.

Tommy Wells, a Democrat representing Ward 6, said he plans to introduce legislation this fall that would stop online gambling before it starts.

Online gambling was authorized outside the usual legislative process. Councilmember Michael A. Brown, I-At Large, added it to a budget bill late last year, and it became law in April when Congress did not object. The D.C. Lottery is preparing to start offering online poker, blackjack, slot machines and other games.


Read entire article here.

July 19, 2011 - CEO of the Wynn Resorts casino fears President Obama

The Obama administration may have bought the cooperation of a lot of big businesses, but apparently Obama never got Steve Wynn on his side. The CEO of the Wynn Resorts casino empire is never shy about his opinions and doesn’t mind raising eyebrows during his speeches. During a recent conference call with investors, Wynn gave his opinion on how the Obama administration affects the casino industry and businesses in general.

Wynn thinks that things will improve in Las Vegas. He even says that the best days of the Vegas casino industry are still ahead. Despite that optimism, though, he says that things will not improve as long as Obama is in the White House. If you think that is a partisan attack, remember that Wynn identifies himself as a Democrat and is a strong supporter of liberal Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

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July 12, 2011 - Full Tilt Poker hearing is confirmed for 26 July

The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) has confirmed that the hearing into the suspension of Full Tilt Poker's licence will take place at 10am on Tuesday 26 July at London's Park Plaza Victoria Hotel.

Executive Director of AGCC, André Wilsenach, said: “AGCC’s choice to hold a public hearing in to the future of Full Tilt Poker demonstrates our willingness to act transparently and we will welcome members of the public and the media. As ever at all times, our primary concern is the protection of the player.”

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July 10, 2011 - New law in Nevada can possibly help gaming industry

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- With a goal of generating more investment in the state's gaming industry, Nevada is shortening the process of determining gaming license suitability.

Under a new state law, companies and individuals are no longer required to run a gaming company or have an agreement to acquire a casino in Nevada before they can file for a license.

Prior to the measure recently signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval, in order to apply for a gaming license or a finding of suitability, applicants already had to be doing business with a casino or have an agreement that gave them the right to be involved.

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July 6, 2011 - American Gaming Association (AGA) will not support Congressman Joe Barton’s internet poker bill

The American Gaming Association (AGA) will not support Congressman Joe Barton’s internet poker bill and will instead push new legislation in the autumn which would favour Nevada and New Jersey as licensing and regulatory authorities in a future US egaming market.

The AGA-backed poker-only bill would also differ from the Barton draft on how resulting tax revenues would be split between federal and state level. “Taxes would be divided between the state where the bettor is, with the state where the regulator is. The federal government would only receive the income tax on winnings,” said Frank Fahrenkopf, chief of the powerful US land-based casino representative organisation.

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July 4, 2011 - Class action lawsuit against Full Tilt Poker on behalf of “a nation-wide class of Full Tilt account holders residing in the US

Four plaintiffs - including professional poker player and former lawyer Todd Terry - have brought a class action lawsuit against Full Tilt Poker on behalf of “a nation-wide class of Full Tilt account holders residing in the United States.”

The suit names as defendants Raymond Bitar and Nelson Burtnick - co-founders of the company, who were both named in the Black Friday indictments - as well as various businesses and corporations tied to the company, such as Vantage Ltd (named in the Alderney Gambling Control Commission’s statement accompanying its suspension of Full Tilt Poker’s (FTP) licences last week, as exclusively revealed by eGaming Review.

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June 27, 2011 - D.C.’s Internet gambling program dates announced

The D.C. Lottery announced roll-out dates for its unprecedented Internet gambling program, kicking it off with two demonstration games in midsummer before players wager real cash in September.

The lottery will debut Blackjack and Victory at Sea in late July and release four more games - Bingo, poker, E-Scratch Offs and random number games - by Aug. 20, so players can get accustomed to the games before risking the contents of their wallets.

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June 22, 2011 - New CEO at U.S. Digital Gaming

LOS ANGELES, California -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Today, U.S. Digital Gaming, Inc. ("USDG") announced the hiring of former FOX and Walt Disney Senior Executive Jon Richmond as its Chief Executive Officer. Richmond will guide the company's activities to deploy the most comprehensive, legally compliant, Internet gambling platform in the US, at a time when numerous states are clearly moving toward the legalization of online gambling.


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June 22, 2011 - Poker instructor wins $488,283, WSOP bracelet

Mark Schmid, a 31-year-old professional poker player from Grand Rapids, Mich., won the latest $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em event at the World Series of Poker, defeating a field of 3,144 players to claim the $488,283 first-place prize.

Schmid’s victory was due in part to his efforts and association as an online pro and instructor for poker training website Sharkscopers.com. Schmid has posted about 60 training videos to the site.

Read entire article here.

June 22, 2011 -Win a Day Casino turns three-years-old

 LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Three years ago tomorrow, Win A Day Casino, a casino unlike anything online slots players had ever seen, took its first cash bet. There were only a handful of games back then but like today they were all completely unique, created by WinADay, and not available at any other online casino. Since then a lot more incredible slot machines and video poker games have been created and the lobby has been re-designed several times to accommodate the growing selection. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the company’s dedication to customer service.

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June 21, 2011 - Playtech has gained a footprint into the USA

Sciplay, the joint venture between AIM-listed Playtech and US partner Scientific Games, has gained a footprint in the United States ahead of potential online gambling regulation by signing an online poker contract with the California Online Poker Association (COPA), a body that includes Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, one of the largest poker rooms in the world.

Initially based on play-for-fun, Sciplay will provide intrastate online poker services, while Playtech will license its poker software and IMS operator management system to COPA ahead of possible legislation which would eventually allow cash gaming. The exact terms of the deal, are unknown, however a Playtech spokesman said it would decide whether to set up a poker network or focus on a "mega brand" on behalf of COPA if and when real money play was an option. The spokesman added the first six months of the operation would be focused on setting up a play-for-fun site using "existing resouces".

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June 21, 2011 - Lucky Winner Hits $100,000 Jackpot at bet365 Casino

June 21, 2011 - Spin3 launches Mega Moolah for Android

LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Leading full service mobile gambling solutions provider Spin3*, powered by Microgaming, the world's largest online gaming software provider, has announced the availability of the world's biggest progressive slots game, Mega Moolah slots, for Android-based smartphones.

Mega Moolah, offering players the opportunity to win the biggest progressive jackpot available, is now available as a fully native Android app. Mega Moolah for Android offers immersive gaming with rich graphics, detailed animations and sound effects to deliver a fun and entertaining mobile gaming experience.

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June 20, 2011 - Internet Gambling Legislation Introduced

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative applauds Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA) for Thursday's introduction of the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2011 (H.R. 2230), which would ensure that taxes and fees are collected from wagers placed over the Internet in order to raise much-needed revenue for federal and state budgets. H2 Gambling Capital, the leading supplier of data and market intelligence regarding the global gambling industry, projected in a report released last year that regulating all forms of Internet gambling except sports wagering in the U.S., would generate a gross expenditure of $67 billion over five years and 25,470 new jobs. Original co-sponsors of Rep. McDermott's bill include Reps. John Campbell (R-CA) and Barney Frank (D-MA).

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June 7, 2011 - Not Good News for Washington DC Online Gambling Law

The online gambling bills passed by state legislatures in the United States appear to be jinxed. First the New Jersey bill was turned down by the governor. Now it is the turn of the Washington DC online gambling bill. When the bill was passed there was much celebration and hope that the law would be implemented by the year end. However, an editorial article in the Washington Post this week reveals the secrecy and machinations that were involved in the passing of the bill.

The amendment to allow the D.C. Lottery to offer online gambling in a limited manner in Washington DC was slipped into the supplemental budget enacted in December 2010. This was done at the initiative of independent councilor Michael A. Brown. Washington Post reports that the chief financial officer and the attorney general had both questioned the legality of this measure. The then mayor Adrian M. Fenty was not consulted. Despite that, there was no public hearing or public debate or committee review. No one gave any explanation for the bypassing of the "normal process of enacting legislation".

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June 3, 2011 - Phil Ivey To Sue Full Tilt Poker and sit out WSOP this year

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June 1, 2011 - Nevada gaming bills advance

On Monday, the Nevada Senate unanimously passed Assembly Bill 294 to permit gambling anywhere on casino property via mobile devices. Some Nevada casinos already offer this mobile option, but limit the range of such devices to the race/sportsbook area or casino floor. AB294, heavily endorsed by Cantor Gaming president/COO Lee Amaitis, would allow patrons to place bets from the comfort of their hotel room, poolside or (conceivably) while pinching a loaf in a washroom stall. (Seriously, who cleans these devices?) The bill now returns to the Assembly for discussion of who gets issued licenses. If all goes well, the bill

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May 30, 2011 -  Illinois House approved a major expansion of legalized gambling

Today, the Illinois House approved a major expansion of legalized gambling when the House voted 65-50 to approve five new casinos which included a land-based gambling house in Chicago and slot machines to be installed at horse-racing tracks.

After passing in the House, the measure will now wait approval by the Senate. As always, gambling expansion faces harsh opposition. The Associated Press reported Gov. Pat Quinn as calling the idea “top heavy.” It’s a rallying cry that the opposition has used consistently in the state to scuttle past attempts at gambling expansion.

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May 29, 2011 - U.S. Gamblers are Safe From Federal Investigations

In a highly anticipated statement from the Federal Government, U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein spoke on Baltimore’s AM radio show and made it perfectly clear that US gamblers will not be subject to any criminal prosecution for gambling online. 

Gamblers across the country can breathe a sign of relief with this announcement and any fears they may have had about gambling online are unfounded as far as the Federal Government goes.

Read entire article here.

May 25, 2011 - Popular Online Payment processor halts operations

QuickTender, a popular electronic wallet for online gaming affiliates, announced Wednesday it is halting operations. QuickTender announced the move on its website and e-mailed account holders about its decision.

"With regret, the Quicktender service has been discontinued," QuickTender said on its website. "All account holders will be notified by e-mail."

In a letter e-mailed to account holders, QuickTender blamed the stoppage of service on bank accounts being frozen by court order.

"Further developments specifically relating to our main bank processing company have resulted in our accounts being frozen subject to a seizure order giving us no ability to make payments in any currency," QuickTender said in the letter e-mailed to account holders.

Read entire article here.

May 23, 2011 - DOJ indicts more online gambling operators

Two businesses and three people were charged with money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business according to indictments unsealed today by U.S. Attorney Ron Rosenstein. As part of the indictment, ten domains were seized, including Doylesroom.com.

A federal grand jury in Maryland returned the indictments on April 26. Other domains seized by order of the court include: Bookmaker.com, 2Betsdi.com, Funtimebingo.com, Goldenarchcasino.com, Truepoker.com, Betmaker.com, Betgrandesports.com, Betehorse.com and Beted.com.

Last month, federal prosecutors in New York charged the founders of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker with similar crimes. PokerStars and Full Tilt regained their domains in return for beginning the process of refunding American players their money and not accepting real-money U.S. play. Absolute Poker has agreed to work with the DOJ to return money to American players, but they have not agreed to stop taking U.S. action.

11 bank accounts located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Guam, Panama, Malta and Portugal were also seized according to announcement by the Department of Justice.

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May 16, 2011 - North Carolina Player Wins Jackpot at Jackpot Capital Casino

A Jackpot Capital Casino player is celebrating Christmas early this year after her $10,544.24 jackpot win after playing Return Of The Rudolph a Christmas themed slot game. Incredibly, the North Carolina player known as “susierom1955” hit the jackpot after placing only a fifty cent bet.

“Oh, it’s going to be just like Christmas around my house this summer, that’s for sure -- presents for everyone!” said the winner from her home in Winston-Salem. “Maybe we’ll go all the way – roast a turkey and put up a Christmas tree; on second thought, maybe not the tree!

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May 13, 2011 - Doyle Brunson Ends Association & Contract With DoylesRoom.com

May 13, 2011 - Poker Players Get Back $100 Million From Pokerstars

Pokerstars has returned more than US$100m to US online poker players from its “past US-facing operations” nearly a month after 'Black Friday', the operator has told eGaming Review.

In a statement released this afternoon Pokerstars said it had returned the money and that it would continue to “service requests” following the company’s agreement with the US Department of Justice on April 20 that allowed US customers to cash out their balances with the Isle of Man licensed operator. It is unknown if Pokerstars owes any further funds to US players.

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May 9, 2011 - American poker players struggling after April 15

May 9, 2011 - It's time to create a safe,regulated online gambling experience

Americans like to gamble online. Millions of Americans bet billions of dollars a year at offshore foreign websites and have demonstrated that they will do so even if their government tells them it is illegal.

However, many of the websites offering these activities have been in direct violation of U.S. law. They have been run by individuals who, according to the Justice Department, engaged in serious criminal activity, including bank fraud and money-laundering.

The American Gaming Association supports strong law enforcement oversight and applauds the Justice Department for bringing charges against those companies that have shown no respect for the laws of the United States.


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May 8, 2011 - Online gambling has achieved 18% growth

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May 6, 2011 - Social lives improved through online bingo

The online bingo offering from Virgin Games has released the findings of a survey that it conducted investigating how the game of online bingo has affected the social lives and friendships of its players.

VirginGames.com revealed that its study found that 44 percent of the 647 players questioned had made ‘genuine friendships’ through its site with 18 percent having met up in person.


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May 4, 2011 - Dragonfish, Playtech and Microgaming share honours at eGR B2B awards

Dragonfish, Playtech and Microgaming shared the honors at last night’s eGR B2B Awards 2011, each taking home two trophies from the black-tie ceremony held at Chelsea Football Club in London.

Net Entertainment, IGT and Evolution Gaming triumphed in the remaining casino categories, picking up the Innovation in RNG casino software, slot provider and live casino supplier awards of the year.

It was honors even in the affiliate categories for the second year running, Income Access taking home the affiliate network trophy, a feat reproduced in the affiliate software category by Netrefer.

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May 4, 2011 -  Panel says Legal Internet gaming would boost casino business

Panelists addressing an Internet gambling conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday said online casinos would enhance business at brick-and-mortar properties instead of cannibalizing them.

The panelists — three of them Las Vegas industry executives — said just as casino expansion in New Jersey, in riverboat markets and on Indian reservations led to established Las Vegas casinos growing their market share, the legalization of Internet gambling would give them the ability to reach out to new customers.

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May 2, 2011 - Gaming industry leaders are confident that it’s only a matter of time before Internet gambling is legalized

It’s time to retire the phrase “if Internet gambling is legalized.” By now, it’s clear that the approval of online wagering, particularly Internet poker, is not a matter of if but when.

For online poker enthusiasts, the timetable got pushed back in mid-April when 11 owners and founders of three of the largest online gambling sites, PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, were indicted on bank fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling charges.

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May 2, 2011 - Top 10 responses to Black Friday

It's been just over two weeks since the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed indictments accusing the owners of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker of bank fraud, money laundering and UIGEA violations.

During that time, people in the poker industry have had time to digest what happened. And people have been reacting in several ways. Some have reacted with humor. Others have offered in-depth analysis, and still others have made or facilitated calls to action.


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April 26, 2011 - Caesar's Entertainment President and CEO Says to Legalize Online Poker

Gary Loveman the CEO and president of Caesars Entertainment says Instead, the question is this: "Should we seize the moment to legalize online poker, permit a safe and legitimate industry in the U.S., and bring those jobs and revenues home?" Unequivocally, the answer is yes.

The current ban on Internet poker has many parallels with the Prohibition of the 1920s. Business is being diverted from legitimate, respected companies that employ thousands of people to fly-by-night, underground (and in this case, foreign) operations.
 

Read entire article here.

April 25, 2011 - IMEGA Says Situation Was Ripe For Legal Action To Occur Against Poker Sites

It’s been a hectic 10 days for the online poker community. On April 15th, the founders of PokerStars, Absolute Poker, and Full Tilt Poker were indicted, along with eight others, on charges that included money laundering, bank fraud, illegal gambling, and violating the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act UIEGA 

Monitoring the situation has been the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association IMEGA, whose Chairman, Joe Brennan, told Poker News Daily that the situation was ripe for legal action to occur.

Read entire article here.

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March 21, 2011 - Iowa Gov. Branstad considering Internet poker bill

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he has not ruled out the possibility of backing a measure to legalize Internet poker that is being debated in the Legislature.
Branstad said he would need to learn more about the proposal if it cleared the Legislature and reached his desk, and acknowledged that many Iowans already play poker illegally on the Internet using sites based outside the country.
"Some of the people who are promoting it are saying, 'You've got this illegal offshore gambling that's going on,'" Branstad said at a news conference. "We want to prevent that from occurring and this would be a way of having it done legally instead of it being done illegally without the state getting any benefit from it."

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March 19, 2011 - Dutch government seeks to allow online gambling

(Reuters) - The Dutch government said on Saturday it wanted to grant licenses for Internet gambling services in the Netherlands and lift restrictions that hundreds of thousands of Dutch ignore every year.

The proposal, by a new coalition government that took over last October, represents a major policy overhaul for the Netherlands, which has defended an online gambling ban all the way to the European Union's highest court.

"It is a big shift (in policy), but this is a new government with a more liberal approach," said Jaap Oosterveer, a spokesman for the Dutch ministry of public safety and justice.

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March 18, 2011 - The Poker Players Alliance Applauds New Bill

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March 18, 1011 - Campbell introduces new federal bill