Because online casino gambling has gained an enormous amount of popularity in Spain and Latin America, Slotland.com has provided the Spanish community with another venue. Its new internet casino, open to the Spanish speaking community can be found at Es.Slotland.com. The slot machines, video poker and progressive jackpots now made available are tied to prize pool of the English site.
Es.Slotland.com mirrors Slotland’s most popular games, and has introduced a Spanish speaking support team trained specifically to assist users of the new casino. The launch of the website was very much due to a recent survey that was conducted that showed that 130,000 internet casino gamblers hailed from Spain last year. This represents a 47 percent increase from 2006. Additionally the 650 Euro spent by Spanish gambling showed a 57 percent increase from the year before.
MECN, a Munich based research team says that the Spanish market may grow to as much as 4.2 billion Euro in two years (and 39 billion in three years), noting that Spain is a huge contributor to the market and revenue of the industry.
Ondrej Tuma commented, “We have players all over the world – in the UK and Europe, in North America, in Australia. One thing they all have in common is they all like innovative new games like ours, they all like to have their winnings paid quickly, and they all need to trust any online company they deal with.
Our Spanish players enjoy Es.Slotland.com because we’re always adding unique new games, we have an excellent Spanish speaking customer support, and our progressive jackpots are very frequently hit for over one hundred thousand dollars.”
The talks that took place in Washington this week between a European Union delegation, US officials and USTR officials involving the further disputes made against the US for its discrimination against overseas gambling facilities did not go well, the Reuters news agency reports. Little was said the move the case forward, business as usual for U.S. trade delegates.
Moving in the same direction as every other trade dispute with the U.S., the American Trade Representative’s office refused to change its outlook or policy on overseas gaming, and any EU efforts to argue that the U.S. shows domestic favoritism, were immediately “rebuffed.”
An official statement is yet to be made, but many speculate that the dispute is most likely to end in an expensive WTO legal confrontation. If the EU involves the WTO, showing the substantial loss they’ve suffered because of the U.S. discriminatory enforcement, the expenses will be severe.
According to Reuters, who spoke with a legal representative for the Remote Gaming Association, the European trade association has urged the EU to take punitive action against the U.S. in the internet casino gambling issue. Lode Van Den Hende commented, “It looks very much as if this matter will… be sent to the WTO at the end of the commission’s investigation.”
Reuters has also reported an anonymous EU official had commented 4to inevitability of further action, claiming a report would be put together by November. Following the report, the EU would have to decide which course of action to take, the most probable being an arbitration with the World Trade Organization.
Live Gaming Systems, an online casino gambling developed based out of Limerick, Ireland, will launched the world’s first multiple casino live dealer feature at this month’s EiG exposition in Barcelona.
Live Gaming Systems has announced that this new feature is the first of its kind in the online casino gambling industry. The company will not just offer that players be dealt cards from a real licensed land casino, but the offer will encompass several websites. In doing so, online casino players will provided with a higher feeling of security in gaming odds, game selection and casino choice, according to the company.
“We are very excited to showcase our new live game services at the EiG conference,” says Michael Ryan, LGS CEO. “This is an opportunity for the top players in the land-based and online gaming industries to see how we effectively marry to the business models in a way that is mutually benefitial, and of course profitable.”
The new feature Live Gaming Systems offers will also benefit land casino owners. Land casino operators will take a share of the growing revenue that the live dealer feature will generate, and display their offerings to those playing from home. Additionally, land casino users may access the casino from home where they may have not done so otherwise.
LGS will begin the transition broadcasting live baccarat and roulette games from Fitzpatrick’s Casino in Limerick and the Malpas Casino in Cyprus. More games will be added when the system gets up and running.
“We are delighted to be the first land based casino on the LGS Casino Boradcast Network and we look forward to extending the Fitzpatrick Casino live gaming experience to a massive global audience,” stated Ian O’Halloran, Fitzpatrick Casino Director. “I am confident that our relationship with LGS is the optimal and most profitable live gaming strategy available to Fitzpatrick’s Casino. The integration with our facility has been seamless and we look forward to a long and productive relationship with LGS.”
The latest attack that Congressman Barney Frank has launched on the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, HR6870 or the Payment Protection Act, was passed through the mark-up stage in the House Financial Services Committee and is due for a vote in the House. The Payments Protection Act was designed to halt the enforcement of the UIGEA “except to the extent as any such regulation pertains to wagering of the type that is prohibited (as of the fate of the enactment of this Act) under chapter 178 of title 28, Unite States Code (relating to professional and amateur sports protection.)”
After an intense debate by both parties, HR6870 was passed to the House with a positive vote of 30-19 this week. The most recent of Frank’s bills would additionally keep banks and other financial institutions from permitting wagers on professional sports leagues in the United States. Finally, the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve will be forced, in team with an independent Administrative Law Judge, to more clearly define what is and what is not considered illegal online gambling. This is an action that Frank and other lobbyists have been fighting for for some time.
Many national sports leagues are obviously not in favor of HR 6870, and Congressman William Lacy Clay responded, “I’m alarmed that the major league sports would come forward to announce their opposition to the bill. I’m puzzled by their stance especially when you have legal sports books in Las Vegas. I can’t figure out what the difference is between internet gambling and Las Vegas sports books is.”
Lacy continued, in reference to the UIGEA, “Sometimes we should be willing to admit when we made a mistake and passed a law that’s unenforceable.”
Frank made note, in the debate, of the ambiguous nature of the UIGEA. He showed the hypocrisy of the U.S. law concerning internet casino gambling by pointing out the exemptions for horse racing, state lotteries and fantasy sports betting. “How people spend their leisure time should not be made illegal or encouraged in a free society,” said Frank. “If you’re going to [impose restrictions using the UIGEA], you’re hijacking the banking system. If this bill is passed, I would still like to repeal the law. Under this bill, at least the banks will know what is and isn’t illegal.”
Jeffrey Sandman of the pressure group Safe and Secure Internet Gambling Initiative commented, “This important vote acknowledges that the previous attempt to prohibit Internet gambling was overly burdensome and unworkable. We hope this vote indicates a willingness of Congress to develop a more sensible approach towards Internet gambling. Rather than prohibit an activity millions of American enjoy in the privacy of their homes, just as they can do in a casino, Congress should create a framework to regulate Internet gambling as a way to protect consumers and collect billions in much-needed federal revenue.”
The amendment to the bill that was later introduced by Frank would require a detailed list from the government within sixty days showing banking institutions which activities are illegal and which are not.
Microgaming has released another movie themed flash slot game this week. Eager online casino gamblers will now be able to enjoy the highly anticipated “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” flash slots, as well as revamped Cashapillar and Avalon. With flash games, internet casino players can play immediately using their web browser instead of downloading the casino software, making them very popular on the market.
The big hit, “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” is another sure sign of Microgaming’s success over the past years both in the industry and among other companies. It is based on an American cult classic and is a pub slot game full of recognized themes from the film.
Microgaming CEO, Roger Raatgever reports, “We are delighted to have cool dudes, Bill and Ted on Board with us and feel this license deal is another great testament to Microgaming’s outstanding position within the market and of our commitment to providing our operators and players with the best gaming experiences on the web.”
With the booming success of the downloadable Cashapillar game this year, Microgaming has also released a flash version including, Wild, Scatter, Freespins, Multiplier and Gamble features, and an additional five symbols for every real and 100 lines.
Finally, Microgaming celebrates the release of a flash version of video slot Avalon, an “epic-themed” games whose illustrations and big prizes make it a favorite in the online casino industry.
Fredrik Sidfalk and Henrik Bergquist of the Betsson group have spent the last few months establishing an online casino, dubbed Mr. Green.com. Mr. Green will be powered by Swedish based gaming provider, NYX Interactive, and managed by Mikael Pawlo and his 10 man team.
For now, this online casino is available in Swedish only but has bigger plans for the future of Mr. Green. Because NYXBingo is gaining more popularity among online gambling merchants, the software developer is hoping that Mr. Green will provide NYX Interactive with a different consumer base. One of the more attractive features about NYX software is the ability for its users to set their own playing limits. For online casino gamblers wishing to play more responsibly, they may set a daily, weekly or monthly limit on how much they are willing to spend; or lose.
“Strategically, Mr. Green is an important partner for us and we are extremely pleased that they have chosen NYX as their partner in this casino venture,” Staffan Lingren, NYX Interactive CEO stated. “In our opinion, and we have been around a while, we see casino [gambling] entering a new phase in its product lifecycle. Our casino will take market share fast.
“Mr. Green has chosen a casino product with a completely new look and feel and we have been inspired, among other things, by the iPhone’s navigation and have also added clear information on responsible gaming.”
Mikael Pawlo added, “Through this agreement with NYX, Mr. Green has a strategic partner with whom to develop a casino experience above and beyond the usual.”
Mr. Green was officially launched last month and offers a wide variety of table games, such as French Roulette and Blackjack, slots games like Hill Billy Haven and Tiki Treasure, as well as a multitude of video poker and lottery games.
Six weeks after the online casino industry was introduced UK based Ivobank, the financial institution has skyrocketed and spread to France, Italy and Germany. The online bank whose forte is online payments and money transfers is a godsend of sorts to internet casino merchants, affiliates and players.
The company, owned by Indonesian billionaire Putra Sampoerna, was initially opened in UK, Span, Ireland and Canada. However, with payment processors thinning, Ivobank has already seen a great deal of activity. Because of the cross border online payments that Ivobank accepts, business is starting to reach the rest of the world.
Timothy Sawyer, managing director of Ivobank commented, “More businesses and people are now choosing to bank online, make payments and transfer money on the internet. Following our successful launch, we are looking forward to opening up our rapid payments service to more customers across Europe and plan to introduce our service to even more European countries shortly.”
Ivobank assures its clientele private and secure payments, around the clock customer support by way of phone, live chat and e-mail, competitive interest rates, a virtual debit card that may be used anywhere where MasterCard is accepted, and finally a commission free money transfer.
Ivobank has no initial sign-up fee, low transaction fees and multi-currency settlement in Europe, making it a great venue for online casino users. The internet bank is available in France, Germany and Italy and is regulated by the FSA in Britain.
Microgaming has announced its latest additions to its software, including a multi-level video poker game, a slots game which has been deemed as racy, and a “noble feast” feature this month. The software developments add a new element to slots and video poker.
Microgaming’s Jacks or Better has gained a significant amount of popularity recently in the Multi Level Power Poker series, compelling the software developer to release another. Deuces Wild Level Up Poker allows online casino players to gain levels in the game and increase their reward with every stage. 4 levels allow gamers to obtain an 8x multiplier. Additionally, the game features a “double your money” opportunity that appears randomly and can be worth up to 3,200 GBP if an user picks a card with higher value than the card that he or she holds. The game entails one hand of poker for each level, using a different deck every time. Betting in Deuces Wild may vary from 1.10 to 1.00 with a maximum bet of 20.00 GBP. If a Royal Flush is had, users are given a jackpot award of 4,000 coins.
It doesn’t end there for Microgaming, who leads the industry in multi featured American and Australian style video slots games. Online casino slots players will be impressed with Microgaming’s First Past the Post, a 5 reel, 25 pay line game which features crisp graphics, images of horses, punters, champagne, trophiesand the real sounds of a racetrack. First Past the Post allows users Wild and Scatter play, 30 free spins with multilpliers attached, and cash up to 40,000 GBP in base game and free spins. Players may also double or quadruple their earnings if they choose the right suit or color.
Finally, Microgaming has launched its 5 reel 20 pay line video slot Sir Winsalot, a medieval themed game. Online casino players have the ability to win with two Scatter options, a “Wild Knight” to make winning combinations and 10 free spins with a 3x multilplier. Sir Winsalot is laid out as a medieval feast with dancing dames, jesters, minstrels, flashy goblets and of course Sin Winsalot complete in armor and treasure. A second screen bonus game is also available. Players may win up to 25,000 GBP in the base game, &5,000 in free spins and 6,000 coins in the bonus game.
There is no question why Microgaming has gained so much popularity in the online casino industry when it provides some of the most innovative games, free spins and high earnings. Second to few, the software developer continues to dish out what the public demands.
NETeller announced its new partnership with Cardsave, a UK based financial and business provider for independent companies. Cardsave is currently affiliated with 28,000 retailers. In addition to the e-wallet and Net+ cards offered by NETeller, Cardsave allows the payment processor to accept international non-card payments. This will prove to be very beneficial for the online casino gambling community as e-wallets have become more limited than ever.
The latest program, Netbanx, allows merchants to accept payment online, contact centers, mail order or from automated phone systems via credit or debit card, direct debit or more obscure forms of payment such giropay and iDEAL found in smaller countries. The partnership provides the best solution to online casino companies world-wide.
“Through this relationship with the NETeller Group, Cardsave has again shown its commitment to bringing leading and innovative products to our members. The NETeller payment suite is the best solution to remove the barriers for UK companies to compete with other retailers online- both inside and outside the UK,” said Clive Kahn, Cardsave CEO.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of NETeller, Ron Martin, added, “Our services help drive merchant success through innovation, simplicity and value. The Cardsave agreement means that the NETeller Group has significantly extended its distribution and business opportunity for the Netbanx gateway, NETeller e-wallet and our other services.”
NETeller promises that these new services will provide online casino users the most private and secure forms of payment on the market. The Net+ prepaid card will be made available to e-wallet users by October of this year.
Adam Fine, a respected writer for Casino Player magazine, died at the age of 39 shortly before the publication’s 20th anniversary celebration. Fine, very popular in the online casino industry, was widely known for his jocular yet well informed writing style. His untimely death was determined as the result of a stroke.
Fine joined the team when he was just 17 years old. He took over as editor in chief just a few years later when his predecessor was needed for other exploits in the industry. His witty musings soon launched the magazine into the success that it enjoys today.
Casino Player is widely read in the online casino industry and was introduced by Adam’s older brother Glenn and Roger Gros in 1988. Friends paid tribute to Fine this week, including his manager Frank Legato who remembers him as the driving force behind Casino Player magazine.
“Whether writing about the trends of gaming, a great new hotel, or a fine restaurant, his prose had a way of drawing the reader into his world and making him experience that particular casino resort, restaurant or amenity right along with the writer,” Legato writes. “Adam’s secret was that he wrote as he felt. His writing revealed his own lust for life, his love of fine dining, his love of great entertainment. Adam savored each of the finer things of life, and invited his readers to do the same. Thousands responded with undying loyalty to Casino Player magazine.”
