Is Internet Bingo Affecting the Land Casino Market?

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

                The recent struggles that land casinos have faced in the industry, such as smoking bans, restrictions on slots machines and tax increases have not made an impact online casinos and bingo halls, according to the Telegraph this week.

 

                The UK based newspaper went on to say that the online bingo industry is generating revenues of some 600 million GBP. 888.com chief, Gigi Levy added, “Online bingo is booming everywhere. But it’s a mistake to link it to traditional bingo, because that’s a completely different proposition. Our women [online customers] are young, above average income and typical internet consumers. Land-based bingo is about elderly people, smoking and aggressive slot machines.”

                Levy mentioned that 888.com’s ladies’ bingo profits had quadrupled from their previous quarter, and suggested that the recent drop in land casinos could be due to the lack of exclusively female-oriented bingo.

                “People are cutting back on leisure, but they are staying home and spending only in the low tens of pounds a month with the chance of winning some extra cash,” said continued, “The beauty of it is there are very low costs and a huge number of players, so despite low margins, it is very profitable.”

                Based on a UK Gambling Commission study, the amount of online bingo participants increased from 250,000 to 500,000 in just one year in 243 registered and licensed bingo websites. The Telegraph further reports on newer bingo operators like ITV’s Emmerdale-themed website, the Sun’s new BSkyB, and even some games whose prizes are sex toys. Ann Summers is hosting a new bingo game with a “series of outrageous new nicknames,” where winners can exchange the number 66 from “clickety-click” into “kinky tricks.”

                A young female online casino player told the Telegraph that she preferred playing online because of more attractive nature of online bingo websites that offer much of the same features, “…but you can make a noise without being shushed by the old ladies, play in your pajamas and start a game at any time of the day.”

                The woman continued, “There are so many free bonuses and prizes. I feel sorry for land-based bingo because it’s really suffering, but online has so much more to offer.”

                Some still feel that much of the revenue lost in land casinos is due to the ever growing online market, but Steve Baldwin of the Bingo Association states that both are capable of flourishing in the market. “When online bingo was invented, land-based bingo feared the competition,” said Baldwin. “Now they have realized there is only a 10 percent crossover of their players. Within a year, there had to be some consolidation. People will start to value recognized online brands and recession might not be a bad thing, as the ‘me too’ brands won’t stay the course.”

                Because newer bingo websites are emerging into the market daily, and within a year seeing over 12,000 consumers, this may not be the case for land casinos. Comparatively, it costs much less to gamble in online bingo halls than it does any other form of internet gambling, and that is what many feel is drawing more people from the land casino market.

                The article ended with a young woman who opined, “Online is so easy and anonymous. I wouldn’t ever go back to club bingo. If it was a number, you’d have to call it 28 [in a state], but online bingo is like a number 20.”

Slingo Offers Bonus Package

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

               Many of us remember playing Slingo when we were first introduced to the internet. It was one of the first forms of gambling released on the internet, albeit it was played for free.  For this reason, long time online casino users will be excited to learn that the New Jersey virtual entertainment organization, Slingo Inc, has announced an online version of the “Slingo Bonus Deluxe” casino game, in keeping with the free game content on Slingo.com

 

                Slingo Bonus Deluxe is a free online slots type game; a combination of bingo and slots. The latest addition, Pixel Perfect, is the same as its land casino counterpart. Pixel Perfect will give players the feel of a live casino, as the same game is gaining popularity in land gambling establishments. The Bonus Deluxe game offers users over 20 real money games.

Any player who earns three Slingo Bonus Deluxe symbols from their active pay line will be given access to the Slingo bonus game. The premise of the game is that a player hits a flashing button in an attempt to win as many spins as they can. From there, bonuses will fill up rows, diagonals or the whole card. When a player successfully finishes a bonus game, he or she will be awarded Slingo coins that may be put toward a shot at entering the Slingo Sweepstakes. The Sling Sweepstakes offer cash rewards and other prizes.

                Aside from slots games, Slingo offers traditional Bingo, card games, puzzle games, and strategy games. A full list of tournaments running on Slingo can be accessed on the website, Slingo.com

Rome Casino Offers U.S. Players the Fastest Download

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

                The recent fear of making the online casino gambling market accessible to the U.S. has not closed the market for American players entirely. It seems that the risk of punitive action has not kept online gambling sites like RomeCasino.com from opening its doors to U.S. gamers, as new US-friendly software was recently developed by the company.

 

                The latest software now allows the U.S. market the quickest and easiest access to online casino gambling. RomeCasino.com hosts the fastest download in the industry with its tabbed games that enable players to participate in several gaming activities at a time. Players can instantly switch from one game to another. Studies show that it is the quickest loading platform in existence to date, doubly as fast as even Playtech, and four times as fast as Microgaming. RomeCasino accepts the three major credit cards, facilitating payment and withdrawal from U.S. customers.

                The online casino has been widely used in Europe for a substantial period of time and supports over one hundred exclusive games. American players will be pleased to know that the new software provides them with re-created, 3D versions of traditional online casino games like slots, video slots, video poker, roulette, multi hand blackjack and keno.

                Players just want to get to the table and play,” notes CEO, Josh Cartu. “We’ve developed a new cutting edge interface that cuts out wasted time searching through menus and sifting through games. I think they’re going to like that. And they’re going to be amazed at how fast our games download.”

UK Gaming Commission Releases Survey Results

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

               The UK Gambling Commission has made several developments in the online casino industry, based on statistical research and various interviews. This week the Commission released stats from ICM Research that encompassed 8,000 interviews between September of 2007 and June of 2008.

 

                According to the report, in this time period the Gaming Commission found that 8.8 percent of those interviewed had engaged in one form or another of online casino gambling, whether by computer, mobile phone or digital television in the prior month. The percentage has not varied from the previous year, which was up 7.2 percent since 2006.

                Of the 8.8 percent of people who gamble in online casinos, the majority are males between the ages of 18-44. Additionally, 5.0 percent of those who said they had participated in online gaming gambled in National Lottery activities. Of the 8,000, 6.2 percent were playing the National Lottery online. Computer or laptop was the most common choice for online casino gambling in the study at 6.9 percent, followed by mobile phone at 2.3 percent and digital television at 2 percent.

                The Gaming Commission releases a survey once every quarter (March, June September and December) to a nationally representative sample of a minimum of 2,000 adults. Each survey takes place mid-week and on weekends over the phone. The Gaming Commission will collect data from each quarter and average them for yearly reports, where the 8,000 respondents come into play. At a 95% confidence level, the margin of error for the survey sample stands at .06%

AGA Lobbies for Online Casinos

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

                Although the American Gaming Commission primarily favors land casinos, it has recently spent $400,000 in lobbying for internet casino gambling. The AGA’s top priority is to provide a better understanding for the casino gambling industry in bringing facts about gambling to the masses and to elected officials and media.

 

                According to the Associated Press, the AGA has also invested in tax legislation that would affect online casino gamblers, such as Hurricane Katrina tax bills and employee tip tax compliance. Joined by MGM Mirage, Harrah’s, Wynn Resorts and Bally Techonologies, the AGA has made several attempts to create non-profit organizations that would promote travel to the United States.

                Additionally, AGA seeks to educate the general public on the risks of problem gambling, and provides tips for responsible gaming. Since 2005, the AGA has introduced responsible gaming public service announcements via the Travel Channel in which they reminded casino gamblers “when you play for fun, you’ve already won,” as part of their “Keep it Fun” campaign. They raised over $115,000 for the National Center for Responsible Gaming.

                The AGA continues to lobby for online casino gamers and during April through June of this year, they lobbied Congress, the Interior Department, the IRS, the Treasury Department and the White House. Among the officials registered to lobby for the AGA was Democratic Brett Hale who at one time worked under Representative Ed Whitfield. The AGA keeps its US trade doors open to not online many top land casinos, but online casinos as well.

Casino Tropez Hosts Live Blackjack Tournament

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

               Online Casino Tropez, much deserving of its immense popularity among internet gamblers, has announced a new addition to the cornucopia of events and promotions. The international sensation in internet gambling, which already offers over 100 casino games, will now hold weekly live Blackjack tournaments in which all members will be entered.

 

                The live tournaments, running 24 hours every Tuesday, will allow Casino Tropez clients to track their position in the tournament. Players will be able to determine their standing in the event, as well as their opponents’ standing. The top twenty competitors will earn $50.

                Live Blackjack, offered only by a limited number of online casinos, is a supported feature in which players are dealt cards from a land casino dealer by means of a live video feed. This type of tournament gives players the closest experience to live play available through the internet, and a higher sense of security.

                Additionally, the online casino has offered a progressive Blackjack tournament in which players wagers and an already increasing pot collectively make up a whopping $179,000 grand prize. On top of that, the progressive jackpot is continuing to grow until a player eventually wins.

                Casino Tropez also has an elite live video poker promotion running, with a top prize of $2,000 and at least $50 offered to those who land in 32nd to 71th place. Combined with its high weekly welcome, loyalty, and reload bonuses, there is no question as to why Tropez has become the most popular in overseas online casinos.

Inside Gaming Issues an Alarming Response to Aspiritus

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

                Inside Gaming has issued a response to Aspiritus Gaming’s claims that it is responsible for the demise of the online casino operation. Inside Gaming has denied the allegations made, reporting that the were “totally unfounded” and that Aspiritus decided to end their operation of their own accord. Moreover, the team says that Inside Gaming absolutely complied with the terms of their contract in delivering goods and services.

 

                The statement provided by Inside Gaming says that the management agreement was signed off by Aspiritus’ attorneys. The online casino gambling management team claims that Greg Kennedy, who may have been involved in a pyramid scheme with World Games Inc, was also responsible for much of the site development for Aspiritus.

                “Aspiritus were paying all fees due up until May of this year. After that date when no settlement was received by the due dates Inside Gaming queried this with Greg Young, who had no idea as to why settlement had not been made. He referred the matter to Greg Kennedy who had been responsible for the authorizing all the past payments,” the statement read. “Some time later we were informed by Greg Young that Greg Kennedy had told him that he was to take instruction only from Clare Isaac, their legal counsel, and that in shirt he wished to pay Inside Gaming the money owed and close the operation down.”

                In what may prove to be bad tidings for Aspiritus users, Inside Gaming states that it was only recently informed of the online casino’s closing, and that no contact information was provided for players to collect their balances owed. Apparently, any recent attempts to contact Isaac were unsuccessful.

Clarion Gaming Announces Several Changes Within the Company

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

               A plethora of management changes to Clarion Gaming were announced this week, including the resignation of long-time CEO Sue Schneider, whose two year obligation to the company ended this month. Schneider has made it known that she will continue to advise Clarion in its online casino affairs. Additionally, the network has made promotions within the company and is developing more titles for the online casino gambling industry.

 

                Clarion CEO, Peter Rusbridge states, “We’ve got 60 years of i-gaming industry experience among those staff which is amazing for such a nascent industry. So we’re keen to leverage on both the knowledge and relationships that they have to continue to grow Clarion Gaming.” Rusbridge also mentioned that changes will develop in Clarion’s Missouri office.

                Promotions within the company include Mark Balestra’s introduction to Head of Digital Publications, Chris Krafcik as Editor to IGamingNews.com, and Jeanette Kozlowski and Emily Soboda as staff writers. Each new member to the news team will provide features in the news and internet gambling reports of the website.

                Dawn Kirkwood was promoted to Head of Conferences for the American operations, joined by Marketing Coordinator Karen Thompson and Operations Coordinator Dan Fitzgerald, and will therefore monitor the network’s involvement in the World Poker Congress, Next Generation in Gambling and the InDepth series.

                Finally, Nancy Krause and Tony Boschert were given the role of Head of Sales. Their new responsibilities will include servicing exhibitors and sponsors in the gaming network’s events.

                “This is an exciting time for Clarion Gaming as we create solid service operations in London, the Americas and Asia,” said Rusbridge, “Unlike other event or publication companies which cover a lot of industries, Clarion Gaming is of and for the gaming industry alone. We’ve been serving that industry in one form or another since 1990 and will continue to listen and respond to what the international gaming industry tells us.”

HR2140 Delayed

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

              Online casino gamblers are forced to wait another full month before it is made known whether or not Representative Shelley Berkley’s proposal to lead an independent study of online gambling fairs well in the House Judiciary Committee. HR2140, or the Internet Gambling Study Act, has gained the support of the online casino industry in its attempt to determine the true effect of internet gambling on the American public and economy.

 

                A full roster of 12 other bills, including one that encompassed deliberations on Karl Rove’s activities, are responsible for the delay in Berkley’s bill. The American Gaming Association along with several Congressmen feel that Berkley’s proposal provides a practical means of determining the pros and cons of regulating and taxing internet casino gambling. The study would take place over a full year, giving researchers more than enough time to thoroughly examine the effect the industry has in the U.S.

                Internet gaming has lead to much heated debate in Congress this year. Many politicians have not given solid reasons for their opposition to legalized online gambling. Others, ignoring the separation of Church and State, claim that their objections are a question of religious morals. Some believe that due to the addictive qualities of casino games, online gambling will have a negative impact on the American public. While Barney Frank’s efforts to legalize online casino gambling fell short of being implemented because of several Republican votes, many feel that HR2140 will be received well in the Committee. Even those in favor of land casino gamblers as opposed to internet gaming, like the American Gambling Association, have voiced their support for the bill.

BrightShare and TexoMobile to Partner with Wild Jack Mobile Casino

by Hillary LaClair, Senior Editor

               With the growth of the mobile casino industry, BrightShare Ltd, an exclusive partner to Jackpot Factory has announced an affiliation with Texomobile. The combined companies will now offer “wapmasters” their members access to Wild Jack Mobile Casino.

 

                Wild Jack Casino, an award winning gaming software and one of the first mobile casinos introduced to the market, is hailed as one of the best applications enabling internet gambling by way of cell phone. Wild Jack supports 14 games for mobile users: Scratch ‘n’ Score, 3 Card Poker, Jacks or Better, Pub Fruity, Baccarat, Major Millions, Treasure Nile, Fruit Fiesta, Roulette, Blackjack and three progressive jackpot slots games. Almost as popular as online casino gambling, TexoMobile easily makes up 20,000 consumers in the gaming market.

                “The expected and potential growth of mobile casinos is vast. Wild Jack Mobile Casino, together with BrightShare, is well positioned to offer end-users and affiliates an ultimate offering,” opined BrightShare Mobile Account Manager, Candice Evans. “Teaming with the immensely successful TexoMobile network is a significant move and we look forward to a long and beneficial partnership.”

                Vianney Settini, the CEO of TexoMobile also commented on the new partnership. “Wild Jack Mobile Casino’s game play is world class and will definitely be something that our end-users will love. As Always with TexoMobile, we have listened to our wapmaster and given them something they know their communities want.”

                TexoMobile users are also provided with a community forum and central network, via its MobPartner scheme. According to Wild Jack Casino’s officials, Wild Jack is the front runner of the mobile gaming market, and intends to offer consumers new games and software enhancements in the future to ensure the fullest gaming experience.

                 “As a world leading mobile casino, we’re delighted that our outreach will be extended further through this partnership,” said Robbie Guy, Marketing Manager for Wild Jack Casino, “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of mobile gambling, always offering our players new, exciting games and constantly enhancing the user experience. TexoMobile’s clients can be guaranteed a superb service from Wild Jack Mobile Casino and BrightShare, we hope that this partnership flourishes and that many more people can enjoy Wild Jack Mobile Casino.”

                BrightShare has been an established online gaming affiliate program since 1999, that boasts its exclusive partnership with “one of the most respectable and established gaming groups on the Internet (The JackPot Factory Group).” BrightShare’s guaranteed priority is to offer its affiliates the best level of care, supplying both general and detailed reports of user activity and the most current and innovative ideas for the mobile and online casino industry.

                TexoMobile is responsible for the creation of several mobile gambling communities like iGloo.mobi. and MobPartner. Founded by Guillaume Alabert, Shaun Zelber and Vianney Settini, TexoMobile has also enlisted the of mobile video technology specialists and programming gurus.

In joining with BrightShare and Wild Jack Casino (one of the initial fully functional mobile casinos), mobile gamers can expect the highest level of gambling. Additionally, affiliates will see their current traffic turned into revenue.