First Online Casinos, Now Internet Cafes

Adversaries to Internet Cafes and Sweepstakes Parlors in Florida are annoyed because they lack legal cause to shut down particular establishments that they are desperately trying to declare 'illegal gambling dens.'

These “gambling dens” are also known as Internet Cafes which allow patrons to purchase time to use computers onsite computers to check email and surf the internet. Here’s the issue, they can also play online games that resemble slots. Points earned can be redeemed for cash prizes. Does this sound anything like an online casino to you? There is no cause at this point so all plans of action must be held off until they can find a legal leg to stand on. The sting operation has been postponed at this point. “Sting Operation”? That’s a bit extreme and treading onto this territory is bound to infuriate already angry Americans. Sure, customers are buying internet time but they are not spending money placing bets and gambling online.

Those that are against the Internet Cafes and Sweepstakes Parlors state that they support closure of these establishments because they are worried about low income and under privileged folks losing their money on gambling. Others believe that the outrage is a moral crusade to instill their warped beliefs on the majority, who have no issue with theses cafes. The establishments don’t attract negative attention or complaints from neighborhood residents.

I read a statement on this topic at examiner.com which I totally agree with.

“Moral crusaders who claim to be worried about poor people should consider the economics of this issue on the already crippled, local economy.

A push for full scale casinos could provide the stimulus the area needs, and serve more than a handful of local law enforcement agencies who could better spend taxpayers money on genuine crime.”

Is this taking gambling prohibition in the states too far?

Smallest State with Biggest News to Legalize Online Gambling

Good things come in small packages and the state of Rhode Island is no exception to the rule. The smallest state in the US is about to take a big step in an online gambling reform. Before the rest of the country decides to pack their bags and head east the House of Finance Committee has to vote before it is finalized. It will be added to the budget proposal and looks promising for the RI residents. The bill was presented on Thursday and will take a few days before the voting takes place.

Twin Rivers land based casino owners in Lincoln are all too happy in offering incentives that would boost revenues. Adding an online casino to their land based operation would not only be lucrative for the land based casino but the proposal would be presented as an amendment to the $7.7 billion budget.

Executive Craig Eaton, owner of Twin Rivers is eager to be one of the first casinos to make available an online casino and is confident of its potential. What is not confident is how the votes will come in. Republican Russell Jackson commented that this would limit online opportunities to just Twin River and Newport Grand operations, stating: “Why would we want to do that?”

For the US gambler, this type of gambling news has all been heard before with Florida, New Jersey and Washington holding high hopes for a reform. One thing that is certain is more states giving legalization of online gambling more consideration than ever before. What makes it all the more interesting is that it comes on the heels of the DOJ wiping out existing sites that are accepting American players. It could very well be a promising time for the online gaming industry.

Anyone from RI? Is this the best news or what?

There is a Trace of Silver Lining for U.S. Gamblers

Dark clouds have only brought more doom and gloom for the US online casino gambler and gambling life has appeared bleak. For the most part there has been little gambling news that even gave a remote glimmer of hope since the DOJ stepped in on Black Friday.

That is until last week when a huge step in the right direction gave players hope for online casino action in the near future. A bill was introduced last week as the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2011. This bill would regulate taxing on online casinos. Barney Frank, D-Mass has been instrumental in bringing reform and lifting the UIGEA that was set forth in 2006.

This bill would impose taxes on any wins and would put the responsibility on the casino operator to report it. Up until now there have been no regulations on taxes and many gamblers never reported it. The US Government wants to ensure their slice of the pie and reap the profits in an industry that is a billion dollar market. Most of the revenue comes from the US player that makes up for the majority of online gamblers. It would be ludicrous for congress to pass up an opportunity that would bring in revenue and ease the deficit.

For many Americans paying taxes is a small price to pay to regain their freedom and rights. This gambling news comes just in time as the online casinos and players have grown increasingly weary.

There is a spark of silver poking through the dark dismal clouds instilling hope for legalization. Above very fitting quote comes to mind through the shadows.

“This is one small step for mankind; one giant leap for mankind” as Americans chant let freedom ring.

New Gambling Legislation for Nevada

With all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, it is no surprise that they are in the gambling news. I came across an article on gpwa.org regarding some new online gambling legislation taking place is Nevada. Here’s an excerpt from the full article posted on June 14, 2011.

NEVADA PASSES MAJOR GAMBLING LEGISLATION

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- What were the odds of Gov. Brian Sandoval signing a bill allowing gambling behind closed doors?

To most oddsmakers it was 3-2, as the gaming industry lobbied lawmakers in Carson City to give their customers the option to access their favorite slot machine, table game or sports book on the casino floor or in their hotel rooms.

It's a far cry from the days of small, uncomfortable hotel rooms in Las Vegas, designed to keep guests gambling in the casino instead of sleeping or lounging in their rooms.

"It's really the way the industry is evolving," said David G. Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "I think these bills will help Nevada casinos keep up with changing technologies."

Schwartz said that as more and more commerce and communication move online and on phones, it's only natural that people will want to place bets that way.

If you get the opportunity, take a look at the full article. I’m reading this as if the new online casinos will be accessible to visitors of the hotel. If I am staying in that casino I can access the games from my room.  How do you suppose that will be restricted?

Mobile casinos will also be allowed in various areas of the hotels. Again, I have to wonder how this will be restricted. I don’t have any technical experience in this area so the technical details of this project have me intrigued. If any tech savvy readers can shed some light on this, I would be very interested.

Will the World be a Safer Place Now?

In recent casino news, an article appeared in The Odenton Patch covering an Anne Arundel County Police Department press conference. The officers were celebrating the compensation for their assistance in the federal investigation which seized over $30 million dollars in online gambling funds. Photos were taken of them holding one of those massive sized checks. Although the operation was named “Operation Texas Hold’em,” it is completely separate from the crackdown on the major poker sites Full Tilt and Poker Stars.

So the story goes, the police force acted as a legitimate online payment processor processing payments for online gambling sites. This armed the U.S. federal government with the evidence they needed to seize funds deposited into these sites. The undercover processor’s website bears the following notice to people who visit:

                                              NOTICE

Linwood Payment Solutions is a Department of Homeland Security Undercover Business set up to identify and prosecute companies accepting and paying out funds for U.S. customers who gamble online illegally.

If you have questions regarding funds withdrawn from your bank account for gambling purposes contact the online gambling company you provided your banking information to.

I can just imagine how the how outraged Americans effected by this sting must be. They won’t see a penny of the money they deposited via the fake processor created by the government. Will they take comfort in the fact that the world will be a safer place? Well it will because the police force is using the reward money to beef up the department. The police received cash for disturbing the lives of Americans who just want the right to spend their money the way they want to. Although online gambling is illegal in the states, I still feel that these are innocent people who do not deserve to have their money stolen from them. They every intention of making a few bets but instead the money will be used to fund equipment for the Anne Arundel County Police Department.

Please share your thoughts.

Playboy: London Here We Come

Playboy is in gambling news with the prospect of opening a brand new Playboy casino, restaurant and store in the great city of London. Playboy bunny girls were a major fixture of the London scene in the sixties era at a Playboy Club in Park Lane. London has missed them but no fear, Playboy will return to the city after 25 years.

The new Playboy Casino is still in the early stages of planning. There’s a buzz surrounding the new establishment. Casino gaming buffs are already developing very high expectations of what the new establishment may offer. The Playboy casino is expected to offer the basics such as a good range of casino games like roulette and blackjack and elegant surroundings that only the Playboy brand can offer. It’ll be done up Playboy style! The classic Playboy bunny costumes are also anticipated so expect your scotch and water on the rocks to be served up by a bunny tableside.

The sky is the limit as far as plans for the restaurant and store. One thing is for sure, given the Playboy reputation, the new Playboy trio could evolve into one of the most popular tourist attractions in London next to the traditional sites.

Here’s a blast from the past. The Playboy online casino closed its virtual doors in January 2009. The site offered the acclaimed Cryptologic software with awesome graphics. I can only hope that Playboy brings back this gambling method by launching a new online casino in the future. Oddly enough, the U.S. based company did not accept American players.

Playboy celebrated its 50th anniversary in December 2003. The first Playboy magazine was published by Hugh Hefner in December 1953. Playboy is as powerful as ever. Some say this is due to its mature approach to style and elegance. C’mon it’s the bunnies. 

Playtech Mobile Games

Playtech, the gambling software giant, is in the gambling news again. I came across this article on the GPWA website with Playtech in the headline.

PLAYTECH TO DEVELOP MOBILE GAMES FOR BUONGIORNO

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Playtech, the international designer, developer and licensor of software for the online, mobile, TV and land-based gaming industry, is pleased to announce the launch of mobile casino games in fun mode for Buongiorno, in the Italian market.

Playtech is the amongst the first software providers to offer mobile casino games to the regulated Italian market, with Blackjack, Roulette and Jacks or Better available for the iPhone and Android platforms. The games will be available in fun mode, with real money mode to follow once regulation permits and in accordance with all regulatory requirements.

Buongiorno is a leading global enabler of the mobile connected life, providing a wide range of services to more than 130 telecom operators in 57 countries, 10 years experience in the mobile ecosystem and a team of 1000 professionals. Playtech's mobile casino games will be launched under Buongiorno's popular Winga brand, in full compliance with the Italian regulations set out by AAMS.

Playtech's Head of Mobile, Daniel Orkan, commented: 'This is a significant step for Playtech in the Italian market and in our ongoing partnership with Buongiorno, which will see the delivery of more innovative products as the year progresses. We are excited to offer mobile casino games to Italian players, which will be joined by the launch of online casino later in the year, in line with our strong cross-platform capabilities.'

Assen Diakovski, Head of Global Online Gaming, Buongiorno, commented: "Buongiorno's eGaming offering, Winga is set to develop across two directions in the coming few months, once regulations allow. Firstly, via the expansion on our existing gaming offering, to include lotteries, casino games and more; this is where our casino agreement with Playtech will play a key part, enabling this exciting expansion to happen. Secondly, the provision of the Winga offering on the mobile channel, leveraging Buongiorno's 10 years of experience in the mobile ecosystem."

Source: gpwa.org

Mobile casinos are the latest. I have yet to download one. Is the quality as good as when you’re playing from your PC? Do you feel just as lucky or unlucky?

Another Lucky Winner at JackpotJoy

What’s up with JackpotJoy? The online bingo site has announced another massive win. Lucky on slots is an understatement. The player has made gambling news when she recently hit a cash prize of above and beyond £500,000 on the Deal or No Deal slot game.

‘Annette M’ snatched up £511,103 last week at the JackpotJoy.com online casino.

“I am a £500,000 winner and am very, very, very happy and in total shock with the win,” said ‘Annette M'.

“I have no words and think I am still in big shock. It is very unreal to win that amount of money I can tell you.”

“There are many things that will be done with my wonderful winnings and more to think about but can I say that this is a life-changing amount and experience overall,” said ‘Annette M’.

“I will be looking to share my story with everyone. Thanks JackpotJoy.com.”

Now, about the slot game, it’s a five-reel and 20-payline slot. It’s on the popular television show, Deal or No Deal, presented by Noel Edmonds and holds the record for the largest payout ever awarded by JackpotJoy.com at a massive £1.96 million. I’ve played this slot and had absolutely no luck. I’m thinking that I might need to log back into the site and take a few spins on Deal or No Deal. Maybe I can hold the title for the biggest winner.

I did make it to the bonus round on this slot game in the past. I even whittled the cases down to two. One was worth £50,000 and the other worth 5p. I’ll let you guess which one I chose.

Have you played at JackpotJoy? What do you think of the site? They do have those free games if you’re a depositor. Anyone get lucky on the free spins? I’d love to hear from some lucky winners.

Golden Hat Bingo Breathes New Life Into Their Offers

Golden Hat Bingo, powered by Virtue Fusion, is in the gambling news announcing a revamped bonus program for new players. This is sure to make the gambling experience even greater for players. I know it makes me want to put on my golden hat for some bingo.

The United Kingdom bingo site now generously welcomes newbies with a brand new Welcome Bonus, Reload Bonus upon second deposit and Weekly Cash Back offer!

The new promos became effective as of June 1, 2011. The home page has been updated with banners displaying the new offers. If you glance at their news page the following is displayed.

“A big hi and welcome to all newbies! Here we have got fabulous news for you! Recently Golden Hat Bingo has revived the welcome offer; redeposit bonus and they have introduced weekly cash back rebates. We are quite certain that it will make the experience of sporting online games at Golden Hat Bingo more enjoyable one!

“Golden Hat Bingo has lots of thrilling bingo and mini games. Grabbing the free dosh will let you stay for long. Perhaps the best way to explore new games is to go easy on the pocket, isn’t it?” 

“That’s not all; you will jump for joy, when you get to know about the Cash Back Tuesday offer. Golden Hat Bingo promises that all Tuesdays are going to be extra special.”

“While new bees can enjoy this cash back from third deposit onwards, all regular players will automatically qualify for Tuesday cash back.”

Unfortunately for me, I’m a seasoned bingo player and may not take advantage of these new offers. They use WagerWorks software and the online casino at Golden Hat Bingo features some WagerWorks favorites. Among the slots available are Clover Rollover, Mafia Millions, Snow Queens Magic and Thor’s Thunder. 

The Latest in the World Series of Poker

In my online travels, I came across an interesting article in recent gambling news. The World Series of Poker is the biggest and most prestigious gambling event in the entire world. Millions of dollars in prize money are at stake not to mention the prestigious gold bracelet, globally recognized as a major feather in the cap of a poker player. Featuring a comprehensive slate of tournaments in every major poker variation, the WSOP is poker's longest running tournament in the world, dating back to 1970. Since Caesars Entertainment, previously known as Harrah's Entertainment, acquired the World Series of Poker in 2004, participation at the annual tournament has grown tremendously. The prize pool has reached a whopping $861 million. This exceeds double the total prize pool of the tournament's first thirty six years but this World Series of Poker event may have a rough start.

The U.S. federal government's seizure of online poker, beginning with Black Friday, the April 15 indictments that restricted the access of players from American to three of the world's largest online casino sites, could cast a dark shadow on attendance at the 42nd annual tournament. Poker players that have cash tied up in the sites as a result of the seizure may have no choice but to stay home. The 2010 World Series of Poker has been known to draw nearly 73,000 players from 117 countries, all playing for $187 million in prize money.

The WSOP will be telecasted on VERSUS. “It was a tremendous year for the WSOP Circuit with many amazing stories and improbable outcomes,” said WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart. “With the Stanley Cup playoffs coming to an end on VERSUS, we look forward to filling a weekly primetime slot each Thursday night in June.”

WSOP is a series of individual poker tournaments featuring multiple tour stops at a variety of Caesars-owned properties around the United States. Buy-ins can reach $10,000 and players collect points for each recorded in-the-money finish. Players with the most points or winning or placing at the final table of specific events are automatically qualified for the WSOP Circuit National Championship held in Vegas at Caesars Palace.