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After a year of competing at online gambling competitions for the $10,000 seat at the World Series of Poker (WSOP), the main event is about to open. This year, like in years past, it is Poker's biggest showdown. Unlike other sports or professional leagues, at the WSOP everybody has a chance to enter and compete, even to win! The events will start Friday with a record number of events - 55 of them over 47 days. Another sign of the grand size of the event is the coverage it will receive on ESPN, a total of 32 hours, up from only single-digit totals in previous years. Prizes are also up considerably compared to past years, to a record 12 million dollars in 2006. We promise to continue updating you regularly on the action, the prizes and the winners.
This month, members of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) will be gathering to discuss a wide range of the current year's online gambling issues. Possibly the most interesting topic to be debated will be the study of the impact of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) 2006, passed in October last year by President Bush's administration. It is very likely that the regulators may eventually change the harsh position of American state legislators. The implications of the UIGEA on individual states has somewhat diminished the authority held by state level counterparts. As a result, many believe that simply discussing its impact is 'too little too late'. However, anti online gambling politicians were quick to affirm that state legislative independence will not be harmed. According to a report this week, the NCLGS has changed its originally conservative and traditional opposition to gaming. Now, it is claiming to "not promote or oppose gaming but is primarily concerned with the proper regulation of the industry." So it says on their website. According to NCLGS President and Florida Senator, Steven Gellar, "We have agreed to reevaluate our position because that position was adopted by the organization four or five years ago and obviously there have been huge technological changes." This could have a great influence over the jurisdiction of the UIGEA on state legislative independence, as it is a regularly convened platform for US state-lawmakers to relate and discuss online gambling issues. Representatives from across the US will be attending, and will expectantly raise their concerns regarding the impact of the UIGEA on their ability to regulate gambling within their own borders. Additionally, they are expected to discuss the topic in relation to the recent efforts being made to modify it by means of licensing and regulation. The meeting will take place on June 9th via panel discussion, which will be titled "Internet Gaming Ban & Safe Harbors: Who wins? Who loses?" The panelists will include: David Robertson (former chair of National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling), Dan Walsh (leading lobbyist of the interactive gaming council), William Ford (corporate secretary of the Senior Council of Magna Entertainment Corp), and Michael Bolcerek (President of the strong lobbying group Poker Player's Alliance). Gellar recently stated that "states need to be able to determine what kind of gambling is legal in their states, and Internet gambling basically takes away that ability". Hence the purpose of the panel discussion will be to allow state legislators and regulators to discuss "whether they want it in their state or not." Furthermore, it will be an opportunity for NCLGS members to get updated on pertinent legislative actions from the UIGEA. An example of such an action is the attempt to interrupt financial transactions made via sites and companies, and the proposition of various politicians to introduce updated blocking technologies in accordance with a detailed study of Internet gambling in the US. Other topics that will be discussed include Rep. Barney Frank's bill to introduce a regulation and licensing regime, which Geller openly claims he is quite unfamiliar with. Geller has also clarified that the NCLGS is not authorized to take state policy positions, but rather, provide and update information regarding gambling. The issue at hand, however, is a tricky case, with some states having not even made it officially legal to play at the sites from their territories in the first place. Keeping all options open, Geller explained that "depending on what we hear, we may reevaluate our position". If the NCLGS does take on a new stance, its direct connections with US state lawmakers could eventually lead to official modification of the UIGEA in certain states or even for all of the US. Online gamblers are advised to follow this up, as it could mean good news for Internet gambling in the US and worldwide.
May 15th 2007 marked the awarding of the world's highest ever jackpot in online gaming history. First time Intercasino player, by the nickname Obaesso, landed himself exactly $8,014,514.93 during his first few minutes of playing the Millionaires Club progressive slots game,. A mere two weeks later, gold was struck again, when a Littlewoods player won more than $4 million while playing the same game - becoming the second highest online jackpot winner in history. Once a factory worker, Obaesso was astounded by his sudden unexpected win, and had to call the casino operators to verify the amount. Once verified, he and his wife jumped in joy for the start their new high-rollers life. This record win sparked online gamblers world-wide to flock to thre site and try their own luck, which caused the newly set progressive jackpot to escalate dramatically. Casino software provider President and CEO, Javaid Aziz, explained that "with a jackpot that climbed to staggering heights only two weeks after a record payout, Millionaires Club is one of the most popular casino games on the Internet today." The Millionaires Club is now undoubtedly one of the most popular online casino games available, boasting 5 reels and 9 pay lines. One of its best features is the ability to play several coin values without having to change machines. However the most attractive aspect of this game is that its progressive jackpot always starts at a minimum of $175,000. Players win on a regular basis.
Signed only earlier today was a licensing deal between two of the world's biggest entertainment experts Microgaming Systems and television's infamous Osbourne family. The agreement is to see Ozzy, Sharon, Jack, and Kelly, feature on an exclusive new, ground-breaking video slots machine, which will be launched later this year. According to Microgaming CEO, Roger Raatgever, "I can honestly say that when I came into this business I would never have believed that one day we would be welcoming Ozzy Osbourne and his family into the fold, but this goes to show how far we have come. Online gaming is well and truly part of the entertainment mix and we can't wait to launch our cutting edge Osbourne video slot to players". Just this month, Microgaming released two other new video slots, Hitman and the Lara Croft Tomb Raider series, both of which are already rapidly massive success among the online gambling community. Microgaming is now releasing new games on a monthly basis, averaging to about 60 a year, their latest installment being the "Jellyfish Jaunt", "Game On!", and "Double Bonus 50 Play power Poker". This new range of video slots has been the latest online gambling craze for the last two months, and the Osbourne family video slot machine is expected to be just as popular. Microgaming Systems has earned its title of the world's leading online games software developer, due to its cutting edge and graphic rich interface, personalized game player experience, and variety of special features, including multilanguage, multi player, live dealer, and progressive jackpot network. Meanwhile, Emmy award winning reality series, "The Osbournes", has been cited as the most viewed series on MTV since its launch in 2002. The last episode of the series aired in March 2005, and catapulted each and every family member into instant stardom. Although they are now following musical, television, and film careers, a new Osbournes series is about be launched by MTV in late 2007. With a licensing deal now signed with Microgaming Systems, you can soon catch all your favourite foul mouthed and erratic Osbourne family members at the slots too! Microgaming Systems is already reputable for its innovative and reliable gaming solutions, and its collaboration with four highly entertaining personalities is bound to be a hit. Raatgever says that "it will be a game to remember".
On June 8th at 10am, the US House Committee on Financial Services will conduct a hearing to discuss the viability of regulating online gambling in the United States at the Rayburn House office building on Capitol Hill. The hearing, titled "Can Internet gambling be effectively regulated to protect consumers and the payment system?" will be lead by newly appointed House Committee Chairman Barney Frank, who released the Internet Gambling Regulation Enforcement Act in late April this year. Congressman Frank's bill will repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enactment Act passed by President Bush in October Last year. Frank stated that "the existing legislation is an inappropriate interference on the personal freedom of Americans and this interference should be undone". The prohibition of Internet gambling in the US has indeed left American citizens who choose to gamble online without any meaningful consumer rights or protections. Frank's legislation proposes practical and enforceable standards to bring clarity to the business, and provide consumers the security they both expect and deserve. In addition, the act will establish a federal regulatory and enforcement framework to licensed online betting and wagering companies accepting US players, to the extent outlined by the individual's state, sports league, or Indian tribe. Such licenses would in turn prevent underage and obsessive gambling, money laundering and fraud. If the act is passed, it will exempt the ban for properly licensed operators, which as a result, will allow Americans to lawfully engage in their activities. Regulation will also bring about several other factors that have been considered by the House Committee, including the accumulation of billions of dollars to be used for paying expensive taxes, healthcare, and other domestic legislation. According to Congressman Frank, resistance is growing against the ban on financial transactions online. Already 19 Congress members have listed their support as co-sponsors of Frank's bill, including committee members Ron Paul (R-TX) and Paul King (R-NY). Congressman King has also pointed out that not all members who voted for the UIGEA necessarily opposed it, and that the conditions in which this meeting will take place are significantly more favorable. Lawmakers are hearing from people who don't like it now so I'd say the situation is very fluid, said Frank. Nevertheless, Frank admits that the congress may not be able to amend the ban too drastically, and the bill will in any case face an uphill battle. Therefore, many leading online gambling websites are now planning the encouragement of massive US player support for Congressman Frank's bill. Many players have also offered their support as witnesses to testify at the meeting, and the list of witnesses ranges from professional player Howard Lederer, to Gerald Kitchen, CEO of Secure Trading, LTD. The meeting which will discuss the feasibility of regulation is able to influence the UIGEA dramatically, and possibly even abolish it. With the combined support of both players, operators, and the entire community, online gambling in the US may eventually be lawful once again, and nullify what Frank calls one of the silliest laws that was imprudently adopted.
Brian Somers earns about 15,000 dollars a year as a self-employed gardener. For additional pocket money, Somers visits online casino sites. What is the difference, you ask, between the 39 year old and any of the rest of us? Well, this lucky gambler topped his previous biggest win of 80 dollars with a giant jackpot of 1,092,957 dollars on a simple 18 cents bet! Winning the PartyMega Jackpot, new millionaire Somers became the envy of many and the record holder for the website. When asked what he plans to do with his winnings, Somers said he will put some aside for his 6 year old son, buy a new car and expand his gardening business. Yes, there is money in gardening after all. Though it is not the field that produced this lucky millionaire.
The most exemplary gambling collection ever will be released for world-wide auction on June 16th at 10am PT at the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas and the "live auction" section of eBay. The event will be conducted by Gino Munari of Munari Auctions, and will be supported by CRG Auctions. Renowned gambling exert, Sidney H. Radner, has been collecting gambling merchandise and novelties for over 70 years. Stored in his own storehouse, he claims that this is the largest gambling collection the world has ever seen. The collection up for auction dates back to the 1930's, and ranges from prices of $2 to $13,000 and more. Collection items include games, cards, chips, catalogues, artwork, pull tabs, toys, and professional gaming equipment. The two most common forms of item will be books and gaffed devices. Additionally, there will be a vast array of more interesting items, including as a "poker limit" sign, a rare "money from paper" device, and a deck switching holdout. The collection will also contain extremely rare pieces, such as a bar-top Vintage 21 machine, an automatic card dealing machine, one of only two Diana layout's in existence, a vest poker slot machine over 100 years old, a poker spinneret game, and gimmicked dice. Some say Radner is as interesting as his collection, having become a specialist in cheating devices. This occupation lead the US armed forces to call on his aid during WW1 to conduct for them seminars on how to protect themselves from card cheats. He also wrote articles on the subject in official military newspapers, and made short training films for police and FBI departments after the war for similar purposes. Radner's exclusive collection can be purchased at the live Auction in Les Vegas, or online on eBay. The full collection is available for viewing at the Munari website, and seems a great source of "tradition" for all gambling lovers.
Games Marketing Ltd. has begun a joint marketing relationship with Yuzoz Ltd, to develop a random number generator (RNG) that will be as random as outer space. Powered by exclusive proprietary software that is capable of capturing data from live astronomical events such as solar flares, the winds of space, and the movement of clouds on Venus, this RNG can be used to help pick lucky numbers, and make decisions. According to Games Marketing CEO, Chris Reynolds, it "represents a truly unique opportunity for the gaming industry". Games Marketing and Yuzoz will establish the world's first ever outer space based RNG that will provide a live connection to the randomness of space, by means of orbiting satellites that capture data from the solar system. The data is then tapped and downloaded, and turned into a string of numbers by the company's proprietary algorithms. Reynolds says that "this venture will allow software companies and operators the ability to tap into live randomness from outer space to power their products. Software providers and operators across casino, bingo, poker, lottery, and skill games will find this very compelling". Indeed, if adopted, this innovative RNG development will raise fairness and gaming standards across the entire online gambling community. People have always been astounded by the occurrences of outer space, and the company believes that this development will allow for the incorporation of the galaxy's randomness into online gambling, including day to day decisions such as which casino to play at, how much to wager, and so on. Yuzoz have even used the RNG to choose their company name, which is based on the random patterns of the sun's solar flares of New Year's Day 2006 numbers generated by the received data were transformed into a lettering system that gave way to the company's name. Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Manbey, claims that his company "makes randomness fun players of all sorts of games, whether space themed or not, will appreciate our live, transparent, certified random data that springs from the very randomness of the solar system". A new team has formed to create the most random RNG in online gambling history. This space-based satellite development will capture the random events of the galaxy and transform them into random number series for online gambling games.
Alternative payment method Neteller has today released its latest update regarding the treatment of its US account holders. Although the announcement did not differ too much from their previous ones this month, the bottom line is this: US player funds will be frozen for an extended period without interest, and shares will be suspended. The company announced quite plainly that "in accordance with Neteller's terms of use, no interest on account balances will be paid." US player accounts have been frozen since January this year, and larger accounts held by American citizens will be most severely affected. According to Internet message boards, there are many players holding large sums of money in their Neteller account, and the denied interest they expect each month will cause serious financial losses. Furthermore, the promise to return online funds to US players within 75 days of a previous announcement made on March 21 has been cancelled. Neteller promises the eventual distribution of funds to its American customers, but not as immediately as some may have wished for. The announcement informs that the return of funds will happen only once the US investigation is concluded, which might take until July 13th. According to Neteller, "the distribution plan is now agreed upon, and the company anticipates implementing the plan upon the resolution of the investigation". Moreover, Group president and CEO of Neteller, Ron Martin, stated that the agreement on the Distribution Plan represents a milestone in our cooperation with the US authorities. While we are disappointed not to have been able to return funds to our US customers at this point, we believe that the steps we have made in our discussions are significant and we hope to be able to announce further progress with the USAO by 13 July 2007." An additional blow is directed at Neteller investors, whose company shares are to remain in limbo until further update. The reason offered by Neteller spokesman to this, is that "the continuing uncertainties the company faces". However, "the company is making progress towards achieving restoration of trading". On the other hand, the company has had approximately $60 million seized by US authorities. Neteller also advises US players that: A specific time will be established in which players will be able to access their accounts and make a request for their funds, however a request for funds will be the only available transaction. No fees will be charged to players who make online transactions at this time. When funds are distributed, they will be returned via electronic transfer to a bank account or by cheque to a mailing address, both of which should be confirmed by the account holder at this time. No requests for partial payments will be processed only full account sums will be returned. Further information regarding developments in this area, as well as dates and times for such transactions, can be found via email or online at Neteller's official site. Meanwhile, the court battles rage on.
The Safe and Secure Gambling Initiative has officially declared its support for the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act. The bill was introduced by Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), and is designed to create a taxation regime for Internet companies to be licensed under another Act, introduced only last week by Congressman Barney Frank. The regulation of Internet gambling would allow for lawful online gaming for all US citizens, and protect the individuals' freedom to use the Internet as they choose. It would also generate much needed funding for essential government programs from licensing revenues, an expected $6-25 billion in the first five years of enactment. In addition, the Act will protect against underage and problem gambling, identity theft, money laundering and fraud. According to the licensing legislation, all casino operators will be required to obtain a license from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). In addition, all license holders will have to pay 2% a charge of 25 of all funds deposited by a person wagering online. This will be paid only by the license holder, and not the person placing a bet, so the taxation will not affect players directly. However, they will also be required to collect applicable federal and state taxes from licensees and individual online gamblers. Evidently, McDermott's legislation serves as a companion bill to Congressman Franks Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act. The two bills combined would establish an enforcement and licensing framework for regulating the industry in the US, and therefore, cancel the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act signed by President Bush last year. Spokesman for the initiative, Jeffrey Sandman, explained that the government should not be telling Americans what we can and cannot do on the Internet. By prohibiting a popular, recreational activity that many millions enjoy in the comfort of their own homes, the US is also losing out on the opportunity to collect billions in revenue. Other bills are being introduced as well, including that of Congressman Shelley Berkley (D-NV), who is a co-sponsor of the IGREA. This proves the growing support for the Americans freedom to gamble, and for the need to reform. The Safe and Secure Initiative is now mobilizing massive support nation wide for the regulation of Internet gambling. With the activity regulated under the law, all online players and operators are encouraged to get on board.
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