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The fact that law makers have gone out in full force on this issue, yet still tossing the idea around for some time, has left the gaming industry on a " put on hold" mode. This subsequently gives underground international businesses the freedom to pursue their operations. Tony Cabot, a market analyst, had conveyed to the Las Vegas Review Journal his take on the matter, saying, "When you force legitimate businesses to the sidelines, it opens the world to people who operate in gray or black areas." Michael Tew, a Bear Stearns Co. Inc. market analyst, added that the US Justice Department does not chase after unlawful gaming sites operated by foreign residents, but does indict US citizens for running Internet gaming sites. Of late , The U.S. House of Representatives approved an Internet Gambling Enforcement Act , that bars one from utilizing credit cards and other online methods of payment for gaming purposes . Though, the Senate has not taken any steps to see the bill through prior to going on holiday. Alan Feldman, a representative from MGM Mirage believes that the suspension by Congress may in fact benefit the industry. He said, "It gives (MGM Mirage) a chance to show regulators that we have developed a system ... by which government can become comfortable with legalized and regulated Internet gambling." Reports have shown that among the around 1,800 e-gaming sites globally operating, 75% of them function under nominal government supervision.
A new study conducted by Nova Scotia's gaming firm, shows that the cautionary signals on the gaming machines have succeeded to alert the potentially problematic player. After buying the new equipment, the Canadian province mounted a few more cautionary signals to the machine. Among the new features added, are an automatic cash-out button and a clock showing the amount of time elapsed from the start of the persons playing time. Last Friday, Julia Watt from the gaming company noted that the added clock feature showing the players duration time seems to be the most helpful element. Presently, the clock signals after a 60 minute time period. However, Miss Watt stated that the warning clocks will start to signal earlier than programmed, signaling after 30 minute durations. The study also revealed that forty percent of gamblers who participated in the review agreed that the clock feature did in fact assist in controlling their obsessive gambling activities. Though, the study also revealed that albeit players minded their time at the machines, it didn't affect the amount of money put in. Miss Watt believes that as the study shows, one can only assume that a larger scale of players have been taking to the new VLT machines.
iCAfma was established to guard against shady operators who could pose as a threat to casino affiliate companies since this is a growing industry that could reach multi-billion dollar proportions. Its emphasis is on setting up a code of ethics and standards and optimum business practices for the casino and affiliate marketing industry. The organization has opened its door for membership to any company willing to abide by the established rules of conduct as stipulated in the iCafma.org Manifesto. According to Olschewski, "The casino affiliate marketing industry is blossoming and promises to become a multi-billion dollar revenue stream for online casinos and sportsbooks. We must take action now to nurture and protect this business model, before unscrupulous operators muddy the waters for the rest of us. The iCAfma.org Charter Members are taking the lead to establish the best practices. Others must follow or be excluded and shunned by affiliates." The not-for-profit association, Internet Casino Affiliate Marketing which puts much emphasis on "keeping it fair in casino Revshare" proudly proclaimed its charter member list: Club Dice Casinos, Fortune Affiliates, Casino Paycheck, Golden Star Network, House Winnings and Refer- Back. These companies are the leaders in the casino affiliate network. The first summit meeting for charter members of the internet casino affiliate marketing industry is planned for December 5-7, 2002. It is to be held at the Atlantic Resort and Casino on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Casino and sports operators are relying more and more on affiliate programs and performance marketing for their online strategies. Worldwide professional affiliates are moving traffic to the online gambling sites on the basis of pay-for-performance. Profits are skyrocketing for independent operators and casino affiliates. Because of this successful aspect of the industry shady businesses are cropping up. Immediate action is therefore needed to protect the dignity of bonafide industry members. Further the Casino Affiliate FORCE/2002 has taken upon itself to become the leading casino networking function of the year. They will be focusing on education, network quality and business growth. Casino Affiliate Force 2002 will make its mark in the area of ethics and standards by those companies who will uphold to the necessary ethical standards.
A number of online gaming companies, such as Dacom Multimedia Internet Inc, have already been subject to the suspension. The deferment includes a 60 day service freeze, as well as a revision of the current status of fifteen cash play online games, such as poker and mahjong. Before given the green light to proceed with business as usual, the companies need to be evaluated by the Korea Media Rating Board (KMRB). Trepidations have been arising, over certain trendy children games such as Tetris, which has entered the gambling arena. Under Korean law, online gaming players who win, only receive cyber cash as their prize, which has no true worth. However, of late, gaming winners are awarded with online shopping coupons and lottery tickets. A representative for Dacom Multimedia explained that there may have been some confusion on the part of the KMRB on the subject of game play and money. Although, an executive from KMRB commented on the matter, saying, "We consider any game that allows the conversion of cyber-money to cash or the equivalent in the form of gifts to players as gambling, and therefore illegal."
Last month, the Chinese province of Jiangxi introduced a new admission card constraint to the entire 3,200 Internet casinos in the area. In an attempt to crack down on computer crimes and lawbreaking offenses, the card will work as an identifying device for authorities, to assist in screening Internet user's activities. The admission card requires computer users to fill out a registration form, including their Name, age and address. This information is then recorded and stored in a police database system. Internet customers will have to buy a card when entering an Internet casino; which is run through an identifying device when they go online. Authorities who are appointed to oversee the new system will be signaled if a user tries to enter an illegal site, such as pornography, gambling, foreign media and religious and human rights groups. Apparently, Special Forces also sift through e-mail messages, as well as surf the network for illicit material. An unidentified representative for the computer offense division in the regional center of Nanchang, commented on the new system, saying, "This system gives us more power to prevent crimes and identify criminals on the Internet."
Turnkey Bingo, to be introduced, along with an array of different bingo games such as, Taj Mahal progressive jackpot games, Golden Gate pattern games, Acropolis´ European-style bingo, and Big Ben 90-ball bingo, will take off through Boss Media's current gateway site. The games will also offer a side betting option to bet on partnering bingo players, as well as fast gimmick games such as on spot scratching cards and slot machines. In tandem with the new Bingo Arena site, dealings of full systems to media trades , charity groups, and to privately and state owned gaming venues , are anticipated to produce considerable profits. Those who receive license to run the programs will get a package deal, to include an all around payment system, a customized gaming system and a repair and safeguarding department. Boss Media's chief executive, Peter Bertilsson, who participated in the European based Bingo lotto T.V. show, commented on the new game division, saying, "Bingo lotto taught us the power of Bingo, and our experience from the casino world has taught us a winning combination of marketing, technology, security and quality."
Due to the argumentative profit making business carried by a governmental atmosphere currently oxidizing the US, the booming online casino industry has repositioned itself to face a number of lawsuits from past licensees along with a fast changing perception of the gaming arena. Last week the company fell to a 7% low, placing its value on the Toronto Stock Exchange on a four year plummeting mode. An "uncertain" fourth quarter is what lies ahead, and we will have to hope for a positive profiting future.Lewis Rose, the new CEO of the firm, believes that the emphasis now needs to be placed on Europe and Asia.In the interim, Cryptologic has already started to turn the wheels, securing a number of established holds, such as Littlewoods, who was awarded an Isle of Man license and has already been launched and the Ritz, who is on a pending mode for a consent from Alderney. The company's current clients hold prominent names in the industry and both were certified by the "Teir One" authorities, stationed outside the UK and who are known to follow a strict regulatory system.Mr. Rose commented on the Industry's current situation, saying, 'We believe that there will be a global trend toward regulated environments. It brings the industry into the sunlight. We'd like transparency, we'd like regulation, and we'd like players to feel secure and safe in an environment where they spend their money on this form of entertainment."Dan Walsh, a spokesman for Cryptologic and other I-gaming companies and a Washington activist said, "I think the US will get to regulation and licensing eventually, but it's going to be a trickle."On the other hand market forecasters, who stood by Cryptologic in the past, are no long er interested on tracking the firm. Brandon Osten, an analyst for Sport Securities, and once a "tracker" for the company said, 'It's a highly profitable company that practically prints money - but there is a lot of risk."
In the interim, Tennessee constituents approved a referendum to do away with the current states "ban on lottery" status, thus opening the door to a state run lottery with the intent on subsidizing education programs. However, in Iowa, there seems to still be some issues not resolved, such as riverboats among anti- gaming and pro-gaming factions. Frank Fahrenkopf, the head of the American Gaming Association, commented on this particular issue, saying, "The most important election was Iowa, where 11 counties by state law have to reauthorize the operation of riverboat casinos every eight years." North Carolina, Idaho and Arizona, where also rubbed with pro gaming proposals. The gaming issue surfaced in 23 gubernatorial races and subsequently pro gaming candidates in 13 states won nominations. Pennsylvania and Maryland pro gaming governors were nominated and New York, California and Nevada governors where re-elected. Jason Ader, a market analyst for Bear, Stearns & Co., commented on the recent elections, saying, "Given large shortfalls in many state budgets, the potential expansion of gaming to fund various state programs has become an important element of many politicians' platforms."
Scandinavia's leading gaming company, AB Svenska Spel, has expanded its associations with Boss Media, introducing a new online casino. Hot off the press, created by Boss Media, Svenska Spel has introduced its new online "Casino Cosmopol" for gaming goers all around Sweden, to enjoy playing from an array of games such as Blackjack and Roulette. As Boss Media, rubs shoulders with Svenska Spel, at the same time it has been expanding its online plate to include an offer to create lotteries, digital scratch cards and an array of quick games. To take it up a notch, it was mentioned that Boss Media may veer into the digital TV and mobile phone sector as well. The head chief executive of Boss Media, Peter Bertilsson, commented on its new ties with the Scandinavian Company, saying, "Svenska Spel is probably the most expert gaming operator in Europe. The fact that it is putting even more trust in Boss Media is of course great and very stimulating." Today, many well-known gaming venues are heading towards a more widespread digital gaming portfolio, thus boosting Boss Media's reference profile as they bond with Svenska Spel and look towards future business deals. The Business Area Manger at Svenska Spel for Direktkanalen, Mikael Franzen, had positive remarks to say about the new contract with Boss Media. He said, "We are very pleased with our cooperation with Boss Media and hope that this agreement will result in an even better gaming service on the Web,"
Industry leaders focused their dialogue on customer service and efficiency improvements. Keynote speaker, Jim Murren, president of MGM Mirage, the giant Las Vegas casino, told his audience of the state of the art software innovations that Mirage was using at its Las Vegas venues. These innovations include quick "click of the mouse" access by Mirage employees to follow construction and renovation projects to link group sales from hotels to different casinos or to place orders for between company offices. A "credit card" was offered to players that could be used to accumulate points in one casino and cashed in at another for show tickets or to charge a dinner in their hotel room in another casino location. All this linkage would be updated within 8 seconds. Murren said," They (customers) love it. They want us to know everything about them. They want to be recognized for their value."
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