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Top online casino company PartyGaming has reached an agreement with the US Attorney's Office (USAO) to pay a sum of $105 million to avoid prosecution under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The amount equates to fines leveled at the company for the provision of "Internet gambling services to customers in the US prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) on 13 October 2006." Paying Their Way Out of a Crisis Following payment of this heavy fine to the Attorney's Office, PartyGaming has essentially entered into a non-prosecution agreement with the US government. This agreement enables PartyGaming to avoid prosecution of its activities or those of any of its subsidiaries. Under the agreement, the USAO will not charge PartyGaming for providing Internet casino services to American customers prior to the release of the UIGEA. Future Optimism PartyGaming has agreed to pay the fine in semi-annual installments until the final day of September, 2012. The fine must be settled out of existing funds, and cannot be paid out of projected income. While many see the fine as excessive, PartyGaming themselves have weighed up the pros and cons and realise that they had no choice but to reach the settlement if they wanted to stay afloat. Many industry partners will breathe a sigh of relief at the PartyGaming settlement which signals a measure of flexibility coming from US authorities, and provides future hope for government and industry cooperation.
The first Casino Affiliate Convention in Amsterdam was held back in 2002. The online gambling industry has changed several times since, but some things remain constant. One of them is the event. Another is its organizer. CAC organizer, Marc Lesnick, organizes the event, sets the schedule and avails himself to any exhibitor and visitor who are in need of some help or advice. During CAC Amsterdam 2009 Marc talked to Online Casino Reports about the event and other CAC events held over the year. The event, which focused on Internet marketing strategies for Europe, is a product that developed over the years. The schedule includes 2 or even 3 lectures and panels going on at any given time, in rooms around the main exhibit floor. Moreover, CAC organizers actually assist exhibitors with renting equipment from local stores, and get all involved during the event - around the exhibit booths and at the talks. As for the future, Marc Lesnick assures us of the prominent place that CAC Amsterdam has and will continue having in the casino affiliate market, and hints at other local, niche markets such as South America and even South Africa.
The second legs of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals take place Tuesday and Wednesday, with a lot of attention focusing on the match between English rivals Chelsea and Liverpool on Tuesday night. Chelsea, which won away to Liverpool in a stunning first-leg upset, 3-1, starts a 2.25 favorite to win again at home and ensure a place in the semis. Liverpool, which needs at least a two-goal, if not three-goal win, to defeat Chelsea overall and progress to the semis, is 2.75. The draw option is 3.20. Also on Tuesday night, Bayern Munich has almost no chance of overturning a four-goal deficit from the first leg against Barcelona, but starts only a slight underdog of winning the second leg at home, at 2.75. Barcelona is the 2.20 favorite. Wednesday's fixtures provide more mystery than Tuesday's. Porto will look to cap a stunning upset over Manchester United after holding the Red Devils to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week. The bookmakers are tipping United will still do the job in Portugal despite last week's surprise. Man U starts 2.10 favorite against Porto, which is 3.20. A tie is 3.00. However, given that Porto goes in with the advantage, both teams are listed at 1.83 to win overall and qualify for the semi-finals and a shot at European glory. In the final match of the round, Arsenal goes in heavy favorite against Spanish side Villareal, after coming back from Spain with a 1-1 draw last week. The Gunners are firm 1.53 favorites to beat Villareal, which starts at a long-shot 5.50. Barcelona is overall tournament favorite at 2.25. Place your bet at William Hill Sports where a Bet One, Get One Free promotion is offered.
Japan now has an exciting and interactive software product, compliments of 888 Live Dealer. The all new system provides players in Japan with many added features including live dealers, new games and increased betting limits. Benefits The software provides for the following enhanced features for players and dealers in the Japanese market: Exciting Asian games such as Premium Baccarat, Pairs Baccarat, Asian Roulette, International Roulette and Sic Bo Enhanced animations, sound and graphics Live dealers dealing real cards in real time Increased betting limits for players Sports betting 888 Live Dealer provides options for sports betting on many games like Formula 1, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, basketball even the stock exchange. Added incentive As an introductory offer, 888Live-Dealer is offering all players a generous 10% sign-up bonus up to JPY 50,000 for all deposits made before 30 April 2009 and affiliates are welcome too with up to 45% profit sharing option available, including all the detailed market reports.
The new online casino at Jackpot City is currently being revamped and the operators have their sights firmly focused on the international market sector. With a site offering translations in 12 different languages, this casino is sure to attract broad international interest. Key target markets include the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia. Website Features Among the range of regular online casino features, the new Jackpot City site offers the following supplementary benefits: Redesigned Casino Lobbies: An exciting new range of casino lobbies have been created in order to enhance player experience. New Support System: Enables Jackpot City support staff to chat in real time with players via the casino website. Improved Payment Facilities: A secure, in-house payment system that speeds up and simplifies online casino financial transactions. Range of Dedicated On-site Professional Staff: New dedicated country managers, conversion and retention managers, and customer support teams will provide country-specific player assistance. Language Support: Dedicated 24/7 language specific player support to resolve player issues rapidly and efficiently.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is bolstering up their biting comments on the report issued by the Swedish Ministry of Finance over the gambling marketing in Sweden, also known as the Nyren report, which is now expired. The report which was first filed in December 2008 stressed the importance of "long term gaming regulations" yet lacked any basis or road map on how to achieve that goal. Even the Swedish Finance Minister admitted that "it was difficult to see a way forward from here." EC Law Breach The European Community (EC) is a pillar of the European Union (EU) and is where the European Court of Justice has the most power. The EC law concerns the social and economic foundations of any single market and establishes the rules for the free movement of goods in the common market and has strict laws concerning any monopolization of any one market. Sweden, it seems, has been in breach of EC law since 2006. From 2006 to January 2008, the European Commission has sent repeated notices regarding Sweden's protectionist gaming legislature, which restricts cross-border poker services. Possible Repercussions The EGBA claims the Nyren report is fundamentally flawed to begin with as it assumes Sweden is following the EC laws in the first place. Sigrid Ligné, the EGBA Secretary General states, "none of the Nyren recommendations would help to ensure a level playing field for all European operators and meet the requirements of the EC Treaty. We urge the Commission to bring Sweden to the European Court of Justice." So far however, nothing has changed and as we can see since 2006, it's very unlikely to.
British online gaming company Netplay TV said Tuesday that Virgin Media Television had agreed to acquire 9.9% of NetPlay's shares, news agencies have reported. NetPlay said in a statement that it had signed production and gaming agreements with Virgin Media for a period ending June 2013. Virgin Media will take over production of the 'Challenge Jackpot' brand, including its Web site and television channel, the statement said. Virgin Media is buying up the shares at 18 pence each.
Titan Poker is sponsoring the $4,550,000 (ECOOP) European Championship of Online Poker (ECOOP). Among the many games being played are Texas Hold'em, 7 Card Stud Poker and Omaha. Poker enthusiasts are lining up for their shot at the multi-million dollar jackpot. ECOOP Tournament Titan Poker will be guaranteeing the $4,550,000 prize pool in the ECOOP IV Tournament Series. There will be 14 days of riveting online poker starting May 25, 2009 and running through until June 7. Titan Poker is hosting qualifying satellite tournaments on a daily basis in anticipation of the big tournament. Buy-ins for the satellite tournaments start at $2 + $0.20. That means that a big slice of the $4,550,000 jackpot could be won for a couple of dollars. The ECOOP Tournament has come a long way since its inaugural event in 2007 when the prize money was a staggering $2,500,000. Winners benefits The nightly events hosted by Titan Poker will provide winners thereof with commemorative ECOOP IV bracelets. And to cap it off, many Titan Poker players are awarded with seats at some of the world's biggest poker contests. The World Series of Poker in Vegas and the EuroPoker Tour in Salzburg this month are some of the many tournaments up on offer. The final day The ECOOP IV tournament will feature the grand finale to their 14-day poker extravaganza. June 7 will feature the series' big event. There will be a huge no limit Hold‘em tournament with a guaranteed prize pool of $1,500,000. Titan Poker has set the buy-in at $1,500+$80. Titan Poker Titan Poker is a top brand in European online poker with guarantees exceeding $16,000,000 in monthly prizes and 30,000 online players. Their progressive jackpots reach up to $100,000.
The third annual Poker in the Park festival is to take place once again in London's Leicester Park this summer - August 13 and 14, 2009. With last year's crowds exceeding 10,000, this year is expected to be larger and draw in more big name pros who plan to give scintillating lectures, pro workshops and sign autographs all weekend long. Known as the largest international poker festival, pros such as Devilfish, Neil Channing, Ian Frazer, Marc Goodwin, Paul Jackson, and Nik Persaud have each given participants some of their hard-earned and well-played tips in past events. Even more big wigs are expected to show up this summer. It's free Play in one of the many free live tournaments while learning in one of the many workshops, or browse and buy some of the heavily discounted merchandise that will be on display from collector's items to a new set of chips for your next game. The event, open to people 18 years or older, is about enthusiasts meeting their poker role models, improve their play and promote the game in a central location. An event not to be missed this summer. Will you be there?
Online gambling, sports betting specifically, if legalized in Canada, will allow Canadians to place their wagers on sporting events from their homes without having to step into the cold winter air, and draw Americans across the border in spite of the weather. Nova Scotia, in Canada's Atlantic region, is considering online gambling, sports betting, casinos and poker in the province. Provincial lottery corporation the Atlantic Lottery Corp. is said to have hired a software developer to build a sports betting platform. On its website the Atlantic Lottery Corp. said: "In order to remain relevant to our players we must deliver what the player wants in the safest and most entertaining way possible." Moreover, it will not be only a safe and entertaining service, but a first to Canadians from Nova Scotia. Objections Michel Samson of the Nova Scotia Legislature voiced his criticism of such a move, questioning whether controls would be in place to protect minors, though the necessary screening software already exists in the online gambling world and elsewhere on the Web. Regional effect Legal online gambling in such proximity to the US will make travel so much shorter for many Americans to place their bets on sporting events. Until online gambling is legalized in the US as well, that is.
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