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Harrah's Interactive Entertainment has finally launched its much anticipated online casino, although it is currently not accepting players located in the United States. Named Caesars Palace Casino online, the new site uses Caesars Entertainment's famous black and gold colors. Powered by online casino software provided by Dragonfish, the B2B division of high-profile gambling company 888, Caesars Palace offers video slots and a wide variety of casino games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. European Focus, For Now There has been much talk within the industry that Harrah's had been preparing its online casino in anticipation of a change to the status of online gambling in the United States, where there is currently a legal battle waging over the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which effectively banned online gambling in the country. For now, the online casino is not accepting players from the United States, or from Germany either. American players who go to the site are redirected to a page listing land-based casinos owned by the Caesars brand. Players who are able to access the Caesars Casino Online are being offered the chance of a big welcome bonus, with up to £500 up for grabs on the first deposit. More promotions are set to follow. The move continues the recent growth by Harrah's Interactive Entertainment, a company that owns the Harrah's and Caesars Palace brands as well as the World Series of Poker.
The wheels are now in motion on efforts to overturn anti-online gambling laws in the United States, with a congressional committee beginning to hear testimony last week. The House Financial Services Committee, which is chaired by online casinos' best friend in congress - Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank - heard testimonies last Thursday from several experts in online security and consumer safety. One of the experts, WiredSafety director Parry Aftab, told the committee that the regulation of online gambling was the best solution for protection customer security. "There are a number of technologies used in other industries that are easily adaptable to online gambling sites," Aftab said. The National Council on Problem Gambling's Keith Whyte also lent his support, telling the committee that certain methods on the Internet could be used to help curb compulsive online gambling more than could be done to curb similar behavior from land-based gamblers. Rep. Frank, who introduced the HR 2267 and HR 2266 bills in a bid to overturn the UIGEA, told the committee hearing that it would be a "very grave error" for lawmakers to tell adult Americans what they should do with their own money. "The notion that because some people will abuse something, you prevent somebody from doing it, is as great a threat to the liberty of the individual as any philosophy I have seen," said Frank, before accusing Republican opponents of double standards for bemoaning the nanny state while at the same time blocking free choice on the Internet.
Jackpot City Casino and Gaming Club Casino - two titans of the online gaming world - have launched an exciting Loyalty Points tournament. The Million Loyalty Points Tournament The Multi-player Viper Software promotion runs today through January 28, 2010. From Monday thru Thursday every week for 8 weeks, online players will be able to partake in the exciting tournament. Land in the Top 30 in any of the 8 weekly tournaments, and you will be credited with Loyalty points on the Friday following your successful week. Getting started is a cinch: Visit JackpotCity Casino or Gaming Club Casino from this pages Log in or Register a new account Select ‘Slots Tournaments' Click on ‘Million Loyalty Points Tournaments' The Tournament Layout There are 8 weekly tournaments running from Monday thru Thursday from December 7, 2009 until January 28, 2010. Each weekly tournament culminates in a ‘Pay-Day Friday' where the Top 30 players are credited with their winning points. The format is identical for each week of the 8 weekly tournaments Starts Monday, ends on Thursday Fridays are ‘Pay Days' for the Top 30 Entry is free for 6 minutes Continue Play costs $3 for 5 minutes with limited add-ons Note that players who are successful in landing in the Top 30 during any of the 8 weeks will be credited on the Friday relevant to the winning week. JackpotCity Casino and GamingClub Casino are offering huge prizes to the winners of the Million Loyalty Points Tournament which culminates in the January 29, 2010 Pay-Day Friday.
Quite a number of players from the European Union believe that they should have the right to play with any EU-licensed betting company they choose regardless of where that company's operations may be based. A Right2bet campaign advocates for such a safe, fair and regulated online gambling market. Right2bet understands the concerns expressed by those opposing the deregulation of the online casino and sportsbook industry - that is, it can become an addictive pastime (and younger users in particular are vulnerable), funds might be illegally obtained or criminal syndicates might be involved. Not all operators act honestly and have been known to design programs to cheat players. Thus, Right2bet holds the position that a completely unregulated market is not in the best interests of the customers. A properly regulated market, overseen by a European-wide regulatory body, is the most appropriate way forward. Any bookmaker or online casino based in and licensed by the EU should be allowed to operate in any EU member state, without fear of persecution by the government of that country. Players concerned about the legitimacy of a casino, or even online casinos wanting to check the validity of a high-roller's funding, would be able to approach the regulatory body and seek their advice. Such a regulatory body could also counsel and help problem gamblers, many of whom have become addicted on the basis of false and misleading information. A recent British study reported that the increase in gambling addiction amongst students in the country was a result of the top young thinkers in the nation's mathematics departments, having won some large sums of cash during the global financial crisis, giving other students the false impression that online gambling was profitable.
Casinos have a bad name with many, who fear they have a detrimental affect on society. However, at 888, they take their public image seriously and their activities in relation to corporate responsibility during 2008 have been highlighted in a recent report. The company has a program of corporate social action, headed by Ruth Tanami, Director of Responsible Gaming. Their genuine efforts to give back to society have been recognized by FTSE4Good membership, awarded to 888 last year. People, Planet and Play 888's initiative aims to improve the company's economic, social and environmental impacts; they cover three main areas - people, planet and play. The report highlights the following activities: Employee charity events that raised a total of $50,000, Cash donations and in-kind contributions totaling $232,485, A reduced carbon footprint by facilitating a 13% reduction in office electricity consumption. Participation in the United Nations Global Compact Further commitment to responsible gaming via the introduction of a unique data mining system that identifies problem gamblers in order that they may be given support. Ethical Values Gigi Levy, chief executive officer of 888, said, "The publication of this report emphasises the core importance that ethical values have to 888's business. As well as being the right thing to do, conducting our business responsibly is fundamental to our future success." "Managing social and environmental factors enhances our credibility with stakeholders, whilst our market-leading approach to player risk builds relationships with our customers, both in turn helping to support our international business development." The 888 Group, licensed in Gibraltar, includes 888.com, Casino-on-Net.com, PacificPoker.com and ReefClubCasino.com. Their casinos offer traditional products such as blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and video poker.
It has been reported that a punter in Las Vegas has lost nearly US$127 million over the course of a year at the Caesars Palace and Rio casinos. The unlucky player, Terrance Watanabe, has lost most of his personal net wealth as a result of what is believed to be the longest losing streak in the history of Las Vegas. Watanabe, 52 years old, built his fortune from the family party-favour import business which he inherited from his father. Watanabe is now alleging in a civil suit against the casino company involved that it shares some responsibility for his loses on the basis that casino staff intentionally served him alcohol and pain medication so that he would continue gambling. As a result of these accusations, a separate investigation has been launched by the Nevada's Gaming Control Board to determine whether the casino companies breached gambling regulations. The casinos' rules and state law provide guests who are clearly intoxicated are not permitted to gamble.
Playtech, the world's leading software provider, has found a way to recreate the buzzing and exciting atmosphere of a live casino through live or fully automated game shows (such as Keno, Roulette, or Blackjack) and broadcast them directly into players' living rooms. Casino Las Vegas and Swiss Casino are just two online casinos that already feature broadcast gaming from Playtech TV. Even though the games are open to multiple players, they successfully maintain a strong sense of community and interaction because of that fact that they are all sitting at the same table in real-time. The games are hosted by a presenter and supported by an authentic audio-visual experience including music and commentary of real time statistics. Games can be broadcast live by the casinos via a number of means including on their web casino, on a public TV channel or on both. The simulcast is delivered via Analog, Digital, Terrestrial, Cable, Satellite TV networks and Web broadband TV. In fact, the games can be simultaneously broadcast on TV and the web meaning that there can be mass-multiplayer games as it reaches an unlimited number of players and allows them to join in the fun. All operators are provided with a full management tool kit to give them the utmost control and security. They can also choose to create their own fully branded live shows or rather enjoy the benefits and promotional opportunities offered by a co-branded broadcast.
The state of California is heading towards dire economic straits and it's the casinos that are throwing it a lifeline. According to economists, lawmakers, politicians and Joe Citizen, California is in trouble. Arnold Schwarzenegger's state is billions of dollars in debt and no end appears in sight. At least that was before the leveraging power of casinos weighed in with a mightily tempting offer. Legalize Online Poker The action continues in the same vein as the efforts being spearheaded in the House by Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass). The goal of overturning the UIGEA, which prohibits Americans from wagering on Internet gaming, is indeed paying another visit. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and Commerce Casino are taking their proposals to the state Legislature in January 2010. It is they who would operate the Internet poker sites if the rulings are made. And with an estimated $347-billion-a-year global industry, everyone wants in. Obscure Laws Americans are not explicitly prevented from playing poker online according to Federal law, but they cannot use financial institutions to transfer money for the purposes of Internet betting. And both federal and state laws prohibit Internet-based game from operating on American soil. The proposals want to see online poker sites operated within California state lines, but state law gives Indian tribes exclusive rights of operation in exchange for a whopping $361 million in kickbacks. Thus any bill would have to enjoy the support of Indian tribes. If the status quo is not changed, that leaves over 1 million Californians gambling online offshore. Rocking the Boat With Indian tribes enjoying exclusivity on gambling, it is feared that any state regulation in favour of gambling could see Indian tribes' operations being hurt. At present there are between 300-400 gambling entities able to apply for a piece of the pie.
Christmas is close. But Santa is closer. And a chance to win 500 credits is even closer! In a special offer that launched December 14 and ends December 16, JackpotCity Casino players are invited to keep their eyes open for a Santa Claus figure on their casino software. Four players will each win 500 credits. All you have to do is purchase 50 credits at the casino, play any casino game, and keep your eyes open for Santa to appear on the software. If you spot him, you will win 500 credits. Find Santa When: Through 16 December, 2009 only Where: In your JackpotCity Casino software What: Simply purchase 50 credits, enter and wager on any casino game More The casino is also offering $25 free to all new players, which makes this a doubly apt time to join. Online Casino Reports will continue reporting special Christmas and New Year's promotions for a festive winter.
The tiny British territory of Gibraltar is well known as the home of many online gambling companies, but it made headlines in a different way this week when one of its citizens won the Miss World pageant. Twenty-three-year-old brunette Kaiane Aldorino beat out a record 112 other competitors to win the competition, which was held in South Africa. Aldorino was listed a 20/1 outsider going into the tournament, well behind favorite Miss Puerto Rico, who did not even make the final six. Her victory in the swimsuit competition sent her well on her way to the Miss World title, which she completed dressed in a white-lace evening gown. Gibraltar, a self-ruling territory that sits shadowed by Spain on the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has long hosted companies attracted by its tax incentives and resources. Online gambling company PartyGaming and the sports betting branch of British company William Hill are among those based on "The Rock," as well as many other online gambling businesses. More highlights from the Miss World competition (Miss Gibraltar on the right, and Miss Uruguay on the left):
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