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2006/12/07
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FarmVille creator Zynga (ZNGA) beat analyst expectations last night by reporting a profit of 1 cent per share. The Street was looking for a loss of 4 cents. Despite the minor triumph, the stock took a hit after-hours, at one point dropping more than 10% to under $3 a share. Investors were disappointed by a warning for the current quarter and a substantial drop in the number of people using its online games.
For casual investors the real shock was that anyone was still playing FarmVille or Words With Friends at all. It seems a triumph of persistence that Zynga still has 253 million monthly users, even if that number has dropped almost 25% since peaking in at 331 million in Q3 2012.
Jon Najarian, cofounder of optionMONSTER-com says the company is basically trying to stay alive long enough to get a piece of the online gambling business, which is slowly being legalized in the U.S. Though the company won't talk about it much, they did set up an online casino of sorts in the U.K. last quarter. As Najarian sees it, "That's the test tube for what they're going to do in the U.S."
Others might suggest that being one of a seemingly infinite number of online casinos in the U.K. demonstrates why Zynga may be striving to reach a mirage. Still there's hope for the bulls, which is more than can be said of growth for Zynga's existing products.
The reason Zynga has a shot at hanging around for awhile is the $1.65 billion in cash on the balance sheet. Better yet, ZNGA paid down long-term debt of $100 million this month. It's a glorious balance sheet, and the company seems determined to limit spending on non-gaming products for as long as possible.
Najarian sees an online game offering in the states as Zynga's only hope. "With gambling, I think they can survive. Without it they don't. It's a binary bet."
Most investors would be better off putting it all on red in Vegas.
For more from Najarian, check out details of The Street Monster investment conference coming this June.
Zynga Trying to Stay Alive Until Online Gambling Is Legalized | Breakout - Yahoo! Finance
For casual investors the real shock was that anyone was still playing FarmVille or Words With Friends at all. It seems a triumph of persistence that Zynga still has 253 million monthly users, even if that number has dropped almost 25% since peaking in at 331 million in Q3 2012.
Jon Najarian, cofounder of optionMONSTER-com says the company is basically trying to stay alive long enough to get a piece of the online gambling business, which is slowly being legalized in the U.S. Though the company won't talk about it much, they did set up an online casino of sorts in the U.K. last quarter. As Najarian sees it, "That's the test tube for what they're going to do in the U.S."
Others might suggest that being one of a seemingly infinite number of online casinos in the U.K. demonstrates why Zynga may be striving to reach a mirage. Still there's hope for the bulls, which is more than can be said of growth for Zynga's existing products.
The reason Zynga has a shot at hanging around for awhile is the $1.65 billion in cash on the balance sheet. Better yet, ZNGA paid down long-term debt of $100 million this month. It's a glorious balance sheet, and the company seems determined to limit spending on non-gaming products for as long as possible.
Najarian sees an online game offering in the states as Zynga's only hope. "With gambling, I think they can survive. Without it they don't. It's a binary bet."
Most investors would be better off putting it all on red in Vegas.
For more from Najarian, check out details of The Street Monster investment conference coming this June.
Zynga Trying to Stay Alive Until Online Gambling Is Legalized | Breakout - Yahoo! Finance
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2006/12/07
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Gambling were dropped from a gaming expansion bill in Illinois with indications that a standalone Internet bill will be proposed shortly.
SB 1739 initially sought to expand gambling in the Land of Lincoln with additional land-based casinos, permitting slot machines at racetracks and airports, and allowing online gambling. The Internet wagering provisions of the bill were unceremoniously dropped reportedly to facilitate an agreement between Arlington Park racetrack and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA).
The Daily Racing Form has reported that a two-year contract between Arlington Park and ITHA was successfully reached only after legislators agreed to remove online gambling from SB 1739. The deal will allow Arlington Park’s scheduled meet for this year to begin as planned on May 3.
All indications are that SB 1739 will be approved by a Senate committee and voted on by the full Senate in a matter of weeks minus the Internet gambling language. This will likely improve the bill’s chances of becoming law due to the fact that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has never been completely sold on online gambling to begin with. An Internet gambling proposal standing on its own will apparently be re-submitted.
The online gambling clause removed from SB 1739 was initially tacked onto the bill rather late and without warning and was opposed by a number of organizations. One of those groups in opposition was ITHA, whose protests center around the fact that Churchill Downs owns Arlington Park and is hoping to enter the U.S. online gambling market and not share any of its revenue with horsemen associations.
Should the online gambling proposal be re-introduced as a standalone bill as anticipated, you can expect ITHA and other horse breeders in Illinois to object unless they are included to receive a percentage of the revenue.
Illinois is not the only state where such issues have prevented online gambling legislation to reach the finish line. California’s proposed online poker regulations have also been repeatedly hampered by native tribes insisting that horse racing interests be excluded from a share of the revenue pie.
Illinois Removes Online Gambling From Proposed Bill
SB 1739 initially sought to expand gambling in the Land of Lincoln with additional land-based casinos, permitting slot machines at racetracks and airports, and allowing online gambling. The Internet wagering provisions of the bill were unceremoniously dropped reportedly to facilitate an agreement between Arlington Park racetrack and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (ITHA).
The Daily Racing Form has reported that a two-year contract between Arlington Park and ITHA was successfully reached only after legislators agreed to remove online gambling from SB 1739. The deal will allow Arlington Park’s scheduled meet for this year to begin as planned on May 3.
All indications are that SB 1739 will be approved by a Senate committee and voted on by the full Senate in a matter of weeks minus the Internet gambling language. This will likely improve the bill’s chances of becoming law due to the fact that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has never been completely sold on online gambling to begin with. An Internet gambling proposal standing on its own will apparently be re-submitted.
The online gambling clause removed from SB 1739 was initially tacked onto the bill rather late and without warning and was opposed by a number of organizations. One of those groups in opposition was ITHA, whose protests center around the fact that Churchill Downs owns Arlington Park and is hoping to enter the U.S. online gambling market and not share any of its revenue with horsemen associations.
Should the online gambling proposal be re-introduced as a standalone bill as anticipated, you can expect ITHA and other horse breeders in Illinois to object unless they are included to receive a percentage of the revenue.
Illinois is not the only state where such issues have prevented online gambling legislation to reach the finish line. California’s proposed online poker regulations have also been repeatedly hampered by native tribes insisting that horse racing interests be excluded from a share of the revenue pie.
Illinois Removes Online Gambling From Proposed Bill
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2006/12/07
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The Nevada based business Boyd Gaming Corporation, which operates 22 hotels and casinos across the US, recently announced a 16.4% increase in its Q1 revenue to $737 million, up from the $633.1 million taken in the same quarter last year.
Last year, Boyd added the Kansas Star Casino to its portfolio of gaming establishments, which was a particularly shrewd move considering the business generated a whopping $180 million in gambling revenue throughout 2012. This year’s results have been equally as impressive with the Kansas Star Casino earning $16.4 million in January, $17 million in February and $19 million in March.
Visitations to the casino are also expected to grow from late June onwards, after an additional 6,000 people seating area, at a cost of $9 million, is added to the premises. The casino is then expected to earn around $100 million each year before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Unsurprisingly, despite the business currently having the highest operating margins in the whole of Boyd Gaming Corporation, Kansas Star Casino’s margins have been affected by its recent expenditure, which also includes opening its permanent casino with new food and beverage amenities in December.
As the company’s CEO Paul Chakmak explains, margins “were impacted in the first quarter by higher expenses associated with these new amenities, as well as increased marketing expense. Marketing spend was unusually low during Kansas Star’s introductory period in early 2012, and this quarter’s results reflect more realistic customer reinvestment levels.”
As mentioned, Boyd Gaming Corporation operates 22 hotels and casinos, employing around 17,000 people across the USA. After releasing its latest Q1 results, shares in the company rose a massive 22% to $10.98, giving it a market capitalization of $953.85 million.
Boyd Gaming Revenue Receives Boost From Kansas Star Casino
Last year, Boyd added the Kansas Star Casino to its portfolio of gaming establishments, which was a particularly shrewd move considering the business generated a whopping $180 million in gambling revenue throughout 2012. This year’s results have been equally as impressive with the Kansas Star Casino earning $16.4 million in January, $17 million in February and $19 million in March.
Visitations to the casino are also expected to grow from late June onwards, after an additional 6,000 people seating area, at a cost of $9 million, is added to the premises. The casino is then expected to earn around $100 million each year before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Unsurprisingly, despite the business currently having the highest operating margins in the whole of Boyd Gaming Corporation, Kansas Star Casino’s margins have been affected by its recent expenditure, which also includes opening its permanent casino with new food and beverage amenities in December.
As the company’s CEO Paul Chakmak explains, margins “were impacted in the first quarter by higher expenses associated with these new amenities, as well as increased marketing expense. Marketing spend was unusually low during Kansas Star’s introductory period in early 2012, and this quarter’s results reflect more realistic customer reinvestment levels.”
As mentioned, Boyd Gaming Corporation operates 22 hotels and casinos, employing around 17,000 people across the USA. After releasing its latest Q1 results, shares in the company rose a massive 22% to $10.98, giving it a market capitalization of $953.85 million.
Boyd Gaming Revenue Receives Boost From Kansas Star Casino
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2006/12/07
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CELEBRITY Apprentice chief Mark Bouris says viewers can expect and emotional mix of celebrities in the third series of the reality TV show.
"There is so much competition for air space this time so there are some real toughies wanting to get their point across," says Bouris. "Both Dawn and Jeff are as tough as teak and then there is someone like Brian Mannix who is such a tough dude and has amazing survivorship qualities."
In the series, a cast list of well-known, controversial and we must add, questionably-tagged ‘celebrities’, work towards raising money for various charities, the best ultimately sashed with the title of Celebrity Apprentice 2013.
Bouris, a mega successful businessmen is the chairman/co-founder of wealth management company, Yellow Brick Road (formerly of Wizard fame), helms the successful series.
Think of Mr Bouris as the Donald Trump of reality TV, only with better hair, a handsome head and much more charisma.
Vying for boardroom supremacy this time round are names like Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, swimming queen Stephanie Rice, singer Prinnie Stevens, entertainer Rob Mills, ex-AFL star Dermott Brereton, former rock name Brian Mannix and Olympic athlete John Steffensen. They will be joined by comic Peter Berner, PR matriarch Prue Macsween, TV face Peter Everett, Big Brother runner-up Layla Subritzky, Hollywood hoofer Kym Johnson and the mighty boxer, Jeff Fenech.
Bouris says this year there is an underlying theme and battle of the newbies versus the experienced with some smarty pants ‘tude coming from those who think they know it all.
"Yes, there is a sense with a few of them that ‘we have got it all ahead of us’ and they sometimes need to listen to those who have successfully survived,’’ says Bouris. "That is such a big part of success, how to survive in a tough world."
Bouris says some of the experienced apprentices, like Prue MacSween break down as they see things about themselves they have not seen before.
"Vulnerability doesn’t mean you are weak,’’ adds Bouris. “Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. Business doesn’t need to be conducted through qualities of fear, bullying and nastiness.
After a peek at the first few episodes, it seems Sydney-based PR chick Roxy Jacenko has taken over the reigns from season one stirrer, Deni Hines.
"Roxy doesn’t care who she spears and she think she knows every trick in the book,’’ says Bouris, grinning down the telephone line.
“She even sent flowers to my office which hasn’t happened in this series ever before."
As for the poolside golden girl, Stephanie Rice, Bouris has nothing but praise.
“I am really surprised how polished Stephanie she is. My pre-conception was much different but she is very adaptable, confident and always handles herself beautifully in the boardroom."
And what about rumours of a romance between Stephanie Rice and Rob Mills? "Well, when they are all working together so closely and there is The Star in the mix (the celebs stayed at the Sydney hotel for the duration of the shooting), so who knows what could have happened?,’’ Bouris says wryly.
Another name who caught the apprentice chief off-guard was the often maligned Olympian John Steffensen.
"To be honest, I went into the series thinking we could be dealing with a spoiled brat here but I found he had an unbelievable presence, he is articulate and is a great person,’’
While the series has already been filmed, two endings have been shot.
Bouris says he is not deciding on the winner until the series has run its course.
“I want to watch it like viewers and see who really deserves the title at the end of the series."
"There is so much competition for air space this time so there are some real toughies wanting to get their point across," says Bouris. "Both Dawn and Jeff are as tough as teak and then there is someone like Brian Mannix who is such a tough dude and has amazing survivorship qualities."
In the series, a cast list of well-known, controversial and we must add, questionably-tagged ‘celebrities’, work towards raising money for various charities, the best ultimately sashed with the title of Celebrity Apprentice 2013.
Bouris, a mega successful businessmen is the chairman/co-founder of wealth management company, Yellow Brick Road (formerly of Wizard fame), helms the successful series.
Think of Mr Bouris as the Donald Trump of reality TV, only with better hair, a handsome head and much more charisma.
Vying for boardroom supremacy this time round are names like Olympic legend Dawn Fraser, swimming queen Stephanie Rice, singer Prinnie Stevens, entertainer Rob Mills, ex-AFL star Dermott Brereton, former rock name Brian Mannix and Olympic athlete John Steffensen. They will be joined by comic Peter Berner, PR matriarch Prue Macsween, TV face Peter Everett, Big Brother runner-up Layla Subritzky, Hollywood hoofer Kym Johnson and the mighty boxer, Jeff Fenech.
Bouris says this year there is an underlying theme and battle of the newbies versus the experienced with some smarty pants ‘tude coming from those who think they know it all.
"Yes, there is a sense with a few of them that ‘we have got it all ahead of us’ and they sometimes need to listen to those who have successfully survived,’’ says Bouris. "That is such a big part of success, how to survive in a tough world."
Bouris says some of the experienced apprentices, like Prue MacSween break down as they see things about themselves they have not seen before.
"Vulnerability doesn’t mean you are weak,’’ adds Bouris. “Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. Business doesn’t need to be conducted through qualities of fear, bullying and nastiness.
After a peek at the first few episodes, it seems Sydney-based PR chick Roxy Jacenko has taken over the reigns from season one stirrer, Deni Hines.
"Roxy doesn’t care who she spears and she think she knows every trick in the book,’’ says Bouris, grinning down the telephone line.
“She even sent flowers to my office which hasn’t happened in this series ever before."
As for the poolside golden girl, Stephanie Rice, Bouris has nothing but praise.
“I am really surprised how polished Stephanie she is. My pre-conception was much different but she is very adaptable, confident and always handles herself beautifully in the boardroom."
And what about rumours of a romance between Stephanie Rice and Rob Mills? "Well, when they are all working together so closely and there is The Star in the mix (the celebs stayed at the Sydney hotel for the duration of the shooting), so who knows what could have happened?,’’ Bouris says wryly.
Another name who caught the apprentice chief off-guard was the often maligned Olympian John Steffensen.
"To be honest, I went into the series thinking we could be dealing with a spoiled brat here but I found he had an unbelievable presence, he is articulate and is a great person,’’
While the series has already been filmed, two endings have been shot.
Bouris says he is not deciding on the winner until the series has run its course.
“I want to watch it like viewers and see who really deserves the title at the end of the series."
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2006/12/07
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29893
On 1 January 2011 the amended Belgian gambling legislation became law and is being enforced. One of the major modifications is that this legislation contains an explicit regulation for online games of chance and wagers. This modification has lead to the government requiring Internet Service providers to block online gambling web sites that fail to comply with Belgium’s program.
The fine for not complying with the order from Belgium’s Gambling Commission is a massive €100,000 enough of a deterrent to compel even the largest operators to apply for a license to operate in the jurisdiction. Obtaining an online license requires a mandatory physical connection to the Belgian territory so only those operators licensed to operate on land in Belgium qualify.
The Commission has just added again to the list of prohibited gambling web sites bring the total number of illegal sites to sixty nine. The additional five new black listed domains include Redbet, PKR, PKRCasino, GoldenCherry and KlaverCasino.
While the Gambling Commission is banning some operators they are also licensing others with the granting of online gambling license to WMS JackpotParty which is launching under the JackpotParty.be domain name clearly referring to the location in the domain identification. This operator is partnered with land casino operator Groupe Partouche, the largest terrestrial casino operator in Belgium and France. Online punters will now have access to WMS Industries classic slot game suite.
After the memorable detainment of Bwin.party digital entertainment’s co-chief executive and the subsequent questioning by police as to the illegality of Bwin’s operations in Belgium, Bwin.party has obtained a license to operate in the jurisdiction legally.
The laws of Belgium are under scrutiny from the European Commission with some question as to whether their restrictions violate E.U. laws that protect member states from monopolies and unfair rules regarding free e-commerce among member nations. Various organizations have called on the E.C. to fine Belgium for its non compliant laws regarding internet wagering.
More Online Gambling Operators Banned in Belgium
The fine for not complying with the order from Belgium’s Gambling Commission is a massive €100,000 enough of a deterrent to compel even the largest operators to apply for a license to operate in the jurisdiction. Obtaining an online license requires a mandatory physical connection to the Belgian territory so only those operators licensed to operate on land in Belgium qualify.
The Commission has just added again to the list of prohibited gambling web sites bring the total number of illegal sites to sixty nine. The additional five new black listed domains include Redbet, PKR, PKRCasino, GoldenCherry and KlaverCasino.
While the Gambling Commission is banning some operators they are also licensing others with the granting of online gambling license to WMS JackpotParty which is launching under the JackpotParty.be domain name clearly referring to the location in the domain identification. This operator is partnered with land casino operator Groupe Partouche, the largest terrestrial casino operator in Belgium and France. Online punters will now have access to WMS Industries classic slot game suite.
After the memorable detainment of Bwin.party digital entertainment’s co-chief executive and the subsequent questioning by police as to the illegality of Bwin’s operations in Belgium, Bwin.party has obtained a license to operate in the jurisdiction legally.
The laws of Belgium are under scrutiny from the European Commission with some question as to whether their restrictions violate E.U. laws that protect member states from monopolies and unfair rules regarding free e-commerce among member nations. Various organizations have called on the E.C. to fine Belgium for its non compliant laws regarding internet wagering.
More Online Gambling Operators Banned in Belgium
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2006/12/07
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Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is planning to be the first casino in the State to offer gamers online gambling, executives for the casino’s parent company have announced this week.
Keith Smith, president and chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming Corp said that "quickly introduce online wagering once New Jersey officials finish the regulations," according to reports from Press of Atlantic. No particular dates were given in terms of a launch date, but regulators in New Jersey believe the online gambling market will be open by late November this year.
Smith continued: “We intend to be among the first to offer online gambling in the state of New Jersey and are confident the Borgata brand will allow us to capture a substantial share of this lucrative market.”
“New Jersey and Nevada are now laying the regulatory groundwork for online gaming, and other states are considering legalization as well" he said.
There is speculation that Borgata would affiliate with bwin.party digital entertainment, who already have links with the casino’s parent company, to deliver the online poker package.
The gambling industry in New Jersey could be worth up to $1.2 billion in its first full year, with state tax revenues totalling $180 million according to State treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff.
Gambling Online Magazine | News | Online gambling first for New Jersey’s Borgata?
Keith Smith, president and chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming Corp said that "quickly introduce online wagering once New Jersey officials finish the regulations," according to reports from Press of Atlantic. No particular dates were given in terms of a launch date, but regulators in New Jersey believe the online gambling market will be open by late November this year.
Smith continued: “We intend to be among the first to offer online gambling in the state of New Jersey and are confident the Borgata brand will allow us to capture a substantial share of this lucrative market.”
“New Jersey and Nevada are now laying the regulatory groundwork for online gaming, and other states are considering legalization as well" he said.
There is speculation that Borgata would affiliate with bwin.party digital entertainment, who already have links with the casino’s parent company, to deliver the online poker package.
The gambling industry in New Jersey could be worth up to $1.2 billion in its first full year, with state tax revenues totalling $180 million according to State treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff.
Gambling Online Magazine | News | Online gambling first for New Jersey’s Borgata?
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Tim Leiweke, who most recently ran the company that owns the Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Galaxy, is headed to Toronto as the new president and CEO of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment.
It was announced Friday that, effective June 30, Leiweke will become president and CEO of MLSE.
MLSE owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies. The company also owns Leafs TV and the Air Canada Centre, among other properties.
"Tim Leiweke is one of the top sports executives in the world, renowned for his ability to build championship teams, premier entertainment events, and innovative brand and marketing opportunities," MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said in a statement.
"Tim is a leader who understands what fans want and what it takes to build winners. With his deep leadership experience and unparalleled success at the highest levels of professional sports, Tim's the right CEO at the right time to lead the transformation of MLSE."
Leiweke was most recently head of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the owner of several sports teams and buildings. AEG also had a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Dynamo of MLS, owned the Staples Center and Home Depot Center in California, and operated a number of buildings around the world, including London's O2 Arena.
In addition to sports, AEG was heavily involved in several music and entertainment businesses.
Leiweke left the organization in March. At the same time, it was announced that AEG was no longer up for sale. The shakeup left in doubt the plans to bring an NFL stadium to Los Angeles, a project that Leiweke had helped spearhead.
Leiweke previously worked for U.S. Skiing, the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"My family and I eagerly look forward to becoming part of the community in Toronto, one of the great cities of the world, and to joining the passionate and dedicated fans of the Maple Leafs, the Raptors, Toronto FC and the Marlies," said Mr. Leiweke.
Tom Anselmi remains as chief operating officer of MLSE, Tanenbaum said in Friday's release.
It was announced Friday that, effective June 30, Leiweke will become president and CEO of MLSE.
MLSE owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC and Toronto Marlies. The company also owns Leafs TV and the Air Canada Centre, among other properties.
"Tim Leiweke is one of the top sports executives in the world, renowned for his ability to build championship teams, premier entertainment events, and innovative brand and marketing opportunities," MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum said in a statement.
"Tim is a leader who understands what fans want and what it takes to build winners. With his deep leadership experience and unparalleled success at the highest levels of professional sports, Tim's the right CEO at the right time to lead the transformation of MLSE."
Leiweke was most recently head of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the owner of several sports teams and buildings. AEG also had a stake in the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Dynamo of MLS, owned the Staples Center and Home Depot Center in California, and operated a number of buildings around the world, including London's O2 Arena.
In addition to sports, AEG was heavily involved in several music and entertainment businesses.
Leiweke left the organization in March. At the same time, it was announced that AEG was no longer up for sale. The shakeup left in doubt the plans to bring an NFL stadium to Los Angeles, a project that Leiweke had helped spearhead.
Leiweke previously worked for U.S. Skiing, the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
"My family and I eagerly look forward to becoming part of the community in Toronto, one of the great cities of the world, and to joining the passionate and dedicated fans of the Maple Leafs, the Raptors, Toronto FC and the Marlies," said Mr. Leiweke.
Tom Anselmi remains as chief operating officer of MLSE, Tanenbaum said in Friday's release.
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2006/12/07
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Almost immediately after New Jersey legalized Internet gambling, an alliance of American Indian tribes operating thousands of miles away issued a statement decrying the move, accusing the state of weakening gambling license requirements.
The California Tribal Business Alliance’s reaction was a testament to the far-reaching effect of New Jersey’s decision in February, affecting a debate American Indian tribe casinos have grappled with for years even though no tribes operate in New Jersey, observers said.
Only three states in the country, including Nevada and Delaware, have legalized Internet gambling. Several tribe-run operations have ventured to offer play-for-free Internet gambling, but none offers real-money games in this country. A debate continues on whether tribes should pursue real-money Internet gambling.
“There is a huge divide in Indian country,” said Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine, who has written about Internet gambling issues facing commercial and American Indian casinos.
For some, New Jersey’s law has become a legal affirmation that tribes could offer Internet gambling to patrons as long as server machines taking the bets were in Indian territory, Gros said. But others, who are concerned that Internet gambling will lead to a drop in visitors to casino properties, greet New Jersey’s new law with more skepticism, he said.
Joe Brennan Jr., director of the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying group the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, said New Jersey represents the first of many states expected to legalize Internet gambling, and it’s those jurisdictions that most concern tribes.
“They’re worried about what comes after New Jersey,” he said. “While tribal gaming doesn’t have a footprint in New Jersey, they do have in other jurisdictions.”
The Sacramento-based California Tribal Business Alliance, which represents three tribes in the state, was one of the most vocal critics of New Jersey’s law.
“Online gaming is a slippery slope, and putting at risk a multimillion-dollar industry, the associated jobs and the revenue interests to impacted states, without safeguards, is a gamble no one should be willing to take,” Robert Smith, chairman of the alliance, said in a statement prior to the enactment of the New Jersey law.
Leslie Lohse, vice chairwoman of the alliance, said the primary concern was that New Jersey’s law allows regulators to decide whether companies, such as PokerStars, will be allowed to operate Internet gambling sites on behalf of Atlantic City casinos. The parent company of PokerStars, Rational Group, is looking to take over the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, through which it would offer Internet gambling.
“We don’t believe their bad-actor language is strong enough,” Lohse said of New Jersey’s gambling laws. “That would definitely be an issue for us.”
Unlike New Jersey, some other states, such as Nevada, have inserted so-called bad-actor clauses that prohibit certain companies from receiving licenses.
PokerStars last year settled with the U.S. Department of Justice a case that involved charges of money laundering, bank fraud and illegal gambling.
Another provision of New Jersey’s law allows it to negotiate agreements with other states, such as California, that would allow residents in both jurisdictions to gamble on websites run by entities in other states. That would place Atlantic City casinos in direct competition with tribal casinos in California.
“What we are concerned about is the standard of regulation is somewhat weakened,” Lohse said of New Jersey. “If there is reciprocity with the state down the road, which standard will prevail?”
California is a much more populous state than New Jersey, she said, so the potential for many more people to play poker and other casino games online is huge.
“The crown jewel is not New Jersey,” Lohse said.
American Indian tribes oppose New Jersey's Internet gambling measure - pressofAtlanticCity-com: Atlantic City | Pleasantville | Brigantine
The California Tribal Business Alliance’s reaction was a testament to the far-reaching effect of New Jersey’s decision in February, affecting a debate American Indian tribe casinos have grappled with for years even though no tribes operate in New Jersey, observers said.
Only three states in the country, including Nevada and Delaware, have legalized Internet gambling. Several tribe-run operations have ventured to offer play-for-free Internet gambling, but none offers real-money games in this country. A debate continues on whether tribes should pursue real-money Internet gambling.
“There is a huge divide in Indian country,” said Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine, who has written about Internet gambling issues facing commercial and American Indian casinos.
For some, New Jersey’s law has become a legal affirmation that tribes could offer Internet gambling to patrons as long as server machines taking the bets were in Indian territory, Gros said. But others, who are concerned that Internet gambling will lead to a drop in visitors to casino properties, greet New Jersey’s new law with more skepticism, he said.
Joe Brennan Jr., director of the Washington, D.C.-based lobbying group the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, said New Jersey represents the first of many states expected to legalize Internet gambling, and it’s those jurisdictions that most concern tribes.
“They’re worried about what comes after New Jersey,” he said. “While tribal gaming doesn’t have a footprint in New Jersey, they do have in other jurisdictions.”
The Sacramento-based California Tribal Business Alliance, which represents three tribes in the state, was one of the most vocal critics of New Jersey’s law.
“Online gaming is a slippery slope, and putting at risk a multimillion-dollar industry, the associated jobs and the revenue interests to impacted states, without safeguards, is a gamble no one should be willing to take,” Robert Smith, chairman of the alliance, said in a statement prior to the enactment of the New Jersey law.
Leslie Lohse, vice chairwoman of the alliance, said the primary concern was that New Jersey’s law allows regulators to decide whether companies, such as PokerStars, will be allowed to operate Internet gambling sites on behalf of Atlantic City casinos. The parent company of PokerStars, Rational Group, is looking to take over the Atlantic Club Casino Hotel, through which it would offer Internet gambling.
“We don’t believe their bad-actor language is strong enough,” Lohse said of New Jersey’s gambling laws. “That would definitely be an issue for us.”
Unlike New Jersey, some other states, such as Nevada, have inserted so-called bad-actor clauses that prohibit certain companies from receiving licenses.
PokerStars last year settled with the U.S. Department of Justice a case that involved charges of money laundering, bank fraud and illegal gambling.
Another provision of New Jersey’s law allows it to negotiate agreements with other states, such as California, that would allow residents in both jurisdictions to gamble on websites run by entities in other states. That would place Atlantic City casinos in direct competition with tribal casinos in California.
“What we are concerned about is the standard of regulation is somewhat weakened,” Lohse said of New Jersey. “If there is reciprocity with the state down the road, which standard will prevail?”
California is a much more populous state than New Jersey, she said, so the potential for many more people to play poker and other casino games online is huge.
“The crown jewel is not New Jersey,” Lohse said.
American Indian tribes oppose New Jersey's Internet gambling measure - pressofAtlanticCity-com: Atlantic City | Pleasantville | Brigantine
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In October 2012, Shuffle Master changed its name to SHFL entertainment, to reflect the diversity of its product offerings. The firm is located in Paradise Nevada and is publically traded on the NASDAQ exchange. The company recently made a deal with Unity Technologies, the provider of the Unity multi-platform engine and development tools. The strategy partnership will extend for a number of years with the Unity engine, SHFL entertainment will be able to expand its gaming entertainment content through value-add products.
Unity, has been used by slot manufacturers and online gambling companies globally to create some of the most popular interactive gambling suites. It is considered one of the most widely adopted middleware solutions for development in the wagering industry today. Unity Technologies was founded in 2004 by David Helgason, Nicholas Francis, and Joachim Ante in Copenhagen Denmark. It is headquartered in San Francisco USA and is a world leader in the game engine industry. “Technology is at the heart of all we do and SHFL entertainment is incredibly excited to begin our work and collaboration with Unity Technologies,” commented a representative of SHFL entertainment. “We believe that product innovation, superior quality and service makes gaming more fun for players and more profitable for operators. Our new work with the Unity engine will help us deliver this value even further.”
Very Unity’s flexible and high-performance development platform is used to creative intelligent interactive 3D and 2D experiences. The "author once, deploy everywhere" capability allows developers to publish on almost all of the most popular platforms. Unity Technologies says it has a thriving community of 1.5 million developers including large publishers, independent studios, students and even hobbyists.
This strategic partnership will benefit both Unity and SHFL in moving the interactive gaming experience forward. The unique situation is another consolidating move by American based gambling firms who see the potential in the liberalization of the US online gambling market.
SHFL Teams Up With Unity For Online Gambling Development
Unity, has been used by slot manufacturers and online gambling companies globally to create some of the most popular interactive gambling suites. It is considered one of the most widely adopted middleware solutions for development in the wagering industry today. Unity Technologies was founded in 2004 by David Helgason, Nicholas Francis, and Joachim Ante in Copenhagen Denmark. It is headquartered in San Francisco USA and is a world leader in the game engine industry. “Technology is at the heart of all we do and SHFL entertainment is incredibly excited to begin our work and collaboration with Unity Technologies,” commented a representative of SHFL entertainment. “We believe that product innovation, superior quality and service makes gaming more fun for players and more profitable for operators. Our new work with the Unity engine will help us deliver this value even further.”
Very Unity’s flexible and high-performance development platform is used to creative intelligent interactive 3D and 2D experiences. The "author once, deploy everywhere" capability allows developers to publish on almost all of the most popular platforms. Unity Technologies says it has a thriving community of 1.5 million developers including large publishers, independent studios, students and even hobbyists.
This strategic partnership will benefit both Unity and SHFL in moving the interactive gaming experience forward. The unique situation is another consolidating move by American based gambling firms who see the potential in the liberalization of the US online gambling market.
SHFL Teams Up With Unity For Online Gambling Development
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Nevada became the first state to pass online poker regulations in July 2011. The law compelled the Nevada Gaming Control Board to draft online poker regulations by January 31, 2012. These regulations were passed in December 2011. Online poker has yet to go live in Nevada and there is no definitive date for that to happen. Some industry observers have wondered if Delaware will beat Nevada to the US virtual poker table. Delaware is intent on going live on or before September 30, 2013. Delaware’s law also includes online casino games.
Other States Will Offer House Games
Nevada seemed to be a trailblazer by becoming the first state to legalize and regulate online poker, but Washington DC’s council had already passed both online poker and casino games at the time through the district’s lottery. Washington DC repealed this law after Nevada passed online poker regulations.
New Jersey passed a bill through their legislature that would have allowed both online poker and casino games in 2011. Governor Christie vetoed this bill because at the time he did not feel that offering online gambling outside of Atlantic City was legal under the New Jersey Constitution, even if the servers were located there. Governor Christie eventually signed a similar bill into law in February 2013.
While neither bill that was passed by lawmakers in these jurisdictions went into effect before Nevada passed an online poker bill, the intention was evident. Two years later it is clear that online casino games are coming to some states.
Liquidity Needed for Online Poker
Online poker requires a large player pool for success. That would force most states to enter into gaming pacts with their neighbors and other states across the country. This presents the possibility that their residents’ income could find its way across state lines. That is the last thing state governments want. Local governments have a hard enough time keeping money within the country, much less within their state. A region without experienced players may find interstate online poker an even harder trigger to pull, especially if their player pools would be pitted against seasoned players in Nevada or New Jersey, states that are perceived to be experienced when it comes to gambling.
Online casino games are much easier to manage. It does not matter how small or inexperienced a state’s population is, the blackjack table or video slot screen is always a click away. There is no need for other players to join the table to help pry the player from his money, which regardless of perception, is the ultimate goal of state lotteries that often offer games with a payback as low as 50%.
Online poker is a subtle way of grinding players down through the rake. The problem is that most state lawmakers and lottery leaders will not perceive it in this way. They will see how much more effort online poker requires compared to a virtual blackjack table that most of their players will not play correctly or slot machines that will break most players quickly and effortlessly. This point of view may be short sided, but the ease of access for gamblers will be a concern for many state operators. This is especially true if a lottery model is adopted.
Nevada had hoped to become the main player in the untapped US online gaming market. Unfortunately for them, both Delaware and New Jersey will launch online casino games before they will. Nevada’s Crossover Day, which is when a bill dies if it has not been approved by committee, has already passed. This means that if the Nevada Gaming Control Board is unable to find a way to incorporate casino games into the existing online poker law, or a special session is not declared to address the issue, Nevada will be late to the online casino party. Since the Nevada Legislature only meets every two years there may even be other states in the game by the time Nevada has approved online casino games.
Opinion: Casino Games Are not Good Public Policy to Launch US Online Gaming Market
I personally feel that online casino games are not a good public policy for states at this time. It is not that I feel online casino games are inherently wrong, I just feel that its existence early on will affect online poker game quality and its perception by states considering online gambling.
One can argue that Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud are games of skill that allow skilled players a chance to win, even with a rake. The problem is that most casino games are unbeatable and to most casual players, lawmakers, lottery corporations and observers, these house games would be compared to online poker if allowed at the same time. This could make it a harder sell to states that may hear how online slots were not played responsibly in the first states to offer it. While debatable, this was one reason these games were excluded from Reid/Kyl.
It is too soon to tell what will become the most popular game to US internet players. If brick and mortar casinos are an indicator of online play, slots will be the favored game among online gamblers. If that is the case then the future could be tough for online poker’s expansion. This is especially true if slot losses are used by opponents to squash future regulation. Regardless, Nevada should be prepared to offer any game that competing states are willing to offer. It may be too late by the time the Nevada Legislature meets again in 2015. Two years could be a lifetime in the US online gambling market.
Will Omission of Casino Games Affect Nevada?s Ability to Compete?
Other States Will Offer House Games
Nevada seemed to be a trailblazer by becoming the first state to legalize and regulate online poker, but Washington DC’s council had already passed both online poker and casino games at the time through the district’s lottery. Washington DC repealed this law after Nevada passed online poker regulations.
New Jersey passed a bill through their legislature that would have allowed both online poker and casino games in 2011. Governor Christie vetoed this bill because at the time he did not feel that offering online gambling outside of Atlantic City was legal under the New Jersey Constitution, even if the servers were located there. Governor Christie eventually signed a similar bill into law in February 2013.
While neither bill that was passed by lawmakers in these jurisdictions went into effect before Nevada passed an online poker bill, the intention was evident. Two years later it is clear that online casino games are coming to some states.
Liquidity Needed for Online Poker
Online poker requires a large player pool for success. That would force most states to enter into gaming pacts with their neighbors and other states across the country. This presents the possibility that their residents’ income could find its way across state lines. That is the last thing state governments want. Local governments have a hard enough time keeping money within the country, much less within their state. A region without experienced players may find interstate online poker an even harder trigger to pull, especially if their player pools would be pitted against seasoned players in Nevada or New Jersey, states that are perceived to be experienced when it comes to gambling.
Online casino games are much easier to manage. It does not matter how small or inexperienced a state’s population is, the blackjack table or video slot screen is always a click away. There is no need for other players to join the table to help pry the player from his money, which regardless of perception, is the ultimate goal of state lotteries that often offer games with a payback as low as 50%.
Online poker is a subtle way of grinding players down through the rake. The problem is that most state lawmakers and lottery leaders will not perceive it in this way. They will see how much more effort online poker requires compared to a virtual blackjack table that most of their players will not play correctly or slot machines that will break most players quickly and effortlessly. This point of view may be short sided, but the ease of access for gamblers will be a concern for many state operators. This is especially true if a lottery model is adopted.
Nevada had hoped to become the main player in the untapped US online gaming market. Unfortunately for them, both Delaware and New Jersey will launch online casino games before they will. Nevada’s Crossover Day, which is when a bill dies if it has not been approved by committee, has already passed. This means that if the Nevada Gaming Control Board is unable to find a way to incorporate casino games into the existing online poker law, or a special session is not declared to address the issue, Nevada will be late to the online casino party. Since the Nevada Legislature only meets every two years there may even be other states in the game by the time Nevada has approved online casino games.
Opinion: Casino Games Are not Good Public Policy to Launch US Online Gaming Market
I personally feel that online casino games are not a good public policy for states at this time. It is not that I feel online casino games are inherently wrong, I just feel that its existence early on will affect online poker game quality and its perception by states considering online gambling.
One can argue that Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud are games of skill that allow skilled players a chance to win, even with a rake. The problem is that most casino games are unbeatable and to most casual players, lawmakers, lottery corporations and observers, these house games would be compared to online poker if allowed at the same time. This could make it a harder sell to states that may hear how online slots were not played responsibly in the first states to offer it. While debatable, this was one reason these games were excluded from Reid/Kyl.
It is too soon to tell what will become the most popular game to US internet players. If brick and mortar casinos are an indicator of online play, slots will be the favored game among online gamblers. If that is the case then the future could be tough for online poker’s expansion. This is especially true if slot losses are used by opponents to squash future regulation. Regardless, Nevada should be prepared to offer any game that competing states are willing to offer. It may be too late by the time the Nevada Legislature meets again in 2015. Two years could be a lifetime in the US online gambling market.
Will Omission of Casino Games Affect Nevada?s Ability to Compete?
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The Michigan Lottery sees the Internet as its new frontier for business, where more tickets can be sold and games can be played to ultimately pump more money into public schools.
Some lawmakers fear increased gambling addiction, debt and a hit to brick-and-mortar stores participating in the lottery.
The debate is heating up as the Legislature sets spending for the next budget year. The Snyder administration is requesting more than $3 million to launch an “iLottery” in early 2014, thanks to a U.S. Justice Department opinion released 16 months ago that says states can offer Internet gambling as long as it does not involve wagering on sports.
The Republican-led Legislature is split over the iLottery, with the House agreeing to the funding request and the Senate planning to reject it. Differences are expected to be resolved in May.
Illinois and Georgia sell lottery tickets online. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are exploring it.
Michigan officials say the move is crucial if the lottery is to stay relevant.
“You can buy almost anything you want on the Internet now. We really should not be any different,” said lottery spokeswoman Andi Brancato.
If the lottery expands to the Internet, Michigan could deposit nearly $8 million more to education in year one, according to lottery estimates. That is peanuts considering the school aid fund received a record $780 million in lottery profits last fiscal year. But in an indicator of the potential for growth, profits could grow $471 million in the following seven years.
To some Republican legislators, the extra profits are not worth the trouble they envision with letting people play the lottery on their computer or phone.
“It’s alarming that the state would be leading the charge in online gambling. State-sponsored, wherever-you-are-gambling on a credit card — that just doesn’t pass the smell test for me,” said Rep. Kevin Cotter, a Mount Pleasant Republican.
He said he has no problem with Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen pursuing the iLottery because Bowen’s job is to maximize profits. “It’s up to us as legislators to stand up and take issue with that source of revenue,” said Cotter, who has introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of online lottery tickets.
He said his bill is needed because even if the lottery does not get additional funding to roll out the iLottery, it has a large enough budget that it could still carry out its intentions. The Senate budget as proposed includes language that would prohibit the lottery from spending any money on the iLottery.
In January, the lottery requested bids from companies interested in developing and supporting an online system and games. The winner was to have been announced this week but now is scheduled to be notified in mid-June.
Brancato said at this point the lottery is proceeding as planned but is closely watching what lawmakers do in the budget process. It is too early to say exactly how the iLottery would work and which games would be offered, she said, though the main intent is to sell tickets over the Internet.
Lottery officials say concerns about gambling addiction and racking up debt on a credit card are overblown because the technology of the Internet could restrict how much people play.
Players could pre-authorize the lottery, for example, to cut them off once they hit weekly or monthly caps on spending, Brancato said.
Critics are not convinced.
“We could have cases where people gamble away their home from their couch,” said Sen. Rick Jones, a Grand Ledge Republican who also is sponsoring legislation to kill the iLottery before it gets off the ground.
GOP Gov. Rick Snyder has expressed confidence that an Internet lottery will not harm convenience stores and restaurants. His administration also thinks the move can be made without contradicting a 2004 state constitutional amendment requiring most new gambling to be OK’d by voters at the state and local levels.
“If they’re inclined to grow the market, I think that sounds reasonable to me,” said Rep. Earl Poleski, a Jackson Republican and chairman of the House budget subcommittee that handles the lottery budget. “In days of limited dollars available for (schools), it would be imprudent to not consider how to grow that revenue.”
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Some lawmakers fear increased gambling addiction, debt and a hit to brick-and-mortar stores participating in the lottery.
The debate is heating up as the Legislature sets spending for the next budget year. The Snyder administration is requesting more than $3 million to launch an “iLottery” in early 2014, thanks to a U.S. Justice Department opinion released 16 months ago that says states can offer Internet gambling as long as it does not involve wagering on sports.
The Republican-led Legislature is split over the iLottery, with the House agreeing to the funding request and the Senate planning to reject it. Differences are expected to be resolved in May.
Illinois and Georgia sell lottery tickets online. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are exploring it.
Michigan officials say the move is crucial if the lottery is to stay relevant.
“You can buy almost anything you want on the Internet now. We really should not be any different,” said lottery spokeswoman Andi Brancato.
If the lottery expands to the Internet, Michigan could deposit nearly $8 million more to education in year one, according to lottery estimates. That is peanuts considering the school aid fund received a record $780 million in lottery profits last fiscal year. But in an indicator of the potential for growth, profits could grow $471 million in the following seven years.
To some Republican legislators, the extra profits are not worth the trouble they envision with letting people play the lottery on their computer or phone.
“It’s alarming that the state would be leading the charge in online gambling. State-sponsored, wherever-you-are-gambling on a credit card — that just doesn’t pass the smell test for me,” said Rep. Kevin Cotter, a Mount Pleasant Republican.
He said he has no problem with Lottery Commissioner M. Scott Bowen pursuing the iLottery because Bowen’s job is to maximize profits. “It’s up to us as legislators to stand up and take issue with that source of revenue,” said Cotter, who has introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of online lottery tickets.
He said his bill is needed because even if the lottery does not get additional funding to roll out the iLottery, it has a large enough budget that it could still carry out its intentions. The Senate budget as proposed includes language that would prohibit the lottery from spending any money on the iLottery.
In January, the lottery requested bids from companies interested in developing and supporting an online system and games. The winner was to have been announced this week but now is scheduled to be notified in mid-June.
Brancato said at this point the lottery is proceeding as planned but is closely watching what lawmakers do in the budget process. It is too early to say exactly how the iLottery would work and which games would be offered, she said, though the main intent is to sell tickets over the Internet.
Lottery officials say concerns about gambling addiction and racking up debt on a credit card are overblown because the technology of the Internet could restrict how much people play.
Players could pre-authorize the lottery, for example, to cut them off once they hit weekly or monthly caps on spending, Brancato said.
Critics are not convinced.
“We could have cases where people gamble away their home from their couch,” said Sen. Rick Jones, a Grand Ledge Republican who also is sponsoring legislation to kill the iLottery before it gets off the ground.
GOP Gov. Rick Snyder has expressed confidence that an Internet lottery will not harm convenience stores and restaurants. His administration also thinks the move can be made without contradicting a 2004 state constitutional amendment requiring most new gambling to be OK’d by voters at the state and local levels.
“If they’re inclined to grow the market, I think that sounds reasonable to me,” said Rep. Earl Poleski, a Jackson Republican and chairman of the House budget subcommittee that handles the lottery budget. “In days of limited dollars available for (schools), it would be imprudent to not consider how to grow that revenue.”
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Only tourists from countries that allow online gambling will be able to take part in Internet gaming at hotels, as proposed in the Gaming Bill, according to Minister of State for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez.
On Thursday, The Nassau Guardian revealed that the government has drafted a proposed law that would allow local casinos to offer guests online and mobile gambling.
Gomez said the draft legislation has been under consideration since June 2012 and is not "as liberal" as some people think.
"The new bill will permit online gaming in a restricted fashion," Gomez said. "The persons who will be allowed to participate must be on property and secondly must come from a jurisdiction which permits them in their home jurisdiction to participate in online gaming.
"What that means is that most U.S. citizens will not be able to participate in the online gaming. Only those countries that allow it, their nationals will be able to participate."
Gomez said local authorities will be properly equipped to ensure that online gaming rules are not breached.
"It is adequately policed in Nevada, it is policed in Albany and we will essentially be looking at those jurisdictions for strategies and properly regulating it.
"It will require IT specialists, and the Gaming Board will be staffed appropriately and equipped with the appropriate equipment to do their job.
"The point is it's not intended to be a free-for-all and the legislation is fairly restrictive as to who can participate in it."
Gomez made the statement to reporters in Gregory Town, Eleuthera on Thursday.
Guardian Business revealed yesterday that the Atlantis resort is set to offer online and mobile gambling before the law is passed in Parliament, reportedly under a special exemption.
Cantor Gaming, a major gaming company out of Las Vegas, has reached an agreement with Atlantis to provide mobile gambling throughout the resort campus.
According to a release from Cantor Gaming, the technology will be unleashed on Monday.
The proposed law has angered local web shop operators who feel that the legislation is discriminatory.
Web shop bosses are involved in a court battle to keep their businesses open.
The legal challenge came about after a majority of people who voted in a referendum on January 28 voted against the regularization and taxation of web shops and the establishment of a national lottery.
Less than 50 percent of the electorate voted, however.
The bill would make "interactive gaming" legal, which would permit gambling "through communications technology and accessed over the Internet."
It would also provide for "proxy gaming," which is defined as "the placement of a bet or wager on a gambling game by a player located within a permitted area, using any communications technology or device, including the Internet or intranet, wireless, wire or cable, radio, light, optics, microwave, smartphone or mobile device, or computer data network..."
The proposed legislation would allow hotel guests to gamble at pools or beachside on smartphone technology or hand-held tablets.
For years, local casino operators have pushed for updated gaming laws to allow them to be more competitive with other established gaming destinations like Las Vegas and Florida.
The Freeport News - Gaming Bill will block some tourists
On Thursday, The Nassau Guardian revealed that the government has drafted a proposed law that would allow local casinos to offer guests online and mobile gambling.
Gomez said the draft legislation has been under consideration since June 2012 and is not "as liberal" as some people think.
"The new bill will permit online gaming in a restricted fashion," Gomez said. "The persons who will be allowed to participate must be on property and secondly must come from a jurisdiction which permits them in their home jurisdiction to participate in online gaming.
"What that means is that most U.S. citizens will not be able to participate in the online gaming. Only those countries that allow it, their nationals will be able to participate."
Gomez said local authorities will be properly equipped to ensure that online gaming rules are not breached.
"It is adequately policed in Nevada, it is policed in Albany and we will essentially be looking at those jurisdictions for strategies and properly regulating it.
"It will require IT specialists, and the Gaming Board will be staffed appropriately and equipped with the appropriate equipment to do their job.
"The point is it's not intended to be a free-for-all and the legislation is fairly restrictive as to who can participate in it."
Gomez made the statement to reporters in Gregory Town, Eleuthera on Thursday.
Guardian Business revealed yesterday that the Atlantis resort is set to offer online and mobile gambling before the law is passed in Parliament, reportedly under a special exemption.
Cantor Gaming, a major gaming company out of Las Vegas, has reached an agreement with Atlantis to provide mobile gambling throughout the resort campus.
According to a release from Cantor Gaming, the technology will be unleashed on Monday.
The proposed law has angered local web shop operators who feel that the legislation is discriminatory.
Web shop bosses are involved in a court battle to keep their businesses open.
The legal challenge came about after a majority of people who voted in a referendum on January 28 voted against the regularization and taxation of web shops and the establishment of a national lottery.
Less than 50 percent of the electorate voted, however.
The bill would make "interactive gaming" legal, which would permit gambling "through communications technology and accessed over the Internet."
It would also provide for "proxy gaming," which is defined as "the placement of a bet or wager on a gambling game by a player located within a permitted area, using any communications technology or device, including the Internet or intranet, wireless, wire or cable, radio, light, optics, microwave, smartphone or mobile device, or computer data network..."
The proposed legislation would allow hotel guests to gamble at pools or beachside on smartphone technology or hand-held tablets.
For years, local casino operators have pushed for updated gaming laws to allow them to be more competitive with other established gaming destinations like Las Vegas and Florida.
The Freeport News - Gaming Bill will block some tourists
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2006/12/07
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Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, suggested that the company will not be releasing any new products before the coming autumn. In the March quarter earnings call he said “Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services we can’t wait to introduce this fall and throughout 2014.”
Cook was asked to clarify if no new products would be released this summer but he said that he didn’t “want to be more specific.”
Recent months have seen rumours that Apple may release the next iPhone this summer as well as its own streaming radio service, however, Cook’s statements would seem to contradict these rumours.
Not only will this be disappointing for customers, but also for investors. It has been over six months since the last Apple launch event and with no new products coming up, investors and analysts have begun speculating about the company’s decline.
Apple’s stock has dropped from over $600 when the iPad Mini was announced to under $400 earlier this month.
However, Apple did beat Wall Street’s estimates for revenue for the quarter and is planning to give back $100 billion to shareholders by the end of 2015.
No New Apple Products before Autumn - Online Casino Archives
Cook was asked to clarify if no new products would be released this summer but he said that he didn’t “want to be more specific.”
Recent months have seen rumours that Apple may release the next iPhone this summer as well as its own streaming radio service, however, Cook’s statements would seem to contradict these rumours.
Not only will this be disappointing for customers, but also for investors. It has been over six months since the last Apple launch event and with no new products coming up, investors and analysts have begun speculating about the company’s decline.
Apple’s stock has dropped from over $600 when the iPad Mini was announced to under $400 earlier this month.
However, Apple did beat Wall Street’s estimates for revenue for the quarter and is planning to give back $100 billion to shareholders by the end of 2015.
No New Apple Products before Autumn - Online Casino Archives
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The California Tribal Business Alliance which is on the other side of America has decided to oppose New Jersey’s legal move to allow online gambling within their state. The native alliance is activating the old argument over the rights of natives in the USA even though there are no tribal casinos in New Jersey.
Several tribal operations have ventured to offer play-for-free Internet gambling, but not one offers real-money games in America. A debate among tribal leaders continues as to whether tribes should develop gambling on the internet for real cash.
Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine opined, “There is a huge divide in Indian country,” Basically the Tribal leaders all over the country and those who are part of the California Tribal Business Alliance feel the legalization of online gambling in the USA will reduce visitors in their traditional casino properties and the move by New Jersey is the tip of the iceberg.
Joe Brennan Jr., director of the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, said New Jersey represents the first of many states expected to legalize Internet gambling, and it’s those jurisdictions that most concern tribes. “They’re worried about what comes after New Jersey,” Brennan explained, “While tribal gaming doesn’t have a footprint in New Jersey, they do have in other jurisdictions.”
Robert Smith, chairman of the California Tribal Business Alliance commented on New Jersey’s new legislation, “Online gaming is a slippery slope, and putting at risk a multimillion-dollar industry, the associated jobs and the revenue interests to impacted states, without safeguards, is a gamble no one should be willing to take,”
A contentious provision of New Jersey’s ruling allows it to form agreements with other states, allowing residents in other jurisdictions to gamble on websites run by operators in other states. That would place Atlantic City casinos in direct competition with casinos and poker rooms in California run by Tribal interests.
Tribal Alliance Opposes New Jersey's Online Gambling Legislation
Several tribal operations have ventured to offer play-for-free Internet gambling, but not one offers real-money games in America. A debate among tribal leaders continues as to whether tribes should develop gambling on the internet for real cash.
Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine opined, “There is a huge divide in Indian country,” Basically the Tribal leaders all over the country and those who are part of the California Tribal Business Alliance feel the legalization of online gambling in the USA will reduce visitors in their traditional casino properties and the move by New Jersey is the tip of the iceberg.
Joe Brennan Jr., director of the Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, said New Jersey represents the first of many states expected to legalize Internet gambling, and it’s those jurisdictions that most concern tribes. “They’re worried about what comes after New Jersey,” Brennan explained, “While tribal gaming doesn’t have a footprint in New Jersey, they do have in other jurisdictions.”
Robert Smith, chairman of the California Tribal Business Alliance commented on New Jersey’s new legislation, “Online gaming is a slippery slope, and putting at risk a multimillion-dollar industry, the associated jobs and the revenue interests to impacted states, without safeguards, is a gamble no one should be willing to take,”
A contentious provision of New Jersey’s ruling allows it to form agreements with other states, allowing residents in other jurisdictions to gamble on websites run by operators in other states. That would place Atlantic City casinos in direct competition with casinos and poker rooms in California run by Tribal interests.
Tribal Alliance Opposes New Jersey's Online Gambling Legislation
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The Czech Republic has been going through some political changes and now the administration is requesting finance ministers to come up with a new set of rules for online gambling within the next few months. It was revealed the new platform must satisfy the European Commission standards for regulations.
The proposal presented last year failed after the European Commission said a completely new set of rules must be developed. The Commission indicated the problems in the proposal pointing to areas such as competition, technology, and punter safety. The previous legislation restricted offshore operators and failed in other technological areas.
“The conclusion that the draft regulation is compatible with EU law, even if, in the question of the condition that the operator be domiciled in the Czech Republic,” however it recognizes that this element “May be problematic with regards to European law.”
In a recent ruling the Constitutional Court gave Czech municipalities greater powers in regulating gambling within their jurisdictions. The Czech Republic’s Constitutional Court struck down legislation preventing town and city halls from banning lottery video terminals on their premises until the end of 2014.
The right to self-administration was the issue the judges were contesting in the proposed restrictions aimed at protecting terminals licensed by the finance department.
The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International was questioned about the new online gambling legislation. Vladan Brož was quoted as saying, “I think this is a message to the Czech Finance Ministry that they should abide by the law. We have long had the same opinion that the Constitutional Court expressed yesterday – that municipalities have the right to ban gambling in their communities. But the Finance Ministry has been saying that they did not have that right. So it’s a message for the ministry.” When asked about an increased of illegal gambling and online gambling Brož said, “The ruling will decrease the profits for the gambling business but I don’t think we will see illegal gambling bars opening because we still have a huge number of legal gambling venues.”
Czech Republic Proposes New Online Gambling Legislation
The proposal presented last year failed after the European Commission said a completely new set of rules must be developed. The Commission indicated the problems in the proposal pointing to areas such as competition, technology, and punter safety. The previous legislation restricted offshore operators and failed in other technological areas.
“The conclusion that the draft regulation is compatible with EU law, even if, in the question of the condition that the operator be domiciled in the Czech Republic,” however it recognizes that this element “May be problematic with regards to European law.”
In a recent ruling the Constitutional Court gave Czech municipalities greater powers in regulating gambling within their jurisdictions. The Czech Republic’s Constitutional Court struck down legislation preventing town and city halls from banning lottery video terminals on their premises until the end of 2014.
The right to self-administration was the issue the judges were contesting in the proposed restrictions aimed at protecting terminals licensed by the finance department.
The anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International was questioned about the new online gambling legislation. Vladan Brož was quoted as saying, “I think this is a message to the Czech Finance Ministry that they should abide by the law. We have long had the same opinion that the Constitutional Court expressed yesterday – that municipalities have the right to ban gambling in their communities. But the Finance Ministry has been saying that they did not have that right. So it’s a message for the ministry.” When asked about an increased of illegal gambling and online gambling Brož said, “The ruling will decrease the profits for the gambling business but I don’t think we will see illegal gambling bars opening because we still have a huge number of legal gambling venues.”
Czech Republic Proposes New Online Gambling Legislation
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Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande has today scored a new chart record with her debut album, following a stellar year in Britain that has paved the way for her next challenge - the US market.
Sande smashed a record held for nearly 50 years by The Beatles when her debut album, Our Version of Events, hit its 63rd week in the top 10 of the UK album charts, according to the Official Charts Company.
The Beatles previously held the record for the debut album spending the most consecutive weeks in the top 10 with Please Please Me racking up 62 weeks in 1963 and 1964.
"It feels quite surreal to even have your name mentioned in the same sentence as The Beatles," Sande, 26, told Reuters.
"For a record to stay there for so long it means that people have connected with it so that's how I'm enjoying celebrating this record," she added.
The release of Our Version Of Events in February 2012 kicked off a year of successes for Sande who sang at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and won best British female artist and best album at the BRIT Awards.
Sande also notched up three No. 1 singles in the UK with Read All About It with Professor Green, Next to Me, and Beneath Your Beautiful, a collaboration with Labrinth.
Now the former medical student has set herself a new challenge, tackling the US market, where she has yet to make a name for herself. Her single Next To Me is currently 46th in the Billboard Hot 100 chart and she is in the United States this month to promote her album. "I'm really excited about taking music over to the States because it's a brand new challenge," she said.
"There's different formats over there so you have to understand the market, the people, you really have to take into account how massive the place is... It's a brand new adventure and it's chapter two of this whole big thing."
Sande is the first to admit that the past year has been extraordinary but she is aware that she needs to keep building from her debut album that was Britain's best-seller last year.
"So many things I've dreamed of doing have happened last year which is amazing, but you always want to be better as a musician," she said.
"The biggest thing for me right now is creating a second record that I love."
So does the success mean that she has abandoned her plan to go back and finish her medicine degree that she shelved in its fourth year?
"Would I go back? I'd like to and every time I see programmes on medicine I'm tempted to go back to it because I do miss it a lot and I miss science and learning but in the near future, no. I think I'd miss music too much," she said.
Sande smashed a record held for nearly 50 years by The Beatles when her debut album, Our Version of Events, hit its 63rd week in the top 10 of the UK album charts, according to the Official Charts Company.
The Beatles previously held the record for the debut album spending the most consecutive weeks in the top 10 with Please Please Me racking up 62 weeks in 1963 and 1964.
"It feels quite surreal to even have your name mentioned in the same sentence as The Beatles," Sande, 26, told Reuters.
"For a record to stay there for so long it means that people have connected with it so that's how I'm enjoying celebrating this record," she added.
The release of Our Version Of Events in February 2012 kicked off a year of successes for Sande who sang at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and won best British female artist and best album at the BRIT Awards.
Sande also notched up three No. 1 singles in the UK with Read All About It with Professor Green, Next to Me, and Beneath Your Beautiful, a collaboration with Labrinth.
Now the former medical student has set herself a new challenge, tackling the US market, where she has yet to make a name for herself. Her single Next To Me is currently 46th in the Billboard Hot 100 chart and she is in the United States this month to promote her album. "I'm really excited about taking music over to the States because it's a brand new challenge," she said.
"There's different formats over there so you have to understand the market, the people, you really have to take into account how massive the place is... It's a brand new adventure and it's chapter two of this whole big thing."
Sande is the first to admit that the past year has been extraordinary but she is aware that she needs to keep building from her debut album that was Britain's best-seller last year.
"So many things I've dreamed of doing have happened last year which is amazing, but you always want to be better as a musician," she said.
"The biggest thing for me right now is creating a second record that I love."
So does the success mean that she has abandoned her plan to go back and finish her medicine degree that she shelved in its fourth year?
"Would I go back? I'd like to and every time I see programmes on medicine I'm tempted to go back to it because I do miss it a lot and I miss science and learning but in the near future, no. I think I'd miss music too much," she said.
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Hotels on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk are impatiently waiting for online poker regulations to be completed so that they can begin offering their guests online gambling. The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa is hoping to be amongst the first to offer online gambling when the licensing process has been completed.
The casino is owned by Boyd Gaming Corp and the company’s CEO, Keith Smith, said that the group is quickly moving forward with plans to offer internet gambling, earlier this week he said “we look forward to being one of the first to launch in New Jersey.”
According to Smith the online gambling market will be a hugely “lucrative market” for the company. While he wouldn’t give any estimates as to how Boyd Gaming will benefit from the new laws, he believes that New Jersey will generate internet gambling revenue between $200 million and $1.2 billion next year.
Smith went on to say that he thinks internet gambling will increase the number of visitors to Atlantic City casinos, “we think it’s going to be a great addition to our land-based platform.”
Like the majority of Atlantic City casinos, the Borgata has been struggling over recent years due to the decline in visitors and competition from neighbouring states. The casino’s net revenues drop 6% in the first quarter of this year and gross operating profits fell 27%.
Atlantic City Casinos Look Forward to Online Gambling - Online Casino Archives
The casino is owned by Boyd Gaming Corp and the company’s CEO, Keith Smith, said that the group is quickly moving forward with plans to offer internet gambling, earlier this week he said “we look forward to being one of the first to launch in New Jersey.”
According to Smith the online gambling market will be a hugely “lucrative market” for the company. While he wouldn’t give any estimates as to how Boyd Gaming will benefit from the new laws, he believes that New Jersey will generate internet gambling revenue between $200 million and $1.2 billion next year.
Smith went on to say that he thinks internet gambling will increase the number of visitors to Atlantic City casinos, “we think it’s going to be a great addition to our land-based platform.”
Like the majority of Atlantic City casinos, the Borgata has been struggling over recent years due to the decline in visitors and competition from neighbouring states. The casino’s net revenues drop 6% in the first quarter of this year and gross operating profits fell 27%.
Atlantic City Casinos Look Forward to Online Gambling - Online Casino Archives
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GAMBLING on smartphones has helped boost revenue for gaming group Tabcorp.
Bets placed online through computers and mobile phones spiked 13 per cent in the three months to March, while revenue fell at the group's bricks and mortar stores.
The Melbourne-based company reported a 2.6 per cent lift in quarterly revenue to $480.3 million across its four businesses - wagering, media and international, gaming services and Keno.
Tabcorp's core wagering business, the largest part of its operations, reported a 4.7 per cent drop in revenue to $368.6 million.
But the group said the result was hit by the new terms of Tabcorp's Victorian wagering and betting licence, which came into effect in August.
Under the changes, Tabcorp's share of profits with the Victorian racing industry has been reduced from 75 per cent to 50 per cent.
Tabcorp said excluding the impact of the deal, revenue generated by its wagering business rose 7.2 per cent for the quarter.
Within the wagering business, online gambling saw the biggest growth, up 13 per cent to $581.4 million.
Revenue from the group's Victorian stores fell 7.5 per cent to $657.8 million, and dropped 3.6 per cent at the NSW stores to $891.8 million. Call centre revenue fell 16.1 per cent to $171.2 million.
Chief executive David Attenborough said trackside betting had been hit by soft trading conditions and unusually low yields during the quarter.
Among the group's other businesses, its media and international division reported a 7.6 per cent rise to $52.1 million and Keno revenue rose 16 per cent to $51.6 million.
Tabcorp's new gaming services business, which was launched in August, generated $24.1 million for the quarter.
"Tabcorp has continued to deliver a steady trading performance," Mr Attenborough said.
"Our businesses are benefiting from the investments we have made in markets and products that can generate growth."
Morningstar analyst Michael Wu said punters' preference for online gambling offered better profit margins for the company than its call centres.
"We've definitely seen a move that people are betting more through their smartphones or online, and that shift is expected to continue," Mr Wu said. Tabcorp shares closed up 1.5 per cent yesterday at $3.39.
Tabcorp online and phone wager revenue up 13 per cent | adelaidenow
Bets placed online through computers and mobile phones spiked 13 per cent in the three months to March, while revenue fell at the group's bricks and mortar stores.
The Melbourne-based company reported a 2.6 per cent lift in quarterly revenue to $480.3 million across its four businesses - wagering, media and international, gaming services and Keno.
Tabcorp's core wagering business, the largest part of its operations, reported a 4.7 per cent drop in revenue to $368.6 million.
But the group said the result was hit by the new terms of Tabcorp's Victorian wagering and betting licence, which came into effect in August.
Under the changes, Tabcorp's share of profits with the Victorian racing industry has been reduced from 75 per cent to 50 per cent.
Tabcorp said excluding the impact of the deal, revenue generated by its wagering business rose 7.2 per cent for the quarter.
Within the wagering business, online gambling saw the biggest growth, up 13 per cent to $581.4 million.
Revenue from the group's Victorian stores fell 7.5 per cent to $657.8 million, and dropped 3.6 per cent at the NSW stores to $891.8 million. Call centre revenue fell 16.1 per cent to $171.2 million.
Chief executive David Attenborough said trackside betting had been hit by soft trading conditions and unusually low yields during the quarter.
Among the group's other businesses, its media and international division reported a 7.6 per cent rise to $52.1 million and Keno revenue rose 16 per cent to $51.6 million.
Tabcorp's new gaming services business, which was launched in August, generated $24.1 million for the quarter.
"Tabcorp has continued to deliver a steady trading performance," Mr Attenborough said.
"Our businesses are benefiting from the investments we have made in markets and products that can generate growth."
Morningstar analyst Michael Wu said punters' preference for online gambling offered better profit margins for the company than its call centres.
"We've definitely seen a move that people are betting more through their smartphones or online, and that shift is expected to continue," Mr Wu said. Tabcorp shares closed up 1.5 per cent yesterday at $3.39.
Tabcorp online and phone wager revenue up 13 per cent | adelaidenow
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The online gambling industry is massive and global with many different jurisdictions with just as many platforms that make for interesting business situations. The best way to connect and learn about all the various aspects of the internet wagering business is to attend the myriad of conferences and shows available to affiliates and operators. The European jurisdiction is a lively combination of differing laws and platforms some with easy to apply business practices and others with complex and difficult systems.
Coming soon a must attend conference in June of 2013 in the city of Amsterdam is the iGaming Super Show event. The iGaming Super Show is set to present a knowledge packed programme of discussion panels and presentations with insights from the industry's expert speakers. A truly international event there will be delegates from as many as 65 countries. The first day is basically a get acquainted evening of socializing and networking. The second day begins with a topic that is on the minds of many of the delegates, the European legislative landscape. Speakers from the legal profession will be on hand to enlighten delegates on the evolution of the European market and its impact on legislative policies in the European Union.
This conference is jam packed with exciting topics almost too many to mention. One of specific interest to a lot of delegates is bound to be the issue of the United Kingdom’s Point of Consumption Tax and the about face by the UK government. The questions being asked are does this controversial reversal of policy turn Europe's most advanced iGaming jurisdiction into an untenable market and are UK policy makers concerned with social media games on Facebook and mobile that are gambling themed, and are they considering the regulation of the new trend.
Among other topics the global gambling market is explored with discussions on taxation and unregulated markets and the unstable nature of some of those markets. There are many more reasons to register and attend this Super Show, they are all in one location.
Online Gambling iGaming Super Show June Amsterdam
Coming soon a must attend conference in June of 2013 in the city of Amsterdam is the iGaming Super Show event. The iGaming Super Show is set to present a knowledge packed programme of discussion panels and presentations with insights from the industry's expert speakers. A truly international event there will be delegates from as many as 65 countries. The first day is basically a get acquainted evening of socializing and networking. The second day begins with a topic that is on the minds of many of the delegates, the European legislative landscape. Speakers from the legal profession will be on hand to enlighten delegates on the evolution of the European market and its impact on legislative policies in the European Union.
This conference is jam packed with exciting topics almost too many to mention. One of specific interest to a lot of delegates is bound to be the issue of the United Kingdom’s Point of Consumption Tax and the about face by the UK government. The questions being asked are does this controversial reversal of policy turn Europe's most advanced iGaming jurisdiction into an untenable market and are UK policy makers concerned with social media games on Facebook and mobile that are gambling themed, and are they considering the regulation of the new trend.
Among other topics the global gambling market is explored with discussions on taxation and unregulated markets and the unstable nature of some of those markets. There are many more reasons to register and attend this Super Show, they are all in one location.
Online Gambling iGaming Super Show June Amsterdam
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“I can’t believe it,” Paltrow said of the magazine’s honor. “I kept thinking, ‘This can’t be true.’ I’ve never been more surprised or flattered.”
Adele, Beyonce, Jennifer Lawrence, and Kristen Stewart are among the many other stars who made People’s "Most Beautiful" list.
Paltrow works out two hours every day, and says her regular workouts can be “a nightmare,” but that she pushes herself to do them by viewing staying in shape as part of her job. “Let’s face it, it’s much easier to just chill out and watch TV,” she said.