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One thing I strongly believe in is fully understanding the business
your involved with. As casino gamblers it is crucial that you have a
knowledgebase on which to form your decisions. You don't want to be that
guy who follows the pack, trusting that what is told to him is 100%
true.
Instead, research the field on which you are playing ball. By
learning about the casino industry and what is happening to the
individual companies within the industry you'll be much better prepared
to make the proper decisions on where to gamble and which games to play.
In this area of our website we provide current news articles that we
feel you should know about. By checking back here often you will easily
stay informed with industry changes and events that can affect your roll
as a casino gambler. Just remember, do your research and make your own
decisions.
May 31,
2009
Brisbane
Processor in Trouble
Having a reliable online payment processor is very
important to gamblers that chose to wager at online casinos. Most online
casinos offer a long list of options when it comes to payment processing. There
are several payment processing options out their, many with great reputations.
However, one particular online payment processor is beginning to lose
credibility very quickly.
May 31,
2009
Stick to
Regulations
Not so long ago the most a player could do when
selecting a new online casinos was to research the casino, read a couple
of review, then hope for the best. Now, a few government has taken
consumer protection at online casinos very seriously and many online
casinos have been regulated by major countries on the world stage,
including the United Kingdom and members of the European Union.
May 31,
2009
Advantage of Online Casinos
If you choose to gamble at online casinos, be sure
you are taking full advantage of the convention. Online casinos have
been significantly out performing brick and mortar casinos. This is no
accident. One thing that online casinos apart from brick and mortar
casinos is the fact that they are relatively inexpensive to operate.
Most online casinos take the money they save and give it right back to
gamblers.
May 31,
2009
Big Slot Plans
The duality of slot machines is that while they
can certainly generate much needed income into a state, before they are
legalized they can certainly be a divisive issue. That is exactly what
New Hampshire is facing right now as they stand on the brink of serious
gambling expansion.
May 31,
2009
Batavia
Expansion
While it is generally true that brick and mortar gambling
establishments have suffered serious losses in revenue in month leading
up to and during the recession, it has not always proven true. Some
gambling venues are experiencing health business growth and are looking
to expand. Batavia Downs in New York is a prime example of a thriving
racino.
May 31,
2009
Slot
Machines Make a Dent
New Hampshire Senator Lou D’Allesandro is very
excited about the prospect of bringing slot machines to the state. Just
last week the Senate Budget Committee approved a plan to operate slot
machines in dog and horse racing venues as well as build two new slot
parlors. The plan is awaiting the final approval of the full Senate.
May 31,
2009
Slot
Machines Worth Cost
The New Hampshire Senate Budget Committee voted in
favor of brining slot machines to state horse and dog racing tracks. The
proposal will also bring two brand new parlors full of slot machines to the
state.
May 30,
2009
Impulsive Gambling
Impulses and gambling do not mix. We are not
talking about compulsive gambling although that is a very serious
problem that gamblers want to avoid if they can. We are talking about
the search for new online casino. There are hundreds of online casinos
on the Internet and many of them are honest business with a lot to
offer. The real difficulty is picking the online casino that is best
suited to your gambling needs.
May 30,
2009
Know Your Wallet
Online casinos differ greatly from their brick and
mortar counterparts. That being said there are a few things that a
gambler needs to know in order to safely navigate the world of online
gambling. Until the United States government sees fit to protect their
consumers by regulating online casinos, American gamblers are on their
own. Even after that day, there are still a few tips that all player
should know in order to get the most out of gambling online.
May 30,
2009
Svenska
Spel Online Casinos
Svenska Spel has been in the news a lot, but rarely for the
purpose of praise. Svenska Spel is the company owned by the Swedish government
that has notoriously been given the monopoly on online casinos and Internet
gambling in the country. However, the European Lotteries and Toto Association
have seen fit to give Svenska Spel a service award.
May 30,
2009
Illinois
Legalizes Online Gambling
As individual states in the United States examine ways of
expanding gambling, the flaws of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
become glaringly obvious. The law was designed to obstruct payments to and from
online casinos, but states are finding that it causes many more problems than
that.
May 30,
2009
Online Gambling
Helps UK
Online casinos are not the only gambling business
making big bucks online. Apparently, the lottery in the United Kingdom
is enjoying a boost in revenue. According to the company which operates
the United Kingdom’s National Lottery, Camelot, ticket sales have
improved by more than four percent over last year’s sales. The increase
in revenue comes from a combination of wise business moves, including
refiguring prize methods and sales promotions. Lottery sales in the
Unite Kingdom are better than they have been in over a decade.
May 29,
2009
Slot Machines
Family Value
Slot machines are primarily responsible for the $653 million dollar fortune
that Len Ainsworth has accumulate over his life. Ainsworth did not win his
money by playing slot machines; he was on the other side of the industry,
manufacturing slot machines. Unfortunately, despite all of his hard work, the
85 year old Australian slot machine tycoon cannot take his fortune with him when
he dies.
May 29,
2009
Subconscious
Online Casinos
Foviance is a hi-tech research company with a very unique niche. The
focus of Foviance, is to examine the user experience of online surfers.
Among other unique accomplishments, Foviance has managed to develop
technology designed to identify the subconscious decisions made by
gamblers at online casinos. Emotional Engagement Measurement allows
researchers to examine the habits of online gamblers and explore the
reasons as to why the make particular decisions at online casinos.
May 29,
2009
Nova Scotia
Minor Threat
As government continue to
move forward with the regulation and legalization of online casinos, one
issue continues to resurface; finding a solution to underage gambling.
No one will contest, whether they support or protest online casinos,
that preventing minors from accessing online casinos is a very important
matter.
May 28,
2009
Online Casinos Not Enough
The online gambling bill recently introduced by Barney Frank has not yet been
reviewed, negotiated upon, or revised; the standard phases every bill must
encounter before passing into law. However, as it stands, it has raised the
eyebrows of a few gambling experts.
May 28,
2009
Harrah's Joins the Club
Harrah’s Entertainment sent shockwaves through the gambling industry when it
announced the official creation of its new subsidiary Harrah’s Interactive
Entertainment. The new company is Harrah’s way of committing to the development
of online casinos and other forms of interactive entertainment. While this may
have been a big surprised for other United States based gambling operators, it
cannot have been a shock to the rest of the world.
May 28,
2009
Online
Casinos are the Problem
Illinois may be legalizing online gambling. This is exciting news
for the state lottery but not so much for online casinos. The problem
in the United States has never really been online gambling so much as it
has been online casinos. There are several forms of online gambling
that are permitted in the United States.
May 28,
2009
Slot
Machines of Steel
Several states in recent years have followed up on plans to expand
gambling, usually by legalizing slot machines, to increase revenues for
state coffers. Maryland is an example of how that plan is not always a
guaranteed success. Most states are hoping their slot machines have an
outcome similar to that of Pennsylvania. Since Pennsylvania legalized
slot machine back in 2006 only eight of the fourteen approved slot
machine venues have opened and the state has already raked in $1.86
billion.
May 28,
2009
Slot
Machines a Must in Kentucky
It seems that a part of the Kentucky culture is the
mindset that if what you want is not given to you, you take it.
Racetracks in Kentucky, like racing industries all across the globe, are
in financial trouble and slot machines are their chosen remedy. But,
much like Governor Steve Beshear’s attempt to seize the domain name of
141 online casinos, the tracks are not sitting around and waiting for
their wish to be granted by some fairy godmother.
May 28,
2009
Tooth
and Nail
Budget issues facing New Hampshire may be an
indicator of the sort of trouble facing states all over the country.
Last night the New Hampshire Finance Committee passed a plan to bring
slot machines to state racing venues with a 4 -3 vote. But the night
was long and the process intense.
May 28,
2009
Slot
Machines Pass Committee
Senate Finance Chairman Lou D’Allesandro’s
plan to repair the New Hampshire state budget with slot machines passed
its first test just last night. With a 4 to 3 vote, the Senate Finance
Committee approved using slot machines to help the state’s 2010 and 2011
budget plan.
May 26,
2009
Gambling
Always Dangerous
Arguments against the legalizing online casinos are perhaps as diverse as the
people that make the arguments. The bottom line as to whether one thinks online
casinos are dangerous or not, the industry is truly made less dangerous by
having some sort of regulatory body to protect consumers. However, some people
not only disagree with legalizing online casinos, they think gambling in general
is a dangerous activity.
May 26,
2009
Leave Online
Casinos Hanging
Poker got its start as a game on the riverboats floating up and down the
Mississippi river in the 1800s. Then the all-American game found its way into
saloons and eventually casinos. Now, in this current century, poker is
attempting to disassociate itself with casinos, particularly online casinos.
May 26,
2009
Online Casinos in Courtroom
The Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association is not the
only organization fighting in the court rooms for online casinos. The
group has done wonders for online casinos in both Kentucky and Minnesota
by arguing against state instituted bans that would set a dangerous
precedent for the future of ecommerce. But also doing battle on the
legal front is the Poker Players Alliance.
May 26,
2009
Benefit of
Skill
Although the entire gambling community celebrated Barney Frank’s
introduction of a bill to legalize online casinos, poker advocates are
not yet ready to allow the fate of their game to lay in bed with online
casinos. It comes down to the old skill versus chance argument. Poker
has already been declared a game of skill in a few court cases across
the country, but there is still much more work to be done.
May 26,
2009
Suicide Leads to Ban
Recently, news spread through the Thai community
that a 12 year old boy committed suicide by throwing himself off of a
balcony on the sixth floor of the building where he lived. The
horrifying action has led to an aggressive ban on online casinos in the
country. The connection may not be immediately clear, but the story
itself is inherently bizarre.
May 25,
2009
Bangkok Slot
Machines
Bangkok law enforcement is working actively to stamp out
illegal gambling in the city and its neighboring provinces; particularly
illegally operated slot machines. The full scale assault on illegal slot
machines began back in May 20th. It is the belief of law enforcement
that within 40 days they will be able to route out and seize all illegal slot
machines in the area.
May 25,
2009
Can't Make Them Happy
It seems that there is very little that can be done to appease the opponents
of online gambling. Many things have changed since Barney Frank attempted to
regulate online casinos, the first time, back in 2007. The most important
change is the language of the bill. Another important change is the technology
associated with today’s online casinos.
May 25,
2009
Name the
Opposition
Opposition to Barney Frank’s bill that would regulate and legalize
online casinos come from different groups and all have very different
reasons. However, opponents have yet to come up with a complaint that
supports do not feel will be resolved or better handled by regulating
online casinos. The brunt of the opposition is coming from sports
leagues and social conservatives.
May 25,
2009
Class System for Slot Machines
It is time for some slot machine education. Thanks to the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act slot machines have been divided into two classes;
Class II slot machines and Class III slot machines. There are not any
Class I slot machines because the Class system has less to do directly
with slot machines than how types of gambling games are split up.
May 25,
2009
Regulations
Please
Online casinos exist and they are not going
anywhere. Online casinos will still be around even if the United States
does not succeed in legalizing and regulating the industry. When looked
at from that point of view, it becomes apparent that regulation is the
only option to help problem gamblers when it comes to the online casino
question.
May 25,
2009
Online
Casinos in Office Space
Online casinos allow access to full casino action
at any time anywhere. That is the perhaps the best feature about online
casinos and the reason that the online gambling industry has the brick
and mortar gambling industry sweating bullets. It is also the reason
why online casinos have family centered groups sweating just as much.
The accessibility of online casinos allows those that do not have such a
healthy control over their gambling habits access to online casinos
during the most in appropriate hours of the day; at work for instance.
May 23,
2009
Harrah's Makes It Official
Competition in any industry is all about staying relevant to your
client base. It is not as if land based casinos do not see the trend
emerging in favor of online casinos, but not many seem to be doing
anything about it except lobbying against online casinos legally.
However, one company, already an industry leader, is not willing to be
left behind and has taken a decisive step forward.
May 23,
2009
Minnesota
Latest
The Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association seem
confident that their two major legal battles in defense of online
casinos will have a positive outcome. The case involving the
commonwealth of Kentucky is about to be tried in front of a Supreme
Court, but according the iMEGA Chairman, Joe Brennan, the state do not
have any new arguments and the victory won in the Appeals case should
stand.
May 23,
2009
Kentucky latest
By introducing a bill that will regulate online casinos in the United
States, Representative Barney Frank has done a lot to protect the rights
of online casino operators. Franks real battle lies ahead as he
campaigns for votes to get the law passed.
May 23,
2009
Mass Loses Slot
Machines
It seems ironic that Massachusetts, the state represented by online
casino crusader Barney Frank, will not be enjoying any further gambling
expansion on a state level.
May 23,
2009
Sands Concerns
Go Beyond Slots
Las Vegas Sands Corp has several concerns on the
horizon, both big and small. The international gaming provider just celebrated
the opening of the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. It has been
four years since the state legalized slot machines and the company successful
bid for one of he limited gambling licenses.
May 23,
2009
Colorful
Bethlehem
The grand opening of the Sands Casino
Resort Bethlehem was filled with character and celebration. The $743
million gambling complex finally brought gambling to a town where
hardworking steel workers once toiled for their earnings. Many of the
locals in and around Bethlehem welcomed the slot machines, both old and
young.
May 23,
2009
Early
Morning for Slot Machines
Opening day for the Sands Casino Resort
Bethlehem was packed with anticipation manifested in several different
emotions. Starting as early as 3:30 am, patrons lined up outside the
new casino with one goal in mind: to be the very first to get a spin on
the 3,000 brand new slot machines on the casino gaming floor.
May 21,
2009
Online Casinos
Lose Royalty
Life is not easy for online casinos operators.
Just when they thought the major headache of online gambling prohibition
in the United States was close to being lifted, they get very bad news
from one of the biggest banks in the world.
May 21,
2009
Regulation and Legislation
Perhaps the best out come for Internet gambling is
that online casinos are regulated on a federal basis but legalized on a
state to state basis. There is no question that the industry needs
tough regulations in place to protect consumers from those online
casinos that are not completely on the up and up. However, within the
United States, there are quite a few state that do not believe gambling
is right for their citizens. When considering the 50 states that make
up the United States, it is sometimes like dealing with 50 different
nations.
May 21,
2009
UK Online
Casinos Prosper
Online casinos still seem to be increasing in popularity.
Unlike many of the claims from opponents of online casinos, there is significant
evidence to back up the claim. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission has
reported statistics that show an increase in the people that prefer to do their
gambling at online casinos or at other Internet based gambling sites.
May 21,
2009
NFL Set to
Sack Online Casinos
The National Football League may prove to be an
even bigger opponent for Barney Frank that Christian Conservatives. The
National Football League is doing everything they can to resist the
legalization and regulation of online casinos or any other form of
online gambling. Well funded and extremely popular, the league has a
lot of political sway. According to the National Football League, their
opposition to legalized online casinos is an effort to, at all costs,
maintain “the integrity of our game.”
May 21,
2009
The Old GOP
After the 2008 election season, the Republican Party was left in
shambles. Sure the successful historic campaign of Barack Obama had
something to do with it, with his unmatched ability to appear relevant
and in touch with the needs and wants of the American people. But more
than any other cause, the Republicans need only blame themselves. To
this day, several months after the election, the Grand Old Party cannot
seem to get on board with a coherent message and maintains the
appearance of a party desperately seeking relevance.
May 20,
2009
Online
Casinos Savings Plan
Although the intentions behind groups that oppose
online casinos are often good, their reasoning still appears to be
strongly misguided. Statistics just do not seem to line up with their
assumptions.
May 19,
2009
Ohio Slot
Machine Proposal
Bars and private clubs in Ohio want
in on the gambling action. These organizations, partnered with slot machine
manufactures are doing there best to get a piece of the pie currently being
devoured by racing venues and Las Vegas styled casinos. Their could be slot
machines spinning in the local bars without a constitutional amendment or a vote
from citizens.
May 19,
2009
Kentucky Push for Slot
Machines
Now Kentucky is searching for a way to get slot machines are their
racetracks. There is a law in the state that gives the government the
right to seize illegal gambling machines. That is the law Governor
Steve Beshear has attempted to use in order to give him the right to
seize the domain names of 141 online casinos and gambling sites.
May 18,
2009
Baseball is a Sure Bet
When most people think about online gambling they
think of online casinos. Likewise, they think that the only way to make
a lot of money is hitting a progressive jackpot at one of many online
casinos. There are no sure things in online gambling, but there are
games and activities that improve a player’s odds of winning. Betting
on baseball games may prove more fruitful to more players than wagering
on any game found at online casinos.
May 18,
2009
iPhone Changes Game
For both patrons and casinos alike, the name of the
game is technology when it comes to staying ahead of the competition.
Some may argue that technology has almost spurred an escalation battle
in the world of online gambling. Patrons have used the latest
technology to stay a step ahead of the online casinos and online casinos
have utilized technology to stay ahead of each other.
May 18,
2009
Bet Against
Online Casinos
Although it remains to be seen exactly how far
Barney Frank will get with his legislation to regulate online casinos,
the most important thing the bill did was make the legalizing online
gambling argument in the United States real. Both sides are coming out
in strong numbers to either support or thwart legalized online casinos.
However, no surprise, there are a few dissenters claiming to be against
online casinos because of concerns of how it will effect the families of
compulsive gamblers that in truth are concerned about their own profits.
May 16,
2009
Difficulties of
Online Casinos
It is becoming clearer and clearer that in a few years a
majority of people will be doing most of their gambling at online casinos and
perhaps mobile casinos. Gambling like all other businesses is well on its way
to functioning primarily on the Internet.
May 16,
2009
Signs of
Problem Gambling
Gambling at online casinos has become popular for a
few simple reasons. Online casinos are easy to access. There is no
long drive all a person must do is hope on their computer offer some
personal information and BAM you are getting casino level entertainment
from your own home.
May 15,
2009
Lottos
Against UIGEA
More than just online casinos are watching and hoping
that Barney Frank’s latest legislation makes it all the way. Not only
did Frank introduce the Internet Gambling Regulation Consumer Protection
and Enforcement Act but he also introduced legislation that will put a
hold on enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
May 15,
2009
Reasons Against
Regulation
Very recently Poker Daily News landed a sit down with Chad Hills.
Hills is the spokesperson for Focus on the Family for all things
gambling and has been very vocal against online casinos. The interview
proved to be very insightful as to what exactly the conservative
Christian organization has against online casinos and how little fact
comes into play in their opinions about the Internet gambling industry.
May 15,
2009
Hills Perfect
Storm
Focus on the Family, the social conservative organization that has
been very vocal about its opposition to online casinos, has mostly
attempted to dissuade support for online casinos with fears. In an
interview with Poker New Daily, Chad Hills, gambling analyst for Focus
on the Family, disclosed what exactly the group is so afraid of.
May 15,
2009
Whatever
Works
Everything in the horse racing industry is in a state of
flux. Calvin Borel, the jockey that rode the Kentucky Derby winner
“Mine That Bird” all the way to victory is about to make history. His
change to Kentucky Oaks winner “Rachel Alexandra” for the Preakness
Stakes marks the first time in history that a Kentucky Derby winning
jockey changed horses for the Preakness Stakes.
May 15,
2009
New Slots in
Chicago
A plan is brewing in Illinois that will create a massive
expansion of gambling in the state. One part of the plan was passed
this week. A controversial amendment has arranged for racetracks in the
state to carry slot machines, courtesy of riverboat casinos. The
riverboats would still own and operate the slot machines being housed by
the racetracks.
May 15,
2009
Heights of
Slot Machines
Illinois, like many other states, is in the process of
expanding their gambling laws. The only problem is that that some of
the cities and villages in the state that are scheduled to host venues
that operate slot machines, want nothing to do with slot machines.
May 15,
2009
Slot
Machines Like It or Not
It appears that if local racetracks are determined
enough to get slot machines and they have state legislators on their
side, they will find a way to get slot machines; even if the town they
are in does not want them. Such is the case with Arlington Park
racetrack in Illinois.
May 14,
2009
Two Sides of
Lady Luck
When dealing with luck, one can expect great highs and great lows.
Two very different displays of luck at online casinos were made public
recently. Both involve big wins but one ends in dreams fulfilled and
the other in pure heartbreak.
May 14,
2009
Churchill
Focus Online
There are still questions surrounding the why Churchill Downs has
requested that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission allow them to reduce
their spring meet live racing format from five days to four. Track
operators have insisted the cut backs are a reaction to the recession
and the shrinking horse racing industry. While that may be partially
true, there are some that suspect the cuts may be a sign of how
important online gambling has really become to track operators.
May 14,
2009
Stubborn
Holland
Following the policies of the United States under the Bush
administration has gotten Holland in to hot water with the international
community. Not only has the European Commission warned Holland that
their ban that restricts banks from processing transactions from online
casinos is in violation of the European treaty, leading online gambling
operator Betfair is now suing the country.
May 13,
2009
Leagues and
Conservatives
Opponents of legalizing online casinos have
attempted to take the moral high ground in the argument. Their argument
comes from the belief that gambling is the source of all sorts of social
ill and that the wide accessibility of online casinos will only
exacerbate those problems.
May 13,
2009
Two Against Online Casinos
It is a general understanding the online casinos
are illegal in the United States. However, there are no laws in the
books that clearly state the online casinos or internet gambling is
illegal. Hopefully, if Congressman Barney Frank is successful, there
will be a bill by the end of the year that expressly states that online
casinos are a legal and regulated industry in the United States.
May 13,
2009
Frank's Second Attempt
This is Congressman
Barney Frank’s second attempt at passing legislation for the
legalization of online casinos and Internet gambling. Last time Frank
failed to get his bill out of committee. This time around things have
changed a great deal in Frank’s favor. Along with the significant
disempowerment of the Republican Party, corporate support and a grass
roots campaign may help Frank get his bill passed into law.
May 13,
2009
Casino In
Catskill Region
The Seneca Nation of Indians is making
every effort to bring slot machines to the Catskill region of
New York State. Now that the Seneca Nation Legislative
Council has agreed upon a compact with Sullivan County and
surrounding municipalities, the tribe is one big step closer to
beginning construction on their ambitions 2 million square foot
casino resort.
May 13,
2009
Slot
Machines Arrive at Rivers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been waiting in white knuckled
anticipation for the opening of the Rivers Casino. While the official
opening date for the casino is more than three months off, there was
buzz about the casino this week as the very first of what is to be many
slot machines arrived for installation.
May 13,
2009
No Slot
Machines, No Races
Churchill Downs is blaming a lack of revenue from additional gaming,
such as slot machines as the reason they have decided to cut the number
of race days and purse sizes for their spring season.
May 13,
2009
No Slot
Machines for Texas
Well, it looks like Texas will not be welcoming any new slot machines
for the time being. After a very valiant effort to introduce slot
machines to state race tracks and to build all new resort casinos,
lawmakers pushing for such legislation in Texas were forced to admit
defeat yesterday. The sand ran out on any such legislation to be
considered during this session.
May 11,
2009
Newport News Bust Up
Law enforcement officers in Newport News, Virginia
discovered an illegal Internet gambling setup, very similar to online
casinos, in a check cashing business. The Cash Express business was not
a store from for illegal operations, but they also offered Internet
Sweepstakes. Law enforcement took their time building a case against
the business and sent undercover officers into the establishment three
times in the month of April. A search warrant was obtained in the
Newport News Circuit Court.
May 11,
2009
Delaware Threatens Online Casinos
It is not often that online casinos are given a
reason to sweat, but when online casinos are made to sweat it typically
comes out of the United States; such is the case with the latest
development in sport betting.
May 11,
2009
The
Other Online Casinos Bill
Last weeks introduction of legislation to regulate
online casinos on the part of Representative Barney Frank was certainly
very exciting; so exciting in fact that many people do not realize that
he introduced more than one bill that has to do with the future of
online casinos in the United States. As a matter of fact the secondary
bill that has gone unpublicized may have more to do with the immediate
future of online casinos than the regulation bill.
May 11,
2009
Slot
Machine Mega Payout
Not every story that comes out of online casinos is
a success story. In truth, most are not, but that is just the nature of
gambling and the house edge. But when a success story or a story of a
hitting a major jackpot does surface, it is enough to inspire every
gambler that is already on line trying to try a little harder; at least
to keep the dream alive.
May 10,
2009
Tax Changes
Online Casinos
The celebrations seem short lived now that the online gambling
industry is attempting to digest the bill introduced by Congressman
Barney Frank. Certainly the industry considers it a step forward and is
excited about the prospect of online casinos being legalized in the
United States; however, the tax measures being proposed by Barney Frank
and Jim McDermott have caused a few eyebrows to rise.
May 10,
2009
Online Casinos Create Divide
As to be expected, sides are being picked in regards to the
introduction of Barney Franks online casinos bill. The highly
anticipated bill sent shockwaves throughout the country and the gambling
industry when it was introduced last week. The bill is designed to give
authority to the United States Treasury Department to regulate online
casinos and Internet gambling in the United States.
May 10,
2009
Frank New Deal
Yes, this is not the first time that Representative Barney Frank has
introduced legislation aimed at legalizing online casinos. As with any
bill, supporters should not celebrate too early for many things can
through it off the track of becoming a law. However, this new bill
introduced by the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee is
far from being a shot in the dark and holds real promise of success.
May 10,
2009
Slot Machines
for Seniors
As Delaware considers introducing legalized slot
machines there is of course a great debate as to where all those tax
dollars will go. In other states, such as Florida, revenue from slot
machines has largely been used to help fund public schools and higher
learning scholarships. Dedicating gambling dollars to education seems
to appease the concerns of those opposed to gambling enough to get
gambling legislature passed.
May 10,
2009
Step Towards New Seminole
Compact
The Florida House and Senate has finally passed SB 788, bringing
Governor Charlie Crist one step closer to closing a gaming deal with the
Seminole Tribe. Governor Crist has been delayed for some time with the
negotiating the details of allowing the Tribe to operate both blackjack
tables and slot machines at their various casinos throughout the state.
May 10,
2009
Slot Machines
Flame Up
Tragedy strikes a Ukrainian gambling hall full of slot machines when
a fire broke out earlier this week. The flames took the lives of 9
patrons, 11more were wounded. According to officials the fire started
in the late evening but the gambling hall was fully engulfed with flames
just before 1 a.m. The gambling hall was located in the city of
Dnipropetrovsk.
May 10,
2009
Ohio Still
Stuck on Slot Machines
Ohio legislators know one thing and one thing for sure; they need new
ways of generating funds. Week after week Ohio residents are hearing
about the state’s lack of revenue and how it continues to shrink. Tax
revenues are at an all time low in Ohio and the government needs a
solution quickly.
May 9,
2009
Christian Fear
Mongering
The religious right has never been a friend to gambling, but they are
fighting with a particular fury against online casinos. Recently,
Representative Barney Frank introduced legislation to both regulate and
license online casinos in the United States as well as place a hold on
compliance with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
May 9,
2009
Bradley Picks
Bone with Right
There is no doubt that the battle between those in support of legal online
casino in the United States and those against has been cranked up a notch after
Congressman Barney Frank introduced his legislation to regulate online casinos
last week. The legislation was the weapon that pro online casino advocates have
been waiting for. In response it seems the anti online gambling community has
increased the use of their secret weapon; lies and misleading comments about
online casinos.
May 9,
2009
You Bet Barney
Often times being a congressman can be a thankless job. Youbet.com
has made sure that Barney Frank does not feel this way, at least this
time around. Youbet.com, by far the largest legal pure play betting
site in the United States, took time out to make sure the Chairman of
the House Financial Services Committee new how much he was appreciated
for his role in protecting personal freedom. Congressman Frank’s bill
to regulate and legalize online casinos is more than just great news for
the Internet gambling industry, it represents a member of the government
going out on a limb to fight for rights to which he feels all American
citizens are entitled.
May 9,
2009
Liberate Dutch
Online Casinos
The United States may soon be able to separate
themselves from the list of countries resisting online casinos and the
expansion of online gambling. The Dutch government is still fighting
the uphill battle. Despite the clearly stated principals of the
European Union which allows free movement of goods and services across
the boarders of member countries, the Dutch are determined to protect
state run gambling monopolies against online casinos from foreign
countries.
May 7,
2009
Minnesota
Draws Wrath of iMEGA
Minnesota may have bitten of more than they can
chew when the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety sent a notice to 11 major Internet service
providers and asked them to block nearly 200 online casinos and online
gambling sites.
May 6,
2009
Big Day For
Online Casinos
The wait is over and the promise has been fulfilled. Today,
Congressman Barney Frank, Chairman of the U.S House Financial Service
Committee introduced legislation that would regulate online casinos in
the United States. There was a lot of rumor and speculation leading up
to this highly anticipated introduction. Many were not sure if the bill
would do anything more than eliminate the Unlawful Internet Gambling
Enforcement Act.
May 6,
2009
More Slot
Machines More Money
Casinos all across the United States are suffering
serious revenue losses. There are some that blame the current
recession, but brick and mortar casinos have been losing money for
months before the recession. Typically, the only portion of the gaming
industry that is making profits is online casinos. One slot machine
parlor in Maine is the exception to the rule.
May 6,
2009
Craze Over
Slot Machines
Slot machines can be
addictive, that is no secret anymore. It is the responsibility of the
player to learn self and financial discipline so that the game does not
get the better of you. Stories of problem gamblers that go through
extreme lengths in order to alleviate slot machines of their jackpots
are not rare, but every once in a while stories on this topic grab the
attention and send a warning to gamblers everywhere.
May 6,
2009
State Slots
Threaten Jobs
Minnesota, like many other states in the country, is considering slot
machines as a source of additional revenues that will help the state meet its
budget demands. It has been proposed that the state should allow Canterbury
Park and Running Aces horse racing tracks to operate slot machines. It comes as
no surprise that local gaming tribes do not want the tracks offering slot
machines and getting involved in the gaming business. Certainly there is some
element of the tribes protecting their corner of the gaming market but the tribe
also has reasons for opposing slot machines at state race tracks that will
affect the state as a whole.
May 5,
2009
Weathered Slot Machines
Slot machines come in all shapes and sizes and are themed after an
infinite number of subjects. There are at least two major reasons for
the diversity of slot machines, the first is that whether online or on
land, slot machines are the major money makers for most casinos. The
second reason is that studies have shown that most gamblers flock to
slot machines that carry a theme that resonates with them on sum
personal level. That being said, slot machines are as diverse as the
gamblers that love them.
May 5,
2009
Rainy Day Derby
All over the United States and the world, to be perfectly honest, the
horse racing industry is dwindling. In order to save horse racing many
politicians and venue owners are turning to slot machines. However, it
is well known that that is not the route Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
chose to pursue. When he saw horse racing revenues dropping of more and
more each year, he decided to place the blame on online casinos and the
rest of the Internet gambling industry.
May 5,
2009
Tomorrow, Tomorrow
The news seems too good to be true. The House Financial Services
Committee released a press release this week that clarified not only
when Chairman Barney Frank intends to release his bill related to online
casinos, but what the legal intentions of the bill will be. Online
casinos and Internet gambling operators have been waiting patiently for
this day.
May 4,
2009
Ray of
Sun for MD Slot Machines
When Maryland voted to legalize slot machines, hopes were high for
the revenue that these machines would generate. Sadly, from the very
beginning the state had trouble with the process of licensing the slot
machines. The legislation that passed allowed for 15,000 slot machines
operating in Maryland and all of the projections for how much tax
revenue slot machines would bring in were based on those 15,000
machines.
May 4,
2009
Minnesota Problems
According to John Morris Minnesota is going to have a tough
time executing its plan to use major Internet service provider to block online
casinos state wide. Morris is the general counsel for the Center for Democracy
and Technology, a digital rights group.
May 4,
2009
Plans
Against Online Casinos
States attempting to ban
online casinos are running in to significant legal troubles. Not every
state is resorting to the same drastic measures as Kentucky. Kentucky
is in the middle of a legal battle to seize the domain name 141 online
casinos and internet gambling site because under Kentucky law the state
can seize illegal gambling device. A brilliant plan on the part of the
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, except he has been hard pressed to
reduce multibillion dollar, international companies like online casinos
to nothing more than a gambling device.
May 3,
2009
Faulty Opposition
There are at least two sides to every argument. Online casinos have
no doubt created a divide in the country, especially as signs point
toward regulation in the near future. Unfortunately for the dissenting
opinion, many of the loudest voices voicing their point of view are
coming from unfounded places. Professor John Kindt, Professor Earl
Gringols, and Reverend James Dobson, all opposed to regulating online
casinos, have been known to spout a few argument that are sometimes
little more than out and out lies.
May 3,
2009
Suncoast Keeps Rising
The Suncoast Casino is generating a lot of business in Durban, South
Africa. The casino has only been operating for five years but since
that time it has hardly allowed the town to sleep. Each day an average
of 20,000 to 25,000 people patronize the casino and you can bet a large
percentage of those gamblers have come in search of slot machines.
May 3,
2009
Slot Machines in Budget
The budget passed by Ohio House Democrats may have smuggled in the ability to
legalize slot machines in the state. Many states are turning to slot machines
as a means of brining in more revenue. Many states across the nation have had
trouble meeting the demands of their budget since the country fell into economic
crisis.
May 3,
2009
Philly Tax Break
According to figures projected by the Pennsylvania
government, for the second year in a row, tax revenues from slot
machines reached a threshold for use for tax relief in Philadelphia.
The amount of tax relief this year will be similar to relief offered
last year, only a little bit less.
May 2,
2009
Canada Rejects UIGEA
The UIGEA needs to go ASAP. It has come to a point
where the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has started to
negatively affect our allies to the North. The Unlawful Internet
Gambling Enforcement Act has saddled financial institutions with the
responsibility of determining what transactions are linked to unlawful
Internet gambling and what exactly is to be determined unlawful Internet
gambling.
May 2,
2009
Professor Doom on Online Casinos
With all the resistance to online gambling in the United States, one
would think that regulating online casinos might bring about the end of
the world. Well, it is clear that some gambling experts believe this to
be true on some level. Professor of business and legal policy, John W.
Kindt has offered doomsday like prediction of how regulating online
casinos would affect the United States’ citizens, stock markets,
financial system, and national security.
April 30,
2009
Strange
Blacklist
Minnesota has decided that it wants nothing to do with online
casinos. It has gone the route of Kentucky without being nearly as
controversial. Minnesota is appealing to the major Internet service
providers in the state to block a long list of online casinos and
Internet gambling sites. The list has gone public and of course raised a
few eyebrows. The list of over 200 online casinos and internet gambling
site seems strangely selective or suspiciously incomplete.
April 30,
2009
Canada Hands
Tied Over Online Casinos
It appears that the United States is standing in the way of progress
for online casinos in more ways than initially thought. The ban on
online casinos in the United States may be the reason Canada is dragging
its feet to regulate the online gambling industry. The Canadian Gaming
Summit held in Ontario failed to make head way toward regulation
possibly due to the politics between the United States and Canada.
April 30,
2009
Laundering
Online Casinos
One of the arguments against online casinos is its vulnerability as a
tool to launder money. The Isle of Man is one of the biggest online
gambling licensing jurisdictions in the world. Now the territory is
working on establishing guidelines for the Prevention of Money
Laundering and Countering of Terrorist Financing. This comes about due
to the requirements of the Criminal Justice Code 2008.
April 30,
2009
Level Playing Field
Part of what makes the regulation system for online casinos held in place by
the British government is that they spend a significant portion of that tax
money on fighting problem gambling. However, the minister of sports, Gerry
Sutcliffe, does not believe the government is receiving enough money from online
casinos, particularly online casinos operated by offshore companies.
April 30,
2009
Bally Slot
Machines Survive
Earlier this week, competition between competing
producers of slot machines, Bally Technologies and International Gaming
Technology really heated up. IGT accused Bally Technologies and its
affiliates Bally Game International and Bally Gaming Inc., of infringing
upon two it existing patents.
April 30,
2009
Regulating Protectionism
The Belgian gambling minister, Secretary of State Carl Devlies
announced the countries plans for regulating online casinos. Typically
when a country decides to regulate the online gambling industry it is
cause to celebrate and at the very least a strong move in the favor of
consumer protection.
April 29,
2009
Australia to
Regulate
There are two major problems facing countries that allow gambling but
prohibit gambling at online casinos. The first problem is that it is
incredibly difficult for the countries to hide the overtly protectionist
nature of these policies. The second major problem is that most laws
prohibiting gambling online are notoriously hard to enforce.
April 29,
2009
Minnesota
Blocks Online Casinos
The United States does not have a clear point of view on online
casinos. That is the reason that gambling has always been a state
issue. Thankfully, Barney Frank intends to repeal the Unlawful Internet
Gambling Enforcement Act. A law like the Unlawful Internet Gambling
Enforcement Act really has no place in the federal law books. Gambling,
whether at brick and mortar casinos or at online casinos, should be the
prerogative of the various state governments.
April 28,
2009
Online Casinos
Make the List
The Internet has long been seen as a vehicle that
offers almost endless entrepreneurial opportunities. Even after the
burst of the .com bubble several thrifty business men have found ways of
making their millions, even billions online. Online casinos seem to be
one of the top way that people have found fortune online, according to
the Sunday Times Internet Rich List.
April 28,
2009
Barney Makes
Promises
The waiting continues, but if his own word is any
sign of a light at the end of a tunnel, Barney Frank is closer than ever
to finally introducing legislature that will overturn the Unlawful
Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and regulating online casinos. Last
week, Barney Frank gave us nothing more than a tease by mentioning
online casinos in passing when discussing rights that he feels all
Americans should have.
April 27,
2009
Sweepstakes Frustration
The Internet sweepstakes storefront operations in
North Carolina are causing quite a stir. The games appear to be
Internet based slot machine parlors, but the games offered at these
locations operate very differently from slot machines. Slot machines
operate on a random number generator. These games have predetermined
results and anything resembling slot machines are just for the purpose
of and entertaining aesthetic.
April 27,
2009
Dealing
in Loopholes
The Cherokee reservation in North Carolina is
supposed to be the only place in the state where slot machines are
legal. That is technically the case, but business owners in Garner,
North Carolina have found a loophole that legally allows them to offer
an experience to patrons that is very similar to slot machines…but not
quite.
April 27,
2009
Incredible
Evolution
Incredible Technologies is one of those companies that most people
have never heard of but are intimately familiar with their product. It
is highly likely that if you have a favorite bar in you town that bar
carries either Golden Tee Golf or Silver Strike Bowling, both are
Incredible Technology products.
April 27,
2009
Gov Wary of Slot
Machines
Ever since the nation’s economy began to tank, states have been
scrambling to find new ways of generating revenues. Several states have
turned to gambling expansion, specifically slot machines, to bring in
more money for the state budget. The results have varied.
April 27,
2009
Ohio Slot
Machines
Like many states, Ohio is strongly debating as to whether gambling
should be expanded with slot machines. Recently a brand new voice has
emerged in the argument. Tavern owners would like to operate slot
machines but the machines face major opposition from many angles, even
the State Governor himself. However, a group representing bar owners
has come up with a plan to bring slot machines to Ohio that would not
require an amendment to the state constitution.
April 26,
2009
Frank Tease
Oh Barney, you tease. The gambling community across the world has
been waiting with baited breath to for Barney Frank to introduce
legislation that will begin the regulation process for online casinos.
Many industry analysts predicted that April would be the deciding month
for online casinos and the Frank would introduce his legislation before
May. However, most of the month goes by without Frank even mentioning
online casinos and when he finally does it is not exactly in the way
that most wanted or expected.
April 26,
2009
Progressive California
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act did not outlaw online
casinos, it simply made it difficult for online gamblers to use
particular payment methods to fund online gambling activities.
Regardless, the law has been completely ineffective it prevent gambling
at online casinos. That is why many legislators are now working toward
legalizing and regulating online casinos on both a state and national
level.
April 26,
2009
Big Obstacles
The gambling industry, brick and mortar casinos and online casinos
alike, are convinced that regulation of online casinos in the United
States is just around the corner. Although it has yet to happen,
industry analyst believe it is only a matter of days now before Chairman
of the House Financial Services Committee Representative Barney Frank
introduces legislation that will legalize online casinos in the United
States.
April 26,
2009
Europe Eyes US Online Casinos
Europe has high hopes for online casinos in the United States. A lot
has changed in the online gambling industry and the world markets since
the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act went into affect back in
2006; changes that make it more and more likely that a legal market for
online casinos will soon emerge in the United States once more.
April 26,
2009
Harrah's
Prepares for the Future
As country after country regulates online casinos
and legislators in the United States call for the domestic legalization
of Internet gambling is appears beyond likely that a legal market for
online casinos will soon return to the United States. Harrah’s
Entertainment, one of Las Vegas’ most influential casino operators is
making preparations for the inevitable invasion of online casinos.
April 25,
2009
Swiss Online Casinos
The world still seems divided on online casinos.
Half of the world’s governments unfortunately seem content with taking
the lead of the United States and attempting prohibition. However
prohibition only seems to leave citizens, insistent on gambling online
at online casinos regardless of their legal status, vulnerable to
predatory and unregulated online casinos operators.
April 24,
2009
Frank on
Personal Freedom
Representative Barney Frank, the chairman of the
House Financial Services Committee, has received a reputation of being
an extreme liberal because of his unique and outspoken position on many
controversial matters. He has been heralded as a champion by the
Internet gambling industry because of his intention to introduce a bill
that will regulate online casinos in the United States. Online casinos
are not the only ones that celebrate him, Frank also believes that
marijuana should be legalized.
April 22,
2009
Health Over Slot Machines
Many local governments have repealed smoking bans because they
apparently injure business in the gambling industry. Nevada, home of
Las Vegas and thousands upon thousands of slot machines, is the first
state to consider a revision of a smoking ban on a state level.
April 22,
2009
Smoke or
Slots
The brick and mortar gambling industry apparently requires a very
delicate balance for success. It has long been known that slot machines
are the real work horse at any casino. Slot machines undeniably bring
in more revenue than any other game typically found on the gaming floor.
April 22,
2009
Slot Machines Suffer Clean
Air
Revenues in Nevada’s brick and mortar casinos have been falling for
quite some time, even before the economic recession. Many people trace
it back to the passing of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act, a law that
banned smokers from lighting up inside of public buildings where there
is food being served or where minors are present.
April 22,
2009
Preaching
Against Slot Machines
A separation of church and state, so to speak, has occurred
in the United Kingdom as a result of the minimum stakes on slot machines being
officially raised to £1. Just this week the House of Lords approved the motion
to raise minimum stakes on slot machines; meanwhile church groups are shouting
their disapproval.
April 22,
2009
High Minimum
Stakes
Church groups in the United Kingdom are highly
outrage by the latest development in gambling legislation. Parliament
recently gave approval to gambling operators raising the minimum stakes
on slot machines. Church organizers, long time foes of slot machines
and the gambling industry, are convince families in the United Kingdom
are going to be hurt.
April 20,
2009
Player Accounts
If the new legislations with regards to regulating
online casinos in South Africa pass, South Africa may soon set a new
international standard for player protection at online gambling sites.
Some critics say that the regulations are way to strict for online
casinos to operate successfully in the South African market, but no one
can accuse the South African government of neglecting the safety of
their citizens gambling online.
April 20,
2009
SA
Online Casinos Play It Safe
The fact that South Africa is in the process of drafting an
amendment to finally regulate and legalize online casinos in the country is
fantastic news. South Africa has had a problem control illegal online casinos
for quite some time and their choice to regulate now as an attempt at getting
the illegal element in check. The problem is that the regulations that early
drafts of the legislation may be too strict.
April 20,
2009
Liberal Agenda
After the bitter defeat of John McCain last year in an electoral race
charged with the message of Unity, Barack Obama has had a hard time
getting the two parties in Washington to put aside their differences.
Online casinos are not expected to do much better because the GOP came
out and blatantly opposed online casinos in their party platform.
April 18,
2009
NFL Offense Seems Misplaced
The reasoning coming from the National Football League as to why they
are so adamant against online casinos does not add up. The National
Football Leagues continues to voice its fear that regulated online
casinos in the United States would increase sports betting and thereby
endanger the integrity of professional match ups in the league.
April 18,
2009
Slow Sales
of Talarius
This most recent business period has not been very for giving for one
of biggest owner/operators of slot machine. Talarius has reported a
pre-tax loss of £1.9million for the year to June.
April 18,
2009
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