Online Casino Edition – Casino News News about online casinos and gambling

February 27, 2011

Good News For Online Casinos In New Jersey

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 12:00 am

Online gambling is illegal in most states of USA. In New Jersey, a bill was introduced in 2010 to legalize online casinos and gambling. This bill was passed in early January 2011. This is definitely good news for online casinos in New Jersey.

Online Gaming Bill

Online casinos and gambling is extremely popular in the United States as well as around the world. Though they are mostly illegal, they offer the same thrill as real time gambling, without ever having to leave one’s home or office. Steps to legalize online gambling, exercise control over these games and collect taxes has been a move that many states in the US have been aiming at.

The New Jersey Online Gaming Bill had been in the pipeline from the year 2009. After a lot of debate and thought, the bill was finally passed by the state Senate in November, 2010, with a majority of 29 voting for the bill and five voting against. On January 11, 2011, the New Jersey Assembly also voted for the bill with a majority of 63 in favor and 11 against. This was an epic win as it is expected to entirely change the face of gambling in New Jersey and USA. The only step remaining is the signing of the bill by the Governor. Spokesmen say the Governor will most likely sign the bill.

Criteria For Online Gambling

There are certain criteria to be followed under the provisions of the bill. The bill specifies that online casinos can be operated only by Atlantic City Casinos. No private individuals or firms can operate them. Another point is that the equipment used for online games need to be placed in a secure location in Atlantic City itself, either on the casino premises or in a separate location. Even though the bill states that the casinos are to be located in Atlantic City, online games are available to people all across the United States.

The main advantage of such a bill being passed is the huge revenue that these games are likely to generate. It is estimated that the state will earn around $350 million in tax revenues every year once online gambling is legalized. The bill is also expected to offer job opportunities to thousands of people. Such a move is not without negative implications. Protection of players remains an issue as the internet is more prone to hacking and identity theft. Many argue that online gaming could compromise the integrity of the game. Another argument used against legalization of online gambling is that real time casinos may start losing business due to this.

Legalized online casinos mean a whole lot of revenue for the state despite these drawbacks. It is anticipated that many states will follow the footsteps of New Jersey and come up with their own online gambling bills. In fact, California is already planning such a bill in this current year which they expect to pass by 2012. This implies that the entire scenario of online gaming is likely to change in the US.

February 25, 2011

William Hill: The New Android Application

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 12:00 am

The largest betting and gaming provider in Britain, William Hill, has recently brought out a new Android application for all its mobile users. Now, Android users will be able to access more than 40,000 In-Play, pre-match, and specialty markets whenever and wherever they want through their handheld device. Similar to the online application, players can place bets before a sporting event and even while it’s taking place by using their handset. They’re also able to manage their William Hill Sportsbook and Racebook accounts.

The latest Android application has been praised for its numerous brand-new features and improved graphics. It’s also faster and more efficient than its predecessor. In addition to this, the Racing Post and William Hill have launched the Android addition of the horse racing application. This is currently a success with iPhone users, 200,000 of which have already downloaded it. It’s hoped that a similar pattern will follow with the Android version.

It’s possible to download these applications for free online as long as you have Android 2.2. For a total gambling experience on the mobile, players can download the William Hill Sportsbook. There’s a wide variety of markets available on this, for example, horse racing and football. Furthermore, players can place bets on In-Play markets as well as deposit and withdraw their funds. Though many competitors have followed the iPhone route, William Hill is eager to utilize that of the Android. And, so far, this has been advantageous: in 2010, the British gambling provider saw an 800 percent rise in betting with an 828 percent turnover increase as well as a 900 percent influx of new users. But, William Hill has not forgotten about iPhone users and has been sure to also provide an improved browser application.

The year 2002 saw the beginnings of major technological advances in cell phones, and betting businesses quickly saw the opening for mobile gambling. Although only worth about $5 million in the gaming market in 2004, this had grown to an estimated $1 billion by 2006. William Hill is now following in the footsteps of companies such as Microgaming. Based on the Isle of Man, Microgaming also announced this month that its games could now be played on the Android 2.2. It has been predicted by Gartner, a leader in technological research, which by 2012 Android will have a 14 percent market share in the global smart phone market. They have also predicted that by 2014 it will beat competitors like iPhone and BlackBerry in becoming the most popularly used mobile operating system. Already, Android is the operating system behind such companies as Motorola Milestone 2 and Google Nexus One and has future plans for pad-style devices later on this year.

William Hill’s new Android application is a further evolution in the way people view and take part in gambling. Not only is this new application more effective and visually attractive, but it’s free too. Betting is now more easily accessible and manageable than it has ever been before.

February 23, 2011

EwalletXpress: The Story So Far

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 12:00 am

As it turned out, EwalletXpress issues were less “technical” and more constitutional. It began back in 2010 on 12th November when US account holders found that they could no longer access their online finances properly. Initially, they were told that the site was simply being upgraded. But, when this “upgrading” revealed itself as the disappearance of banking options and the inability to deposit money, it was easy to see that something else was afoot. Not to mention the fact that it was still possible for Canadians to open a new account, whereas for Americans this was no longer an option.

It wasn’t until a week later that EwalletXpress eventually made a formal statement that funds had been seized and confiscated by the Federal Government. The popular online payment facility sent out the following as an email to inform its account holders: “We regret to inform you that we are no longer able to continue service at this time due to a federal warrant issued to seize our funds.” They explained that they had no power to take any further action because control had been taken over by the Federal Government. As negotiations are taking place, a high level of confidentiality is required. The US Government had served them with a warrant, but no further specific details could be given.

The fear is that players will not be able to retrieve their money. The most frustrating issue for account holders is that they’ve done nothing illegal: in the United States, online gambling is legal. But, the Federal Wire Act states that electronic funds pertaining to sports betting could not be transmitted over state boundaries. In addition, different states enforce different laws concerning casino gaming. Therefore, if EwalletXpress has committed unlawful transactions of any kind, the US government is within its rights to freeze their accounts.

The scenario is reminiscent of Neteller in 2007. Here, the Federal Government had the founders arrested in January in attempts to crackdown on online gambling. US account holders were prevented from transferring money, but neither could they retrieve any of their funds. Around $55 million was seized. This was seen as a way for the government to gain a major foothold on online gamble control. US Players had to wait up to six months until they had their money returned to them.

Today, when account holders log in on the EwalletXpress website they are confronted with this statement:

“At this point we must regretfully inform you that our funds and accounts were seized by the United States government as part of a confidential investigation. We have contacted the US investigating agencies and are currently negotiating with them. At present, eWalletXpress.com is unable to access these funds or return them to you because the money is no longer in our custody or control.”

What are the customers meant to do now? Sadly, there’s not much they can do but sit tight. It’s now up to the US courts to sort up compensation. As before, they can expect to have their money returned, but when, that will be another matter.

February 21, 2011

Greece’s Gamble: Legalizing Online Betting

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 12:00 am

Greece was hit particularly hard by the current economic crisis. High unemployment rates and drastic cuts in spending have led to rioting and protests. So, what’s one of the monetary revenues the government has decided to turn to? Online gambling once considered a major problem to eradicate; now it’s being viewed as a path to possible financial salvation.

Since 2002 Greece has been trying to crackdown on illegal gambling. A major factor in this was scandals surrounding the then Prime Minister Costas Simitis’ high officials. Greek law states that any gambling undertaken outside the boundaries of licensed casinos was illegal. So, over the following couple of months, more than 750 arcade owners found themselves with prison sentences. This is because they’d converted their slot machines to award money instead of extended play time. The blanket ban extended as far as even electronic games like Tetris. Despite serious doubts that this would have an impact, there was no escaping the fact that Greece was losing $5 million a day due to unlicensed gambling machines. The irony was, however, that the ban was a violation under EU laws and Greece has been dealing with fines amounting to approximately €11.5 million per year.

The situation before the arrival of the bill was as follows: the betting market of Greece is controlled by OPAP Monopoly, the largest betting firm within Europe. Until 2020 it has exclusivity on Greek lotto games and sports betting. Currently, €2 billion is being lost to illegal, online gaming and another €2 billion to unlicensed operators and bookmarkers for casino and poker games. Also, in spite of the heavy ban on gambling machines, it’s thought that up to 20,000 have continued under the guise of Amusement with Prize (AWP) machines. There are thousands of machines currently operating in restaurants and bars throughout the country and this legalization will allow the government to benefit financially from these.

On Tuesday, 24th January, a draft law was released which stipulates that online gambling and low-stake gaming machines are no longer prohibited. This will not only open the gates to millions of extra Euros for the government, but also help combat unlicensed betting which illegalizing it was meant to accomplish before. The bill allows for the auction of between 15 and 50, five yearlong betting licenses, as well as 30,000 low-stake gaming machines with ten year licenses. Amusement gaming machines are allowed within licensed premises. The lowest winning payout for low-stake machines and online betting is to be 80 percent and the government aims to take six percent tax on both gambling revenues.

With so much money on offer, it appears as if Greece’s venture to legalize gambling to such an extent may pay off. The government is now keen to tap into revenue which they’d failed to get rid of completely through their ban. Although this won’t fix the high unemployment rates or lead to instant stabilization of the economy, it can be seen as a financial step in the right direction.

February 19, 2011

€3000 Bundle Up For Grabs At Bet365

Filed under: Casino — Tags: — OCE News @ 12:00 am

Each player, new or old, can claim up to four 20 percent deposit bonuses every week at Bet365. This is the chance for you to claim even more bonuses than can usually be won at the casino. The €3000 bonus bundle promotion is back at Bet365. Every time a player can win €200. In fact, a batch of great bonuses is up for grabs each month. Every player can claim 20 percent bonuses on transfers or deposits of €50 and up to €200 every time. You can take advantage of this offer for as many as four times in a week.

How Does It Work?

Whenever you feel you are running out of cash and need some money, you can try your luck here with regular bonuses. Each time you make a qualifying transfer or deposit, you get entitled to a bonus. It works simply. Just enter the necessary code every time you make a deposit or transfer. Bet365 is all about the best mobile gaming, live dealer games, some VIP schemes, and exciting promotions for its old and new players. You could choose to play their Lucky 7s Blackjack games, Slots Club, or Roulette.

This promotional offer will remain good until 27th November. You will never get tired of playing the 230 casino games on the website. You can either download them or choose to play them instantly. There is more on offer by Bet365 to lure new players. As soon as they make their first deposit, they become eligible for a €100 welcome bonus. This casino website has so much to offer that it is simply irresistible for both new and old players. The company is hoping to make big profits with this offer. But, the players have nothing to lose either. They can have fun of their lifetime and be a part of many thrilling moments every time they play.

The Fun Does Not End Here

The site also has special offers for new players in the UK. They have set up a special UK bonus for UK players. The players can redeem the bonus by playing through the amount of their deposit or transfer plus the bonus amount 20 times. But, some other country players will have to turn over the bonus as many as 50 times. Games like Blackjack Switch, Craps, Pontoon, Video Poker Double up, and Wild Viking have been excluded from becoming a part of the wagering needs. Just opening a single account can offer you a lot of benefits.

Now, you do not need to have Monday blues as Bet365 has unique Monday specials for its players. The players can start with free money that they can wager in the casino. The accounts of all the players are reviewed by the casino every Monday. On the basis of this review, the players are awarded goodwill bonuses. This review is based on the player’s last week’s casino activities. Cash bonuses are given every week here and this can make your Monday special.

The company is known to provide the best bonuses and promotions for its old and new players. Some most amazing slot titles of the company include the Pink Panther, the Incredible Hulk, and the Fantastic Four. So, get ready to claim instant bonuses ranging from £10 to £200.

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