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September 21, 2012

UK iPhone Users Get Access to Real Money Betting

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 2:11 am

United Kingdom users of iPhones will now be able to place real money bets via their smartphones. This is a first, according to mobilecasinogame.co.uk., and it is being called a huge step forward in terms of bringing newer and better access to mobile gambling to the masses. At least to those who are living within the UK and have iPhones.

The new app is being introduced by Big Fish Games, Inc and its main feature is that it will be able to accept real money bets. The new iPhone app will be familiar to some users as it is fashioned on the mobile casino game known as Card Ace: Casino, which is already very popular in social media circles that also use mobile features. Users of the new version of the gambling app will be able to place real money wagers on slots, roulette, video poker, and blackjack. The app will be accessible through Google’s Android platform, iOS, and Facebook.

It should be noted that real money wagering (once the app is released) will only be allowed to UK users who are of legal age (18 or older). The UK allows online and mobile gambling. The new app is said to have been redesigned, making it much easier for users to place bets, track bets and play the various games that are being offered. Tablet users will also be able to use the new gambling app, and it has been reported that tablet users will also find the new app easy to use and fast (depending, of course, on access to quality Wi-Fi).

Facebook already allows UK users to wager via its Bingo and Slot Friendzy app which have become incredibly popular since they were first introduced to Facebook users. The new iPhone app will add to the user experience by allowing easier access and more gaming selections, something that many users have been demanding for some time now. Facebook users will be using real money with the new app rather than using Facebook credits which is what was used prior. There was no word as to whether or not Bingo and Slots Friendzy will be affected by the release of the new app in terms of changing from Facebook credits to real money wagering.

The UK is often chosen as the launching site for many mobile gaming apps because of its laws which are more favorable to online and mobile gambling than many other countries. Some experts suggest that as the EU debt crisis continues, other EU countries may relax their mobile and online gaming laws as well in order to get their share of this booming new revenue market. Mobile gaming revenues are soaring for some established companies such as Betfair, which has seen an increase in its mobile revenues jump by over 90 percent.

In related news, gaming developer Playtech may also be considering a move into European gaming markets. It has recently received a license to do business in Gibraltar and has already opened an office there. The company states that it is currently in the development phase of innovative products that it hopes will propel it into this emerging market.

September 19, 2012

Small Town to Debate Video Gaming Ban

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 2:09 am

In terms of big, international breaking news of interest to gambling and casinos, one might not think that the upcoming vote that is scheduled to take place in East Dundee, Illinois is of any importance. To some extent that what be a correct presumption. However, the upcoming vote in East Dundee as to whether or not the town should ban video gambling is a topic that concerns many states and localities across the US. The reason is simple: this type of betting, be it through video gambling machines or old-fashioned bingo parlors, brings in a lot of revenue to these areas. This revenue is often the only thing that is keeping a small, local town above water in terms of its finances. Losing this revenue, for any reason, would bring hardship.

In the case of East Dundee, the current rule is that video gambling is banned. The upcoming vote will determine if the town should allow video gambling, its revenues would increase. The vote is being sponsored by the village’s board committee, and local merchants have already suggested that terminating the ban would be good business for the local area as well as for their respective businesses.

According to reports submitted by local officials, allowing video gambling in the village could generate $100,000 to $250,000. As one might imagine, this is much needed revenue for a small town these days. It was also reported that many of the surrounding towns already have instituted video gaming in their areas and this is causing local East Dundee residents to go those locales to play. Local business owners who would host video gaming machines in their establishments want to keep local residents in town instead of having them travel to other out-of-town businesses. For many of these business owners it just a simple matter of trying to stay in business.

In order to pass, the measure requires four “yes” votes but as of this writing that number does not seem possible. Four members of committee have already said that they prefer to keep the ban in place. One trustee is undecided and the others are not committed yet one way or the other.

A petition that was circulated by local merchants in support of removing the ban gained 650 signatures, which is a lot considering the size of the village. This was done in order to get the issue placed on a November ballot as a referendum, but the merchants missed the deadline for filing and the matter must now be resolved by the village committee. That outcome is still very uncertain. What is not uncertain is that keeping the ban will hurt local businesses and deny the village of much needed revenue.

What may be of interest to many reading this article is that local communities all over the US are actively seeking ways to bring in more revenue. Gaming revenues are a proven means of doing exactly that and as such it is expected that more and more communities will reassess their standing on legalized gaming in the areas.

September 17, 2012

Betfair Announces Increased Revenues

Filed under: Casino — Tags: — OCE News @ 2:08 am

For those who may be wondering if the online betting community is making any money, the answer is yes. Yes, if you are talking about Betfair which is the largest online gambling community to date. Revenues are up, even though its customer base is down by more than two percent. In a management statement that was recently released for fiscal year 2013, first quarter, the revenues were impressive.

It was reported in the statement that revenues had increased by some 13 percent which represents over 91.5 pounds. It was also reported that most of this growth had come from the company’s sports betting which had its own increase of 21 percent. Growth in the UK alone was up by 23 percent. In addition, the growth in mobile betting for the UK and Ireland was up in volume by a whooping 114 percent and resulted in a 98 percent rise in revenues.

It was not all good news, though. Changes in regulatory rules in Spain, Cyprus, and Italy caused revenues to fall by 4 to 7 percent. Suspicions that Germany may soon follow with tougher regulations is also a concern.

In related news it was reported that the chief financial officer for Betfair, Stephen Morana, plans to step down as soon as a suitable replacement can be found for his job. Back in August, a new CEO, Breon Corcoran, came onboard. His main goal it appears is to get the stock price of Betfair back up to where it once was. With revenues being generated as reported recently this may not take too long.

Of concern, however, to all European online gaming establishments are those new regulations that may be taking effect in several countries. As specific details are lacking in this area, caution is the current watchword. Even so, there is a lot of interest and buzz going around concerning some new casino deals that may be taking shape in Madrid, Spain. Also, it has been reported that certain international regions, such as Macau, are doing just fine in terms of growth and revenues. How this all shakes out will depend on large part to how the EU handles its current debt problems in both the short term and the long term.

It may be of interest to some to know that Sands Casinos Corp has already decided to build its massive new EuroVegas complex in Madrid, Spain. Barcelona was also a top pick for the location of the new casino, but lost out to Madrid as was recently announced by the Sands CEO.

For now, however, it seems as if mobile betting is being used as a good hedge for many of the better known companies. That trend is expected to continue for at least the time being. Another well known company that is moving toward the booming mobile gaming market is Playtech which is said to be aggressively pursuing new innovations for its move into the mobile gaming industry. A recent license to do business in Gibraltar is being seen as a huge step forward as the company plans to move into European markets at some time in the future.

September 15, 2012

Wynn Wins Slander Suit: $20 Million

Filed under: Casino — Tags: — OCE News @ 2:08 am

Steve Wynn, the well-known casino mogul, was awarded some $20 million in his slander suit that was brought against Joe Francis, the creator of Girls Gone Wild. This award is said to be ten times the amount of gambling debt that started this altercation in the first place.

An LA County Superior Court jury determined that Joe Francis had indeed made statements that were false when he informed various reporters that Steve Wynn had threatened to have him (Francis) murdered because of a gambling debt that Francis owed to Wynn. The gambling debt was reported to be more than $2 million and was incurred back in 2007.

Wynn’s legal team had asked for $12 million. The actual total now owed by Francis to Wynn, including past defamation judgments and the original debt, is now estimated to be about $30 million. Wynn has been reported as saying that he will give whatever monies he collects above his legal fees to charity.

The latest trial took only four days of testimony and neither Wynn nor Francis was present in the courtroom when the jury came back with their verdict. National and international news agencies were all over the story as the decision was finally released to the public and to the press. Both men are known internationally.

The genesis of all of this began back in 2008 when Wynn personnel began filing suit against Francis to pay his gambling bill. Francis stated that he had been seduced into the prolonged gambling binge by prostitutes provided by Wynn’s associates. That statement caused Wynn to file the original defamation suit in Las Vegas court.

Then, in 2010, during a hearing in Los Angles, Francis stated that Wynn had made written statements in emails threatening his life. These emails were reportedly sent to music producer Quincy Jones and contained details of how the body of Francis would be hidden in the desert. Francis then repeated the same to media outlet TMZ. The TMZ announcement lead to yet another defamation suit that was subsequently brought by Wynn against Francis. Quincy Jones stated in court that he had not sent on any threats as stated by Francis.

As if this were not enough, Francis then went on the Good Morning America show and repeated the allegations. The presiding judge in the most recent hearing added that statement to the slander claim as well. This additional charge cost Francis $11 million alone. Francis has stated that he intends to appeal the decision. Further details concerning Francis’ plan to appeal have not yet been released.

While it may appear that this case is finally over, chances are good that it is not. As mentioned above, Francis plans to appeal the decision, and has yet to pay any substantial amount of money to Wynn to date. Whether or not Wynn will actually see any of the money that the courts says he is entitled to is yet to be seen. No information is available as to how Francis would be able to come with this settlement.

September 12, 2012

RedKings Poker Plans to Watch Android Application

Filed under: Casino — Tags: , — OCE News @ 2:07 am

Poker players can now play their favorite poker games at RedKings.com, when they are using their android device. These devices include phones, tablets, as well as other devices that run on Android. The new game allows for people to utilize real money, or even to practice using fake money in order to get a feel for the service and the game as well. Once you log in, you are connected to thousands of people that are playing the game across the world, all of whom are playing toward the common goal of winning money.

RedKings has commissioned a top of the line software, as well as excellent graphics and great, easy to use navigation. A tablet device is able to utilize the big screen enhancements and also includes battery saving services that allow you to paly as much as you possibly can, without having to worry about quickly draining the battery.

The goal for the application was to be as easy to navigate and use as possible, without sacrificing the quality that veteran players love. The buttons on the right side of the screen allow you to place bets during the games including half the pot, and all-in. The application is quite easy to use from the most basic of new players, to seasoned veterans that are looking for the full experience.

There are different types of poker that are available, from different games, to betting types. The game types include fixed limit, pot limit or no limit Holdem. The stakes can be anywhere from $0.05/$0.10 to $3/$6.

The application allows you to play poker on the move, and place bets that fit your budget. If you love poker, and wish that you could play while on the move, then the RedKings poker app might be interesting to you, whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.

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