German states draft violent game bill
The German states of Bavaria and Lower Saxony have drafted a bill that would impose a maximum one year sentence and fine on developers, distributors and players of video games in which the aim is to inflict 'cruel violence on humans or human-looking characters.' The move comes as a reaction to a recent secondary school shooting, which was blamed on video games which 'desensitized an unstable individual'.
William Hill resigns with CryptoLogic
Bookmaker William Hill has signed a new three year exclusivity contract with software developer CryptoLogic subsidiary WagerLogic. The partnership, which will now continue to 2010, also includes the launch of a new Spanish language poker game on Hill's website.
US gambling sites see slight gain
Online gambling operators with US facing sites have seen an increase in player traffic since October despite the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. A study by Alexa Internet found that Bodog saw an increase of 2,413 people in the period, Sportsbook 3,116 and PokerStars 2,037.
Empire owner sells remaining shares
Empire Online's owner Noam Lanir is selling his remaining shares in the company to rival PartyGaming for $40 million. The deal is expected to be finalised before the New Year, with analysts speculating that it will spark sales talk for 888 and Playtech, the two remaining Israeli online companies trading on the London Stock Exchange.
ICE to host South American reception
ICE 2007 will be hosting the South American Gaming Industry Reception at the VIP Lounge in Earls Court Two on the first day of the exhibition, which runs from 23-25 January. Drinks and refreshments will be provided at the reception, which begins at 3.30pm.
Gay online casino to be launched
Members of the gay community are launching an online casino site focusing their games, design and service specifically at gay people. The site, the first online gaming room to direct games at a specific sexual identity, will feature chat rooms, forums and other special features, and intends to give 10 per cent of its profits to charitable causes relating to HIV/AIDS.
Gold Reef issues share warnings
South African gaming group Gold Reef Resorts announced that it is in talks that may have an effect on the price of its shares. The company did not divulge details of the talks but advised shareholders to exercise caution when dealing in Gold Reef's securities until a further announcement was made.
Shufflemaster announces revenue increase
Gaming supply company Shufflemaster has seen revenue increase by 39 per cent to $46.1 million and an adjusted EBITDA increase of seven per cent to $17.7 million as part of its fourth quarter financial results. It also announced that revenue for the full fiscal year had increased by 45 per cent to $163.5 million.
Racing Consortium expressing concern over debt funding
The Racing Consortium bidding for the UK Tote has expressed concern over whether it would be able to sustain a bid funded by a high level of debt. Reports have suggested that to meet the £405 million government asking price, the consortium would have to borrow upwards of £350 million.
Master Games going wild at ATEI 2007
Master Games has announced that it will show its new 42-line, double-screen video game Wild West XL at ATEI 2007. The Ukrainian video game manufacturer, which specyclopcasinoes in five-reel, poker gaming and amusement machines, will also be exhibiting a range of 21-line video games at the show, taking place across 23-25 January at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London. Registration is free.
New video game advertising blasted
Anti-advertising campaigners in the US have claimed that plans for 'real-time advertising', which updates in-game ads whenever there is a connection to the web, erodes parental control. The Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood's co-founder Dr Susan Linn said that with ads changing daily, parents would have no idea what's being marketed to their off-spring.
Maltese undersea casino in doubt
Plans for an undersea casino in Malta are in jeopardy after the project's backer, The Cala Corporation, failed to provide serious proof of 'financial standing' according to the country's tourism minister Francis Zammit Dimech. He also accused the US-based company of not showing any evidence of due diligence or feasibility indicators.
Brent appoints Spencer to sales team
UK amusements distributor Brent Sales has appointed Geoff Spencer to its field sales team as regional sales manager, effective 1st January, 2007. He will report directly to the company's recently promoted head of sales, Mick Kennedy.
X-Factor winner costs bookies £1 million
A spokesperson for Ladbrokes bookmakers claimed that the UK betting industry had lost close to £1 million on X-Factor winner Leona after she gained the Christmas number one. William Hill called the result a 'disaster' and said that it would not be taking bets on the chart number one next year.
Bingo win for Vegas losers
Three women who came back from Las Vegas broke have won nearly £300,000 at a Mecca bingo hall in Somerset, UK. The trio said they had saved for nine months to make the trip to Nevada's gambling capital, won nothing, and then returned to Bridgwater before winning two separate prizes of £91,000 and £201,300 in three days.
London Town makes £95 million pub purchase
Property development group London Town has bought 167 pubs from Jack Petchy for a total of around £95 million. As part of the deal, entrepreneur Petchy will gain a 22.2 per cent stake in the AIM-listed London Town through his investment vehicle Incorporated Holdings.
Research suggests video games fulfils psychological needs
According to research from the University of Rochester, NY, the fun of playing video games is rooted in fulfilling basic psychological needs. During research, gamers reported that they felt the best when a game produced positive experiences and challenges connected to the realities of life, and provided opportunities for achievement, freedom and connecting with other players.
|