Brown to scrap casino plans?
Chancellor Gordon Brown is considering abandoning the entire super-casino package according to industry experts cited in the UK Observer newspaper. A 'well connected gambling source' in the article said that Brown does not want the dispute over the super-casino’s final destination going on in the background while he prepares for Number 10.
Kerzner labels UK casino legislation too complex
Kerzner International's UK chief executive Tobin Prior has labelled the government's super-casino policy ‘too complex’, calling it the most protracted he has ever come across. Prior added that the situation was 'unique', saying that despite being registered in six jurisdictions, the casino company had never come across anything like it.
Government faces BCA embarrassment
A High Court judge will this week decide whether a challenge by the British Casino Association over the alleged "unfair competition" created by the Gambling Bill would go ahead. If successful, regular casinos would be able to increase the number of slot machines from 20 to 150 in line with the new-style casinos, creating another potentially embarrassing situation for the government.
Noble Organisation calls Peer statement slanderous
The Noble Organisation has called recent remarks by Liberal Democrat peer Lord Tom McNally ‘slanderous’, arguing that he had attempted to discredit the company under the guise of Parliamentary privilege. McNally last week called the Noble's Coral Island venue in Blackpool a 'gambling shed' and claimed that it was "sucking in the vulnerable and sucking out money from the town and making no contribution at all."
Dutch problem gambling expert praises new system
A Dutch problem gambling expert has praised the nation’s responsible gaming policies, saying that the procedures could no longer be manipulated. Under the scheme, all casino visitors have to show either their national ID card or a passport to enter, and are automatically logged into a nationwide networked computer system that tracks visiting frequency. Customers visiting the nationwide casinos more than 15 times a month on average are subject to an annual interview with trained casino staff, while customers aged between 18 and 23 would be interviewed if they go to casinos more than eight times a month.
FBI arrests BetonSport founder Kaplan
BetonSport's founder Gary Kaplan has been arrested in the Dominican Republic and transferred to US authorities, almost a year after being indicted by a US Grand Jury, along with his company, for racketeering and conspiracy charges. Kaplan was caught at a hotel in Santo Domingo following a "worldwide search,'' according to US attorney Catherine Hanaway.
Welsh smoking ban begins
Wales follows Scotland and Northern Ireland today (Monday) with a countrywide smoking ban, three months ahead of the English national ban due on 1 July. The British Medical Association's Welsh secretary, Richard Lewis, called it "the greatest public health initiative in Wales for over a century", while tobacco lobby groups labelled the measures "draconian".
WTO rule against US ban
The World Trade Organisation has supported an earlier decision by ruling that the US' ban on offshore internet gambling payments was illegal. A spokesperson for the US Trade Representative's office acknowledged the decision but said that the WTO report would allow it to maintain a ban on internet gambling in order to "protect public order and public morals'' as long as it doesn't discriminate against foreign companies.
Intralot's South African lottery operations suspended
Greek betting company Intralot said that South Africa's minister of trade and industry had halted its new National Lottery operations after rival bidder Uthingo won a court challenge against the tender process. A spokesperson for Intralot said that the minister was now re-examining the process of the shareholding structure for the award of the new National Lottery licence.
Scientific signs five year Sportech agreement
Gaming supply company Scientific Games has signed a five year strategic agreement with Littlewoods Football Pools-owner Sportech to provide football pari-mutuel tote services, technology development and related IT consultancy services. Scientific said that it expected to earn $8 million of revenue over the five-year term.
Gambling industry spent $25 million lobbying in 2006
According to a report in the USA Today newspaper, American land-based casinos and American Indian tribes spent a total of $25 million lobbying Congress in 2006 as legislation banning wagering online and off Indian reservations was considered. The figure was a slight increase on 2005's reported spend, but down from the estimated $28.5 million spent in 2003.
Melco PBL's losses mount
Melco PBL Entertainment posted a loss of $73.5 million for 2006, compared with a loss of $3.3 million in the previous year. The Macau casino company blamed the results largely on operating costs, which jumped from $21.1 million to $93.8 million in the period.
888 purchases bingo operation
888 Holdings has purchased the online bingo operations of Belize-based Globalcom Limited for $32.4 million. Under terms of the deal, 888 will deduct any amounts payable to customers from the acquisition price, with a further $11 million payable on the basis of performance during the 2007 financial year.
Cryptologic appoints new CEO
Gaming software developer Cryptologic has appointed Javaid Aziz as its new President and CEO. Aziz, who has previously served as chief executive of IBM United Kingdom, will take over from Lewis Rose effective immediately.
Milliken signs three-year deal with IBSF
Milliken Woollen Speciality Products has signed a three-year deal with the International Billiards & Snooker Federation to make it the official cloth supplier to IBSF. Milliken marketing director Duncan Kettell said that the agreement would "open significant new global opportunities," adding that it the agreement was similar to Milliken's recent deal with the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports.
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