Microgaming News 2007

[Newsflash]

08.03.2007

MICROGAMING POKER NETWORK GOES INTO SATELLITE FRENZY

$400K Worth of Buy-ins Won within Last Week

ISLE OF MAN - Following a bumper week of satellite tournament action on the Microgaming Poker Network, the software provider announces that 34 satellite winners from 17 poker rooms have scooped one of $400k worth of buy-ins to some of the biggest land-based tournaments in the world.

In the last week, 20 players from eight different card rooms scooped $9k packages to the EPT Dortmund event – starting today, while a massive ten packages, valued at $16.6k each, were won to the EPT Monte Carlo event (28 March - 1 April). As if that wasn’t enough, Sunday (4 March) saw the conclusion of the first of a number of online finals for the WSOP main event, where four more lucky winners picked up packages worth $15k.

The Microgaming Poker Network is also running satellites to six further WSOP events, offering a first prize of $50k worth of buy-ins (to be spent on the player’s choice of tournaments), up to 60 days worth of 5-star accommodation, two return flights to Vegas and $3.5k spending money.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming says, "We believe it’s not enough for a network to just offer buy-ins to the very best land-based tournaments in the world, which is why all our operators’ players are personally looked after by our dedicated Microgaming event team. Every one of their needs is catered to, from travel and accommodation through to on the ground support at the tournaments themselves. This is just another of the many reasons why more and more operators are choosing to move to our network every month. We wish all our players the best of luck in their upcoming tournaments."

[Casinonews]

19.03.2007

MICROGAMING APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming announces ex Neteller Vice President of sales and marketing, Bruce Elliott has been appointed as its head of business development and marketing – starting today. He joins Microgaming after four years with the leading online payment provider, where he helped grow the company from 75 to over 800 staff.

Bruce arrives during a period of sustained growth for Microgaming and at a time when it is upping its drive into new markets - both in Europe and Asia. In the last twelve months, Microgaming has added almost 20 new poker and casino sites to its ranks and delivered on a promise to provide operators with the most aggressive games roll out schedule in the industry.

Prior to Neteller, Bruce worked for GE Capital in sales and marketing. He also brings with him extensive PR and advertising experience together with a background in technology venture capital business.

Bruce Elliott says, “Having known many of the Microgaming team from my time working on the Isle of Man, it is great to now be part of what is undoubtedly one of the powerhouses of the gaming industry. It’s clear to anyone from the outside that the company has been experiencing a significant level of growth in recent years and I look forward to helping continue that trend as part of their team.”

Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, says, “We are delighted to welcome Bruce on board at an extremely exciting time in our industry. The business has expanded significantly over the past year and Bruce’s experience will prove invaluable in driving this success forward across a diverse range of new markets.”

[Casinonews]

28.03. 2007

MICROGAMING NEW GAMES RELEASE ADVISORY: MARCH 2007

ISLE OF MAN - The continuation of a great Power Poker tradition and a sophisticated slot game form the core of a great batch of releases from Microgaming in March.

POKER
The latest release from the Microgaming Power Poker series is 4 hand DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS MULTI-HAND POWER POKER. This exciting new game offers double the money and twice the fun, offering players an extra five “4 of a Kind” win combinations on the generous pay-table in a fast-moving game that provides authentically enhanced, state of the art video poker.

Thousands have enjoyed Microgaming’s popular 10 hand video poker selection of games and this one will definitely appeal to them too, with its clean, no-nonsense design and smooth playing dynamics. And because DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS MULTI-HAND POWER POKER comes on Microgaming’s leading Viper software platform, players will find an extraordinary range of relevant player assists and autoplay to give their play a truly wicked analytical and strategic edge.

The game is played with 1 x 52 card deck per hand, with betting levels of 1 to 5 coins per hand and very high potential rewards on a wide range of betting options spanning 0.01 to 5.00. On a maximum bet of 100.00 the maximum payout of 80 000.00 is achievable.

SLOT
CASH ‘N CURRY, Microgaming’s latest British 'fruit machine' game release allows you to literally make a meal out of your good fortune. Designed around an amusing Indian cuisine theme, there are plenty of features to take players to the ultimate Curry Go Round jackpot of up to GBP 20 000.00 and several action packed choices that can earn them rich rewards.

With growing player demand for more complex and interactive gaming entertainment, there are up to x80 multipliers and many opportunities to win or lose nudges, holds and gamble nudges, allowing players to turn this engaging pub game to their advantage.

Adding to the excitement is a special bonus feature triggered by brilliant coloured baltis that can deliver a whole range of multiplier awards to bring players a prize.

The 3 reeler spin screen is ideally placed for players to keep their eyes on the main display above it, where luck and skilful play are the recipe for an immersive and thoroughly enthralling gaming experience.

Colourful graphics feature a waiter who provides a menu with a difference, featuring a Bhaji Bonus, Chicken Ticker, Rogan Dosh, Bombay Mix and the big money Vindaloot and Curry Go Round, where rewards up to x500 are achievable, and players can score a repeat performance.

There's a range of prices on the menu and players can play on "Cash 'n Curry" for as little as 10p or as much as GBP 10.

About Microgaming
Since the company developed the first true online casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages four new releases a month and a unique ‘partnership’ approach to working with operators, Microgaming can be found powering many of the world’s most visited and profitable online casino sites. The Microgaming Progressive Jackpot Network is the world’s largest progressive and has paid out a record $225m plus in the last four years.

Microgaming software also powers the world’s leading poker network. With over 40 card rooms and one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the web, the Microgaming Poker Network ensures players will always find an active table, as well as the hottest action.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, most notably in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection.

[Casinonews]

28.03.2007

MICROGAMING LAUNCHES FIRST HITMAN GAME FOLLOWING DEAL WITH EIDOS

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming announces it has released its eagerly awaited HITMAN game, following a global licensing deal with games giant Eidos Interactive. The release follows in the footsteps of Microgaming’s hugely popular Lara Croft series.



HITMAN is a global gaming phenomenon and continues to break new ground in the so-called ‘thinking shooter’ genre. With the player placed in the role of a retired assassin, this video slot replicates the exploits, advanced features and thrilling missions that raised the game to the top of the global gaming pile. Microgaming has managed to create a suspense-filled 15 line video slot that provides adrenalin-fuelled excitement and many opportunities for solid wins through Wilds, a new and thrilling 3 reel Expanding Wild feature, Scatters, Free Spins and Bonuses.

Players can enter a mysterious world and take out a contract to big winnings in a cutting edge, engrossing and multi-level game, with a host of exciting features. Some of the best, photo-realistic graphics in the business pit Agent 47 in his ultra-cool, dangerous guise, right through an assortment of tools-of-the-trade, such as sniper rifles, deadly online board and the glint of cold hard steel.

Timing for the launch could not be better, as production starts on the long awaited movie. Due for release in October 2007, the film features Timothy Olyphant – star of US hit series, Deadwood in the lead role.

Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, says, “Hitman is something really special, so it goes without saying that we are delighted to have struck this deal. Anyone who has experienced the thrills of Hitman on a PC or console will know we have an absolute cracker on our hands. Ever since the launch of our massively successful Lara Croft slots we’ve been looking for the next big thing to excite the players and this delivers in every way. But it doesn’t stop there; we have equally exciting deals in the pipeline and I look forward to announcing those later in the year. ”

[Casinonews]

28.03.2007

Microgaming lanciert nach Abkommen mit Eidos Hitman-Spiel

Douglas, Isle of Man (ots/PRNewswire) - Microgaming gibt nach Abschluss eines weltweiten Lizenzabkommens mit dem Spiele-Giganten Eidos Interactive die Veröffentlichung seines voller Spannung erwarteten HITMAN-Spiels bekannt. Die Veröffentlichung folgt in den Fussstapfen von Microgamings äusserst populären Lara Croft-Serien.



HITMAN ist ein weltweites Spiele-Phänomen und schlägt im sogenannten Thinking-Shooter-Genre ("Denk-Schiessspiele"), weiterhin neue Wege ein. Dieses Video Slot, mit dem Spieler in der Rolle eines Auftragskillers im Ruhestand, reproduziert die Heldentaten, erweiterten Funktionen und spannenden Aufträge, die das Spiel an die Weltspitze der Spiele gebracht haben. Microgaming hat es geschafft, einen spannungsgeladenen 15 Line Video Slot zu entwickeln, welcher Adrenalin getränkte Spannung bereithält und viele Gelegenheiten um deftige Gewinne mit Wilds zu machen - ein neues und spannendes 3 reel Expanding Wild Feature, Scatters, Free Spins und Bonusse.

Spieler können in eine mysteriöse Welt eintreten und in einem topaktuellen, fesselnden und mehrstufigen Spiel mit vielen spannenden Merkmalen einen Vertrag über grosse Gewinne abschliessen. Eine der besten wirklichkeitsnahen Grafiken im Business: Agent 47 in seiner ultracoolen, gefährlichen Erscheinung mit einer Auswahl an verschiedenen Handwerkszeug wie z.B. Zielgewehre, tödliche Wirkstoffe und den Schimmer von kalten harten Stahl.

Der Zeitpunkt für die Markteinführung könnte nicht besser sein, da die Produktion mit dem lang erwarteten Film startet. Der Film läuft im Oktober 2007 an und zeigt in der Hauptrolle Timothy Olyphant - Star der US-Erfolgsserie Deadwood.

Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, sagt, "Hitman ist etwas ganz Besonderes, es ist daher selbstverständlich, dass wir sehr über diese Vereinbarung erfreut sind. Jeder, der den Nervenkitzel von Hitman auf dem PC oder auf der Konsole erlebt hat, weiss, dass wir einen absoluten Knaller in unseren Händen haben. Seit dem Start unserer massiv erfolgreichen Lara Croft-Slots haben wir nach dem nächsten grossen Ding gesucht, um die Spieler zu reizen und dies wird in jeder Hinsicht erfüllt. Aber das ist noch nicht alles. Wir planen weitere ebenso aufregende Abkommen und ich freue mich, diese zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt in diesem Jahr bekannt zu geben."

Info:
Microgaming ist der weltweit grösste Lieferant für Poker- und Kasinosoftware und unterstützt 160 der führenden Webseiten der Welt. Ebenso wie es das grösste fortlaufende Microgaming Progressive Jackpot Network unterstützt, fördert das Unternehmen auch das führende Poker-Netzwerk der Welt - das Microgaming Poker Network.

[Casinonews]

04.04.2007

MICROGAMING ADDS BETSHOP TO ITS EVER INCREASING POKER NETWORK

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming, the world's largest provider of online casino and poker software, announces it has signed Betshop (betshop.com) to its Microgaming Poker Network. The announcement follows hot on the heels of a number of new sign ups to the Microgaming Poker Network at the start of 2007.

Betshop, a subsidiary of Leisure & Gaming plc, is widely regarded as one of Europe's fastest growing online betting companies. Targeted primarily at emerging European markets, the company operates Betshop.com, a pan-European online service, as well as a land-based franchise network of betting outlets, including Betshop Italia with over 1000 franchised licensed betting outlets throughout Italy. Betshop has operations in the UK, Italy, Romania, Cyprus and Greece.

The move to the Microgaming Poker Network provides Betshop with one of the industry's most reliable platforms, instant player liquidity and its players with access to one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the web.

Gabriel Chaleplis, Group Managing Director, Betshop says, "We are delighted that Betshop.com is joining the Microgaming Poker Network. Adding poker to our offering is in line with our strategy of adding new products to our rapidly growing online site and franchise network and follows our launch of scratch cards in our Betshop Italia network at the beginning of February. Our focus on emerging markets has given us a rapidly growing base of customers, who are hungry for new products. Although poker is a mature product in Western Europe and the US, many of our users are yet to be exposed to it."

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming adds, "Betshop is undoubtedly one of Europe's success stories and we are delighted it has joined our increasingly successful poker network. There has been much talk of developing new markets over the last year, although much of it has focused on Asia, yet we have a wealth of emerging markets on our doorstep. As broadband penetration increases across Europe, it will be those companies who are already tapping the potential that will benefit. We look forward to welcoming greater numbers of players to the network from these emerging European markets."

[Casinonews]

12.04.2007

DOYLES ROOM SWITCHES TO MICROGAMING POKER NETWORK

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming, the world’s largest provider of online casino and poker software, announces that the world renowned online poker site, Doyle’s Room (doylesroom.com) has officially joined its rapidly expanding poker network. The move will allow Doyle’s Room to expand into European markets and is seen as yet more evidence of the continued success of the rapidly growing Microgaming Poker Network.

Doyle’s Room launched in 2004 and since that time has cemented itself as one of the world’s most popular online gaming sites. As well as offering one of the largest tournament selections in the industry, it also draws players to its extremely popular Bounty tournaments, a series of weekly tournaments in which players vie to win prizes by knocking out the bounty players. Players looking to sign up can expect to meet and play the likes of Mike Caro, Todd Brunson and the great man himself, as well as a host of other professional and celebrity faces.

Doyle Brunson or “Texas Dolly” as he is affectionately known is one of the world’s most celebrated poker players, accumulating a record ten World Series of Poker bracelets and winning back to back world championships during his career. He is widely acknowledged to be the Godfather of poker, the game’s most recognizable face and he still plays at the highest limits in the biggest games in the world.

The move to the Microgaming Poker Network will provide Doyle’s Room with even greater liquidity and access to one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the web, offering players the chance to enter a wealth of satellites to some of the world’s biggest offline tournaments. In the last week of February alone $400k worth of buy-ins were won on the network.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming says, ”It doesn’t get much bigger than this - signing up the ‘king’ of poker to the Microgaming Poker Network, so as you can imagine we view this as a real coup. The Microgaming Poker Network has been enjoying a period of exceptional growth and deals like this only point to this trend continuing.”

A spokesperson for Doyle’s Room said, “We are delighted to be joining the Microgaming network. We reviewed many software providers in our search for a better gaming experience for our players and Microgaming met all of our requirements in terms of liquidity, tournaments and player features. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with them"

About Doyle’s Room
Doyle’s Room (DoylesRoom.com) is the only online poker site endorsed by poker legend, Doyle Brunson. The site is an international hub for Texas Hold ’em and other popular poker games. Players at DoylesRoom.com can play for free to learn the game, or engage in real game play against players throughout the World."

[Casinonews]

12.04.2007

Doyle's Poker Room wechselt zum Microgaming Poker Network

London (ots/PRNewswire) - Microgaming, der weltweit grösste Anbieter von Online-Casino- und Pokersoftware, gibt bekannt, dass die weltweit renommierte Online-Pokerwebsite Doyle's Room (www.doylesroom.com) offiziell zu seinem schnell wachsenden Pokernetzwerk hinzugestossen ist. Der Schritt bietet Doyle's Room die
Möglichkeit, auf europäische Märkte zu expandieren und wird als weiterer Hinweis für den anhaltenden Erfolg des schnell wachsenden Microgaming Poker Network gesehen.

Doyle's Room wurde 2004 gegründet und hat sich seitdem als eine der weltweit beliebtesten Online-Glücksspielwebsites behaupten können. Die Website bietet nicht nur die grösste Turnierauswahl der Branche, sondern zieht Spieler auch wegen seiner äusserst beliebten Bounty-Turniere an. Dies ist eine Serie wöchentlicher Turniere, bei denen Spieler versuchen Preise zu gewinnen, indem Sie die Prämienspieler besiegen. Spieler, die sich anmelden, können erwarten,
unter anderem auf Mike Caro, Todd Brunson, den grossen Mann selbst und eine Vielzahl weiterer professioneller und prominenter Spieler zu treffen und gegen diese zu spielen.

Doyle Brunson oder "Texas Dolly", wie er liebevoll genannt wird, ist einer der berühmtesten Pokerspieler der Welt, der während seiner Karriere einen Rekord von zehn World Series of Poker-Armbändern sammeln und mehrere Weltmeisterschaften in Folge gewinnen konnte. Er ist weithin als der Pate des Poker bekannt, hat das bekannteste Gesicht des Sports und spielt immer noch mit den höchsten Limits in den grössten Spielen der Welt.

Der Wechsel zum Microgaming Poker Network bietet Doyle's Room noch grössere Liquidität und Zugriff auf einen der aggressivsten Turnierpläne im Web, der Spielern die Möglichkeit bietet, an einer Vielzahl von Satellitenturnieren für einige der grössten Offline-Turniere der Welt teilzunehmen. In der letzten Februarwoche alleine wurden Buy-Ins im Wert von mehr als USD 400.000 innerhalb des Netzwerks gewonnen.

Roger Raatgever, CEO von Microgaming sagt: "Grösser als das hier, das gibt es nicht. Den König' des Poker im Microgaming Poker Network zu haben - Sie können sich vorstellen, dass das für uns ein echter Coup ist."

Ein Sprecher von Doyle's Room sagte: "Wir freuen uns sehr, zum Microgaming Network hinzuzustossen. Auf der Suche nach einem besseren Spielerlebnis für unsere Spieler haben wir zahlreiche Softwareanbieter untersucht, und Microgaming konnte all unsere Anforderungen in Bezug auf Liquidität, Turniere und Spielerfunktionen erfüllen. Wir freuen uns auf eine lange und erfolgreiche Partnerschaft mit ihnen."

[Casinonews]

24 April 2007

MICROGAMING MOBILE GOES TO SPAIN
Palace group mobile gambling subsidiary Zero36 expands

ISLE OF MAN - Zero36, the Palace online gambling group subsidiary powered by Microgaming and involved in the mobile gambling sector has announced the launch of its Spanish mobile casino service.

Zero36 Spanish Casino Games are now available for direct download either through the Spanish Zero36 website or through Zero36's Spanish WAP site when using any mobile Internet browser.

Zero36 "Play for Fun" games are additionally available for download through Movistar emoci? (Telefonica) following the recently signed distribution contract between Telefonica (Spain) and Zero36.

With this latest expansion, Zero36 now offers a range of games in both English and Spanish, including Black-Jack, European Roulette, Video-Poker, various three and five reeled Slot-Machines, Scratch-Card and two additional progressive-jackpot games, all using Microgaming's Jackpot Network system.

Mobile gambling is one of the strongest growth markets because of its unique positioning at the intersection of the mobile telecommunications, media and entertainment industries. According to leading analyst house Juniper Research, the sector is expected to grow from nearly $2 billion in revenues in 2006, to greater than $23 billion in 2011.

Zero36 recently announced the development of a Location-Based Filtering System for use with mobile applications, enabling legal mobile access to mobile gambling and betting applications according to the user's geographic location.

Zero36 is currently exploring licensing options for mobile gambling operations throughout Spain's different regions, which have different gambling-related laws. Zero36's Location-Based Filtering System will enable legal mobile gambling according to the specific laws of the region where a mobile phone user is located.

[Casinonews]

26.04.2007

MICROGAMING NEW GAMES RELEASE ADVISORY: APRIL 2007

ISLE OF MAN - The continuation of a great Power Poker tradition and two sophisticated new video slots are Microgaming’s latest winners for April.

POKER
The new release from the Microgaming Power Poker series is 10 hand DOUBLE DOUBLE BONUS 10 PLAY POWER POKER. This exciting new game offers double the money and twice the fun, offering players an extra five “4 of a Kind” win combinations on the generous pay-table in a fast-moving game that provides an authentically enhanced, state of the art video poker experience.

Thousands have enjoyed Microgaming’s popular video poker and multi-hand selection of games and this one will definitely appeal to them (and many others), with its clean, no-nonsense design and smooth playing dynamics. And because Double Double Bonus 10 Play Power Poker comes on Microgaming’s leading Viper software platform, players will find an extraordinary range of relevant player assists and autoplay to give their play a truly wicked analytical and strategic edge.

The game is played with a 1 x 52 card deck per hand, with betting levels of 1 to 5 coins per hand and very high potential rewards on a wide range of betting options spanning 0.10 to 2.00. On a maximum bet of 100.00 the huge maximum payout of 80 000.00 is achievable.

SLOT
LIFE'S A BEACH is the brand new 5 reel 20 line video slot release from Microgaming. Designed around a backdrop of sparkling waves, balmy beaches and gorgeous babes the rewards are truly worthwhile on this new video slot, which can deliver a whopping random win if the Bikini Babe is revealed. Otherwise no sweat – there is a consolation prize of 2x the triggering bet!

The lifeguards hold the secret, for they not only serve as Scatter combinations, but as triggers for a unique second screen bonus that gives players a choice of 4 out of 6 sun umbrellas, any 1 of which could present players with big time bonusing, especially if it reveals a bikini babe!

Striding out on the Wild side is the LIFE'S A BEACH Babe; when players see her on reels 2, 3 and 4 it's more good news because they can build more wins through her substitution powers. With a wide range of wagering options and slick, fast action, this game is full of the summer spirit and will keep players entertained at the virtual beach for hours.

Capturing the look and feel of the British pub scene this week there’s a 3 reel, single pay-line game. PUB FRUITY is all about good fortune combined with player skill in an interactive and highly entertaining format complete with the cash, stops and nudges found in the traditional land machines on a typical 18 position lapper board. Adding to the excitement is Pub Fruity's unique feature - a virtual darts competition where the avatar chosen by the player can earn him or her up to x 1 000 on the stake up to a maximum of 10 000.00.

Players earn rewards by spinning up combinations from a range of 9 different symbols with various values up to x 250 for the Pub Fruity logo, but when these symbols are accompanied by an overlaid dart, the action and the money really start to flow in an ingenious and original feature.

With a wagering range between 0.10 and 10.00, the game can be enjoyed by everyone. If the reels show a number next to any of the symbols then the players’ position on the lapper board is advanced by the total of these numbers. So if the reels stopped and displayed 3 symbols that were not a win and one symbol had a number 1 next to it and another one of the symbols had a number 3 on it then the player would move 4 places along the trail.

Using brilliant graphics and sound effects, the new game faithfully captures the UK 'pub' feel of these entertaining fruit machines with the added appeal through a more complex playing experience in a truly dynamic game. The combination of reel action, lapper board skills and the dart match feature makes PUB FRUITY both unusual and enthralling, promising hours of excitement and the possibility of big rewards.