Monthly Archives: January 2017

US military warned about problem gamblers in the ranks

Only a tiny fraction of US military servicemembers have been diagnosed with gambling disorders, although government watchdogs suggest that the military isn’t really looking that hard for symptoms.

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on Monday that examined Department of Defense (DOD) data on gambling disorder prevalence among DOD and Coast Guard (CG) servicemembers.

The data identified 514 active-duty servicemembers and 72 more in the reserves that were either diagnosed with gambling disorders or were treated for problem gambling in the Military Health System in fiscal years 2011 through 2015. The GAO says the figures represent less than 0.03% of average servicemembers in each year.

However, the GAO noted that neither the DOD nor the CG systematically screen for gambling disorder the way they do for substance abuse, which the military says is because they focus on “mental-health disorders that are high risk to overall readiness.”

US military warned about problem gamblers in the ranks

Only a tiny fraction of US military servicemembers have been diagnosed with gambling disorders, although government watchdogs suggest that the military isn’t really looking that hard for symptoms.

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on Monday that examined Department of Defense (DOD) data on gambling disorder prevalence among DOD and Coast Guard (CG) servicemembers.

The data identified 514 active-duty servicemembers and 72 more in the reserves that were either diagnosed with gambling disorders or were treated for problem gambling in the Military Health System in fiscal years 2011 through 2015. The GAO says the figures represent less than 0.03% of average servicemembers in each year.

However, the GAO noted that neither the DOD nor the CG systematically screen for gambling disorder the way they do for substance abuse, which the military says is because they focus on “mental-health disorders that are high risk to overall readiness.”

Breaking: Dutch Lower House okays Holland casino privatization

This is a guest contribution by Willem van Oort founder of Gaming in Holland. If you would like to submit a contribution please contact Bill Beatty for submission details. Thank you. 

Earlier today, the Dutch Lower House passed a bill that will privatize and split up state-owned Holland Casino. The bill, however, must still pass the Senate before it can be enacted. Holland Casino is currently the openly land-based casino operator in the Netherlands that is allowed to offer live table games, such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Its sale might net the Dutch treasury as much as €1bn.

The bill proposes that Holland Casino’s fourteen individual branches will be split up: ten of these – as of yet, it is unclear which ones – will remain part of Holland Casino. Four will be sold separately, while an additional two land-based casino licenses will be newly created.

Amendments

Breaking: Dutch Lower House okays Holland casino privatization

This is a guest contribution by Willem van Oort founder of Gaming in Holland. If you would like to submit a contribution please contact Bill Beatty for submission details. Thank you. 

Earlier today, the Dutch Lower House passed a bill that will privatize and split up state-owned Holland Casino. The bill, however, must still pass the Senate before it can be enacted. Holland Casino is currently the openly land-based casino operator in the Netherlands that is allowed to offer live table games, such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Its sale might net the Dutch treasury as much as €1bn.

The bill proposes that Holland Casino’s fourteen individual branches will be split up: ten of these – as of yet, it is unclear which ones – will remain part of Holland Casino. Four will be sold separately, while an additional two land-based casino licenses will be newly created.

Amendments

Pinnacle empowers bettors through the launch of ‘Betting Resources’

Education focused bookmaker unveils the most comprehensive collection of expert betting advice available online.

Leading online bookmaker Pinnacle.com has underlined its focus on customer education with the launch of Betting Resources, promising the most comprehensive collection of expert betting advice available anywhere online.

Betting Resources’ focus is on highlighting the importance of a strategic and analytical approach to betting with the user experience driven directly by customer input.

In addition to betting articles now classified in distinct content categories and learning levels, Pinnacle has announced a new Resource Feed of unique market analysis and betting updates, as well as a betting tools section – all within a bold, easy-to-use layout that is mobile responsive. With further updates across the coming months, Betting Resources aims to take Pinnacle’s customer engagement to a whole new level.

Pinnacle empowers bettors through the launch of ‘Betting Resources’

Education focused bookmaker unveils the most comprehensive collection of expert betting advice available online.

Leading online bookmaker Pinnacle.com has underlined its focus on customer education with the launch of Betting Resources, promising the most comprehensive collection of expert betting advice available anywhere online.

Betting Resources’ focus is on highlighting the importance of a strategic and analytical approach to betting with the user experience driven directly by customer input.

In addition to betting articles now classified in distinct content categories and learning levels, Pinnacle has announced a new Resource Feed of unique market analysis and betting updates, as well as a betting tools section – all within a bold, easy-to-use layout that is mobile responsive. With further updates across the coming months, Betting Resources aims to take Pinnacle’s customer engagement to a whole new level.

Bet.PT launches with SBTech casino package to complement award-winning Sportsbook

February 1, 2017 | SBTech-powered Portuguese sports betting operator Bet.PT has announced the launch of a range of casino slots and table games supplied by iSoftBet.

Bet.PT’s journey from start-up to being the Portuguese market’s biggest sports betting operator has been driven by technology from SBTech, the first and still the only B2B provider to supply a licensed sportsbook in the Portuguese regulated market.

The launch of casino for Bet.PT will complement the industry-leading SBTech sportsbook with an offering of over 30 casino games, including Neon Reels, 24TM and Paranormal Activity TM.

This state-of-the-art entertainment portfolio by iSoftBet will provide Bet.PT’s customers with seamless gameplay on leading casino titles, while the company will benefit from the unique player analytics and cross-selling capabilities of the Chameleon360 iGaming platform, enabling it to manage and market to its players across multiple channels from a single console.

ICE 2017: Oulala to put a spotlight on Fantasy Sports

Company’s CEO among 2017 ICE VOX Prophet finalists

Oulala’s team to spend 3 days at ICE (7-9 February)

B2B provider will present its award-winning DFS platform

Malta – January 2017 – Daily Fantasy Sports(DFS) platform provider Oulala.com will be attending this year’s ICE Totally Gamingwith a clear goal: to convince new iGaming operators to jump onto the DFS bandwagon.

ICE 2017: Oulala to put a spotlight on Fantasy Sports

Company’s CEO among 2017 ICE VOX Prophet finalists

Oulala’s team to spend 3 days at ICE (7-9 February)

B2B provider will present its award-winning DFS platform

Malta – January 2017 – Daily Fantasy Sports(DFS) platform provider Oulala.com will be attending this year’s ICE Totally Gamingwith a clear goal: to convince new iGaming operators to jump onto the DFS bandwagon.

ICE 2017: Oulala to put a spotlight on Fantasy Sports

Company’s CEO among 2017 ICE VOX Prophet finalists

Oulala’s team to spend 3 days at ICE (7-9 February)

B2B provider will present its award-winning DFS platform

Malta – January 2017 – Daily Fantasy Sports(DFS) platform provider Oulala.com will be attending this year’s ICE Totally Gamingwith a clear goal: to convince new iGaming operators to jump onto the DFS bandwagon.

ICE 2017: Oulala to put a spotlight on Fantasy Sports

Company’s CEO among 2017 ICE VOX Prophet finalists

Oulala’s team to spend 3 days at ICE (7-9 February)

B2B provider will present its award-winning DFS platform

Malta – January 2017 – Daily Fantasy Sports(DFS) platform provider Oulala.com will be attending this year’s ICE Totally Gamingwith a clear goal: to convince new iGaming operators to jump onto the DFS bandwagon.

Pokerstars becomes first licensed international operator in the Czech Republic

PokerStars.cz to launch shared liquidity poker to Czech players

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – January 2017 – PokerStars has become the first licensed online casino and poker operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulation following the approval of Amaya Inc. (NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries Department. Amaya was awarded the ‘Live Games’ license on January 28 and is set to launch on PokerStars.cz in the coming days .

PokerStars will offer Czech players a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across its shared global liquidity, as well as popular multiplayer casino games Classic Blackjack, Premium Blackjack, European Roulette and Double Ball Roulette, on desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (iOS and Android).

The launch follows new online gaming regulation which came into effect from January 1 in the Czech Republic. Amaya is a leading proponent of online gaming regulation and PokerStars is the most licensed online gaming brand, now holding licenses or related operating approvals in 17 jurisdictions. Amaya has applied for a license to offer sports betting through BetStars in the Czech Republic and also expects to seek appropriate approval to expand its offering of online casino games on PokerStars Casino in due course.

Pokerstars becomes first licensed international operator in the Czech Republic

PokerStars.cz to launch shared liquidity poker to Czech players

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – January 2017 – PokerStars has become the first licensed online casino and poker operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulation following the approval of Amaya Inc. (NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries Department. Amaya was awarded the ‘Live Games’ license on January 28 and is set to launch on PokerStars.cz in the coming days .

PokerStars will offer Czech players a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across its shared global liquidity, as well as popular multiplayer casino games Classic Blackjack, Premium Blackjack, European Roulette and Double Ball Roulette, on desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (iOS and Android).

The launch follows new online gaming regulation which came into effect from January 1 in the Czech Republic. Amaya is a leading proponent of online gaming regulation and PokerStars is the most licensed online gaming brand, now holding licenses or related operating approvals in 17 jurisdictions. Amaya has applied for a license to offer sports betting through BetStars in the Czech Republic and also expects to seek appropriate approval to expand its offering of online casino games on PokerStars Casino in due course.

Pokerstars becomes first licensed international operator in the Czech Republic

PokerStars.cz to launch shared liquidity poker to Czech players

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – January 2017 – PokerStars has become the first licensed online casino and poker operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulation following the approval of Amaya Inc. (NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries Department. Amaya was awarded the ‘Live Games’ license on January 28 and is set to launch on PokerStars.cz in the coming days .

PokerStars will offer Czech players a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across its shared global liquidity, as well as popular multiplayer casino games Classic Blackjack, Premium Blackjack, European Roulette and Double Ball Roulette, on desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (iOS and Android).

The launch follows new online gaming regulation which came into effect from January 1 in the Czech Republic. Amaya is a leading proponent of online gaming regulation and PokerStars is the most licensed online gaming brand, now holding licenses or related operating approvals in 17 jurisdictions. Amaya has applied for a license to offer sports betting through BetStars in the Czech Republic and also expects to seek appropriate approval to expand its offering of online casino games on PokerStars Casino in due course.

Pokerstars becomes first licensed international operator in the Czech Republic

PokerStars.cz to launch shared liquidity poker to Czech players

ONCHAN, Isle of Man – January 2017 – PokerStars has become the first licensed online casino and poker operator under the Czech Republic’s new gaming regulation following the approval of Amaya Inc. (NASDAQ: AYA; TSX: AYA) by the Czech State Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries Department. Amaya was awarded the ‘Live Games’ license on January 28 and is set to launch on PokerStars.cz in the coming days .

PokerStars will offer Czech players a wide range of poker games and tournament formats across its shared global liquidity, as well as popular multiplayer casino games Classic Blackjack, Premium Blackjack, European Roulette and Double Ball Roulette, on desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (iOS and Android).

The launch follows new online gaming regulation which came into effect from January 1 in the Czech Republic. Amaya is a leading proponent of online gaming regulation and PokerStars is the most licensed online gaming brand, now holding licenses or related operating approvals in 17 jurisdictions. Amaya has applied for a license to offer sports betting through BetStars in the Czech Republic and also expects to seek appropriate approval to expand its offering of online casino games on PokerStars Casino in due course.

ICE host inward mission of US OEMs

A senior delegation representing 13 US OEMs will be attending next week’s ICE Totally Gaming as guests of ICE organiser, Kate Chambers. The Inward Mission of manufacturers is being undertaken to showcase the credentials of gaming’s most international business technology event to prospective first time exhibitors.

Expanding on the initiative, Kate Chambers said: “It’s some time since we last staged an Inward Mission and I am looking forward to being able to demonstrate the vibrancy, the energy and the internationalism that are unique features of the ICE experience. The Inward Mission, which has been put together with the kind help of Marcus Prater at AGEM, enables us to target our sales activities and meet our strategic objectives which are to grow ICE in a structured and managed way.”

The US delegation will be experiencing the biggest ICE on record as well as the most international. Comprising 40,925 square metres of net space (5% bigger than in 2016), the show floor will feature exhibitors from 67 jurisdictions and sovereign states.

ICE Totally Gaming is the only b2b gaming event in the world that brings together the online and offline gaming sectors. ICE provides the most comprehensive shop window on world gaming and in 2016 attracted a record 28,487 visitors drawn from 150 nations.

ICE host inward mission of US OEMs

A senior delegation representing 13 US OEMs will be attending next week’s ICE Totally Gaming as guests of ICE organiser, Kate Chambers. The Inward Mission of manufacturers is being undertaken to showcase the credentials of gaming’s most international business technology event to prospective first time exhibitors.

Expanding on the initiative, Kate Chambers said: “It’s some time since we last staged an Inward Mission and I am looking forward to being able to demonstrate the vibrancy, the energy and the internationalism that are unique features of the ICE experience. The Inward Mission, which has been put together with the kind help of Marcus Prater at AGEM, enables us to target our sales activities and meet our strategic objectives which are to grow ICE in a structured and managed way.”

The US delegation will be experiencing the biggest ICE on record as well as the most international. Comprising 40,925 square metres of net space (5% bigger than in 2016), the show floor will feature exhibitors from 67 jurisdictions and sovereign states.

ICE Totally Gaming is the only b2b gaming event in the world that brings together the online and offline gaming sectors. ICE provides the most comprehensive shop window on world gaming and in 2016 attracted a record 28,487 visitors drawn from 150 nations.

Mansion’s Age of the Gods: $1M giveaway in association with Playtech

Two of the biggest names in the online betting and gaming industry, Mansion and Playtech, are proud to introduce an incredible new promotion; the Age of the Gods: $1million Giveaway.

Mansion have joined forces with fellow industry giants, Playtech, to launch their biggest giveaway to date. The total prize pool is estimated to reach up to $1million, and is centered around Playtech’s Age of the Gods suite of games.

To be eligible to win a selection of sensational prizes, players must simply enjoy the popular Age of the Gods games. The prizes on offer are two luxury holidays to Athens and L.A.; a brand new car worth up to $50,000; weekly cashback running every Friday – Sunday; and daily prize and bonus drops of up to $1,500.

This unique promotion will run for four weeks from Monday 30 January to Sunday 26 February 2017, across all three Mansion brands; Casino.com, MansionCasino.com and SlotsHeaven.com. It should serve as a fantastic acquisition and marketing tool, with such a generous prize pool up for grabs.

Betting tout Adam Meyer may have been federal snitch after all

Disgraced sports betting tout Adam Meyer may have actually been a federal snitch after all, according to unsealed court documents.

Meyer, who formerly headed up the Real Money Sports tout service, pled guilty last September to felony extortion and racketeering charges stemming from his point-of-a-gun shakedown of Gary Sadoff, a wealthy Wisconsin businessman and former Real Money Sports client, from whom Meyer extorted over $45m.

Meyer is due to be sentenced in US District Court next month. His lawyers are seeking a jail stint of no more than five years while prosecutors have committed to asking for no more than 12 years in stripes.

Meyer’s attorneys filed a lengthy sentencing memo with the court explaining why their client deserves a break. The memo was filed under seal, based on the attorneys’ claims that its contents would be “problematic” for Meyer if they were made public. But the judge rejected this request and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel got a peek at the unsealed memo’s contents.

Betting tout Adam Meyer may have been federal snitch after all

Disgraced sports betting tout Adam Meyer may have actually been a federal snitch after all, according to unsealed court documents.

Meyer, who formerly headed up the Real Money Sports tout service, pled guilty last September to felony extortion and racketeering charges stemming from his point-of-a-gun shakedown of Gary Sadoff, a wealthy Wisconsin businessman and former Real Money Sports client, from whom Meyer extorted over $45m.

Meyer is due to be sentenced in US District Court next month. His lawyers are seeking a jail stint of no more than five years while prosecutors have committed to asking for no more than 12 years in stripes.

Meyer’s attorneys filed a lengthy sentencing memo with the court explaining why their client deserves a break. The memo was filed under seal, based on the attorneys’ claims that its contents would be “problematic” for Meyer if they were made public. But the judge rejected this request and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel got a peek at the unsealed memo’s contents.