eGaming Morning Snapshot - 15 March 15/03/2007

Jake Pollard

NEWS: Following yesterday’s news that US Congressman Barney Frank had confirmed he was working on legislation to repeal the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, the American Gaming Association (AGA), the trade body for the US land-based casino industry, told eGaming Review that it would not comment on the development other than to reiterate its view on the matter. “Our board continues to support the authorisation of a federally funded study to evaluate the impacts of online gambling,” it said.  The AGA added that the study should be comprehensive and establish “whether internet gambling can be effectively legalised and regulated in the United States. Such an endeavour could evaluate whether legalisation, regulation and taxation – on a state-option basis – may be a more viable option than a complete ban on internet gambling, and would result in recommendations to Congress on the best way to handle the issue”.      

The European Free Trade Agreement court yesterday published its judgment in the case of the infringement proceedings against Norway. The case revolved around whether Norway’s introduction of a monopoly on the operation of land-based slot machines conformed with EFTA internal market regulations. The ruling concludes that monopolies are legitimate as long as they reduce the opportunities for gaming. With the high addiction potential of slot machines, Norway’s gambling operator Norsk Tipping will be allowed to deploy 10,000 machines, down from the 15,600 originally planned. European operator Bwin commented the slot machines represented a “special case” and it could be “assumed that a monopoly for other forms of gaming that were less problematical with respect to gaming addiction (e.g. sports betting) would no longer be considered proportionate”. Bwin added that legislation preventing the basic freedoms of private operators was not a suitable means of achieving the supposed objectives of consumer protection and combating fraud.   

Australian offline casino operator Lasseters Corporation has launched its online casino portal using the Orbis OpenBet Casino module. The OpenBet Casino will provide the back office management system and non-download games at Lasseters.com.au, offering users its ‘one account, one wallet’ solution. Orbis managing director David Loveday said: “The OpenBet Casino module offers an extensive game range with proven player and operational functionality which is key to their requirements. We are confident Lasseters’ new online casino will deliver continued success.”  

NEWSPAPERSANDWIRES: The Times reports on the news filtering through from the US. It adds that with the Neteller hearing scheduled tomorrow, dealers had two juicy pieces of gossip to latch onto and hence Party put on 4.75p, dragging 888 and Sportingbet along with it.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reports on a split of opinion on the possible Ladbrokes bid for 888 with some suggesting a deal might be announced soon – and others dismissing it entirely.      

Reuters quotes Steve Adamske, spokesman for Barney Frank: “Chairman Frank is considering legislation” to repeal last year’s internet gambling ban, the news agency said.

French sports daily L’Equipe says Unibet’s cycling team indicated it had been invited to take part in the Pro Tour race Milan-San Remo but was waiting on an official confirmation.

CITY:  Playtech is up 4p to 359p, Ladbrokes is up 7.25p to 403.75p and CryptoLogic has jumped 52.5p to 1300p.

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Posted: 15/03/2007