Gambling Blog

Washington state is set to agree a deal to substantially increase the number of slot machines allowed for the state’s gambling tribes.

The state gambling commission will discuss proposals to increase the number of slot machines within the state from about 18,225 to 27,300.

The initiative comes soon after the state came to an agreement with the Spokane Tribe, allowing it to own 900 slot machines.

Under the current legislation, which was introduced nearly ten years ago, each of the state’s 28 gambling tribes were limited to operating 675 machines, though inter-tribe leasing was allowed.

The tribes have argued that, with 27 casinos now open across the state, nearly all the available machines are currently being used and therefore expansion is a must, with a limit of 975 machines per tribe their target.

Gerald Nicodemus, the council secretary for the Spokane Tribe, said: “Like many tribes in the state and around the country, the Spokane Tribe must look to gaming to provide needed governmental revenues.

“This compact will be our best chance to impact our tribe’s future in an historic way.”

Potential revenue from the slots could be used to improve education and healthcare for the tribe members.

The Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel in New York state has revealed some of the big-names set to perform at the venue this year.

The 2,200 capacity Seneca Events Center and the smaller 486-seat Bear’s Den Showroom will be hosting country legend Kenny Rogers as well as Steely Dan, B B King and Pat Benetar.

The resort, already the premier gaming venue in the region, also confirmed that its tradition of free outdoor concerts during the summer will continue in 2007, though this year’s performers have yet to be confirmed.

Past performers at the Rock the Falls summer series have included KC and the Sunshine Band and the Beach Boys.

Seneca Gaming Corporation CEO and interim president Brian Hansberry said: “We want to cement our reputation as a must-play venue for the world’s best entertainers in 2007.

“Top-shelf entertainment is an important piece of the world-class experience we offer our guests.

“The name Seneca Niagara is going to be on more people’s lips after this year.”

Mr Hansberry stressed that, while a strong line-up is already promised for the forthcoming year, many more top acts are set to be added to the bill

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming authorities have removed 87 slot machines from gaming venues in the region after complaints that they were flashing subliminal messages at players. 

The slot machines, which were removed from the Flamboro Downs and Mohawk Raceway, displayed the jackpot result for a split second every time they were played.  The symbols are invisible to the naked eye, prompting concerns that gamblers might continue playing because they subconsciously believe that they are about to win the jackpot.  

Their manufacturers, the Las Vegas-based Konami, confirmed that the jackpot symbols were appearing every time, though this was a result of a software glitch and there is no evidence that it affected players’ behaviour.  The move comes after the broadcaster CBC secretly filmed the machines at a racetrack in the region after concerns surrounding the Most Wanted, Sergeant Fritter and Billionaire machines.   

At present, US gaming authorities are looking into pulling all of the games from the nation’s casinos until the software glitch is fixed.     

The South African government is considering regulating online gambling following research which showed that the industry appeared to be spiralling out of control.
 

Casino-style gaming terminals in bingo halls appear to be threatening the payment machine industry by booming in an unregulated way, newspapers have reported.
 

Regulation of online gambling is also on the cards, while the National Gambling Amendment Bill, currently being debated, is proposing the introduction of interactive gambling online.
 

“The wholesale introduction of these new gaming terminals into bingo halls to replace traditional bingo “seats” has the potential to create mini-casinos through the replacement of some 3 734 seats in eight bingo halls in Gauteng alone,” said Elias Mphande of the Limited Payout Machine Association.
 
“Government’s carefully crafted gambling policy and laws are being circumvented by this.”

Players of online poker are being forced to wait to access funds being withheld as a result of the Neteller case. 

In January, John Lefebvre and Stephen Lawrence were arrested for plotting a conspiracy to siphon off billions of dollars worth of gambling proceeds to online gambling company owners. 

The US Attorney’s office has extended the deadline for deciding whether to indict Neteller’s co-founders until March 16^th. 

Compliance with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) meant that banking institutions began to decline transactions from Neteller, making it difficult for the online gambling company to make payouts to Americans. 

Around $55 million in Neteller funds is believed to be frozen in US accounts. 

With regards to being traded on the AIM stockmarket, a statement on the Neteller website read: “In view of the continuing uncertainty, the Group’s shares will continue to be suspended from trading on AIM for the time being.” 

Online gaming software provider and website operator CryptoLogic has posted record profits for the year ending 2006, marking a great financial run for the company. 

With eight new customer websites, 40 new online games and an expansion into the Asia, the future’s looking bright for the software developer as it continues its domination of the online gaming industry. 

Revenue and earnings at the company grew by 21 per cent to reach $104 million and $24.8 million respectively, leaving CryptoLogic with $128.4 million in total cash at the end of the year. 

CryptoLogic said it was particularly pleased to have secured the results and customer acquisitions in light of the US’s recent move to virtually ban online gaming in the country. 

“While 2006 was a challenging year for the industry, it was another record year for CryptoLogic - and we enter 2007 with both focus and momentum,” said Lewis Rose, company president. 

“We’ve launched five new customer sites since December, and have three more in the queue - including two for Holland Casino, CryptoLogic’s first government-owned customer. 

“With our largest licensees on long-term agreements, and modest revenue expected this year from our new Asian venture, CryptoLogic is poised for long-term growth in the European markets of today - and the Asian markets of tomorrow.” 

Budget airline Flybe is to offer the option for would-be travellers to engage in online gaming via its website. An option to play online games will be added to the Flybe website, with classics including blackjack, bingo, roulette and keno all to be enjoyed by potential customers browsing for flights. Games on offer are provided by charitable operator PAF which claims the games are user friendly, in that they do not need software downloads, and the operator plans to donate 20 per cent to the Make-A-Wish foundation, its chosen charity. 

A monumental competition is to see East meet West in the ultimate online poker challenge.