Gaming People Experts Network

PartyGaming Non-Prosecution Agreement Concluded

2009-04-08T17:06:00.004+02:00

Further to previous announcements, the Company announces that it has entered into a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (the ‘USAO’).
Under the terms of the Non-Prosecution Agreement, the USAO will not prosecute PartyGaming Plc or any of its subsidiaries (collectively, ’PartyGaming’ or the ‘Group’) for providing internet gambling services to customers in the US prior to the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (‘UIGEA’) on 13 October 2006. As part of the agreement, the Company has accepted a Statement of Facts regarding its business activities prior to the enactment of the UIGEA and has agreed to pay $105 million, payable in semi-annual instalments over a period ending on 30 September 2012. Such payments will be made from the Group’s existing financial resources.
Summary of key terms of the agreement:

The Company has agreed to pay a total of $105 million, payable as follows:

10 April 2009 - $5mo
30 September 2009 - $10mo
31 March 2010 - $15mo
30 September 2010 - $15mo
31 March 2011 - $15mo
30 September 2011 - $15mo
31 March 2012 - $15mo
30 September 2012 - $15m

The Company has entered into a Statement of Facts regarding its activities prior to 13 October 2006. Key elements of the agreement and factual background are as follows:

From 1997 until 13 October 2006, PartyGaming offered internet gaming to players located in the US, including real-money poker and casino gaming. On 13 October, 2006, the day the UIGEA was enacted, the Group voluntarily exited the US market.

Prior to 13 October 2006, certain of the US customer transactions intended for PartyGaming that were processed by third parties, and other gaming and payment-related activity, were contrary to certain US laws.

PartyGaming has agreed to maintain, with respect to its operations, a restriction preventing internet gambling services from being provided to customers in the US in violation of the prevailing law of the US or any jurisdiction within the US.
If requested by PartyGaming, the USAO will bring the co-operation and remedial actions of

PartyGaming to the attention of other licensing and regulatory authorities.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer said:
“The resolution of our position with the US authorities marks an important day for PartyGaming. It has been a long and complex process but we have reached an amicable solution with the USAO that makes commercial sense for our business and is in the best interests of shareholders. We are now well-placed to seize organic as well as strategic opportunities that previously were beyond our reach.”

Video Gaming with Skill-Based Competition for Cash

2008-11-22T00:22:00.001+01:00

BringIt Delivers the Next Generation of Competitive Video Gaming with Skill-Based Competition for Cash… 24/7!

Press Release

CHICAGO, IL – November 21, 2008 – It’s time to BringIt! BringIt LLC today announced that the company’s flagship service, BringIt, has opened its doors to consumers and is inviting gamers to be a part of the BringIt open beta. BringIt is a leading online site at www.BringIt.com, where video gamers can put up money to challenge other players to matches, play their favorite games, and earn prize money by winning. The service was designed with gamers in mind, delivering the next level of competitive gaming by removing physical barriers and offering an online destination where players looking for real head-to-head competition and real rewards can test their skills wherever and whenever they want.

“BringIt is going to transform the videogame landscape by allowing individuals to compete online for bragging rights and real money through skill-based gaming,” said BringIt CEO and founder Woody Levin. “Gamers have shown great interest and support for competitive gaming, so we are pleased to offer BringIt as a player-driven service that quickly connects gamers, allowing them to play legally for cash while getting a more intense competitive rush.”

BringIt works with any video game platform with online capabilities and with any game that supports online head-to-head competition. BringIt will support a diverse portfolio of popular games for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii. Featured games during the beta period will include Madden NFL 2009, Gears of War 2, FIFA 2009, Halo 3, Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock, Rock Band 2, Super Smash Bros Brawl and Mario Kart, to name a few. Games will be added constantly with the help of feedback from the BringIt player community.

BringIt makes competitive console gaming easy, adding only one step to secure online game play. Registration is free and available to gamers 18 years and older. Players can fund their BringIt account via PayPal or major credit card and access their secure account at their convenience. As a special welcome, BringIt will match initial deposits up to $20 for those individuals who register and use the service during the open beta period. Accounts are limited to one per person, insuring player identities are verified.

Players can ‘BringIt’ for as little as $1 or up to as much as $100,000, so both casual players and those who crave the adrenaline of high stakes can engage at their own pace and be assured their BringIt challenge experience is safe and secure. During gameplay, the collective entry fees are held in an escrow account until the winner is declared and verified, at which point the funds are released to the winner’s secure account, minus the BringIt service fee. BringIt provides neutral arbitration as well as a self-regulating player feedback system that lets members know an opponent’s standing in advance of initiating a challenge or accepting a match.

Because videogames are games of skill, the BringIt service does not violate any United States or international anti-gambling laws, including the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2006.

BringIt is a venture-backed company founded and managed by CEO Woodrow “Woody” Levin, an entrepreneurial veteran of the sports, entertainment, and finance industries. Mr. Levin has previously worked with the NFL and MLB as President and founder of InStadium, an innovative sports advertising firm, and was Managing Partner of Riverbank Capital Management, an equity options trading firm based in New York and Chicago.

BringIt is currently in open beta at www.BringIt.com, and scheduled to launch in winter.

C-Level Executives love the Web

2008-10-06T22:41:00.004+02:00

Forbes Magazine published a special report called Day in the Life of C-Level Executives, now Part VIII. Very interesting survey for all kind of Industries like Gaming.

C-Level Executives consider the Web to be the single most important source on information of business with a 67%. More than all the rest of Media together.

Internet definitely changed the way we doing business!

Forbes Document

COFAR Congress 2008

2008-09-22T23:15:00.011+02:00

A video about the Regulation of On Line Gaming in Spain. From the COFAR Congres 2008 in Valencia. A Congres of Gaming Land Based Industry.

Including my speech in Spanish:

Encuentos en la tecera fase: juego on line o extra-terrestre? (57:40')

more videos at: Google Videos COFAR

Barcelona Gaming Trade Shows

2008-09-21T23:26:00.026+02:00

The Week of On Line Gaming in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona EIG with Las Vegas G2E, London ICEi, Montreal GIGSE and AIG Macau is one of the most important B2B Trade Shows of the On Line Gaming Industry.

A lot of Gaming People will be there! Me too.

Also you can enjoy the film of Woody Allen shot at Barcelona:

Vicky Cristina Barcelona- Woody Allen Movie

Stay tuned!

CAP Euro Barcelona 2008

EIG Barcelona 2008

Movimientos en las empresas de gambling en España

2008-09-20T01:45:00.004+02:00

19 de Septiembre de 2008,

Movimientos en las empresas de gambling en España

Hace pocos días hablé de las cuotas de mercado de las empresas de apuestas deportivas en España, destacando que Miapuesta.com era el 1º con una cuota de mercado del 35%, Bwin el 2º con un 25% y Betfair el 3º con un 10%.

Cuando hablamos de gambling, me refiero al mercado de “juego con dinero” incluyendo apuestas deportivas, casinos, bingos, poker, etc…

En las últimas semanas han habido muchos movimientos en las empresas de gambling en España. Algunos son oficiales y se pueden comentar, otros son rumores y otros ya se han producido pero están pendiente de comunicarse.

Para empezar podemos decir que Xavier Jané deja de ser el Country Manager de 888.com, oficialmente es de mutuo acuerdo y Xavier es ya una persona disponible ya que creo que no tenía claúsulas que le impidan trabajar con otras emperesas de gambling una vez finalizada su relación profesional. Se desconoce quien será el nuevo country manager de 888.com en España, pero la realidad es que es un puesto más institucional ya que todo el marketing y negocio lo llevan desde Israel, Gibraltar y Londrés. Es vox populi que en 888.com han tocado a varias personas del mercado español que están trabajando en ese sector.

Hablando de Fortuna Media (Gamesys), decir que desde Mayo tienen a Rais Busom (ex-Cirsa) como Country Manager en España. También es público que hace unos días, mi amiga Carmen Rios, dejo de ser la BDM de Fortuna Media (JuegaTuSuerte.com). Carmen se ha ido de forma pactada con la empresa, sus motivaciones son emprender aventuras profesionales en otros segmentos distintos al gambling, pero no han parado de lloverle las buenas ofertas en las últimas semanas.

Logicamente cuando alguien es buen profesional, simpático y buena persona las ofertas de empleo siempre llegan. He de decir publicamente que me encantaría fichar a Carmen para alguna de las empresas de Grupo Itnet, ya lo he hablado con ella pero falta que realmente le haga una propuesta más seria y concreta que espero hacerla en los próximos días una vez pase el EIG y el CAP Euro.

Acabo de leer en El Recreativo que Bwin ha comunicado que ya no está Santiago Foncillas como Country Manager en España. Sigue como asesor externo, pero desde el 1 de Julio ya no está full time en la empresa. Posiblemente sea algo pactado, ya que en la noticica que leo se deja claro que no acaban de ganar la partida (son segundos en el mercado) cuando el esfuerzo de inversión en marketing es muy superior al de sus rivales y el margen operacional es todavía mucho peor que el de su principal rival (Miapuesta). Han nombrado como country manager a Andreas Meinrad que procede de Red Bull.

Hay rumores en algunas otras empresas, pero como son rumores no confirmados oficialmente prefiero omitirlos. Dos de ellos afectan a amigos y conocidos, pero no puedo comentarlos hasta que no se hagan oficiales.

A esto hay que añadir que hay varias casas de apuestas, alguna de ellas de apuestas P2P -tipo Betfair-, que está buscando a gente ya introducida en el mercado para liderar sus proyectos en España. Incluso para fichar a gente de nivel top están ofreciendo % del negocio en España o acciones de la casa madre. Que yo sepa hay hasta 4 empresas de este sector que pueden cambiar de country manager en las próximas semanas, muchos están esperando a que acabe la semana más importante a nivel de ferías en el sector para anunciarlo.

Post del BLOG de Carlos Blanco CEO de ItNet

Lobbying Internet Gambling in US

2008-06-10T00:58:00.004+02:00

According to Congressional records, Internet gambling legislation attracted approximately $3.3 million in lobbying at the federal level during the second half of 2007.

The grassroots Poker Players Alliance (PPA) was the largest spender, budgeting $1.2 million to federal lobbying efforts throughout the period. Representing the interests of 935,000 members, the PPA supports efforts to regulate Internet poker and to have it exempt as a game of skill from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. The organization reported $780,000 of in-house expenses for lobbying conducted by Executive Director John Pappas in addition to another $420,000 paid to four DC-based firms.

The second largest spender is the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), an industry association that has been lobbying for legislative reform since 1999. The group is composed of some of the global industry's most successful companies, including 888 Holdings, Full Tilt Poker and Playtech. The IGC spent a combined $490,000 with four DC-based lobbying firms in the second half of 2007.

Operator PartyGaming spent $220,000 independently and rival Sportingbet spent $80,000 independently.

Another group trying to influence policy at the federal level is the American Gaming Association (AGA). Composed of land-based casino operators and suppliers, the AGA is a proponent of legislation that would commission the National Academy of Sciences to study Internet gambling in order to determine the appropriate government response. The bill's sponsor is Nevada's Representative Shelley Berkley.

The AGA's report says the group is interested in a bill that would regulate and tax Internet gambling, as well as the the bill that would exempt skill games from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, but the group is not obliged to report what position it takes on issues. The AGA was neutral on the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006.

The AGA reported $800,000 of in-house lobbying expenses during the last half of 2007. The sum went toward lobbying on two other issues besides Internet gambling: taxes and tourism. Additionally, the AGA paid $125,000 to DC-based Duberstein Group for lobbying on Internet gambling and tourism. Duberstein Group directed its efforts to the House of Representatives and the Department of the Interior.

AGA members Harrah's Entertainment, MGM Mirage and Station Casinos each hired their own lobbyists for independent representation on the issue.

Both the Family Research Council and the Christian Coalition of America devoted a portion of in-house lobbying spending toward Internet gambling opposition. Internet gambling is one of 16 broad issues on which the Family Research Council spent $40,000 trying to influence lawmakers. For the Christian Coalition Internet gambling was one of 15 issues on which it spent $300,000.

America's sports leagues hired lobbyists to ensure betting on their events remains illegal. Lobbyists reported contracts with the National Football League (NFL), the NFL Players Association, the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association. Horseracing industry bodies the American Horse Council and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association also lobbied on the issue, as did horserace betting operator Magna Entertainment. Federal legislation currently exempts remote wagering on horseraces in states where the activity is legal.

In all, federal lobbyists reported working for at least 25 different organizations on the issue of Internet gambling during the period.

The figure $3.3 million is an estimate. In cases where lobbyists reported working for an organization on a number of issues, I divided the lobbyists reported sum by the number of reported issues. For example, the AGA reported in-house expenses of $800,000 for lobbying on Internet gambling and two other issues. My figures assume that the funds were distributed equally across the three issues and estimate the spending on Internet gambling at $266,666.

All information can be verified through the Senate's Lobbying Disclosure Act Database: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/Public_Disclosure/LDA_reports.htm.

Note: The Lobbying Disclosure Act requires all lobbyists at the federal level to report all of their lobbying income and to specify whom they represent and on which particular issues. Organizations that use in-house staff to lobby must report their lobbying expenses. Reports must be filed every half-year and are made available to the public over the Internet.

American Gaming Association - $329,166 (estimated)

The American Gaming Association reported $800,000 of in-house lobbying expenses during the second half of 2007. The sum was distributed across three broad areas, one of which is:

Internet gaming HR 2046 Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007; HR 2140 to provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences to identify the proper response of the United States to the growth of Internet gambling; HR 2607, Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2007; HR 2610, to amend subchapter IV of chapter 53 of Title 31, the United States Code, and Section 1084 of Title 18 of such Code to clarify the applicability of such provisions to games of skill.

President and CEO Frank Fahrenkopf and the three Vice Presidents of Government Affairs, Brett Hale, Walton Chalmers and Dorothy Jackson, are the individuals who acted as in-house lobbyists for the AGA on Internet gambling issues.

Additionally, the AGA paid $125,000 to DC-based Duberstein Group for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across two broad areas, one of which is Internet gambling policy, expressed in precisely the same terms as in its own report.

American Horse Council - $10,000 (estimated)

The AHC paid $20,000 to Davis & Harman LLP for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across two broad issues, including gambling, specifically:

"All proposals relating to Internet gambling; Proposals related to capital gains holding period and depreciation for horse and other tax proposals affecting the equine industry; Proposals relating to withholding on gambling winnings"

Antigua Online Gaming Association - $120,000

The Antigua Online Gaming Association paid $120,000 to DC-based Black Swan LLC for lobbying services on:

HR 2046 a bill to provide for the licensing of Internet gambling facilities; Issues related to the Antigua/United States World Trade Organization dispute on remote gaming

Avatar Enterprises - $60,000

Avatar Enterprises paid $60,000 to DC-based Sher & Blackwell LLP for lobbying services on:

"Congressional Oversight and legislation regarding Internet gaming, including possible amendments to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006."

Baker Tilly - $140,000

Baker Tilly paid $140,000 to DC-based Alston & Bird LLP for lobbying services on:

"HR 2046, Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act; HR 2607 Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act."

Christian Coalition of America - $20,000 (estimated)

The Christian Coalition reported $300,000 of in-house lobbying expenses. The sum was distributed across 15 broad areas, one of which is:

"Opposition to H.R. 2046, Internet Gambling Regulation Enforcement Act"

Family Research Council - $2,500 (estimated)

The Family Research Council reported $40,000 of in-house lobbying expenses during the second half of 2007. The sum was distributed across 16 broad areas, one of which is:

"HR 2046- Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007- Federal license requirement for Internet gambling operators"

GTECH - $40,000

GTECH paid $40,000 to DC-based BKSH & Associates for lobbying services on:

"Internet Gambling Legislation"

Harrah's Entertainment - $33,333 (estimated)

Harrah's paid $100,000 to Alexandria, Virginia-based US Strategies for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across three broad issues, one of which is:

"HR 2610, Skill Gaming Protection Act; HR 2046 Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act; and HR 2140 Internet Gambling Study Act"

Interactive Amusement & Tournament Video Game Coalition - less than $10,000

The Coalition paid less than $10,000 to DC-based Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP for lobbying on:

"Internet gambling legislation"

Interactive Gaming Council - $490,000

The IGC paid $90,000 to DC-based Private Public Solutions LLC for lobbying services on:

"Issues related to Internet gambling reform"

The IGC also paid $60,000 to DC-based Mattox Woolfolk LLC for lobbying services on:

H.R. 2046

Mattox Woolfolk directed efforts to the House of Representatives.

The IGC also paid $300,000 to DC-based Greenberg Traurig for lobbying services on:

"Opposition to prohibition of Internet gambling"

The IGC also paid $40,000 to DC-based Patton Boggs for lobbying services on:

"Internet gaming definitions, regulations and study legislation"

Interactive Skill Games Association - $140,000

The Interactive Skill Games Association reports $80,000 of in-house lobbying expenses during the second half of 2007. The entire sum went toward:

"Issues related to the regulation of skill games, including H.R. 2610, H.R. 2046, H.R. 2607, H.R. 2140, and proposed Treasury/Federal Reserve rules to implement the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006"

Harlan Goodson acted as in-house lobbyist for the ISGA on Internet gambling issues.

The Interactive Skill Games Association also paid $60,000 to Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman for lobbying services on:

"Issues related to the regulation of skill games, including H.R. 2610, H.R. 2046, H.R. 2607, H.R. 2140, and proposed Treasury/Federal Reserve rules to implement the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006"

Magna Entertainment - $20,000 (estimated)

Magna paid $40,000 to DC-based DLA Piper US LLP for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across two broad issues, one of which is:

"HR 2046. Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act 2007; Regulations implementing Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act."

MGM Mirage - $13,333 (estimated)

MGM Mirage paid $160,000 to DC-based Cassidy and Associates for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across six broad issues, one of which is:

"HR 2176 - Bay Mills Indian Community Settlement Bill; HR 4115 - Sault St. Marie Bank of Chippewa Settlement Bill; HR 2046 - Internet Gaming Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007; HR 2140 - Internet Gaming Study Bill

National Basketball Association - $40,000 (estimated)

The NBA paid $280,000 to DC-based McGuirewoods Consulting for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across seven issues, one of which is:

"preserve federal ban on sports gambling and strengthen prohibition against Internet gambling"

National Collegiate Athletic Association - $20,000 (estimated)

The NCAA reports $100,000 of in-house lobbying expenses. The sum was distributed across five broad issues, one of which is:

"HR 2046 Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007 (regarding Internet Gambling Licensing Program and regulating Internet gambling); Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act Regulations (regarding criminal prohibitions connected with Internet gambling); issues related to WTO General Agreement on Trade Services and gambling and betting services."

National Football League - $109,166 (estimated)

The NFL paid $655,000 to DC-based Covington & Burling LLP for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across six broad issues, one of which is:

"Internet Gambling"

National Football League Players Association - $20,000 (estimated)

The NFL's Players Association paid $60,000 to DC-based Baach Robinson & Lewis for lobbying services. The sum was distributed across three broad issues, one of which is:

"HR 2046- Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (Fantasy Sports exemption); HR 2607 Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act (Fantasy Sports exemption)"

National Thoroughbred Racing Association - $13,333 (estimated)

The NTRA paid $40,000 to DC-based Davis & Harman LLP for lobbying services on:

"Proposals relating to capital gains holding period and depreciation for horses and other tax proposals affecting the equine industry; Proposals relating to Internet gambling; Withholding taxes on gambling winnings."

Office of the Commissioner of Baseball - $84,000 (estimated)

The Commissioner's office paid $420,000 to DC-based Baker Hostetler LLP lobbying services. The sum was distributed across five broad issues, one of which is:

"Internet gambling issues affecting Major League Baseball"

PartyGaming - $220,000

PartyGaming paid $120,000 to DC-based Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker for lobbying services on:

"Congressional oversight and legislation regarding Internet gaming; H.R. 2046 the "Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007"

PartyGaming also paid $100,000 to DC-based Parry Romani Deconcini & Symms for lobbying services on:

"Track and monitor legislation with potential impact on the gaming industry. HR 2045 - Internet Gambling Enforcement Act; HR 2610 - Skill Game Protection Act"

Poker Players Alliance - $1.2 million

The PPA reports $780,000 of in-house lobbying expenses on:

"Representing the public policy interests of adult poker players in the United States, HR 2046 - The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act; Lobby to support regulated Internet poker in the U.S, HR 2610 - The Skill Game Protection Act; Lobby to exempt poker and other games of skill from the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act"

Executive Director John Pappas is the individual who acted as in-house lobbyist for the PPPA.

Additionally, the PPA paid $240,000 to DC-based Ogilvy Government Relations for lobbying on:

HR 2046 - The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007; HR 2140 - Internet Gambling Study Act; HR 2610 - The Skill Game Protection Act; Issues related to online poker.

The PPA also paid $40,000 to DC-based Barnes & Thornburg LLP for lobbying services on:

"general government representation, including but not limited to, legislative and regulatory initiatives involving Internet gambling"

The PPA also paid $80,000 to DC-based Patton Boggs LLC for lobbying services on:

"defining poker as a game of skill; legislation affecting poker players."

The PPA also paid $60,000 to DC-based Mattox Woolfolk LLC for lobbing services on:

HR 2046

Sportingbet - $80,000

Sportingbet paid $80,000 to DC-based Buchanan Ingersol & Rooney P.C. for lobbying services on:

"Gaming issues"

Station Casinos - $30,000 (estimated)

Station Casinos paid $60,000 to DC-based ML Stategies for lobbying services on:

"H.R. 2562 - Limitation on Tribal Gambling to Existing Tribal Lands Act of 2007- all provision; H.R. 2046 - Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act of 2007- all provisions"

UC Group - $140,000

UC Group paid $140,000 to Alston & Bird LLP for lobbing services on:

"HR 2046, Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act; HR 2607 Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act."

From the article:
$3.3 Mill Spent Lobbying I-gaming Policy in US, 2nd Half '07
by Bradley Vallerius

Online Gambling Enforcement Not Working

2008-04-09T22:53:00.002+02:00

Barney Frank: "Online Gambling Enforcement Not Working"

Rep. Barney Frank reiterates his commitment that the proposed rules to enforce the Unlawful Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (UIGEA) are “going nowhere.”

Rep. Frank’s statements were made in a letter to the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), which testified last week that U.S. financial services companies would face serious regulatory burdens if forced to enforce UIGEA and police for illegal Internet gambling activity.

Last week, Barney Frank held a hearing Wednesday looking to abolish the UIGEA that is essentially depriving the troubled US economy of billions in potential revenue. Frank's trump card hinged on "the murky language contained in the law". The UIGEA allows for some forms of online gambling while excluding others like Internet poker.

“I think it is very difficult without having a bright line about what is intended to be unlawful Internet gambling,” Louise Roseman, head of the Federal Reserve’s bank operations division, told lawmakers Wednesday.

“The challenge we have is interpreting something, particularly federal laws, that Congress themselves isn’t sure what they mean,” she said.

Frank has been a workhorse in Washington, addressing the mortgage meltdown, economic woes brought on by excluding billion dollar industries such as online gambling, and proposing other fiscally proper behaviors.

With Frank, it's indeed foreseeable we could have our first gay Jewish President of the United States come 2012. He might be a force in 2008 if he were actually running.

See Barney Frank's letter to credit unions here: Bfrank.pdf

SEX AND GAMING

2008-04-07T23:59:00.003+02:00

There was a big controversial about relations between Sex and Gaming. Now science help to have a clear answer, but actually we have to say more precisely that beauty inspire mens to take more risk in gaming. Read the following article.

The slogan "sex sells" has been a statement of instinctive knowledge for many years, and it applies especially so in the world of casino gambling, where skimpily-dressed servers compete with exotic showgirls to distract players from their concentration. Now, science has proven that sexual stimuli do cause subjects to gamble more freely.

A study undertaken by Stanford University has found that heterosexual men, when confronted with erotic images, are more likely to tke financial risks, and to increase the size of the risk. Brian Knutson, assistant professor of psychology at Stanford, stated,"This is the first study to demonstrate that emotional stimuli can influence financial risk-taking."

Knutson found that, regardless of the particular bet being proposed or the history of the player in relation to the game, sexual imagery increased the likelihood of the subject wagering.

Knutson had previously demonstrated in a 2005 study that monitoring of brain activity could predict whether people were about to take financial risks; now he has proof that those decisions can be influenced by non-relevant stimuli.

Knutson also stated that the outside stimuli worked best in a situation involving time pressure; therefore, more so for a casino at a blackjack table than a used-car dealer, whose customer may take some time to think clearly.

If this study reaches the desks of casino management, it may be assumed casinos will emphasize eye candy more than ever, which allows those who lose money to at least have more memorable visuals from their entertainment. The bonding of strip clubs and Strip casinos may come soon, with any luck.

(Published on abril 5, 2008 by Tom Weston in Online Casino Advisory)

Game Theory Applied to Random Games

2008-03-10T00:27:00.007+01:00

Game Theory (or Decision Theory) is a branch of applied mathematics which is used in the social sciences (most notably economics), biology, computer science and philosophy. Game theory attempts to mathematically capture behavior in strategic situations, where an individual's success in making choices depends on the choices of others. While initially developed to analyze competitions where one individual does better at another's expense (zero sum games), it has been expanded to treat a wide class of interactions, which are classified according to several criteria.

Traditional applications of game theory attempt to find equilibria in these games—sets of strategies where individuals are unlikely to change their behavior. Many equilibrium concepts have been developed (most famously the Nash equilibrium) in an attempt to capture this idea. These equilibrium concepts are motivated differently depending on the field of application, although they often overlap or coincide. This methodology is not without criticism, and debates continue over the appropriateness of particular equilibrium concepts, the appropriateness of equilibria altogether, and the usefulness of mathematical models more generally.

Usually Random Games like Video Slots are analized mathematically from the point of view of Probability Theory. Our hypothesis is players act with a mix of strategies depending of his personality to extend time or gain. From this point of view the behavior of the player psicologically it's like playing against some kind of rational machine, not random. For that reason we think Game Theory will be applicable.

I give you an example. One of the main theorem of the theory is Minimax (a method for minimizing the maximum possible loss) and the reverse, Maximin, maximizing the minimum gain. When a player plays maximum lines at minimum credits is playing a maximin strategy. There are more examples and variations. Also if the best players know the main features of the game (volatility, payout, hit frequency) can't predict in which point of random number cycle they are. So they make decisions based on the results of the lastest spins, in the same way as a interaction with other supposed player and also obviously depending of the kind of player they are.

In the future, data mining of tracking player can allow pattern recognition of relevant game strategy behavior. New slots can change par-sheet on the fly and will adapt to player expectations. Fuzzy Logic and Artificial Intelligence algorithms can help on that process.

The Network Centric Games (like Server Based Games) no more machine centric, will open huge possibilities for customer satisfaction and entertaining.

Gaming People to Watch

2008-03-07T01:26:00.004+01:00

Global Gaming Business Magazine Releases 2008 '25 People to Watch'
Friday January 4, 9:00 am ET

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Gaming Business Magazine this week released its feature story for the January 2008 edition, the "25 People to Watch" for 2008. One of the most prestigious honors in the gaming industry, the sixth annual "25 People to Watch" highlights individuals who will have major impacts on the gaming industry in the next year.

Headlining the annual cover story is Kazuo Okada, the chairman of Aruze Corp., and the vice chairman of Wynn Resorts Ltd. Rarely does one person develop expertise in both the supplier and the operator sectors of the gaming industry, but with Aruze, Okada leads a company at the forefront of gaming technology. And in his position with Wynn Resorts, Okada plays a major role in the success of one of gaming most important casino developers.

Others making the influential list are:

* Jim Allen, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming
* Milo Borissov, Casino Technology
* Don Barden, Majestic Star Gaming
* Dan D'Arrigo, MGM Mirage
* Christie Eickelman, Gaming Laboratories International
* Rosalind Krause, Trump Taj Mahal
* Lam Yin (Jack) Lam, Jimei Group
* Steven Lim, RGB Distributing
* Enrique Lopez, Casinos de Catalunya
* Kelly McDougald, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.
* Virginia McDowell, Isle of Capri Casinos
* Kathleen McLaughlin-Harris, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
* Eric Meyerhofer, FutureLogic
* Kunal Mishra, Cadillac Jack
* Larry Pacey, WMS Gaming
* Justin Quis Quis, San Pasqual Gaming Commission
* Bruce Rowe, Bally Technologies
* Keith Smith, Boyd Gaming
* Jennifer Standing Bear, Million Dollar Elm Casino
* Lisa Tenner, Tenner & Associates
* Tony and Victor Tong, PacificNet
* Marlin Torguson, Torguson Gaming Group
* Pablo Zuppi, Diego Fiz and Sergio Maglio, Yogonet.com
* Dario Zutel, Win Systems International

Global Gaming Business is the leading trade magazine published monthly focusing on the casino gaming industry worldwide. Global Gaming Business is an official publication of the American Gaming Association and Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Global Gaming Business also publishes GGB Weekly, a comprehensive weekly e-news magazine; Tribal Government Gaming, an annual publication covering Indian gaming; Casino Design, an annual magazine covering design and construction trends in gaming; RD&E, an annual report on the non-gaming amenities in the casino and resort industries; and Casino Connection, two monthly magazines for employees and executives of the Atlantic City and Nevada gaming industries.

For more information on the "25 People to Watch" awards, contact Roger Gros at Global Gaming Business Magazine at 702-248-1565 x225 or rgros@ggbmagazine.com.

You can read the full article in Global Gaming Business Magazine

Pastor Poker

2008-03-05T00:12:00.002+01:00

Spaniard Juan Manuel Pastor it's one of the best professional poker players. I meet him when was starting this professional activity, but he really play poker since 6 years old. He is one of the Masters. I want to recommend his Site and don't try to play with him...

The Site:

www.pastorpoker.com

His comments (in spanish) to UK Poker Open:

Videogames Troubles

2008-03-02T00:33:00.003+01:00

Videogames it's a huge Industry. If you have been in the E3 Show in LA like me, you know what I'm saying. More and more gaming (and also gambling) it's getting a part of Entertainment Industry. That's the Wynn concept in Vegas. Games became a commodity of the Entertainment Industry. In fact, a lot of gamblers played for time. They want to waste the time playing. Others fall in some sort of addiction. That's the reason why, some people who don't play, hate Gaming. Videogames have similar detractors. Gambling Industry is more polite in his reactions, geeks don't. I give you a funny example.

(I hope nobody will be offended for the content)

Let's watch!

Breaking News

2008-02-23T00:11:00.002+01:00

The following news will be crucial for Gaming Industry. The cooperation for a new competition with open gaming network standards is the key for the nest future.

As in Computer Industry now in Gaming the revolution of open protocolos architecture is coming. It's no longer a promise. Stay tuned!

22.02.2008 15:07
IGT and WMS Enter New Era of Cooperation for Networked Gaming and Affirm Commitment to Interoperability

LAS VEGAS and WAUKEGAN, Ill., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Game Technology (News) and WMS Industries Inc. entered a new era of cooperation today with an agreement that provides for a wide-ranging, non-exclusive cross-license of each other's intellectual property and patents associated with realizing the benefits of server-based gaming for their customers in an open architecture environment.

In addition, both companies affirmed their commitment for product interoperability and the advent of an enterprise-wide networked gaming environment. The agreement between IGT, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Game Technology, and WMS Gaming Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc., covers certain patents and intellectual property that address fundamental capabilities for computer and server-based infrastructure in the gaming industry, including IGT's Alcorn authentication and encryption patents. Both companies are members of the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) and are committed to the open architecture of the GSA standards and open network protocols.

"This agreement underscores the strong commitment by both companies to drive industry change, clearing the way to provide casino operators with significant new benefits and players with innovative gaming experiences enabled by the advanced technology of networked gaming," said Brian R. Gamache, President and Chief Executive Officer for WMS. "With this agreement, the foundation is in place to offer the next generation of innovative products personalized for players and unique, world-class applications and services for our customers that will drive enhanced financial returns."

TJ Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of IGT, said, "This agreement will provide the momentum for both companies to achieve their common vision -- a revolution in networked gaming applications, player features, and casino entertainment. The agreement accelerates the introduction of innovative, value-add applications previously announced by IGT and WMS, such as IGT's award-winning sb(TM) Service Window."

IGT is developing a complete set of individualized sb(TM) (server-based) products and services to maximize profitability across the entire casino enterprise. With IGT sb(TM) Products, operators will be able to weave in all their amenities for increased profitability.

Server Based Games, the new Buzzword in Gaming?

2008-01-21T09:33:00.000+01:00

From two years ago the fever of Server Based Gaming seems to be over all slot machines manufacturers. All leading companies have invested millions of dollars with the adoption for new technology to enable a lot of benefits for all the gaming actors: operators, manufacturers, and of course, the final gambler that spins the reels.

The key point of this concept is the Web Based technology used to attach the floor machine to a server for, basically enabling the remote management of the slot machine and to donwload any content to the machine (EGM). This technology has been built on proven open standards: TCP/IP, SOAP and WSDL.

This new approach will enable the EGM (Game Terminal) to use interesting functionalities such as remote configuration, content download, secure cashless or bonusing. Most of them were already available with SAS, the predominant protocol used today in Casino floors, but the power of web based technologies will open a broad range of functionalities.

To see the whole article go to www.moisesprat.net

VEGAS JUNKERS

2008-01-21T01:20:00.000+01:00

Junkers are an important part of the Gaming Industry in Casino field. They arrange expensives and luxury getaways to play for a percentage of the wagered amount. Perhaps their contribution to business is more a legend than a reality. Junkers legend it's a myth for gamblers that want to be rich and have their own manager. Casinos don't like professionals and high rollers, because are too risky. So Junker's job maybe is declining in Casinos around the World or maybe Vegas Junkers are different. We don't know: what happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas.

Let see a Junker in action:

Louis Theroux - Gambling In Las Vegas - BBC
If your are interested in the complete documentary you can found it on: www.youtube.com

Poker Scams

2008-01-10T00:32:00.000+01:00

The Real Hustle
Yesterday we told about Poker hability. Today we can see the old method to win: cheating the opponents. Seems very difficult, but it's possible. Poker scams are very close to magic, to the real hability of close up card manipulation. Watch this video and learn to discover the most dangerous poker mates...

Poker Game

2008-01-09T02:14:00.000+01:00

Poker awarness (Omaha and Texas Hold'em) is growing so fast. Internet Poker Room Networks and Live TV Poker Contests became more and more popular. World Tournaments with no limits are a way of live for an elite of players.

In many Countries Poker is considered a Skill Game. Not only hability to play is important, Psychology as well, but at the end Chance it's always there. If you don't believe, watch this video "poker":

Apple iBox - New Gaming Console

2008-01-04T01:35:00.000+01:00

The future of Gambling will be a new kind of commodity very close to Skill Games mainly in multimedia field. It's the only way to attract new generations. For example, slot machine WMS Top Gun, work in this direction. In fact, there are a lot to learn from videogames Industry, specially in product development.

Apple iBox - Yet another gaming Console?
Watch this commercial! True or False?

Gaming Scams

2007-12-24T19:21:00.000+01:00

One of the problems of Gaming are the legions of people trying to win the Casino House in all ways you can imagine (and not). Scams are very common on daily basis, in Internet and Land Based as well. Blackjack is one of the favourite games for counting cards or make scams. Technology also help today to the Casino to have better security, but new crooks are also geeks. It's a game inside gaming. The Name of the Game, maybe.

You can enjoy this interesting video of The Real Hustle - Casino BlackJack Scams, and perhaps learn something.

Best of Magic: Close Up

2007-12-23T00:51:00.000+01:00

Spanish magician and entertainer Tamariz was one of the best in a Close Up Cards Magic. He was not allow to play in Casinos, for obvious reasons and did many exhibitions to Las Vegas dealers and casino Professionals.

Enjoy...

Neteller Troubles

2007-12-23T00:40:00.000+01:00

It's very interesting for Europeans to watch this video about Neteller problems with US customers caused by UIGEA...

If Internet is not the best Industry to be, ask to the liders. You know the names.

Internet became Legal in US?

2007-12-23T00:07:00.000+01:00

Here you are,

US Initiative for Internet Gaming Regulation in secure and taxed way. WTO, recent Agreements with EU were a strong trend. Perhaps regulation will coming after the Bush Era.

See an open discussion in the following video:

Welcome to the Blog of Gaming People Expert Network

2007-12-13T00:54:00.000+01:00

Welcome, to the Blog of Gaming People Expert Network.

Blogging is open to every one in the Group, upon request. Email me.
You can see below a good example of a non Gaming Expert. Do you agree?