An affiliate organisation has been formed that is prepared to take legal action against affiliate programmes that repeatedly fail to stick to deals agreed with affiliates over pay.
The Gambling Affiliates Union (GAU), formed just three days ago, already has more than 100 affiliate members despite not having received publicity except in discussions on the Gambling Portal Webmasters Assocation (GPWA) forum, and aims to have 1000 members within six months.
It is led by affiliates ‘Chalkie’, real name Paul White, an English affiliate focussed on the poker vertical and based in the UK's West Midlands, and ‘Mojo’, or Paula Bliss, an affiliate focussing on casino and based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on America's east coast.
White said: “I get extremely annoyed at times about how affiliates are treated and how they get walked over by some affiliate programmes. That is really the principle behind this: to make sure that affiliates get a fair deal from affiliate programmes. United, we have a stronger voice.”
White continued that the GAU was intended as an arbitration service and did not intend to organise boycotts of affiliate programmes, but that it is willing to take legal action against affiliate programmes that repeatedly fail to pay affiliates or enter into negotiation.
White said: “We’re not here to police affiliates and make demands that nobody works with certain programmes, because that would be counter-productive by making it hard to talk to the affiliate programmes. But we are willing to take legal action to protect members if absolutely necessary. If a contract contains a clause that says that allows people to change that contract at any time, then it can’t be seen as legally binding and stand up in court.”
The GAU plans to recruit 50-60% of all gambling affiliates, including the ‘super affiliates’ that White defines as “the 10% of affiliates that make 905 of industry money.” White predicted that it would have 1000 members within six months, and said it plans to have 5000 members within 12 months.
“Once we have enough members we will have a little bit of power that we can put into action,” he said, adding that the organisation has the support of GPWA founder Michael Corfman and the Association of Players Casinos and Webmasters (ACPW) founders known in the industry only as ‘J.Todd’ and ‘Anthony’.
“The GPWA, APCW and Affiliate Guard Dog all have their part of play, and our role is simply to help artbitrate between affiliates and programmes,” White said.
The GAU emerged from the ashes of the Affiliate Union, a similar organisation that was cancelled ahead of launch due to infighting between its founder members, who include White and Bliss, as well as David Nikkelson, or ‘Aussie Dave’, Robin Kendrick (‘GamTrack’) and an affiliate named Peter whose surname is unconfirmed (Greek 39).
It will not take sponsorship, but will be funded via a monthly membership fee of US$3 a month. However the first 100 members have not been charged subscription fees, and the GAU will not charge subscription fees for the up to six months in which it might take to become established.
Gaming Media Group makes Bulgaria play with acquisition, distribution deals
PokerHaeven and Poker Channel parent company Gaming Media Group (GMG) has acquired 49% of Bulgarian poker affiliate site Igrach.com, and also signed a distribution deal for the Poker Channel in that country.
The performance-related deal for Igrach.com, which according to GMG is the largest poker affiliate site in Bulgaria, values the business at between €1.5m and €1.9m, with an option to buy the remaining 51% at a later date.
GMG will fund the transaction using a combination of cash and services, including provision of infrastructure and marketing resources.
The Igrach.com affiliate business will be integrated with GMG’s existing online affiliate business, PokerChannelEurope.com. The managing director of the Poker Channel, Chris White, will manage the company’s new Bulgarian investment.
In conjunction with the deal, GMG announced that the Poker Channel had agreed terms with local cable operator Megalan to carry the Channel in its digital basic package, with other major operators in the pipeline for the first quarter of 2010.
GMG chief executive Crispin Nieboer said the acquisition a great first step in its strategy of expanding its online affiliate business by making acquisitions in high-growth markets. Nieboer said: “Igrach.com has succeeded in building a valuable share of the online poker community in a territory that is experiencing significant growth. Through our TV exposure in Bulgaria, and by providing investment and infrastructure, we will help drive Igrach.com’s further growth in Bulgaria and adjacent territories.”
The performance-related deal for Igrach.com, which according to GMG is the largest poker affiliate site in Bulgaria, values the business at between €1.5m and €1.9m, with an option to buy the remaining 51% at a later date.
GMG will fund the transaction using a combination of cash and services, including provision of infrastructure and marketing resources.
The Igrach.com affiliate business will be integrated with GMG’s existing online affiliate business, PokerChannelEurope.com. The managing director of the Poker Channel, Chris White, will manage the company’s new Bulgarian investment.
In conjunction with the deal, GMG announced that the Poker Channel had agreed terms with local cable operator Megalan to carry the Channel in its digital basic package, with other major operators in the pipeline for the first quarter of 2010.
GMG chief executive Crispin Nieboer said the acquisition a great first step in its strategy of expanding its online affiliate business by making acquisitions in high-growth markets. Nieboer said: “Igrach.com has succeeded in building a valuable share of the online poker community in a territory that is experiencing significant growth. Through our TV exposure in Bulgaria, and by providing investment and infrastructure, we will help drive Igrach.com’s further growth in Bulgaria and adjacent territories.”
Steve Begleiter, former Bear Stearns exec - WSOP winner?
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Poker
Former Bear Stearns executive Steven Begleiter is set to compete in the final table at the Main Event at the World Series of Poker starting on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Begleiter qualified for the final round in the July preliminaries - since 2008, the final table has been delayed until November - where he finished among the top nine out of 6,494 entrants and took home $1.26 million in prize money. This month, he'll play for the top payout of $7.2 million.
Until 2008, Begleiter was head of corporate strategy at Bear Stearns, where executives were known more for their regard for bridge than poker. When Bear was sold to J.P. Morgan, Begleiter helped transition the firm before moving to the private equity group Flexpoint Ford. Begleiter told The New York Times that despite the "populist nonsense going on right now," he's still "very proud" of his time at Bear.
Time reports that, Begleiter will be up against several very skilled professional poker players - including Phil Ivey, who many consider to be the game's top professional - but it appears he appreciates the challenge: "It's not about the money, really, I just like to compete," he said.
Until 2008, Begleiter was head of corporate strategy at Bear Stearns, where executives were known more for their regard for bridge than poker. When Bear was sold to J.P. Morgan, Begleiter helped transition the firm before moving to the private equity group Flexpoint Ford. Begleiter told The New York Times that despite the "populist nonsense going on right now," he's still "very proud" of his time at Bear.
Time reports that, Begleiter will be up against several very skilled professional poker players - including Phil Ivey, who many consider to be the game's top professional - but it appears he appreciates the challenge: "It's not about the money, really, I just like to compete," he said.
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November 06, 2009
Liverpool signed a deal with 188Bet
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188Bet
Online gambling operator 188Bet has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with English Liverpool Football Club.
The specific terms of the contract have not been revealed, however, it will boost the club’s reputation among Asian markets, according to Ian Ayre, commercial director for Liverpool FC.
188Bet chief executive Andy Scott believes that the online betting industry has grow potential despite the economic downturn. He stated that ‘As a global company, being able to hook up with such a global product as Premier League football is perfect.’
This is the fifth deal the betting company has completed with English clubs, which include shirt sponsorships for the Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic Football Club.
Liverpool has also recently announced a GBP 80 million deal with Standard Charted Bank as the club’s main sponsor. Currently the club is struggling to hold a position in the Champions League.
The specific terms of the contract have not been revealed, however, it will boost the club’s reputation among Asian markets, according to Ian Ayre, commercial director for Liverpool FC.
188Bet chief executive Andy Scott believes that the online betting industry has grow potential despite the economic downturn. He stated that ‘As a global company, being able to hook up with such a global product as Premier League football is perfect.’
This is the fifth deal the betting company has completed with English clubs, which include shirt sponsorships for the Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic Football Club.
Liverpool has also recently announced a GBP 80 million deal with Standard Charted Bank as the club’s main sponsor. Currently the club is struggling to hold a position in the Champions League.
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November 05, 2009
Pocket Kings defeats Kentucky in UK court
Labels:
Pocket Kings,
USA
Online casino operator Pocket Kings Limited has foiled the American state of Kentucky’s attempt to seize 141 virtual gambling domain names by winning an action in the UK’s High Court.
Pocket Kings owns popular site FullTiltPoker.com and initiated court proceedings in October of last year after registrar SafeNames Limited was ordered by the American state to turn over the domain.
The highest court in the UK ruled late last month that it would not recognise or enforce current or future orders to turn over the domains because the Kentucky action was not enforceable in English law due to its penal and governmental nature.
“English courts have no jurisdiction to entertain an action (I) for the enforcement either directly or indirectly of a penal, revenue or other public law of a foreign state or (2) founded upon an act of state,” read the judgement of Queen’s Counsel Michael Furness.
”So far as I am aware, there is no authority on the question whether the forfeiture of assets used in the commission of a crime under local law is to be regarded as penal for the purpose of this rule. Regardless of the categorisation of this type of forfeiture as a civil remedy under US law, it seems to me to be a provision distinctly penal in nature, requiring as it does the confiscation without compensation of an asset, on the ground that the owner, or at least the user of it, has been guilty of a criminal offence.
”I, therefore, conclude that the Kentucky proceedings are not enforceable in English law as being penal or governmental in nature. It is not, therefore, necessary for me to consider whether the Kentucky proceedings breached the principles of natural justice.'
As a result of this ruling, domains registered with SafeNames will not be turned over to Kentucky but those with US-based registrars may still be subject to seizure. This is dependent on the Kentucky Supreme Court, which is currently in the process of considering the matter with a ruling expected before the beginning of March.
Pocket Kings owns popular site FullTiltPoker.com and initiated court proceedings in October of last year after registrar SafeNames Limited was ordered by the American state to turn over the domain.
The highest court in the UK ruled late last month that it would not recognise or enforce current or future orders to turn over the domains because the Kentucky action was not enforceable in English law due to its penal and governmental nature.
“English courts have no jurisdiction to entertain an action (I) for the enforcement either directly or indirectly of a penal, revenue or other public law of a foreign state or (2) founded upon an act of state,” read the judgement of Queen’s Counsel Michael Furness.
”So far as I am aware, there is no authority on the question whether the forfeiture of assets used in the commission of a crime under local law is to be regarded as penal for the purpose of this rule. Regardless of the categorisation of this type of forfeiture as a civil remedy under US law, it seems to me to be a provision distinctly penal in nature, requiring as it does the confiscation without compensation of an asset, on the ground that the owner, or at least the user of it, has been guilty of a criminal offence.
”I, therefore, conclude that the Kentucky proceedings are not enforceable in English law as being penal or governmental in nature. It is not, therefore, necessary for me to consider whether the Kentucky proceedings breached the principles of natural justice.'
As a result of this ruling, domains registered with SafeNames will not be turned over to Kentucky but those with US-based registrars may still be subject to seizure. This is dependent on the Kentucky Supreme Court, which is currently in the process of considering the matter with a ruling expected before the beginning of March.
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November 03, 2009
Betfair to stream Breeders
The 'wagering agreement' should swell 'common pool' betting on the Cup races from around the world, and in particular from Europe.
Over $17m was pumped into US pools from abroad at last year's Cup meeting, but with Betfair promoting the pool option to its 2.5 million clients, the Cup organisation will hope for a substantial increase this year.
Greg Avioli, the president and chief execitive of the Breeders' Cup, said that the wagering agreement was 'a gateway to the future'.
'It is our belief that the future of horse racing is international common-pooling,' Avioli said. 'More than $100bn is wagered on racing around the world each year, but less than $20bn is bet through countries that common-pool.
'As more and more international horses participate in our championships, interest levels and wagering handle [turn-over] from around the world continue to increase, allowing us to maintain the highest possible purse levels for the event.'
Betfair will hope that the 'simulcasting' deal will attract the interest of new clients as well as its existing base.
Although Betfair is currently unable to accept accounts from America, due to US gambling laws, it will be well placed to capitalise should the legislation change as the firm owns TVG, a channel dedicated to US racing and betting.
Over $17m was pumped into US pools from abroad at last year's Cup meeting, but with Betfair promoting the pool option to its 2.5 million clients, the Cup organisation will hope for a substantial increase this year.
Greg Avioli, the president and chief execitive of the Breeders' Cup, said that the wagering agreement was 'a gateway to the future'.
'It is our belief that the future of horse racing is international common-pooling,' Avioli said. 'More than $100bn is wagered on racing around the world each year, but less than $20bn is bet through countries that common-pool.
'As more and more international horses participate in our championships, interest levels and wagering handle [turn-over] from around the world continue to increase, allowing us to maintain the highest possible purse levels for the event.'
Betfair will hope that the 'simulcasting' deal will attract the interest of new clients as well as its existing base.
Although Betfair is currently unable to accept accounts from America, due to US gambling laws, it will be well placed to capitalise should the legislation change as the firm owns TVG, a channel dedicated to US racing and betting.
32Red issues 2009 profit warning
Labels:
32Red
Despite recording the company's highest ever quarterly revenue figure in the third quarter, 32Red plc said that profits for the full year 2009 will be significantly below market expectations, with player yields during the second half of the year unlikely to overcome the challenging trading conditions experienced in the first half.
In a trading update released Friday, 32Red said that third quarter revenues were the "highest ever experienced" by the company, up 11% on last year and an increase of 24% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting the continued growth of the company's online casino which saw revenues gain 10% against last year and 21% on the previous quarter.
The company said that player activity levels were also strong during the third quarter, with active casino players up 16% on the corresponding period last year, although the growth in active players was partially offset however by reduced player yields.
Despite the growth in revenues and active players however, 32Red said that it is unlikely that the company will see sufficient growth in player yields during the second half of 2009 to be able to overcome the effect of the challenging trading conditions experienced in the first half the year, when revenues dropped 11% to £5.8 million and profit fell 70% to £233,777.
As a result of these factors and an unusually high level of customer wins in October, the company's Board now believes that profit for the full year will be significantly below market expectations.
32Red said that it has considered a reduction in marketing spend in order to maintain its short-term profitability, but has concluded that this would not be in the best interests of the company.
The Board added that it remains confident that the significant ongoing investment in marketing and in new technology during the year positions the company well for 2010 and beyond.
In a trading update released Friday, 32Red said that third quarter revenues were the "highest ever experienced" by the company, up 11% on last year and an increase of 24% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting the continued growth of the company's online casino which saw revenues gain 10% against last year and 21% on the previous quarter.
The company said that player activity levels were also strong during the third quarter, with active casino players up 16% on the corresponding period last year, although the growth in active players was partially offset however by reduced player yields.
Despite the growth in revenues and active players however, 32Red said that it is unlikely that the company will see sufficient growth in player yields during the second half of 2009 to be able to overcome the effect of the challenging trading conditions experienced in the first half the year, when revenues dropped 11% to £5.8 million and profit fell 70% to £233,777.
As a result of these factors and an unusually high level of customer wins in October, the company's Board now believes that profit for the full year will be significantly below market expectations.
32Red said that it has considered a reduction in marketing spend in order to maintain its short-term profitability, but has concluded that this would not be in the best interests of the company.
The Board added that it remains confident that the significant ongoing investment in marketing and in new technology during the year positions the company well for 2010 and beyond.
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November 02, 2009
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