bwin.party’s Ongame has announced its first implementation of casino side games within the poker client following a deal with WMS subsidiary Jadestone.
Ongame said that the “non-intrusive” implementation of side games is designed to increase total operator revenues without cannibalizing on poker, while also enabling the promotion of other gaming products to poker players, which increases long-term player loyalty for the operator brand.
“Entering the casino market is a strategic step for Ongame,” said the company’s managing director Peter Bertilsson. “Ongame’s excellence within poker and our long-term relations with our operators puts us in a unique position to offer an improved player experience and increased profits for our partners.”
Åland’s Paf has become the first operator to offer the side games within the poker client, with casino side games provided by Swedish games developer Jadestone.
“We are happy to finally offer side games within our poker client,” said Arvid Klingström, head of poker at Paf. “For us at Paf, with our focus mainly on recreational players, this is a natural step to expand our offering towards our poker players and to cross promote poker and casino. The packaging of the games is great and the look-and-feel really fits Paf.”
Robert Henrysson, CEO at Jadestone, added: “Jadestone’s side games offering is perfectly suited for implementation within the Ongame poker client. With the help of Ongame we are able to offer exciting casino games to poker players without making it hard for the operator to implement.
“This is a new way for us to distribute content, and through the recent acquisition of Jadestone by WMS, we may ultimately look to provide WMS award-winning portfolio in a similar manner.”
July 18, 2012
July 16, 2012
Californian voters keen on sports betting but unsure on poker
A poll conducted in California on internet gambling shows that most California voters are ready to add sports betting to be legalised in the Golden State, but they are split on whether the state should allow residents to play poker over the Internet.
Both proposals are the subject of pending legislation. A bill that would allow sports betting if Congress or the courts lifted the federal restrictions on it has passed the Senate & one Assembly committee. But a measure to legalise online poker stalled at its first committee hearing last month.
The poll found that 58% of Californian voters support the legalisation of sports betting, with 35% opposing the idea.
There is a more reserved attitude toward internet poker, however; where 49% of respondents were for the concept but 45% were against it.
Mark DiCamillo who’s company conducted the poll, said voters seem receptive to the trade when it comes to sports betting, but are more cautious about letting people play poker – & potentially losing big – without ever leaving the house.
The latest poll shows a slight decline in support for the introduction of online poker since the last poll, conducted in September 2011, which found that 53% of registered voters want to licence & regulate online poker & have the state tax its proceeds, & 41% opposed it.
Support for the idea is higher among Democrats, independents & men. Republicans & women are more concerned about the possible impact of online poker, according to the poll. There’s also a major age difference, with older voters far more opposed than the younger generations, which are more comfortable online.
The Field poll contrasts markedly from one published by the Poker Association last month, finding that 76 percent of voters favoured regulating & taxing online poker, spokesman Ryan Hightower said.
Voters said they support online poker because of the revenue it will generate for California's economy, he advised.
The Field poll was conducted between June 21-July 2 among 997 voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
Both proposals are the subject of pending legislation. A bill that would allow sports betting if Congress or the courts lifted the federal restrictions on it has passed the Senate & one Assembly committee. But a measure to legalise online poker stalled at its first committee hearing last month.
The poll found that 58% of Californian voters support the legalisation of sports betting, with 35% opposing the idea.
There is a more reserved attitude toward internet poker, however; where 49% of respondents were for the concept but 45% were against it.
Mark DiCamillo who’s company conducted the poll, said voters seem receptive to the trade when it comes to sports betting, but are more cautious about letting people play poker – & potentially losing big – without ever leaving the house.
The latest poll shows a slight decline in support for the introduction of online poker since the last poll, conducted in September 2011, which found that 53% of registered voters want to licence & regulate online poker & have the state tax its proceeds, & 41% opposed it.
Support for the idea is higher among Democrats, independents & men. Republicans & women are more concerned about the possible impact of online poker, according to the poll. There’s also a major age difference, with older voters far more opposed than the younger generations, which are more comfortable online.
The Field poll contrasts markedly from one published by the Poker Association last month, finding that 76 percent of voters favoured regulating & taxing online poker, spokesman Ryan Hightower said.
Voters said they support online poker because of the revenue it will generate for California's economy, he advised.
The Field poll was conducted between June 21-July 2 among 997 voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.
Sands given more time for Macau development
Sands China said it has been given more time to build their casino resort in Macau on land granted by the government, however it does expect to pay a penalty for the delay under the agreement.
The Macau government extended a deadline to develop a plot called Parcel 3 to April 17, 2016, from April 2013, Sands said in a statement. The government also said the casino operator will be notified about the penalty amount for delaying the construction, according to the statement.
Construction has yet to begin on Parcel 3, which is slated for the company’s biggest project after the $5 billion Cotai Central resort opened this year. Sands’s rivals Melco Crown Entertainment, SJM Holdings and MGM China Holdings are also awaiting land grants or government approvals for construction in the world’s largest gambling zone.
The new resort will target the mass-market and feature“family-oriented” facilities, Sands said in a separate statement.
The Parcel 3 resort would increase Sands’s presence on Cotai, a strip of reclaimed land. Operators are adding resorts there to draw more of the Chinese tourists who boosted Macau’s casino gambling revenue by 42% last year.
In regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, parent Las Vegas Sands had said it would apply for the extension because it would be unable to meet the April deadline.
If the extension isn’t approved, the company may have to take a charge for some or all of its $96.7 million in capitalized construction costs and land premiums as of March 31, 2012, Las Vegas Sands estimated in a May filing.
The company was initially required to complete the development by August 2011 and the Macau government had already given it one extension, according to the May filing.
The Macau government extended a deadline to develop a plot called Parcel 3 to April 17, 2016, from April 2013, Sands said in a statement. The government also said the casino operator will be notified about the penalty amount for delaying the construction, according to the statement.
Construction has yet to begin on Parcel 3, which is slated for the company’s biggest project after the $5 billion Cotai Central resort opened this year. Sands’s rivals Melco Crown Entertainment, SJM Holdings and MGM China Holdings are also awaiting land grants or government approvals for construction in the world’s largest gambling zone.
The new resort will target the mass-market and feature“family-oriented” facilities, Sands said in a separate statement.
The Parcel 3 resort would increase Sands’s presence on Cotai, a strip of reclaimed land. Operators are adding resorts there to draw more of the Chinese tourists who boosted Macau’s casino gambling revenue by 42% last year.
In regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, parent Las Vegas Sands had said it would apply for the extension because it would be unable to meet the April deadline.
If the extension isn’t approved, the company may have to take a charge for some or all of its $96.7 million in capitalized construction costs and land premiums as of March 31, 2012, Las Vegas Sands estimated in a May filing.
The company was initially required to complete the development by August 2011 and the Macau government had already given it one extension, according to the May filing.
July 13, 2012
Poker and casino pay out for 888 Holdings
Online gaming company 888 Holdings has signalled 2012 could be its annus mirabilis as it surprised investors with improved forecasts for the year.
The group, which analysts believed was close to “crisis point” in 2011, said earnings for the first six months will likely “significantly exceed current expectations” as its revamped casino and poker products gain traction with online gamers.
Margins over the next six months are expected to take a knock from the Olympics, which is likely to draw punters towards sports betting.
Investments in the Spanish market, where online gaming has just been legalised, and in the US will also result in a slightly weaker performance in the second half compared to the “strong” start to the year, 888 said.
Even so, the company believes earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization(ebitda) for the full-year will be “materially ahead of expectations”.
Last year 888 saw pre-tax profits slump 44pc to $5.85m (£3.8m) as chief executive Brian Mattingley steered the company away from unprofitable contracts in its business to business arm, to focus on consumer products.
The group, which analysts believed was close to “crisis point” in 2011, said earnings for the first six months will likely “significantly exceed current expectations” as its revamped casino and poker products gain traction with online gamers.
Margins over the next six months are expected to take a knock from the Olympics, which is likely to draw punters towards sports betting.
Investments in the Spanish market, where online gaming has just been legalised, and in the US will also result in a slightly weaker performance in the second half compared to the “strong” start to the year, 888 said.
Even so, the company believes earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization(ebitda) for the full-year will be “materially ahead of expectations”.
Last year 888 saw pre-tax profits slump 44pc to $5.85m (£3.8m) as chief executive Brian Mattingley steered the company away from unprofitable contracts in its business to business arm, to focus on consumer products.
July 09, 2012
Betfair drops 4.5% as Cyprus announces restrictions on online betting
Betting exchange group faces unexpected blow from new laws to limit gambling.
The beleaguered eurozone state said it would restrict online casino and poker as well as exchange betting. Betfair said Cyprus contributed around 4% of group revenues last year, and around £9m of profit. Its shares have lost 34p to 722p on the news, but it is taking advice on the legality of the move. It said:
The company believes the legislation contains serious flaws and, in certain areas, is inconsistent with European Union law.
Betfair...will be taking all necessary steps to reduce the impact on profitability through both legal action and cost management.
Analyst Michael Campbell at broker Daniel Stewart said he believed Cyprus also planned to introduce a new betting tax of 13% of gross profits.
This is another blow to Betfair's exchange betting business. The stock trades on around 6.6 times 2012 consensus EBITDA which appears reasonably priced, though our biggest concern remains whether other markets will, like Cyprus, ban exchange betting which will hamper the business's ability to grow outside of its core UK market.
Karl Burns at Shore Capital said full year forecasts were likely to be reduced after the news:
We retain our hold recommendation, highlighting that whilst we believe the exchange is a unique and highly cash generative business model, in addition to reporting strong underlying revenue growth recently, we continue to harbour concerns over the pace of exchange regulation in Europe, with Europe around 40% of group revenue, whilst comparatives will toughen through the year.
Overall markets have begun the week on a downbeat note, on renewed worries about the eurozone as Spain's 10 year bond yields climb above 10% again, ahead of the latest EU finance ministers meeting. The FTSE 100 is currently down 23.49 points at 5639.14.
Banks are mixed, with Barclays down 0.85p at 163.9p as the libor fixing scandal continues to cast a shadow over the group. But Royal Bank of Scotland has risen 1.1p to 202.6p as analysts at, yes, Barclays issued an overweight rating although they cut their price target from 340p to 270p.
Elsewhere the profit warning from JJB Sports, down nearly 30% at 7p, which blamed the weather and poor sales of Euro 2012 replica kits has helped push the rest of the sector lower. JD Sports is down 28p at 712p while Mike Ashley's Sports Direct International has dropped 1.8p to 308.2p. But Jonathan Pritchard at Oriel Securities remained positive on Ashley's business:
We do not think that the trends should be read across to Sports Direct - indeed that company's actions have caused JJB's problems.
Sports Direct has been aggressive in terms of replica kit pricing and stated as soon as Dick's arrived [to invest in JJB] that it would up the ante on price.
The beleaguered eurozone state said it would restrict online casino and poker as well as exchange betting. Betfair said Cyprus contributed around 4% of group revenues last year, and around £9m of profit. Its shares have lost 34p to 722p on the news, but it is taking advice on the legality of the move. It said:
The company believes the legislation contains serious flaws and, in certain areas, is inconsistent with European Union law.
Betfair...will be taking all necessary steps to reduce the impact on profitability through both legal action and cost management.
Analyst Michael Campbell at broker Daniel Stewart said he believed Cyprus also planned to introduce a new betting tax of 13% of gross profits.
This is another blow to Betfair's exchange betting business. The stock trades on around 6.6 times 2012 consensus EBITDA which appears reasonably priced, though our biggest concern remains whether other markets will, like Cyprus, ban exchange betting which will hamper the business's ability to grow outside of its core UK market.
Karl Burns at Shore Capital said full year forecasts were likely to be reduced after the news:
We retain our hold recommendation, highlighting that whilst we believe the exchange is a unique and highly cash generative business model, in addition to reporting strong underlying revenue growth recently, we continue to harbour concerns over the pace of exchange regulation in Europe, with Europe around 40% of group revenue, whilst comparatives will toughen through the year.
Overall markets have begun the week on a downbeat note, on renewed worries about the eurozone as Spain's 10 year bond yields climb above 10% again, ahead of the latest EU finance ministers meeting. The FTSE 100 is currently down 23.49 points at 5639.14.
Banks are mixed, with Barclays down 0.85p at 163.9p as the libor fixing scandal continues to cast a shadow over the group. But Royal Bank of Scotland has risen 1.1p to 202.6p as analysts at, yes, Barclays issued an overweight rating although they cut their price target from 340p to 270p.
Elsewhere the profit warning from JJB Sports, down nearly 30% at 7p, which blamed the weather and poor sales of Euro 2012 replica kits has helped push the rest of the sector lower. JD Sports is down 28p at 712p while Mike Ashley's Sports Direct International has dropped 1.8p to 308.2p. But Jonathan Pritchard at Oriel Securities remained positive on Ashley's business:
We do not think that the trends should be read across to Sports Direct - indeed that company's actions have caused JJB's problems.
Sports Direct has been aggressive in terms of replica kit pricing and stated as soon as Dick's arrived [to invest in JJB] that it would up the ante on price.
July 06, 2012
Betfred signs branded content deal for social football game
Independent bookmaker Betfred has signed a deal to provide its branded content within a popular social football game developed by We R Interactive.
We R Interactive’s I AM PLAYR social football game was first released last October and lets users play the life of a professional footballer. It fuses live action video, interactive story-telling and first-person perspective 3D game play to create an original narrative, where the storyline is dictated by the player's decisions and actions both on and off the pitch.
From August 18th, Betfred.com will appear in the game via a virtual in-game betting shop which pulls in real-life Premier League football betting fixtures and allows players to bet using their in-game cash.
The game also incorporates Betfred’s high profile horse-racing sponsorships, as well as its recent sponsorship of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.
Betfred said that it was an “innovative” deal which aims to drive brand awareness, as part of the company’s strategy to create social entertainment experiences around its sponsorship portfolio.
“Betting and football are natural partners, so it's great to be bringing the Betfred brand into the game through these really innovative integrations that further authenticate the game and blur the boundaries between the real life of a professional footballer and the virtual world of I AM PLAYR,” said Paul Whitehead, global commercial director of We R Interactive. “We're building a large audience for I AM PLAYR, so we'll be working with Betfred to grow their own social activities.”
Betfred managing director Chris Sheffield added: “We are all about innovation at Betfred.com, that’s why this deal was so appealing and we are delighted that our brand will be exposed to a wider audience.”
We R Interactive’s I AM PLAYR social football game was first released last October and lets users play the life of a professional footballer. It fuses live action video, interactive story-telling and first-person perspective 3D game play to create an original narrative, where the storyline is dictated by the player's decisions and actions both on and off the pitch.
From August 18th, Betfred.com will appear in the game via a virtual in-game betting shop which pulls in real-life Premier League football betting fixtures and allows players to bet using their in-game cash.
The game also incorporates Betfred’s high profile horse-racing sponsorships, as well as its recent sponsorship of the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible.
Betfred said that it was an “innovative” deal which aims to drive brand awareness, as part of the company’s strategy to create social entertainment experiences around its sponsorship portfolio.
“Betting and football are natural partners, so it's great to be bringing the Betfred brand into the game through these really innovative integrations that further authenticate the game and blur the boundaries between the real life of a professional footballer and the virtual world of I AM PLAYR,” said Paul Whitehead, global commercial director of We R Interactive. “We're building a large audience for I AM PLAYR, so we'll be working with Betfred to grow their own social activities.”
Betfred managing director Chris Sheffield added: “We are all about innovation at Betfred.com, that’s why this deal was so appealing and we are delighted that our brand will be exposed to a wider audience.”
July 05, 2012
New York Lottery adds Gaming Terminals to Bars
Bars throughout New York are introducing bingo-style terminals, under new laws passed by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year.
The New York lottery, who has placed 92 terminals since April, is targeting about 500 bars and pubs throughout the State for Quick Draw video terminals.
Cuomo lifted restrictions on gaming terminals in bars and pubs as part of an effort to improve the state’s budget and introduce much needed revenue to government coffers. Bars in back streets will bring the flashing lights of casinos into the drunken atmosphere, with maximum convenience for players.
“Customers get the same thrill of gambling without having to drive to the casino,” said Richard Keeler, owner of a neighbourhood tavern in New York.
The game Quick Draw resembles the casino game keno and “the most addictive form of gambling,” according to Donald Trump, he said, “The record shows that the biggest losers of all will be the poor and minority communities. When you add it all up, the social costs far outweigh the potential tax revenues.”
Players simply select numbers and hope their numbers are paired with the drawing numbers displayed on the screen. Wagers in New York’s version start at $1, players can pay with cash or credit cards and have the opportunity to win up to $100,000. The games can be offered during all hours, expect for half and hour in the early mornings.
In 1995, a law was passed which allowed keno in New York bars, which made approximately 25 percent of revenues from the sale of food. Andrew Cuomo is the first governor to successfully permit terminals in a bar that does not sell food.
“People got more comfortable than they had in the past with gambling, helped by the larger messaging about casinos,” said Scott Wexler, speaking for a pro-gambling group in New York, “Once lawmakers agreed to allow seven casinos, why not take the revenue from Quick Draw?”
The expansion of gaming terminals throughout bars and non-food establishments in New York is expected to raise $22m annually, said a government spokesperson.
The New York lottery, who has placed 92 terminals since April, is targeting about 500 bars and pubs throughout the State for Quick Draw video terminals.
Cuomo lifted restrictions on gaming terminals in bars and pubs as part of an effort to improve the state’s budget and introduce much needed revenue to government coffers. Bars in back streets will bring the flashing lights of casinos into the drunken atmosphere, with maximum convenience for players.
“Customers get the same thrill of gambling without having to drive to the casino,” said Richard Keeler, owner of a neighbourhood tavern in New York.
The game Quick Draw resembles the casino game keno and “the most addictive form of gambling,” according to Donald Trump, he said, “The record shows that the biggest losers of all will be the poor and minority communities. When you add it all up, the social costs far outweigh the potential tax revenues.”
Players simply select numbers and hope their numbers are paired with the drawing numbers displayed on the screen. Wagers in New York’s version start at $1, players can pay with cash or credit cards and have the opportunity to win up to $100,000. The games can be offered during all hours, expect for half and hour in the early mornings.
In 1995, a law was passed which allowed keno in New York bars, which made approximately 25 percent of revenues from the sale of food. Andrew Cuomo is the first governor to successfully permit terminals in a bar that does not sell food.
“People got more comfortable than they had in the past with gambling, helped by the larger messaging about casinos,” said Scott Wexler, speaking for a pro-gambling group in New York, “Once lawmakers agreed to allow seven casinos, why not take the revenue from Quick Draw?”
The expansion of gaming terminals throughout bars and non-food establishments in New York is expected to raise $22m annually, said a government spokesperson.
July 04, 2012
Sportsbook releases odds on who Tom Cruise’s next “leading lady” is going to be
Tom Cruise’s divorce from Katie Holmes made worldwide headlines and everybody seems to have built an opinion on what led to the downfall of one of Hollywood’s most famous couples. Was it the nanny? The pool boy? Or was it a combination of both, which if we’re honest, we’d rather leave out of our imaginations.
From what we’ve read and heard, though, the culprit seems to be scientology, the religion Tommy Boy calls to for his salvation but something Katie doesn’t want their daughter Suri to be exposed to. Bleh. Would’ve been more intriguing if there was a third party involved, but in any case, the couple is headed to splitsville after seven years of marriage.
That being said, we’re all excited to find out who’s going to be the next lady that will make him jump on Oprah’s couch like a raving lunatic again. We don’t know the answer to that yet, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t speculate.
Oddsmakers over at Sports Interaction share our sentiments, and they’ve decided to release a prop bet on who will become the next apple of Tom Cruise’s eyes.
The early favorite is Charlize Theron at 8/1 odds. The South African bombshell is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars so those two won’t have to worry about stealing spotlights from each other. One thing we’re wondering, though, is how Cruise will take to Theron’s support of same-sex marriage. Does his belief in scientology even call for an opinion on that?
Following on Theron’s favorite status are Cameron Diaz and Kristen Stewart, both of whom have been penciled in at 10/1 odds. Cruise and Diaz know each other very well, after co-starring in Vanilla Sky and Knight and Day in the past. Cameron’s also had a history of dating men with bigger egos than her – hello there, Alex Rodriguez! – so Cruise fits right in her proverbial wheel house.
Then there’s Hollywood “it”-girl, Kristen Stewart, who at 22 years old is 27 years younger than Cruise. We know Katie is 16 years his junior, but 27?! That’s a little too creepy even for a dude like Tom Cruise; unless he “imprinted” Stewart as a baby when he was 27. Yikes.
If there’s a value pick among the choices, it’s Mad Men’s Elizabeth Moss, who for no other reason, shares Cruise’s love and devotion for scientology. She’s been penciled in as at 11/1 odds. Jump on her, fellas.
Next up is another bodacious blonde, Scarlett Johansson at 12/1. Just like Stewart, there’s a huge age gap separating Cruise from ScarJo, but unlike Stewart, Johansson is hot to the point it hurts. She can have any man on the planet she wants and we find it hard to believe that she’s going to settle for a 50-year old nut job with a certain proclivity for believing the humans are actually “immortal aliens”.
Other notable choices are Reese Witherspoon at 15/1, somebody who Cruise fan finally kiss without having to tip toe. Interesting choice, indeed.
There’s also Emma Stone at 15/1 odds. We’re again exercising the “a-little-too-young-even-for-Tom’s-standards” card here. And for selfish reasons, we want Stone all to ourselves.
Then there are two long shots, both of whom intrigue as because of their history with Cruise. One is Top Gun co-star Kelly McGillis as the ultimate longshot at 101/1 odds. Then there’s ex-wife Nicole Kidman at 26/1 odds. Kidman’s still married to country crooner Keith Urban, but don’t lose out hope that Tom Cruise gets back into the picture to woo Kidman back into his arms. Unlikely, yeah. But we also thought the same thing when rumors of Holmes and Cruise dating surfaced some years ago.
And finally, for sheer hilarity and outright absurdity, “Any Kardashian” has been tagged at 21/1 odds. It probably will never happen, but if Tom Cruise seriously and somehow ends up with, say, Kim Kardashian, then it’s over.
Pack your bags and prepare for the end. The Mayans were right after all.
From what we’ve read and heard, though, the culprit seems to be scientology, the religion Tommy Boy calls to for his salvation but something Katie doesn’t want their daughter Suri to be exposed to. Bleh. Would’ve been more intriguing if there was a third party involved, but in any case, the couple is headed to splitsville after seven years of marriage.
That being said, we’re all excited to find out who’s going to be the next lady that will make him jump on Oprah’s couch like a raving lunatic again. We don’t know the answer to that yet, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t speculate.
Oddsmakers over at Sports Interaction share our sentiments, and they’ve decided to release a prop bet on who will become the next apple of Tom Cruise’s eyes.
The early favorite is Charlize Theron at 8/1 odds. The South African bombshell is one of Hollywood’s biggest stars so those two won’t have to worry about stealing spotlights from each other. One thing we’re wondering, though, is how Cruise will take to Theron’s support of same-sex marriage. Does his belief in scientology even call for an opinion on that?
Following on Theron’s favorite status are Cameron Diaz and Kristen Stewart, both of whom have been penciled in at 10/1 odds. Cruise and Diaz know each other very well, after co-starring in Vanilla Sky and Knight and Day in the past. Cameron’s also had a history of dating men with bigger egos than her – hello there, Alex Rodriguez! – so Cruise fits right in her proverbial wheel house.
Then there’s Hollywood “it”-girl, Kristen Stewart, who at 22 years old is 27 years younger than Cruise. We know Katie is 16 years his junior, but 27?! That’s a little too creepy even for a dude like Tom Cruise; unless he “imprinted” Stewart as a baby when he was 27. Yikes.
If there’s a value pick among the choices, it’s Mad Men’s Elizabeth Moss, who for no other reason, shares Cruise’s love and devotion for scientology. She’s been penciled in as at 11/1 odds. Jump on her, fellas.
Next up is another bodacious blonde, Scarlett Johansson at 12/1. Just like Stewart, there’s a huge age gap separating Cruise from ScarJo, but unlike Stewart, Johansson is hot to the point it hurts. She can have any man on the planet she wants and we find it hard to believe that she’s going to settle for a 50-year old nut job with a certain proclivity for believing the humans are actually “immortal aliens”.
Other notable choices are Reese Witherspoon at 15/1, somebody who Cruise fan finally kiss without having to tip toe. Interesting choice, indeed.
There’s also Emma Stone at 15/1 odds. We’re again exercising the “a-little-too-young-even-for-Tom’s-standards” card here. And for selfish reasons, we want Stone all to ourselves.
Then there are two long shots, both of whom intrigue as because of their history with Cruise. One is Top Gun co-star Kelly McGillis as the ultimate longshot at 101/1 odds. Then there’s ex-wife Nicole Kidman at 26/1 odds. Kidman’s still married to country crooner Keith Urban, but don’t lose out hope that Tom Cruise gets back into the picture to woo Kidman back into his arms. Unlikely, yeah. But we also thought the same thing when rumors of Holmes and Cruise dating surfaced some years ago.
And finally, for sheer hilarity and outright absurdity, “Any Kardashian” has been tagged at 21/1 odds. It probably will never happen, but if Tom Cruise seriously and somehow ends up with, say, Kim Kardashian, then it’s over.
Pack your bags and prepare for the end. The Mayans were right after all.
July 03, 2012
U.S.Fort Bragg soldier who shot commander dies1 of 9CBS EVENING NEWSWhat Pena Nieto's election means for U.S.2 of 9HEALTHPOPLargest health care fraud settlement reached3 of 9CBS THIS MORNINGRedneck Resort - yes, really - opens in Tenn.4 of 9CELEBRITY CIRCUITAnderson Cooper: "I'm gay, always have been" 5 of 9CBS EVENING NEWSEven tiniest Chicagoans caught in gang crossfire6 of 9ENTERTAINMENTHouston tributes, foul language at BET Awards7 of 9GALLERYPortraits of Team USA 20128 of 9U.S.Eastern storms leave 22 dead, 2M still in dark9 of 9 July 2, 2012 10:29 PM PRINT TEXT Full Tilt Poker CEO Raymond Bitar arrested over alleged Ponzi scheme
The U.S. government raised the stakes Monday for an Internet poker company founder, boosting charges against him and saying he could face decades in prison for operating a Ponzi scheme that has cost poker players hundreds of millions of dollars.
Raymond Bitar, 40, was arrested as he arrived at Kennedy Airport. The founder and chief executive officer of Full Tilt Poker said in a statement issued by his lawyers that he voluntarily returned from Ireland.
"I know that a lot of people are very angry at me," said Bitar, of Glendora, Calif., in suburban Los Angeles. "I understand why. Full Tilt should never have gotten into a position where it could not repay player funds."
Bitar, who pleaded not guilty in a courtroom that included several family members and friends among spectators, was ordered held until he can meet the conditions of a $2.5 million bond, an amount set by U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman over the objections of a prosecutor who asked that he be held without bail as a flight risk.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Arlo Devlin-Brown said Bitar falsely claimed to Internet poker customers that their money would be safe and would not be mixed with company funds.
He said authorities had determined that more than $430 million had been paid to Bitar and other owners while only $60 million to $70 million remained in company accounts to reimburse players who thought they had accounts totaling $350 million, half of it belonging to Americans.
3 online poker houses face fraud charges in NYC
Devlin-Brown accused Bitar of paying himself at least $40 million, most of which remains abroad. He said charges filed against Bitar on April 15, 2011, when the three largest online poker companies operating in the U.S. were shut down, would have resulted in only a few years in prison.
The new indictment, he said, could result in a sentence that would be "measured in decades."
The charges included conspiracy to violate gambling laws, operation of an illegal gambling business, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. They carry a potential maximum prison sentence of 145 years upon conviction.
Devlin-Brown said Bitar continued accepting money from new customers outside the United States even after last year's charges were filed in Manhattan.
"By then this company was little more than a Ponzi scheme, and his presence was needed to keep it from unraveling," he said.
Bitar, in his statement, said he had "worked hard" for the last 15 months to find solutions to get players repaid.
"Returning today is part of that process," he said. "I believe we are near the end of a very long road, and I will continue to do whatever is required to get the players repaid, and I hope that it will happen soon."
Roberto Finzi, one of Bitar's lawyers, said his client had worked around the clock trying to pay back customers, including considering the sale of company assets.
"He was not running around Mallorca having fun," Finzi said, referencing the vacation-friendly island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Devlin-Brown rejected claims Bitar was working for the greater good of the customers, saying it "strains all credibility." He said Bitar was "simply keeping a Ponzi scheme from being detected."
The prosecutor said the U.S. had been working with Irish authorities and was prepared to extradite Bitar if he did not return voluntarily.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement that the indictment shows "how Bitar bluffed his player-customers and fixed the game against them as part of an international Ponzi scheme that left players empty-handed."
Janice K. Fedarcyk, head of the New York FBI office, agreed.
"The online casino became an Internet Ponzi scheme," she said.
Raymond Bitar, 40, was arrested as he arrived at Kennedy Airport. The founder and chief executive officer of Full Tilt Poker said in a statement issued by his lawyers that he voluntarily returned from Ireland.
"I know that a lot of people are very angry at me," said Bitar, of Glendora, Calif., in suburban Los Angeles. "I understand why. Full Tilt should never have gotten into a position where it could not repay player funds."
Bitar, who pleaded not guilty in a courtroom that included several family members and friends among spectators, was ordered held until he can meet the conditions of a $2.5 million bond, an amount set by U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman over the objections of a prosecutor who asked that he be held without bail as a flight risk.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Arlo Devlin-Brown said Bitar falsely claimed to Internet poker customers that their money would be safe and would not be mixed with company funds.
He said authorities had determined that more than $430 million had been paid to Bitar and other owners while only $60 million to $70 million remained in company accounts to reimburse players who thought they had accounts totaling $350 million, half of it belonging to Americans.
3 online poker houses face fraud charges in NYC
Devlin-Brown accused Bitar of paying himself at least $40 million, most of which remains abroad. He said charges filed against Bitar on April 15, 2011, when the three largest online poker companies operating in the U.S. were shut down, would have resulted in only a few years in prison.
The new indictment, he said, could result in a sentence that would be "measured in decades."
The charges included conspiracy to violate gambling laws, operation of an illegal gambling business, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. They carry a potential maximum prison sentence of 145 years upon conviction.
Devlin-Brown said Bitar continued accepting money from new customers outside the United States even after last year's charges were filed in Manhattan.
"By then this company was little more than a Ponzi scheme, and his presence was needed to keep it from unraveling," he said.
Bitar, in his statement, said he had "worked hard" for the last 15 months to find solutions to get players repaid.
"Returning today is part of that process," he said. "I believe we are near the end of a very long road, and I will continue to do whatever is required to get the players repaid, and I hope that it will happen soon."
Roberto Finzi, one of Bitar's lawyers, said his client had worked around the clock trying to pay back customers, including considering the sale of company assets.
"He was not running around Mallorca having fun," Finzi said, referencing the vacation-friendly island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Devlin-Brown rejected claims Bitar was working for the greater good of the customers, saying it "strains all credibility." He said Bitar was "simply keeping a Ponzi scheme from being detected."
The prosecutor said the U.S. had been working with Irish authorities and was prepared to extradite Bitar if he did not return voluntarily.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement that the indictment shows "how Bitar bluffed his player-customers and fixed the game against them as part of an international Ponzi scheme that left players empty-handed."
Janice K. Fedarcyk, head of the New York FBI office, agreed.
"The online casino became an Internet Ponzi scheme," she said.
July 02, 2012
888 Signs US Online Poker Agreement with WMS
888 has announced, as part of its online US strategy, an alliance with WMS Gaming, the deal will enable WMS to offer an online product to all its customers utilising 888’s poker platform. By combining forces, WMS and 888 will provide an end-to-end solution that will enable land-based casino operators to leverage and aggregate their respective customer databases, aiming to build large-scale player pools.
WMS will market and distribute 888’s online poker solution to land-based casino customers in venues in the United States, initially with a play-for-fun offering. The agreement will allow the launch of a real money offering immediately as either Federal or state based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities.
Earlier this year, both 888 and WMS submitted applications to Nevada’s State Gaming Control Board for interactive gaming licenses in the State of Nevada.
Brian Mattingley, CEO of 888, said:
“WMS is one of the main gaming suppliers in America, with a network of relationships with land-based operators that is second to none. The combination of 888’s cutting edge online poker platform and WMS’ customer relationships, marketing and distribution capabilities, provides the opportunity to build a substantial online presence.
By deploying our joint online poker solution, casino operators in the United States will be able to provide their customers with a robust and secure network with the liquidity and games offering to give the best possible player experience.”
Orrin J. Edidin, President of WMS, added:
“Aligning our efforts with 888 Holdings will allow WMS to provide our casino operator customers with the capabilities and benefits from one of the world’s most experienced online poker operators which will significantly support their efforts to benefit from online poker in the United States as it becomes legal.”
WMS will market and distribute 888’s online poker solution to land-based casino customers in venues in the United States, initially with a play-for-fun offering. The agreement will allow the launch of a real money offering immediately as either Federal or state based regulation is finalised and upon licensing by gaming authorities.
Earlier this year, both 888 and WMS submitted applications to Nevada’s State Gaming Control Board for interactive gaming licenses in the State of Nevada.
Brian Mattingley, CEO of 888, said:
“WMS is one of the main gaming suppliers in America, with a network of relationships with land-based operators that is second to none. The combination of 888’s cutting edge online poker platform and WMS’ customer relationships, marketing and distribution capabilities, provides the opportunity to build a substantial online presence.
By deploying our joint online poker solution, casino operators in the United States will be able to provide their customers with a robust and secure network with the liquidity and games offering to give the best possible player experience.”
Orrin J. Edidin, President of WMS, added:
“Aligning our efforts with 888 Holdings will allow WMS to provide our casino operator customers with the capabilities and benefits from one of the world’s most experienced online poker operators which will significantly support their efforts to benefit from online poker in the United States as it becomes legal.”
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