News as at Thursday March 14, 2013 @ 10.30am

Florida’s Lieutenant Governor Resigns amidst Legal Investigations into Internet Cafe

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (March 13, 2013) -- Florida's lieutenant governor has resigned because of her ties to an Internet cafe company that is now under federal investigation.

US Senate to Begin Hearings on Lottery Scam

KINGSTON, Jamaica (March 13, 2013) -- The United Senate is set to begin hearing testimony on the effects of the deadly lottery scam originating in Jamaica today.

Legislature gives initial approval to Bill to Allow Betting on Historical Horse Races

LINCOLN, Nebraska (March 13, 2013) -- After eight hours of debate over four days, a measure that could ultimately allow betting on so-called historical horse races at Nebraska's thoroughbred race tracks gained first-round approval Wednesday.

Gambling compact with Navajo Nation goes to New Mexico Senate with Recommendation for Approval

SANTA FE, New Mexico (March 13, 2013) -- A legislative panel is recommending that New Mexico lawmakers approve a gambling compact with the Navajo Nation allowing it to operate five casinos.

 Regulators Postpone Hearing Related to Purchase of Atlantic City Casino

More Time required ascertaining if a National Casino Association can Participate in the Licensing Process

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (March 13, 2013) -- Reports on Wednesday afternoon that New Jersey casino regulators have postponed the hearing relating to the parent company of PokerStars.com’s intention to buy the Atlantic Club casino in Atlantic City and specifically “on whether a national casino association can participate in the licensing process for the parent company of the PokerStars web site.”

The Two-Year Anniversary of OPAP TV

ATHENS, Greece (March 12, 2013) -- This February, OPAP TV celebrated its two years on the air. With its daily program, OPAP TV promotes OPAP games and attempts to cover every aspect of sports events and social initiatives.

Advertising Restrictions Lifted on German Operator GWin

STUTTGART, Germany (March 13, 2013) -- The State-licensed Lottery provider GWin today is one of the first applicants to obtain advertising permission for its gaming products. The competent authority will now allow the active promotion on the Internet and television in addition to the pure online brokerage of Lotto 6/49 and EuroJackpot.

West Virginia Lottery Projected to Meet Budget Estimates

CHARLESTON, West Virginia (March 13, 2013) -- Although the West Virginia Lottery Commission had to decrease projections for 2011 and 2012, lottery revenues are on track to meet budget estimates.

888 Holdings PLC Positioned to be a Front Starter when the US Internet Betting Market Opens

LONDON, UK (Match 13, 2013) -- European online betting firms' previous U.S. experience and their record of expanding abroad will give them the edge over rivals when the U.S. market reopens this year, said Britain's 888 Holdings Plc.

Manila Set to Hold Centre Stage as a Gambling Destination

MANILA, Philippines (March 13, 2013) -- The Philippines is intending to join the world's elite gaming destinations, with the launch of a $1.2-billion casino on Manila Bay.

Belle Corp Seals Deal with Hong Kong-based Melco Crown Entertainment

MANILA, Philippines (March 13, 2013) -- Sy-controlled Belle Corp. said it has finally sealed its deal with Hong Kong-based Melco Crown Entertainment for the operation of an integrated hotel and casino in the Entertainment City after several months of delay.

Revel Casino to Undergo Management Re Structure

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (March 13, 2013) -- The owners of the struggling Revel casino in Atlantic City are planning to announce that its long-time top executives who developed and ran the gambling enterprise will be stepping aside as it prepares to file for bankruptcy protection next week, people familiar with the company said according to reports.....

OpenBet CEO David Loveday Resigns to Pursue Other Opportunities

LONDON, UK (March 13, 2013) -- Online gaming platform provider OpenBet has begun the search for a new CEO following the departure of David Loveday after more than eleven years in the role.