| TUESDAY JULY 16, 2013 AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK |
Bally Technologies, Inc. to Acquire SHFL Entertainment, Inc.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (July 16, 2013) -- SHFL entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: SHFL) ("SHFL" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with Bally Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BYI) ("Bally"), pursuant to which Bally has agreed to acquire the Company at a per share price of $23.25 in cash for total consideration of approximately $1.3 billion. This consideration represents a premium of 37% over the average closing price of SHFL common stock for the 90 days ended July 15, 2013 and a premium of 24% over the closing price of SHFL common stock on July 15, 2013.
SHERIFF GAMING Wins Courtcase Against Betsoft
EINDHOVEN, 16th July 2013 - Last week, Bubble Group B.V., operating under the trade name Sheriff Gaming, won a legal case that was brought before the Netherlands Court of Appeal by Betsoft. This was an appeal launched by Betsoft after The Court of First Instance previously ruled in favour of Bubble Group earlier this year when the company outlined concerns regarding Betsoft approaching several of Bubble Group's clients, stating that Bubble Group infringed Betsofts' IP rights and encouraged clients to cease business with Bubble Group.
Tennessee Lottery Posts Another Record Year!
HOPE Scholarships, Education Programs Funded at Record $339.7 Million
5 % Increase Generates Additional $16.2 Million for Education
9th Consecutive Record-Setting Year
Bookmakers Anxiously Await Announcement of Royal Birth
Record Number of Bets being Placed for a non-Sports Market
LONDON, UK (July 16, 2013) -- The long wait for the birth of Prince William and his wife Catherine's royal baby is big business for Britain's bookmakers. Punters around the world are betting on a girl called Alexandra to be born, and the media as well as Betting houses are busy speculating on all the possibilities. It's a story for once that is uniting everyone, despite the fact that the gambling odds are the only news updates coming through.
Ministry to Call Closed Tender for Casino Concessions outside Budapest
BUDAPEST, Hungary (July 15, 2013) -- The economy ministry plans to call a closed tender for ten casino concessions to be operated outside of Budapest, daily Nepszabadsag said on Monday.
The paper said that Mihaly Varga, the economy minister, has asked parliament's national security committee in a letter to give its opinion on calling a closed tender as a way to avoid the national security risk the government cited when banning gambling machines and electronic casinos in autumn 2012.
Anti-Dummy Laws Violated
MANILA, Philippines / CHICAGO, Illinois (July 15, 2013) -- Philippine investigators have recommended filing criminal cases against Japanese gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada and 25 others for putting up dummy companies to acquire land for his planned $2 billion Manila casino, the country's Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday, according to Media reports.
Veikkaus Lotto and Viking Lotto-site Undergo Upgrade
VANTAA, Finland (July 12, 2013) -- Lotto and Viking Lotto-sites will be renewed with an upgrade, the layouts will change resulting in pages being faster and more comfortable to use - on all-sized devices.
Ohio Lottery Reports Declining Ticket sales but Record Profits
CLEVELAND, Ohio (July 15, 2013) -- The Ohio Lottery has wrapped up an eighth straight year of record profits, even as sales of core games declined.
Reports that profits, which go to public education, totalled $803.1 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, officials said Monday. That was up from $771 million the previous fiscal year.
California Lottery Resigns
FRESNO, California (July 15, 2013) -- After less than two years on the job, the director of the California Lottery has abruptly resigned, according to news from the Fresno Bee. Robert O'Neill's resignation took effect on Monday, just three days after he announced his sudden departure in a Friday afternoon email to staff.
YourExtraLife is awarded the Interactive Multimedia Entertainment Prize
MONTRÉAL, Canada (July 5, 2013) -- Loto-Québec subsidiary Ingenio awarded its Interactive Multimedia Entertainment prize worth $5,000 to YourExtraLife during the 15th edition of the Gala des grands prix Desjardins, held on June 19, 2013, in Québec City as part of the Concours québécois en entrepreneuriat.
Record Illinois Lottery Sales and Profits In FY13
$793.5mil Transferred to Schools, Roads and Bridges, and other Good Causes
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (July 15, 2013) -- The Illinois Lottery generated sales of $2.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2013, and contributed a record $793.5 million to Lottery-supported causes, including $655.6 million to K-12 schools, $135 million to capital projects and job creation, and $2.92 million to four "specialty-game" causes funded by unique instant games: Illinois Veterans, the fight against breast cancer, MS research, and assistance for people living with HIV-AIDs.
| MONDAY JULY 15, 2013 AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK |
Minister Denies Licenses for Casinos have been Granted
COLUMBO .Sri Lanka (July 14, 2013) -- Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena on Wednesday vehemently denied that licences for casino operations have been granted but admitted the licences were for betting and gaming.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (July 9, 2013) -- Sun International (JSE:SUI) aims to establish a R3bn "urban entertainment destination" in the City of Tshwane, as it seeks to relocate its ailing Morula Casino. This is according to a statement released by the company on Tuesday.
LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2013) -- SHFL entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: SHFL) ("SHFL" or the "Company") announced today that it has begun the installation of its Operator Wide Area Progressive ("OWAP") technology to link 50 BJ Aces tables across 35 of Genting's casinos in the United Kingdom.
RAY chooses Inspired Virtual Sports for new sports bar at the Casino Helsinki
LONDON, UK (July 15, 2013) -- Inspired Gaming Group (Inspired), the world's leading provider of virtual sports betting products, today announces an agreement with RAY to install its BetBOX™ virtual sports and bet management system (BMS) in the Casino Helsinki - currently the only licensed casino in Finland.
JEFFERSON, Missouri (July 12, 2013) -- The Missouri Lottery today transferred $17.8 million to the Lottery Proceeds Fund. The monthly transfer of $17,815,821 is based on June sales.
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (July 12, 2013) - The South Carolina Education Lottery (SCEL) has had a successful year for education in the Palmetto State. It's been a year filled with milestones.
With the support of its retailers and players, this is the best year for transfers to education in seven years. Deposits to the Education Lottery Account for FY 2012-13 amounted to $300 million, the best since FY 2006 and totalling $3.1 BILLON since the start of the Lottery in 2002.
National Lottery of Macedonia advises Tender
SKOPJE, Macedonia (July 11, 2013) -- The National Lottery of Macedonia has a Public announcement No. 01-POTD/2013 for submission of tenders for award of contract for joint investment in trading company for practicing electronic and internet games of chance.
The Announcement was originally published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 89 dated June 24, 2013. All the Interested parties can also find the Public announcement on the following link. CLICK HERE
| MONDAY JULY 15, 2013 MORNING NEWS BREAK |
Mifal Hapayis posted NIS 2.9 billion revenue in the first half of 2013, 14% more than in the corresponding half of 2012
TEL AVIV, Israel (July 14, 2013) -- Israel's betting industry is flourishing. Mifal Hapayis, the Israel national lottery, today announced that it posted NIS 2.9 billion revenue in the first half of 2013, 14% more than in the corresponding half of 2012.
CASPER, Wyoming (July 14, 2013) -- The Wyoming Lottery Board estimates that the first year of the state's lottery system will bring in about $20 million from ticket sales. The board on Friday reviewed a preliminary budget that considered the figure, which was based on estimates the lottery industry provided to the Wyoming Legislature
DENVER, Colorado (July 14, 2013) -- Celebrating the Colorado Lottery's 30th year this summer, the state's lottery has distributed more than $2.4 billion to Colorado parks, recreation, open space, conservation and public-school construction.
Almost $150 million has gone to the city and county of Denver, with a large chunk of that going to river restoration, parks and recreation along the city's South Platte.
DUBLIN, Ireland (July 12, 2013) -- Paddy Power is reassuring parents and campaign groups that no under 18s will be able to use its integrated gambling service on Facebook. Earlier this week, the social network announced it is teaming up with the bookmaker to offer sports gambling through Paddy Power In Play - but it will only be available in the UK to start.
SEOUL, Korea (July 14, 2013) -- The number of soldiers and officers who gamble online in the barracks has soared more than 15 times over the past two years, prompting the military to come up with a set of measures to tackle the problem
PIERRE, South Dakota (July 14, 2013) -- Two Rapid City firms won state contracts recently to build a new welcome center at Custer State Park and also market the state lottery. Arc International of Rapid City will head up the effort to build a new visitor's center at Custer State Park, while Robert Sharp and Associates of Rapid City has been chosen by the South Dakota Lottery to run its marketing campaigns.
HONG KONG (July 15, 2013) -- Bets on horse races in Hong Kong are poised to exceed wagers at Nevada's casinos for a second straight year, with the city's sole legal outlet for gambling seeking to attract punters from neighbouring Macau.
The 'Chart Of The Day' compares the Hong Kong Jockey Club's annual betting totals with gaming revenue from Nevada's casinos. Wagers of HK$93.8 billion ($12 billion) from 83 horse-race meetings in the fiscal year to June 30 were 19 percent more than Nevada's combined take in the 11 months through May.
NOTTINGHAM, UK (July 12, 2013) -- A Nottingham Trent University academic has become the first-ever recipient of a lifetime research award from the US National Council on Problem Gambling.
| SATURDAY JULY 13, 2013 AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK |
Zambian Lotto Distributes Over K34 Billion since Inception
ZAMBIA (July 11, 2013) -- Zambian Lotto Limited has distributed over K34 billion since inception in various prizes.
The company has produced 34 jackpot winners to date from around the country disbursing over K7.7 billion.
Lottery Opposes Betting Tax
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (July 12, 2013) -- With a quota over 7 million euros to reach by the end of 2013, Slovenian government’s law proposal to introduce a 10% tax on every lottery and betting ticket sold was accepted by the National Assembly on Thursday.
Changes to State Lottery Gaming Policies
DOVER, Delaware (July 12, 2013) -- Effective immediately, the Delaware State Lottery has amended its Minimum Internal Control Standards (sections 2.0 and 6.0), prohibiting “Google Glasses” (wireless computers with webcam) and all devices of this nature from the State’s three Racinos, including the Casino at Delaware Park.
Lottery Director of Security Pleads Guilty to Fraud
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (July 12, 2013) -- The former deputy director of security for the Arkansas Lottery Commission pleaded guilty Friday to charges related to the theft of lottery tickets.
Czech Republic: New Gambling Legislation Delayed
Article published by DLA Piper
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (July 10, 2013) -- The Czech Government ("Government") had approved in 2012 a new gambling regulation which should have completely replaced the current Lottery Act.
Although the bill should have been prepared by the end of June 2013 according to the original instructions of the Government, the works on the new gambling legislation are delayed due to the recent turbulences on the Czech political scene.
Cash Declaration is not intended to Target Gaming Industry
MACAU, SAR (July 12, 2013) -- The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam, said that the government is still thinking about whether visitors would be required to declare the amount of cash they bring into Macau, stressing that declaration doesn’t mean limitation, and that the plan doesn’t target the gaming industry.
New Draft Gaming Law may Offer Clarification for Lithuania
VILNIUS, Lithuania (July 10, 2013) -- Lithuania’s regulated land-based gaming operators are hoping the government will take action to either regulate online gaming or to strictly enforce a ban.
Gaming Regulator Increases Website Blacklist
SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 11, 2013) -- Bulgaria’s gambling regulator is demonstrating that despite the fact that gambling isn’t necessarily addictive, adding names to an online gambling blacklist just might be.
2nd Internet Gaming Bill Introduced to Congress
LAS VEGAS (July 11, 2013) -- The Texas Republican Joe Barton introduced a bill in Congress Thursday that would pave the way for states to legalize online poker without fear of federal intervention.
Bulgarian Government Backtracks on Lifting Full Smoking Ban
SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 9, 2013) -- Bulgaria’s Socialist-led government appears to have backtracked on its intention to scrap the existing full smoking ban in enclosed public spaces.
Health Minister Tanya Andreeva has told the a news publication that Socialist MPs have made up their minds about revoking the ban.
Authorities Clamp Down on Cyber Gambling
KUCHING, Malaysia (July 11, 2013) -- Police are keeping their radar close to the ground in the battle against cyber gambling centre operators across the city.
City police chief Assistant Commissioner Roslan Bek Ahmad yesterday said there would be no let-up in the effort to track down the culprits.
California Police Raid Suspected Illegal Gambling Operations
SACRAMENTO, California (July 11, 2013) -- Sacramento police working with the California Department of Justice Gambling Unit raided two Internet gambling sites in North Sacramento on Wednesday, seizing computers and cash.
Recent Swedish Supreme Court acquittal of Newspaper Editors Puts the Gaming Board in an Awkward Position
VISBY, Svenska Spel (July 12, 2013) -- The Swedish Supreme Court recently acquitted two media editors - from the Aftonbladet & Expressen newspapers - who were prosecuted for promoting foreign gambling operators in violation of the Swedish Lotteries Act.
Ultimate Gaming Receives Regulators Approval
LAS VEGAS (July 12, 2013) -- Gaming regulators are giving online poker their final blessing.
Since Ultimate Poker launched at the end of April, gaming regulators have been keeping a close eye on the site.
News sources report that on Thursday, the Gaming Control Board said they're convinced the site is working to protect your money. Reports this trial wasn't without its share of minor issues.
International Lottery & Totalizator Systems Installs New Lottery System for Sports Toto Malaysia
VISTA, California (July 12, 2013) -- INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY & TOTALIZATOR SYSTEMS, INC. (ILTS) (OTCBB: ITSI) has successfully installed and launched the operation of its advanced DataTrakII lottery system for Sports Toto Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (STM) in Malaysia. The lottery system includes new central system hardware and software and replaces an earlier ILTS lottery system which has been in operation since 2001.
First Paddy Power Sports Betting Trial on Facebook
Paddy Power first to trial real money sports betting on Facebook
DUBLIN, Ireland (July 10, 2013) -- Paddy Power plc ("Paddy Power") has today announced that it is introducing the first product to offer real money sports betting on Facebook. The product will be beta launched in the next few weeks.
Two New Html5 Games from Microgaming
ISLE OF MAN (July 11, 2013) -- Microgaming (www.microgaming.co.uk/mobile) has released two more HTML5 slots; its suite of instant-play mobile games now surpasses 30 hit titles.
Voila! is a five reel, 243 ways to win video slot with a French theme. The game presents plenty of winning opportunities with wilds, scatters and multipliers. The highlight of the slot is the free spins feature triggered when three or more scatter symbols appear on the reels. The feature can award up to 20 free spins together with a double multiplier.
Gambling Commission Annual Report Published
LONDON, UK (July 11, 2013) -- The Gambling Commission’s annual report and accounts for 2012/13 has been published along with an annual review. The Report and Accounts provides an overview of the Commission’s operations and financial position, while the review focuses on achievements and activity for the year.
New Mexico Lottery Board of Directors Elects Officers
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (July 12, 2013) -- The New Mexico Lottery board of directors elected educator Dan Salzwedel to serve as its chair. Salzwedel lives in Sandia Park.
Also elected are vice chair Mark Koson, director of ticketing services at the University of New Mexico; secretary and treasurer John Kubiak, an Albuquerque certified public accountant; and assistant secretary and treasurer Amy Bailey, Albuquerque city clerk.
| FRIDAY JULY 12, 2013 AFTERNOON NEWS BREAK |
Island and UK Regulator need to Have a Simple Transition Process
eGaming Boss Garth Has Many Goals To Achieve
ISLE OF MAN (July 10, 2013) -- eGaming company boss Garth Kimber believes the growing industry will continue to be a success in the island despite potential challenges ahead. Speaking with IOM Today, Garth who says he has entrepreneurial instincts at heart, is behind 138.com, a company which has just signed a major shirt deal with Watford FC.
New Draft Gaming Law may Offer Clarification for Lithuania
VILNIUS, Lithuania (July 10, 2013) -- Lithuania's regulated land-based gaming operators are hoping the government will take action to either regulate online gaming or to strictly enforce a ban.
Czech Gambling Bill to Be Delayed
PRAGUE, Czech Republic (July 10, 2013) -- The Czech Republic’s long-awaited gambling bill will be delayed further as the country awaits the formation of a new government after the Prime Minister was forced out over a bribery scandal.
Cash Declaration is not Intended to Target Gaming Industry
MACAU, SAR (July 12, 2013) -- The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam, said that the government is still thinking about whether visitors would be required to declare the amount of cash they bring into Macau, stressing that declaration doesn't mean limitation, and that the plan doesn't target the gaming industry
Two New Html5 Games From Microgaming
ISLE OF MAN (July 11, 2013) -- Microgaming (www.microgaming.co.uk/mobile) has released two more HTML5 slots; its suite of instant-play mobile games now surpasses 30 hit titles. Voila! is a five reel, 243 ways to win video slot with a French theme. The game presents plenty of winning opportunities with wilds, scatters and multipliers. The highlight of the slot is the free spins feature triggered when three or more scatter symbols appear on the reels. The feature can award up to 20 free spins together with a double multiplier.
Ultimate Gaming Receives Regulators Approval
LAS VEGAS (July 12, 2013) -- Gaming regulators are giving online poker their final blessing. Since Ultimate Poker launched at the end of April, gaming regulators have been keeping a close eye on the site.
First Paddy Power Sports Betting Trial on Facebook
Paddy Power first to trial real money sports betting on Facebook
DUBLIN, Ireland (July 10, 2013) -- Paddy Power plc ("Paddy Power") has today announced that it is introducing the first product to offer real money sports betting on Facebook. The product will be beta launched in the next few weeks
Bulgarian Government Backtracks on Lifting Full Smoking Ban
SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 9, 2013) -- Bulgaria's Socialist-led government appears to have backtracked on its intention to scrap the existing full smoking ban in enclosed public spaces. Health Minister Tanya Andreeva has told the Sega daily that Socialist MPs have made up their minds about revoking the ban.
Bulgaria Expands Online Gaming Blacklist
SOFIA, Bulgaria (July 11, 2013) -- The Bulgarian State Commission on Gambling (SGC) has added a further 26 online gaming domains to its blacklist of unlicensed operators, despite not having issued a single license.
Authorities Clamp Down on Cyber Gambling
KUCHING, Malaysia (July 11, 2013) -- Police are keeping their radar close to the ground in the battle against cyber gambling centre operators across the city. City police chief Assistant Commissioner Roslan Bek Ahmad yesterday said there would be no let-up in the effort to track down the culprits
Zambian Lotto Distributes Over K34 Billion Since Inception
ZAMBIA (July 11, 2013) -- Zambian Lotto Limited has distributed over K34 billion since inception in various prizes. The company has produced 34 jackpot winners to date from around the country disbursing over K7.7 billion.
Gambling Commission Annual Report Published
LONDON, UK (July 11, 2013) -- The Gambling Commission's annual report and accounts for 2012/13 has been published along with an annual review. The Report and Accounts provides an overview of the Commission's operations and financial position, while the review focuses on achievements and activity for the year.
Casino Lowers Gambling Age
DULUTH, Minnesota (July 11, 2013) -- You don't have to be 21 anymore to place a bet at the Fond-du-Luth casino in Duluth. The casino has dropped its minimum age for gambling to 18
