News updates as at Monday May 27, 2013 @ 7.15pm

Monday May 27, 2013 @ 7.15 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Invoice Lottery Millionaires Still to Claim Prizes

TAIPEI, Taiwan (May 26, 2013) -- Five invoice lottery winners who are eligible to claim NT$10 million and three winners who won NT$2 million for the January-February period have not come forward for their prizes yet, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said yesterday.

School Turns to Raffle to Climb Out of Debt

NAMPA, Idaho (May 25, 2013) -- A southwestern Idaho school district facing money problems due to financial mismanagement is considering a raffle to get out of debt.

Lottery Benefits Players as well as Communities when Jackpot Won!

BARBADOS (May 25, 2013) – Upon the drawing of a winner for the Super Lotto, representatives of the gaming bodies stated that not only do the winners benefit along with their families and close friends, but great contributions are made to the development of sectors and to charities throughout the region when the Super Lotto jackpot is won.

Bill to Allow Betting on Horse Races via the Internet

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (May 26, 2013) -- Illinois lawmakers took steps Sunday to restore a law that would allow Illinoisans to bet on horse races via the Internet.

Bookmaker Increases Advertising Spend by 340 Percent

SYDNEY, Australia (May 27, 2013) -- Undeterred by the furore raging over the spruiking of betting odds during live sports broadcasts, Bookmaker Tom Waterhouse has lifted his spending on free-to-air television ads by 340 per cent in the first four months of this year compared with the same period last year.

Marketing Roles to Go at Crown Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Australia (May 27, 2013) -- Melbourne’s Crown Casino is set to slash up to 50 jobs, with marketing roles reported to be in the firing line.

A Race To Become the New President of Sportaccord

Marius Vizer injects fresh ideas such as International Bank of Sport and International Lottery to Help Generate Income for the Members

LONDON, UK (May 26, 2013) -- Marius Vizer has turned up the pressure in the race to become the new President of SportAccord by warning that the organisation risks remaining a weak body with no real financial or political power and which keeps being manipulated if they do not elect him this week.

Sports Betting Syndicate leads to Arrests

MACAU, SAR (May 27, 2013) -- Macau and Guangdong police jointly cracked a crime syndicate, that had reportedly collected over RMB 100b in illegal soccer bets, and arrested the top leaders of the group active on both the mainland and in Macau..

Strikes for Responsible Gaming NCPG and Stakeholders Come Together To Promote Responsible Gaming

WASHINGTON, DC, (May 24, 2013) -- "Strikes for Responsible Gaming” was the theme as attendees at the LaFleur’s Lottery Symposium came together to bowl on Tuesday, April 30. Participants at the charitable event enjoyed an evening of food, fun and bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes in Washington, DC, with proceeds benefitting the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The event was hosted by TLF Publications and sponsored by Diamond Game, the Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia Lotteries.

WatchandWager.com Signs Direct Co-Mingling Contract with PMU

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man (May 23, 2013) -- The board of Webis, the Group specialising in the provision of sports betting, pool wagering and Californian harness racing, announces that its wholly owned subsidiary, WatchandWager.com LLC ("WatchandWager"), based in San Francisco, California, has recently signed a direct co-mingling contract with Pari Mutuel Urbain ("PMU") for wagering on French horseracing. The PMU is owned by the French Racing Association and operates online and offline pari-mutuel wagering on all French and international horseracing available in France, with a total turnover of 9.818 billion euros in 2012.

Ex-Chairman Says Betting Company Confident to Take on Debt

LONDON, UK (May 27, 2013) -- The co-founder and former chairman of Betfair has told media sources that the online betting exchange could consider restructuring its balance sheet in the wake of its rejection of a £985m offer from a consortium led by private equity firm CVC.

OLG Workers Reach Tentative Agreement At Woodbine

ONTARIO, Canada (May 26, 2013) -- A tentative agreement has been reached between the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission and the workers at its facility at Toronto's Woodbine race track.

Friday May 24, 2013 @ 8.30 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Weather Lottery PLC Appointment of Director & Changes to Senior Management
LONDON, UK (May 24, 2013) -- The Company is delighted to announce the appointment with effect from 23 May 2013 of Phil Jackson as Chief Executive Officer of TWL. Mr Jackson has over twenty years of experience in general management, sales and marketing, and is currently the Chairman of AIM quoted Media Corporation plc. He has held senior international marketing positions for UnitedHealth Group, driving their clinical research and data management group revenues from $50m to $1bn in the period 2004-2010

Can MACAU Support Two Gaming Expos
MACAU, SAR (May 24, 2013) -- The new Macau Gaming Show planned for November will have "a totally different concept and different approach" to Global Gaming Expo Asia, the new show's organiser Jay Chun

The Weather Lottery has acquired Poseve Ltd for £0.35m 
Poseve Brings With It A Set Of Unique Software Products, Focused On Lottery Products
LONDON, UK (May 24, 2013) -- The board of TWL (the "Board") is pleased to announce the acquisition on 23 May 2013 of Poseve Limited ("Poseve"), a company registered in the Isle of Man.

GameAccount Network Appoints President, North America 
LONDON & LAS VEGAS (May 24, 2013) -- GameAccount Network (GAN), leading providers of Internet gaming systems and content, appointed Mr. Julius Patta (46) to the role of President, North America. Mr. Patta's immediate responsibility will be to develop comprehensive support infrastructure for GAN's regional partners and customers. "We're delighted Mr. Patta will be joining our management team. With an extensive background in gaming operations, technology, business development and entrepreneurial leadership, Mr. Patta represents a new breed of gaming management, perfectly suited to develop our business in one of the world's most exciting, regulated, emerging Internet gaming markets", said Dermot Smurfit, GAN's Chief Executive.

Gaming Company Links Removed from Responsible Gambling Awareness Week website 
SYDNEY, Australia (May 24, 2013) -- Direct links to the websites of Crown Casino, Tabcorp and the Tatts Group have been removed from the Responsible Gambling Awareness Week website, after the ABC raised questions about the links this week.

Friday May 24, 2013 @ 7.30 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Crown Exits Echo, Paves the way Forward for Packers Barangaroo Casino
MELBOURNE, Australia (May 24, 2013) -- Crown boss James Packer has dumped his defensive stake in rival Echo in a move seen as signalling his confidence in building his dream Sydney casino. Australian News reports that James Packer's exit from Echo Entertainment is a signal the Crown boss no longer sees the rival casino company as a threat to his plan for a luxury Sydney gambling resort.

Bill May Block the Path for Lottery to Sell Online Tickets Lotteries Must Evolve to Meet Player Demands
CLEVELAND, Ohio (May 23, 2013) -- The Ohio Lottery has not joined the move to sell tickets directly to players on the Internet, and a provision in a state budget bill appears likely to ensure that path is closed

Health Ministry Predicts an Increase in Spend on Lotto, and Gambling Products Play on Poker Machines will see a Decrease
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (May 24, 2013) -- New Zealanders are forecast to spend more on Lotto, casinos, racing and sports betting in the next three years. News sources report that a three-year problem gambling strategy, released by the Health Ministry yesterday, forecasts that spending on Lotto and other NZ Lotteries games will grow by 8 per cent between last year and 2016.

Gambling bill in Final Negotiations
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (May 23, 2013) -- The new sponsor of a plan to expand Illinois' gambling told news reporters that the legislation proposing five new casinos is in final negotiations.

Casinos Tackle the Issue of Problem Gambling vs Attracting Patrons
MACAU, SAR (May 24, 2013) - Questions have been raised over the effectiveness of a policy to reduce the number of problem gamblers in Macau, with a former gambling addict and an academic calling it unhelpful and superficial

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) and NYCE Conduct Successful iGaming Training for Mexican Industry 
MEXICO CITY, México (May 23, 2013) - Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), the world's leading gaming technical consulting and independent certification laboratory, has completed a very successful iGaming training in México. The event, produced through the company's GLI University®, was offered to the Mexican gaming industry by Normalización y Certificación Electrónica (NYCE).

Governor Named Salvatore Maniaci to The State Gaming Control Board
NEW MEXICO (May 24, 2013) -- A retired Rio Rancho police officer has been appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez to a board that regulates gambling in New Mexico

Thursday May 23, 2013 @ 7.30 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Bookmakers on a Level Playing Field

BLAYNEY,  NSW (May 23, 2013) -- NSW on-course bookmakers are set to fight back against their corporate cousins after finally being able to offer tote odds as part of their service this month.

Analysts advise that Internet Gaming may Boost Casino Revenues

ATLANTIC CITY (May 23, 2013) -- A panel of 'Wall Street' experts says Internet gambling can help revive the flagging fortunes of Atlantic City’s casinos.

Technology Mixes with Imagination to produce the Casino Products of the Future

An Article by the Macau Daily Times

MACAU (May 23, 2013) -- The cap the Macau government placed on the number of gaming tables means more business opportunities for electronic table game (ETG) suppliers, who are trying to combine imagination with technology and turn them into products placed in casinos, the 'Macau Daily Times' reports.

In the panel discussion titled “Gaming Technology Innovations: Traditional Tables & Electronic Games,” speakers from the industry discussed how the suppliers and vendors intend to use innovation to target the Asian market, and explored how the various jurisdictional authorities are responding to the latest advancements.

Marketing and Sales Director to Depart Position after Acquisition

SYDNEY, Australia (May 23, 2013) -- The marketing and sales director at Sportingbet Group Australia is to depart following its acquisition by William Hill UK, according to PR Publication and Human Resource news publication reports.

Pagcor Appeals to BIR on Tax Bill

MANILA, Philippines (May 22, 2013) -- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) is appealing to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to soften its stance on taxes slapped on Pagcor and its casino licensees.

Lottery Introduces New Prize Structure for Games

MANILA, Philippines (May 23, 2013) -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office implemented a new prize structure for its Lotto games on May 17, news sources report.

Levy on Gambling Sector to Cover Problem Gambling

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (May 23, 2013) -- Details have been released of the Government's new problem gambling strategy.

Associate Minister of Health, Peter Dunne, told the newspaper that a little over $55 million will be spent on the initiative over the next three years.

Corporate Bookmakers Backing Ban on Spruiking of Live Odds During Sports Broadcasts

NAMBUCCA, NSW, Australia (May 23, 2013) -- Australia's biggest corporate bookmaker, Sportingbet, has backed calls for a complete ban on the spruiking of live odds in sports broadcasts, the Guardian reports.

It joined market leader Tabcorp in voicing concern at the damage being done to the industry by the growing public outrage at the intrusion of betting into TV.

Tabcorp May be Contender for NRL Sponsorship

SYDNEY, Australia (May 21, 2013) – Betting corporation Tabcorp may be positioning itself to secure a multi-million sponsorship deal with the NRL in time for the first State of Origin game after a breakdown in negotiations with bookmaker Tom Waterhouse, Australian media has reported.

Caesars Entertainment Group to Launch Online Poker Site

LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2013) -- Caesars Entertainment Group said it plans to go live this summer with an online poker site in Nevada, the only U.S. state so far to offer legal Internet gambling, and will promote the nascent service to thousands of poker players at its World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament in Las Vegas starting May 29.

Online Gambling Becoming an Issue for Far North Queensland

CAIRNS, Queensland (May 23, 2013) -- Online casino, poker and bingo games have led to an increase in problem gamblers, says a Cairns-based gambling support service.

SPIELO INTERNATIONAL Wins New Brunswick “Exporter of The Year” Award

Moncton company recognized for outstanding export performance in the international marketplace

MONCTON, Canada (May 23, 2013) -- SPIELO International has won “Exporter of the Year” at the 2013 New Brunswick Export Awards, recognizing the company’s success in exporting to Canadian and international markets. The award was presented at a ceremony in Moncton tonight.

Cantor Gaming® Releases Future Odds for NFL Regular Season And Post-Season

LAS VEGAS, (May 22, 2013) -- Cantor Gaming® announced today that it has released future odds on NFL season wins. Cantor Gaming® is offering advanced wagering on weeks one through sixteen of the NFL season, in addition to wagering on NFL Season Win Totals, Division Odds and Super Bowl Odds. Cantor Gaming® has offered odds on every game, every week, for the first 16 weeks of the NFL season for five consecutive years, using its sophisticated future odds-making technology.

Thursday May 23, 2013 @ 4.30 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Triple Sevens Drawn May 21 in The Pennsylvania Lottery's Daily Number Evening Game

MIDDLETOWN, Pennsylvania (May 22, 2013) -- The Pennsylvania Lottery's The Daily Number evening drawing winning numbers were 7-7-7 on Tuesday, May 21, resulting in a total payout of $5,561,250 to 22,398 winners.

Legislature's judgment on Internet Cafes Continues to Confuse and Alienate Organizations

BRADENTON, Florida (May 23, 2013) -- The Legislature's rush to judgment on Internet cafes in the wake of a massive scandal has led to unintended consequences that were predictable when the bill passed so swiftly, the newspaper suggests.

ARJEL President Describes the Current Market for Online Gaming

Interview Jean-François Vilotte, President Arjel, the French regulator of online gaming with  - Agence France-Presse (AFP)

PARIS, France ((May 23, 2013) – Jean-François Vilotte, President Arjel, the French regulator of online gaming in an Interview with AFP, summoned up the recent withdrawal of Partouche from the Online Market as indicative of a problem in the economic model of operators.

PCSO to Phase Out STL by June 30

MANILA, Philippines (May 23, 2013) -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has given small town lottery (STL) gaming firms until June 30 to operate, to allow the entry of the Pambansang Loterya ng Bayan (PLB).

Baha Mar selects Global Gaming Asset Management (GGAM) to manage a resort casino integrated $ 3,500 million

GGAM executives involved in the development and operation of world-class destinations provide outstanding experience in casino management for the project Bahamian

NASSAU, Bahamas , and MACAU , (May 22, 2013) -- Baha Mar Ltd. announced today that Global Gaming Asset Management (GGAM), one of the most successful management teams of the casino industry, was hired to handle Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, shaft Baha Mar resort of $ 3,500 million in Bahamas , whose opening is scheduled for December 2014.

Company Rolls Out Introduction Lower Denomination Slot Machines in Tokyo Metro Area

Parlors in Shinjuku and Fuchu Increased Gross Wagers by Offering Players Slot Machines That Accept 5 Yen Tokens

HITACHI, Japan (May 20, 2013) - Kinbasha Gaming International, Inc. (OTCQX: KNBA), owner and operator of retail pachinko gaming centers in Japan, today announced that it has successfully introduced lower denomination slot machines at two of its parlors in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Gross wagers at the company's locations in Shinjuku and Fuchu have increased due to the fact that customers have the opportunity to play slots using 5 yen tokens, as opposed to standard 20 yen machines.

Cirsa Increased 5.1% Operating Profit in the First Quarter to 81.3 million

MADRID, Spain (May 22, 2013) -- The Catalan multinational leisure and gaming operating profit was 81.3 million euros in the first quarter, an increase of 5.1% over the same period a year ago, while operating income reached 390 million ( +0.3%). In a statement, the group has attributed these results to the efficiency and productivity of their activities and investments, as well as business growth in Latin America, in addition to improvements in Spain and Italy

News update as at Wednesday May 22, 2013

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Wednesday May 22, 2013 @ 7.20 AM (AEST) What's Happening

Tatts Group Ltd Looks to Irish Lottery Licence 
SYDNEY Australia (May 22, 2013) -- Tatts Group Ltd is mulling a €400 million bid for Ireland's 20-year lottery licence, which would mark the Brisbane-based company's first foray into a foreign lottery business

Minnesota Lottery Players Reap Winnings in Lead up to Powerball 
ROSEVILLE, Minnesota (May 22, 2013) -- Minnesota State Lottery players won nearly $3.9 million in prizes during the 6 1/2-week run up to Saturday night's Powerball jackpot drawing

Government Bans Online Lottery Sales
Decision comes as online lottery companies in the state have been winding up due to heavy taxes 
KOLKATA, India (May 21, 2013) -- The West Bengal government has banned online lotteries in the state, chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday

Wednesday May 22, 2013 @ 7.00 AM (AEST) What's Happening

Unions Protest on Lottery Privatization Rejected 
WOODLAND PARK, New Jersey (May 22, 2013) -- New Jersey rejected a union's protest of a contract privatizing part of the state lottery, officials announced today. The decision removes the final barrier that had prevented Northstar New Jersey - the joint venture trying to operate the lottery - from signing a 15-year contract with the state.

Oregon Lottery Sales Get a Boost 
SALEM, Oregon (May 22, 2013) -- Like much of the nation, players in Oregon eagerly bought tickets for a chance to win last Saturday's $590 million jackpot, an all-time Powerball record. While Oregon could not boast having the winner of the record jackpot (won in Florida), Oregon Lottery sales for the week ending May 18 were among the highest the Lottery has ever had

Online License Proposal Receives GOP Backing
BOSTON , Massachusetts (May 22, 2013) -- Online gaming licenses would be available to the state's three fully licensed casinos and its eventual slot parlor licensee under a fiscal 2014 budget amendment that Senate Republicans plan to propose this week

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Tuesday May 21, 2013 @ 4.00 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Lotteries Report Record Sales for Powerball Drawing

Game Revamp is Definitely a Success

CHARLESTON, West Virginia (May 20, 2013) -- Last weekend's record-setting $600 million Powerball jackpot also brought record ticket sales within West Virginia, as well as more than $2 million in prizes for state residents.

$40 Million Just Isn’t What It Used to Be

(or Since When Did $40 Million Become Chopped Liver?)

SALEM, Oregon (May 21, 2013) -- Forty million dollars would buy 16 penthouse condos in Portland’s Pearl District, for you and 15 of your closest friends. Heck, a group of investors in Utah just bought an entire mountain for $40 million.

Sales High in Iowa Thanks to Jackpot Drawing

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 21, 2013) -- The Iowa Lottery says Powerball sales in the state totalled $5.1 million for Saturday's drawing that produced a winner in Florida.

Scratch Ticket Price to Be Reduced, that’s the Type of ‘Change’ Players will Love !

BALTIMORE, Maryland (May 21, 2013) -- The price to play a Baltimore Ravens-themed Maryland Lottery game may soon be cheaper.

Pension System to Take Priority over Casino Discussions

SPINGFIELD, Illinois (May 21, 2013) -- Governor Pat Quinn on Monday put a finer point on a notion he's been pushing this spring – that is no gambling expansion will happen without comprehensive changes to fix a greatly underfunded government worker pension system.

No Reason for $25-million Payment

TOKYO, Japan (May 20, 2013) -- Japan’s Universal Entertainment Corp. booked a charge on Monday against a $25-million payment at the center of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigation into possible bribery in the Philippines, saying there was no reason for the payment to have been made.

Former Employee Files Suit against Lottery Commission

CLEVELAND, Ohio (May 20, 2013) -- Seven Hills Councilman David Bentkowski has filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Lottery Commission, the OLC's Director of Human Resources Elizabeth Popadiuk, OLC Director Dennis Berg, and Chairman of the OLC Jack Patrick McDonald Jr.

Failure to Halt Illegal Gambling Results in Transfer of Local Police

HAT YAI, Thailand (May 21, 2013) -- A Crime Suppression crackdown on a gambling den in Hat Yai on Sunday has led to the immediate transfer of six local police.

Bill to Allow Equity Firms to Wager Cash and Betting on Federal Elections Scrapped

CARSON CITY, Nevada (May 20, 2013) -- A plan to allow private equity firms to wager cash at casino sports books was scratched by Nevada lawmakers, along with a measure to make federal election outcomes an available money spinner for oddsmakers.

Privatization of Lottery is Still Full Steam Ahead

Lottery Director Praises Team for Continuing to Achieve High Sales despite the Uncertainty of Privatization Looming over their Heads

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (May 21, 2013) -- Despite a trajectory that shows Pennsylvania Lottery profits on course to break the past year’s record-breaking performance, Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration has not abandoned its effort to privatize the lottery’s management.

Genting Group File Suit against World Renown Poker Player

LONDON, UK (May 18, 2013) -- A UK casino has alleged that a US professional poker player amassed millions of dollars in winnings by cheating. The Malaysia-based Genting Group is accusing Phil Ivey in court papers filed this week of cheating at baccarat during a game that took place last summer at Crockfords casino in London.

Lawsuit filed against Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for Decision on Gaming Licence

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (May 21, 2013) -- Penn National has officially filed a lawsuit against the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for its decision to award a gaming license to Sioux City Entertainment's Hard Rock Casino-Hotel.

Deal between Bookmaker and NRL is not Looking ‘Joyous”

SYDNEY, Australia (May 21, 2013) -- Bookmaker Tom Waterhouse's bid to become the NRL sports betting sponsor is reportedly dead in the water, with both parties walking away from negotiations, according to reports from the ABC (Australian Broadcast Association.)

Deal between Bookmaker and NRL is not Looking ‘Joyous”

SYDNEY, Australia (May 21, 2013) -- Bookmaker Tom Waterhouse's bid to become the NRL sports betting sponsor is reportedly dead in the water, with both parties walking away from negotiations.

Christian Lobby Adds Weight in Push to Ban Live Odds on Television

CANBERRA, ACT, Australia (May 21, 2013) -- The Australian Christian Lobby has made a submission to the self-regulated TV bodies calling for both live odds and betting advertising to be prohibited during a broadcast of a game on free to air and subscription television.

William Hill Extend Scottish Cup Sponsorship Until 2016

LONDON, UK (May 20, 2013) -- The Scottish FA is delighted to announce that William Hill have agreed a new two-year extension as title sponsors of the Scottish Cup.

Maltco Lotteries Launch Bingo 75 !

MALTA (May 20, 2013) -- Maltco Lotteries have just re-launched one of its favourite and popular games amongst their respective players and bingo enthusiasts; Bingo75!

Global Gaming Expo Asia 2013

MACAU (May 21, 2013) -- Asia's largest gaming exhibition and conference, the Global Gaming Expo Asia 2013, opens at The Venetian in Macau. The three-day conference is expected to draw some 6,500 guests and 150 exhibitors. The conference includes sessions on future opportunities in the Asian gaming market, discussions of proposed casino developments on islands off Taiwan and a progress report on the development of mega-casinos in the Philippines.

Group Partouche Laments Closure of Online Poker Site but Adds there was No Other Choice

PARIS, France (May 18, 2013) -- The French casino operator Groupe Partouche announced last week that closure is "final" of its website online poker, citing its profitability unreachable "even in the medium term."

SKYCITY purchases Wharf Casino in Queenstown

QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand (May 21, 2013) -- SKYCITY Entertainment Group has purchased Otago Casinos Limited, which holds the licence for the Wharf Casino in Queenstown.

GLI Certifies Ultimate Gaming’s Intrastate Interactive Gaming System for Nevada

LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2013) – Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), the world’s leading gaming testing laboratory and technical consultancy, has completed its testing and certification of Ultimate Gaming’s intrastate interactive gaming system for Nevada.

Gaming Teaching and Research Centre Expands to Meet Island Demands

MACAU (May 21, 2013) -- The new premises for the “MPI-BMM Testing Center for Gaming Devices” was opened in the Gaming Teaching and Research Centre of the Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) yesterday.

SkyCity has purchased the Wharf Casino in Queenstown for $5 million.

QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand (May 21, 2013) -- The Wharf Casino is located in Queenstown's central business district and has a licence which allows for a maximum of 74 electronic gaming machines and 6 gaming tables.

Navajo Nation Opens First Casino in the State

TWIN ARROWS, Arizona (May 21, 2013) -- The Navajo Nation has opened its first casino in the state, the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort, named after an old trading post, diner and gas station where red and gold twin arrows aimed at the ground remind motorists of what once was the "best little" stop on the interstate.

Monday May 20, 2013 @ 6.00 PM (AEST) What's Happening

Florida Powerball® Ticket Wins Largest Jackpot Ever!

Sixth POWERBALL jackpot-winning ticket sold in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (May 20. 2013) -- The Florida Lottery announces that one lucky Florida Lottery player matched all five numbers and the Powerball in the Saturday, May 19, POWERBALL® drawing, winning the record-setting $590.5 million jackpot.

Government to Increase Issuance of Lotteries to Meet Player Demand

SEOUL, South Korea (May 20, 2013) -- South Korea plans to issue a maximum of 3.61 trillion won (US$3.23 billion) worth of lotteries next year to meet growing demand, the finance ministry said Monday.

Administrative Error Causes Players Winning Checks to Bounce

CHICAGO, Illinois (May 18, 2013) -- Some lucky winners of the Illinois Lottery weren't so lucky when they went to cash their checks.

The winners were stunned when they received notification from their banks that the checks had been dishonoured. Patti Crenshaw of Chicago says "So much money goes into the Lottery; you would think that they would be able to pay out." But that wasn't the case when she tried to collect her $847.

Lotto makes 26 Millionaires in 15 years

TRINIDAD (May 17, 2103) -- The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) has made 26 persons millionaires in the last 15 years. Six of them have been multi-millionaires with wins above $14 million from 1998, including Wednesday’s winner of the historic $20.4 million.

Santa Fe Lottery sees Increase in First Quarter

ARGENTINA (May 18, 2013) -- Santa Fe Lottery increased during the first quarter of 2013, its total distribution of profits over the same period last year. Revenues for the first four months of the year rose 33 percent.

Consultant Selected for Video Lottery Plan

PIERRE, South Dakota (May 18, 2013) -- The South Dakota Lottery is hiring a Nevada company to suggest ways that video lottery play can be rejuvenated.

Lottery Works to Strengthen Public Awareness of the Link between the National Lottery & the Good Causes they Support

LONDON, UK (May 17, 2013) -- Dianne Thompson stresses the importance of strengthening the links between National Lottery players and the charity causes they support

Appeals Court OKs suit to get back gambling losses

COLUMBIA (AP) May 18, 2013 — Recent court rulings have paved the way for gamblers to sue for money they lose by playing illegal gambling machines, according to one lawyer speaking with the Press..

Lawmakers Applaud Moves to Regulate Gambling

SUFFOLK, UK (May 18, 2013) -- Newmarket MP Matthew Hancock has welcomed moves made by the Government to prevent bookmakers from avoiding paying nearly £300 million in tax by regulating offshore gambling.

Research Finds Non-Financial Gambling Online More Likely To Lead Towards Gambling with Money

ADELAIDE, South Australia (May 18, 2013) -- One in four teenagers has played a gambling-style video game, leading to warnings game play could translate into gambling with real money.

New research, which surveyed 1200 young people aged between 13 and 17, found about 25 per cent reported to have once gambled in a video game, about 9 per cent had played gambling games through social media.

Spanish iGaming Summit (SIGS) 2013 sees Leaders Discuss the Current Crisis

ARGENTINA (May 19, 2013) -- In the Spanish iGaming Summit (SIGS) 2013, held in Madrid this month, saw representatives of the gaming industry from Spain and Europe, discuss the current situation of the industry on the first anniversary of its regulation. They also gave an insight into how they are planning to prepare strategically for the times to come. According to most participants, high taxation and statistical growth have brought moderate economic results that some did not hesitate to qualify as "poor." They estimated that ad spending also fell by 18%.

Lottery Advises Technical Difficulties are Resolved

BALTIMORE, Maryland (May 18, 2013) – The Maryland Lottery would like to thank Player’s for their patience regarding recent technical difficulties with the Maryland Lottery’s retail network system.

Live Broadcast of Lottery Draws to Cease

GERMANY (May 19, 2013) -- For players that saw the drawing of lotto numbers on TV last evening, it could have been one of the last. Publication ‘Online Focus’ has advise that apparently lotto will not be airing live draws on television, in the future the lucky numbers will be announced only after the draw.

Analysts Describes Sale of Gambling Monopoly as a Gift Rather than a Sale

ATHENS, Greece (May 18, 2013) – Greece Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said the sale of gambling monopoly OPAP shows that Greece is serious about making reforms as a condition of rescue aid.

Live Broadcast of Lottery Draws to Cease

GERMANY (May 19, 2013) -- For players that saw the drawing of lotto numbers on TV last evening, it could have been one of the last. Publication ‘Online Focus’ has advise that apparently lotto will not be airing live draws on television, in the future the lucky numbers will be announced only after the draw.

New Hosting Fee Formula To Benefit All Olg Host Municipalities

TORONTO, Canada (May 17, 2013) -- OLG will use a new and equitable formula to determine the fee municipalities receive for hosting an OLG gaming facility. The new formula, which will be part of the Municipality Contribution Agreement (MCA), will provide more money for host municipalities and be the same across the province.

Island Son Named New Managing Director of Red Shores

MONCTON New Brunswick (May 17, 2013) -- Atlantic Lottery and the staff of Red Shores are pleased to announce that Michael MacKinnon is the new Managing Director, Red Shores, effective May 27.

News update as at Saturday, May 18, 2013

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Texas Lottery Gets Vote for Extension 
AUSTIN, Texas (May 17, 2013) -- The Texas Senate has voted to extend the life of the state lottery in a vote that was much less contentious than in the House, where some lawmakers tried to kill it off.

In Days leading up to draw Tickets Sales Go into a Frenzy

TRINIDAD (May 17, 2013) -- The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) sold an incredible 700,000 tickets in the three days leading up to Wednesday night's draw, that resulted in one person winning the $20.4 million jackpot, the biggest in the history of the game locally.

Lottery Reduces Area for Ticket Sales after Poor Response last Year
CHANNEL ISLANDS (May 16, 2013) -- There is going to be a Channel Island's Summer Lottery again this year - but it looks like Bailiwick won't be involved

Calls for Gambling Fee to Rise in Line with Neighbouring Countries 
MBABANE, Swaziland (May 16, 2013) -- Swaziland is arguably the only country with an outdated Gaming Industry, the Times of Swaziland suggests. This is specifically in relation to the gambling sub-sector as it charges the lowest gambling licence fee.

Gaming Companies Grapple over Trademark Name
MACAR, SAR (May 16, 2013) -- Rival casino operators Las Vegas Sands Corp and Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd are grappling in court over trademarks that use the words "Cotai Strip."

Ministry to Examine Legalising Betting In Sports In The Country 
BANGALORE, India (May 17, 2013) -- The Union sports ministry is examining the possibility of legalising betting in sports in the country. News publication suggests that this is partially in response to growing pressure to rein in a burgeoning industry that tends to cross ethical boundaries and also to raise funds for the development of sports.

BetSoftGaming Announces Boomanji! An Explosive New Slot for Mobile and PC
NICOSIA, Cyprus (May 16, 2013) -- BetSoftGaming, the originator and leader in true 3D cinematic gaming, have announced the dual release of the newest addition to their groundbreaking Slots3™ library, Boomanji as well as its ToGo™ mobile counterpart.

Lawmakers Push for Video Lottery Machines on Island
LONG ISLAND, New York (May 16, 2013) -- State Sen. Phil Boyle and Assemblyman Steve Engelbright are pushing to bring a few hundred video lottery machines on Long Island. Boyle says the bill would allow video lottery terminals in Nassau and Suffolk OTB parlors.

Developers May be able to Compete in Southeastern Region 
BOSTON, Massachusetts (May 17, 2013) -- Developers who are unsuccessful in their pursuit of casinos in the eastern or western regions of Massachusetts could compete in the newly opened southeastern region under a plan approved by the state's gaming commission.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.'s Board of Directors Resigns
TORONTO, Canada (May 17, 2013) -- Paul Godfrey - the man picked to lead the Ontario Lottery Gaming and Corporation (OLG) into a new era - has been dealt out of the game. Canadian news services report that Premier Kathleen Wynne ousted the high-profile business and civic leader Thursday, days after her finance minister acknowledged that Godfrey's fate was up in the air.

Missouri Lottery Honoured For Accounting Excellence

JEFFERSON, Missouri (May 14, 2013) -- For the 13th consecutive year, the Missouri Lottery’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) has received the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting – the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada.

It's Here! Mega Millions® Rolls into Florida

First Drawing This Friday

TALLAHASSEE, Florida (May 15, 2013) -- MEGA MILLIONS® tickets go on sale today at more than 13,000 Florida Lottery retailers statewide, giving players a second option to play a multi-state, mega- jackpot game. The first MEGA MILLIONS drawing that includes Florida tickets will be held on Friday, May 17, with an estimated jackpot of $190 million.

Auditors Recommend A Strengthening of Regulatory Oversight

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (May 15, 2013) -- Legislator auditors are recommending that New Mexico strengthen its regulatory oversight of gambling at horse racing tracks and casinos operated by Indian tribes.

Legislation to Allow 50-50 Drawings at Sports Games Passed in the State House

MECHANICSBURG, Pennsylvania (May 15, 2013) -- Legislation that would allow 50-50 drawings at all major and minor league professional sports teams' home games in Pennsylvania passed the state House today by a 177-19 vote.

Authority Won’t Tolerate Non Compliance of Mandatory Warning Messages

ADELAIDE, South Australia (May 16, 2013) -- The Independent Gambling Authority in South Australia says it will come down hard on gambling providers who fail to take a serious approach to use of mandatory warning messages.

Gaming Machine Bill to be enforced with a Common Sense Approach

MIAMI, Florida (May 15, 2013) -- A new law in Florida that outlaws video gambling applies to kids and adult arcade machines, including some that are featured at franchises such as popular food chain Chuck E. Cheese.

Lottery Contributes a Surplus to Education Funds

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (May 15, 2013) -- This year, lawmakers have a good problem when it comes to lottery funds in the form of surplus, thanks to the efforts of players and the Lottery.

Players Attempts to Secure Winnings over a Decade Late

SYDNEY, Australia (May 16, 2013) -- A man who says he lost a winning lottery ticket nearly 16 years ago is too sick to come to court to continue the battle for his $3.3 million prize this month, with a judge indicating his case is not strong,

Pokerstars Responds to Request for End to Order

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (May 15, 2013) -- PokerStars has filed a brief on Wednesday “in further support of a preliminary injunction” that would maintain the prevention of The Atlantic Club’s executives from negotiating with other suitors after the collapse of their mutual deal last month.

Betfair Awards European and UK Media Account

LONDON, UK (May 16, 2013) -- Betfair has announced that Arena has won the £15m consolidated European and UK media planning and buying account following a competitive pitch.

Communications Watchdog Halts Lottery Draw Broadcasts

FINLAND (May 14, 2013) – According to local media reports the lottery drawing will no longer be aired by the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, at the request of the Agency for Supervision of Communications of the State. Why? Because the department said it was unlawful.

Lottery to Work on Public Image

ACCRA, Ghana (May 16, 2013) -- Acting Director General of the National Lottery Authority, Brigadier-General Martin Ahiaglo says his immediate priority will be to rebuild the lost image of the Authority.

Tax PE for E-commerce Operators, Including Online Gaming Operators: a Major Risk

ITALY (May 13, 2013) -- Italian tax authorities have been recently auditing a number of e-commerce and IT foreign operators challenging the presence of a permanent tax establishment in Italy which triggers the obligation to pay local taxes.

DerbyJackpot Teams Up with Xpressbet and Stronach Group to Bring Social Gambling to 11 More States

Real-Money Social Gambling Now Available in 36 States in the US

NEW YORK, NY (May 15, 2013) --  Xpressbet, LLC, one of the horse racing industry's largest Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) providers, has teamed up with DerbyJackpot to expand DerbyJackpot's reach across 11 more states. DerbyJackpot is the easiest way for people to legally bet, watch and win real money on live horse racing, all in an online, social environment. Previously available in 25 states, DerbyJackpot can now be played by eligible adults residing in 11 more: California, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.*

Appleton Papers Announce Company Name Change to Appvion, Inc.

APPLETON, Wisconsin (May 13, 2013) -- Appleton Papers announced today that the company changed its name to Appvion, Inc. The new name reflects the company’s heritage of innovation in applying chemistry to paper and microencapsulation as a means to create value for its customers.

NEWave Brings Award-winning Software Solutions to East Coast Gaming Congress

LAS VEGAS (May 15, 2013) – NEWave, the leading software supplier to the gaming industry, is bringing its award-winning software solutions to the East Coast Gaming Congress. The event takes place May 21 and 22 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, and NEWave will be in booth 114.

Gaming Partners International Corporation to Introduce New Products at the Upcoming G2E Asia Trade Show in Macau

LAS VEGAS, (May 15, 2013) -- Gaming Partners International Corporation (NASDAQ: GPIC), a leading provider of casino currency and table game products worldwide, announced today that it will introduce several new products at the upcoming Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia exhibition being held May 22 and 23 at the Venetian Macao Convention Center. Product demonstrations will be available at Stand #1105.

Refinancing Fears Spark Drop in Bonds

LONDON, May 15 (IFR) - Spanish gaming company Codere has hired advisory firm Perella Weinberg Partners to help solve its imminent liquidity problems, which include a EUR31m coupon due on its bond next month and the refinancing of its revolving credit facility..

Regulators Approve Casinos Reorganization Plan

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (May 15, 2013) -- Revel Casino was given a second chance Wednesday from New Jersey casino regulators, and now it’s seeking the same thing from customers.

CODERE Records Sales Of €397.6 Million In First Quarter Of 2013

MADRID, Spain (May 14, 2013) -- The CODERE Group, a leading Spanish multinational in the private gaming sector, today announced consolidated earnings for the first quarter of 2013 (1Q13).

Sales reached €397.6 million, 1.4% less than in in the same period in 2012, mainly due to the fall in revenues in Argentina and partially offset by growth in Mexico and Italy.

New Casino Design to Make Crown Sydney Instantly Recognizable Around the World

SYDNEY, Australia (May 16, 2013) -- Casino Owner James Packer has said the design his company Crown has chosen for its proposed Barangaroo development in Sydney will give Australia’s largest city a skyline that will make it globally competitive.

Casino Posts Drop in Figures

WICHITA, Kansas (May 15, 2013) -- The Kansas Star Casino reported about a 10 percent drop in gambling revenues in April from March, according to figures posted today by the Kansas Lottery.

March, however, was a record month with five full weekends. April had four.

Century Posts Jumps in Quarterly Profit

COLORADO SPRINGS (May 15, 2013) -- Century Casinos reported its biggest quarterly profit in nearly four years Wednesday despite nearly flat revenue.

Negotiations on the Table for Gambling Plan
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (May 14, 2013) -- Lawmakers could try to add ethics measures and reconsider putting slot machines at the Chicago airports in an effort to get Gov. Pat Quinn to back a gambling plan, one of its key supporters said Tuesday

Nation's Plan to Build Casino Complies with State's Gaming Compact
PHOENIX, Arizona (May 14, 2013) -- The Tohono O'odham Nation's plan to build a casino near Glendale, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix, complies with the state's gaming compact, a federal judge has ruled,

Revisions to Small Games of Chance Law still Causing Concerns 
FAYETTE, Pennsylvania (May 13, 2013) -- On Thursday, local organizations that rely on small games of chance will send representatives to a public hearing being held at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, where state officials will discuss changes that have been made to the original Small Games of Chance Law

IOC Proposes Global Betting Monitoring 
SYDNEY, Australia (May 15, 2013) - The IOC is proposing the establishment of a global system for monitoring betting patterns during major sports events, the latest step in efforts to guard against corruption and match-fixing.

Racing NSW to Embrace Changes to Protect against Perceived Conflicts of Interest
SYDNEY, Australia (May 14, 2013) - Bookmaker Tom Waterhouse should ''embrace'' a plan by authorities to tighten controls around his business' links to his mother Gai's horse training operation, as it would protect his reputation, too, Racing NSW Executive Peter V'landys said on Tuesday

Bookmaker's Success Attributed to Online Gaming Boom
LONDON, UK (May 15, 2013) -- Irish bookie Paddy Power yesterday showed that the bumper year it experienced in 2012 will be easily surpassed this year, as a boom in online gaming continued

New Casino Design Unveiled
Mashpee Wampanoag Design Unveiled For Taunton
TAUNTON, Massachusetts (May 14, 2013) -- The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has unveiled a new design for a resort casino it hopes to build in Taunton if the tribe wins state and federal approvals for the project.

News updates as at Monday May 13, 2013

Poker Machine Changes will Greatly Impact Smaller Clubs and Grass Roots Sporting Bodies
ADELAIDE, South Australia (May 11, 2013) -- Leading SANFL clubs warn junior football development and community funding are under threat from new poker machine reforms they say will benefit larger venues.

 

Casino Reports 40% Drop in Revenue
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (May 12, 2013) -- New Casino Revel in Atlantic City is about to enter bankruptcy just over a year after opening and the numbers have only gotten worse according to recently disclosed earnings.

 

New Gambling Measure Inject Hope into Racing Industry
DAYTON, Ohio (May 11, 2013) -- Ohio's horse racing industry is showing signs of rebounding. According to reports from the local news sources, better times are expected for horse racing in Ohio now that new gambling rules are allowing tracks to add slots-like gambling that will pump millions into the horse industry.

 

Ruling in Tatts Group Favour Will See Profits Swell
MELBOURNE, Victoria (May 13, 2013) -- Tatts Group Ltd will book an extra $16.2 million in net profit for the full year after settling a Federal Court action against the Australian Taxation Office

 

 

 

 

Government Advised to Push Social Responsibility as Part of Lotto Sale
DUBLIN, Ireland (May 11, 2013) -- As the Government prepares for the controversial €600m sale of the National Lottery, a world expert on internet gambling has warned Minister Brendan Howlin he must introduce measures to protect players from addiction as part of a social responsibility charter imposed on the new private operator.

 

Lottery Offers Free Powerball Tickets in Promotion
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (May 11, 2013) - Lottery players attended a promotion in droves on Saturday morning at the east-side Richmond Speedway store. Local news outlets reported that Hoosier Lottery officials handed out Powerball tickets free to the first 270 people to claim them in advance of Saturday night's $270 million jackpot.

 

Lottery to Lay Foundations for Online Ticket Sales
LANSING, Michigan (May 11, 2013) -- This week, Michigan officials announced that the state intends to launch an online lottery system called iLottery where bettors can purchase lotto tickets on the Internet. On Wednesday, Governor Rick Snyder sought more than $3 million from the Michigan State Legislature to fund the gaming initiative.

 

Shares Rise on Announcement of Sky City Deal
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (May 13, 2013) -- SkyCity Entertainment Group shares rose to the highest level in 5½ years after the Auckland-based casino and hotel company inked a deal to build a $402 million convention centre in exchange for increased gambling concessions. According to the 'National Business Review,' shares in SkyCity rose 3.4 percent to $4.55, the highest since November 2007, after the deal was announced in Auckland by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison.

 

 

 

Regulator approves Crown increase in Echo

SYDNEY, Australia (May 10, 2013) -- The NSW gaming regulator has approved an increase in Crown's share in rival casino ... However, NSW's Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has

 

Lottery to Add Hot Lotto to its Line Up of Games
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (May 10, 2013) -- The Tennessee Lottery is adding a sixth drawing-style game to its line-up of games and this one pays the withholding taxes.

 

 

Mega Jackpots, Mega Winnings, Mega Millions® Is Coming Tickets Sales Begin This Week
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (May 9, 2013) -- Florida Lottery players will soon have the opportunity to win another multi-state, mega-jackpot game, when MEGA MILLIONS® makes its debut in the Sunshine State on Wednesday, May 15. Florida will become the 43rd state to join the game, which is also offered in the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

 

Lottery to Review Process for Consideration of Casino Location
ONTARIO, Canada (May 9, 2013) -- The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation reportedly says it will review its rules when it comes to considering casinos for municipalities that have more than one tier of government

 

 

Risky Business - New Study Seeks To Probe Gambling Mindset
SYDNEY, Australia (May 10, 2013) -- Problem gambling imposes serious costs on the community but we understand surprisingly little about how individuals perceive the risks associated with gambling.

 

 

Betting Exchange Regulations Into Force!
Article by Giulio Coraggio
ITALY (May 9, 2013) -- The Italian betting exchange regulations have been just published on the Official Gazette and will soon come into force. But the question is what will be the effect of betting exchange games in the Italian market?

 

Métier Announce California Lottery as a New Customer
California Lottery Selects Métier's Project Portfolio Management Software and Services to Enhance Visibility and Propel Organizational Maturity
HEALDSBURG, California (May 9, 2013) -- California Lottery, one of the fastest growing lotteries in the United States, announced today their partnership with project portfolio management (PPM) firm, Métier. California Lottery selected Métier's PPM-as-a-Service and PMO-as-a-Service offerings to enhance visibility and drive PPM maturity within the organization.

 

Golden Addition to Microgaming's Multi-Player Portfolio
ISLE OF MAN (May 10, 2013) -- Microgaming (www.microgaming.co.uk) is set to release the fifteenth tournament slot to its multi-player portfolio, with popular title Gold Factory. Gold Factory is a five reel, 50 payline slot where players travel by all forms of transportation - hot air balloon, submarine or train - to get to the Gold Factory. Vibrant and colourful

 

Leap Forward Announces Closing of Financing from Macquarie Capital
RENO, Nevada (May 9, 2013) -- Leap Forward Gaming, Inc. (LFG), a leader in providing gaming industry solutions, announced today that Macquarie Capital has committed to and funded a substantial financing package for LFG, including both debt and warrants.

 

Inspired Virtual Sports Expand Online In Asia Following Deal With Oneworks™
Inspired signs a licence deal for its award winning Virtual Sports with one of the major Asian online platform providers, ONEworks™
LONDON, UK (May 9, 2013) -- Inspired Gaming Group (Inspired), the world's leading supplier of virtual sports betting products is delighted to announce an agreement with one of Asia's largest sportsbook platform providers, ONEworks™.

 

Competition for Control of Casino Intensifies
SYDNEY, Australia (May 1, 2013) -- Billionaire James Packer won regulatory approval to lift Crown Ltd. (CWN)'s stake in rival Echo Entertainment Group Ltd. (EGP), intensifying competition for control of Sydney's only casino.

 

Lottomatica invests in successful OPAP bidder Emma Delta
ATHENS, Greece (May 9, 2013) -- Italy's Lottomatica Group has confirmed that it has made a strategic investment to acquire a minority interest in one of the funds that comprise Emma Delta, the successful bidder of an international tender to acquire the Greek government's 33 per cent stake in gambling operator OPAP.

 

American Gaming Association president and CEO Honoured at Gaming Summit
(May 10, 2013) -- The 20th Southern Gaming Summit in the US opened on Wednesday with a standing ovation for Frank Fahrenkopf Jnr, the retiring American Gaming Association president and CEO, who has led the group since its inception in 1995.