Odd bets announced by bookies

As is traditional with the prospect of a new year, bookmakers in the UK have announced a series of available bets on odd events happening in 2005.

After a year of controversy, punters can bet on a lighter side of politics – how about 66-1 on Prime Minister Tony Blair growing a moustache? William Hill make this just as unlikely as President George W Bush quitting in the new year.

Other unusual bets inevitably centre on the world of celebrity, including Posh and Becks expecting another baby or even a chance of divorce.

The other British royal family are also featured, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are 12-1 to wed, while Prince Harry - dating Chelsy Davy - is 25-1 to announce his engagement.

A spokesman for the bookies said: 'We like to indulge ourselves with some odds for events but invariably customers come up with wacky ideas of their own.'

They include Arthur Best, who will collect £6,600 on January 2 over a £100 bet in 1995 that he would live to 100.

Law loophole may pave way for more poker

Live poker is being used to tempt people into North Carolina’s only legal gambling hall. The Harrah's Cherokee Casino is planning to add poker tables early next year, joining the world-boom in the game.

The casino, owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, says it would not take a cut of the poker action - a crucial distinction, allowing Harrah's to initially offer the game despite state law permitting only video-based versions.

Governor Mike Easley, who has authority to make changes to the state's agreement with the tribe, said through a spokeswoman that his office is aware of the interest in live poker.

At the same time, the Governor's Office acknowledged that live poker might not be subject to the state's jurisdiction. If the house doesn't take a cut, the issue would fall to the National Indian Gaming Commission. Its spokesman, Shawn Pensoneau, said no request has been received from the tribe. If one is, he said, it would be screened to see whether the plan complies with state and federal laws.

And the casino’s internet site reflects the uncertainty – a boast of 24 tables coming soon with the chance to play Texas Hold ‘Em, a version of poker that has become popular because of televised tournaments – already seems somewhat premature.

Flying Dutchman receives poker accolade

The Flying Dutchman, aka Marcel Luske, was named “Player of the Year” at the European Poker Awards in Helsinki, Finland last week.

The title was given in recognition of the success Luske had at the European poker championship. Luske managed to overcome famous poker gurus Willie Tan, Ram Vaswani, Dave Colclough and Lucy Rokach in Barcelona amongst six final table appearances in Europe, to win the sought-after title.

This striking tournament identified “Rookie of the Year” – this title was grabbed by Finnish Jani Sointula who won in the Monte Carlo Millions.

Swede Martin De Knijff received the award for “Best Tournament Performance”, having won a $2.7m in the $25,000 Bellagio WPT event. Estonian Andres Burget won the “Casino Staff Person” award for his development of poker in the Baltic States.

Online Poker room gives 12 people place in World Series

In a 'Lucky Dozen' January promotion, Check n Raise Poker.com will be giving twelve online poker players entries into the 2005 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Each week, 150 people (the top 50 from each of 3 categories) playing on the site will be entered into tournaments where the prizes are $10,000, $5,000 or $1,000, entries to the World series of poker plus $1,000 in spending money.

Qualifications based on players' total weekly play as measured by: Hands played in all real money games, Check Points earned and Frequent Tournament Points.

The leader in each category each week will receive an entry into a special freeroll tournament where the winner receives a $10,000 entry into the W.S.O.P. main event and $1,000 in spending money.

Players who finish 2nd to 10th will have a chance to play off for two $5,000 W.S.O.P. tournament entries and $1,000 in spending money.

Santa Triples the Win at Slotland.com

Slotland.com has truly brought the Christmas spirit to gambling town this festive season with a video poker game set to knock even Santa’s woolly socks off!

The new game, SantaSleigh, is a winter variation of the popular Wild Heart Double Joker video poker. It offers triple play, giving punters a chance of winning on several lines at a time. No download is required; players can just open an account and start to play immediately.

How to Play

There are 3, 54-card decks used, with the 53rd and 54th cards being the jokers or wild cards. The wild card can be used as any card, for example, as the missing card to complete a straight or the fifth heart in a heart flush.

The object of SantaSleigh is to obtain the best possible poker hands. Because of the wild cards, the minimum rank for a winning hand is 2 pairs. On the initial deal, the customer is dealt the same five cards (Christmas presents) face up on all three lines. Then the player may hold all cards dealt or, if desired, can receive up to 5 new cards per each line. It will automatically hold or replace cards on the same positions on all lines.

To try out the new Christmas poker game at Slotland.com, click on the link www.slotland.com/santasleigh

Ex-Hear’Say’s Suzanne Shaw Has Her Baby – Early!

Some punters on international pool betting website AnyBets.com, were more than ecstatic to hear that ex-Hear’Say’s Suzanne Shaw delivered her baby 9 days early, as they won good money!

Although the majority of bets were in favour of Suzanne Shaw having her baby on the due date of December 25, 15% of money placed was from customers who predicted the baby would arrive sometime before Christmas.

A spokesperson for AnyBets.com commented that it was a really interesting pool with bets spread across the board. \“A large percentage of bets - 55% - were for Suzanne Shaw having the baby on Christmas Day, which would have been a lovely present for the mother and father. On behalf of AnyBets.com, we wish the parents and baby all the best, and of course congratulate our customers who did so well in this particular pool.”

AnyBets.com will run a pool on practically any subject or topical issue imaginable, and is proving increasingly popular with the public as a means of betting on the hot topics that aren’t offered by traditional bookmakers.

Online Casino to pay $5 million for Charging Bull

An online Casino wants to fork out over $5 million to put its name on a 7,000-pound bronze sculpture near Wall Street.

Casino Fortune wants to buy the Charging Bull, but city officials may not accept the bid to put a gambling company’s logo beneath a statue closely linked with capitalism and the stock market. Famously, the State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has tried his best to make business hard for the online gambling industry.

The city and artist Arturo Di Modica will have to approve the buyer, who will have to donate the bull and keep it in its current home at Bowling Green.

'There'll come a time when Casino Fortune won't go quietly into the night,' said Kevin Mercuri, a spokesman for the company. 'They'll fight for something they truly want.'

Casino Fortune, which has 2 million American customers, and offers roulette, blackjack, slots, poker and other games, has been rebuffed in other ventures.

Players Enjoy Big Action at First Caribbean Poker Classic

WagerLogic.com Limited, a global leading provider of online gaming software announced today that its licensees’ first ever Caribbean Poker Classic has proven to be a major success with pros and online poker players alike. This cross-licensee land-based poker championship event was held on the beautiful Caribbean island of St Maarten and concluded on December 11th. 157 entrants from around the world – 110 online qualifiers and 47 $5,100 buy-ins – descended on the island to bask in the sun and battle for an exciting prize pool in excess of $750,000.

The Caribbean Poker Classic title went to John Earle, a Betfair qualifier from Essex who won a cash prize of $213,205 and sports the event’s first championship gold bracelet. He defeated Aleksander Vathne, a William Hill qualifier from Norway, in heads up play to take the prestigious title. Aleksander walked away with $137,061 for second place. Sharbel Koumi, representing Littlewoods, placed third and took home $83,760.

The Caribbean Poker Classic also featured a pro-am tournament held on December 9th where three World Series of Poker champions and three European champions faced off against three Internet hopefuls. This specially televised event included world-renown poker players, Chris Moneymaker, Robert Varkonyi, Russ Hamilton, Steve Vlader, Xuyen Pham and Simon Trumper. Steve Vladar took first place and won the $50,000 prize in that competition.

“WagerLogic licensees’ Caribbean Poker Classic was a huge hit, attracting some of the biggest names and most skillful unknowns in land-based and online poker play,” said A.J. Slivinski, WagerLogic's Managing Director. “The CPC was a great inaugural event for WagerLogic licensees, which combined the best of Internet and land-based poker action, and further strengthened their market position in online poker. The CPC has marked its place as a major stop on the poker tournament circuit and promises to offer even bigger cash prizes and excitement next year.”

The Caribbean Poker Classic was an excellent opportunity for WagerLogic licensees – williamhillpoker.com, betfairpoker.com, interpoker.com, littlewoodspoker.com, classicpoker.com, ukbettingpoker.co.uk, theritzclublondon.com, caribbeansunpoker.com, totalbetpoker.co.uk and pokerplex.com – to bring the same high quality to land-based poker that they have brought to the online game, and that their players are truly world class competitors. The entire event was televised and is scheduled for broadcast in January 2005.

More than 4,400 players can be found simultaneously online at WagerLogic licensees' central poker room. WagerLogic.com software is used by some of the world's top online gaming brands, and powers one of the fifth highest revenue-generating poker rooms on the Internet according to PokerPulse.com, an independent research site.

Online casino bags Sky sponsorship deal

InterCasino.com is to sponsor the Sky One second series of Las Vegas when it starts in January.

The sponsorship will involve InterCasino.com adverts at the start and finish of the programme, alongside break bumpers for its sub-brands InterPoker and InterBingo, with the message “Las Vegas in your home”.

The adverts feature a couple who welcome Las Vegas into their home using their laptop. The man turns into Elvis Presley and the woman turns into a Vegas showgirl.

American online bingo directory comes to the UK

WhichBingo, the net’s largest Bingo Directory, has launched a UK version of it’s market leading portal.

WhichBingo UK focuses exclusively on the UK Bingo market, covering both land-based bingo and the blossoming online bingo game.

The online bingo section of the site features an exclusive guide on ‘how to play bingo online’, numerous site reviews and a comprehensive database of online bingo sites. The land-based section of the new portal features the internet’s largest database of UK bingo clubs and a news section updated daily. Visitors to the site can also enter the free prize draw, take part in the monthly poll and much more. There’s even an in-depth featured on all those old-time bingo calls.

Owner Phil Fraser said, “There isn’t anything on the internet for bingo players looking for information on both club bingo and online bingo. WhichBingo has been the number one for the US-market for years. We hope to do the same in the UK”.

Fraser continued, “With the forthcoming changes in the UK gambling laws, the increasing popularity in bingo amongst a younger audience and the imminent arrival of internet bingo in the UK, the time is right for a UK-focused bingo portal.”

Odds posted on back of college football scandal

The Bowl Championship series of American football has been bathed in controversy recently as the system shut out three undefeated teams from the Fedex Orange Bowl Title. Wagerweb.com has offered odds on whether the controversy will force major change before next years NCAA season.

Last year it was USC, which was ranked number one in both polls, but was shut out of the national title game due to their BCS ranking of 3rd. This season it was Auburn who went though their season and a grueling SEC schedule undefeated, but was left out of the Orange Bowl and the national title game due to their BCS ranking of 3rd, which was only hundredths of percentage points less than Oklahoma's. Similar things happened to two other teams.

There has been a lot of talk of sweeping changes needed to rectify the BCS system, which was supposed to create a true number one versus number two national title game with no debate. That obviously hasn't happened, and something must be done to make it fair for all teams involved and not make the pre-season polls, which in this case weighted heavily on why Auburn was left out, have too much bearing.

'You just have to feel for a team like Auburn that did everything they had to in going undefeated, but gets left out of the chance to play for a national title due to this flawed BCS system,' said Wagerweb.com CEO Dave Johnson. 'Unfortunately for teams like Auburn, the university presidents who truly control the BCS's fate, seem nowhere close to creating a plus-1 or playoff format anytime soon.'

There is sure to be some type of changes made to the BCS as there has been in each of the past two seasons, but what fans and teams alike truly want, is a playoff system. Considering a playoff is way down the road, the other scenario is a plus-1 championship game. What that entails is the top four teams in the final BCS standings playing two semi-final games with a 1-4 2-3 seed format based on BCS rankings. Then the winners of those games would play each other for the national championship in either a rotating bowl or at a neutral game site.

Online poker site helps punters find local poker games

ChipSharks has announced its new site to locate local poker games and players, establishing itself as a premiere online poker service.

ChipSharks.com provides event attendee management, poker group creation, statistical tracking of games, and local tournament promotion. Additionally, the service encourages smart, legal and safe gaming, and features resources and products for poker players to improve their skills.

'Being huge poker fans ourselves, we know playing at home is a great way for players to compete at the same level as in a casino without paying the expensive rake. Additionally, players can find games while away on vacation or business travel,' expressed co-founder Kurt Beer. 'With group management and statistical tracking capabilities, players have more fun by competing in a fantasy sports league style of play, instead of just a set of discreet games.'

Poker's popularity is at an all-time high, with even the World Poker Tour going public, proving the game is moving into the mainstream.

ChipSharks taps into one of the fastest growing industries by providing an online environment for community poker groups to securely coordinate and promote games or tournaments. As a result, legal poker get-togethers will attract more players, increasing the amount of winnings possible. With an estimated 50 million people who play face-to-face poker in the US, ChipSharks capitalizes on the game's popularity by streamlining these events in the multi-billion dollar poker industry.

UK dreaming of a white Christmas

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on a traditional white Christmas this year, believing it more likely than at any time in the last quarter of a century.

William Hill announced their new odds, saying it is more likely it’ll snow this year than any other year in the last 25 years.

Hills have now cut the odds of the chances of snow falling in Glasgow from 7/4 to 8/11 and for Aberdeen from 7/4 to 5/6 - and they have also reduced a London White Christmas from 5/1 to 11/4, and make Cardiff 13/2 from 8/1.

Spokesman Graham Sharpe said: 'A combination of forecasts for snow on December 25 and some substantial bets giving us a potential six figure pay-out if it happens has forced us to make a White Christmas an odds-on shot for the first time anyone at the company can remember - at least for a quarter of a century.'

Competitor Coral also slashed the odds on a White Christmas to 2-1 from 7-2.

Estimates are that bookies will face a million-pound pay-out if the Holy Day predictions prove correct.

Spokesman Simon Clare said: 'If it snows on Christmas Day there will be queues of punters outside betting shops collecting their White Christmas bonus on Boxing Day.'

WPT rolls into Vegas

The eighth World Poker Tour event began this week at the Bellagio hotel and casino in Las Vegas, with players battling it out for a $1,795,218 first prize.

A total fund of $5,470,800 is up for grabs for the 376 players registered – an increase of over $2 million and 50 players on last year’s event. Top players - including Annie Duke, Gus Hansen and Chris Ferguson – will be closely watched by large public galleries, who are enjoying free admission to the event.

As usual the winner of the tournament will advance to the tour’s World Championship, taking place at the same venue in April next year.

New Online Betting Exchange and Poker Software released

A leading computer company has made available new software that will complement rather than compete with the largest betting exchanges.

Through Ubetanything.com, UBA Technology hopes its new software will corner a niche market that will put a new spin on the most popular gaming sites. As well as offering turn-key technology and secure internet transactions, UBA will for the first time allow online betting exchanges to access the mobile phone market, giving customers with java-enabled handsets direct access to the sites.

UBA president Rob Danard compared this opportunity to the eBay boom of the last two years, before adding: “We can privately brand a betting exchange site to suit our licensees' requirements, whether their interest is cricket, car racing, stocks or currencies. Our software comes fully supported with online payment systems, client database management, multi-currencies and languages, and customer support, leaving only the marketing to our licensee.'

The new software hosts all the most popular gaming platforms, and will offer a unique version of ‘sit and go’ tournament poker, meaning an unlimited pool of players in a single game.

Betfair to sort out rugby league

Betfair has joined forces with the Rugby Football League to combat corruption in the sport.

In a deal similar to that agreed with the Jockey Club, the International Cricket Council and the Football Association, the move represents a move forward for rugby league.

The sport was shaken this year after two players bet on their own team to lose – operating officer Nigel Wood believes the new partnership will make a difference.

'Whilst we do not believe inappropriate betting is a major problem in the sport, it is important to take advantage of enhanced monitoring of the betting markets to prevent and discourage any persons considering it.'

Betfair is the largest online betting exchange, allowing users to act as punters or layers in a variety of markets.

Channel 4 at the online races

Channel 4 has bolstered its horse racing coverage by providing registered users with a live online betting service.

The network has teamed up with betting exchange operator Betdaq, following the channel’s recent launch of a website dedicated to racing to compliment its television coverage.

The news comes after the channel announced last week that it was reconsidering its exclusive horse racing coverage. Head of Sport David Kerr said: “At a time when the future of horse racing on Channel 4 is uncertain we are actively pursuing ways to generate commercial return from the sport and a betting exchange is a logical way of achieving this. It is a further addition to the comprehensive service that we already provide punters.'

Betdaq spokesman Rob Hartnett added: “This partnership with Channel 4 will bring the concept to an even broader audience and further hasten the growth of a sector that has risen from nothing to an estimated annual turnover in excess of £2bn a year in four short years.'

Online casino bids for NBA team

One of the ‘oldest online casino in the world’ could enter a bidding war for NBA team the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Casino Fortune has submitted a letter to current Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund outlining intent to buy the team.

“We have made it clear that we want this team,” said Casino Fortune president Dennis Rose.

The internet casino operator has confirmed it is willing to outbid another interested party to gain control of the team, that has recently won nine straight matches.

Trinidad-based Casino Fortune also claims it previously attempted to buy the Phoenix Suns for $380 million.

New website to give inside tips on sports betting

A sport betting secret and system to beat the sports books was revealed by former bookie assistant James Green this week. The website www.robthesportsbooks.com teaches how normal people can make guaranteed profits betting on sports online and offline.

James Green was a bookie assistant when he stumbled across a math formula that was to change his life. Mr Green was so confident in his findings that he immediately jacked in his job in favour of becoming a full time gambler.

The original formula that he found proved to James that it indeed was possible to ”rob” the bookies and sports books legally and beat them at their own games making guaranteed profits betting on sports such as football and basketball.

James Green made millions in guaranteed profits betting on sports offline. He said, “When I left my job all I knew about was how real bookies and their ”shop” worked. Now with the information-highway anyone can do what I did just in half the time and make a living betting on sports - They can even sit from home and use the computer to do it.”

Crimewatch Raises Ozzy’s Chances by 6%

Since the spot on BBC1’s Crimewatch last night, AnyBets.com has seen a change in the odds for the return of the Osbourne’s jewels before Christmas Day.

On 9 December, things were looking dismal for Ozzy, with 90 percent of punters betting the £2 million worth of jewellery stolen from the Osbourne’s “Buckingham Palace” would never see the rockstar again, but Crimewatch is changing the opinion of the British public.

‘The Great Osbourne Jewel Theft’ has produced a flurry of interest from bettors who, the website reports, initially abandoned their optimism and feared the worst.

The odds that Sharon will have her jewellery back before Christmas are starting to rise since her plea on Crimewatch, now 16% of people placing bets on AnyBets.com believe that Santa will return them, compared to just 10 percent less than a week ago.

AnyBets.com are running a pool on the Great Osbourne Jewel Theft and the public is getting behind it. AnyBets.com can specialise on taking bets on any and everything the public has an opinion on.

“There’s something about Christmas time that produces a taste for wacky, off-the-wall betting, and that’s right up our street,” a spokesperson for Anybets.com said. “The Great Osbourne Jewel Theft has proved really popular with the punters. If you believe the police will deliver Sharon’s stolen gems before Christmas, place your bets now, the odds are still good, and Sharon could have a very merry Christmas!”

Leaked Report Gives FOBTs Green Light

The Times has revealed that a leaked government report will rule in favour of bookmakers and the controversial fixed-odds betting terminals. According to the report Times, the report, compiled by the Association of British Bookmakers and commissioned by the DCMS is to be released next week and concludes that there is no relation between the introduction of the terminals at high street bookmakers throughout the UK, and an increase in problem gambling.

The big bookmakers, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Coral, Stanley Racing and the Tote have installed 15,000 of the machines and experts say that about £290m is being wagered on them each week. FOBT’s alone generate about 30% of William Hill’s earnings.

The report also states that the industry’s code of practice by is working. Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, is expected to announce later in the week that the FOBT’s will stay on ‘probation’ as well as another House of Lords review on the matter.

Players vote for their favourite Online Bingo sites

WhichBingo have announced the launch of the search for the 2004 Online Bingo ‘Site of the Year' and 'New Site of the Year'. The event was so successful last year that WhichBingo are organizing the vote again this year.

The awards will be decided by a player vote and the poll is running until 31st December 2004.

Cyberbingo won last years 'Online Bingo Site of the Year' and Bingonanza won the 'New Online Bingo Site of the Year' title. This year the vote will be closer as the market has grown considerably since the last event.

The aim of the awards is to recognise and reward excellence in Online Bingo, as voted by the players.

The 'Site of the Year' award is open to all 'pay-to-play' sites and the 'New Site of the Year' award is open to any new Online Bingo site that launched during 2004.

Phil Fraser, owner of said, “Last year’s inaugural awards was welcomed by both players and operators alike. As last year, we want to praise and recognise those sites that consistently deliver enjoyment and satisfaction to their players. There are some great sites out there doing a fantastic job. Players now have an annual forum to register their appreciation of the service these sites supply.”

Texas Hold’em Poker in top 50 online searches

AOL Search, America Online's popular search destination, announced the year's top searches based on what people and topics received the highest volume of online queries on the AOL service and AOL.com.

Texas Hold’em poker was announced by the search engine as the 46th most searched phrase or word. This supports the view that interest in online poker and online gambling in general is on the rise since it did not appear in last year’s list.

Horoscopes was the most searched word and Hilary Duff also appeared on the top lists for most searched people overall, female celebrities and celebrities under 21, as well as female music artists.

Online bookmaker rushes to produce the globes

Less than an hour after the official nominations were announced on Monday morning BetWWTS.com became the first bookmaker in the world to release odds on the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards.

As the Hollywood Foreign Press Association was unveiling the nominees for the awards, odds makers at BetWWTS.com were busy calculating odds for the most popular Golden Globe categories.

BetWWTS.com has created odds on the nine major Golden Globe categories, acknowledging excellence in motion pictures and television.

This marks the fourth time this year that BetWWTS.com became the first bookmaker to establish betting lines on an entertainment awards ceremony. The company also announced the first official odds on the Oscar, Emmy, and GrammyAwards only hours after those nominations were announced.

Nominees appear in descending order from favorites to long-shots under each category heading. BetWWTS.com will accept wagers on the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards until only hours before the awards ceremony.

Bookmakers offer royal odds

William Hill has recently offered odds on the troublesome Prince of England to marry Chelsea or play for her namesakes football club.

Bookmakers William Hill make love struck Prince Harry a 50/1 shot to marry his South African girl friend Chelsy Davy in 2005.

Bizzarrely, Hill also quote 1000/1 that Harry will play for Chelsea F.C. and in case he gets confused 1000/1 that he will marry Chelsea Clinton.

'Prince Harry is quoted as a 50/1 long-shot to marry Chelsy in 2005, where as Prince Charles is priced at 20/1 to marry Camilla in 2005. A joint wedding is a massive 100/1!' said Hills' spokesman Rupert Adams.

Will Blunkett be out in the cold?

Politics has become a bit of a gamble recently. UK Home Secretary David Blunkett has been hitting the headlines in the last couple of months after he admitted to having an affair, and using the Government’s resources to fund it.

William Hill were offering odds of 5/2 that Blunkett would resign before New Year, but support for the MP has led to a lengthening in their odds.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said, “With Christmas approaching and the news agenda starting to move on, our punters seem to think that Mr Blunkett's short-term future is safe and are backing him at 2/9 to stay in office for the rest of 2004.”

Politics is fast becoming a popular bet, with more people voting on the US elections and in the UK. In fact the odds on an election is considered an accurate way to predict what the result will be. The lengthening of the Blunkett bet is a sure sign the Home Secretary will recover from the recent scandal.

Online casino promotions directory launched

BonusZoo.com is an online bonus directory listing casinos, bingo halls, poker rooms and sports books on the internet.

BonusZoo highlights the promotions and bonuses offered by online gambling sites.

Most of BonusZoo's pages are text lists of gaming sites with promotional details easily sorted by clicking on different column headers. Detailed information about each site is just a mouse click away, along with links to the homepage of each casino, bingo hall, poker room or sports book.

In addition to the directory you can browse through some winning screenshot images, check out recent gambling related news or get connected with other online gambling enthusiasts in the forums. To participate in the forums you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid email address.

The online gaming sites listed at BonusZoo offer free registration and can be played using 'fun money.”

TRA Wants Industry Betting Exchange by Next Year

Chris Scherf, VP of the US Thoroughbred Racing Association has called on the organisation to draw up a plan to create an industry-owned betting exchange, adding that there is ‘no time to dawdle’. Speaking during the 31st Annual Symposium of Racing, Scherf said US Racing needed to adopt an ‘if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em’ tactic in order to combat what he called, ‘unfair competition that rides on the industry’s product without financially supporting it.’ He told fellow TRA member that they should be ready to release a report on the subject sometime next year.

Scherf first posed the betting exchange question several months ago and has been disappointed by the lack of response. He warned the TRA, which comprises 41 racetrack members: 'We’re just sort of sitting and listening. We may, instead of controlling our fate, just see what happens. We shouldn’t just let this slide. This is something that is vital to all of us.'

International Casino Exhibition comes to London

110 of the registered exhibitors are from outside the UK, the most heavily represented is the US with 15 separate companies making the trip, followed by ten from the Netherlands. Israel, Latvia and South Africa are among the other nations sending delegates to the event.

The organisers are expecting a higher turn-out than last year’s 7,500 to come and see the exhibitors show off their developments, products, devices and services.

Among the debutants to the event are the prestigious Betfair.com, 192.com, iGaming Business magazine and futurelogic-inc.com.

As well as a selling show, there will also be a number of events for interested parties, such as European Casino Forum Meeting and the Off The Record Club (for international trade journalists) and the 4th Annual Fire & ICE Party held for the iGaming set.

The event takes place on the 25-27 January 2005 at Earls Court 2, London.

Online sports gambling goes live at cybersportsbook.com

CyberSportsBook.com has announced the latest technological advancement in the world of online sports gambling, with its PXP -- Live Play by Play Wagering betting product. The new software will allow punters to place individual wagers on every aspect of a live American football game.

This is a first in the online casino world. No other sports wagering company offers this type of betting.

”This proposition style, live, real-time wagering product will revolutionize the world of online sports gaming” said Ron Tarter, CEO of CyberSportsBook.com.

”This opportunity to lay a wager on each and every play of a football game is bound to peak the interest of traditional football bettors and attract a whole new customer base, who up until now have ignored sports wagering because the results of a game took far too long to be decided,”

Wagering is available after each play at which time odds are posted on the interface, allowing bettors multiple proposition wagers. Odds are removed while the offensive team is in the huddle. Players can bet $1.00 to $100.00 on any wager with a maximum total of $100.00.

With about 100 to 150 plays executed by both teams during a game, there are numerous possibilities that an offensive team can run -- running and passing plays including completions and incomplete passes, punts, field goals, punt returns, kick returns and of course turnovers.

ITV to launch interactive gaming channel

UK commercial television network ITV has announced plans to base its new fourth channel on interactive gaming.

The channel will consist of bingo and pay-per-play betting games, and will be named ITV4.

Debbie Mason, founder of bingo based interactive gaming channel Avago, was recently appointed as interactive commissioner of the ITV network.

Before the channel is fully launched in late 2005, plans to schedule interactive gaming in late-night weekend slots will test the popularity of the proposals.

Online odds offered on Grammys

Bodog.com Sports Casino Poker(TM) has released odds on who will be taking home select Grammy Awards this season. With the announcement of the nominees, you can now wager on which artists, groups or albums will take home one of the 47th Annual Grammy Awards.

'Several artists have had huge years, and some fresh new faces like Kanye West burst onto the musical scene this year,' said Rob Gillespie, President of Bodog.com. 'The Grammy's are to music what the Academy Awards are to film, and every nominee wants to win an award.'

In the Record of the Year category, Usher is pushing well ahead of the pack with 'Yeah,' currently listed at even 1/1 odds. The Black Eyed Peas are close behind Usher, with 'Let's Get it Started,' which is sitting at 2/1.

For the category of Album of the Year, Usher has once again grabbed the early lead with 'Confessions' sitting at 1/2 odds. Alicia Keys 'Diary of Alicia Keys' is in the hunt with her new album, with the odds showing at 2/1.

Kanye West has taken the music world by storm this year, however, his album 'The College Dropout' is only listed at 4/1. Also at 4/1 is Ray Charles and Various Artists on 'Genius Loves Company.' The long shot album is once again Green Day's 'American Idiot,' currently at 6/1 odds.

The Song of the Year category sees songstress Alicia Keys taking the early lead with 'If I Ain't Got You' at 1/2 odds, with Kanye West's 'Jesus Walks' next in line at 3/1. Hoobastank's hit single 'The Reason' has a shot at taking the Grammy, with their odds listed at 4/1, while John Mayer's 'Daughters' is at 6/1 odds.

'Usher has had a banner year to say the least, and 'Yeah' became somewhat of a summer anthem,' said Gillespie. 'We always look forward to awards season, and the coming weeks will bring us a few more nomination announcements in Hollywood.'

Usher has been nominated for ten awards at this year’s event.

The Odds are Against Ozzy

Punters on celebrity pool betting website AnyBets.com are right, Ozzy will have an expensive Christmas replacing the £2 million worth of jewellery stolen from the Osbourne’s Palace.

‘The Great Osbourne Jewel Theft’ has produced a flurry of interest from bettors who, the website reports, have deserted their initial optimism and now fear the worst.

The odds for Sharon to get her jewellery back before Christmas continue to decrease and now only 10% of people placing bets believe that Santa will return them. But if you have faith in the bloodhound skills of the boys in blue to sniff out the hidden stash of booty, you can get some pretty bulky odds.

AnyBets.com will run a pool on any subject under the sun and is proving increasingly popular with the public as a means of betting on the hot topics that aren’t often covered by the bookmakers.

“There’s something about Christmas time that produces a taste for wacky, off-the-wall betting, and that’s right up our street,” a spokesperson for Anybets.com said. “The Great Osbourne Jewel Theft has proved really popular with the punters. If you believe the police will deliver Sharon’s stolen gems before Christmas, place your bets now, because the odds are so good, you could have yourself a very merry Christmas!”

GMEI Licenses its Online Gaming Software to Cantor G&W

Gaming & Entertainment Group has announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with Cantor G&W that provides long-term financing and creates a strategic worldwide partnership.

The transaction with Cantor provides GMEI with sufficient capital to pursue its planned land-based and Internet initiatives and will allow management to focus solely on developing the business. GMEI has been engaged to develop software for Cantor's online casino, which will be hosted in Alderney in the British Isles.

Cantor required a software partner that had not participated in accepting online wagers from players in the United States. GMEI satisfies this stringent requirement.

It is anticipated that the Cantor casino will go live in 2005, and upon its successful deployment, it is anticipated that GMEI will develop additional online gaming sites for white-label clients of the GMEI/Cantor business. In each instance, GMEI will receive development fees and recurring royalties.

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of GMEI, Tibor Vertes, said, 'We are very pleased to have secured Cantor as our long-term business partner. The investment by Cantor secures the various business initiatives we have embarked upon over many years of gaming software development, and greatly enhances our ability to commercialize our proprietary products throughout the world.'

Lee Amaitis, President of Cantor, added, 'We look forward to working with GMEI, and using its proprietary software to participate in the tremendous growth of the gaming industry around the world.'

CryptoLogic Appoints New VP of Poker Software Development

CryptoLogic Inc has recently announced the appointment of Andrew Goetsch as Vice President of Poker Software Development.

Andrew Goetsch's extensive strategic planning and poker experience will help the company continue the development of its software product plans in this fastest-growing segment of the global Internet gaming market.

The appointment follows the growth of Internet poker in the first three quarters of 2004 to more than 20 per cent of the company’s revenue.

'The popularity of our poker technology continues to rise, and Andrew Goetsch will help CryptoLogic enhance its product strategy in this very dynamic market,' said Lewis Rose, CryptoLogic's President and CEO. 'As a smart business strategist, accomplished executive and serious poker player, Andrew will be a great asset to ensure CryptoLogic continues to hold a winning hand.'

Goetsch is an avid poker player who has had several final table appearances, and more than 200 'in the money' finishes in tournaments held both online and around the world, including the main event in this year's World Series of Poker.

His gaming knowledge extends to both the online poker room environment and consulting for various Internet gaming sites. As a senior executive with 18 years experience in strategic planning, technology, finance and mergers and acquisitions, Goetsch has increased sales and profits for consumer goods and manufacturing companies and negotiated more than a dozen acquisitions. He obtained his Certified Public Accountant while working at one of the big accounting firms.

Goetsch said. 'I'm excited to join this talented team known for both integrity and innovation, and take their poker technology to new heights to offer even more excitement to licensees' players all over the world.'

Vegas giants joined in VIP package

Two of Vegas' top sports and entertainment marketing companies have joined forces to accommodate the growing need for preferred golf tee time reservations and preferred VIP access to area nightclubs. They can be found at a booth located in baggage claim at Las Vegas, McCarran International Airport.

The joined forces of Vegas-Passport and Las Vegas Preferred Tee times offers a complimentary Vegas experience in the golfing and clubbing arenas hosted by model and Vegas home-girl Monica White. The International MAXIM Magazine model/'Hometown-Hottie' finalist, has just signed a one-year contract to manage the Vegas-Passport brand. Ms. White will be on hand to assist with golf reservations and Vegas-Passport details.

By combining the efforts of these two companies, the 3.6 million monthly visitors passing through McCarran Airport will have the opportunity to make golf tee times and nightclub table reservations or purchase a Vegas-Passport giving them VIP access to a number of Vegas' hottest nightlife destinations.

'It's all about providing access and accommodating the patron,' says Cree Crawford, Managing Partner of Vegas-Passport. 'Today's visitor may not be a high roller, but wants to experience the same access and quality customer care afforded to the big player. We like to think we make everyone feel like a VIP, and in our eyes ... they are!'

Online Casino pays $US65,000 for Grandpa's ghost

An online casino offered $US65,000 for a metal walking cane that an Indiana woman put up for sale in hopes her son would believe his grandfather's ghost would leave their house with it.

GoldenPalace.com will add the 'ghost cane' to a collection that already includes a grilled cheese sandwich said to bear the image of the Virgin Mary.

The Antigua-based casino paid $US28,000 last month for the sandwich, which it bought - like the cane - on eBay.

The cane - which Mary Anderson auctioned to ease her six-year-old son Collin's fears that his grandfather's ghost was haunting their home - will probably go on tour like the famous sandwich.

The cane - and the story behind it - attracted 132 bids, dozens of imitators and landed the Andersons on NBC's Today show on Monday.

'It becomes a pop culture phenomenon,' said Hani Durzy, an eBay spokesman. 'It may be just a few days or whatever but it's all everybody is talking about.'

San Jose, California-based eBay Inc does not allow sellers to offer intangible items such as spirits or souls where delivery cannot be confirmed. Anderson's auction made it clear that she was selling her late father's metal walking cane as a ploy to ease her son's fears.

Anderson made one request of the winning bidder: 'I would like to ask you to write a letter after you've received the cane [and the ghost] to my son letting him know that he's there with you and you're getting along great.'

$50m new software for Online Casino.

Las Vegas-based online casino company SuperCasino has signed an agreement with TVG Technologies, a secure smart card crypto interfacing systems developer, to supply them with its SmartNet system.

The cost of the products to be supplied to SuperCasino, along with the other customers in the deal (who were not named), has an estimated value of $50 million.

SmartNet will be complete with software applications for online casino with multiple users. SmartNet's major features include a very high security protocol, developed by TVG, to transfer money with a smart card over the Internet using a mobile device.

SuperCasino and TVG have agreed to build a new plant in Switzerland at the cost of $3 million, the plant will be jointly owned and it will produce TVG's SmartNet products. The customers and TVG plan to finance the project through special Swiss government tax-free programs and bank loans.

TVG is also planning to build a new facility for R&D and software house in the Har Hotzvim, the high- tech park in Jerusalem, in Israel at a cost of $6 million. And TVG plans to hire in the region of 100 new workers for the development of new software and applications to support this deal.

Online Casino pays $50m for new software

TVG Technologies, a secure smart card crypto interfacing systems developer, has signed an agreement with Las Vegas-based online casino company SuperCasino to supply its SmartNet system.

The value of the products to be supplied to SuperCasino, along with other customers in the deal who were not named, is estimated at $50 million.

SmartNet will be supplied with software applications for online casino with multi users. SmartNet's main features include very high security protocols developed by TVG to transfer money with a smart card over the Internet using a mobile device.

TVG and SuperCasino agreed to jointly build a new plant in Switzerland at the cost of $3 million to produce TVG's SmartNet product. The customers and TVG plan to finance the project through special Swiss government tax-free programs and bank loans.

In addition, TVG is planning to build a new facility for R&D and software house in the Har Hotzvim high- tech park in Jerusalem, Israel at a cost of $6 million. TVG plans to hire approximately 100 new workers for the development of new software and applications to support this deal and others.

MECN tells gambling companies to be more open.

A study completed by the consulting firm MECN takes a close look at what gambling/gaming companies could do to improve investor relations.

The report showed that many financial investors still are reluctant to invest in the gambling and gaming industry. As many as 85 per cent of investors keep out of the gambling industry because of ethical reasons and 75 per cent pointed to limited knowledge of the industry for the reason they steer clear of the gambling industry.

However many of these problems are of the industry’s own making as many gambling companies do not even see moral/ethical issues as highly relevant for investors.

Many gambling companies only offer limited company and industry information to investors. This information could dispel investor’s skepticism. As Martin Oelbermann, author of the study, explains, “Only few company websites and annual reports offer information about the industry itself. In our view, such information is a must if investors new to the gambling industry are to be attracted.”

But there are also exceptions; for example, the analysis in the report shows investor relations of William Hill, IGT, and Fluxx are ranked top among leading companies in the gambling/gaming industry.

The results are based on a survey MECN conducted in the past few months. Over 100 investors and gambling companies provided insights into the current status of gambling investments, opportunities and challenges, and future investments.

Software provider gets Interactive Football Game deal

Atlantis Internet Group, one of the only software providers with Online Casino games in Nevada, has been selected to promote the Quarterback Draw Football (QDF) game in the casino and sports bar markets throughout the United States and Europe. The game has all the qualities of sportsbook, but plays with the ease of bingo.

Mr. Frank Price the developer of Quarterback Draw Football, recently signed a Management Agreement with Atlantis Internet Group (ATIG) to promote and manage the game. This game allows the player to act as a quarterback by calling the offensive plays for his team, by selecting cards like you would in a hand of Poker. QDF has a board version, can be played on the Internet and has the potential to wager on game results like a football pool or bingo.

Rick 'Doc' Walker a former NFL player for the Washington Redskins and a syndicated sports talk show host said, 'QDF is the most exciting, entertaining yet educational game about football available today.'

Internet users can play-for-fun games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and more at AtlantisInternetGroup.com. The games utilize industry-leading technology. In addition, the website features links to Atlantis Internet Group clients, corporate information, and descriptions of products the company offers.

$50,000 Fantasy Football Contest Won at Sportsbook.com

He'd barely completed his registration form at Sportsbook.com (www.sportsbook.com) when Esequiel Aguirre won the $50,000 grand prize in the Sportsbook.com Fantasy Football Contest. The Contest was launched two years ago -- but Aguirre is its first winner, and remarkably, he won just two days after registering.

For its popular Fantasy Football Contest, Sportsbook.com selects 50 football players and grades their performances based on their positions. For example, kickers are rated based on their field goals, extra points, etc. Offensive players are rated based on their passing touchdowns, rushing yards, interceptions, etc. Out of 50 possible players, Aguirre picked the 5 best performing of the week. That earned him 211 points -- the highest score anyone could have gotten this week. For his fantasy team, Aguirre picked Edgerrin James, Michael Vick, Brett Favre, Daunte Culpepper and Trent Green.

'Whoo Whee, I didn't expect to win!' exclaimed the surprised winner. 'In fact, I never thought someone would win the top prize. Picking the top 5 out of 50 is kinda hard. But here I am, and miraculously, I won it.'

Prior to Aguirre's picks, the closest anyone had gotten to winning the $50,000 bounty was within 6 points, during the 2004 season.

To access Sportsbook.com's current Fantasy Football Contest, click on 'Free Contests' in the top menu on the Sportsbook.com home page (www.sportsbook.com).

New technology for EGET

European Game & Entertainment Technology Ltd (EGET), a Finnish supplier of digital gaming solutions, has recently launched the WinOne™ Instant Game Platform.

The new platform will enable any lottery operator to add mobile and internet to their existing offering quickly and cost-effectively.

The new offer runs on EGET’s established and robust WinOne™ Gaming Platform, which already powers internet and mobile games of a range of large licensed gaming operators.

The instant games portfolio includes classics such as Keno and Wheel of Fortune, as well as many scratch cards and other original games, and offers the quality of graphics and game-play associated with the best online gaming operations.

“The creation and delivery of the WinOne™ Instant Games Platform enables lottery operators to enjoy the benefits of these new delivery channels with the minimum of disruption to their existing operations,” comments Lauri Gorski, CEO of EGET.

“In contrast to many recent announcements in this sector, EGET has already delivered mobile implementations, which supply our gaming customers with significant new revenue streams.”

Online Gaming developer buys software company

N.V., a licensed Internet based gaming development and management firm has bought Clockmedia for an undisclosed amount.

Clockmedia was one of the first online software development companies to employ FlashR non-download technology for their games and the first to use Linux OS for its gaming platforms, having first introduced a full non-download FlashR casino in March of 2001.

Assets include source code for all fully and partially completed games, all agreements, and gaming intellectual property.

Mr. Jorge Mijares, President and CEO of Clockmedia Inc. said; “working with Full House to bring this deal to its final stages has been a daunting project, stressful at times and now after ten months of hard work we have a deal we can all be happy with. We have agreed on a plan that will allow both companies to perform in their strongest areas.'

Mr. Joe Mulligan Operating Manager of Full House Entertainment N.V was quoted as saying 'I'm very happy to announce the closing of this deal. Clockmedia's software never reached its full potential in the market and I am glad it did not, this is a golden opportunity for Full HouseEntertainment N.V. and its future.'

Poker Champion on online poker show

Poker Updates, the Internet's first and only magazine style streaming poker TV show, has added poker celebrity Daniel Negreanu to its cast.

Negreanu has won more major tournaments than any other player in the circuit since 1997 with 25 first place finishes.

Negreanu, who is estimated to have won over three million dollars at the poker tables this year, will offer his tips to the poker world during Poker Updates broadcasts in a segment called 'Daniel's Corner.'

'What makes Daniel's Corner unique is that Daniel will not be offering the typical how to play better poker information. Instead, he will be offering tips on how to lead a better poker lifestyle,' said the show's producer Eric Rosenberg. Some of Negreanu's segments will include his insight on drinking while playing, maintaning a social life, and borrowing money.

Poker Updates takes punters into the world of poker by diving into the most newsworthy and entertaining aspects of the game. The current episode has been the subject of several news articles due to the controversial feature story that deals with online poker and the law.

The show can be seen at www.PokerUpdates.com.

Internet music site hijacks charity single

Apple's iTunes has sparked a row with its competitors in the UK online music market by deciding to sell the charity single Do They Know It's Christmas? at a reduced price.

Band Aid 20’s new single Do They Know It's Christmas? is set to become No.1 in this week’s charts, and the best-selling record of the year, selling 95,000 copies on its first day, and a further 205,000 in the following two days.

iTunes is selling the star-studded track for 79p, which is 70p short of the £1.49 demanded by Band Aid organisers. The company will be making up the difference out of its own pocket.

The move has been condemned by Apple's competitors who have accused the company of manipulating a charity event to win itself more customers.

The big players in the online music industry, including the re-legalised Napster, HMV and MyCokeMusic, had all agreed to sell the single for £1.49 and pass the proceeds to Band Aid for projects in the strife-torn Darfur region of Sudan and elsewhere in Africa.Dido, Robbie Williams and Chris Martin are among the stars on the new single, which is raising money to fight hunger in Africa.

Bob Geldof and Ultravox singer Midge Ure created Band Aid, a supergroup of 40 artists, in 1984, when the Do They Know It's Christmas hit single raised over 10 million pounds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Coral cash in

Coral have announced solid figures for the last nine months trading, pointing to the launch of Coralpoker.com as a driver for business.

The chain, Britain’s third biggest, has managed to repay £560 million of capital to investors thanks to a strong growth in sales. Coral may also be floated next year, joining William Hill and Ladbrokes, both listed competitors.

'Retail, internet and telebet, our three business channels, are growing strongly,” said Jeremy Greenhalgh, responsible for Coral’s refinancing. “This business is enjoying industry leading organic growth rates and there are still further opportunities to expand the chain and launch new products.”

Coral’s value has risen from £1.35bn in February to £1.6bn, and the chain has expanded from 874 shops to 1,106 outlets in the last two years.

Celebs to compete for huge jackpot in Euro poker championship

Hollywood film star Ben Affleck and British singer Robbie Williams are going head-to-head in a star-studded $1.3m poker competition.

Celebrity poker players from around the world will go to Monte Carlo next March to scoop the big money jackpot in a competition which has been described as the European version of the World Poker Series.

The Daredevil actor and Angels singer are first to sign for the big game, but The Bourne Identity star Matt Damon and Moulin Rouge! beauty Nicole Kidman are also tipped to take part.

The stars will join other famous names from the world of sport, music and film and seasoned poker professionals and amateurs.

Heartthrob Affleck is a strong contender after scooping a $360,000 (€271,560) prize by winning the California State Poker Championship in June.

Casino rescues charity event

Online casino Gaming Club stepped in at the last minute to save a charity event that has nearly raised £400,000. Caudwell Charity is a charitable trust that makes direct donations to special children suffering from sickness, disability or terminal illness. Funding is used to buy specialist medical equipment, treatments and therapies across the UK.

The online betting site, run by Carmen Media, donated a Landrover and driver after the Caudwell Charity cycle challenge looked in jeopardy following withdrawals. The car provided support for the participants, who were raising money for sick, disabled and terminally ill children, on their 2,300 mile round trip from London to Athens.

John Caudwell, CEO of Caudwell Group, heaped praise on the online casino: “Without Carmen Media, this entire trip would have been in jeopardy and so we’re delighted they stepped forward when the appeal went out for support” and added “The Caudwell Cycle Challenge is a fundamental part of our fundraising programme and without it we’d miss out on hundreds of thousands of pounds to help children. Without Carmen Media, this entire trip would have been in jeopardy and so we’re delighted they stepped forward when the appeal went out for support”.

The annual fundraiser aims to provide specialist medical equipment, treatments and therapies across the UK. Tim Johnson, of Carmen Media, was just happy to help: “The amount raised is just fantastic and to be able to say that we were an active part in raising such a sum is a great feeling.”If you know of a child that could benefit from funding provided by The Caudwell Charity please contact in the UK 0845 300 1348.

CelebPoker Classic Winner Announced

47 runners assembled at the Rendezvous Casino in Southend. Celebrity poker players mingled with professional poker players and the poker-loving public to see who would win the inaugural CelebPoker Classic.

There was a strong footballing contingent with Teddy Sheringham and Matthew Etherington of West Ham and Simon Davies of Spurs all putting up their £1000 buy-in to pit their skill and luck against the likes of Channel 4 and At The Races pundit John McCririck, Rogue-Trader Nick Leeson and former Eastender Michael Grecco.

After 4 hours of play, the numbers had been reduced to just 10 players. Out of all the celebrity players only one was left – Matthew Etherington, who had played a very tight game?

Whilst the final 10 battled it out to the finish, a free-roll was being conducted. 12 players had the opportunity to share in the CelebPoker £1000 Texas Hold ‘Em Free Roll.

Competition was stiff, fierce and full of rivalry! Teddy Sheringham didn’t want to lose to Simon Davies who in turn didn’t want to lose to Nick Leeson who didn’t want to succumb to Chris Brooks, who wanted to beat his best friend Scott Robinson formerly of 5ive! As it turned out, Teddy won a very hard fought competition and won first prize of £600. Chris Brooks of Capital Radio came second winning £300 and Elkan Allan £100 in 3rd spot.

Thanksgiving Miracle at Online Casino

A man playing blackjack at an online casino turned his $1000 dollars into an amazing $110,000 on thanksgiving weekend.

The man, who wants to remain nameless, managed to multiply his money by one hundred and ten times in one run at a game of blackjack.

Winward Casino VIP Host Mark Bloom said, “We’ve had big winners like this before on our slot machine jackpots, but I’ve never seen a player start with $1,000 and turn it into $110,000 playing blackjack. It was an amazing run!”

The man is not commenting on how he intends to spend his $110,000 windfall.

Zone4Play and Avago Launches Wireless Online Casino in UK

Zone4Play has announced that, with the help of Avago, it has launch of its play-for-real fixed-odds casino platform on Hutchinson 3G. Hutchinson 3G is the UK’s first video mobile network and the new casino games, Avago branded, are among the first mobile fixed-odds services in the UK. They will also be available in a ‘play for fun’ format. Zone4Play says it has been working with, DITG Gaming, Avago’s parent company, to perfect and expand the casino application.

Idan Miller VP Marketing and Sales at Zone4Play, commented, 'We are excited to see our fixed-odds games leap to life on Hutchison 3G Mobile service, the first UK mobile operator to offer fixed-odds games, through our partnership with DITG. This new deployment strengthens our position in the market as the number one technology provider for iTV and Mobile betting services.'

Damian Cope, Managing Director, DITG Gaming, said: 'We are delighted to be launching this service on 3 in conjunction with Zone4Play, and are convinced that mobile gambling revenues will grow strongly over the next few years. We are confident that both existing and future Avago customers will enjoy the ability to play games via their mobile handsets.'