For some time we’ve been following the ongoing conflict between the US and the island nation of Antigua surrounding internet gambling. Even before the passage of the most recent anti-gambling law, Antigua had gone to the WTO to complain that the US government’s actions against online gambling were de facto protectionist measures, and thus violated international trade law.

The WTO ended up siding with Antigua, although, quite predictably, the US did nothing to resolve the issue — in fact, things have only gotten worse. Now the WTO is speaking out again, slamming the US government for its failure to abide by the decision against it. Once again, it seems likely that the US will ignore the decision, although that would give Antigua the right to retaliate. One possibility that’s been thrown out there is that Antigua may turn itself into a haven for free music and software and set up some site like allofmp3.com. Of course, the US put pressure on Russia to crack down on that site, as part of the country’s admittance into the WTO, but since Antigua is already part of the organization, the US would have no such leverage. (technodirt)

Security experts are warning of a phishing attack targeting gamblers on the PartyPoker website.

Emails were spammed out last night purporting to come form the gaming site, which is the largest online poker site in the world. The spam warns of news about ‘legislation’ affecting online poker players, and asks users to log-in using a compromised link.

‘Dear poker player, Information for US and all over the World based customers on the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. On September 30, 2006, the United States Congress passed The Safe Port Act,’ reads the email.

‘That measure also contained certain provisions known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. On October 2, 2006, Party Gaming made an announcement regarding the impact the act would have on business when, as expected, it is signed into law.’

The email includes a link which leads to a well designed fake PartyPoker log-in page which is then used to harvest account details. This would allow the phishers either to gamble using account holders’ money or possibly transfer funds to other accounts. thanks to pcmag.co.uk

The Formula-1 Grand Prix of 2007 is a month away. It will start the next 18th March in Australia , but the Antepost betting are starting to take off on this event so awaited, the first without Michael Schumacher. The first important bet came from England : 2000 pounds bet on the winning Fernando Alonso, who this year will race for McLaren. But bookmakers bet on the favourite Finnish Kimi Raikkonen, the new face of the Ferrari, quoted 11/8. Alonso follows immediately after by 2/1. agicos

Flights between Atlantic City and Las Vegas are to begin on May 3. A new nonstop flight will connect the nation’s two main gambling hotspots, Spirit Airlines announced Thursday.The added flight is significant for Atlantic City International Airport, which is served by only two commercial carriers: Spirit and Delta Air Lines.

Joe Kelly, president of the Atlantic City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the service to Las Vegas will be useful for casino executives. Several companies own properties in both cities and need their workers to travel between them frequently. The additional service also makes it easier for travelers all over the West to reach Atlantic City as the resort tries to expand its convention business. Associated Press

MGM Mirage, the second-largest casino operator in the world, saw gaming revenues rise by 13% in the fourth quarter of 2006. In the three months to the end of December, casino revenues stood at US$833m compared to US$737m in the same period 2005. Casino revenues for the year rose to US$3.1bn from US$2.7bn in 2005. MMM, we wonder why…

Leisure and Gaming’s Betshop Italia brand has started selling scratch cards in its land-based retail outlets. Gabriel Chaleplis, managing director of Betshop, said: “The initial take up of scratch cards has been extremely promising and indicates that our Italian customers are keen to try new and different products beyond our core sports betting offering.”

888 says it has no further update on talks with Ladbrokes, which seem to be dragging on a bit. Ladbrokes indicated at the beginning of November that it was ‘in the early stages of reviewing a possible transaction involving 888’ although no decision had been made. A month later Ladbroke said it was ‘continuing discussions with 888 over a possible takeover.’

TORONTO — Gaming software producer CryptoLogic Inc. said Thursday its fourth-quarter profit dropped 70.6 per cent to $1.7-million (U.S.) in its first report reflecting financial performance since the U.S. government declared a ban on online gambling. The quarter was hit by $1-million in reorganization costs for the shift of its headquarters to Ireland.
However, CryptoLogic posted a record annual profit of $24.8-million and revenues of $104-million.

CryptoLogic said the short-term impact on revenue and earnings was “heightened” by the new law, adding that the fourth quarter is consider its strongest of the year. But the company added that since its major focus was on Europe, even before laws changed, the impact was “less serious” than for some competitors.

“While 2006 was a challenging year for the industry, it was another record year for CryptoLogic — and we enter 2007 with both focus and momentum,” said Lewis Rose, CryptoLogic’s president and CEO. “We’ve launched five new customer sites since December, and have three more in the queue — including two for Holland Casino, CryptoLogic’s first government-owned customer.” (canadian press)

888 bounces back
The chief executive of casino and poker operator 888 has praised his company’s marketing efforts after its fourth quarter trading statement showed it had bounced back following its enforced departure from the US in October. Despite its exit from the US, 888 saw revenue for the 12 months to the end of December rise by 7% to US$290m. Non-US net gaming revenue, meanwhile, rose 28% to US$157m and there was a 35% increase in real-money registered member accounts to 3.6 million.

Gigi Levy, chief executive, said: “Following our exit from the US market in Q4 2006, the company has worked hard to continue expanding its non-US business and we are especially pleased with the results released today and our performance in recent months.”

One lucky player from River Belle online casino has just become almost half a million Euros richer. In the first week of February, progressive slots player Alvaro C., from Portugal, struck it lucky on the Major Millions progressive jackpot to take home a welcome Euro 447 184.07.

UK technology firm Betgenius has launched a microsite for Gala Coral focused on the English Premier League. The site will be accessible from links within Coral.co.uk and will look to promote client retention through in-running markets, live odds and news and stats content.

Play online pokerPoker enthusiasts will be looking forward to the third season of Full Tilt’s online poker Series (FTOPS) following the announcement this week that the series will commence on February 9.

With $3.4 million in total guaranteed prize pools, spread over 10 events, and $1.5 million assured for the no-limit hold’em main event on February 18, that’s a lot of action, excitement and reward to anticipate.

Last year’s event took place in November 2006 with a million less in guaranteed prize money but still attracted the big guns, and it therefore appears that the 2007 series will have plenty of pulling power despite the pall of the UIGEA in the United States and DoJ activities against prominent e-cash processors.

Last year’s FTOPS leader-board winner was Gary “GB2005″ Bodganski, who will probably be competing again this year, as will the 2006 FTOPS main event winner, “Spiked”, who won $224 000 last November.

The schedule of events announced by Full Tilt looks like this:

Friday, February 9 at 9 p.m. – No-limit hold’em $200+$16 – $200 000 guarantee
Saturday, February 10 at 6 p.m. – H.O.R.S.E. $200+$16 – $100 000 guarantee
Sunday, February 11 at 6 p.m. – No-limit hold’em $300+$22 – $750 000 guarantee
Monday, February 12 at 9 p.m. – Pot-limit Omaha with Rebuys $100+$9 – $50,000 guarantee
Tuesday, February 13 at 9 p.m. – No-limit hold’em sixhanded $200+$16 – $350,000 guarantee
Wednesday, February 14 at 9:00 p.m. – Pot-limit Omaha eight-or-better $200+$16 – $75,000 guarantee
Thursday, February 15 at 9:00 p.m. – No-limit hold’em with rebuys $200+$16 – $100,000 guarantee
Friday, February 16 at 9:00 p.m. – Pot-limit hold’em $200+$16 – $125,000 guarantee
Saturday, February 17 at 4:00 p.m. – Pot-limit hold’em/Omaha (H.A.) $300+$22 – $150,000 guarantee
Sunday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m. – No-limit hold’em main event $500+$35 – $1,500,000

infopowa

Less than three months after the opening of the first slots casinos in Pennsylvania, the state says it has raked in $1 billion in wagers — generating more than a quarter billion dollars for the state. Is this enough to give you and idea of why the UIGEA was “invented”?

Slots have generated $54.3 million in tax revenue since the casinos went online at three horseracing tracks in November. Overall gaming revenue to date, including license fees, investigative deposits and other fees, is $267.6 million.A 5,000-slot machine casino is slated to open next year on Pittsburgh’s North Side. (bizjournals.com)

No need to say no more.

online gambling is going through a tough time but “offline” the business is booming. Are you looking for employment? Take a look at this.

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino has begun recruiting employees to fill some 400 new jobs at its temporary slots parlor, which is slated to open in May.

Starting Feb. 26, applicants can show up in person at the facility’s employment center in the Adios Room, next to the racetrack grandstand.

In the meantime, officials said yesterday, applications for cashiers, clerks, security workers, food and beverage staff and other positions are being taken via the Internet at www.meadowsgaming.com.

Mike Graninger, general manager of The Meadows, encouraged people to apply online “to avoid possible long wait times at the employment center.” The Meadows will also recruit possible employees at the NAACP Diversity Job Fair, to be held Feb. 22 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. post-gazette.com