5 5 May 2006

News:

The American Gaming Association (AGA), the national trade association for the commercial casino industry, making a significant shift in position, has called for a Congressional study commission to evaluate the impact of internet gambling in the US.

UK gambling charity Gamcare dismissed reports presenting it as critical of the 'lawless' online gambling industry. "I never would condemn the whole of the internet", said Teresa Tunstall, head of development at Gamcare. "There are lots of companies that carry our logo and are involved with social responsibility".

Betfair has signed a 'memorandum of understanding' to work with FIFA Early Warning System GmbH on monitoring suspicious betting patterns at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.

Features:

The American Gaming Association's call for a Congressional study commission into the impact of online gambling in the United States is a step of profound significance for the gambling industry, both online and offline.

In April, Bodog struck a deal for six Allegiant Air planes to take flight from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport. Shortly after the deal was announced, Allegiant backed out. Calvin Ayre, founder and CEO of Bodog argues that a US Government threat to file aiding and abetting charges against advertisers would not stand up in court.

The use of intermediaries between gambling operators and banks has shaped the evolution of payment solutions for online gambling. John Briggs of Centurion Consulting Services examines how the payments sector has developed over recent years.

The Swiss Institutute of Comparative Law has recently released its draft report on the regulation of remote gambling in the internal market.Thibault Verbiest, founding partner of ULYS law firm, examines the draft report and highlights the areas requiring further investigation before the final version is released.

Internet gaming operators are likely to persevere in offering online gambling services in the US market, argues Martin Owens, Attorney at Law, despite new technology and regulation presenting opportunities for blocking access.

Leading online operators are embracing a culture of compliance. Hilary Stewart-Jones, a partner with Berwin Leighton Paisner explains why integrating a compliance strategy into business planning has become such a significant feature for the online gambling world.

Improvements to the Isle of Man's legislation will enable operators to carry out all forms of online gambling with a single licence. Miles Benham, Isle of Man Advocate, highlights how the Gambling (Amendment) Bill is designed to benefit operators.

Five key dynamics will define the trajectory of the online gambling industry in the near future argues Oscar Nieboer, an independent consultant and former Managing Director of Virgin Games.