Late Line Move In Vegas For NFL Super Bowl – 02-01-09
January 31, 2009
February 1 – Some Vegas sportsbooks have dropped the Steelers to -6.5, a move of a half a point after the line had been constant throughout the week.
A quick scan of online sportsbooks reveals the following odds:
According to aFox Sports Website poll of over 600,000 votes, 57% are predicting a Cardinals upset which is somewhat surprising.
Vegas as well as the online sportsbooks will be hoping for a lot more betting action during this weekend. Although the $93.1 million wagered on Super Bowl in Vegas last year was down on the previous year, Vegas sportsbooks don’t seem confident that they will get near that number. This doesn’t mean that the sportsbooks won’t be laying it on in Vegas. The Hilton will dedicate 30,000 ft to the event. Super Bowl is still the single biggest sports betting event on the annual sporting calendar and that is not about to change.
Most online sportsbooks we have spoken to also expect less betting turnover on Super Bowl this year, which can be put down to the economic climate and also the fact that the Cardinals aren’t one of the NFL’s big brand teams.
Vegas will be hoping for Super Bowl to deliver a much needed injection after the latest figures show a continued downward trend in spend.
Check our our NFL Sportsbooks for your last-minute betting.
Slot Sites Affected By Rival Ban on Canada – 01-30-09
January 31, 2009
January 30 – Following on the back of software company, Microgaming banning US players from their online casino and poker sites, Rival Gaming has become the next provider to restrict players – this time from Canada.
Canadian online casino players learnt this week that as from February 1st, they will not be able to open new accounts at their favorite Rival powered casinos.
As Rival Gaming produces some of the best slots games in the online gaming industry, the decision will deal a hard blow to Canadian players who have become used to enjoying products such as the award winning iSlots series. The games in this series provide hours of entertainment with their elaborate story lines, interactive gaming options and originality.
Casinos backed by Rival Gaming include SlotoCash, Superior Online Casino, and Da Vinci’s Gold.
Rival Gaming has told its patrons that as from Saturday February 1, all of its partner sites will not be accepting new players from Canada. Any of these players with existing accounts will not be allowed to make a deposit, nor will they be allowed to apply for promotions or bonuses at the sites.
Those with money in their accounts will be allowed to use the cash to play at the sites and make withdrawals, said Rival Gaming. However, players only have 28 days to do so – after this date, accounts will not be accessible, nor will funds be available to withdraw.
Ironically, Rival Gaming said that it will continue to accept players from the United States, making players wonder which side of the continent gets the better deal!
Microgaming’s MySlot scores highly on independent study
January 30, 2009
Online gambling software provider Microgaming's unique player-customisable video slot Myslot, launched early December 2008, is proving a big favourite with the players according to an independent study.
The publication e-Gaming Review tasked the independent customer experience consultancy Foviance with reviewing Myslot as presented on Microgaming licensee 32Red recently, part of a regular review of new products on the market.
Foviance returned a score sheet that showed the following high customer scores for the slot:
Usability: 21/25
Playability: 20/25
Design 20/25
Respondents found the introductory video and instructions easy to follow and the cropping of privately uploaded photos and illustrations efficient. Game play was found to include helpful overlays on the images to highlight the different types of slots.
“Overall, Myslot is an innovative, user-friendly slot and a clear sign of things to come, as sites across all industries are providing greater customisation and personalisation to engage their users. This product shows what a great future lies ahead,” the study concluded.
Antigua’s legal advisor interviewed about WTO dispute
January 29, 2009
The respected online gambling information portal MajorWager published a must-read interview with Antigua’s legal adviser this week, updating and covering the many interesting aspects of the Antigua vs. the United States disputes in the halls of the World Trade Organisation.
Hartley Henderson of Major Wager conducted the interview with Mark Mendel, who has proved more than a match as a litigator against the best that the US government has been able to pit against him, repeatedly winning the different legal jousts centred on US bans on Internet gambling.
Mendel notes that the islanders are still negotiating with the US Trade Representative and will continue to do so until it feels it has exhausted all options.
And he suggests that a compromise which opens some online gambling markets in the US, while not granting full access, may be a possible solution.
“The case remains suspended while Antigua and the United States pursue settlement talks,” Mendel told Henderson. “Antigua still retains its ability to contest the withdrawal of the American commitment to the provisions of cross-border gambling and betting services, and it still has the right to suspend United States intellectual property rights. However, the Antiguan government has decided to exhaust its settlement options prior to taking any further WTO action.
“What would satisfy Antigua is a veritable moveable feast … or perhaps an algebraic equation … it all depends on what is on offer, but at the end of the day it has to be reasonable under all of the circumstances. Contrary to public rumour, Antigua has never insisted on full market access. A compromise usually involves compromise by everyone, and I think Antigua understands that.”
Mendel also touches on the expansion in online gambling in the USA by sectors such as horseracing, taking advantage of the notorious “carve-outs” given to it by US legislators. Mendel believes that, given the expansion and with almost certainly more to come, new claims before the World Trade Organisation could result in larger settlements.
“It has only gotten clearer that the United States does not prohibit remote gambling, per se, and that it has erected trade barriers against other countries to protect its domestic markets. The UIGEA would never pass a review at the WTO,” he said.
The expansion of online gambling will extend to American domestic casino operators at some future stage, Mendel believes and he hopes that this further inequity will strengthen the Antiguan case and give the islanders at least limited access to the expanded market.
Asked about the impact of UIGEA regulations on the disruption of financial transactions with online gambling companies, Mendel observes: “The heavy hand of the United States government is basically being applied to United States banks to get them to violate International law with respect to Antiguan banks. I think Antigua has an excellent WTO case against the United States for how it has coerced its domestic banks to avoid doing business with Antigua – particularly as it all relates to remote gaming. I think that maybe diplomatic initiatives will have to be undertaken by the Antiguan government to the new administration to see if some of this terrible economic warfare can be ended.”
In tune with most observers troubled by the protectionist and inequitable US moves when it comes to online gambling, Mendel hopes that the new Obama Administration will restore balance and fairness to US policies.
New Casino Launched
January 28, 2009
New online casinos are launched weekly, but rarely does one come along with so much hype and acclaim. SilverOakCasino.com has launched their brand new online casino featuring a brand new design and more games to choose from. The new platform is based on customer feedback and focuses on playability.
The new casino has been given the tag line “Play. Win. Celebrate.” The casino plans to serve all their clients with this mantra in mind.
Some of the new features of the casino include, a jackpot feed so players can see which games have the largest jackpots, an informative casino blog with live updates, and top of the line promotions.
These updates, along with using Wordpress technology, have cemented Silver Oak’s status in the online casino industry.
“We noticed a while back that there was a big enough opportunity to treat customers differently than our competition,” noted Michael Daniels, customer service manager with Silver Oak. “Almost all online casinos offer the same stale presentation, the same selection of games, and promotions with vast amounts of fine print. We are committed to customer service, great games and straight forward offers.”
Just like Vegas casinos, no two casinos are the same. This is where Silver Oak got their inspiration. Silver Oak wanted to distance themselves from other online casinos and make themselves part of the elite company online, and with their new updates, they have done just that.
Golden Casino Leading The Way Into February Online Promotions
January 27, 2009
When the new year began, online casinos took their best shot at bringing new customers into their sites. Many have since backed off of the special promotions, and resorted back to their normal sign up bonuses.
That is not the case at Golden Casino. They are leading the way into the month of February with a Valentine’s Day slots tournament for the ages. The tournament will start the Friday before Valentine’s Day and run for seven consecutive days.
“This tournament is one that I am looking forward to. The idea that I can win $35,000 by entering a tournament that only cost $.99 in mind blowing. It certainly will be something to do instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself,” said online player and single mom, Karen J.
The money she was referring to was the $.99 entry fee. Outside of the free tournaments that sites sometimes run, the $.99 fee is one of the smallest buy-ins of all time.
Golden Casino has taken into account the fact that the tournament will be running for a full week. Because they are taking up so much of players’ time, they are paying out 125 spots. The top prize, however, will be what most players are shooting for.
The Valentine’s day tournament is available to all online US players. Golden Casino is one of the sites that continues to take new US customers.
Online Casino Racks Up Awards
January 26, 2009
Lucky 18 Casino has another award to add to their extensive list of accolades already received. Bluff Magazine, an online casino industry publication, recently awarded Lucky 18 online casino “Breakout Casino of the Year” for 2008. To celebrate winning this year’s award, Lucky 18 is offering special bonuses for their customers. Customers playing Real Series Video Slots will enjoy a 300% match bonus up to $100 deposited.
“This site does everything very well, and is easy and quick to navigate. It’s also keen to stress that it is open to US players, in line with its mission to provide players with exclusive entertainment and the best odds in the business,” said Bluff magazine on reasons why Lucky 18 had won the annual award.
Of course, Lucky 18 will be offering lots of other bonuses. Some promotional bonuses include, 250%, 200%, 150% and 100%. In addition, the million-dollar progressive slot machine, Jackpot Pinatas, is offering two special bonuses for those who want to try their luck. A 120% and a 140% match bonus, and they only require a deposit of $30!
Bluff noted Lucky 18’s unique approach to online gambling and the sites new and innovative design and layout as major reasons for winning the award. Other reasons for the award include the great bonus offers and their unique Blackjack Bowl tournaments.
Lucky 18 carries the complete fleet of Real Time Gaming casino games. Additionally, Lucky 18 gladly welcomes US players, and offers some of the Internet’s largest welcome bonuses.
Bookmaker.com Introduces New Loyalty Program – 01-26-09
January 26, 2009
January 26 – BookMaker.com announced the launch of BookMaker BetPoints, a new loyalty program designed to reward both recreational bettors and high rollers alike. At each of three different status levels, BookMaker.com players will receive a unique package of loyalty benefits, and will now have the ability to earn points on sports, casino and poker action and redeem those points for no-rollover cash bonuses among many other rewards.
"Our new BetPoints loyalty program is another example of our commitment to delivering the highest-quality gaming experience and the best value for bettors on the Internet," said Mickey Richardson, CEO of BookMaker.com. "What we set out to accomplish was to give all of our players, no matter how big or how small, the best rewards and benefits in the gaming industry today."
The new BookMaker.com BetPoints program has three different status levels, and players accumulate BetPoints based on their status level, the type of gaming they do and the type of wager they make. Each status level has a unique structure for earning points, freeplay bonuses for reloads, and free payout offers, and also for redeeming points for rewards such as frequent flyer miles, gift cards, sweepstakes and merchandise. Players can also redeem their BetPoints for no-rollover cash bonuses. Horse bettors receive up to 8% cash back on their wagers instantly.
"It doesn’t matter if you bet on sports or horses, or if you play casino games or poker – you will now be able to earn cash-back on your action when you play at BookMaker.com," said Richardson. "I think players will enjoy the new BetPoints loyalty program – we really tried to make it into something that everyone will want to use, and we made it so that you earn BetPoints on almost everything we offer."
BookMaker.com
In business for over 22 years, BookMaker.com has built a reputation among sports betting enthusiast as one of the most established and respected gaming companies in the world. Featured in national media outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Times, CNBC, and more, BookMaker.com is renowned as "where the line originates".
Bookmaker.com is one of our recommended NFL sportsbooks. The site is certified by Online Gambling Insider, which means that we protect the deposits of our players through our unique $1000 online gambling deposit guarantee.
Saskatchewan province considering smart cards to restrain gambling
January 25, 2009
Gamblers in the Saskatchewan province in Canada may have to swipe a personalised card before they can play a video lottery terminal at land locations in the future, reports CBC News.
The province’s minister in charge of liquor and gaming is considering the use of smart-card technology to limit VLT play as a measure to combat problem gambling, the broadcaster notes.
Minister Dan D’Autremont told CBC News that the provincial government was interested in the technology following the pioneering results in the Nova Scotia province, which has been trialling the idea and is currently assessing the results.
The smart cards can be encoded to allow a VLT to function only within defined parameters, D’Autremont explained. Gamblers can set a betting or loss limit or allow play only at certain times.
“You would say, ‘I can only play on Friday nights between nine and midnight,’ ” D’Autremont told CBC News. “Or, ‘I’m only allowed to play 20 hours a week.’ Whatever your personal preferences were.”
The minister is awaiting the assessment of the Nova Scotia government before taking the project any further. Deidre Paluck, a representative from the Saskatchewan Responsible Gaming Association, says VLT operators have an open mind about the smart-card approach.
“If it proves to be of benefit, then it would be something obviously that the association would support,” Paluck told CBC News. However, she added the members would want to see more research before any such devices are introduced.
Ladbrokes Casino Promotions
January 24, 2009
Ladbrokes are offering players great promotions, huge Jackpots and safe enjoyable playing environments for their players! The brand is best known for its high street betting shops, but Ladbrokes have recently been concentrating in attracting new players to their growing casino site.
The range of games available is second to none with favorites such as roulette, video poker, blackjack and slot machines all in abundance! Here’s a look at some of the promotions taking place at Ladbrokes Casino:
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Free Spin giveaways on ‘The Osbourne’s Slot’ ! Simply play the the new Ladbrokes Scratch cards which take place on the January weekends of the 2nd – 4th, 9th – 11th, 16th – 18th, 23rd – 25th! Deposit £10 and turnover £40 and you will win 25 free spins on a slot which has a massive progressive Jackpot!
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Mega January Sale – We all love Sales and so do Ladbrokes! Make sure you test out some of the mega scratch cards which can now be brought at Half price. This have huge Jackpot wins that need to be won so purchase yours today!
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£100 welcome bonus for new players! Simply deposit any amount between £10 and £100 to see your account balance double! That’s up to £100 free!
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$50 free for new players at the Ladbrokes live Casino! Watch your bets being placed on the roulette wheel or your cards being dealt by the dealer!
Make sure you sign up today and start raking in the cash with Ladbrokes Casino! Good Luck!
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