1st US Online Casino

Residents in the Alberta province of Canada like to gamble, and to a lesser extent enjoy throwing back the odd alcoholic beverage, it appears from recent survey results published by the National Post newspaper this week.

So much so, that revenues from gambling (Cdn$1.3 billion) and alcohol (Cdn$700 million) rival those from energy resources like conventional natural gas and crude oil income.

The newspaper reports that in the current budget year royalties from conventional natural gas are forecast to hit only Cdn$1.9-billion this year – way down from the Cdn6 billion of four years ago.

(Read the full post about ‘Alberta state gambling revenues approach income from oil and gas’…)

Taking many industry observers off-guard late Thursday was a press release from the largely unknown e-gaming firm Blanca Games revealing that it has acquired the interests of the Cereus poker network formerly owned by Tokwiro Enterprises and including well established if at times controversial sites Absolute Poker and UltimateBet.

The release did not provide details of the consideration paid or conditions for the sale, although industry sources have since confirmed that a supporting press release from Tokwiro can be expected soon.

(Read the full post about ‘Little known e-gaming company purchases Cereus internet poker network’…)

A Dutch Justice Ministry commission set up by Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin to look into the pros and cons of internet gambling has recommended that the government abandons its “barely enforced” monopoly on gambling and instead licenses a small number of private online poker companies, reports the publication DutchNews.nl.

The Commission noted that enforcement officials seldom take action against the dozens of online poker sites which offer poker action over the internet in the Netherlands, often from bases in other EU countries.

The report also observes that to be effective in stopping foreign competition, a system would have to be introduced compelling internet service providers to block access to the websites of operators.

Dutch News recalls that in July a court in The Hague ruled that poker is not a game of chance, but one in which skill predominates, and the organiser of a poker tournament therefore cannot be prosecuted for breaking gambling laws.

August 22 – Friday the 13th turned out to be very lucky for one online casino player at Ladbrokes this month.

A player from London got lucky on the day of supposed mishaps and superstitions and won an 75,000 at Ladbrokescasino.com. He was playing the Mega Moolah Isis progressive slot. The windfall came during one of Ladbrokes’ frequent online casino promotions. Players at the casino were given the chance to win either 50, 25 or 10 free chips just for playing Mega Moolah Isis.

In July another player at Ladbrokes Casino won a jackpot on this slot. He was also from London and won 88,341.

(Read the full post about ‘Friday The 13th Turns Lucky For One Ladbrokes Casino Player – 08-22-10′…)

Big Brother had a major change of events over the past few days. Brendon, who is head of household, was sent away on a mini vacation where he was able to lounge in the sun and eat like a king. Unfortunately he was unable to share it with anyone. What he did not know is that at the very same time he was enjoying his vacation, Rachel was enjoying a little vacation of her own. Rachel returned back to the Big Brother house for the revenge portion of the game, which lasted for 24 hours. She was able to confront the ones that voted her out and stir up a little craziness in the house.

Rachel left a message for her beloved to put Matt up for eviction, which he did.

(Read the full post about ‘Big Brother 12 Contestants Get Down Right Dirty’…)

August 18 – Players have become used to regular news slots releases at Wagerworks casinos so its a welcome changes to see a new table game.

The Player’s Suite roulette game has a much improved user interface with a bigger table area and quicker play.

Advancements include new roll over animations that visually describe the button function, a bigger play field and a wider screen area allowing for a much larger wheel. Innovative power bet features include spray paint betting where players click and drag to place strings of bets or popular predefined patterns for splits or dragon bets.

Players can also create, store and recall their favourite bet pattern, bet directly from a comprehensive new history wheel and use the optional Neighbours Bet racecourse with an adjustable bet width.

For analytical players an expert history wheel and outside bet bar graph show the relative frequency of each number.

(Read the full post about ‘Wagerworks Releases New Roulette Game – 08-18-10′…)

August 17 – Dallas Cowboys betting specials and futures courtesy of Bookmaker.com.

Never has the expectation been higher and the pressure more suffocating on the Cowboys than this year in the NFL. Owner Jerry Jones pulled out the check book in the off season, leaving no doubts on the roster. Anything short of playing in the Super Bowl would be a failure.

• Odds to win division: -200
• Odds to win conference: +470
• Odds to win Super Bowl: +825
• Regular season win total: 10

Key Addition: OT Alex Barron

Key Losses: LB Bobby Carpenter, S Ken Hamlin, OT Flozell Adams

Current promotions at Bookmaker.com:

• 20% Signup Bonus – Minimum deposit USD$300.00, 5x Rollover, Maximum bonus USD$500.00
• 10% Reload Bonus – Minimum deposit USD$300.00, 3x Rollover, Maximum bonus USD$500.00
• 10% Friend Referral – Refer a friend and you’ll receive a 10% free play bonus on your friend’s initial deposit.

(Read the full post about ‘Dallas Cowboys NFL Betting Specials And Futures – 08-17-10′…)

The much anticipated debut of Donovan McNabb in a Washington Redskins’ jersey finally occurred on Friday night. Although for some, it might have been a little odd to see him wearing the No. 5 jersey in something other than a Philadelphia Eagles uniform. It has been just four months since his arrival to Washington and he has already made his presence known. McNabb looked stellar in his debut as he went 5 for 8 for 58 yards in just two series as the Redskins got passed the Buffalo Bills 42-17.

“When you play your first game, obviously, with a new ballclub, it takes you back to the first game you played,” McNabb said. “Your adrenaline is high, and you have to settle down a little bit.

(Read the full post about ‘Donovan McNabb Makes Redskins Debut In 42-17 Win Over Buffalo’…)

The Kansas City Star newspaper reports that Michael J. Lombardo (57), one of four men indicted by a grand jury for involvement in online gambling has entered a guilty plea.

Lombardo is the third of the four indicted to plead guilty. Six others charged separately have also pleaded guilty for their roles in an internet sports betting operation that generated $3.5 million in wagers over a three-year period.

Federal prosecutors said that Lombardo was responsible for around $490,000 in wagers. He will be required to forfeit $4,000 to the government as part of Wednesday’s plea in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City. Sentencing will be scheduled later.

The Reno Gazette-Journal commented over the weekend on federal attempts to legalise online gambling in the United States, noting that three Nevada representatives in the House of Assembly support Congressman Barney Frank’s HR2267, but that the support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be critical.

That support may not be immediately forthcoming; the crafty leader of the Democrat majority has thus far not committed himself either for or against the proposal.

Describing his involvement as pivotal, Democrat and Nevada Representative Shelley Berkley told the newspaper: “He will be the decider when it comes to Internet gaming.”

Frank’s HR2267 passed out of the House Financial Services Committee last week on a 41 – 22 vote of approval and has 70 co-sponsors in the House – the strongest showing yet in attempts to legalise the pastime in America.

(Read the full post about ‘Nevada politicians support HR 2267 but Senate leader Reid remains uncommitted’…)