Online Casino News - CasinosTopNews

Online Casino News - CasinosTopNewsA collection of the latest breaking news stories in the casino industry including new online casino legislation, software news and live and online casino news stories.http://www.casinostopnews.com/ctn-atom-rss.xml2010-02-26T05:40:45-05:00Z02/14/2010 - Estonia Blocks Foreign Online Casino Operators2010-02-14T00:00:00-05:00Z2010-02-14T00:00:00-05:00Zhttp://www.casinostopnews.com/news-21-estonia-blocks-foreign-online-casino-operators.html

Estonia has announced that they will legalize online casino gaming, and with the legalization of online casinos it looks like foreign casino operators will be out. The country will block all online casinos that are located outside of Estonia so that Estonian gamblers only have the option to play at local casino sites. The act that was passed blocking foreign casino operators requires that all online casinos must be run from servers located within the country. Additionally, Estonian online casinos must pay a licensing fee as well as a 5% tax on their gross revenue. The act is designed to increase government revenues during the early stages of the legalization of online casinos. However, the Estonia Free Press stated that these conditions would last only for the first year. After local casinos have had time to cement themselves in the industry the market will open once again to foreign casino operators. Estonia has taken longer than some other European countries to enter into the online casino market mainly because the country is so small. However, noticing that online casinos were being used in other countries as a way to raise government funds and decided to jump on the bandwagon. For Estonia, online casinos will be a great way to stimulate the economy. However, because the country is so small it is important to them to block outside casino operators while they get their feet wet and show Estonians that they know what they are doing. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Neteller has been one of the most popular payment options in online casinos for a while now. However, they have recently risen to new heights. They continue to sign up important clients and also took home the award for the Best Payment System at this year's iGB Affiliates Awards. In the final week of January, Neteller signed deals with two huge clients - Sky Betting and Gaming and SEGA Casino. Sky Betting and Gaming operates a number of popular online betting sites including Sky Vegas, Sky Bet, Sky Bingo and Sky Poker. More than 150,000 players visit these sites each week and the deal is sure to result in a huge revenue boost for Neteller, which will be the first e-wallet payment option offered to Sky players. SEGA Casino is the popular online casino run by Sega Games Limited. Under the SEGA-Neteller deal, players will be able to make deposits instantly and receive withdrawals within 24 hours. A SEGA Games representative said, "Having the Neteller e-wallet gives our players the assurance that we are providing and experience they can enjoy with the confidence their money is safe and secure." These two deals came on top of Neteller's iGB award for Best Payment System of 2009. The e-wallet has won this award for three years in a row. Neteller has been trusted as a top online payment system for a long time now and new deposit and withdrawal features such as the Net+ prepaid card make it a great option for online casino players. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Playtech, one of the leading online casino software providers, released a press release this week announcing the launch of a new mobile gaming platform. The platform, called Mobile Web Apps, takes mobile casino gaming to a new level and is sure to open new doors for online casino and mobile casino industries. Mobile Web Apps is a unique cross-platform system that allows users to play both on their computer and on their mobile device using the same login information. Many previous mobile gaming platforms worked only on mobile phones and devices. Additionally, Playtech's Mobile Web Apps can be played instantly, so players will not have to download software on their computers or on their mobile devices. This is a great step forward for Playtech online casinos as it will surely expand their customer base as more and more people are switching over to iPhones, Android phones and other smart phones. Playtech already has a number of mobile games set for release. These include Blackjack, Jacks or Better video poker and Gold Rally, a progressive slot. The Gold Rally mobile game will be linked to the online progressive jackpot in Playtech casinos, so mobile players will also qualify for massive jackpots. Playtech also expects to release a single-player Bingo game, Keno and Rock, Paper Scissors. Mobile Web Apps is customizable, which is another feature that differentiates it from other mobile gaming platforms. Players can create their own distinctive download packages, called Casino Packs, as well as take advantage of an Information Management Solution system to monitor all of their mobile gaming activities. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events of the year for United States sports fans and this year it measured up to be one of the biggest years for online gambling as well! As millions of sports fans watched from millions of television screens across the country a huge number of gamblers anxiously watched from their computer screens to find out if the Indianapolis Colts or the New Orleans Saints would prevail, what the score would be, who would score the touchdowns and a variety of other contests that online gamblers could wager on. Online casinos and sportsbook sites were planning and promoting right up until the big game on Sunday night. It wasn't only sports betting sites that geared up for the Super Bowl. Other online casinos were offering special Super Bowl themed promotions, bonuses and more. This year more football enthusiasts are turning to online gambling sites for their game wagers than in past years. The reason? For starters, it's a lot easier to bet with an online sportsbook as all you have to do is turn on your computer, sign on to the Internet and place your bet. However, one of the bigger reasons that more players are turning to the Internet this year is the payouts. When you bet on sporting events online you enter a much larger pool, as thousands (or even millions!) of gamblers from around the globe are online betting on the Super Bowl. It was interesting to see how many gamblers came out to take part in Super Bowl pools and promotions in online casinos this year, and we will probably see this trend grow even bigger next year! <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel in Las Vegas has long been known as one of the pioneers of the Vegas casino world. The casino, which opened its doors in 1951, was the first to institute high table limits and was the birthplace of the Word Series of Poker, which took place at Binion's for 36 years until the event was sold to Harrah's in 2005. Now, it seems, Binion's is on its way to shutting its doors for good. The owners of Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel, TLC Enterprises, chose to shut down the casino due to some recent financial trouble. According to Linda Robinson, spokeswoman for the company, Binion's just hasn't been bringing in enough money to remain profitable and competitive. She said TLC hopes to reopen Binion's in the future, but nothing is set in stone. Binion's financial troubles date back to 1998. In 1998 Becky Behnen, the daughter of Benny Binion, acquired the business. The casino and hotel were closed in 2004 and US Marshals had to seize money to give to the casino's employees. However, Harrah's bailed them out and sold the casino to MTR Gaming Group. In the following years, Binion's never fully recovered from their financial descent. The casino, poker room, sports book and steakhouse are still open to visitors. However, Binion's has closed the hotel, Keno parlor and coffee shop indefinitely. The casino is also set to downsize, getting rid of 100 out of 800 employees. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Executives from Las Vegas' MGM and Party Gaming recently met to discuss a partnership. The partnership, which will be beneficial not only to both sides, but to gamblers as well, could be one of the biggest collaborations in the casino market today, online and off. A huge number of high-level executives met to discuss the partnership, among other things. Among the participants were CEO of Party Gaming Jim Ryan, CEO of MGM Mirage Jim Murren, President George Maloof of Palms, CEO of WMS Industries Brian Gamache, Chairman of International Game Technology Phil Satre, a number of slot machine manufacturers, and a number of other bigwigs in the online and land-based casino industry. The meeting was hosted by Union Gaming Group at The Playboy Club. One of the prime topics of discussion was the future of the online casino and gambling industry. Brought forth was the idea that Party Gaming, and other online gaming companies, could provide land-based casinos with better customer tracking and player information. Online casinos have invested a lot in creating state-of-the-art tools for tracking customers. Party Gaming CEO Ryan said, "We utilize technology for e-commerce and can capture player information on a far better scale." The partnering of Party Gaming and other online casino companies with land-based casinos seems inevitable. The UIGEA anti-online gambling bill was also a topic of discussion, as Ryan said he feels that this bill only succeeds losing the US Government valuable taxable dollars. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Playtech, industry leader in online gaming software, has announced that it is acquiring GTS. Gaming Technology Solutions Limited (GTS) has made recent leaps and bounds to the forefront of the gaming software industry. Playtech's acquisition is one of great importance. Playtech is acquiring GTS by way of purchasing the entire issued share capital of the company. Their first payment is for around €10.8 million. Playtech will continue to make payments to GTS over two years, based upon the profitability of the company. However, the maximum amount that Playtech will pay is €21.6 million. GTS currently provides services to 30 different Internet gaming brands and 15 licensees, including popular European sports books, online casino operators and online bingo sites. GTS offers its customers gaming content from 19 different gaming software providers and includes over 200 games, including slots, table games, fixed odds games and virtual sports. Most of GTS's licensees are not already working with Playtech, so Playtech is greatly expanding through this acquisition. GTS games and the GTS platform will serve to complement Playtech's already existing products, creating one of the most substantial libraries of online gaming products on the Web. GTS and Playtech will merge to form one of the biggest giants in online gaming software. The Business Development Director of GTS, Steven Matsell, says, "This deal will underpin the growth of the platform and we very much look forward to the future as part of the Playtech team." <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Each year iGB Affiliates throws their annual awards ceremony, an awards ceremony that focuses on the affiliates segment of the online gambling industry. The event, which will take place the night before the London Affiliate Conference, will take place in January in London at St Paul's Hotel. The iGB Casino Affiliate Awards are unique because the affiliate marketing community votes for the winners in 23 categories. The iGB Casino Affiliate Awards are highly prestigious and exciting for the online casino affiliate industry. The biggest awards at this ceremony are for the Best Affiliate Program in the subcategories of poker, casino, sportsbook, bingo and the best affiliate program overall. Awards are also given for Best iGaming Software in the subcategories of casino, poker and bingo, Best Payment System for Affiliates, Best Affiliate Manager and more. The affiliate marketing community can vote for the awards online. Voting has already begun and will remain open until January 8. All eligible voters are able to access the site and IP addresses are tracked to ensure that each person only makes one vote. After the 8th the results will be tallied for the awards show. Individuals and organizations over the past months suggested nominees, and a panel of judges put a shortlist together. For the award for Best Casino Affiliate Program, this year's nominees include Bet365, Bodog, 32Red, Betfair, EuroPartners, Sloto Cash, Roxy Affiliates and St. Miniver Affiliates. The winners will be announced on January 28, 2010 at the award ceremony in London. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

The Australian Productivity Commission, an independent advisory board for microeconomic reform in Australia, released a draft of a report that may signal the legalization of online gambling in Australia. The draft, which was over 600 pages, lists a number of recommendations for reform, including the recommendation that the federal government repeal the 2001 Interactive Gambling Act. Australia's Interactive Gambling Act made it illegal for online gambling sites and online casinos to offer services within Australia. The legislation did not ban Australian players from playing at online gambling sites. However, it did prosecute companies that offered online casinos in Australia. The report draft of the Australian Productivity Commission stated that this 2001 Interactive Gambling Act should be repealed. In its place should be a system of management and regulation of Australian online gambling. The system proposed is similar to what is in place in Norway, where a single player's monthly gambling losses are capped at a maximum monthly amount. A liberalization of Australian online gambling laws could be a huge step forward for the microeconomic situation in the country. Anti-gambling activists in Australia, including Reverend Tim Costello and Senator Nick Xenophon from South Australia oppose the recommendation. It is important to point out that this draft is not an official government document. However, the recommendations of the productivity commission usually weigh heavily on the Australian federal government. Therefore, it is likely that this recommendation will indeed lead to steps to fully legalize and regulate online casinos and online gambling in Australia. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

The word is out that the French government is in the process of amending gambling laws and that they are beginning to regulate French online gambling and online casinos are pushing for new French players in full force. More and more online casinos are beginning to offer huge welcome bonuses to draw in French gamblers. Online casinos are offering all sorts of bonuses and special promotions to French players, including match bonuses that are larger than usual and free Euros to French players to start playing real money games without committing a real deposit. However, a lot of French players aren't taking advantage of these deals just yet. The reason? They are holding out for something better. As more and more online casinos open up to the French market the bonuses are expected to get even better. On top of that, a lot of players are waiting until the new laws go into effect to open accounts at online casinos. Once the new French gambling laws go into effect French players will have to close their online casino accounts and then re-register. The kicker? When they re-register they won't be able to hold on to any of their incentives or earn new Welcome Bonus incentives. For those of you who haven't heard, the new French gambling laws give betting monopolies the opportunity to offer online casino gambling to French citizens when it is in the interest of the citizens. The laws are designed to protect French online gamblers, but are also leading to some great advantages for French online casino gamblers. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Over the past few weeks, players at Playtech casinos may have noticed that new online slots games have been popping up. Last month, Playtech introduced two new exciting casino slot machines-The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man. The Incredible Hulk is a 5-reel video slot with 20 paylines. The game, which features a Free Games bonus round that is triggered with three scatter Hulk symbols, a Smash Bonus round that is entered when the bonus symbols appear on reels 1 and 5 of the same spin, and a "Marvel"ous theme. Symbols include everything from the Hulk, radiation, police cars and breakers. Iron Man is also a 5-reel, 20 payline video slot, based on the Iron Man comic and recent film. The Iron man online casino slot features themed symbols including Tony Stark, Iron Man, suitcases, and missiles. In the Missile Attack Bonus, which is played when three or more scatter symbols are spun, players must shoot down missiles to qualify for prizes and cash. Hulk and Iron Man join Playtech's collection of games, which includes a large number of classic and video slots as well as other online casino games like roulette, blackjack, craps and more. Playtech also features a number of exclusive games including Blackjack Switch, Straveganza and Tequila Poker. The addition of slots based on blockbuster movies, like Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, is a surefire way for Playtech casinos to attract even more action than they already are. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Jason Chaffetz, Utah's Republican Congress representative, says he believes that Barney Frank's online gambling legislation will pass soon. Barney Frank's bill is slated to overturn the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act and to license and regulate online gambling in the United States. Many people who have been following Frank's bill have been unsure about whether or not it will pass, as the current session of Congress is nearing an end. However, Chaffetz still believes the law will pass quickly and will advance before opposition parties are able to form and block the passing of Frank's bill. Chaffetz said, "[Barney Frank] assured me that come this fall, he would be getting these bills through his committee, and I believe him." Chaffetz has been working with Frank on the bill in order to ensure that his state, Utah, is not forced to permit tribal casinos under the bill. Concerns such as Chaffetz's have been addressed in Frank's bill in a clause that gives states the opportunity to opt out for residents within state borders. Similar bills have been voted down by Congress in years passed. However, Chaffetz believes that Frank's bill has a better chance for success. One of the primary reasons he looks forward to the passing of Frank's bill by the current congress is that Democrats are now in control and they are looking for funding for health care reform and other large bills. Online gambling is a good source of cash flow for the United States budget. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Last Friday Barry Shulman took home the bracelet in the main event of the World Series of Poker Europe, in a surprise upturn against big name poker star Daniel Negreanu. Shulman broke through the odds in head to head round that was thought hands-down to go to Negreanu, bringing home not only the victory, but £801,60 as well. Shulman, a 63-year old poker player and CEO of Shulman Media and Card Player Magazine, has not taken home a bracelet since 2001, when he won his only bracelet in the WSOP $1,500 Seven Card Stud event. Negreanu, on the other hand, has taken home for WSOP bracelets and a couple of WTP Championships. Shulman is also the father of Jeff Shulman, one of the November Nine finalists for the 2009 WSOP Main Event. He told his son, "I did my part. Now you do your part. It's your turn to win." A father-son win in both the WSOP and WSOPE Main Events will be an interesting record in the history of the World Series of Poker. Among the other top winners in the WSOPE Main Event were Daniel Negreanu, who came in second with £495,589; Praz Bansi, who came in third with £360,887; Jason Mercier, who came in fourth with £267,267; Markus Ristola, who came in fifth with £200,367; Chris Bjorin, who came in sixth with £150,267; Antoine Saout, who came in seventh with £114,228; Matt Hawrilenko, who came in eight with £87,074; and James Akenhead, who came in ninth with £66,533. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Before the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, funding your online casino bankroll using a US credit card was no problem at all. However, after the UIGEA was passed it became virtually impossible for online casino players in the United States to make deposits using credit cards, let alone play online casino games for real money at all. In recent years, online casino players have had to rely on bank transfer or online e-wallet services like Neteller and Moneybookers to make deposits. It was next to impossible to find an online casino that served US players and accepted credit. Things are changing, as offshore casinos that are fully regulated in the United States are beginning to publicly accept credit cards from US players. The fact that these casinos are fully regulated means that in addition to accepting credit they are also proven to have fair odds and safe and secure servers and cashiers. It is still next to impossible to find an online casino that accepts American Express, as there are very stringent rules against AMEX deposits for the purposes of gambling, most other US credit cards can be used in online casinos. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are all frequently accepted these days at online casinos where United States casino gamers play. As more and more online casinos are finding ways to open up to the US public and US credit cards are being accepted, could it be that the UIGEA may be coming to an end? <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

A court ruling in South Carolina declared that poker is a game of skill and not a gambling game and, therefore, should not be criminalized. The ruling resulted from a trial against five individuals who were convicted of "illegal gambling" for playing a game of Texas Hold'em poker for money. According to the ruling, these defendants were found not guilty, as they were playing a game of skill. This ruling is a positive step forward for the world of online poker and casino gaming. As more and more states and countries are ruling that certain casino games are based on skill, rather than luck and gambling, these games are becoming more widely accepted and available. The Poker Players Alliance (PPA), a poker advocacy group made up of more than one million United States members, were extremely happy with the outcome of the trial. PPA Executive Director, John Pappas, said "This ruling is fully consistent with the declarations of other judges and juries across the country... We are grateful to the court for compiling the overwhelming evidence that proves this case and protects the rights of players." It will be interesting to see how this ruling will effect similar decisions in other states, as well as how it will effect New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez's Internet Poker and Games of Skill Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, up for discussion in the Senate in coming months. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Women were once known to stick primarily to simple games in online casinos, specifically Bingo and slot machines. However, recent research shows that more and more women are making their way to the online table games. Bingo and slots were favored not only because they don't require much hard core skill or understanding of odds or complicated rules, but also because these games can be played at extremely low limits. More and more, however, it seems that women are getting bored with their Bingo and online slots and are switching over to table game. Over the years, table games have been consistently more popular with men, in live and online casinos. While women are still tending to stick to slots in live casinos, the scene is quite different on the Web. Online roulette is one game that seems to be growing at a rapid pace among women. Some think the reason is that roulette is similar to Bingo, with its numbers and lack of real strategy. It could be, on the other hand, that women are simply beginning to make their entrance into the world of more hardcore casino games with something similar. Table games have been a man's world for so long now, and online roulette is giving women a chance to test the waters and show that they can be high rollers too. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics will change on the casino floor as women start stepping up. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

There's a new payment method that has hit the ground running in the world of online casino gaming. EntroPay is a new online service through which customers may purchase prepaid virtual Visa cards to be used in any online casino, or other website, that accepts Visa. EntroPay cards can be funded with a customer's regular credit or debit card. Although the product that is purchased is a virtual prepaid Visa, users may fund their cards using a variety of card types including MasterCard and Maestro. This is a great option for players looking to play at Visa casinos that don't have a Visa card of their own. Many online gamblers are turning to payment methods like EntroPay for security reasons as well. When you use EntroPay to make your online casino deposits you don't have to disclose your personal credit card or banking information. This is also a great way for online gamblers to limit their bankroll as well. Players that make casino deposits from their credit card directly are more prone to making rash decisions and depositing too much when they are on a losing streak. With EntroPay, a player can fund a virtual Visa for only as much as they are willing to lose. That way, when their card runs out they know its time to stop. EntroPay can be used by online gamblers and shoppers from all over the world as a safe and secure alternative for Internet commerce. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

In last month's Asian Poker Tour Macau Main Event, Adrien Allain from Rennes, France took home the prize. The Asian Poker Tour Macau took place at the Galaxy StarWorld casino. 326 participants fought it out over a course of poker games and Allain came out on top. He went home with $3.035 million in a shocking victory. One of the things that made Allain's victory so amazing was that he actually qualified for the APT tournament through a satellite tournament online with a $5 entry fee. Allain has played poker online for years, but the most he has won on the Web is $8,000 and he was considered to be a far cry from many of the pro poker players that he played alongside of in the tournament. He is known in the world of online poker as "zlatan35". This isn't the first time that an underdog has come into a huge tournament, qualifying through a satellite tournament with a low buy-in, and taken home the gold. However, each time it happens it is a surprise. Adrien Allain's win was not only a victory for himself but also a victory for France. Following behind Allain were Inwook Choi of Korea, J.C. Tran of the United States, and David Steicke and Chris Chau of Hong Kong. J.C. Tran holds two bracelets from victories in the World Series of Poker (WSOP). However, Allain still pulled through proving that you don't have to be a professional or famous poker player to win a prestigious poker tournament. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

This November, online gamblers will become reality television stars on Rounders House, a new live streaming television show. The show brings together top Internet poker players and puts them in a house in Las Vegas where they will be instructed by pro poker players, compete for the charity of their choice and go wild. Rounders House will be broadcast 24/7 on the Web during the full first week of November. Live cameras set up around the house will allow fans to watch what all the contestants are doing all the time. Additionally, the poker players that are invited to stay in the Rounders House will keep video blogs that fans can check out at any time. The broadcasting of a reality show starring online poker players attests to the fact that online poker and online casino gambling has become more and more accepted over the years. In fact, Rounders House players may very well serve as icons bringing even more popularity to the world of online gaming. In the past few months, countries around the globe have been working on legislation to legalize and regulate gambling. These countries include the United States, Canada, Argentina, France, the UK, Spain and a number of other nations. This legislation, paired with the popularization of shows like Rounders House and other pro-online casino and poker promotions could lead to the largest boom in online casino profits the industry has ever seen. A number of online poker sites and online casinos are currently involved in finding contestants for Rounders House. Fans will have to wait until November to see who made the cut. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

The island of Kinmen in Taiwan may soon become a hub for live casinos. The island, made up of 12 small islets of China's southeastern border, has historically been one of Taiwan's largest defense outposts. However, early next year the island's residents will head to the polls to decide whether or not they will legalize gambling in Kinmen and allow casinos to be established to bolster tourism. The legislation for the legalization of gambling and casinos in Kinmen follows the loosening of gambling laws in other Taiwanese islands. However, the head of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan, Chen Chang-Chiang, stressed the importance of putting the decision into the hands of the residents of the island. He said, "My move just signifies my belief that the issue should be determined by the majority of local residents instead of by a few politicians' personal stance or ideology." Many analysts believe that the residents of Kinmen will approve the legislation when they come out to vote. If the legislation is passed, this could be a great boost for the economy in Kinmen as well as in Taiwan as a whole. The offshore Taiwanese county of Penghu is also scheduled to hold a vote about whether or not to allow casinos to be built. This vote will take place on September 26 and should serve as a precursor, shedding a bit more light on how things will pan out in Kinmen. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

The month of August 2009 has ushered in big changes for France's casino industry. For the first time ever in Europe, the Grand Casino de Forges Les Eaux in Normandy has organized an outdoor game room. Every Sunday afternoon in August starting at 4 o'clock pm players are invited to come out to the casino's terrace to participate in an "open" poker tournament. The month of August 2009 has ushered in big changes for France's casino industry. For the first time ever in Europe, the Grand Casino de Forges Les Eaux in Normandy has organized an outdoor game room. Every Sunday afternoon in August starting at 4 o'clock pm players are invited to come out to the casino's terrace to participate in an "open" poker tournament. The terrace at the Grande Casino accommodates ten table games with room for 80 participants. Many of these participants include French poker stars, mainly from the Paris region. In bringing these big time players to their casino to play in a novelty outdoor tournament, the Grande Casino is reaping the benefits of attention and promotion. Though the casino's outdoor game room is a break from traditional, indoor casino gaming they still employ security, microphones, cameras and identity checks. In addition, to the delight of many gamblers, smoking is allowed in this outdoor gambling sanctuary, while it is prohibited in indoor casinos. The Grand Casino has taken precautions to protect customers from bad weather, with large panels to protect players from the elements. This outdoor poker tournament and game room simply add to the marvel that is Forges Les Eaux. This complex of three luxury hotels, a spa, a golf course, food, music, the infamous Forges beach and one of the closest casinos to Paris is sure to benefit from the attention that the outdoor gaming will attract. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

The gambling industry has been abuzz with talk about the impending opening of the French online gaming market ever since Eric Woerth, head of the French Ministry of the Budget, began talking about it last March. However, operators hoping to launch into the French market as early as January 2010 may be in for a disappointment, as the opening of the French online gaming market has been delayed once again. The gambling industry has been abuzz with talk about the impending opening of the French online gaming market ever since Eric Woerth, head of the French Ministry of the Budget, began talking about it last March. However, operators hoping to launch into the French market as early as January 2010 may be in for a disappointment, as the opening of the French online gaming market has been delayed once again. On July 21, 2009 Woerth announced that Paris finally wants to put an end to the monopoly on the online gaming sector currently held by La Française des Jeux and Pari Mutuel Urbain. French betting sites will be supplemented by a liberalization of online sports betting, horse betting and poker laws. Other gambling and casino games, including table games and slot machines, will still be illegal amongst non-authorized operators. The new market of online games in France will be well supervised and regulated. The government has even hired an independent regulation authority to ensure regulated, safe and responsible gaming. The new French gaming market, according to Woerth's previous comments, was set to open in January of 2010. However, evidence is growing that issues with the European Union will delay the opening. It seems that the online sports betting, poker and horse racing operators will have to wait just a little while longer. Woerth stated that the new market should be ready to launch in time for the World Cup football matches in June. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

Marvel Entertainment and software giant Cryptologic have had one of the most successful partnerships in the gaming industry for nearly five years, with the software company creating slot machines based on popular Marvel comic book characters. Last month Cryptologic and Marvel decided to continue their partnership for the third time since 2005, agreeing to continue producing slots based on Marvel characters for at least four more years. Marvel Entertainment and software giant Cryptologic have had one of the most successful partnerships in the gaming industry for nearly five years, with the software company creating slot machines based on popular Marvel comic book characters. Last month Cryptologic and Marvel decided to continue their partnership for the third time since 2005, agreeing to continue producing slots based on Marvel characters for at least four more years. Cryptologic games based on Marvel comics have become something of a craze in recent years. Slot games including the Hulk, Daredevil, Blade, Iron Man and Spider Man have become some of the most popular offerings in the world of casino gaming and have secured Cryptologic powered casinos' places as some of the top casinos on the Web. The new contract extends until 2013 and both parties are extremely happy about it. Brian Hadfield, President and CEO of Cryptologic, says that "Cryptologic's exclusive partnership with Marvel has been daringly different from our industry as, together, we have brought the world's favorite characters to the world's top ten casinos." Marvel's President of Worldwide Consumer Products also says that Marvel is "very pleased with our relationship with Cryptologic." The production of new slot machines based on Marvel characters doesn't only bring more traffic to Cryptologic sites but helps to spread the Marvel brand name throughout the Web. It will be interesting to see which Marvel comic characters will be featured in Cryptologic's new slot machines. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>

888.com is pushing new boundaries in the world of online casino gaming with the impending launch of a 3D casino this fall. A specific launch date has not yet been announced, but 888.com has said that they will introduce their new 3D casino to the gaming community in the next few months at their site, www.casino-on-net.com. The online gaming world is not new to 3D. There are a number of online casinos and poker sites that have employed 3D elements in their games. However, 888.com will be the first to launch a full 3D online casino. The company previously launched an online 3D poker site at Pacific Poker that gave players the opportunity to choose from a variety of views, including 3D. 3D was the most popular and more and more online poker and casino players seem to be showing an interest in 3D gaming. The design and interface of the new 3D online casino, which has been created by 888's own design team, couldn't come at a better time. Though online casinos haven't seen a huge decline in the number of players since the recent recession there has been a decline in the stakes at which players are playing. 888.com is hoping that the new 3D design will give them a competitive edge and boost their number of players. If the upgrade to 3D goes smoothly then 888.com will begin offering the 3D interface to third party firms that they operate with. <a href="http://www.casinostopnews.com/">CasinosTopNews</a>