Monthly Archives: January 2017

Virginia Senate committee gives poker skill game bill the thumbs-up

Virginia Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) had lost count on how many times she watched her gambling related bills flew straight in the garbage bin.

But last Monday’s Senate General Laws Committee hearing was different for Lucas after of her bills, which would allow organizations that hold bingo games to also poker games, had finally been transmitted to the full Senate.

The Daily Press reported that Lucas’ Senate Bill 1400 has hurdled the Senate Committee, albeit by a hairline.

Voting 8-7, the Senate Committee approved her poker bill, thanks in-part to Sen. William R. DeSteph Jr., R-Virginia Beach, who surprisingly joined her side.

Virginia Senate committee gives poker skill game bill the thumbs-up

Virginia Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) had lost count on how many times she watched her gambling related bills flew straight in the garbage bin.

But last Monday’s Senate General Laws Committee hearing was different for Lucas after of her bills, which would allow organizations that hold bingo games to also poker games, had finally been transmitted to the full Senate.

The Daily Press reported that Lucas’ Senate Bill 1400 has hurdled the Senate Committee, albeit by a hairline.

Voting 8-7, the Senate Committee approved her poker bill, thanks in-part to Sen. William R. DeSteph Jr., R-Virginia Beach, who surprisingly joined her side.

Virginia Senate committee gives poker skill game bill the thumbs-up

Virginia Senator Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) had lost count on how many times she watched her gambling related bills flew straight in the garbage bin.

But last Monday’s Senate General Laws Committee hearing was different for Lucas after of her bills, which would allow organizations that hold bingo games to also poker games, had finally been transmitted to the full Senate.

The Daily Press reported that Lucas’ Senate Bill 1400 has hurdled the Senate Committee, albeit by a hairline.

Voting 8-7, the Senate Committee approved her poker bill, thanks in-part to Sen. William R. DeSteph Jr., R-Virginia Beach, who surprisingly joined her side.

Quickspin to reveal all at ICE

Stockholm, January 25, 2017 – Swedish slots specialist Quickspin is getting ready to pull back the curtain on its industry-first Achievements Engine at ICE Totally Gaming in London, as well as a raft of new games.

The supplier’s production line has been firing on all cylinders over the past few months, with the firm set to launch new titles and tools before, during and after the show, all of which will be on display at its stand (N2-312).

Taking centre stage will be its Achievements Engine, which will be introduced to delegates for the first time. Players are encouraged to keep spinning the reels as they chase tokens and prizes, driving engagement and retention to the next level.

Players can track their progress, claim, and use their rewards within an achievements page accessible from each game. The rewards pay out as Quickspin tokens, which can be used to trigger the game feature, most often the free spins bonus round.

Quickspin to reveal all at ICE

Stockholm, January 25, 2017 – Swedish slots specialist Quickspin is getting ready to pull back the curtain on its industry-first Achievements Engine at ICE Totally Gaming in London, as well as a raft of new games.

The supplier’s production line has been firing on all cylinders over the past few months, with the firm set to launch new titles and tools before, during and after the show, all of which will be on display at its stand (N2-312).

Taking centre stage will be its Achievements Engine, which will be introduced to delegates for the first time. Players are encouraged to keep spinning the reels as they chase tokens and prizes, driving engagement and retention to the next level.

Players can track their progress, claim, and use their rewards within an achievements page accessible from each game. The rewards pay out as Quickspin tokens, which can be used to trigger the game feature, most often the free spins bonus round.

CA Rundown January 25

In this episode of the CalvinAyre.com Rundown, Stephanie Raquel brings you the top industry news and the latest on Online poker rights, 2016 earning report and Super Bowl LI.

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CA Rundown January 25

In this episode of the CalvinAyre.com Rundown, Stephanie Raquel brings you the top industry news and the latest on Online poker rights, 2016 earning report and Super Bowl LI.

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FanDuel wants Florida fans to knock on lawmakers’ doors

FanDuel is turning to the grassroots to push for the legalization of daily fantasy sports in Florida.

The operator reportedly sent a “call to action” email to its users in the Sunshine State, urging them to contact lawmakers to support fantasy sports. The email, which includes a link where users can send a message to their state legislators, comes ahead of a scheduled Senate committee hearing, which will discuss a major gambling overhaul bill that, among other things, would pave the way for fantasy sports to be legalized in Florida.

“A new bill has been introduced that would update Florida’s laws to recognize what we all know to be true—that fantasy sports are games of skill and should be kept legal for all eligible Floridians to enjoy,” the email said, according to Florida Politics’ Jim Rosica.

Several weeks ago, state Sen. Bill Galvano introduced SB 8, an 112-page tome that covers everything from tribal compacts to gas pump lottery sales. For daily fantasy sports, SB 8 revives earlier plans to create an Office of Amusements within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation that would oversee DFS activity. DFS licensees would pay initial fees of $500,000 and annual renewals of $100k, with lower fees promised for smaller operators not named DraftKings or FanDuel.

FanDuel wants Florida fans to knock on lawmakers’ doors

FanDuel is turning to the grassroots to push for the legalization of daily fantasy sports in Florida.

The operator reportedly sent a “call to action” email to its users in the Sunshine State, urging them to contact lawmakers to support fantasy sports. The email, which includes a link where users can send a message to their state legislators, comes ahead of a scheduled Senate committee hearing, which will discuss a major gambling overhaul bill that, among other things, would pave the way for fantasy sports to be legalized in Florida.

“A new bill has been introduced that would update Florida’s laws to recognize what we all know to be true—that fantasy sports are games of skill and should be kept legal for all eligible Floridians to enjoy,” the email said, according to Florida Politics’ Jim Rosica.

Several weeks ago, state Sen. Bill Galvano introduced SB 8, an 112-page tome that covers everything from tribal compacts to gas pump lottery sales. For daily fantasy sports, SB 8 revives earlier plans to create an Office of Amusements within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation that would oversee DFS activity. DFS licensees would pay initial fees of $500,000 and annual renewals of $100k, with lower fees promised for smaller operators not named DraftKings or FanDuel.

Licensed Macau Junkets shrink by 10.6% in 2016

The number of Macau casino junkets has tumbled by 10.6 percent in 2016, according to the latest figures provided by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

Data from the DICJ showed that the number of licensed gaming promoters in Macau dropped from 141 in January 2016 to 126 in January this year. The figure includes both companies and individuals licensed as junkets.

It wasn’t clear what caused the number of junket operators to drop but it has been a trend over the past three years. In January 2015, Macau had a total of 183 licensed junkets.

Part of the reason, according to many analyst, was that the local and mainland government policy demands Macau become a tourism and leisure destination, with less focus on gambling, especially at the high end.

Opta-powered Football Visualisation

Perform Group, a world-leading digital sports content and media group, today announces the launch of their Opta-powered Football Visualisation product, at this year’s ICE.

The industry’s most detailed, fastest and precise live-ball-tracking football visualisation product provides unrivalled context to matches as they happen, accurately tracking the ball movement, as well as player identification and individual actions on the ball.

The product is available for more than 10,000 matches per season across more than 60 top football competitions, including all major global league and cup competitions.

By enabling users to quickly and easily track a player’s influence on the game, as well as the position of play, the user can make informed betting decisions, as well as keep track of a match in unparalleled detail.

Opta-powered Football Visualisation

Perform Group, a world-leading digital sports content and media group, today announces the launch of their Opta-powered Football Visualisation product, at this year’s ICE.

The industry’s most detailed, fastest and precise live-ball-tracking football visualisation product provides unrivalled context to matches as they happen, accurately tracking the ball movement, as well as player identification and individual actions on the ball.

The product is available for more than 10,000 matches per season across more than 60 top football competitions, including all major global league and cup competitions.

By enabling users to quickly and easily track a player’s influence on the game, as well as the position of play, the user can make informed betting decisions, as well as keep track of a match in unparalleled detail.

Opta-powered Football Visualisation

Perform Group, a world-leading digital sports content and media group, today announces the launch of their Opta-powered Football Visualisation product, at this year’s ICE.

The industry’s most detailed, fastest and precise live-ball-tracking football visualisation product provides unrivalled context to matches as they happen, accurately tracking the ball movement, as well as player identification and individual actions on the ball.

The product is available for more than 10,000 matches per season across more than 60 top football competitions, including all major global league and cup competitions.

By enabling users to quickly and easily track a player’s influence on the game, as well as the position of play, the user can make informed betting decisions, as well as keep track of a match in unparalleled detail.

ONE Championship renews partnership with Malaysian telco giant Tune Talk

25 January 2017 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its renewal of partnership with the largest mobile prepaid service provider in Malaysia, Tune Talk. Both companies have been closely working together since 2012, bringing Asian mixed martial arts to greater heights.

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with Tune Talk and the Air Asia family as our extended partnership signifies another monumental moment for the sport of mixed martial arts and ONE Championship. As a lead up to the biggest mixed martial arts event in Malaysian history on 10 February, ONE Championship and Tune Talk will roll out a massive campaign across all media platforms throughout the country.”

In today’s age of digital content, Tune Talk has consistently led the industry with cutting edge technology and fresh marketing initiatives, with this new endeavour being a giant leap in the right direction.

Officially launched in August 2009, Tune Talk provides super low calling rates and exciting incentives to the underserved segment of the Malaysian market. The company has quickly risen to success based on their philosophy of dedication and hard work.

ONE Championship renews partnership with Malaysian telco giant Tune Talk

25 January 2017 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its renewal of partnership with the largest mobile prepaid service provider in Malaysia, Tune Talk. Both companies have been closely working together since 2012, bringing Asian mixed martial arts to greater heights.

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “I’m thrilled to be working with Tune Talk and the Air Asia family as our extended partnership signifies another monumental moment for the sport of mixed martial arts and ONE Championship. As a lead up to the biggest mixed martial arts event in Malaysian history on 10 February, ONE Championship and Tune Talk will roll out a massive campaign across all media platforms throughout the country.”

In today’s age of digital content, Tune Talk has consistently led the industry with cutting edge technology and fresh marketing initiatives, with this new endeavour being a giant leap in the right direction.

Officially launched in August 2009, Tune Talk provides super low calling rates and exciting incentives to the underserved segment of the Malaysian market. The company has quickly risen to success based on their philosophy of dedication and hard work.

Nolimit city strikes Relax Gaming deal

Stockholm, 25th January, 2017 –  Online casino platform and game developer Nolimit city has joined forces with Relax Gaming in a deal that will see it provide its fellow supplier with its high definition slots games.

Nolimit city will integrate its content directly into Relax Gaming’s Silver Bullet casino platform, which is used by more than 30 online casino operators including the likes of LeoVegas, MrGreen, Betsson and Unibet.

Following the platform-to-platform integration, operators will gain access to titles such as Oktoberfest, Creepy Carnival, and Space Arcade. Each of the supplier’s games has been developed in HTML5, and run seamlessly across desktop and mobile.

Jonas Tegman, Chief Technology Officer at Nolimit city, said: “This is a game-changing deal for us, and we are thrilled to have signed it. Relax work with the operators we want to supply our games to, and this is an effective and efficient way of doing it.

Nolimit city strikes Relax Gaming deal

Stockholm, 25th January, 2017 –  Online casino platform and game developer Nolimit city has joined forces with Relax Gaming in a deal that will see it provide its fellow supplier with its high definition slots games.

Nolimit city will integrate its content directly into Relax Gaming’s Silver Bullet casino platform, which is used by more than 30 online casino operators including the likes of LeoVegas, MrGreen, Betsson and Unibet.

Following the platform-to-platform integration, operators will gain access to titles such as Oktoberfest, Creepy Carnival, and Space Arcade. Each of the supplier’s games has been developed in HTML5, and run seamlessly across desktop and mobile.

Jonas Tegman, Chief Technology Officer at Nolimit city, said: “This is a game-changing deal for us, and we are thrilled to have signed it. Relax work with the operators we want to supply our games to, and this is an effective and efficient way of doing it.

Main event day 1c – recap 2017 Aussie Millions Poker Championship

Melbourne, Australia. Wednesday 25 January 2017. With a stack of 187,400 in chips, Tony Mladenovski finished atop the final starting day’s leaderboard at the 2017 Aussie Millions Main Event in Crown Casino Melbourne.

He isn’t the player to catch heading into Wednesday’s Day 2 of the Southern Hemisphere’s most prestigious poker tournament. That position belongs to Mustapha Kanit, who bagged up 215,000 on Day 1b.

Day 1c was a day that saw the largest group of competitors take to the felt. A total of 322 players signed up, pushing the total number of entries over 700 again.

After seven levels of action, the final starting flight ended in the very early hours of Wednesday morning at Crown Melbourne. David Peters, Alex Keating, Connor Drinan, Fatima Moreira de Melo and Winfred Yu hit the rail.

Be the king: A bespoke game created to celebrate LeoVegas’ 5 year anniversary

Gamevy have announced that the bespoke game they created to mark LeoVegas.com’s 5th birthday celebrations has just gone live on LeoVegas’ award-winning casino. Be the King is an instant win game where players choose when to cash out – or whether to risk their winnings as they collect Leo symbols to win up to €1 million.

Be the King is a completely bespoke product from its board to the soundscape. 10 Leo poker chips are hidden on the board – players must search for them. With every chip found, the lion will roar in triumph and players must decide whether to cash out or keep looking. A player has four lives – which reset each time a chip is found. It’s a nail-biting game of courage and judgement as players choose when to take the money and when to risk it!

We’re delighted with the finished look and feel on this new addition to our portfolio,” writes LeoVegas’ Head of Casino, Karolina Pelc. “At LeoVegas we value mobile innovation and being able to offer something different, that is not only customized with our branding, but also gives players an opportunity to instantly win up to €1 million. It is a great way to celebrate our fifth birthday!

The game was created after the two companies discussed the idea at a dinner in Malta. Ten breathless weeks later, the game is fully tested and launched. The speed of delivery and quality of design is testament to how agile the innovators in the i-gaming industry can be.