PlayingBingo.Com and Historian Seek to Question American Claim to Bingo Name

19/11/08 19:50 Filed in: Bingo News

Die-hard bingo fans should be extremely pleased to know that historian, Dr. Carolyn Down has heavily researched and published an article detailing the ins-and-outs of the beloved game’s past. Among the information uncovered by Dr. Down and her commissioner, PlayingBingo.Com has come the difficult question of whether the name ‘bingo’ itself actually stems from British or American roots.

Dr. Down traces bingo from its earliest forms to the success it currently enjoys in contemporary Great Britain and Ireland in her article titled, “A History of Bingo in the UK”. Her research begins as far back as 16th century lotteries and extends all the way to the present day success of online bingo. Most interesting is Down’s questioning of whether Brits should accept the supposed American heritage of the name “bingo”. Usually attributed to Edwin Lowe, a Beano player who accidentally shouted ‘bingo!’ the article instead finds evidence that the term was already in use within the UK during the same time and may actually have originated in Western Europe.

Whatever your stance on the etymology of the game’s name the writing promises to be very entertaining for enthusiastic players. “A History of Bingo in the UK” should come as a welcome addition for fans of the game interested in learning more about the roots of their favourite pastime. The article represents the most current and in-depth study regarding bingo ever written and hosts a great amount of information for the avid player.

Tags: bingo

MailOnline Reports UK Gambling Addiction on the Rise

19/11/08 19:50 Filed in: General News

MailOnline, one of the best known UK newspapers has recently reported a rise in problem gambling as evidenced by statistics gathered through the betting addiction helpline, Gamcare. With some advocates aiming to strengthen gambling restrictions in reaction it seems that responsible gamblers may soon find themselves moving backward due to overall trends.

The newspaper article suggests that relaxed gambling legislature may be to blame as the figures seem to correlate with the Labour government’s more liberal rules from years past. MailOnline reported numbers which showed a shocking increase in problem gaming as supported by Gamcare’s figures. The statistics in question demonstrate a twenty-five percent increase in individual aid requests through the support hotline during this time period. One of the main issues identified by anti-gambling groups has been the relative ease present in modern gambling through virtual casinos, poker rooms or bingo halls’ ability to gain quick access for any players available. Some gaming opponents have spoken out that problem gambling needs to be stamped out, especially during these times of economic uncertainty and skyrocketing personal debts.

With rising problem gambling becoming an issue it is unclear how a proper solution can be reached. Increases in restrictive legislature do not always equal an appropriate, positive response as past efforts and various national policies suggest. For now, any gambler troubled by their own or someone else’s habit should get in touch with Gamcare to seek aid.

Tags: News

Google Repeals Gambling Advertisement Bans in the UK

17/11/08 08:17 Filed in: General News

Search-engine giant, Google has announced that it will soon be allowing UK gambling ads through its services in a turn against the 2004 global ban against this very practice. By effect of this new effort Google will now be able to support gambling advertisements from registered companies in England, Scotland and Wales.

UK internet users can expect to begin seeing gambling spots through their computers starting early next week as Friday marks the first day of the repeal. Google was able to allow their platform’s advertisement support through a clause which necessitates that every participating company be registered under the Gambling Commission or National Regulator (the latter for those businesses within the European Economic Area). Search-engine advertisements will be filed through Google’s filters. The powerful corporation has revealed that gambling ads will be screened as ‘not family-safe’ and will therefore only show up for users without any filters applied in their settings.

James Cashmore, Google’s entertainment and media leader told press that the decision to change their position on advertising was based on a careful review of their British policies. The repeal will allow premier gambling sites the opportunity to reach a far greater audience than ever before. Gibraltar-based companies who normally lack UK market penetration (such as 888.Com and PartyGaming) will now be able to take advantage of the Google repeal to great effect.

Tags: News, google

Phil Hellmuth’s Ego Blows Out of Control with Look-a-Like Contest

17/11/08 08:17 Filed in: Poker News

The well known “Poker Brat”, Phil Hellmuth has just taken his legendary ego to new heights with the announcement of a look-a-like contest. To mark the occasion of his attempt at a twelfth World Series of Poker bracelet the player is launching perhaps his grandest publicity stunt by rounding up twelve models and an impersonator to accompany him during upcoming games.

Hellmuth certainly deserves the level of recognition he receives having established himself as a major force in online and physical casinos across the world. Currently holding eleven gold bracelets and the record for most WSOP cashes (at sixty-nine overall) the Poker Brat is now setting his sights on grabbing up a twelfth championship to further cement himself as a presence in the poker world. The winner of Hellmuth’s outrageous contest will receive £2,000 and the chance to hang out with the man himself as he brags and plays throughout upcoming games.

Those who think they bear a striking resemblance to the Poker Brat should check out the contest and see if they’re interested in entering. For the rest of us, look forward to what is sure to be on many highlight reels when Phil Hellmuth makes his grand debut with twelve models and a personal look-a-like at his side.

Tags: poker, phil hellmuth

UK Online Bingo Game Aims to Set World Record

14/11/08 14:22 Filed in: Bingo News

ITV and British bingo fans are about to attempt a Guinness World Record by garnering support toward a try for the record of the world’s largest online bingo game. A mounting jackpot which has gone unclaimed for an unprecedented length of time is going to be up for grabs through the televised event, set for this Friday on ITV1.

The record-breaking attempt will be presented by celebrity hosts, Michael Underwood and Nichola Dixon through ITV1’s Bingo Night Live during the Golden Jackpot Friday events. Producers of the show are expecting a large number of UK bingo fans to tune in and try for their chance at the enormous prize while making history in the process. The unclaimed reward has reached the sum of $104,565, an amount larger than any which has ever been played for through an online venue. While having almost been won several times in the weeks leading up to the event, Underwood and Dixon expressed disbelief that the combined payout has continued to skyrocket to such an enormous amount.

The jackpot has lead to increased publicity for Bingo Night Live and the online gaming style itself to the obvious delight of the show’s executive producer, Michael Kelpie. Interested bingo players should tune in to Bingo Night Live this Friday at 11.45PM for their chance to participate (or even win at) this event.

Tags: bingo

Poker Survey Ranks Most Intimidating Professions

14/11/08 14:22 Filed in: Poker News

A recent survey of the poker world has determined the top professions and celebrities viewed as formidable opponents by industry professionals. The results are somewhat along the lines of what you would expect but the listings are still interesting enough to take a look at as they reveal the skills which poker players most value and fear at the tables.

Actors received 29 percent of the votes due to their ability to ‘become’ another person entirely with stockbrokers (27 percent) taking second place for their career-making skills in odds and mathematical speculation. Politicians (13 percent) and accountants (11 percent) came in third and fourth, the former being feared for their ability to naturally make use of convincing lies and the latter for their knowledge of figures and percentages. Lastly, comedians and public speakers held 6 percent of the overall votes because of their high level of comfort in banter and being scrutinized publicly.

The character traits found in the five occupations make a lot of sense and may give a bit of support to the waves of celebrity poker players often signed to premier gaming sites and teams. The poll also asked participants to name a few specific celebrities they would hate to meet at a poker table. Sir Alan Sugar was number one with other notable celebrities including Professor Stephen Hawking and terrifying television chef, Gordon Ramsay placing in the top rankings of results.

Tags: poker

Sun Bingo Give Away £250,000 Houses in New Promotion

10/11/08 18:34 Filed in: Bingo News

Sun Bingo, one of the UK’s best known and heavily trafficked online bingo venues have decided to up the ante this fall with a series of promotions that want to give lucky winners a new home. The home giveaway prizes are part of a larger effort by Sun to breathe some new life into their site as the season changes and more bingo players start staying indoors and online.

The homes up for grabs at Sun Bingo are worth up to £250,000 with the company allowing winners to pick their spot and house (as long as it falls under the allocated 25K value) from any location within the UK. From August 27th to September 30th, bingo fans that log onto Sun and play select games will have their names entered into the draw. The prize itself should be enough to attract plenty of attention but Sun Bingo have also made a point of revamping old favourites and adding some new manners of play to further elevate the excitement.

Among the updated fare are Bingo 75, Bingo 80 and Bingo 90 games with these options now having the included potential for free tickets and two-for-one offers. Entirely new features such as Gold Digger, Whack-a-Moley and the WAGS Shopping Spree have been added as well. Chat rooms are also being given the treatment with improved designs and additional features for loyal users to try out. All of these changes are being implemented as you read so interested UK bingo fans should check out the new Sun Bingo for themselves.

Tags: bingo

New Application Makes Avoiding Poker Sharks Simpler

10/11/08 18:34 Filed in: Poker News

Although other screening methods do exist which attempt to keep players aware of poker sharks, a brand new program has just been launched which should make the process simpler than ever before. The ‘Interactive Fish-O-Meter’ is available now for interested users to check out.

The application screens through various criteria entered by the user to allow for a warning of any site that is deemed ‘fishy’. The online climate in many poker rooms can be pretty foreboding for new players just looking to get acquainted with the game and the Fish-O-Meter can go a long way toward helping make the learning curve a more comfortable one. Using the program, players can check out geographical locations, bankrolls and gaming details of a top-three result listing of sites picked by them before deciding on the best site to play from. The widget allows for players to spend less time worrying about potential sharks at every table and instead seek out games that are more appropriate for their skill and comfort level.

It’s worth a look for anybody, novice or experienced, who want to enhance and safeguard their playing experience online. The Interactive Fish-O-Meter is one of the better tools available within the category and definitely warrants taking a look at. The widget is available through the SitAndGoPlanet poker site and is free for use for any visitor.

Tags: poker

Turkish Gambling Websites Close Down in Droves

10/11/08 18:34 Filed in: General News

The future of online gambling continues to look grim for Turkey as approximately five hundred gaming sites closed today. An increasing internet censorship effort within the nation seeks to close out the possibility of any further betting avenues for its populace.

Turkey, a nation still attempting to join with the European Union, is well known for their harsh legislature regarding online access. The President (and founder) of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatűrk has publicly demonstrated internet censorship which recently went so far as to ban the immensely popular video sharing network, YouTube over a few videos which criticized his leadership.

The government is also actively working to shut down the Superbahis network, a move that generated the most attention when Superbahis' owners, Sportingbet saw two of its employees detained by Turkish police during a vacation stop in the country. It continues to be extremely difficult for any gambling companies to set up internet options within the nation which has so far banned more than eight hundred international websites from being accessed.

It seems fairly hopeless for any Turkish gamblers looking for access to their favourite games online. Although there are still a small number of websites which service Turkey, none of them actually operate within the country for fear of government prosecution.

Tags: News

PKR Receive Prestigious Industry Award

06/11/08 20:06 Filed in: Poker News | PKR

The critically acclaimed UK poker site, PKR has recently been made the recipient of the 2008 eGaming Review Awards ‘Hotshot Operator of the Year’ prize. The award is a great acknowledgement of PKR’s dedication toward innovation and excellence within the business of internet poker and should help to boost traffic at the site.

Independent panels of business experts oversee and hand out the eGaming Review Awards every year as a method of providing attention for those services which truly excel in the industry. The event took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on September 19th, making it the fourth annual occurrence of the ceremony. PKR not only took home the aforementioned Hotshot Operator of the Year award but the company was also nominated for the Poker Operator of the Year (along with 888.com, Everest and Party Gaming). Malcolm Graham, CEO of PKR told press that he was excited to have taken home the prize and stated that he hoped the recognition would lead to further attention in the future.

PKR has been well-known as one of the most interesting and unique virtual poker rooms on the internet for some time but their critical reception hasn’t always meant an equal level of traffic. The distinction of receiving an eGaming award may help to boost awareness of the site and draw more players to PKR in the future.

Tags: poker

PokerStars Advertisement Banned by UK Committee

04/11/08 08:23 Filed in: Poker News | PokerStars

The British Advertising Standards Authority has banned yet another gambling ad which they deem irresponsible. This time the removed ad was the product of Isle of Man based company, PokerStars and featured only the picture of a player and a quote regarding his stance on how to succeed in the game.

PokerStars launched their ‘Play Mind Games’ advertising campaign a short while before having one of the posters removed. The material in question may seem tame but the ASA’s verdict found it inappropriate enough to level the charges set against it. The PokerStars poster features card playing professional, Daniel Negreanu holding a hockey stick with the quote, “Poker is a sport of courage, conviction and confidence” placed underneath his image. The ASA argued that the advertisement likened poker to sexual conquest and self-improvement, traits that the committee decided shouldn’t be seen by impressionable children and young adults. PokerStar’s spot was criticized as offering a path to personal growth through gambling even though the company replied that this was not, in any manner their intention.

The popular poker business maintained that the quote on Negreanu’s poster referred only to the game itself and aspects of it that players view as valuable characteristics. Despite PokerStar’s seemingly appropriate rebuttal the ASA still managed to ban the poster so it will not be available for public use again.

Tags: poker

Cricklewood Beacon Bingo Hall Burns Down

04/11/08 08:23 Filed in: Bingo News

A Cricklewood bingo hall has been left in desecration after a fire raged on for over four hours, destroying the front area of the cherished playing venue. The Beacon Bingo hall is set to re-open in the next short while however, news that cheered gaming fans and management alike.

Firefighters attempted to extinguish the flames which started in the early morning last week (which luckily placed the accident at a time when the club wasn’t staffed or running any games). The accident was reportedly caused by an electrical fault which sparked out of control during the night. Fortunately, metal security shutters contained the majority of the fire so that, aside from the front-end of the hall, the bulk of the venue was left relatively unscathed. This news follows after the closure of a Mecca Bingo hall close by, making gaming options scarce for Cricklewood bingo fans until the damage can be repaired at the Beacon.

Simon Hannah, Chief Executive of Beacon Bingo’s parent company, Riva Gaming Group, expressed happiness that the damage was mostly superficial and that the hall was empty at the time of the fire. He told press that, aside from a bad visual appearance, work so far has lead management to believe that the fire was not as devastating as initially believed. The Cricklewood Beacon Bingo hall is planned for re-opening early this week pending the length of time needed for proper restoration.

Tags: bingo

Denmark Player Holds WSOP Titles in Europe and North America

04/11/08 08:23 Filed in: Poker News | WSOP | WSOPE

Danish poker player, Jesper Hougaard has been making waves within the industry as he cleaned up at both the 2008 World Series of Poker and World Series of Poker Europe. Hougaard came to public attention with his stunning performance in Las Vegas earlier this summer and has now further proved himself in London.

The twenty-four year old established himself with a bracelet at the World Series of Poker in Vegas, taking first place in a $1,500 No-Limit Hold ‘Em tournament and walking away with a $610,304 cash-out. Hougaard is sponsored by popular UK gambling business, Bet365 who are obviously pleased with the performance of their rising star. At the World Series of Poker Europe finals (held in Leicester Square, London) the gambler was also able to make a significant mark in the proceedings, winning first place at the £1,500 No-Limit Hold ‘Em tournament and adding £144,218 to his bankroll. Having won two bracelets on each side of the Atlantic within such a short period of time, Hougaard seems to be a player worth following in the future.

Jesper Hougaard will be the player to watch out for in the coming years, especially considering his fantastic performances and youth. Bet365 is set to continue featuring the Dane in high-profile events and sponsorships throughout the year, both online and off.

Tags: poker

Full Tilt Poker Sponsors Blind Poker Player

03/11/08 08:49 Filed in: Poker News | Full Tilt Poker

Premier online poker room, Full Tilt Poker has announced the sponsorship of a new player as part of their team of reputable professionals. Hal Lubarsky, a blind American was added to the roster last week and now joins the company of many other prestigious players from the Full Tilt family.

Lubarsky has been playing poker for over thirty years but has only recently begun to make news within the industry. At last years 2007 World Series of Poker, ESPN featured an interview with the American that helped to boost his notoriety, ultimately helping to secure the Full Tilt sponsorship deal. Lubarsky wrote on the site’s forums to express his gratitude regarding being signed by the company along with his excitement about his ability to play in upcoming tournaments. He also posted thanks to those Full Tilt players who discussed and followed his career after the life-changing ESPN interview, citing them as one of the biggest catalysts toward his new opportunities as a poker professional.

The player was a regular at brick and mortar casinos in Vegas before loosing his vision. Now, with the aid of readers, Lubarsky is able to play poker again and in a much higher profile manner. His inclusion in the team (which also features such stars as Phil Ivey, Jennifer Harman, David Benyamine and more) is set to get Hal Lubarsky into more games than ever.

Tags: poker

iMega Association Challenges UIGEA Domain Seizures

03/11/08 08:49 Filed in: General News

The Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association (or iMega) has decided to challenge the legality of the UIGEA’s seizure of several online gambling domains in Kentucky. The United States stance on internet poker, casinos and similar services is still fairly restrictive but the group hopes they can at least defeat some instances of the repression.

iMega essentially seeks to promote freedom in internet access by arguing against website restrictions that seemingly go against the American constitution. The group is currently focusing the majority of their efforts toward online gambling, hoping to come to agreements with legislative bodies that would allow for some form of controlled, real-money internet gaming. Recent UIGEA work has seen iMega challenging the government restriction of some 141 Kentucky-based gambling domains. The protest group sent an appeal to the US Court of Appeals last Thursday regarding this issue after their previous brief was thrown out by the US District Court in Trenton.

Although the foundation behind iMega’s work seeks to use its home nation’s constitution as a constant, underlying basis, headway has been pretty much nonexistent. The group has fought tirelessly against UIGEA legislature since 2006 saw the majority of online gambling sites restricted, forcing internet gamers to retreat from their then illegal pastime. Only time will tell how well iMega is able to do in their current attempt to appeal against the Kentucky domain seizures but global observers remain hopeful that they may be able to open up the American gambling trade in time.

Tags: News

PartyCasino Renovates Site with Live Dealers and More

03/11/08 08:48 Filed in: Casino News

Premier online gaming site, PartyCasino has released new information regarding the imminent redesign and additional features planned for implementation onto their service. Through a partnership with noted software developer, EvolutionGaming, PartyCasino is set to attract a lot of attention with their fun and innovative new ideas and software.

Among the changes being readied for the PartyCasino platform, perhaps most exciting is the announcement of live dealer options at the majority of table games. Roulette, blackjack and baccarat are all planned to receive updates from this aspect of the revamp. Players will now be able to see cards shuffled, wheels spun and much more when EvolutionGaming finishes work on these games. The company is hoping that a concentration on live gaming aspects will delight old fans while drawing new gamblers at the same time. Being able to call bets in real time or simply watching virtual dealers move a game along should entice a lot of online casino devotees looking for a more colourful experience than what is currently being offered by larger gambling networks.

Jim Ryan, chief executive of PartyGaming (PartyCasino’s owner) told press that the site would still concentrate on increasing the number of movie-themed slot games along with other old favourites from the client but that the live dealer changes would be the most striking difference for PartyCasino visitors. The redesign is set to go live in a short while so those interested in these features should check out the casino’s updates soon.

Tags: casino